Podcasts about Pharisees

JOHN 7:25-52 - LIVING WATER - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025"25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is [a]truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.”35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?”37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.”But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything abouSupport the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

John 8:3-6 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. Having failed the previous day to arrest Jesus, they hatched another plan to publicly shame Jesus and catch Him breaking the Law of Moses. Appealing to His obvious heart of mercy and penchant for forgiving sinners, while He was teaching in the temple, they placed before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. The cultural pressure to condemn, shame, and stone this woman would have been intense. The scribes and Pharisees knew the crowd. The only honorable thing to do in this case would be to execute her on the spot. If Jesus did what they thought He would do, exercise mercy and forgiveness, He would not only violate the Law of Moses by excusing and forgiving her but also run counter to the sentiments of the crowd. They could then condemn Jesus publicly for honoring the guilty woman and breaking both societal standards and the Law of Moses. They would have the crowd's support for condemning and executing Him. Those were the grounds of their accusations. Jesus knew what was happening, but He had one purpose in life—to glorify the Father by loving with Him. Gaining the crowd's approval or escaping the trap laid for Him by the scribes and Pharisees wasn't on His radar screen. He wasn't afraid of their accusations, rather His aim was to remain blameless in His Father's eyes. My encouragement today to live to love with Jesus is that we also would have one ambition, to be pleasing to God. We would be in good company. Not only do we see this in Jesus' life, but listen to what the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 5:9. "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." There is a real possibility that we might face the pressure to go with the flow of the culture or even religious traditions rather than do the loving thing in some situation at work or church. I'm not suggesting that we should take an accommodating position on adultery or any sin as defined by the Scriptures. As we will see, Jesus didn't excuse the woman or make light of her sin. My aim today is to encourage us to have as our ambition to be pleasing to the Lord in all that we do. We do that by embracing His purpose in life, to live to love with His Father for the glory and pleasure of the Father. I hope you'll set your heart on making God smile as He lives in you today. 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.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2025 Gospel Luke 14:1, 7-14 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-10; Matthew 23:25-28"Wow, Mom! Look at that huge caramel apple!" Zayne exclaimed when he and his mom walked into the grocery store. "Can I get it to take to school tomorrow?""Well, a regular apple would be better for you, but that one is a beauty," Mom said. "Okay. You can have it this time."During class the next morning, Zayne thought about the caramel apple in his lunch bag. His mouth watered as he imagined biting into it. He was glad when lunchtime finally came. Sandwich first, Zayne told himself. Then the carrot sticks. At last he pulled out the apple. He held it up to show his friends, and one of them tried to grab it. Zayne laughed and quickly bit into it. To his great dismay, the inside of the apple was soft and brown, and it tasted horrible! He tried to just eat the caramel on the outside, but he kept getting some of the soft apple with it.When Zayne got home, he opened the refrigerator to find a snack. There in the fruit bin were several shiny red apples. He looked at them, but chose a cheese stick instead. "I don't trust apples anymore," he told Mom when she took one out. "The one we bought yesterday was no good. I had to throw it away." "What a shame," said Mom, shaking her head. "It was so pretty!" She grinned at Zayne. "But you know, it's a good reminder of how we can be like that apple.""We can?" asked Zayne. "How?""People aren't always what they appear to be," Mom explained. "It's pretty easy for us to hide thoughts and feelings from other people--it's even possible for us to keep others from seeing sin we're holding on to in our lives. But we can't hide anything from God. He isn't fooled by false outer appearances because He sees our hearts. Even if no one else knows about wrong things we're doing or thinking about others, He does. And if we confess them to Jesus, He will forgive us and make us clean."Mom cut into her apple. "You can see the inside of this apple now, and it looks great," she told Zayne as she handed him a slice. "Have a piece." –Karen R. LocklearHow About You?Have you learned how to hide sin in your life from others? You may be able to fool other people, but you can't fool God. The Pharisees in today's Bible reading were able to make themselves look good to people, but Jesus saw what was in their hearts--and He sees what's in your heart too. If there's sin in your heart, confess it to Jesus so He can make you clean. Today's Key Verse:You [God] alone know every human heart. (CSB) (1 Kings 8:39 )Today's Key Thought:God sees your heart

