Podcasts about perfecter

John 4:49-50 The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. The faith expressed by the official satisfied Jesus that His Father was working, and word of Christ satisfied the official. He needed no proof, in direct contrast to those Jesus rebuked for needing signs to believe. This man believed with no sign. He only needed the word of Christ. Let's notice that the faith the man had to return home with no sign or proof of his son's healing was generated by the word of Christ. At this point, there's no indication that the man believed Jesus was Lord or the Christ. He believed his son lived. However, we will discover in the next few verses that the official was on his way to a life-changing faith. Hebrews 12:3 describes Jesus as the author and perfecter of faith. This man fixed his eyes, his hope on Jesus, and when Jesus said the son lives, he took Jesus at His word. That's exactly what Paul said about faith in Romans 10:17. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” As in this case, God often uses storms in life and crises to initiate movement toward His Son. Knowing this encourages us to be alert to those God puts in our paths who are hurting, hungry, thirsty, and in desperate need. To love them well, we point them to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. We want to lead them into an encounter with Him that will be life-changing. The best way to lead someone to a life-changing encounter with Jesus is to share with them the word of Christ—the promises of God given to us through His Son. John 14:6 comes to mind. Jesus said that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that He alone is the way to the Father. John 11:25-26 is another good one. Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” In times of trouble, Hebrews 4:14-16 is one of my favorite. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Do you have some favorite verses in your mind ready to share when God puts someone like this official in your path who is desperately in need of help? I hope you'll collect a few and be prepared to love them with Jesus by sharing His word. You never know how God is working until you give the word of Christ to someone. Paul said the gospel is the power of God for salvation in Romans 1:16. May the Spirit of God prepare us and work through us today as we live to love with Jesus. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

May 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 16:12-22Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27; Luke 11:37-54“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:21-22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  As each of our children was coming into the world, I remember the labor process well. I remember the easiest natural birth when my wife and I were walking around the hospital waiting for the contractions to bring the birth. Especially I remember my poor, obvious, and generally unsuccessful attempts to distract her from the labor pains. I also remember the planned C-Section, which seemed oddly effortless as far as the actual birthing process went. Then I remember the long labors when my wife expressed her pain and fatigue. Most of all, I remember how every time there was joy in the new life my wife held in her arms when the work was finished. This is life in the world as Christians, isn't it? Sometimes our life in the world is relatively painless, and we get to see the joy easily. Sometimes, it's difficult, but we can still get through it relatively unscathed. Then there are those times when we have no idea how we'll finish the course.  Jesus' warning here tells us that the end is attainable, and it is attainable by the joy that is to come. In fact, what we see is that He is our joy. He is the One on whom we fix our eyes, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and scorned its shame. What do I mean? I mean that as Christ has loved us, He has carried our sin to the cross to redeem us. He has desired that we would be with Him in the joy of His Eternal Kingdom, and so He has suffered what our sin deserves. He has experienced with that the suffering of death. But in His resurrection on the First Easter is the promise that all suffering has been overcome.  So why still the birth pangs and the suffering now? Because through this, He forms us as those clinging to Him and to His promises of eternal life alone. Through this, He promises us, promises you that as you are His baptized child, as you have been born that child out of the water and the Spirit, you will have eternal joy with Him. But it's that baptismal promise that becomes the way He also strengthens you to endure it. It's hard now, but the light of that life with Him is the light shining at the end of the tunnel of this suffering. It's shining and brightening your life even now so you would know He will never leave you nor forsake you in it.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

If we need any more instruction this week concerning the topic of the members of the body of Christ learning how to live at peace with one another and nurture redeemed-affection amongst our number, we must of course look to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of the faith, as both gift and exemplar of how we are to live in reverence and awe before God and men. The greatest strength of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ can also be her greatest liability - the people themselves who are called to worship and work together. Like any army, when the function as one unit they are a force to be reckoned with, but if there is fear, selfishness, and laziness amongst the ranks then they surely cannot stand against the enemy, nor devote themselves to protecting and serving one another. Who is responsible for the peace? All of us are, but especially the strong, the mature, those who are most aware of the objective and how to get there. In order then for there to be peace, and for love to be manifested amongst us we must be willing and ready to bear with each other's burdens, as we look to Christ our model, and be devoted to the instruction of the Scriptures that brings maturity to all. The goal then of mutual reception and so love is to be a city on a hill that shines before all the beauty, glory, and necessity of the Cross to live as those reconciled to the Triune Lord and to our neighbors. Do you wish to be a faithful member of the body, then get ready to carry someone else when needed, to lay down your life for your neighbor, and deny all that stands in the way of doing these two things. Let's go!Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm

Pastor David preaches from Hebrews 13:20-25Three Desires for the Believer:(vv. 20-12) They are equipped.(v. 22) They are exhorted.(vv. 23-25) They are engaged.

Markiplier presents, "A Heist with Bob & Wade." This episode is brought to you by Degree Deodorant. Grab the original Cool Rush at Walmart or Target today. Download the Rocket Money app now, and tell them we sent you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pastor David preaches on Hebrews 13:15-19 as he reminds us about three marks of those who identify with Christ (by faith).(vv15-16) They continually offer PRAISEHebrews 13:13-14, Hebrews 12:22, 28-29, Ephesians 5:20, (John 1:29), Romans 12:1 (CSB), Psalm 50:14-15, 16, 1 Peter 2:4-5, Romans 12:13, Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 10:24-25, Philippians 4:18, Micah 6:7-8(v17) They willingly OBEY(Ephesians 4:11-12), Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-3 (NIV), 3 John 1:4,(2LBC: Ch. 26, Para. 3)(vv18-19) They diligently PRAY.Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12 (CSB), 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:25 

All over the world today people are celebrating the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ - the Author and Perfecter of our faith. The truth of the Gospel - the Good News - never wearies or grows old..... and this message by Pastor Judith will be like hearing it again for the first time - it's full of life, revelation and wonder-working power.

