Podcasts about old testament scriptures

If you were God, how would you choose to conclude the Old Testament Scriptures? The last few sentences of Malachi in our Bibles reveal the relational heart of God for families. They also point to the significant influence the family of God can have as we build the culture of His kingdom one family at a time, one conversation at a time, and one God-honoring conversation at a time. This final part of our Big Question series was spoken on Mother's Day, but the principles we learn about healthy parenting apply to every influencer. Teach them to: Look Back, Look Ahead, Look Up, Look In, and Look Outward.

The sermon centers on the post-resurrection encounter of Jesus with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, illustrating how Christ reveals Himself through Scripture and the breaking of bread, even when His presence is unrecognized. Though the disciples are filled with sorrow and confusion over Jesus' crucifixion and the mystery of His resurrection, Jesus draws near, walks with them, and patiently opens the Old Testament Scriptures—beginning with Moses and the prophets—to show how all of God's Word points to His suffering, death, and glory. As He expounds the Scriptures, their hearts burn with understanding, and only when He breaks bread do their eyes open to recognize Him, prompting an immediate return to Jerusalem to proclaim the good news. The narrative underscores the vital role of Scripture in recognizing Christ, the transformative power of His presence, and the natural outflow of renewed faith: a burning desire to share the truth of His resurrection with others. The sermon calls believers to rekindle their longing for Christ, to seek Him in His Word, and to respond with urgent testimony when He makes Himself known.

In episode 16 of season four of the Hope Church Sunday Extra podcast, hosts Jeremy, Brian, Luke, and Jake gather around the table to look back at Pastor Matt Sturdivant's sermon on Acts 2 — one of the most significant passages in all of Scripture, where the Holy Spirit falls on the disciples at Pentecost, Peter preaches the first Christian sermon, and 3,000 souls are added to the church in a single day. Pastor Matt organized the passage around four movements: preparation, power, proclamation, and response. Before the Spirit moves, God is forming unity, dependence, and readiness among the disciples. Then the Spirit arrives with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and divided tongues of fire, and Peter stands up to preach a sermon rooted in Old Testament Scripture, centered on Jesus, and calling the crowd to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. The table discussion goes deeper into the cultural backdrop of the passage, noting that the Galileans speaking in all these languages would have been shocking to the crowd — Galileans were viewed as rural, uneducated outsiders, and even religious leaders scoffed at the idea that anything good could come from Galilee. The pastors also unpack what it looks like to be filled with the Holy Spirit in everyday life, sharing personal stories of God giving them the power to forgive, the words to share the gospel, and the self-control to respond graciously rather than react harshly. As Galatians 5:16 reminds us, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." The episode wraps up with a practical conversation about living on mission where we live, work, and play — whether that's disc golf with a skeptical friend, intentional conversations with neighbors, or simply letting the fruit of the Spirit shine in the workplace over time.

In this amazingly rich passage, Jesus walks with two disciples from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The disciples are discouraged and forlorn about what has happened to Jesus, and the accounts that he has been raised have only further confused them. Jesus (whom they do not at first recognize) engages them in dialogue, and then he interprets the Old Testament Scriptures to them in such a way that their hearts are burning within them. But even after this dialogue (prayer) and meditation upon the Scriptures with Jesus, they still do not recognize him. It is only when Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives them bread (exactly the same thing he did at the Last Supper) that He is revealed to the disciples, and this encounter with the Risen Lord immediately changes them. Prayer and Scriptures are essential in leading us to the fullness of the encounter with Jesus, which culminates in the Eucharist, the Mass -- where He reveals Himself to us truly and transforms us interiorly.

Send us Fan MailThe resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central message of the Christian gospel, especially in the Book of Acts. The apostles consistently proclaimed not only Christ's death for sins but His bodily resurrection as the decisive proof that He is Lord and Messiah. They supported this message through eyewitness testimony, fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture, and the present power of the Holy Spirit working among them. This resurrection empowered their bold preaching despite persecution, brought thousands to faith, and confirmed both the promise of salvation and the reality of coming judgment. The proper response, therefore, is to repent, believe in Christ, and receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.Bible Insights with  Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation   https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

The podcast teaches that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central message of the Christian gospel, especially in the Book of Acts. The apostles consistently proclaimed not only Christ's death for sins but His bodily resurrection as the decisive proof that He is Lord and Messiah. They supported this message through eyewitness testimony, fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture, and the present power of the Holy Spirit working among them. This resurrection empowered their bold preaching despite persecution, brought thousands to faith, and confirmed both the promise of salvation and the reality of coming judgment. The proper response, therefore, is to repent, believe in Christ, and receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. — Luke 24:31 I often wish I could see better.I wish I could see Jesus face-to-face.I wish I could see God's will for a decision I have to make.I wish I could see God's power so clearly that I have courage to do what is right even when the risks seem immense.The two followers of Jesus in our text for today received the gift of seeing how the Old Testament Scriptures pointed to Jesus and his resurrection—and they even saw the resurrected Jesus himself! What an amazing day for them!Ironically, just as they began to see that the person breaking the bread before them was actually the Lord himself, Jesus disappeared. So they had to continue to believe and act faithfully even when they didn't see Jesus face to face. It's a joy to see those two disciples respond by making a faithfilled run back to Jerusalem to report to the other disciples what they had seen and heard.Truth be told, Jesus invites all of us who don't see him to live in his presence anyway, as if he is with us, breaking the bread. He does promise, after all, that he is with us always (Matthew 28:20). And as we live in his presence, by the power of God's Spirit, we can testify to the reality of God's new creation in us, launched with Jesus' resurrection. Without your Spirit, Lord, the news of the resurrection is just words. So pour out your Spirit on us, that we may understand the meaning of your resurrection and live with faith in you today and always. Amen.

On the day of the Resurrection the Bible says. that Jesus rose and left his tomb ‘while it was still dark' (John 20:1), and women with anointing spices visited the tomb as it began to dawn (Matthew 28:1). As I speak it is now 3.30 am in the Middles East on Sunday where Christians will shortly be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. And on this same day many religious Jews will also be celebrating the ‘Feast of Sheaves', which is the prophetic Jewish feast that remarkably symbolises The Resurrection of Jesus.  There is no one Gospel sequential narrative of how things happened on Resurrection Sunday, but I am joining the dots scripturally using four Gospels and five Epistles plus Old Testament Scriptures to join the Jewish feast of Sheaves to the Christian faith reality of Resurrection on this defining day for both religions.  My question is – What is the prophetic symbolism of Sheaves concerning Jesus as being the First Fruits of the Resurrection? After Jesus dies on the cross he first descended to the lower parts of the earth, both to hades or the place of the grave and to Paradise (Luke 16:19) where Abraham was, and he also said to the robber on the cross ‘this day you will be with me in paradise.  Ephesians 4:8 “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive… He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. Jesus proclaims the leading captivity captive in the book of Revelation.  Fear not; I am the first and the last: -- I am he that lives and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation1:17,18) When he descended Jesus set many faithful captives free from their captivity of time, till heaven came to get them,  1Peter 3:18 He died once for the sins of all sinners although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God. But though his body died, his spirit lived on, and it was in the spirit that he visited the spirits in prison preaching to them  The Bible mentions a company of people rising from their graves when Jesus rose, and they briefly appeared to people who would recognise them from their earthly life. Matthew 27:52 And when the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. Many bodies of the saints who had died were raised up and came out of the tombs after his resurrection, and they went into the holy city and appeared to many.   These people represent stalks of the sheaf of what Israel called the ‘Feast of Sheaves' – the offering of the sheaf of the First Fruits of the promised harvest. After the very brief visit to earth in their new recognizable forms, these upward travellers would regroup with Jesus and resume their journey – from the earth to the sky. This is a remarkable fulfillment of what happens in Jerusalem on our Resurrection Sunday. Jesus is called the First Fruits of the Resurrection - as the first to rise from the dead into everlasting life. He represents the main stalk of the sheaf, but he took other stalks of grain with him to represent the promise of resurrection life for all of humanity in Christ. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order and Christ the First Fruits  (1 Corinthians 15:20), JESUS AND ISRAEL THE JEWISH FEAST OF FRUITS Leviticus 23.9 When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first Fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. Those other members of the ‘sheaf offering' left their graves to visit friends when Jesus had united himself again to the wounded shell of his shrouded body in the tomb and left the headpiece and shroud lying separated from one another (John 20:7).  The women who had prepared oils and spices to anoint the body of Jesus arrived and were astonished to see that the stone had been moved and the guards had fled. They peered inside the tomb and were met by two angels sitting in the place where Jesus had been laying. ‘Are you looking for Jesus?' One angel said. ‘He has come back to life as he said he would. Go and tell the disciples that he will be coming to see them, and that they are to wait for him in Galilee.' The women ran to tell the disciples, but Mary Magdalene held back, walking through the garden, still confused and weeping. She almost collided with Jesus who was also walking in the garden, and she apologized, not recognizing him, thinking he was the gardener. And he called her by her name and said, ‘It's alright Mary, it is me. 'She ran towards him, but Jesus held up his hand and said, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father. but go to my brethren, and tell them, I am ascending to my Father, and your Father; to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things to her. (John 20:17) Jesus then ascended and offered his blood to the Father in the early hours of that day - to return later in the day in another form (heteros morphe) as stated in Mark 16:12. He then met two disciples travelling to Emmaus.  Towards evening after walking to Emmaus with the two disciples Jesus went to meet with the other disciples who had not gone to Galilee as Jesus had instructed Mary Magdalene to tell them to do. They were instead hiding in fear in Jerusalem. And when Jesus walked through a closed door and greeted them, they thought they had seen a ghost, but Jesus said. I am not a ghost because a ghost does not have flesh and bones - he did not say blood - because he had spilled his blood at Calvary and it had been spiritually presented to the Father in Heaven already, and he had returned to earth still bearing the marks of the wounds to his hands and feet and side from the cross. But what he did say was ‘touch me'. He was now able to say ‘touch me' - not as when he met Mary and said touch me not, because he had just ascended to the Father, and he had also instructed Mary to tell them that. Luke 24.37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” Jesus was fulfilling the symbolic prophetic Feast of the First Fruits and the waving of the sheaves that we read about earlier.  Leviticus 23.9 And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD.  Jesus had ascended as the Lamb without blemish, untouched by the world (the ‘touch me not' to Mary), to fulfill the offering of his blood to his Father in Heaven. Jesus had just marked the end of blood sacrifice for sin for all time by sprinkling his blood on the earth at Golgotha for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world and now the spiritual presentation was made in heaven.  The record of that spotless presentation is beautifully stated in Hebrews. Hebrews 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the better things to come … Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. The Old Testament meaning of ‘life is in the blood' (Leviticus 17:11) has been radically changed into ‘life is in the Spirit'. Sin once demanded a blood sacrifice of death which had to be repeated daily and that was called the ‘Law of sin and death'. But Paul wrote, The Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) After Jesus met with his disciples that day, he would spend forty days on earth as a witness to his resurrection and at the end of those forty days he would finally ascend into Heaven, from where he would begin his new mission upon the earth to save the souls of mankind through the Holy Spirit.  We are part of that mission on the earth now of Jesus from Heaven, and I pray Lord that today at this moment in Jerusalem that religious Jews celebrating the Feast of the Sheaves of the First Fruits may get a revelation that the resurrected Jesus, their Messiah, is the fulfillment of their Feast. Give us the grace to be the demonstration of your love and power in the earth today which is crippled by unlove and corrupted power. Amen.  

In this week's message from John 5:30-47, Pastor Kevin looks at the evidence Jesus puts on the table for the religious leaders who refused to believe him. From the testimony of John the Baptist to the witness of his own works, the Father, and the Old Testament Scriptures, the evidence is more than enough. So why didn't they believe? And what does their unbelief say to us today?Also on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6IhgjELd8cSunday, March 29, 2026Pastor Kevin PierpontCalvary Church, Webberville, Michiganhttps://calvarychurch.xyz

Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we term 'Palm Sunday' in a specific way. He came on a donkey, showing that He was bringing peace and in order to fulfill an Old Testament Scripture. The people of that city responded in certain ways. How do we respond when we know that God is particularly with us? Open the door of your heart to God, welcoming Him into your life with humility and then honour Him by your words and actions. The script for the whole Service can be read here.

Daily Dose of Hope March 25, 2026   Scripture: Romans 15   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Mighty God, Holy One...We come to you this morning with humility and gratefulness.  Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you that you continue to love and guide us, even though we mess up again and again.  Thank you for your patience and your never-ending care.  Lord, we are so very grateful.  Help us, on this Wednesday, to right our attitude.  We belong to you and we are under your authority.  Help us see others the way you see them.  Help us produce fruit in our lives.  Oh, Lord, how we need your help.  Please, Jesus, may we hear your voice today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have been walking through Paul's letters, chronologically, and we are currently towards the end of Romans.    Today's reading is Romans 15.   We can tell that Paul is beginning to close his letter in this chapter.  He shares his plans to head to Jerusalem and then to Rome on his way to Spain (we don't think Paul actually made it there) and he implores the Christ-followers in Rome to pray for him.    But before we get to Paul's planned journey, let's talk about some of the main themes in the chapter.  This idea of God's faithfulness runs through the chapter and even the whole letter.  Paul talks about God's steadfastness and truth, and then he does a great job linking Old Testament Scriptures with God's acceptance of the Gentiles.  Paul pulls from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and the Psalms.  Basically, he is saying that God's faithfulness and his promises extend from the Jews to the Gentiles.    Now let's talk about the trip that Paul is referring to.  Now, Paul knew a trip to Jerusalem would be dangerous.  There were plenty of people there who wanted to see him executed for his work as a Christian missionary.  Paul asks his Roman brothers and sisters to join him in the struggle by praying to God on his behalf.  The ESV uses the phrase "strive together" with him in prayer, and the term comes from the Greek word for agonize.    I think this is one of the gifts of the Christian walk, when the body of Christ gathers and agonizes together, to pray for a specific person or situation.  While our solitary prayers are important, there is something that happens when we raise up our voices together.  We know that we know that we know that we aren't alone.  We are lifted up, encouraged, and empowered to keep going.  Who is it who needs to know you are praying for them today?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

While Jesus' encounter with the men on the road to Emmaus may not be thought of as a sermon per se, Jesus did indeed preach them a comprehensive message expositing what the Old Testament prophets said about His coming and His mission. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he reviews the abundance of Old Testament Scripture pointing to Christ and the sermon he may have preached on the way to Emmaus. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