Friends of the Rosary,Yesterday, we reflected on the virtue of humility, associated with the first joyful mystery.Christ Jesus lowered Himself to our level when He took our human nature. He was born in a stable, grew up in the obscure village of Nazareth, earned his meager meals as a carpenter in the country, and died on a cross as a malefactor with two thieves as companions.There are far too many who set themselves up as judges over their neighbors and appoint themselves as the models to be imitated by all others.There is pride in each one of us, originating from an instinctive inclination to elevate and esteem ourselves. Our modern society doesn't help either, as it identifies humility with weakness and pushes us to be aggressive.And watch out for spiritual pride. The proud Christian himself is a contradiction. He muses: God forgives sinners too easily. God doesn't know them as well as I do.This is vanity and even ideology.Such Christians raise themselves above their neighbors, choosing the first places at the banquet. Just like the Pharisees of that time, who were thanking God that they were not like the rest of men.Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠September 1, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Here are the four points of Scott's message: A sinful woman (vv. 36-38) An angry Pharisee (v. 39) A powerful parable (vv. 40-43) A gracious Savior (vv. 44-50) You can watch this message here.

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

Monday, 1 September 2025   Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:45   “Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits, itself eviler, and having entered, it dwells there. And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first. Thus it will be also – this evil generation” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the unclean spirit returning to the house it departed and finding it holidaying, swept and arranged. He continues now with, “Then it traverses, and it takes with itself seven other spirits.”   The spirit, realizing it had a good thing going, and seeing that there is plenty of new room available for even more uncleanness, goes out seeking friends to join in with possessing the man once again.   The number seven, hepta, is introduced here.    The number seven is the number of spiritual perfection. In this case, even though the spirits are unclean, there is a fullness implied in using the number. It stresses the potency and the immensely malignant nature of the event. This is stressed by the words, “itself eviler.”   There is an amalgamation of evil that will exude from this newly infested person. This is certain because even one unclean spirit will manifest itself in evil. With seven more, Jesus says, “and having entered, it dwells there.”   The verb translated as “it dwells” is singular. Despite being many, they align as one in purpose. It is similar to the account of the demon Legion in Mark 5 and Luke 8:30, where the verbs are singular when referring to many demons. With such a force now inhabiting this restored home, Jesus says, “And the last of that man, it becomes worse than the first.”   This is the certain result of the matter. The man had an evil situation in his life. He had it supposedly taken care of, and yet, he wound up being worse off than at the first because he failed to obtain a complete correction to his state. Jesus next clearly states the subject to which He is referring, saying, “Thus it will be also – this evil generation.”   In verse 12:39, the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign. Jesus next called them “evil and adulteress,” explaining that it would not be given a sign except that of the prophet Jonah. Had He given them a sign, they would have exclaimed like the people did concerning Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 –   “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.'” Acts 8:9, 10   The people didn't actually care about Simon. They just wanted to be amused by his tricks. If someone came along, like David Copperfield, they would have left Simon and gone after David. They were looking for a quick cure to their insatiable desire to be delighted with surprise.   Jesus knew this was their heart attitude, and so He refused to give them a sign, telling them instead that their sign would come from Scripture itself. He told them why in John –   “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:46, 47   The sign would be wowed over until someone came and did something new and exciting. Without accepting the word, which was the basis of life and conduct for Israel, they would never truly accept and believe Jesus.   Life application: This set of verses contains a truth that extends beyond just the immediate context of the parable. What Jesus says will prove true in a great number of situations. Take an alcoholic, for example.   A person who has an alcohol addiction can be equated to a person with an unclean spirit, and indeed it is so. He knows he has a problem and strives to overcome it. Eventually, he prevails. The demon of addiction departs. Relieved, the man sweeps out his house, arranges it nicely, and says, “Self, you done well.”   However, he never takes the time to fill this empty house with Jesus. Eventually, when some trial, temptation, or situation arises where he finds himself in a weakened state, he succumbs to drinking again.   However, it is normally the case that the reacquired addiction will manifest itself in worse ways than before. He may take up drugs, get lost in pornography, etc. Eventually, he is bound to lose his home, job, and family. In the end, he is in a much worse state than he ever imagined because He failed to heed his wife's advice to come to church and seek the Lord.   This parable is an excellent one to use when talking to someone about the addiction he is facing. Cheer him on! Tell him to persevere! Offer to be there and assist in any way you can. But be sure to tell him that his void needs to be filled with his Creator's love found in Christ. Without that, things will not go well.   Personal note: I have spent a lot of time dealing with people whose lives were fraught with addiction. Having told many of them what to do when they get clean, far too many of them failed to do so. Most eventually went back to their old addiction, with more problems heaped on their lives. Several have died, leaving loved ones behind. Be careful to ensure you and those you minister to are filled with Jesus.   Heavenly Father, help us to have our priorities right in life. There are many things we can do that may distract us from healthy living. We can get addicted to the internet as quickly as we get addicted to drugs. Help us to instead focus on Jesus and have a proper balance in all other things. Yes, help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Today, we are focusing on John 8:1-3. However, the chapter divide seems strange because it separates a sentence with a contrasting conjunction. So I'm going to read the last verses of chapter 7 and ignore the chapter break so we can get the line of reason. Let's remember that the day before, during the great day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus called the thirsty to come to Him and drink. He promised them that rivers of living water would flow from them. He caused quite an uproar and a great division developed about who Jesus is. Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.” Everyone went to his home. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. Jesus spent the night on the Mount of Olives, whereas the Pharisees went to their homes. Early the next morning, Jesus was back in the temple area, teaching those who came to Him. These are the thirsty souls responding to His invitation to come and drink. Notice how He made Himself available to them. This is a good reminder to us about how we might love with Jesus. We make ourselves available to people who are thirsty and hungry. We offer others an invitation to be with us and drink from the life of Jesus within. Then, when they respond, we make ourselves available to them. How available are you to those you want to love and serve? It is possible to be so occupied with our activities that we don't make time for others. Being available means we'll have to go where they are. We may need to slow down our roll and wait on them to sit down with us to talk. Jesus wanted to be with the people. This means we don't rush out of church and go on our way, but we hang out to see who the Lord puts in our paths. I hope this encourages us to look for opportunities to be with people for the purpose of loving 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.