This exposition focuses on Hebrews 13:7-9, emphasizing the characteristics of a faithful Christian. The passage encourages believers to remember their leaders who have spoken the Word of God, consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. It also highlights the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ and warns against being led away by diverse and strange teachings, urging Christians to be strengthened by grace.Key PointsRemembering Leaders: Christians are called to remember and consider their local leaders who faithfully teach God's Word. These leaders are examples of faith and practice, and their lives should reflect a love for and devotion to God's Word.Imitating Faith: Believers are encouraged to imitate the faith of their leaders, not because they are perfect, but because their lives point to Christ. This includes observing their doctrine and how they live it out.Christ's Unchanging Nature: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This truth provides stability and assurance for Christians, especially in times of hardship and change.Warning Against False Teachings: Christians are warned not to be led away by diverse and strange teachings. Instead, they should rely on the grace of God for spiritual strength, rather than outward practices or traditions.ApplicationPray for and support local church leaders who faithfully teach God's Word.Examine the lives and teachings of leaders to ensure they align with Scripture.Hold firmly to the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ and His Word.Be cautious of teachings that deviate from the gospel and rely on God's grace for spiritual growth.

Pastor David preaches from Hebrews 12:25-29.(v. 25) A warning against rejecting God's Word(vv. 26-27) Old Testament promise of New Kingdom(vv. 28-29) The unshakable kingdom of God.

Pastor David preaches on Hebrews 12:18-24 in our study through the book of Hebrews.OUTLINE:(vv18-21) The earthly covenant at Mt. Sinai;(vv22-24) The heavenly covenant at Mt. Zion.

In the first episode of our weekly Lenten series, we invite you to take a moment to slow down, quiet your heart, and hear what God may be saying to you. Throughout the season of Lent, we'll be releasing weekly episodes focused on themes of reflection, prayer, and contemplation.On March 19, 2021 we were delighted to host Christian author, leader, and teacher, Ruth Haley Barton. Barton is founding President/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of Christian leaders and the congregations and organizations they serve. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership and Sacred Rhythms. She reflects regularly on spirituality and leadership in her blog, Beyond Words, and on her podcast Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.We hope you enjoy this conversation around her book, Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence. Our attention, Barton believes, has become a commodity that we must protect if we are to avoid being swept away by our distracted age. She invites listeners to engage in these ancient biblical practices to find the rest for our souls that Jesus promises. In this Lenten season, we hope this will inspire you to pursue God's transforming presence in new ways and contemplatively sit in solitude and silence with the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Learn more about Ruth Haley Barton. Watch the full Online Conversation and read the transcript from March 19, 2021. Related reading:A Shocking Lack of Solitude, Cherie Harder Authors and books mentioned in the conversation:Blaise PascalJohn MiltonC.S. LewisRichard RohrDallas WillardHenry NouwenShop Class as Soulcraft, by Matthew B. CrawfordRabbi Abraham Joshua HeschelJulian of NorwichInvitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence, by Ruth Haley Barton Related Trinity Forum Readings:Confessions | A Trinity Forum Reading by St. Augustine, introduced by James K.A. Smith.Pilgrim at Tinker Creek | A Trinity Forum Reading by Annie Dillard, introduced by Tish Harrison Warren.Devotions | A Trinity Forum Reading by John Donne, introduced and paraphrased by Philip Yancey.The Long Loneliness | A Trinity Forum Reading by Dorothy Day, introduced by Anne and David Brooks.Wrestling with God | A Trinity Forum Reading by Simone Weil, introduced by Alonzo McDonald.The Pilgrim's Progress | A Trinity Forum Reading by John Bunyan, introduced by Alonzo McDonald.

Join Pastor Clay NeSmith as he kicks off a new teaching series titled "Who is Jesus?" He explores the foundational importance of placing our faith in the right object—Jesus Christ. Using Hebrews 11-12 as his primary text, Pastor Clay explains how Jesus is both the author and perfecter of our faith. He demonstrates how faith is like a tool that can be either destructive or constructive depending on where it's directed.

Big idea: Endure the race by faith. 1. Look to Jesus as you run the race (v.1-3)   2. Endure God's Discipline for your good (v. 4-11) 3. Strive for peace with others and for holiness (v.12-17)  