While Jesus' encounter with the men on the road to Emmaus may not be thought of as a sermon per se, Jesus did indeed preach them a comprehensive message expositing what the Old Testament prophets said about His coming and His mission. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he reviews the abundance of Old Testament Scripture pointing to Christ and the sermon he may have preached on the way to Emmaus. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Audio Transcript Are glad you’re with us today. I just didn’t know what today would look like with the weather. And I know some were not able to come in because of the weather, but I’m glad that you’re, you’re here today. So if you have a Bible with you, if you’d open up to the Gospel of Luke and continue our study of Luke today, the text from chapter 7, verses 11 through 17. So Luke 7, 11:17, which is on page 503 on the Pew Bibles. If you didn’t have a Bible with you this morning, if you want to grab one of those, page 503. And so let me read the sacred text and then I’ll pray, ask for the Lord’s blessing on this time, and then we’ll get to work. So Luke 7, starting verse 11 through 17, please hear the words of our God. Luke wrote this. Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain and Disciples, and a great crowd went with him. And he drew near to the gate of the town. Behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother. And she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, do not weep. Then he came up and touched the briar, and the bearers stood still. And he said, young man, I say to you, arise. And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorify God, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people. And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. So that’s God’s word for us this morning. Would you please pray with me? Lord, it is good to be here. And Lord, we’re here this morning on this cold, wintry day because we want to hear from you in your word. And so, God, I pray for the glory of Christ that you would indeed speak through the folly of my preaching and ways that you just fill our hearts with Christ. And I pray song in Jesus name. Amen. Okay, so perhaps my favorite passage in the Gospel of Luke is actually found at the end of the gospel account. So this is one that came after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, where I read a story of two men on a road to Emmaus who are trying to figure out all the things that just took place concerning Jesus Christ and specifically his death and then resurrection from the dead. And if you’ve Read through Luke before you may remember that these two men are having this discussion, you know, trying to process these events, trying to process reports that were circling around that the risen Christ actually showed up and he entered into their conversation with the two men at the beginning of the story, actually not able to recognize the Lord. Then after some back and forth between Jesus and the two men, Jesus actually rebuked them for being foolish, for not understanding and believing that which was taught in the Old Testament through the prophets concerning the Christ and the suffering that was to come on him to rebuke. Starting with the old test teachings from Moses, which are the first five books of the Bible, and then continuing through the rest of the Old Testament Scripture and the various prophets, Jesus interpret for these two men how all the scriptures are about him, to show them that he is indeed the fulfillment of the Scriptures as God’s word in the end is about Him. It points us to him. Then, after doing this incredible Bible study with these two men, appears that the Lord celebrated the Lord’s supper with them as he broke bread, as he celebrated the meal. Finally the man’s eyes were open, and they’re open in ways they were able to recognize Jesus as the one they were talking to over as their eyes were open. From there, Jesus actually vanishes from their sight, where he went off to appear to some of his disciples. But after he vanished in the story that I love, the two men started to process all that Jesus had told them, how he opened up their eyes to the Scripture, where they’re in dismay, how they didn’t recognize the Lord at first, primarily because of how their hearts burned within hearts burned of the truth of Scripture that Jesus taught to them. Truth of scripture that is mentioned points us to him. Now I tell you that story, it’s a story that we eventually get to in our study of Luke and the months to come. Not simply because it’s actually one of my favorite stories in the Gospel account, but I wonder how important this story of Jesus testifying to all the Old Testament is about him, how important that story was actually to Luke, the author of this gospel that we’ve been studying. Where I’ve wondered, as Luke was going around interviewing eyewitnesses to the life, the death, resurrection of Jesus Christ as he was told this story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, which I have wondered, maybe told directly from them. I’ve wondered how Luke’s heart was like burning inside as he heard the story, as he was starting to see more and more how the scriptures in the End are about Christ. The Scriptures became even more alive to him when he understood them in light of Jesus Christ. I wonder how the truth of Moses, the truth of all the prophets, ultimately speaking about Jesus became so important to Luke that as he wrote this orderly account, that he desired to do so in such ways that he would share stories to help his readers, including us, see how indeed all of the Old Testament is there to point us to Christ, including our text today, which is a text where we’ll continue to see the power and the authority of Jesus Christ on display. So this is something that we’ve seen multiple times in multiple passages that we’ve looked at recent, as Jesus has power and authority even over demons and sickness. Now today we’ll see that the power and authority of Jesus is even over death. So that’s one of the things we’ve seen in the text. Addition, our text today, perhaps even more primary to the passage, is we’re actually going to see the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ, where Jesus used his power, his authority, in direct correlation to his compassion, where we see his good heart towards his people who are suffering. And in the text, we’re going to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, which I think to me is clear that Luke is wanting us to see how we’re to see that two of the more important characters of the Old Testament, two of the greatest prophets, Elijah and Elisha, ultimately were there to point us to Christ, as they were types of Christ to come, who is the great and true prophet. Now, before we dive back into text, just a quick reminder where we left off last week so you may remember. Jesus just finished one of his most famous sermons recorded in Scripture. Sermon mentioned many times, referred to as a sermon on the plain. And after Jesus dismissed that congregation from the plain, he himself left the plane and headed towards a city called Capernaum, which is a place that he previously ministered at, at least on two occasions, where he did some incredible acts of ministry. In fact, Capernaum actually seemed to be Jesus like, almost like his home base during his earthly ministry. So in our text last week, if Jesus returned to that city, we learned that there was a wealthy, influential Roman military officer, a centurion, who sent for Jesus. And. And he sent for Jesus because he wanted Jesus to come heal his favorite servant who was at the point of death. In our story last week, the centurion sent a delegation of Jewish elders to go get Jesus, doing so with the belief that he was worthy of Jesus coming to do this for him to heal his servant because of the authority that he carried. However, as Jesus responded to this request by starting to make his way to the house, somewhere in the short time between sending for Jesus and Jesus drawing near to the house, somewhere in that short period of time, the centurion has like a major change of heart and a tone towards the Lord Jesus. Or for me, I think the centurion actually was converted. Because as Jesus Christ came near the house, the centurion sent a second group of delegates, some of his friends, to tell Jesus to come no further. Because the centurion now understood he actually was not, not worthy of Jesus Christ, even though he was a man of great wealth and authority. As Jesus came near, the man understood and he testified that he actually was a man under authority, specifically the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. And upon hearing the centurion make this declaration, which the man who I should mention was a Gentile, Jesus had his own declaration in response, saying that nowhere in all of Israel did he find such faith, a faith that rightly understands the lordship of Christ over all of our lives. But I should mention here that some actually connect this story of the centurion to a famous Old Testament story of a different gentleman who had power, remember Naaman, who had leprosy on the end of that story, professed faith in God. So some connect that story of centurion to him. And finally, where we ended our text last week, after Jesus making the declaration about the centurion, the second group of delegates then returning back home and they found the sick servant healed, where Jesus healed a man, where he continued to show power, authority over sickness. Now today, as we continue in our study with Luke, we actually come to an even greater healing, even greater then the healing of the centurion. Who’s the point of death where text today is mentioned, Jesus actually raises a young man from the dead. And this morning I hope that this increases the burning in our hearts as Jesus puts his power and authority and compassion on display as he proves that all the scriptures are about him. So that is the intro if you want to look back with me, starting in verse 11. So if you’re visiting with us. So what we do here is I’m just going to walk us back through the text verse by verse. So if you have your Bible open, please keep them open. So starting verse 11. So we read these words so soon after this refers to the interaction that Jesus had with the centurion, which is the start of chapter seven. So soon after that we see that Jesus was back on the move and we See that he traveled maybe 25 or 30 miles or so to the south, you know, a good day’s walk. And he now came to a town called Nain. Now when it comes to this town, this is actually the only time it’s mentioned in scripture. But where we gather through archaeology, this town seems at one point to be a town that had some size to it, but perhaps maybe to like a change in economy, something like that by the time of Christ. This is now a smaller, more insignificant town that’s located in the southern part of Galilee, which is where Jesus spent much of his public ministry. Now what’s interesting about N is that this little town was really close to a more familiar town in scripture. A town to seem to be the location like a large cemetery of like tombs and caves that served this area. A town called Endor. No, for Star wars fans, not that Endor, but if you’ve read the Old Testament, maybe this town is familiar to you. There’s a very famous yet very odd story about a witch who was from Endor who practiced divination which where in this odd Old Testament story, Saul, who was the king of Israel, began to understand that his like kingdom was slipping out of his hands because of his own sinful practices where like he rejected the Lord and his authority over him. I mean unlike the gentile centurion, Saul was not a man under authority. And as Saul rightly understood, the king was slipping away. In his desperation he came to this witch in Endor, asking her to speak to the dead on his behalf, specifically to speak to the former prophet and priest who anointed Saul as king, a man named Samuel. As Saul wanted to get some advice from him. Now in this odd story, really much to the surprise of the witch, when she called upon Samuel, he responded to her, communicating to her, communicating to Saul through her that soon the kingdom will be taken from him. Now we don’t have time to work through that story, but various scholars I read this week do wonder how this story in Luke perhaps has that story of the witch and Endor like kind of running in the background in subtle ways in the text here. So Jesus entered into Nain, it appears that he is about to run into those who are headed towards endorphins. So not sure if that should be running in the background as we think through this passage, but is it interesting to consider back to verse 11 of our text. As Jesus went to Nain, we say he did not make this 20 file 25 mile walk alone. Rather we see that his disciples are with him. Along with a great crowd, which this really had to be an interesting sight to see for those who are along the route from Capernaum to Nain. You know, just think like, maybe like out working your field and you look up and you see a large caravan people headed towards this little insignificant town, which didn’t seem to be part of any like major traveling route for this time period. Rather seemed like this little town was like fairly isolated, fairly removed from much of the world around it. However, we see it’s not isolated or removed from the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 12. As Jesus and his great crowd drew near to the gate of the town, this time they’re about to end, we see that they were met at the gate by a considerable crowd who’s about to head out of the city, headed seemingly towards Endor. As this crowd that Jesus met was part of a funeral procession. And in this procession there would have been people there that we assumed would be there, like family and friends. But culturally, during this time this procession also probably included like hired mourners as well as hired musicians, making this like a huge crowd which as these two crowds, the crowd of Jesus and crowd of mourners, they meet here. This would have made a huge group like converging at the gate, perhaps well into the hundreds, all at the city gate. Verse 12. See that this procession of mourners was there because of a man, a man who was being carried out, a young man who died, who was the only son of his mother, who now was, or who also was a widow. Okay, now just a few things on this just to interest you. So first, for this woman, I mean, this would have been awful, a really awful thing for her to endure and have to process through hard enough to have your only son die and all the pain associated with death. But culturally this would have put her in like the most vulnerable of places where culturally women would have been dependent upon either her husband or her sons like, to provide and support and protect. But now for this woman who was a widow, she’s now culturally void of those realities. So for those who read the Old Testament book of Ruth and the story of Naomi, remember how she like, basically considered herself like, good as dead when her husband’s, her husband and sons died. That’s the woman here in this text. All of the pain, all of the hurt of losing her only son, as well as all the fear, all the concern, all the worry on what was before her, to have no husband or son, provide, support, protect her. This woman was in desperate need of grace and Mercy. She was desperate for someone to show her some compassion. Second, a widow losing a son. This is actually where her mind should be taken back to the great prophets Elijah and Elisha. So you may remember this. In the ministry of Elijah in First Kings 17, there’s a widow from a town called Zarephath who had a son who died, who God brought back to life through the prayers of Elijah, who laid upon the boy three times as he prayed that God would give back his Life. Then in second Kings 4, there’s another young boy who died, who Elisha also prayed for doing so with laying on top of his dead body. And in both these stories, not only did the Lord give back to life, each of these boys as the sons were brought back from the from the dead to the land of living. The prophets then brought the sons back to their moms. Which we’re going to see in just a bit is our text in verse 15. But for now, just know the story of Jesus here in Luke 7. This is tied with like strong allusions to Elijah and Elisha and the stories that’s mentioned, particularly the one of Elijah in 1st Kings 17. Third, I also want to just mention here something I read in one of the commentaries that I thought was actually pretty insightful. This came from the John Phillips commentary where Phillips wrote concerning verse 12, concerning two different crowds, two different processions that met at the city gates. Philip wrote, one was being led by the angel of death, but the other by the Lord of life. And that reality of being led by the angel of death or the Lord of life was not just true of the scene here, but that reality is true of all of us where either we all are dead in our sin being led by the angel of death, or we are walking by faith in Christ as he leads us as the Lord of life, as he leads us into eternal life that is to come. So by the way, just kind of on this, I just do have to ask, as you walked in this morning, what procession are you following right now? Keep going. Verse 13. As the true processions met each other, as this large crowd was forming at the city gate, we see that the eyes of Jesus found the one in the crowd who was hurting the most as his eyes were taken to the mother who was mentioned again would be carrying like overwhelming pain with the loss, incredible stress on what would be for her coming next. And as the eyes of Jesus fell upon this woman, we see that his eyes were filled with compassion towards her, which is important for us to see in this passage as well in our own lives. So, yes, Jesus is the Lord. He’s the one filled with all power, all authority, where all things exist by him and for him. And in his power and in his authority, he will justly judge all things. But within those truths, what we see in the text, we see throughout Scripture, is that towards his people, Jesus sees them with eyes filled with compassion, where he sees his hurting people, our pain is not absent from Him. And as the Lord sees our pain, he sees us with his tender heart. One of my favorite passages in Scripture, a bruised reed he will not break, a smoking flax he will not quench. And that is so true in this passage here. For this mom, who is hurting, who is grieving, Jesus did not come to her to break her, to quench her. Rather, text, with his eyes and heart filled with compassion, we see Jesus, like, walked up to the woman to console her with the words, woman, do not weep, saying this because he knew he’s about to dry her tears in the most incredible ways, which, by the way, is what he promised to do for all his people as they enter into eternal life, where Jesus will dry every tear that we shed with kindness, with compassion, we heal, dry our tears in such a way that we actually will never cry painful tears ever again, as he removes all pain and hurt and tears from his people forever. In text, verse 14, after consoling the woman, see, Jesus went to the brier, which is a frame that a coffin or a deceased body is laid upon. As the body being carried to the tomb, as he approached the dead body of the young man, we see that it stopped the bears, you know, the ones carrying the briar, and stopped them in their tracks. And they stood still before the Lord, you know, just waiting to see what he was going to do. As the bear stood still, assuming everyone else, and both parties at the gates stood still silent before the Lord. We see in the story that Jesus spoke up in the text, young man, I say to you, arise. Which is notice here. Jesus is speaking to the dead man with all of his power, all of his authority, doing so in such a way that Jesus knew that the dead man would hear him. Which is a stark contrast to the witch of Endor as mentioned, was shocked with her divination. As Samuel responded from the dead, Jesus spoke up to this man. Jesus knew that his word would not return to him void, but he knew that the dead man would hear and respond to his sovereign voice. So in verse 15, as the word of Jesus went forth, we see the dead man head no choice, but he had to Respond. And he sat up and began to speak. Alive, risen. And this had been an incredible sight to behold for those at the scene. But even more for this young man, this scene, as the first thing he sees after his resurrection is Jesus. Just a couple things on this. So Pillar commentary points out that this face of Jesus would have been most likely unfamiliar to this young man. Most likely. He probably did not meet Jesus prior to this. But as he saw the face of Jesus as he rose again, he saw the face to which he belonged. Second, while this story is unique in scripture, there’s not many who were raised from the dead. In fact, in the ministry of Jesus, we only see three such occurrences. So there’s this one, there’s his friend Lazarus we can read about in John 11. And then there’s a daughter of a man named Jairus we’re actually gonna get to when we get to Luke chapter 8. So while this reality of being raised from the dead to see Jesus is unique in this life. But for those who are in Christ, friends, this will be your reality, where one day, yes, you will come to your last breath, where to this life you will be dead. But the promise of scripture, for all those who have faith in Jesus Christ, as we die to this life, our eyes will be open to the eternal life that is to come. And the first thing that we’re going to see is Jesus. So for us right now, yes, we have to imagine what this must have been like for this young man. But for those who are in Christ, one day, you will not have to imagine what this was like because you’re going to experience it yourself. You will see Jesus face to face, the very one to whom you belong. Keep on the text with more compassion, more kindness from our Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus resurrected this man we see, he now turns back to the mother to give her her son. As mentioned earlier, this action is very similar to what Elijah did in 1st Kings 17. For us. Once again, with imagination, we can only imagine the joy this had to be for the mother to have Jesus return to her her only son. However, one day, because of eternal life that Jesus offers friends, we don’t have to imagine what that would be like either, to be reunited with a loved one who had died. For all who are in Christ, not only will we see Jesus with our eyes, but we will see each other as we will live with Christ and each other throughout all eternity. Keep going. Verse 7 or 16. For those that have seen, they didn’t have to imagine what this all looked like because they were there to Experience. And as he experienced the power and the authority of Jesus to raise the dead, as well as he experienced the kindness, the compassion of Jesus to care for this woman who was in deep pain. In the text we see that they were like seized by fear. And this fear here is not like fear of danger. It’s not like a fear tied to some type of worry or anxiety. Rather, this is a fear that’s filled with like awe. As both crowds that met at the gate stood almost dumbfounded with awe by that which they just witnessed. You know, for the crowd to arrive at Jesus of the gate. Yeah, most likely they would have witnessed some incredible things beforehand. You know, various hearings that Jesus did, casting out of demons, but now raising the dead, that’s next level for the crowd who was there as part of the funeral procession. Right. This would have been the last thing they would expect as they’re proceeding out to the graveyard, as they headed to Andor, they’re expecting to place the body in the tomb, not seeing the body raised up from the dead. Going into the theme of imagination for us does not take a lot of imagination, our part to see and understand why the crowd stood seized with fear, with awe and the text as this awe filled crowd, as they witness all this that Jesus did, we see they did the only thing that they could do in response to the Lord and what he did. And they began to worship and they began glorifying God in the text, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has very visited his people. Now, just a couple things and these two phrases said by the crowd. The first phrase, the declaration, the great prophet has risen among us sends a crowd like understanding that indeed Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is written about him. In the Old Testament there’s a few passages speaking towards a great prophet who was to come that you’re connecting now here to Christ. One they probably most likely had in mind is Deuteronomy 18, where Moses wrote this says, the Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers. It is him you shall listen. I also wonder, perhaps you’re thinking about Malachi 4, which says this. So behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes, you will turn the hearts and fathers of their children, and the hearts of their children, and children in the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest they come and strike the land with a decree and utter destruction. Which that passage of Elijah to come we do see is first pointing to John the Baptist, who is a forerunner Christ. But I do think that both Elijah as well as John the Baptist are there for us to see Jesus as the great and true prophet. As mentioned our text, as a crowd stood seized with awe, it seemed like they were understanding. Their hearts were burning inside as they were recognizing that Jesus indeed is the prophet. Promised from old then the second phrase that people declared, the phrase God has visited his people. And for us this is such a rich and such an encouraging reality when it comes to our God. Most religions worldviews, their deity is like just distant, pretty aloof to what’s going on in the world around them. So for many, they’re just hoping to do enough good things to somehow capture the attention of their false God. They might feel compelled like to entertain them with his presence. But this understanding, this type of religion, this is so far different from the truth that we see in Scripture concerning the one true and living God. But He’s a God who’s near, who’s present, who’s active in the world around us, including in our own hearts. He is a God who indeed visits his people. In fact, we’ve learned in our study of Luke, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God visits His people in such a way that he actually lived among us, Emmanuel, God with us. Furthermore, we see in Scripture, particularly in the book of Acts, which is volume two of this work of Luke, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God continues to visit his people in such a way that he lives and he dwells in the hearts of his people. Meaning for his people, God could not be more near than he is, as he promises that he will forever be near to us, as he will never leave us, never forsake us. And finally, we’re going to end in our passage today, verse 17, as his entire crowd came to this conclusion, as he understood the worship that Jesus deserves, we see the groups went their different ways. And as they left the scene, we see that reports about Jesus raising the young man from the dead started spread throughout the whole region of Judea, along with all the surrounding country, which no doubt only added to the buzz and excitement and the interest of the growing conversation of Jesus and Nazareth, if indeed he was the Messiah, which He is now. As I close this time here, I just want to give you just a few kind of summary statements from what we see in the text and then we’ll be done. So first, as we think through this text, so let the power, or the authority and power of Jesus, let that burn deeply within your heart and this Power, this authority, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we continue to see throughout Luke, throughout the public ministry of Jesus Christ that Luke records for us or his ministry is not like one of a charlatan, like he didn’t minister in weakness. Jesus didn’t minister with like false promises where he like oversell but then vastly under deliver. Rather the ministry of Jesus was filled with real authority, with real power where Jesus was able to do that only God’s Eternal Son can do in text today. This authority, this power is found in the greatest miracle of Jesus that he performed to this day. Where according to this authority, to this power, Jesus raises the dead. And friends, let that authority, let that power burn in your hearts knowing that only did Jesus raise the dead in this text along as with the others that I mentioned earlier, but he has the authority, the power to raise all of his people from the dead so for all time they can dwell with him in eternity. You know, there’s plenty of things in this life that appear to have some type of authority, some type of power. Friends, let your heart burneth in burneth hope that in the end there’s only one authority. There’s only one power that’s gonna win out. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection. Second, let the compassion of Jesus also burn deeply within your heart. Yes, Jesus has all power, he has all authority, but he also has all compassion. Where it’s mentioned in the end of time, as his people enter into eternal life, he’s gonna meet us with his compassion, where he’s gonna dry every tear that we have ever shed, including our most painful and grief filled tears. He’s gonna dry them with all of his compassion for us today. While no doubt the resurrection power and authority of Jesus is very present in the text, but I think even more what Luke wants us to see in this passage is the compassion, the tender heartedness of Jesus Christ who is filled with compassion towards this moment, who just lost her only son, this mom who is at the point of desperation, who needed someone to show her compassion, which in the text Jesus does with his grace upon grace. And friends, I do hope that the compassion that Jesus has for his people does burn in your hearts where it burns in ways that we feel it, particularly in our times of need. We’re in our times of need. We trust that Jesus is not aloof to your pain, to your reality. Rather he is present. He’s present in ways that he is there to visit you in your pain. As your great High Priest who ministers with compassion and Kindness and grace upon grace. Which by the way, I do wonder if maybe that’s true for some of you here this morning, that you did come in carrying just pain and grief. Jesus is here to minister to you with his compassion. Third, let Jesus fulfilling the Scripture, let that reality also burn deeply within your heart. Just back to the passage I started to share from the end of Luke, where in the end, all of scripture, all of it, is there to point us to Christ. So as you read God’s holy word, let me encourage you to do so in ways where you’re like actively engaging your mind and heart, where you’re reading, in ways you’re like actually studying it, where you’re meditating upon it, memorizing it, where you’re asking the Lord through the power of his spirit to help you see whatever you’re reading, how that is to lead you to Jesus, whether it be through promises, through types, through failures, through prophecy, or wherever it may be. May we read Scripture in ways that it’s leading us to see how all of God’s yes and Amen are all taking us to Jesus, the One who sets our hearts on fire. Back to our text, I do think it’s worth considering the odd story of the witch in Endor and her false divination, which just shows us like the sin and folly of mankind, how they’re there or that story is meant to stand in contrast to this story here in the truth and the wisdom found in Christ. Clearly in our text today, as we read about the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, as yes, we see the great things that the Lord did through them, but ultimately they’re types, pointers to the one true great prophet, the Lord Jesus, the one who raised the dead. So for us it would read God’s sacred word. May we read them in ways that they’re seen. We’re seeing how they take us to the truth that is Christ and may that truth burn deeply in our hearts in ways that we worship him, which actually leads to the next thing. Let your burning heart lead you to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, where your heart is set on fire in ways that you’re seized with awe of who Jesus is, where all that you do is done as an act of worship of him, as you pour out your life as a living sacrifice that’s holy and acceptable to him, where you’re pouring out your life in ways that shows worship of love towards him, love towards others, starting with others. Here in the church, we’re in this worship. You’re giving your time and your Treasure and your talents to prove that indeed Jesus is the Lord of your life, the great treasure of your soul. One more Let your burning heart lead you to spread reports about Jesus. So another favorite passage in Scripture comes from a different prophet. Different prophet is also there to point us to Christ Prophet named Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote this. If I say I will not mention him speaking of God or speak any more in his name. There is in my heart as if it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in and cannot. And church. May that be true of us as well, that our hearts burn in the worship of Jesus Christ with a burning that’s so intense, so white hot, that we can’t help but share reports about him, starting with a report of his gospel found in his death, which Jesus, God’s only son, died on a cross, which he did out of great love, according to his great kindness and compassion and mercy, which he did in accordance with the scriptures that he came to fulfill as he, Jesus took on the punishment of our sin in our place where he died. But unlike the Son in the text who was stopped before he reached the tomb, Jesus actually was buried outside of the city gates where he lay dead for three days. However, as we know, Jesus did not stay dead, but in accordance with his great authority and power, which is authority, power even over death, in accordance with the Scripture, according to the sign of the great prophet Jonah that was given to us in the Old Testament, on the third day, in his greatest of all miracles, the Lord Jesus picked back up his own life as he rose again from the dead, where he now lives eternally. And this report of Jesus crucified and risen, that has been passed down to us is a truth that is meant to seize our hearts, to seize in ways that penetrates like every fiber of our being, where our hearts are now burning so intensely inside that we cannot help but share the report in ways that we pass it down to others for us, sharing with others throughout the whole of Madison and then to the surrounding country and not stopping until we reach all the way to the ends of the earth. And by the way, if you’re looking for like a very real practical way to satisfy this burning in your heart, the sharing a report of him we know in a few weeks it’s Easter, where we’ll be even more intentionally remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So if I can encourage us, let’s invite others to come join us at that service. And who knows how on that Sunday, those who might walk in dead, dead in sin on that Sunday, maybe they hear the voice of Jesus in ways that they have no choice but respond to him, so that by faith he would believe in him. That they be risen, having their hearts set on fire for the Lord of life. By the way, I actually did wonder this morning if this may actually be true. Maybe if some of us here, or even this morning, perhaps you walked in dead to Jesus, dead in sin for sure, you might know things about him, but you’ve never met Him. He’s not the vision of your life. I do wonder that maybe today, maybe even this moment, for the first time, you would actually trust in Jesus so that through the eyes of faith you would see him. That you be raised to life with him, the new and eternal life that he offers. My friend, if that is actually true of you today, just know we would love to rejoice with you in that truth. So please share that report with us. Knowing that reports like this, that you trusted in Jesus for the first time, that only adds to the fire in our own hearts. So, yes, Redville Church, may the truth of God found in his Word, the truth that leads us to Christ, may that set our hearts on fire today and always, that all of our days are filled with the joyful worship of him and the sharing of the reports about him. That by the grace of God, others might have their hearts burned within as well. Let’s pray. Lord, I do pray that you would do a great work in our hearts. That even in this time, in this moment, that you would fan the flame within. Lord, I pray for those here who may have not yet trusted in you. That today, through your sovereign voice, that you would call them to yourself, that you would open up their eyes, that they may see the Lord Jesus Christ, the very one who died for them, to take on the punishment of their sin, only to rise again from the dead so they may have life in you. Life abundantly, both now and throughout all eternity. And Lord, we need your help to be faithful, to eagerly spread the news of reports of Christ crucified and risen. Lord, far too often our hearts are cold to share this report. Far too often we make excuse on why we are slow to share. So, God, not only do I pray you forgive us for falling short, but particularly the next few weeks, that you would just help us to be faithful witnesses. That we’d faithfully share the report. And Lord, our deep prayer is that you would use our little church to draw many to faith in Christ. And we pray that you would do that even within the next few weeks. And lastly, Lord, I just do want to pray if there’s any here that are that walked in just carrying the weight of grief, that in this moment that today you would meet them with your compassion and your kindness. That indeed you would prove to be their great high priest, who can sympathize with them in all weakness yet without sin. And that you would minister to them in their time of need with your grace upon grace. Pray song Jesus name, Amen. The post Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son – Luke 7: 11-17 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Luke 24:25-27 While Jesus' encounter with the men on the road to Emmaus may not be thought of as a sermon per se, Jesus did indeed preach them a comprehensive message expositing what the Old Testament prophets said about His coming and His mission. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reviews the abundance of Old Testament Scripture pointing to Christ and the sermon he may have preached on the way to Emmaus.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus often referenced the Old Testament Scriptures. The foundation for these many references or the fountain from which all these references flowed is Matthew 5:17-20. Here is the very first utterance of Jesus regarding what He believed about the Old Testament which was the Bible He read, meditated on, and quoted from. These four verses serve as the introduction to Jesus' powerful, practical interpretation and application of the Law of God as outlined in the Old Testament. His goal was to uncover the truth of God's Word which was encrusted with the barnacles of man-made traditions and false interpretations of the Jewish religious leaders. He wanted the citizens of His kingdom to know what to believe and how to live and to realize their spiritual leaders were not worthy guides to follow to get into the kingdom of heaven due to the fact that they had a distorted and deficient view of the Bible. In vv. 17-20, Jesus laid out FOUR BASIC TRUTHS about the Bible which reveal His view of the Scriptures and should also be our view of the Scriptures.