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

Friends of the Rosary,As we read today, Sunday, in the Gospel of Luke (14:1, 7-14), Jesus was invited to dine in the house of a leading Pharisee. The Pharisees were convinced of their own perfect knowledge and observance of the law.Noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table, Jesus told them, through a simple parable, where their pride would lead them."When you are invited,go and take the lowest placeso that when the host comes to you he may say,'My friend, move up to a higher position.'Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."Also, "When you hold a banquet,invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."The takeaway from today's reading is clear: Our Lord invites us to conduct our affairs with full humility.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• ⁠August 31, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In Luke 14, Jesus observes the guests of a dinner (being hosted by one of the leading Pharisees) essentially playing tic-tac-take your seat of honor. The Lord uses the opportunity to give at teaching on humility that is still of song of heaven's love for our hearts today.

Vicar's first weeks, remembering names, Cain and Abel, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, and some extra points on the readings. Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, Luke 18:9–14 (and the others)

Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ Today's Homily begins with a personal story from the seminary when, out of inexperience, . . . . . . he failed to show proper respect to a bishop by kissing his ring. This memory connects to the Gospel message where Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes: they teach the truth but fail to live it out, burdening others while seeking power, honor, and recognition. The Homily challenges us not to discard the truth of the message because of flawed messengers but instead to focus on living faithfully. Hypocrisy is not only a clerical problem but one that all Christians can fall into when their actions contradict their faith. Jesus warns against the temptations of power, pleasure, and honor, urging believers to be authentic witnesses. The Blessed Mother serves as a model of humility, love, and faithfulness, pointing us to her Son and calling us to align our words with our actions. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to Power, Pleasure, and Honor: The Temptations That Distract Us from Christ -------------------------------------------------------- The Twelve-Year Old Jesus in the Temple: German Artist and Painter: Max Liebermann: 1879 -------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading Matthew 23: 1-12 First Reading Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