In this exposition on Hebrews 12:1-2 Pastor David reminds us of the importance to endure and run the race of the Christian run. OUTLINE:(v1a) Old Testament witnesses of faith;(v1b) encouraged and exhorted to endure;(v2) Jesus our founder and perfecter.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025   “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24   “Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words, and he does them, I will liken him to a wise man who, he built his house upon the rock” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told those who claimed to do things in His name but who do not do His Father's will that He never knew them and to depart from Him. He now makes a general conclusion concerning the things He has been saying, beginning with, “Therefore, everyone – whoever he hears these, My words.”   Jesus is summing up the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount which began in Matthew 5:1. There, it specifically said that when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. From there it said, “Then He opened His mouth and taught them.”   Despite this being an address specifically to them, the coming verses will show that it was a larger crowd gathered there who listened. These were all people of Israel, living under the Law of Moses, and who anticipated the coming of Messiah.   It is clear from His discourse that He is speaking with the authority of the Father, whether they each realize it or not. Regardless of whether all did or not, He has set forth precepts that have shown the higher standard expected of the law. If the people accepted His words, they would see that more was required than mere rote observance.   God is looking at the heart and intent behind what people do. All of this instruction, then, is pointing beyond the law to faith in Him. Jesus is giving them the final tutoring under the law in His ministry. When He is complete, and His work is finished, He will offer a new direction based on His tutoring. It is a foundation that is based on Him and His words.   That continues to be seen with His next words, “and he does them.” Jesus has said a lot in these three chapters. However, the key point in what He has said is to be found in verse 5:17 –   “You, deem not that I came to disintegrate the law or the prophets. Not, I came to disintegrate but to fulfill” (CG).   Jesus didn't come to ignore the law. Nor did He come to tell people they didn't need to do the things of the law. Remember that He is talking to Israel under the law. They were bound to it. If He told them they didn't have to do the things of the law, He would be violating the words of the Lord in the law.   However, He came to both do them and fulfill them. In doing so, He could then introduce a New Covenant with a new direction for the people. Hence, doing His words, as He just said, is inclusive of what He will say throughout His ministry. It is not limited to the words of these three chapters. That was seen in verse 7:21 –   “Not all, the ‘saying to Me, “Lord, Lord,”' he will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father the ‘in heavens'” (CG).   One cannot tear the Sermon in the Mount out of the rest of the book and say, “You must do these things, and you will stand approved.” As was seen in the commentary on verse 7:21, doing the will of the Father is equated to doing the works of God. And those works, according to John 6:29, are to believe in the Son whom the Father has sent.   For those who do such, Jesus continues with, “I will liken him to a sagacious man who, he built his house upon the rock.”   Jesus introduces a few new words. The first in phronimos, sagacious. In Greek, the word sophos refers to being wise, learned, skilled, etc. It focuses on practical skills or acumen. The word phronimos a cautious character. He has keen mental discernment and good judgment.   The next new word is oikodomeó, to be a house builder. Thus, it is to construct or figuratively to confirm something. The word ultimately comes from oikos, house, and demō, to build a house.   Finally, the word petra, stone, or rock, is used. It is the basis for the name Peter. But this doesn't mean Peter is the first pope and that Catholicism is the basis and approved structure of the Christian faith. That will be explained in Matthew 16. A leap like that is unfounded and should be demolished (house destroyed) immediately.   Jesus is saying that His words are the rock upon which one's house, his structure of life and faith, should be built. In doing so, there will be a firm foundation. Paul uses the metaphorical use of the word house when referring to our bodies in 2 Corinthians –   “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1   As for the rock, Jesus is making a claim that His words are authoritative and have the approval of God. The rock metaphor is found throughout the Old Testament. An example directly from Moses explains the meaning –   “For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God. 4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:3, 4   Life application: What will be our foundation in our spiritual walk? Will it be a particular church? It is incredible to see how sheeple will follow Roman Catholicism, even right over a ledge of wickedness and perversion to their destruction.   Others build their house on their own deeds, trying to earn their place in heaven through law observance, taking Jesus' words out of their overall context, and claiming that is the way to be pleasing to God.   But Jesus is incrementally instructing His people in their need for Him. There is a logical progression of thought being presented from the first pages of the Bible. Each step is part of a much larger body of history that has been recorded to show us what God is doing as He directs our attention to Jesus.   Stopping at any particular step or ignoring the focus of God's calling of our attention to Jesus will result in a faulty understanding of what we are being shown. The point of Jesus' coming is not to establish something beyond Himself, like a church filled with sexually deviant priests. Nor is it to show us how we must repeat what Jesus has already done by observing the Law of Moses.   Rather, we are to direct our attention to Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 sums it up, “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” (CG). Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.   Heavenly Father, may we rightly consider Your plan of redemption, understanding that Jesus is the focus of it and that in honoring Jesus, we are honoring You. Help us to never forget this fundamental point in our lives. Amen.  