The author of Hebrews continues to reference Old Testament Scripture to make a defense for the superiority of Christ over all things. The earthly tabernacle is but a shadow of the heavens, where Christ serves as great high priest. He has made a superior sacrifice, shedding His own blood rather than that of goats, bulls, or rams. He oversees a new covenant, where the law is written on the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him. Men and women of faith who came before Him were waiting for the promise of His coming. In Him, we haven't come to Mt Sinai, but Mount Zion, where Christ intercedes on our behalf. Hebrews 10 - 1:15 .  Hebrews 11 - 8:02 .  Hebrews 12 - 16:13 .  Hebrews 13 - 21:58 .  Psalm 28 - 26:18 .  Psalm 29 - 27:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Now that we've completed the book of Leviticus, we're jumping into the book of Hebrews, a book that emphasizes Jesus' role as a better great high priest and a better Sabbath. While the writer of the book of Hebrews remains unknown, we do know that this writer can quote the Old Testament Scriptures at length and is very polished in his ability to write and to reason. This letter is unique, as it has no greeting and seems to be directed specifically toward Jewish believers. In today's passage, the writer argues that Jesus is greater than angels, greater than Moses, a better rest than the Sabbath day, and a better high priest. Hebrews 1 - 1:13 .  Hebrews 2 - 3:54 .  Hebrews 3 - 8:05 .  Hebrews 4 - 11:03 .  Hebrews 5 - 14:25 .  Psalm 24 - 17:00 .  Psalm 25 - 18:32 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In Peter's day, the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles' teachings were being twisted, fundamental truths ridiculed, and biblical morality repudiated. So he reminded the people of the significance of God's Word. We need the reminder, too, for we live in similar days. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