On a sabbath Jesus went to dineat the home of one of the leading Pharisees,and the people there were observing him carefully.He told a parable to those who had been invited,noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table."When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,do not recline at table in the place of honor.A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,'Give your place to this man,'and then you would proceed with embarrassmentto take the lowest place.Rather, when you are invited,go and take the lowest placeso that when the host comes to you he may say,'My friend, move up to a higher position.'Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."Then he said to the host who invited him,"When you hold a lunch or a dinner,do not invite your friends or your brothersor your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.Rather, when you hold a banquet,invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Whack-A-Mole was a popular arcade game back when arcades were a thing. But the metaphor persists. We all have the experience of dealing with problems that just seem to keep coming back. Pride is that way. In Luke 17:1–10 Jesus addresses his disciples with a warning concerning the Pharisees' great problem of pride. Striving to enter the narrow gate requires humility. So does living together in the kingdom under Jesus' rule.

In Matthew 22:15–22, the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, but He responds with wisdom: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.” The coin bore Caesar's image, so taxes rightfully belonged to him; but since people bear God's image, our lives belong to God. This passage teaches us to respect governing authorities and fulfill civic duties like paying taxes, while remembering that our ultimate loyalty is to God. More than money, He desires our whole selves—our time, talents, and treasures—as a response to His grace, because in Christ He has declared us priceless.

1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely.   7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”   12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 

Jesus calls His fellow Jews to change their minds about whom they are following. He calls them to follow the new wine of His teachings and to turn away from the old wine of the scribes and Pharisees.

Paul goes into a testimony of how Jesus changed his life. He talks about his past and tells Timothy that he was the worst of sinners. This was triggered because he was talking about these people who think they know the law but really have no idea what they are talking about. As he was talking, he starts going through the ten commandments and he must have started reflecting back on how, even though he knew the law well as a Pharisee and had a zeal for God, was a sinner and needed the grace and mercy of God. We are all sinners and need Jesus to save us. We all have a sinful past, some of you are still in sin because you have never died to yourself and been washed in the blood of Jesus! Why not? What is holding you back? We want to hear your story of how God changed your life when you met Jesus!

John 7:50-53 Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.” Everyone went to his home. This was pretty bold of Nicodemus, wasn't it? Perhaps John wanted to show that, yes, there was a ruler or Pharisee who believed in Jesus. Remember John's account of Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus, recorded in John 3? There was no indication that Nicodemus became a believer then, but here he kinda stood up for Jesus. It wasn't a declaration of faith from Nicodemus, but it was an appeal to give Jesus a hearing. They responded in ignorance. They wrongly thought Jesus was born in Galilee. The point was that they had not even cared enough to do research on where Jesus was really from. It would have been easy to discover. In fact, Nicodemus' suggestion was simply to ask Him. The point I want to zero in on is Nick's apparent courage to buck the peer pressure. He could tell they were determined to have a mock trial and a quick murder. Maybe he was merely testing them to see if there was any sober thinking. There was none but he. Sometimes, that will be the case with us. There will be none who will side with us or want to hear from us. We need the courage of Nicodemus to speak up in defense of Jesus. Nick did the loving thing. He spoke for their highest good. He entreated them to settle down, think more clearly, and not rush headlong into injustice and evil. I encourage us today to be ready to resist the temptation to remain silent when the loving thing to do is to speak up and be the one who speaks with wisdom, reason, peace, and love. May we have courage under fire like Nicodemus to buck the pressure to go along with the crazed, self-glorifying, greedy mainstream. Let's pray that we will be filled with the Holy Spirit so we can testify unashamedly about Jesus and love unconditionally for the glory of God. Father, through your son Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give us courage today to be bold and to reveal Jesus Christ and His love. Amen. 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.