I have officiated dozens of funerals over the years as a pastor, which means that I was involved in the planning of the service, the delivery of a sermon, and some form of committal service involving the burial of the deceaseds body or placement of the ashes of those bodies that were cremated. The first funeral I officiated was that of my 47-year-old father and since I have been responsible for burying people of all ages as young as grade school to the oldest who was 101 years old. I have been asked to memorialize people from all walks of life, many of whom loved and walked with Jesus as fellow Christians and some who were not Christian. The one thing that every one of the funerals and memorial services I officiated have in common is that every family and friend of the diseased who asked me to officiate the service of their loved one believed and articulated their belief that he/she was in a better place. Just as the old spiritual is true: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. So, it is true that we will grope for reasons to believe that our loved ones are in a better place regardless of what they believed or even how they lived. Most people do not want death for anyone they love, and when death does come, we want heaven for those we love. After officiating so many funerals, I had come to the place in my experience as a pastor that I believed that I had experienced just about everything there was to experience related to funerals and grieving family member. I am old enough and have seen enough to know better. I remember Ian Whites family who reached out to Northwest Baptist Church (the first church I served as the Lead Pastor in Colorado). Ian was not a Christian, nor was his family; he was found dead on the front steps of his apartment and was 34 years old. I remember their response when I sat down with them to plan Ians memorial service and their request after I asked if they would like a song or two for those present to sing in honor of Ians life. I expected something like Amazing Grace, but Ians family wanted everyone to sing Free Birdby Lynyrd Skynyrd. I remember a woman who started attending the church I planted in Colorado and the grief she carried with her with the death of her husband. I still remember the Sunday she wanted me to know that her dead husband was with her. In that moment I thought she meant his spirit or memory, but no... I discovered what she meant when she opened her purse to show me the urn that contained the ashes of her deceased husband. She brought the urn with her every Sunday she came, and I believe that she even sat her husbands urn on the chair next to her. I guess for this woman, the better place for her husband was in her purse. How do you know if a person who has died is really in a better place? What evidence does one have to make such a claim? What Happens After We Die? One of the things I say at every funeral is that when we die, we will experience the immediate judgment we are warned about throughout the Bible. In Hebrews 9:27-28, we have one such warning: And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. But what kind of judgment are we destined to face? To begin, you need to know that there are two types of judgment every human will face, the first has to do with where our disembodied soul must go, which is temporary. The second judgment we will all face is permanent. For the Christian, the day that you die will be the moment you will be in the presence of Jesus just as we are promised in the Bible: Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lordfor we walk by faith, not by sightbut we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-8). Jesus told a parable in the Gospel of Luke about a rich man who lived a life of luxury while ignoring the poor man by the name of Lazarus (not to be confused with Jesus friend who Jesus raised to life in John 11:1ff.). In Jesus parable, both men died; Lazarus soul went to where Abrahams soul dwelled while the rich mans soul went to Hades where he suffered torment. Of Hades, the rich man begged for a drop of water to ease his torment because, his words: I am in agony in this flame (see Luke 16:19-31). Before Jesus told His parable about the rich man and Lazarus, He said this about money: No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Luke 16:13). The rich man was not in hell because he ignored Lazarus, he was in hell because he loved his money more than God. Had he loved God, he would not have been able to ignore Lazarus. Jesus spoke more about hell than he did about love or heaven, and he did so for a reason. He spoke so much about hell because he came, to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). The reason why Jesus described the distance between the rich man in hell and Lazarus in heaven as a great chasm is because hell is the place where those are sent who, will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thess. 1:9). Jesus described the place the rich man went to immediately after he died in the following ways: A place of torture (Matt. 18:34), a place where the wicked are cut to pieces (Matt. 24:51), and a place of scourging (Luke 12:47-48), a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12; 13:42; 24:51; Luke 13:20), and a place of outer darkness (Matt. 22:13; 25:30). Just as there is a new heaven and earth that is promised to the Christian, at the same time there will exist the lake of fire where the devil and his demons will be cast into forever. The lake of fire is described as a place where, ...their worm will not die and their fire will not be extinguished; and they will be an abhorrence to all mankind (Isa. 66:24b). In Revelation 20:11-15 we are told of a second judgment that we all will face: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.... Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyones name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. There are only one of two outcomes every person will face the moment of death: eternal life with Jesus that will eventually include a physical resurrection and life on a new and resurrected earth, or eternal death apart from Jesus that will eventually result in eternity in the lake of fire. Neither the lake of fire nor a resurrected life with Jesus on a new earth are temporary, but eternal. So, the question we need to answer is if it is true that every person who dies is in a better place? Jesus Is the Hope of a Better Place There are scores of Bible passages we could have looked at today to discover whether it is true or not that all people eventually go to a better place after they die, but I thought we could settle on Revelation 1:12-18. For me, this is one of the most hopeful and encouraging passages in all the Bible! In verses 12-16, we are given certain details about Jesus to clue us into who He really is. There is a lot packed into these verses that we simply do not have the time to examine, but there are some things that I must show you in order to address the topic of this sermon. Jesus is a Better High Priest First, Jesus is a better priest. Every year, on the Day of Atonement, a high priest would go into the temple in Jerusalem to enter a place called the Holies of Holies to bring a sin offering into the presence of God on behalf of Israel. The high priest would do it with a rope around him just in case he died, and his corpse had to be pulled out due to any sin not yet addressed in his own life before entering. The High Priest wore a long robe and was fitted with a type of belt or sash that was laced with gold. Once a year, every year, the High Priest would act as a representative and advocate for all of Israel. As you know, Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for our sins; when John turned to see the voice that was speaking, He saw Jesus dressed as a High Priest because the sacrifice He made was sufficient to cover all our sins for all time, once and for all. For this reason, Hebrews describes Jesus in the following way: But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things having come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all time, having obtained eternal redemption (Heb. 9:11-12). Jesus is the Only Sufficient Savior What follows in verses 14-17 are characteristics which reveal why Jesus is sufficient to redeem and save sinners such as us. First, His hair is white like wool and as bright as snow because He is profoundly and divinely wise. Yes, Jesus is fully man, but He is also fully God; Jesus is the Son and at the same time He is the ancient of Days with all the wisdom of eternity (see Dan. 7:9-14). Second, Jesus eyes were like a flame of fire which speak of His ability to see and know all things as God can only do. Third, His feet were like burnished bronze to symbolize His omnipotent strength to judge the nations, crush Satan, and triumph over death as the author and giver of life. Forth, Jesus holds the seven stars that serve as the seven messengers to the churches of which He holds in the palm of His hand; the point is that Jesus is also divinely sovereign. Fifth, out of the mouth of the Savior comes a sharp two-edged sword symbolizing His right to Judge as King of kings and Lord of lords. Sixth, the face of Jesus shines like a powerful sun because of His holiness, majesty, and absolute beauty as One worthy of our worship because He is God. Jesus is presented in Revelation 1:14-16 in the way that He is because of what Adam lost in the garden due to his sin and rebellion; Jesus is the only One qualified to redeem what was lost, for He is the second and greater Adam who is fully man and fully God in one Person. Simply put, because of Adams sin, we are sinners under a curse that God alone is able to sufficiently and completely reverse; Jesus was qualified to do just that! Jesus is the Great I AM The One titled the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), the Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8), the Pioneer and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:1-2), and the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), is the first and the last. Where else have we seen that kind of language: I am the first and the last? I will tell you! We see it in a host of passages, but Isaiah 44:6 will suffice: This is what the Lord says, He who is the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of armies: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. Because He is the first and the last He conquered death because, as the Living One, ...it was impossible for Him to be held in its power (Acts 2:24). When John saw Jesus, he fell at His feet like a dead man, but Jesus declared to him: Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore... John had no reason to fear because Jesus stood as a greater High Priest on Johns behalf, He was the sufficient savior John spent a lifetime following, and Jesus was the only One qualified to pay the penalty for Johns sin by becoming a curse in his place. John not only believed this, but trusted that Jesus was all that he needed, and that is why he had not need to fear. Conclusion This Jesus is the Almighty and the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:12-13). He is the Author of Life (Acts 3:15). He is the Bread from Heaven (John 6:32), the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and the Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) and He is the Deliverer (Rom. 11:26). He is the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm (John 10:11). He is the rightful Heir of All Things (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14), the Horn of our Salvation (Luke 1:69), and the Great I Am (John 8:58-59). He is the Light of the World (John 8:12), the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7), the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)! If all who die eventually go to a better place when there exists a very real hell designed by God for the punishment of sinners, then why did Jesus who is the first and the last willingly take on flesh to become like us for the purpose of dying for us to redeem sinners like us? If some dont go to a better place, but most morally good people do, then why did Jesus say in conclusion to His sermon on the mount: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:13-14). If religious people end up going to a better place, then why did Jesus warn us of the following possibility? Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness (Matt. 7:22-23). If there is another way to a better place other than through and with Jesus, then why in the world did He so confidently and boldly declare the following: If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26) There is a judgment we must all face. The verdict from the moment of conception is this: ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), and judgment for our guilt: The wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord.