In Peter's day, the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles' teachings were being twisted, fundamental truths ridiculed, and biblical morality repudiated. So he reminded the people of the significance of God's Word. We need the reminder, too, for we live in similar days. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

Title: Grieve In Hope Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 FCF: We often struggle despairing over death. Prop: Because God will raise His children to life and bring all His elect to Him when He returns, we must not grieve without hope. Scripture Intro: CSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In a moment we will read from the Christian Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Paul has turned to teaching. He is seeking to build what is lacking in the faith of the Thessalonians. He spent the first three chapters defending their visit and the experience that these Thessalonian believers had in receiving the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. But now, he turns to application for them. The rest of the book is designed to fulfill his benediction prayer. That they would become blameless in holiness. He revealed at the beginning of chapter 4 that God's will for His people is that they become more and more holy, different, set apart. He has already addressed two areas in their life that they can be holy. First, their sexual ethic and second their love for other believers. Today, Paul will broach the topic… of death. How can we be different than the world when it comes to the concept of death? Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Most gracious and loving Lord. We thank You that You are sovereign over life and death. That not even a bird falls without your knowledge and will. Although death is not an original part of your creation, and although it has always been a punishment for sin, it does not have power over You and Your will. Though Satan is said to wield its power, he does this by Your will and by Your permission, so that all things are according to Your immutable and sovereign decree. We thank You for these truths because they help us to establish a proper understanding of death so that we can be a people who are holy because we are filled with hope. Transform us Lord by Your promises and power, we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Our friends bring us to the grave and leave us there, but God will not.” Anonymous “At the close of every obituary of His believing children God adds the word… henceforth!” A.W. Tozer “We are more sure to arise out of our graves than out of our beds.” Thomas Watson “The resurrection and the judgment will demonstrate before all worlds who won and who lost. We can wait.” A.W. Tozer Ponder these wonderful words as we consult the text of scripture today. I.) The dead in Christ will be raised first, so we must not grieve without hope. (13-16) a. [Slide 3] 13 - We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. i. The CSB is unlike many modern translations of this verse in that it does not include some sort of conjunction to begin this verse. ii. Either “but” or “now” are appropriate. But deciding on which is difficult. The CSB leaves it untranslated to accommodate both options. iii. Either way, Paul is clearly moving to a new topic, but we should not think for one moment that Paul's words here have nothing to do with what he's been saying since the didactic shift in the letter which began in chapter 4. iv. Paul is certainly still teaching about God's desire for His children to become more and more holy. To be more and more different. v. Up to this point in the letter, in almost everything he has written Paul has continued to say, “as you know”, or “as you remember”, or “as you witnessed”, or “as we commanded you…” 1. Most of what Paul has said in this letter has been things that the evangelists clearly taught the Thessalonians while they were in Thessalonica. 2. But Paul opens this section expressing his desire that they not be uninformed. 3. This is the first time in the letter where Paul is about to instruct them on something that either he and his companions did not give to them, or something that the Thessalonians had somewhat misunderstood as proven by the report from Timothy. 4. Paul doesn't want them to be ignorant of this teaching or misinformed. vi. The expression, “those who are asleep” is a euphemism for people being dead. 1. This is a fairly common expression at this time to refer to someone who has died. It is similar to our expression “passing away.” It is a euphemism to soften the blow of the reality. 2. Whatever they got wrong or do not know concerns those who have died. vii. Paul hopes that by sharing this teaching with them that they will not grieve death the same way that those outside the church grieve death. viii. And then he specifically calls out how unbelievers grieve death. They grieve without hope. 1. The common view in the first century was that once you were dead, you stayed that way. There really was no returning from death. 2. Theocritus, a Greek writer and poet once said, “Hopes are for the living; the dead are without hope.” 3. And although there were few who believed that the soul did endure beyond death – there was certainly no returning or resurrection. 4. And even those who did believe in the soul's enduring past death, would not have hope in any way according to Paul's perspective. ix. So, Paul wants them to be different. To be set apart. To be holy in the way they grieve those who have died. x. That is his application. xi. But so far, it lacks a reason. It lacks the doctrinal foundation to expect this conclusion. xii. Why should the Thessalonians grieve differently than unbelievers who grieve without hope. b. [Slide 4] 14 - For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. i. Paul states this with a conditional “if” clause, not to question whether or not the Thessalonians believed this, but as a rhetorical device. 1. If I said, “if we aren't fools, we will trust the Lord.” I'm not actually suggesting that we are fools. It is a rhetorical expression designed to move the audience to adopt a belief. 2. In a similar way, Paul says “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again” which should generate a hearty amen from his audience. Why? a. The core of Christian doctrine must include two key concepts of Jesus' life on earth. b. That He died and that He rose again. c. Obviously, there is much more to it than that – but these two truths form the crux for every redemptive discussion and argument that has ever been had in the church and against those outside it. d. Jesus died. Jesus, The Second person of the Godhead, died. He was truly human because gods don't die. But Jesus did. e. Jesus rose again, the man Jesus of Nazareth came back to life at the will of God, by His own authority, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. He was truly God because no human comes back from the dead. f. The promises made to Jesus in the covenant of redemption, are then applied to His bride in the covenant of grace. g. What does this mean? h. That what Jesus has been rewarded with by fulfilling His covenant obligations to the Father – has been applied to us by grace. 3. So, since this is such a rudimentary teaching of the gospel which they should heartily accept, then they must see the next thing Paul teaches as an obvious and true teaching. 4. So, what is that teaching? ii. Paul says that in the exact same way that Jesus died and rose again, so also, through Jesus' redemption, the dead will be raised to life and will be brought with Jesus when He returns. iii. Paul already mentioned in chapter three that Christ will bring all His saints with Him when He returns. iv. So how do the dead eventually join the living and how do we come WITH Jesus when He returns if the dead are dead and we are alive. Death and life form a chasm that cannot be easily crossed, right? c. [Slide 5] 15 - For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord's coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. i. Paul is clearly teaching something new here as he begins this with the assurances that what he is about to say is directly from Jesus' mouth. 1. Scholars debate ad-nauseum as to what exact reference Paul is making. 2. There doesn't seem to be an exact one to one teaching in the gospels from Christ's lips. 3. Some say that this is a collected tradition of Christ's teachings. a. But that is unlikely because that is true of everything Paul taught. b. Why would he call it out here specifically as a word from the Lord? 4. Some say that this may have been something that Christ taught Paul directly when he was “caught up into the third heaven” during his time in the Arabian desert after he was converted in the city of Damascus. a. The obvious difficulty here is that if this is true, there is no way to verify it. b. Paul alone was caught up, no one was with him. 5. So, although there is no one to one, perhaps we should look for something that looks close to what Paul says here. 6. [Slide 6] The closest thing we have is in Matthew 24:30-31. Let's look at that together. a. We see a correlation here to what Jesus said and now what Paul says in this verse and the next. b. Still in this text Christ Himself does not overtly teach that the dead in Christ be raised up. c. So how would Paul arrive at this interpretation assuming he is referencing this teaching of Christ? i. Paul, as we might recall, was a Pharisee. ii. A Pharisee believes in miracles, the resurrection, and a strict interpretational philosophy concerning the Word of God. iii. And as we learned in our study of Acts, most of the practices and teachings associated with the Pharisees Party are actually compatible with the Christian church. iv. A Pharisee's interpretation of Christ's words about gathering His elect from the four winds, would include both the living and the dead. Because it must. All the dead have a future resurrection. To life or to second death. 7. And perhaps this is what is going on in Thessalonica. a. Perhaps Paul taught these words of Jesus to the Thessalonians and either he was not able to fully explain it, or they misunderstood and thought either that the dead in Christ would miss Christ's return to rule on earth and be raised up later for the final judgment, or perhaps even more dire, they assumed that the dead in Christ would miss everything. Meaning they would not be in the New Kingdom at all. b. This would be a blend of the pagan view of the finality and hopelessness of death with the concepts of Christianity. c. The second option in particular would be a good explanation for why the Thessalonians were grieving without hope. d. If you die before Christ returns – you miss out on the Eternal Kingdom entirely? e. Oof. It makes Paul's later words “to live is Christ and to die is gain” a sad joke. 8. So, Paul wishes to correct this by further explaining the words of Jesus. ii. [Slide 7] He explains that not only will God bring the dead believers with Him in the same way Christ was resurrected, but also that the living will not go before them. The dead don't have to catch up to the living. iii. This is already cause for rejoicing. iv. But there is, no doubt, the lingering question of how. v. How will it be possible for Christ to come with all His saints and yet the living not precede the dead in joining Him in the air? What is the sequence of events? vi. Now Paul quotes Jesus' words and adds a bit of teaching. d. [Slide 8] 16 - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. i. Paul explains that Jesus Himself will descend from heaven, keeping the prediction the angels made when Christ ascended, that he would return in the same way he left. ii. But this time a shout of command, the archangel's voice and the trumpet of God will accompany His return. iii. This seems to be a very public return. Not a quiet and secret one. iv. This seems to be a return in victory. v. In that moment as the Lord descends, the dead in Christ will rise from the dead. vi. Now Paul doesn't elaborate on the resurrected bodies being new bodies. He doesn't give us the mechanics of resurrection. This isn't the problem he is addressing. vii. It is merely the fact of the resurrection of dead Christians that Paul is pointing out. And the timing of that event is concurrent with the Lord's return. viii. The shout, the archangel's voice, and God's trumpet will literally raise dead Christians to life. e. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: So, Paul desires to convey two concepts of truth regarding those who have died in Christ and their fate in reference to the second coming of Christ. The first point he makes is that the dead in Christ will not be left out. In fact, they will be resurrected. The shout of victory, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God will announce the coming of Christ the Victor, and as He taught, He will gather His elect from the four corners of the world. And the dead in Christ… will rise. Because sleeping believers will not be left out, and will be resurrected at Jesus' return, we should not grieve their passing without hope. Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] So, the dead in Christ will be raised at Jesus' return. But what is the second point that Paul makes to encourage believers to not grieve their deaths without hope? II.) The whole Bride of Christ will be snatched up to meet and always be with Him, so we must not grieve without hope. (17-18) a. [Slide 11] 17 - Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. i. Paul now turns his attention off of those who have died in Christ and focuses on those who are still among the living. ii. Those who are alive when the Lord returns, who are left will then be caught up together with those who were formerly dead. iii. The word caught up means to be snatched. The idea is not one of action by the one being snatched. It simply happens to them. The Lord comes and snatches up His own from the four winds. iv. All of us are going to meet the Lord in the air… together. v. And it is at this very moment that all of the bride of Christ will assemble together with their Groom and no matter what eschatological system you adhere to, all of them teach the same thing that Paul says here. vi. From that moment on, the bride will never be separated from the groom. vii. We will be with Christ locally and in glorified bodies, forever. viii. So not only will the dead rise at Christ's return, the living will be snatched up with them to meet Christ in the air and be with Him from that moment onward. b. [Slide 12] 18 - Therefore, encourage one another with these words. i. The word “therefore” encompasses the entire teaching that Paul has just relayed. ii. What is that in quick summary? 1. The dead in Christ will not be left out. 2. In fact, they will rise first and then with the living, we will all be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and come with Him when He returns to judge and set up His eternal Kingdom. 3. And from the moment we all meet Him in the clouds – we will never be apart from Him again. iii. Therefore, we do not have to grieve with no hope for those who die. iv. Because we will meet them again, and they will not miss out on the blessings of the eternal kingdom, nor do we have to fear death as though we will miss the kingdom ourselves. v. This is truly a comfort and a peace to us. vi. Death then, has truly lost its sting. vii. Death has died in the death of Christ. viii. Let us rejoice that He has freed us from the tyranny of sin and the finality of death. ix. We are the ones who live. Because Christ lives in us. c. [Slide 13] Summary of the Point: And so, Paul brings a second point. Not only will the dead in Christ rise first, but then we all, as one bride, will be snatched up together with Christ in the air and never be separated from Him again. Therefore, we must be holy and not grieve like unbelievers do without hope. There is always hope in Christ. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today that informs and corrects our beliefs and guides and shapes our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 14] Paul seeks to correct a misunderstanding in this passage. He does so with new teaching designed to bring comfort and encouragement to the Thessalonian church. Paul teaches that when Jesus returns, at that event the dead in Christ will be resurrected. Not only will they rise, but together with the living, all the elect from the four corners of the world will be snatched up into the air to meet Jesus as He descends. And from that moment, in the air, all the saints of God will never be separated from Christ. With this new information, there is no reason to grieve the death of a believer without hope. Indeed, death is gain for the believer. So, what does all this mean for us as 21st century Christians? 1.) [Slide 15] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the dead in Christ will be raised at Christ's return. a. Paul is the champion of this teaching, as he writes about it in several of his letters. b. But this teaching is not merely Pauline. c. John, Peter, the writer of Hebrews, and Jesus Himself talk about a resurrection for all people including believers. d. John specifically talks about, what he calls, the first resurrection in Revelation 19. This is when those who have suffered for the name of Christ will be raised to life at Jesus' return. e. All of this tells us that those who are genuine believers, who have received Christ and been united to Him by faith, when they die, it is not the end. When they die, they won't miss anything the Lord has planned. f. Instead, they will be resurrected when the Lord returns and join all the living believers who will be snatched up to be with Christ. g. John says, blessed is the one who participates in the first resurrection, because the second death has no power over them. h. Blessed indeed! i. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 2.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that all of Christ's Bride will be snatched away together to be with Christ forever. a. Not only will dead believers be raised for the glorious coming of Christ – but living believers will no longer be parted from their company or the company of Christ, from that moment on. b. Humanity has known one constant since we were forced from the garden of Eden. c. The constant of death. d. Everything, everyone… dies. e. And no one… NO ONE comes back from death. f. In the scriptures we are told of a few people who were resurrected from death and a couple people who did not die at all. g. But these are the exceptions that prove the rule. h. Everyone dies. And no one comes back from death. i. But Christ's death and resurrection changes all of that. j. Christ is called the firstborn of the resurrection. He kept the covenant of redemption and was rewarded with the blessings of keeping that covenant, which included His resurrection and ascension to be Lord of all. k. And those who are united to Him by the covenant of grace, are also inheritors of His rewards. l. We too, will be resurrected. m. And because of that, all those who have died in Christ will join us in the air when Christ returns. n. They won't miss a thing. o. When Christ comes as a groom for His bride, the dead and the living will go to Him. Even death will not prevent His bride from going to Him. For He will snatch us up. p. In what is probably the biggest mic drop moment in human history… A shout of command will sound. The voice of one of the seven archangels will cry out. And God's royal trumpet of victory will resound. And everyone who belongs to Christ… will go to Him. q. And here is the kicker. r. From that moment on… We will never know separation from each other or from Christ… EVER AGAIN! s. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 3.) [Slide 17] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must be holy in how we view death. a. This is the overarching principle that we must observe in this text. b. Paul is not establishing an Eschatological system. He is trying to comfort believers who, ultimately, have an inaccurate understanding of death. c. Indeed, they see death as final. They see no hope in death. d. And so, this one application of being holy in how we view death has two specific applications that comprise it. e. One practice we must stop and one practice we must start. f. [Slide 18] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop fearing death if we are genuine Christians. i. We don't desire death. Survival is a natural instinct that God has programmed into all creatures. ii. We don't wish to die, and the threat of death is powerful. iii. Death hanging over us changes the way we live. iv. We don't take unnecessary risks. There is a reason that peace protesters do their protesting on safe soil and not at the front lines of war. v. A healthy survival instinct is good and natural. vi. But, our culture has come to worship death. vii. What I mean by that is that death is a vengeful god that we all try to placate. viii. We offer up our unborn children to it in exchange for comfort and financial peace. ix. We give our money to it to preserve our looks and our bodies. x. We give our time and energy to it to exercise and hold it at bay. xi. The general view of death by westerners is that we should do everything we can to make sure it doesn't come looking for us. xii. This should NOT be how Christians view death. xiii. We should form our view of death based on what the scriptures teach us about it. xiv. And what do they teach? 1. Death has lost its sting because of what Christ has purchased for us. 2. When we are absent from the body in death, we are present with the Lord in life. 3. For us to live is Christ but to die is gain. 4. Death is not the end for any man, all will be resurrected. 5. And ultimately it is not the first death that any man should fear. It is the second death that must be avoided at all costs. Any who join the first resurrection, will not be harmed by the second death. 6. All of Christ's bride will be alive and meet Him in the air when He returns. Meaning the dead in Christ… will be raised. xv. Christians do not seek death. We still take steps to preserve our life. xvi. But not at all costs. And not if it forces us to abandon or disobey our King. xvii. Therefore, Christians view death as the last great trial that God has for all of us. The last great suffering that we must endure, before we will suffer… no… more. xviii. Death then… is merely a hurdle in the race that our King has set out before us. And when He jumped over it… He knocked it down. He has made it a guarantee for all His elect, that they will not stay dead. xix. We don't fear death. But we look with faith and hope at what awaits us behind death's door. xx. And the second part of having a holy view of death is… g. [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must grieve the death of believers, with hope. i. This passage in no way teaches us that we must not grieve the death of believers. ii. There is a big movement in evangelical circles to replace funerals of believers with memorials celebrating the life and promotion of someone to glory. iii. I believe that this is, unfortunately, a slight overcorrection on our part. iv. It is entirely appropriate to grieve the death of a believer. v. How do I know that? vi. Jesus wept over Lazarus… even though He knew that in a short time He Himself would raise Lazarus from the dead, and would eventually raise Lazarus again when He returned. vii. Even though we know that death is merely a door we must go through in eternal life, it is entirely appropriate for Christians to mourn their loss of another Christian. viii. We can, and should grieve the death of Christians. ix. Why? x. Because death is not natural. Death is a symptom of sin. Both in the world and even in the one who died. Physical death is a constant reminder that mankind… is fallen. xi. We grieve death as a billboard showing us that this is NOT the eternal state. THIS ISN'T HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO END. xii. But we do so with hope. xiii. Hope of what? xiv. The resurrection and future eternal Kingdom of God. xv. In this way we can celebrate that one day we will see these dead believers again and then, when we see them again, we'll also be with Jesus and we will never be absent from either ever again. xvi. So we grieve the loss of believers… but with hope that this is merely goodbye for now. 4.) [Slide 20] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny the doctrine of soul sleep. a. Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's witnesses take this passage and neglect to do any historical analysis at the idea of sleep. Instead, they read into this a doctrine that is nowhere taught in the scriptures. b. The doctrine of soul sleep. c. Well what is soul sleep? I'm glad you asked. d. Soul sleep is exactly what it says. The idea is that the soul of dead believers enters into a spiritual sleep where their souls unconsciously wait until the Lord returns. e. Then they will be awoken and rejoined with their bodies. f. Unfortunately, this is not taught in scripture and actually there are some teachings in the scripture which refute this teaching. g. The scriptures teach that although the body dies, the soul endures consciously in a specific location. h. No matter what the Disney movies say - You can't keep the dead alive in your heart. They aren't looking down on you and watching over you. And they aren't a spirit visiting you either. i. The scriptures teach us that the only spirits that are active in this world are angels, devils, and God. All spirits of men are ushered to a place called, Sheol, hades, hell, or the realm of the dead. j. And as the New Testament Scriptures teach – those held there have no way out. k. And as the Old Testament Scriptures reveal, when a witch, who normally contacts an evil spirit who is a medium between the living and the dead, was successful in conjuring a real spirit from such a place– SHE WAS SHOCKED! She wasn't expecting the spirit of a once living human. She was expecting something else entirely. l. In one sense, the old pagan notion is true. No one escapes from death. m. But Jesus did. And he took all His people with Him. n. The Apostles' Creed tells us that Jesus descended into hell. o. 2 Peter tells us that He did this to preach to the captives. Meaning that Christ went to the realm of the dead to proclaim His victory over death. He then led all the Old Testament saints out of the place called paradise and took them to heaven with Him. p. This is why Paul says that we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. q. Those who are in Christ inherit the blessing of skipping the realm of the dead to be with God until they are resurrected and reunited with their bodies. r. Which means… that the idea of soul sleep is inconsistent with the scriptures. s. The scriptures clearly teach us that when we die, what sleeps is our bodies. Not our souls. Our souls, consciously join God in heaven, or consciously endure torment in Sheol. t. And all the dead consciously await the day when body and soul will be reunited. The first resurrection to be perfected and to reign with Christ and the second resurrection to be judged and cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. 5.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Jesus will not lose a single sheep that the Father has given to Him. a. If God is absolutely sovereign over life, death, and the redemption of souls… do we expect Him to allow us to slip into death and through the grasp of Christ? b. Can God be surprised by the death of one of His children? c. If Death did not keep His Son from Him – what makes us think that death is some unfortunate accident He did not expect or even plan for us. d. Every person is appointed to death once. Then to face judgment. e. And Jesus said, that of all the sheep that God gave to Him, He will not lose even 1. f. Death cannot separate us from the love of God. Indeed, death is gain for those who believe. g. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 6.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Without Christ, you have no hope in death. There is only despair since death is a door to eternal death. a. Let me make this abundantly clear. b. For believers, death is a necessary door on the path of eternal life. c. We are resurrected with Christ's return and the power of the second death will not touch us. d. But for you who are not a follower of Jesus – friend, this life is the best you have. There is nothing else for you. e. When you exit this life, your existence becomes one of temporary conscious torment for your soul. f. And this temporary torment will only be interrupted by the sudden reuniting of your body and soul. But your eyes will open and behold the Lion of Judah upon His throne in all His glory. g. The same King that you rejected in this life, that you mocked, that you ignored, that you said you believed in but never served – that same Jesus will preside over your hearing. h. He will call for the books which record all the works of your life whether they are good or evil. i. They will all be laid out before you. j. And though you were a kind, generous, loving person… none of these good deeds will be enough to make up for what seems like an endless list of counts of treason against a holy God. k. The scriptures tell us that everyone who is judged by their works will be found guilty. l. Your brief reprieve from torment, to face judgment, will then be over. And you will be cast into what the scriptures describe as the second death. The lake which burns with fire. And so you shall remain in conscious and eternal torment for all eternity. m. Why? n. Because the body that you were reunited to, was made to endure such agony without ever being consumed. o. My friends… without Christ – you have NO HOPE in death. There is only more death. p. I beg you. I plead with you. I appeal to you friend. Turn from your sin. Forsake it. And cry out to God for mercy. That He might apply the benefits of Christ's obedience to you. That you might be His child. q. If this is your desire today – I'd advise you to stop someone, anyone here today and seek their counsel on how to be God's child. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Richard Baxter. Send forth your convoy of angels for my departing soul, and let them bring it among the perfect spirits of the just. Let me follow my dear friends that have died in Christ before. And when my friends are crying over my grave, let my spirit be with you in rest. You who numbers the hairs of my head, number all the days that my body lies in the dust. Hasten, O my Savior, the time of your return. Send forth your angels, and let that dreadful, joyful trumpet sound. Do not delay, or the living could give up their hope. Do not delay, or this earth could grow to be like hell, and your church by divisions be crumbled to dust. Do not delay, or your enemies could take advantage of your flock. Or pride, hypocrisy, sensuality, and unbelief could prevail against your remnant, and when you came you might not find faith on the earth. Do not delay, lest the grave should boast of victory. O hasten that great resurrection day, when your command will go forth, and none will disobey. That day when the sea and earth yield up their hostages, and all that sleep in the grave awake, and the dead in Christ arise. That day when the corruptible seed that you sowed comes forth incorruptible. I entrust myself not to a grave, but to you. My flesh will rest in hope, until you raise it to the everlasting rest. Return, O Lord! How long? Let your kingdom come! Your desolate bride says come, for your Spirit within her says come-the one who teaches her to pray with groanings which cannot be expressed. The whole creation says come, waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. And you yourself have said, surely I come. Amen, even, so come, Lord Jesus. We pray this in His name… Amen. Benediction: May your eyes see the king in his beauty That you might view a land that stretches afar; Like Abraham, who looked to a city, Whose architect and builder is God. Until we meet again, possibly in the clouds, go in peace.