August 31, 2025 - Pastor Aron Geissinger - Luke 18:9-14

Year C – 12th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 22 – August 31, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Proverbs 25:6-7a Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14   Grace and peace to you from God, our Creator, and from Jesus, our Savior, who invites us to share in the gift of a meal, for which we can never repay. Amen. *** It is remarkable to me how often the Holy Spirit swirls around us with opportunities to practice the radical love that Jesus invites us into… And there are a couple of exciting ones that I'll tell you about in a bit…. These opportunities were awesome when I first heard about them, but even more so after thinking about how they fit with our scripture today. The Spirit is feisty like that… I love it… but before I tell you about them… we need to talk about Jesus… and his lesson on table manners. Drawing from the old wisdom found in Proverbs, Jesus tells these Pharisees and leaders not to claim the most prestigious spot at the table, where you might have to lower yourself if someone higher in the social hierarchy arrives. But instead… choose the lowest spot, so that you might be honored when asked to move higher. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled… and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” What Jesus leaves hanging in the air… is that if they intentionally choose the lowest spot… so that the host will honor them… choosing to humble themselves so that they may be exalted among others… then they have missed the point. …they have missed the point. The game of honor and shame… of social hierarchy and status… of being humbled or exalted before others… is not how the kingdom of God works. Jesus tells us to forego the shuffling around for status altogether and instead, invite those who cannot return the favor… to give to those who cannot give anything in return. Do not invite the elite of society to your dinner party. Instead, invite those whom our society pushes to the edges… the ones whom society would like to forget exist. Jesus' word for us today… is to step away from the cultural expectation of social climbing and quid pro quo… to stop jockeying for status and prestige… Share a meal with those with whom no one else would dare share a meal … those who have no food to offer you in return. This is what Jesus himself did… time and time again… revealing to us the values of God's kingdom. When you look upon those who have nothing to offer you… and recognize that in the eyes of God, you are equal… and you are both loved beyond measure… That is where God's blessing is revealed… that is how we glimpse the face of God in our neighbor. Not by lording our status or privilege over them… but by recognizing that we are siblings through Christ. And just as I am reminded today of the radical hospitality that Jesus calls us to extend… I also remember that we are the ones who have nothing to offer… and yet, Jesus invites us to such a meal… We are the ones… whom Jesus has invited to come and share the meal of bread and wine… a meal that comes with the promised presence of our God, and the full and great cloud of witnesses from all time. We are the ones whom Jesus has invited to receive this incredible gift… for which we cannot ever repay, and for which we are only worthy to receive because Jesus has declared us to be worthy. We dine on such a meal almost every time we gather for worship… …and so, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is calling us to do for others, as he did for us… as Jesus continues to do for us. Jesus is inviting us to live in a completely different world within our culture… inviting us to embrace the values and ideals of God's kingdom… inviting us to claim the blessing that is found by extending grace and hospitality to those whom others would just as soon forget. And to not only see ourselves as equal to them under God's eyes… But to connect with them in such a way that their suffering becomes our suffering, their hunger becomes our hunger… their pain becomes our pain… so that together, we might break the causes of oppression, poverty, and harm. Because