I have officiated dozens of funerals over the years as a pastor, which means that I was involved in the planning of the service, the delivery of a sermon, and some form of committal service involving the burial of the deceaseds body or placement of the ashes of those bodies that were cremated. The first funeral I officiated was that of my 47-year-old father and since I have been responsible for burying people of all ages as young as grade school to the oldest who was 101 years old. I have been asked to memorialize people from all walks of life, many of whom loved and walked with Jesus as fellow Christians and some who were not Christian. The one thing that every one of the funerals and memorial services I officiated have in common is that every family and friend of the diseased who asked me to officiate the service of their loved one believed and articulated their belief that he/she was in a better place. Just as the old spiritual is true: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. So, it is true that we will grope for reasons to believe that our loved ones are in a better place regardless of what they believed or even how they lived. Most people do not want death for anyone they love, and when death does come, we want heaven for those we love. After officiating so many funerals, I had come to the place in my experience as a pastor that I believed that I had experienced just about everything there was to experience related to funerals and grieving family member. I am old enough and have seen enough to know better. I remember Ian Whites family who reached out to Northwest Baptist Church (the first church I served as the Lead Pastor in Colorado). Ian was not a Christian, nor was his family; he was found dead on the front steps of his apartment and was 34 years old. I remember their response when I sat down with them to plan Ians memorial service and their request after I asked if they would like a song or two for those present to sing in honor of Ians life. I expected something like Amazing Grace, but Ians family wanted everyone to sing Free Birdby Lynyrd Skynyrd. I remember a woman who started attending the church I planted in Colorado and the grief she carried with her with the death of her husband. I still remember the Sunday she wanted me to know that her dead husband was with her. In that moment I thought she meant his spirit or memory, but no... I discovered what she meant when she opened her purse to show me the urn that contained the ashes of her deceased husband. She brought the urn with her every Sunday she came, and I believe that she even sat her husbands urn on the chair next to her. I guess for this woman, the better place for her husband was in her purse. How do you know if a person who has died is really in a better place? What evidence does one have to make such a claim? What Happens After We Die? One of the things I say at every funeral is that when we die, we will experience the immediate judgment we are warned about throughout the Bible. In Hebrews 9:27-28, we have one such warning: And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. But what kind of judgment are we destined to face? To begin, you need to know that there are two types of judgment every human will face, the first has to do with where our disembodied soul must go, which is temporary. The second judgment we will all face is permanent. For the Christian, the day that you die will be the moment you will be in the presence of Jesus just as we are promised in the Bible: Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lordfor we walk by faith, not by sightbut we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-8). Jesus told a parable in the Gospel of Luke about a rich man who lived a life of luxury while ignoring the poor man by the name of Lazarus (not to be confused with Jesus friend who Jesus raised to life in John 11:1ff.). In Jesus parable, both men died; Lazarus soul went to where Abrahams soul dwelled while the rich mans soul went to Hades where he suffered torment. Of Hades, the rich man begged for a drop of water to ease his torment because, his words: I am in agony in this flame (see Luke 16:19-31). Before Jesus told His parable about the rich man and Lazarus, He said this about money: No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Luke 16:13). The rich man was not in hell because he ignored Lazarus, he was in hell because he loved his money more than God. Had he loved God, he would not have been able to ignore Lazarus. Jesus spoke more about hell than he did about love or heaven, and he did so for a reason. He spoke so much about hell because he came, to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). The reason why Jesus described the distance between the rich man in hell and Lazarus in heaven as a great chasm is because hell is the place where those are sent who, will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thess. 1:9). Jesus described the place the rich man went to immediately after he died in the following ways: A place of torture (Matt. 18:34), a place where the wicked are cut to pieces (Matt. 24:51), and a place of scourging (Luke 12:47-48), a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12; 13:42; 24:51; Luke 13:20), and a place of outer darkness (Matt. 22:13; 25:30). Just as there is a new heaven and earth that is promised to the Christian, at the same time there will exist the lake of fire where the devil and his demons will be cast into forever. The lake of fire is described as a place where, ...their worm will not die and their fire will not be extinguished; and they will be an abhorrence to all mankind (Isa. 66:24b). In Revelation 20:11-15 we are told of a second judgment that we all will face: Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.... Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyones name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. There are only one of two outcomes every person will face the moment of death: eternal life with Jesus that will eventually include a physical resurrection and life on a new and resurrected earth, or eternal death apart from Jesus that will eventually result in eternity in the lake of fire. Neither the lake of fire nor a resurrected life with Jesus on a new earth are temporary, but eternal. So, the question we need to answer is if it is true that every person who dies is in a better place? Jesus Is the Hope of a Better Place There are scores of Bible passages we could have looked at today to discover whether it is true or not that all people eventually go to a better place after they die, but I thought we could settle on Revelation 1:12-18. For me, this is one of the most hopeful and encouraging passages in all the Bible! In verses 12-16, we are given certain details about Jesus to clue us into who He really is. There is a lot packed into these verses that we simply do not have the time to examine, but there are some things that I must show you in order to address the topic of this sermon. Jesus is a Better High Priest First, Jesus is a better priest. Every year, on the Day of Atonement, a high priest would go into the temple in Jerusalem to enter a place called the Holies of Holies to bring a sin offering into the presence of God on behalf of Israel. The high priest would do it with a rope around him just in case he died, and his corpse had to be pulled out due to any sin not yet addressed in his own life before entering. The High Priest wore a long robe and was fitted with a type of belt or sash that was laced with gold. Once a year, every year, the High Priest would act as a representative and advocate for all of Israel. As you know, Jesus died on a cross as the Lamb of God for our sins; when John turned to see the voice that was speaking, He saw Jesus dressed as a High Priest because the sacrifice He made was sufficient to cover all our sins for all time, once and for all. For this reason, Hebrews describes Jesus in the following way: But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things having come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all time, having obtained eternal redemption (Heb. 9:11-12). Jesus is the Only Sufficient Savior What follows in verses 14-17 are characteristics which reveal why Jesus is sufficient to redeem and save sinners such as us. First, His hair is white like wool and as bright as snow because He is profoundly and divinely wise. Yes, Jesus is fully man, but He is also fully God; Jesus is the Son and at the same time He is the ancient of Days with all the wisdom of eternity (see Dan. 7:9-14). Second, Jesus eyes were like a flame of fire which speak of His ability to see and know all things as God can only do. Third, His feet were like burnished bronze to symbolize His omnipotent strength to judge the nations, crush Satan, and triumph over death as the author and giver of life. Forth, Jesus holds the seven stars that serve as the seven messengers to the churches of which He holds in the palm of His hand; the point is that Jesus is also divinely sovereign. Fifth, out of the mouth of the Savior comes a sharp two-edged sword symbolizing His right to Judge as King of kings and Lord of lords. Sixth, the face of Jesus shines like a powerful sun because of His holiness, majesty, and absolute beauty as One worthy of our worship because He is God. Jesus is presented in Revelation 1:14-16 in the way that He is because of what Adam lost in the garden due to his sin and rebellion; Jesus is the only One qualified to redeem what was lost, for He is the second and greater Adam who is fully man and fully God in one Person. Simply put, because of Adams sin, we are sinners under a curse that God alone is able to sufficiently and completely reverse; Jesus was qualified to do just that! Jesus is the Great I AM The One titled the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), the Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8), the Pioneer and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:1-2), and the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), is the first and the last. Where else have we seen that kind of language: I am the first and the last? I will tell you! We see it in a host of passages, but Isaiah 44:6 will suffice: This is what the Lord says, He who is the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of armies: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. Because He is the first and the last He conquered death because, as the Living One, ...it was impossible for Him to be held in its power (Acts 2:24). When John saw Jesus, he fell at His feet like a dead man, but Jesus declared to him: Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore... John had no reason to fear because Jesus stood as a greater High Priest on Johns behalf, He was the sufficient savior John spent a lifetime following, and Jesus was the only One qualified to pay the penalty for Johns sin by becoming a curse in his place. John not only believed this, but trusted that Jesus was all that he needed, and that is why he had not need to fear. Conclusion This Jesus is the Almighty and the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:12-13). He is the Author of Life (Acts 3:15). He is the Bread from Heaven (John 6:32), the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and the Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) and He is the Deliverer (Rom. 11:26). He is the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm (John 10:11). He is the rightful Heir of All Things (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14), the Horn of our Salvation (Luke 1:69), and the Great I Am (John 8:58-59). He is the Light of the World (John 8:12), the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7), the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)! If all who die eventually go to a better place when there exists a very real hell designed by God for the punishment of sinners, then why did Jesus who is the first and the last willingly take on flesh to become like us for the purpose of dying for us to redeem sinners like us? If some dont go to a better place, but most morally good people do, then why did Jesus say in conclusion to His sermon on the mount: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:13-14). If religious people end up going to a better place, then why did Jesus warn us of the following possibility? Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness (Matt. 7:22-23). If there is another way to a better place other than through and with Jesus, then why in the world did He so confidently and boldly declare the following: If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26) There is a judgment we must all face. The verdict from the moment of conception is this: ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), and judgment for our guilt: The wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord.