6. Shadows of the Trinity in the Old - Paul M. Williams Part 6 The charge is often put to Christians that the doctrine of the Trinity is a New Testament perversion that is nowhere present in the pages of the Old Testament.  This claim, however, is false and does not stand up to the biblical standards of scrutiny.  Christians concede that the doctrine of the Trinity is brought into full light only in the New Testament dispensation of the gospel.  However, one would be terribly mistaken to think that there are no foreshadowings of this doctrine in the Old Testament Scriptures.  What has been revealed in the New was concealed in the Old, and what was concealed in the Old has been revealed in the New. This sixth teaching shall aim to provide evidence to show that the doctrine of the Trinity is present in type within the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures.   Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/6_Shadows_of_the_Trinity_in_the_Old.pdf

Wednesday, 21 January 2026   A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. Matthew 16:4   “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and a sign – not it will be given it – if not the sign of Jonah the prophet. And having left them, He departed” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted those who could tell the day would be one of inclemency because of a morning red sky. He then called the Pharisees and Sadducees hypocrites because they knew how to discern the face of the heaven, but the signs of the seasons they could not discern. Having said that, He continues with, “Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and a sign – not it will be given it – if not the sign of Jonah the prophet.”   The words are identical to Matthew 12:39 except that in some manuscripts, the words “the prophet” are not included. To understand the meaning, refer to that commentary. In short, however, the sign of Jonah is the proclamation of Jonah to the Ninevites, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”   Jesus equated those forty days to Israel's offering of Jesus, a day for a year. In their rejection of Him, the temple was destroyed, and the people were exiled in 70AD. To confirm that this is what He was referring to, Peter said this in Acts –   “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.'” Acts 2:40   The same generation, wicked and adulterous, was described by Peter as skolias, warped, and thus perverse. Peter implored the people to come to Jesus and be saved from what would come upon them. As for Jesus' words to the Pharisees and Sadducees, once He stated them, it says, “And having left them, He departed.”   The meaning is that He got into a boat and left their area.   Life application: The preaching of Jonah is a part of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus' words concerning this sign are something that can be read and then compared to literal history.   Though there is debate about the exact timing of Christ's ministry, it is generally accepted that it encompasses the year 30AD. Seeing that the temple was destroyed in 70AD, as any competent scholar will testify, it is a certainty that Jesus' words were a prophecy that can be attested to as true and reliable.   This was to be the sign for the Jews that they missed what was plainly there in front of them. To this day, they fall under the same descriptions given two thousand years ago by Jesus and then Peter.   To become a righteous generation, then, they must repair the breach that they caused. The only way to do this is to receive Jesus as their long-rejected Messiah.   This happens in individual Jews anytime they turn to Christ, but it is the nation, as a whole, that must acknowledge Jesus before they can enter into the New Covenant. Today, it is common for Christians to cite Genesis 12:3 and claim that when Christians do not support Israel, they fall under a curse.   In fact, Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, did this when speaking to a group of pastors in early December 2025. There is a problem with this thinking. Actually, several. First, the promise was to Abraham. Paul demonstrates in Galatians 3 that only those of faith are counted as the seed of Abraham.   Second is the fact that Israel rejected Jesus. When they did, they were cut off from this fountain of blessing, instead falling under the curses of the law. God cannot spiritually bless those who are under His curse. They must first come out from under the source of that curse, meaning the Law of Moses (see Galatians 3:10).   Third, Christians are saved through faith in Christ, not through accepting or rejecting Israel's place in the world.   It is doctrinally correct that Christians should support Israel and the plan for them, which Scripture lays out concerning their future. However, it is incorrect and a misuse of Scripture to cite verses out of their intended context in order to motivate that support.   Rather, scholars, professors, pastors, preachers, and teachers should properly handle the issue of Israel because it is a type and a picture of individual salvation as much as it is an ongoing and, so far, stormy relationship between God and the people of Israel.   Would it be appropriate to say that we must support a person's present wayward walk because we know that they will someday be saved? The thought is unimaginable. Rather, we should speak against whatever wickedness they hold to and evangelize them in hopes of that day of salvation arriving.   The same is true with Israel. To blindly support a nation that is at odds with God's plan for them, as Jesus has clearly presented in the gospels and as is painstakingly explained in the epistles and Revelation, can only harm, not help, the situation.   Unfortunately, the modern Christian Zionist movement is doing exactly that. So what are we to do? The answer is to stand up boldly and support Israel because God has a plan in motion to bring them back to Himself. However, we are to include in that stand that Israel as a nation is currently unrighteous and at odds with God, and to convey the explicit idea that it is Jesus who will make restoration and righteousness possible.   Anything else, such as supporting Israel's building of another temple and going back to national law observance, is to directly and unambiguously challenge the cross of Jesus Christ as a means to restoration with God. May we never have such a purpose for these people who so desperately need Jesus. Jesus! Israel needs Jesus.   Lord God Almighty, You have set forth a plan for Israel's restoration. You have carefully laid out what is necessary for that to come about. You have given innumerable examples of it in typology and prophecy in their Scriptures. Help us to show them what they need and how to obtain it. Jesus! Help us to show them Jesus. Amen.  