when our neighbor is suffering… it's personal. It was counter-cultural then, and it is counter-cultural now… Jesus has been inviting us into something new, and something better… this whole time. Our text from Hebrews tells us to remember those in prison as if you were in prison… remember those being tortured as if you were being tortured. That's a level of connection that most of us would rather avoid… Yet, we are urged not to keep those in need at arm's length. They are our siblings in Christ, and God loves them as much as God loves us. This idea… completely topples the social hierarchy… and shreds the practice of jostling for the seat at the table that will earn you the most prestige. Invite those who cannot invite you in return… give to those who cannot repay your kindness. This kind of generosity… is the true source of God's blessing. Still, I confess… that it's easy to say… harder to do. However… we know that God's Holy Spirit is with us on our faith journey, and this week was no exception. So, this is what I wanted to share with you… These opportunities seem Spirit-inspired. The first is something that our pantry team has been working on… they have been blessed with an abundance… and have been looking for ways to bless others beyond the visitors to our pantries… with that abundance. After much due diligence, they have connected with a group called Homeless Angels in Lansing. Every Sunday night, all year long, they serve a dinner in a park in Lansing where anyone can come and eat. The meals are sponsored by various organizations, and volunteers help serve the food. Along with the meal, they often have donated hygiene products and bags with non-perishable foods that folks can take with them. This is where our pantry team comes in. Out of their abundance, they will provide food items for our high schoolers to pack into easy-to-carry bags on September 21st, which is our first high school youth group night. Then, on Sunday, Sept. 28th, Gretchen and I will deliver the bags and stay to help serve the meal. We want to start building a relationship with this group and the neighbors they serve. …and by the way, this is an open invitation. If you'd like to join us, please do! Our hope is that our new High School Youth Group will be able to come and serve with this group at some point in the future. The other opportunity came from a conversation I had with Randy… he and Jamie volunteer at the Mission in Lansing on the fourth Thursday of every month. I know some of you have joined them from time to time… but Randy was telling me that they have moved into their new location… and now have the capacity to serve 300 at mealtimes. …and together, we lamented that there was a need to serve 300 at mealtimes. But the increased capacity means an increase in the need for volunteers to help serve those meals. And so here again… is another opportunity to serve and share a meal with those who cannot repay… These are both opportunities to share life with those whom Jesus would have given preference to… to share in their humanity. Jesus consistently gravitated toward those who were on the edges… toward those who are so pushed down that they couldn't see the light. Jesus meets them in that space… and loves them… reminds them that they are beloved children of God… reminds them that they bear the image of God and they are worthy of God's love. Jesus meets them… just as Jesus meets all of us wherever we are… and loves us… and calls us all to share God's love… to share God's invitation. And…. to give preference to those who cannot return the favor. For in doing so… in letting our guard down and allowing ourselves to share in the full humanity of our neighbor, whom God loves… Jesus knows that we will be blessed. Not because we have a higher place than them or a better seat at the table… or because we can congratulate ourselves on being so generous… that's missing the point. We are blessed because when we look into their eyes, we glimpse the face of God. And the best news… The Holy Spirit will not stop showing up with opportunities for us to join in the work of bringing close God's Kingdom. It's an open invitation… so come to the party. Amen.