HEBREWS - Hebrews 12:4-13, a look at the good news for adopted sinners: Grief now, joy to come

HEBREWS - Hebrews 12:1-3, a look at how to endure the race

Heavenly Father, As we step into 2025, we declare our deep hunger and thirst for more of You. We lay aside our own understanding, our own agendas, and the distractions of this world, and we fix our hearts on You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Father, we don't want to stay where we are. Take us deeper, draw us closer, and awaken us to the fullness of life in You. Let our hearts continually cry, “More of You, Lord!” In Jesus' name, Amen. https://worshipingmusician.org/teaching-music-store --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worshipingmusician/support

Pastor David continues our study in the book of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:29-31.OUTLINE:(v29) God's deliverance of Israel;(v30) Obeying what God has instructed;(v31) trusting in what God has promised.

Pastor David continues our study in Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:23-28.OUTLINE:(vv23-25) The faith of Moses and his parents;(v26)  reproach for Christ greater than treasures of earth;(vv27-28)  (and) looking to Him who is invisible.

Pastor David continues our study of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:20-22.OUTLINE:(v20) The promise of future blessings;(v21) Trust in the promises;(v22) (and) the hope of a better land.

Pastor David continues our study in the book of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:13-19, reminding us that by faith the Old Testament believers trusted what they could not see because God is faithful and trustworthy to accomplish what He promises.OUTLINE:(vv13-16)…Strangers and exiles on earth;(vv17-18)…Trusting promises despite testing;(v19)………Confidence in what God can do.

In this sermon Pastor David continues our study of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:8-12.(vv8-10) By faith Abraham obediently looked forward;(v11)By faith Sarah was strengthened to endure;(v12)(and) the promise realized through faith. 

In this final lesson from the Epistle to the Hebrews, we discuss that we worship God, knowing that He is the fulfillment of Scripture, the Great High Priest, the Author and Perfecter of faith. He is the only one who is worthy of our continued sacrifice!

Want better posture? Add some prone backbends to your routine...with this quick practice, you'll also get some moving meditation, twists, and hip openers, too!

Pastor David continues our study of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:4-7.OUTLINE:(v4) Able's acceptable sacrifice to God;(vv5-6) Enoch taken up for pleasing God;(v7) (and) Noah's reverent fear and obedience.

Pastor David continues our study in the book of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 11:1-3.OUTLINE:(v1) Confidence and conviction in things unseen;(v2) the faithful witness of old believers;(v3) (and) all things created by God's Word.

Pastor David continues our study in the book of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 10:32–39.OUTLINE:(vv32-34) A better possession that lasts;(vv35-36) endurance to do God's will;(vv37-39) (and) the perseverance of the saints.

Pastor David continues our study of Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 10:26-31.OUTLINE:(vv26-27) The fearful expectation for continued sin;(vv28-29) the outcome for rebels among the redeemed; (vv30-31) (and) the Lord's judgement of all.

When your faith waivers, when the weight and the sin tries to entangle you, remember what Jesus Christ has done for you on that cross. Remember what He endured for you, so that you will not grow weary!

Pastor David continues our study in Hebrews as he preaches on Hebrews 10:19-25.OUTLINE:(vv19-21) Confidence through Jesus' sacrifice;(vv22-23) drawing near and holding fast;(vv24-25) (and) considering Christ and His people.

Hebrews 12:2 states that Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith.” Today, Burk Parsons helps us understand what this verse means and how to apply this truth to our lives. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ask-ligonier/what-does-it-mean-that-christ-is-the-author-and-perfecter-of-our-faith/ Submit a biblical or theological question of your own by calling 1-800-607-9386 or by emailing an audio recording of your question to askligoniervm@ligonier.org. You can also receive real-time answers through our online chat service at https://ask.ligonier.org/. A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Pastor David continues our study of Hebrews 10 as he preaches us on Hebrews 10:11-18.OUTLINE:(vv11-14) Repetition replaced by a single sacrifice;(vv15-17) the promise of the NEW covenant(v18)     (and) the end of OLD offerings forever.

Pastor David returns to our study in the book of Hebrews as he preached on Hebrews 10:1-10.OUTLINE:(vv1-4)  A shadow of the true substance;(vv5-7)  the willing obedience of Christ;(vv8-10) sanctified once for all.