Send us a textMark's Gospel culminates in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This episode traces how the suffering of Christ fulfills Old Testament Scripture, including Psalm 22, and reveals the substitution at the heart of the Gospel as Barabbas is released and Jesus is condemned. As the centurion confesses, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” we are called to respond to the risen Christ who goes before His disciples, just as He promised.Support the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

I thought it would be fun to listen to some famous talks based in Old Testament Scriptures

Romans 9:25-26 — The Old Testament Scriptures testify that salvation is for Jews as well as the Gentiles. Surprisingly, many Jews needed to be convinced of this in the first century. In this sermon on Romans 9:25–26 titled “Jew and Gentile,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls attention to the apostle Paul's method. He builds his case using reason, logic, and Scripture. It is clear, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, that Paul is trying to be winsome and persuasive towards his fellow Jews. Nevertheless, the great apostle refutes the idea that it is by physical birth or lineage that one can be called a child of the living God. Paul turns to the Scriptures to show how no one should be surprised at this. Dr. Lloyd-Jones engages the issue of Paul's citation of Hosea. He combats skeptics of the doctrine of inspiration who question the legitimacy of Paul's application of Hosea to the Gentiles. As Paul is led by the Holy Spirit to write Scripture himself, he states the same essential truth in a slightly different form than Hosea does. However, since it is the same Holy Spirit that inspired both, Christians can have confidence Paul is applying Scripture appropriately. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps the listener understand how the apostle Paul correctly handles Holy Scripture in this passage. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

For those of us who are personally acquainted with the Savior who was born that first Christmas day, Christmas holds particular significance. However, we’ve romanticized the story of Christmas to the place that the manger scene and the people involved seem like actors in a play. We rarely stop to think that they were real people, in anything but a romantic setting. That's why I’d like to bring a little reality to the Christmas story. I want to talk about the most blessed woman who ever lived. And I want to focus on the heart of Mary. What was it about this lady that qualified her for this incredible privilege of bearing the Savior of the world? What was in her heart? Let me begin by pointing out that nowhere in Scripture are we given any indication that Mary is to be worshipped. If she were here, I think Mary would be the first to tell us that she was just a woman, a very simple young lady, chosen by God for a special purpose. But like all of the rest of mankind, she was born of Adam’s race—born according to man—and she inherited the same sin nature that all of us have. When I speak of Mary’s heart, I’m not elevating her to some divine place of sinless perfection. We'd have a hard time relating to her if that were true. But in fact, it is because Mary was just like us—a  regular lady—that we can look at her heart and can identify with her and learn from her. Try to erase all those images of Mary with a halo over her head, and see instead a lady with a wash bucket and children, a small, poor home, with few luxuries or conveniences, and a very special heart. Though Mary came from the line of David, she was a humble lady from a very small, insignificant town, Nazareth. We don’t know anything about her parents, except that they must have been godly people because Mary had a very good knowledge of Old Testament Scripture. We begin to get an idea of the heart of Mary when we think about Gabriel’s announcement to her that she had been chosen to bear the Messiah. Let’s look at that passage in Luke 1:28-38: Gabriel said to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:28-38). Certainly, Scripture makes it clear time and again that Mary was then a virgin and remained a virgin until after the birth of Jesus. Not many people who will be celebrating Christmas this year really believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. Why is it so terribly important that we believe and accept that Mary was indeed a virgin until after Jesus’ birth? Because we know from Scripture that sin entered the world through the seed of man. Had Jesus been conceived through an earthly man’s seed, he could not have escaped the sin nature that is born into all of us. And if Jesus were not sinless, he could never become the sacrifice demanded by God’s righteousness. The virgin birth is not an optional theology. Your whole destiny—and mine—depends upon whether or not it is true. We are acceptable to God when we accept the redemption and forgiveness of our sins made possible because the perfect sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, paid the debt for our sins. And Jesus Christ was perfect because there was no sin in him passed on to him by the seed of man. He was born of a virgin; the only man who has ever been born of the seed of a woman. That is critical. Can you imagine what Gabriel’s words meant to a little Jewish girl, probably only 15 or 16 years old, of the humblest means, who has heard all her life about David, his kingdom, his reign as King of Israel? And now, she is told her son is going to take David’s place and reign forever. I’m sure Mary had often heard the prophecies of the coming Messiah. But surely she never seriously thought she would be selected as his mother. Can you put yourselves in her shoes, and think of how you might have reacted? It was an incredible declaration requiring enormous faith on Mary’s part. Would you have accepted such a statement face value? How does Mary react? She asks a very simple question, not a question of doubt, not a challenge to the truth of the angel’s statement, but a question of curiosity and logic. To paraphrase she asked: “How can I have a baby, when I’ve never known a man? If you’re not going to use an earthly man for this, how are you going to do it?” To a simple, honest question, Gabriel gives a simple answer: The Holy Spirit will cause this child to be impregnated in your womb, Mary. Therefore, he will be the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Mary’s acceptance of this announcement is absolutely remarkable. Once Gabriel answers her simple question, in the same simple faith and openness, she accepts. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word (Luke 1:38). Instead of plying Gabriel with hundreds of questions, instead of giving place to all the doubts and fears and insecurities that she must have felt at that time, Mary accepts. Let’s think of some of the normal, natural questions and objections that Mary could have legitimately raised at that point. She could have said: What will I tell my friends and relatives? No one will believe that I have not slept with some man. What will happen to my reputation? What will I tell Joseph? He probably won’t want to marry me now. And if Joseph doesn’t marry me, what will I do to support myself and this baby? I will be an outcast. Worse still, Gabriel, if Joseph so desires he could divorce me or he could have me stoned to death for adultery. Why don’t you, Gabriel, tell everyone else what you have told me? I would appreciate you doing that. Then maybe they will believe me. At least tell everyone in Nazareth, please. Wouldn’t you have asked some of these questions or made some other requests of Gabriel? I’m sure I would have. But not this Mary. Her immediate, unquestioning response is be it done to me according to your word. Now we’re beginning to see the heart of this special lady. An accepting heart. What is required of us in order to have an accepting heart? First, we must stay very simple, and by that I mean uncomplicated. Mary didn’t try to see exactly how everything was going to work out before she accepted. She didn’t let her imagination run wild with all the “what if’s” or “why’s”, as many of us tend to do. She kept it very simple. She accepted from God’s hand what he had asked of her. Do you keep your heart simple? Or do you waste emotions and time and effort in complicating issues? When you know what God wants you to do, do you get all tied up in knots, trying to see every possibility and make sure you know every step of the way before you do anything? You’ll save yourself a lot of grief if you can ask God to give you a simple heart, to help you learn how to un-complicate decisions and situations by simply accepting. Another thing required for an accepting heart is trust. Mary believed with unwavering faith. Can you appreciate the enormity of what she was asked to accept by faith? She was asked to believe that she would become pregnant without ever having relations with any man. And Mary believed. Why do you think Mary so readily believed what Gabriel told her? Do you think it’s possible to just have that kind of trust and faith without any preparation? Was she just born that way? I don’t think so. We know faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We know from what Mary says later to Elizabeth, her cousin, that Mary knew the Word of God. She had established her faith in God’s Word, so when Gabriel brought this further Word of God to her, she was accustomed to trusting it, and it wasn’t difficult for her to trust it once more. May I say again what I know I’ve said time and again: You’re never going to be able to trust God until you spend consistent, quality and quantity time in his Word. If some great thing comes on you which requires a lot of trust and faith on your part, and you are unprepared because you don’t consistently saturate yourself with God’s Word, don’t be surprised to discover that your faith falters, and you fail the test. You won’t be able to muster up tons of faith on the spur of the moment if you don’t make trusting God a part of your everyday life. And that comes by knowing him through his Word. Are you in the midst of some testing now? Are you under some stress or pressure that requires faith on your part? I hope you’ve been staying in the Word of God, because that’s where that instant faith comes from at those unexpected times when you need it. You need to know the Word of God to have the kind of trust that Mary had. How marvelous it is that, as Paul says in Galatians 4:4: But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law. I pray that you have become a child of God through placing your trust in his Son, the One who was willing to come and be born of a woman so that you and I could be redeemed from the curse of the law and sin. If not, you can have that right now by confessing your sin and allowing that One born in a manger to cleanse you and give to you the full rights as his child. Until you have done that, you can never really understand what Christmas is all about.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/19/25), Hank starts a special series leading up to Christmas Day featuring his CHRISTMAS acronym, starting with the first two letters of the acronym: "C" and "H". Christ—the "C" in CHRISTMAS—is a title that comes from the Greek “Christos”, which is a rendering of the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning “anointed one.” As such, the Christ of Christmas is the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Testament Scriptures. So, to fully grasp the significance of the Anointed One's Messianic role, you have to drink deeply from the wellspring of Old Testament prophecy. Moving on to history—the “H” in CHRISTMAS—Hank explains that Jesus Christ stands at the very apex of human history. Therefore, he can say with certainty that Christmas is not about reveling in mythology, it is about celebrating events that are rooted in historical fact.

The way of Jesus is for organizations to nurture flourishing individuals and societies. But many of us have experienced the devastating effects of a toxic work environment. This is not the way God meant organizations to run. From the ancient Old Testament Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus and his Apostles, everything in life is meant for universal flourishing, or Shalom.Our guest is Dr. Justin Irving, Professor of Christian Leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His newest book is titled, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations: Creating Contexts Where People Flourish (Baker Academic, 2024), In it, he provides theological foundations for healthy Christian leadership in for-profit corporations, nonprofits, and churches. He also provides insights from interviewing over 200 executive leaders.In our discussion, we discuss: * Leadership for human flourishing* Cultivating healthy teams* Delegation for the good of the people we lead and for the organization* What hinders good organizational communication* How to measure how healthy an organizational culture is* How to be sure that every aspect of an organization aligns with the organization's values and beliefsIn our conversation, we discussed the Good Place Operating System (GPOS), from The Good Place Institute, for which Bob Robinson is a Partner Consultant. The GPOS is a systematic approach to clearly stating a purpose and mission in a charter, to build all the systems in an organization to align with the charter, and then to measure success on business dashboards. If you'd like to explore implementing an operating system meant for kingdom purposes in which people are valued, communities flourish, and profits are made for these regenerative purposes, connect with Bob by emailing him at Bob.Robinson@goodplaceinstitute.com .Scroll down to learn more about Justin Irving.Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:Thanks for listening!If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with your friends. Your hosts are Dr. Bob Robinson and David Loughney. For further resources on reintegrating all of life with God's mission, go to re-integrate.org.Dr. Justin IrvingAfter serving for 20 years at Bethel Seminary in a variety of faculty and administrative roles, Dr. Justin Irving now serves as Professor of Leadership, Chair of the Department of Leadership and Discipleship, and Director of the Ed.D. program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Check out his Purpose in Leadership blog. Dr. Irving is a member at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, Kentucky. He is married to Tasha, and they have five children.Would you consider buying Dr. Irving's books from independent booksellers Byron and Beth Borger at Hearts & Minds Bookstore? They are eager to serve God's people with great books. Order online through their secure server or call 717-246-333. Mention that you heard about the book on the Reintegrate Podcast and get 20% off. Get full access to Bob Robinson's Substack at bobrobinsonre.substack.com/subscribe

Today's message looks at the words of John the Baptist from Matthew 11:2-3, "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'" John although a deep believer came to a point where he had his doubts. Such big doubts that he had his own disciples travel 100 miles to ask Jesus that question. Matthew 11:4-5 "Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."  These are words from the Old Testament's prophecies, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 35:5-6 "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy."  And Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor." Jesus quoted these verses about the prophecies of the Messiah to show that He was the Messiah, that He and the prophecies were one. John's disciples are still listening as Jesus goes on and says in Matthew 11:11-15 "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear." Again, these words are quotes from Old Testament Scriptures found in Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:45-6 and Isaiah 40:3 that tell about the one who will prepare the way for the coming Messiah.  These are words about John the Baptist. The Controversy: What kind of Messiah?      ⁃    Will he be prophetic, priestly or kingly?      ⁃    Will he be a Messiah of mercy or judgment?     ⁃    Would he suffer or reign?     ⁃    Will there be 2 Messiahs who come once or 1 Messiah who comes twice? The Biblical Evidence for Messiah:     ⁃    Birthplace Micah 5:2     ⁃    Lineage Isaiah 11:1      ⁃    Miracles Deuteronomy 18:15      ⁃    Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11     ⁃    Resurrection Isaiah 53:11 We close with Pastor's heartfelt encouragement to let the word of God speak to our hearts, to search the scriptures and find what Jesus the Messiah has to say to us. No matter who you are, think about this: If Jesus really is who He claimed to be, there is nothing more important than knowing Him and being known by Him. Jesus is different than what we expected…. But He is exactly what the Bible predicted! If God loved us so much He was willing to take on human flesh and fulfill everything spoken beforehand by the prophets, lay down His life on a cross, rise from the grave and announce forgiveness to all who believe, who would reject such an offer?  It's true He was different than what was expected, but He is exactly what was predicted and He's coming back!  Therefore, we need to know Him and be known by Him.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Learning to see the Grace of God in the Old Testament Scriptures in the Light which they were written so those Truth's can be applied to our lives.

Learning to see the Grace of God in the Old Testament Scriptures in the Light which they were written so those Truth's can be applied to our lives.

Learning to see the Grace of God in the Old Testament Scriptures in the Light which they were written so those Truth's can be applied to our lives.