This week's sermon explores Luke 14:1, 7–14, where Jesus dines at the home of a Pharisee and watches guests scramble for seats of honor. Rather than scolding, Jesus turns the moment into a graceful, witty parable on humility and hospitality. Drawing from both ancient and modern examples — including inherited fine china, youth mission trips, and Chef José Andrés' work feeding people in crisis — we see how Jesus' table isn't about etiquette or influence but about making room for the overlooked. Jesus reminds us: the real blessing comes not when we get repaid, but when we welcome those who can't repay us at all. That's where God's joy is found — and where true community begins. What if every table we set — in our homes, schools, or churches — became a little glimpse of the banquet of heaven? Tune in and take your seat at the table.

When I was in college, studying to become a minister, I came across a Bible tract titled something along these lines: “How to witness for the wrong side.”  In the picture was a smiling, John Denver look-alike young man, casually dressed.  He had the word “Jesus” in large letters across the front of his exaggerated cowboy hat; additionally, there were Bible Tracts in his hands, and falling out of his pockets, with all sorts of snarky comments about non-believers, and even obvious insults aimed at those of various political positions that were considered ‘unchristian,' by many in the Church.             The point was clear – When Christians try to proclaim the Gospel message to the world, they need to be sure they are proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, instead of insulting comments on political issues, or words that have almost nothing to do with the Gospel message!             This true story brings me to ask a question:  As a believer, does your life proclaim the Gospel of Jesus?  Are you sure you understand what is, and is not, the Gospel message?  And, finally, how does the Gospel message affect one's life when it is truly accepted into one's heart?                  There is a story in the Bible regarding a “true believer” of the Jewish faith, who, out of religious zeal, had begun to persecute members of the Church.  The man was a Pharisee named Saul, who was walking towards the city of Damascus to seek out and persecute Christians.  Here is where the story picks up:   “And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?  And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?”  and he said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.”  Acts 9:3-6.  Those with Saul took him to Damascus, where God led one named Ananias to explain the Gospel message to him and show him the path to life with God.  The ‘rest of the story,' of course, is that of Saul receiving Christ, becoming a traveling evangelist for Jesus, and writing much of what became the New Testament!             One of the most interesting elements of this story is that Saul, who later became known as Paul (the Roman version of his name), was an active Pharisee in the Jewish faith.  He believed in God, and he fought for what he thought was the true faith – but the true faith included Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law.  He didn't understand that he had been proclaiming and defending what was now the ‘wrong' faith; the true faith was now Judaism, as fulfilled through Jesus!  Saul, before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, was a witness for the wrong faith, because it was a faith that was not centered on the message of salvation through Jesus.             Here's what we can learn from Saul's experiences:   Let us make sure we correctly understand what the Gospel is that we have been given to proclaim!  The Gospel we have been given is the message that Jesus, Son of God, God in the flesh, came and lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sin, and was risen from the dead to show God's power over death.  Then he ascended into heaven, to be seated with God on the throne of heaven, to reign over all things forever. Salvation comes when we believe the truths of the Gospel and receive Jesus as our Savior, committing our lives to Him.  The Gospel is not an opinion one might have on abortion, immigration, or any other political or social topic – it is the message of salvation in Jesus!   It is acceptable to express an opinion on any topic, of course, but if the goal is to proclaim the Gospel and lead people to Jesus, then they must focus on the truth of the Gospel and not on one's opinions concerning the social issues of the day.   To live as a Christ-follower involves a change in the direction of our lives!  In the story of Saul, you will later learn that he took his Roman name, Paul, because he knew he would be more effective in reaching the Roman Gentiles if he carried it rather than the Jewish name Saul.  This was a huge concession for Paul to make!  In his Jewish tradition, one's name was a sacred gift; to change it meant that, for Paul, his life of proclaiming the Gospel had taken a major change in direction and purpose.  When you accept the responsibility of proclaiming the message of Jesus, you must consider what can help you be more effective in that task.  Perhaps you might work on your social skills, or even ‘bone up' on ways to share the message of Jesus effectively.  Or, you might begin to focus on the needs of those around you, instead of judging those who have fallen in their lives.  Regardless, Paul demonstrated the genuine commitment required to lead others to Jesus.            Let me encourage you to follow the example of Paul and choose to share the message of Jesus with others.   Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our videos, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving.   Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.   Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--August 31, 2025 -- Pr. John Alwood -- "The Upside-Down Table!" -- Luke 14:1-1414 On a day of rest—a holy day, Jesus went to eat at the home of a prominent Pharisee. The guests were watching Jesus very closely. 2 A man whose body was swollen with fluid was there. 3 Jesus reacted by asking the Pharisees and the experts in Moses' Teachings, “Is it right to heal on the day of rest—a holy day, or not?” 4 But they didn't say a thing. So Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him away. 5 Jesus asked them, “If your son or your ox falls into a well on a day of rest—a holy day, wouldn't you pull him out immediately?” 6 They couldn't argue with him about this. 7 Then Jesus noticed how the guests always chose the places of honor. So he used this illustration when he spoke to them: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding, don't take the place of honor. Maybe someone more important than you was invited. 9 Then your host would say to you, ‘Give this person your place.' Embarrassed, you would have to take the place of least honor. 10 So when you're invited, take the place of least honor. Then, when your host comes, he will tell you, ‘Friend, move to a more honorable place.' Then all the other guests will see how you are honored. 11 Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who humble themselves will be honored.” 12 Then he told the man who had invited him, “When you invite people for lunch or dinner, don't invite only your friends, family, other relatives, or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they will return the favor. 13 Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the handicapped, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then you will be blessed because they don't have any way to pay you back. You will be paid back when those who have God's approval come back to life.”http://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

In Luke 14:1-24, Jesus attends another dinner at a Pharisee's house.

[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”(English Standard Version)