SermonMatthew 4:1-11September 1, 2024

What would it look like for you to take it easy and to let go of your record of wrongs? Perhaps, take a second to repent and then receive God's grace for you. He doesn't look at you and see every mistake you've ever made; He looks at you and sees the righteousness of Jesus. He loves you and will continue to help you. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How to Move Forward when Sin Keeps Returning By Kelly Balarie “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” – Prov. 29:11 NIV I feel so angry at myself, and I can't seem to let it go. Friends, I know, I know... God forgives me, so I need to forgive myself (in fact, I must forgive myself), but sometimes forgiving oneself is more easily said than done. The issue is -- I didn't overlook an offense and, therefore, became explosive in my tone of voice. I unleashed it on one I love. The issue is that this wasn't the first time this had happened either. It's embarrassing to say that I have done it a couple times in the last few years. The issue is that I had resolved not to do this, ever, and I did it again. Oh, the frustration of it all… Have you ever given full vent to your offense? It's so easy to do. In those moments where we're wronged or a slighted, it's easy to feel justified to be upset. The cause is righteous so, of course, we should stand up for it, with force. We know the action is right because we're standing up for a person.  We're standing up for God's truth, so we have every right to not let the other person believe a lie.  The need to release offense and to stand up for something – can feel so right, yet it can be executed all wrong. That's what I'm learning, anyway. For me? In those moments before I spoke, the words brewed inside, burning to be released. Finally, the second the other party provoked me – I hit a high-pressure point! Then, like a tea kettle screeching under the heat -- I gave full-vent to my anger. What pressures you to let loose your annoyance, anger or offense?“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” - Prov. 29:11 NIV Friends, I can't help but be confronted with the thought: Two wrongs don't make a right.  There is a way that seems right to a man but leads to death (see: Prov. 14:12). And there also a way that seems wrong to man but leads to calm in the end. In order to go the right way, we cannot permit feelings of flesh to hinder us from heeding God's Word.   And, what do you do if, much like me, all the actions you thought were right have led up to a million repeated wrongs? How do you handle the face of all your mistakes? Here, Proverbs 29:11 comes to mind again, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” We are foolish to give vent to anger, even towards ourselves.  Wisdom embraces calm and extends itself the grace of Jesus. Letting go, we can choose to take it easy. Why? Because Jesus' grace is always enough. Because Jesus' grace is equipping, empowering and enabling. Because Jesus' grace is alive and well.   This means, He will help us going forward. God is the Author and the Perfecter of our faith story and, best of all, our story is not over. God is still perfecting it. Here, we can take it easy on ourselves and let it go…God always has for us a fresh start in Christ Jesus. It's time to let go… Intersecting Faith & Life: What would it look like for you to take it easy and to let go of your record of wrongs? Perhaps, take a second to repent and then receive God's grace for you. He doesn't look at you and see every mistake you've ever made; He looks at you and sees the righteousness of Jesus. He loves you and will continue to help you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hebrews 12:1-11 ESVJesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Do Not Grow Weary3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,    nor be weary when reproved by him.6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,    and chastises every son whom he receives.”7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. For more information about Redeemer Church Lubbock visit our website at redeemerlubbock.org. 

What do we do when we come across an internet post targeting Christians but it seems off? Today I am walking through a post about deconstruction, what God honors, and the trajectory of two responses we can have when it comes to our questions and wrestlings. If this is your first time know that SPF exists to IDENTIFY the truth in God's Word in order to GROW a biblical Worldview so you can CULTIVATE fruitful Christian living. Today's is a discernment episode where I break down a recent internet post I came across about deconstruction and what God honors. --------------------------------Support the Podcast at $5 a month: Patreon.com/sheprovesfaithfulSign up for SPF Newsletter: sheprovesfaithful.com/newsletter--------------------------------The Post:IG/Facebook Post: Larissa Lee "Deconstructing isn't a threat to God. God honors the wrestlers, the doubters, the honest. Deconstructing is a threat to the status quo, to power structures, to control mechanism. And those things never back down quietly. Press on dear questioners. It is not God who opposes you."Deconstructing has become a popular term for those who were walking in a Christian evangelical lifestyle, but began to have doubts and questions about God and the Bible. The sad part is deconstruction might begin as a rejection of some truths in the Bible, but ultimately it leads many to a total rejection of Jesus and His atonement for sins on the cross.Here's the red flag of Deconstruction when it comes to doubting, wrestling, and asking questions: Where do you go for answers? What is the trajectory of the attitude of the heart?I want to juxtapose it with a Charles Spurgeon teaching on Psalm 25. There is a clear distinction in the attitude and trajectory of the heart.“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”Psalm 25:5When the believer has begun with trembling feet to walk in the way of  the Lord, he asks to be still led onward like a little child upheld by  its parent's helping hand, and he craves to be further instructed in the  alphabet of truth. Experimental teaching is the burden of this prayer.  David knew much, but he felt his ignorance, and desired to be still in  the Lord's school: four times over in two verses he applies for a  scholarship in the college of grace. It were well for many professors if  instead of following their own devices, and cutting out new paths of  thought for themselves, they would enquire for the good old ways of  God's own truth, and beseech the Holy Ghost to give them sanctified  understandings and teachable spirits. “For thou art the God of my salvation.” The Three-One Jehovah is the Author and Perfecter of salvation to his people. Reader, is he the God of your  salvation?"For the full devotion: https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2024/07/08Send me a Text Message.Support the Show.Support SPF $5 a month: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithfulSign Up for the SPF newsletter: sheprovesfaithful.com/newsletterIf you're enjoying the SPF Podcast, please leave a review on your favorite podcast player! Thank you!

Worship helps us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Message from Scott Riling on July 7, 2024

Hebrews 12:1-2 / Pastor Christian Simas

Do you lead a small group, sing on the worship team, or frequently volunteer around your church - and feel completely burnt out? In this program, Chip has a word for the overworked and overcommitted Christian as he continues his series, Less is More. Hear how sometimes even the most wholesome Christian activities can damage your spiritual health. Main PointsHebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3 Message Notes Additional Resource MentionsPrayer Journal About Chip IngramChip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.About Living on the EdgeLiving on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.Connect 888-333-6003 Website Chip Ingram App Instagram Facebook Twitter Partner With Us Donate Online 888-333-6003

What are you going through today? Problems, anxiety, heartache? Fix your eyes on Jesus. Not only is He the originator of faith, but He also helps us in our own races of faith. He knows that we can't do anything on our own, and He helps us as we're running our long marathons. Whatever your need, you can trust God to help you today.

In our media driven culture, it can be very easy to get caught up in following specific Christian leaders rather than pursuing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, Himself. In this weeks episode, Francis Chan helps us recognize the distractions of this celebrity-driven mentality and the pitfalls of comparing our faith with others. He challenges us to focus on Jesus, as the Author and Perfecter of our faith, rather than chasing personal glory within the Christian community.

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