Today we begin the book of Hebrews, a book that emphasizes the superiority of Christ to all that has come before him. While the writer of the book of Hebrews remains unknown, we do know that this writer can quote the Old Testament Scriptures at length and is very polished in his ability to write and to reason. This letter is unique, as it has no greeting and seems to be directed specifically toward Jewish believers. In today's passage, the writer argues that Jesus is greater than the prophets who came before, as God has spoken to us directly by the Son and appointed him heir of all things. He is greater than angels, for everything has been made subject to him. Moreover, as one who has flesh and blood, he has reached out to help men, but has not done so for angels. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

1 Chronicles 22 commences with David's preparation for the building of the temple. Since David had been forbidden from building he could have left the task to Solomon. But no, he shows a wonderful spirit in totally throwing his energies into preparing for building the temple. David then charges his son with the responsibility of the task. Yahweh tells of Solomon's part in the building of that magnificent house. God outlines that Solomon would be a son of the promise, which was restated. But Solomon could not fulfill all the terms of the covenant since Solomon came to the throne while David is still living. Also, God's mercy departed from Solomon who in his later life strays from the ways of His God. Additionally, Solomon was not literally the Father's son. Brother Islip Collyer in his magnificent book - "Conviction and Conduct" on page 142 wrote of David's wonderful spirit as follows: "that David's plan to build the temple was inspired by pure zeal for Divine things and not with an idea of self-aggrandisement; for despite hisfrustrated intention he still thanked God for the mercies promised and started with zeal on such work as was permitted". Chapter 32 of Ezekiel contains a lament on Egypt, who is likened to a dragon (crocodile) lying in the Nile. The annual blessing that came from the deposit of rich alluvial sediment, due to rains falling in central Africa, would cease. This has happened ever since the completion of the Aswan high dam. The construction of that dam has been disastrous. Disease has increased and there has been a massive reduction of agriculture and fishing. These disasters have resulted in the once mighty Egyptian empire becoming a minor nation. Like many of the other nations Egypt would be brought low. Egypt is thus another testimony to the fact that: "the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men" Daniel 4:17. In Ephesians 3 the Apostle Paul outlines the 'mystery' (the Greek word simply means 'secret') that God always intended for the Gentiles to be included in the blessings of the gospel. From verses 14-22 we read of the Apostle's prayer for the believers' spiritual strength and growth. Notice that the love of God surpasses understanding and includes four dimensions - length, breadth, depth and height. This indicates that the love of the Father cannot be measured. Chapter 4 contains a plea for unity among the body of believers. In the truth there is a sevenfold unity (verses 4-6). This is essentially because God, our Father is one. Those verses cite several Old Testament Scriptures supporting this purpose - Psalm 68; Deuteronomy 30. The result is that the distribution of gifts is defined by the function they fulfil in promoting and producing a united body. Each believer has been called to a new life described in verses 17-32. Carefully read verses 20-24 which tell us how faithful believers in Christ live by modelling their lives on his. Also contemplate the need to replace old evil habits with positive beneficial behaviours as verses 25-32 teach us. The last three verses say that any failure to act in a way that reveals that we arethe children of the Almighty will grieve our loving Heavenly Father. The only way to overcome sin is by"replacement therapy".

Romans opens with a powerful introduction to Paul's identity, mission, and message. He calls himself a “slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” In these opening verses, Paul reminds us that the gospel is not a new invention but God's eternal plan, promised long ago through the Old Testament Scriptures and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We see Jesus revealed as both fully man and fully God, the Son of David and the risen Son of God, who brings life and salvation to all who believe.Here are some things we'll learn from Romans 1:1–7:Why Paul begins by declaring himself a servant before anything else.How the gospel is promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in JesusThe necessity for Jesus to be fully God and fully man.Why the resurrection is central to Jesus' identity and our hope.What it means to live “set apart” for the sake of God's name.How God's love calls us to belong to Christ and to live as saints in His presence.Support our mission and learn more atwww.alloflife.churchGive to the work of the gospel herewww.alloflife.churchcenter.com/giving

When God looks at us, He sees only two groups. What are they? Learn the answer and see how this key passage of Old Testament Scripture unlocks our understanding of important sections in the New Testament books of Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews.

Sunday, 7 September 2025   On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Matthew 13:1   “And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea” (CG).   In the previous verse, Chapter 12 finished with Jesus saying that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother and sister and mother. Chapter 13 now begins with, “And in that day.”   Such words as this will have various meanings based on the context. For example, the Lord may say, “In that day, I will rescue Israel.” Or we may read of the “Day of the Lord.” Such days actually reflect past or future events or extended periods of time. The same terminology is used in English as well.   However, there is no need to assume anything other than a literal rendering of the word here. Therefore, it is either referring to the previous verses or to something coming in the verses ahead. The most obvious and likely meaning is the day on which He had already been speaking. That this is likely is seen in the next words, where it says, “Jesus, having departed from the house.”   Jesus was specifically noted as being inside based on the words of Matthew 12:46 –   “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him.”   Noting His mother and brothers were outside means that He was inside. Now, having departed from that house, it next says, “He sat by the sea.”   This is the Sea of Galilee. The narrative is preparing to enter into more words from Jesus by introducing the location and circumstances.   Life application: Because Jesus was in a house, only a certain number of people could hear His words. That is clearly evidenced by the fact that His mother and brothers wanted to speak with Him. He was engaging the scribes and Pharisees in one setting. Even though His words are recorded now for all to know what went on in the house, at the time, what He said was not heard by the people.   However, Jesus' heading out and sitting by the sea is a purposeful decision to allow His coming words to be heard and considered by many more people. As you read the gospels, think about what is going on in the surrounding context.   Jesus walks in various locations at various times. If the name of the location is given, it is certain that particular information is being provided to understand a greater picture. It is as if His very movements are forming a picture for us to consider.   Likewise, when He says something, it is quite possible that His words are fulfilling other pictures from the Old Testament Scriptures. For example, Jesus said, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).   In that sentence, Jesus equates Himself to the manna given to Israel in the wilderness. That is explained more fully in the surrounding words. But Jesus also noted that He comes down from heaven. In Hebrew, the word yarad, to descend, is used. It is where the name Jordan, or in Hebrew yarden, is derived.   In studying the uses of yarden in the Old Testament, amazing pictures of Christ, the Descender, will be seen. The very topography of the land of Israel is noted in Scripture to tell us greater stories of Jesus, His work, and how it applies to His people.   But typology can be manipulated. It is easy to “make anything say anything” and claim that is what the Bible is saying. So be careful as you read the word and make conclusions about things you read. Also, be careful about how people present typology.   Something may sound right, but be completely wrong. There must be a reasonable connection to what is being said, and the typological representations must be consistently used. If they are properly searched out and presented, truly amazing stories of God's redemptive plans will shine through.   Consider what God is telling you, both on the surface and how it points to Jesus. This is what Jesus told us would be the case as we read this precious word –   “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39   Lord God, what an intricate and amazing word You have given us. There are many levels of information being conveyed to us all at the same time. Your word is a marvel and a delight for our minds to consider, wonder at, and rejoice in. Thank You for this precious word. Amen.  

Like an attorney in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Like a solicitor in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Like a solicitor in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Like an attorney in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Like a solicitor in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Like a solicitor in a courtroom, Paul responded to objections from religious Jews and presented his case against humanity. He proved the pervasiveness of sin with logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in a look at Romans 3. Examine our lifeless condition without Christ and assess the situation for yourself. There is only one hope for a dead person, only one solution for sin: Jesus Christ!

Daily Dose of Hope August 26, 2025   Scripture – Luke 11:14-54   Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you today with humility.  You are holy, you are perfect, and I am painfully flawed.  Forgive me, Lord, for the way I fall short over and over again.  Forgive me for not being loving, patient, and kind.  Jesus, I want to follow your example.  I want to have a clean and pure heart.  How I need you.  Create in me a pure heart, Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.  I love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we finish up Luke 11.   Today's reading starts with Jesus healing a man possessed by a demon who makes him mute.  The healing leads the Pharisees to make some pretty serious misjudgments.  They were talking amongst themselves but Jesus knows their thoughts.  The Pharisees say that Jesus is healing through the power of Beelzebub, the Prince of Demons.  Jesus tells them that Satan won't drive himself out.  A divided Kingdom will not stand.    Why their resistance to belief?  Why are they so fiercely against Jesus?  Most likely because Jesus doesn't look, talk, or behave as they think a Messiah should.  He challenges their fundamental beliefs.  If we are honest, Jesus challenges some of our fundamental beliefs too.  The question is always:  Will we choose to believe or will we reject like the Pharisees?  Jesus says that whoever is not with him is against him.  There is no half-way with Jesus.    One other interesting tidbit about this part of the passage is at the end, when a woman from the crowd calls out, “Blessed is the mother who gave birth to you and nursed you.”  As a mom, I think this is kind of sweet, but Jesus clearly redirects her.  Blessedness doesn't come from biological connectedness.  Blessedness, according to Jesus, comes from obedience.  Mary was blessed but it was because she was obedient to God, not because her womb was somehow holy.   The people, including the religious leaders, continue to want signs and miracles.  Jesus calls them a wicked generation.  He knows that more miracles will not make them believe.  Afterall, he has already done incredibly ministry with all kinds of miracles of healing and abundance.  Jesus has already performed the miracles that the Old Testament spoke about – the blind see, the deaf hear, the oppressed are set free.  What kind of sign would it take for them to really believe?   He tells them that the only sign they would get would be the sign of Jonah.  Remember that Jonah avoided Ninevah by jumping on a ship and trying to hide from God.  He ended up being swallowed by a large fish and he stayed in the belly of that fish for three days before God allowed him to be spit up and see the light of day.  Thus, the sign of Jonah, for an unbelieving people, is a reference to Jesus' impending death, followed three days later by resurrection.  Will that make them believe?    Next, Jesus talks about the eyes being a lamp which lights the entire body.  The eyes are like the doorway to our souls.  When Jesus referred to “good” eyes, he meant eyes that not only see well but also perceive well. It is not only what we see, but how we perceive what we see that makes the difference between godliness and ungodliness, between light and darkness. Bad eyes lead to bad perception, but if our eyes are good, our whole person will be illuminated. If we are in a lighted room, we see things clearly. We can move around obstacles and locate whatever we're looking for. But walking in darkness results in stumbling and falling.   Our reading today closes with the woes to the Pharisees.  The Pharisees notice that Jesus doesn't do the ceremonial handwashing before the meal and they are surprised.  Jesus responds with some pretty harsh words.  Basically, who cares if the outside of your cup is clean if the inside is filled with filth?  The Pharisees and teachers of the law looked so good on the outside, doing all the right things, but their hearts were filled with greed, arrogance, and evil.  Then, Jesus begins a series of woes:   Verse 42 - Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God.  They loved their religion more than they loved God and neighbor.  The Pharisees had a lot of religious busyness, a lot of stuff they did for God.  They were so careful to tithe 10% of their herb garden but they treated people poorly, they neglected the poor, they didn't care for their neighbor.  They didn't really love God.  They loved the idea of God.   Verse 43 - Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.  The most respected teachers and elders sat at the front of the synagogue facing the congregation. In fact, if you visit some old churches, they may have chairs on the platform for the elders, pastor, and other leaders of the church to sit. But is sitting up front wrong? No, it's sitting up front to be seen by others. The issue is their pride. The Pharisees loved receiving special honorary greetings in the marketplace too.   You see, if we are doing what we are doing for the wrong reason, if you are serving where you are serving for the wrong reason, then we are totally missing the point and woe to us.    Verse 44 - “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” In Israel tombs were white-washed (they still are) and this wasn't just so they looked pretty.  Not at all.  This actually was done to prevent people from accidentally stepping on them and contracting ritual uncleanliness. Numbers 19 says if you touch a bone or grave, then you would be unclean for a week until you underwent a cleansing process. Jesus turns this upside down.  He says, you guys are totally missing it.  In fact, you are missing it so much that when people come in contact with the you, Pharisees, they get infected and unclean.  That's how dirty your hearts are.  Ouch!    Verse 45 - One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”  I picture Jesus kind of looking at him and thinking, duh?  But this is what he says, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.  These experts in the law would study the Old Testament Scriptures and develop guidelines for the people to follow.  Many of the rules that these experts would impose on the people were really burdensome.  The average poor Jew, someone who maybe worked in the fields, could not possibly carry out the Jewish law the way the experts in the law would say they should.    But the woes keep coming.  Verses 47-48, “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. 48 So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. Jesus is saying to the teachers of the law, “Your ancestors killed the prophets. And you think that if you had been there, you wouldn't have done that.  So you build these tombs to the prophets to make up for that.  And yet, the prophet of all prophets is right here before you and you have rejected him.”  And of course, he is referring to himself.  This is where we have to be so careful about judgement.  We have this tendency to think “Well, if I had been there, I wouldn't have done that.  I wouldn't have killed that prophet.  I wouldn't have persecuted that person.”  Friends, be careful.  That's kind of like saying, “We would never have called out Crucify Him.”  But we are weak people.  Recognizing the weakness and frailties of our heart is the first step.  We have to recognize that we are vulnerable and we are sinful.  We need the power and strength of Jesus in us to even have a chance to get our hearts right.  Let's finish the Scripture with verses 52-54, “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54 waiting to catch him in something he might say. Jesus tells them, “You aren't helping people understand God's Word.  You are making it harder, more convoluted.”  I think this is a really fair warning to all of us who are teachers and preachers and leaders in the church – are we making the Bible easier to understand or harder?  This isn't just in what we say but also in what we do.   One thing I think God has taught me through this passage is that I need to humble myself and make sure my whole heart is right with God.  Think about it.  The Pharisees thought they were doing it all right.  They thought that what they were doing was what made them acceptable to God.  They thought they were being righteous gatekeepers.  And Jesus said, YOU ARE TOTALLY MISSING THE POINT!  Jesus saved his harshest words for the religious people and last time I checked, that's us. Y'all, it is so very easy to be religious, it is a lot harder to be loving.  It is so very easy to “do the stuff that appears to make us look like good Christians.”  It's a lot harder to do the stuff that actually makes us good Christians, to really, really love God and to really, really love others and to acknowledge that those two things can't be separated.    Jesus could care less about the outside.  He doesn't care about steeples.  He doesn't care about stain-glass windows.  He doesn't care about the façade we present to the world.  He doesn't care if I wear a nice dress and heels.  None of that matters to him.  He cares about our hearts.  He can see our hearts.  He knows us through and through.  He knows what we value.  He knows what we think about others.  He knows.  He doesn't just see the outside of us.  He sees us.  The Pharisees believed the lie that God sees as man sees.  They were wrong.  God sees with ex-ray vision the true nature of our soul.    And that sends me to the foot of the cross.  More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

The Gospel of John Week 4 Scripture: John 2:1-22, Genesis 1:10 & 12, Isaiah 62:5, Isaiah 25:6-9 Today's study starts with the story of a wedding at Cana in Galilee and the text opens with “On the third day.”  The first day is Sunday, the second day of the week is Monday and the third day is Tuesday.  The wedding is happening on a Tuesday. Why is the wedding on Tuesday? The answer is because of what we read in Genesis 1:10 and 12 where God declared everything as good, not once but twice on the third day of creation and the rabbis said the third day is an especially good day - what a great day for marriages! So orthodox Jewish people have set their wedding dates on Tuesdays going back to Biblical times. Mary, Jesus' mother is at this wedding, too. They are most likely into the 4th or more day of the wedding feast. (They typically lasted a week or longer). And they run out of refreshment and Mary lets Jesus know they have run out of wine. Mary then tells the servants to “do whatever He tells you.”  This is a word for us today - to do what Jesus tells us. We are to listen and obey. Pastor considers the questions: “Isn't this a rather frivolous miracle? Why would Jesus for His first miracle make 150 gallons of wine?”  Let's take a look at this miracle in light of what the Old Testament Scriptures say and what the Jewish people believe: God speaks of Himself as being married to His people. God calls Himself the groom and He gives Himself for His bride (the children of Israel). We reading Isaiah 62:5 "For as a young man marries a young woman, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." And the Bible talks of wedding feast banquets when Messiah comes. Isaiah 25:6-9 begins with:  “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare     a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—     the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy     the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;     he will swallow up death forever.” These are a sample of the verses Jewish people knew and now Jesus performs His first miracle at a wedding! This is not a frivolous miracle - this is Jesus saying: “I am the Bridegroom. I am the One who provides everything you need. I am the One who brings in the wedding feast!”  This miracle points to Jesus as the Messiah! It is a dramatic declaration of Jesus' identity and purpose and going forth Jesus will continually refer to Himself as the Bridegroom and to His people as those who get to be invited to the wedding feast. Pastor shares other great insight into:     1.    Why it's important that the jars where stone and not clay pottery     2.    The use of the word “signs”     3.    The 7 miracles shared in the Gospel of John and how they show Jesus' identity and demonstrate He is the Messiah.     4.    The recent archeological discoveries that go back to the 1st century. Next in our text we read the story of the Temple cleansing where Jesus overturns money changing tables at the Temple.  John is the only gospel that has this story at the beginning of Jesus ministry, the other gospels have it at the end of His ministry. Pastor shares the perspective of there being 2 temple cleansing: 1 at the beginning and.another at the end of Jesus' ministry. Other interesting points     ⁃    The temple was to be a house of prayer - not a market place     ⁃    Money changing was being done where worship was supposed to be happening     ⁃    Tyrian Stater - 1/2 shekel temple tax     ⁃    Pastor shares a detailed description of the Temple in Jesus' day and does a dating of events in conjunction with the building of the temple and Jesus' ministry     ⁃    Pastor suggests a book by Jack Finnegan, “Handbook of Biblical Chronology” Our reading today ends with John 2:20-21 where we read that Jesus knows what is in our hearts. He can see into our very souls. We cannot con Jesus. He is the Living God come to earth and we cannot fool Him.   Pastor ends today's class with a look at the Feasts of the Lord celebrated by the Jewish people and how the festivals point us to understanding their connection to who Jesus is: The Fulfillment of each festival. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Saturday, 12 July 2025   But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:24   “Moreover, I say to you that it will be sufferable – land Sodom – in Judgment Day than you” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that if the miracles done in Sodom had been done in Capernaum, it would have remained till that day. And more! He continues with, “Moreover, I say to you that it will be sufferable – land Sodom – in Judgment Day than you.”   The thought is the same as that of Tyre and Sidon in comparison to Chorazin and Bethsaida in verse 22. Just as the judgment of those two Jewish cities would be weightier than for the two wicked Gentile cities, so would the judgment of Capernaum be in comparison to that of Sodom.   The people of those cities would have been offended at such a thought. The judgment on Sodom because of their vile deeds was a key theme in their Scriptures. To be compared to Sodom, and then to be condemned as more deserving of judgment than it, would have been the highest form of offense.   Jews reading that today would still find it offensive. No wonder so many hear Jesus' words and find them offensive. Until one understands the reason, the pronouncement would seem intolerable. However, with greater revelation comes greater responsibility.   The city of Sodom may have been filled with sexual deviants who rejected the natural order for humanity, but they only had the general revelation of God to guide them. Capernaum had the full body of Old Testament Scriptures to instruct them.   In seeing Jesus' miracles and not making the connection of Him to being the fullest revelation of God ever made manifest, they were more worthy of condemnation than the perverted city of Sodom.   Life application: Imagine the guilt of those who have read the entire Bible, understood the evidence for the coming of Jesus, His fulfillment of the promises of God, His atoning death, internment, and resurrection, and then rejecting what they have read!   What more can God have done than what is recorded in Scripture to make it evident that He has fulfilled every promise concerning the restoration of life for those who believe? At some point, faith must be a part of the equation. Five days after Jesus ascended, some Jew may have arrived in Israel who had never heard of His coming.   He couldn't say, “Ok, God, please send Jesus back so I can verify what these men say is true.” Nor could he ask for a video recording of it all to make sure He really did what had been claimed. For that Jew, faith must now come into play.   The same is true with us. People who sit on YouTube all day watching videos from false teachers about their visions and divine revelations are using faith in believing what they are being told. Their faith is just misdirected.   Though not a video recording of Jesus' life, the Bible is a record of it nonetheless. It was carefully compiled over the centuries, slowly and methodically expressing God's ongoing hand in the plan of redemption. When that plan was fully expressed, the final word of Scripture, the word Amen at the end of Revelation 22:21, was penned.   Now, we have everything necessary to competently know what God has done. From there, we can decide if the evidence is sufficient for us to accept and believe. Assuredly, it is. There is no need to look for further evidence from God concerning visions, prophecies, and revelations on YouTube. The word has been sealed.   Trust what God has presented, accept the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and be saved. To reject what is penned there, due to the complete nature of the revelation expressed, means that the one who is rejecting it is worthy of great condemnation. Don't be such a person. Believe and be saved! Trust what God in Christ has done by believing the message found in the pages of the Holy Bible!   Heavenly Father, may we not neglect the truth of Your word, but read it, accept it, and apply it to our walk with You all the days of our lives. In it is found life, because in it we find Jesus. Thank You for what You have done in the sending of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Yes, thank You, O God. Amen.  

Jesus' words and deeds are best interpreted in the light of the Old Testament Scripture. Thus, the fact that Jesus said at the temple, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (Jn 7:37), makes much more sense when read alongside Exodus 17, in which Yahweh provided life-giving water to the thirsty Israelites. On this program, Shane takes a deep dive into John 7-9 with the help of New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger. After discussing the rich Old Testament background that helps to illuminate John's meaning, the two also discuss whether the story of the woman caught in adultery is an authentic part of the Fourth Gospel or a later addition.SPECIAL OFFER — If you upgrade to a PAID subscription or make a GIFT of any size, we'll send you a downloadable PDF copy of Luke's Key Witness (shown below). When you subscribe, you'll get instant access to the book here (it's currently behind a paywall). If you choose the donation option, you'll receive the PDF via email. Click the image below for a preview. Thanks for your support!SHOW NOTESBooksSigns of the Messiah, Andreas J. KöstenbergerEncountering John, Andreas J. KöstenbergerA Theology of John's Gospel & Letters, Andreas J. KöstenbergerThe Jesus of the Gospels, Andreas J. KöstenbergerTruth Matters, Köstenberger, Bock & ChatrawCommentary on the NT Use of the OT, Carson, Beale & KöstenbergerEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornThe Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus, Nancy GuthrieJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinLuke's Key Witness, Shane RosenthalArticlesThe Date of John's Gospel: Are We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift? Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story of Exodus, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating the Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalWhat's the Point of Jesus' Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus? Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalA New Argument for John's Identity, Shane RosenthalAudioThe Messiah's Redemptive Mission, Humble Skeptic #72The Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van DornThe Sinai Inscriptions, Humble Skeptic #71 with Michael S. Bar-RonDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJacob's Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 Jewish Views of the Messiah, HS #38 with Daniel BoyarinStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? HS #61 with Peter J. WilliamsWhich John Wrote John? Humble Skeptic #50VideoLuke's Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal on The Alisa Childers Podcast Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

(Psalm 119:89) A person's character is only as good as their word. God's good name is connected to the innerancy of His Word. In this study we learn the principle of divine preservation and deepen our conviction in the trustworthiness of the Bible. (0976250327) ----more----  How Can I Know the Bible Is Right? Psalm 119 is the Psalm of the Scriptures. In fact, of the 176 verses in Psalm 119, all but two make a definite reference to the word of God in some way. It is a powerful Psalm, and right in the middle of it, we read these words: Psalm 119:89 says, "Forever, oh Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." What does it mean? It means the word of God never changes. So the question is, "Can I trust the Bible?" We've been talking about the fact that God gave His word, He revealed Himself in Scripture, and he inspired the very words of Scripture to be written down by men. He used men to convey his truth to men, but he did it in such a way that we hold in our hands the perfect word of the living God. Can you trust it? There are so many proofs that the word of God can be trusted.  Historical and Scientific Proofs of the Bible For example, there's historical proof. Think of all the fulfilled prophecy in scripture. Did you know that about 30% of your Bible is prophecy? Think of that. There's no real prophecy in any of the other what are referred to as holy books outside the Bible. All of these religions have their holy books, but read them carefully, and you'll find that one of the vastween them and scripture is that the word of the living God is full of very exact differences bet prophecies. Andcies have already been fulfilled exactly as scores of those specific prophe God said. It's an accurate book. The Bible lines up perfectly with proven historical records. As a matter of fact, even archeology has begun to prove the Bible's claims. For years, historians said there was no such group as the Hittites, for example, no such group as the Hittites that was given in scripture. That was a myth. And yet archeology has now proven the Bible's claims of a group known as the Hittite. It's proven the historical existence of David and a united kingdom (Israel). 100% of the time, after all the evidence was in the Bible, it was vindicated. Now, I'm not saying that to say that we vindicate the Bible with external things. Remember that we accept the word of God by faith. We come to God by faith that he can be trusted. I'm simply saying that the word of God is accurate in every way. Scientifically, for example, the Bible revealed truth beyond its years. Leviticus 17:11 talks about the life of the flesh being in the blood. We've only really discovered that in the last few hundred years - this use of blood. Job 26:7 tells us that the earth is suspended in space. Isaiah 40:22 that tells us the Earth is round. Luke 17 tells us that the earth revolves on its axis. Genesis 22:17 tells us that the stars are more than can be counted. Genesis 1 tells us that plants and animals reproduce after their own kind or species. Hebrews 1:2 tells us that there are other worlds or planets. Job 28 25 tells us the air has weight. Psalm 8:8 tells us the ocean has currents. I'm saying to you that the God of all truth can be trusted.  What is the Preservation of Scripture? And so we've come today to another thing that must be discussed when you're studying what the Bible says about the word of God. We've talked about revelation, we've talked about inspiration. Let's talk today about preservation. What does preservation mean? It literally means that God Almighty, who was powerful enough to give his word, is powerful enough to preserve his word to every generation. Now I wanna give you a number of scriptures that may help with this in your own mind.  Scriptural Evidence of Preservation Listen to the words of Psalm 12:6-7. "The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times." Now listen to this. "Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever." I hear people say I believe God may have given his word perfectly the first time, but after all of these years. Certainly it's been tainted by man, wait a minute. The same God who gave his word is powerful enough to preserve His word to every generation. That includes our generation. How about Psalm 33:11, "The council of the Lord standeth forever. The thoughts of his heart to all generations." We're in the all generations. How about Psalm 100:5? And by the way, for every verse I'm showing you today there are a dozen more just like it. I'm just giving you a little sample here. Psalm 100:5 says, "For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations." I want to remind you that the character of the word is tied to the character of the God of the Word. So if you want to agree that the Lord is good, if you want to agree that His mercy is everlasting, then you must agree that His truth endured to all generations. Psalm 105:8 says this, "He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."  In other words, it's hyperbole. There's no end to God's truth. There's no end to his word to us.  God's Word Is Eternal I go back to Psalm 119, this great psalm of the scriptures. I told you it's full of the word of God. Listen to Psalm 119:152, "Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou has founded them," and here's the word that just keeps popping up over and over again, "forever." We believe that our God is the eternal God, and because of that, we believe that His word is the eternal word. Nothing and no one will ever change that. I remember reading the story years ago of a man who hated the word of God, and he made it his mission to stamp out as many copies of the scripture in his lifetime in his country as he possibly could. And so he spent great sums of money gathering copies of the word of God and burning them and destroying them. When he died, one of the Bible societies purchased his home and made it a center for Bible distribution in that part of the world. Don't tell me that God doesn't have a sense of humor. Men are gonna pass away. The ideas of men are going to pass away. The word the Lord stands forever. How about Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withereth. The flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand." You know the word forever. He is a forever God. Let's let the Lord Jesus speak to this. Go to the New Testament, Matthew 24:35. Listen to the very words of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." If you come to the end of the New Testament and let Peter, one of the first disciples testify. He says in 1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." All through scripture, you see the word of God being preserved. Examples of Preservation in Scripture For example, in Deuteronomy, the scroll of Moses was placed inside the Ark of the Covenant under the cherub's wings. What a beautiful picture In Joshua 24:26 Joshua's written additions to what God gave him to write down were placed in a safeguarded place. First Samuel 10:25, the words of Samuel were placed in the Holy of Holies. The Lord made sure that Moses had a handwritten copy of the scriptures given a second time. You remember that the priest were given the responsibility in Deuteronomy 17:18 to make copies of the scriptures, and later scribes were appointed for that job. That's what Ezra was with a scribe. Why would God take such care of preserving his word? Because he wanted us to have it Preservation. Is God extending his truth perfectly to every generation? We believe that those scribes took care of the Old Testament Scriptures. The apostles took care of the New Testament scriptures, but God took care of it all. And here's the amazing thing, did you know the Bible speaks more of preservation than it does inspiration? It's not a lesser doctrine. So if you're gonna believe that God gave his word, you have to also believe that God has preserved his word to every generation. Would you stop today and just thank God that you have the preserved word of the living God, perfectly given to us in our generation, just as God gave it and rejoice today that you're serving the God of eternal truth? Outro and Resources Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of Scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content, and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening and we hope you'll join us next time on Enjoying the Journey. 

The author of Hebrews continues to reference Old Testament Scripture to make a defense for the superiority of Christ over all things. The earthly tabernacle is but a shadow of the heavens, where Christ serves as great high priest. He has made a superior sacrifice, shedding His own blood rather than that of goats, bulls, or rams. He oversees a new covenant, where the law is written on the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him. Men and women of faith who came before Him were waiting for the promise of His coming. In Him, we haven't come to Mt Sinai, but Mount Zion, where Christ intercedes on our behalf. Hebrews 10 - 1:15 . Hebrews 11 - 8:02 . Hebrews 12 - 16:13 . Hebrews 13 - 21:58 . Psalm 28 - 26:18 . Psalm 29 - 27:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org