Luke 18:9-14 - He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Saturday, 30 August 2025   “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Matthew 12:43   “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man, it traverses through waterless spots seeking rest, and it finds not” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the coming of the queen of the South rising up in judgment and condemning those of Israel in that generation, noting that One greater than Solomon was there. With that complete, a new thought begins with, “And when the unclean spirit, it departs from the man.”   There are various ideas about the interpretation of the words of this parable. However, a few clues help direct the analysis. In verse 12:38, the scribes and Pharisees had asked for a sign. Jesus' response noted that a generation, evil and adulteress, sought a sign. A second clue is that in verse 12:45, He will say that it will also be as “this evil generation.”   Therefore, the words apply to those He is speaking to, referring to their inherent evil. Therefore, “the man” is referring to them. He has an unclean spirit. If Jesus were to give a sign to them, oh boy! They would see it and accept the sign as some type of sure proof that He was their Messiah, as if they were free of their evil state.   While they are basking in this condition, Jesus says of the unclean spirit that “it traverses through waterless spots.”   In these few words are three newly introduced words. The first is dierchomai. It is derived from dia, through, and erchomai, to come or go. Thus, it refers to passing through an area. A single word that suits would be traverse.   Next is anudros, it is from hudor water (think of hydrate), which is prefixed by the negative particle a. Thus, it signifies “no water,” or “waterless.” The third is topos, a spot or location. One can immediately see the etymological ancestor of topology, topographic, etc. This unclean spirit is out in arid places “seeking rest.”   The obvious meaning is that it had a home in the man. It then left the man and went searching for a new place to settle down. However, men don't frequent arid places unless they have a purpose for being there. A man with a purpose is not a suitable place for an unclean spirit because the man is focused on his business.   But such an unclean spirit needs a person who is not clearly focused. He needs someone whose ears are easily tickled and who is swayed by goofy videos on YouTube that have nothing to do with proper theology. Instead, he wants sensationalism, just like those speaking to Jesus wanted a sign to excite their minds and stimulate their otherwise dull lives. This unclean spirit has looked for a suitable place, “and it finds not.”   There are either no bodies at all in the arid places, or those who are there have brought their own water and are satisfied with their pursuits, being actively employed in a life activity that would make them unsuitable to infest. Such was the case with John the Baptist –   “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.”' 4 Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-6   Life application: As noted above, unclean spirits revel in those who are not grounded in life's proper pursuits and activities. When humanity gets out of focus with what has been instilled in it by the Creator, unclean spirits find easy targets to infest and inflict them.   This is why larger cities inevitably fill with people who appear absolutely immoral and even demonic. In large cities, people migrate away from hard work and industry and turn towards social programs, easy access to easy lifestyles, attraction to sensationalism, etc.   There is an increasing hunger for things that replace the idea of a Creator God who holds man accountable for their actions. It is why cities normally shift towards left-leaning ideology. For example, abortion becomes common because lovers multiply. Because of this, consequences for affairs only get in the way of more affairs.   People gravitate towards what is fascinating, miraculous, etc. A magician can set up on the corner of a busy avenue and impress the people with tricks that are unexplainable to the masses. People think they possess special powers and abilities.   The newest Nephilim video on YouTube will score a million view, but the sound preacher who carefully explains biblical doctrines may get no views at all. Jesus refused to give a sign because He would have been appealing to the masses' desire for that which is sensational.   Stay away from this type of thinking. Focus on what is right, sound, and proper. Just because something sounds exceptional does not mean it is. The magician's tricks are always explainable. When they are revealed, people say, “Duh! I see now.” And then, they go looking for another magician to tease their senses.   Lord God, help us to think clearly and logically as we view the world around us. Help us to not get caught up in sensationalism and hype, but to pursue a path of hard work, careful and circumspect conduct, and – above all – a close and personal walk with You. Amen.  

Paul warns the believers to watch out for false teachers who insist on circumcision and outward religious works. He explains that if anyone could boast in human credentials, it would be him — he was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous, and blameless by the law's standards. Yet, he counts all of that as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.Paul emphasizes that righteousness does not come through the law but through faith in Christ. His goal is to know Christ, share in His sufferings, and experience the power of His resurrection. He admits he has not “arrived,” but presses forward like a runner in a race, striving toward the heavenly prize in Christ Jesus.He urges believers to follow his example and warns against those who live as “enemies of the cross,” whose focus is earthly things. Instead, Christians are reminded that their true citizenship is in heaven, from where they eagerly await Christ, who will transform their lowly bodies into glorious ones like His.Key Themes:True righteousness comes by faith in Christ, not by works or heritage.The Christian life is like a race — pressing forward, not looking back.Believers are citizens of heaven, awaiting Christ's return.Your words were found and I ate them

Welcome to this LCMS Lutheran Sermon: “A Banquet of Mercy” (Luke 14:1–14) for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17C. In this Christ-centered message, Pastor David Balla of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod preaches on Jesus' parable at the Pharisee's table, showing how the Kingdom of God is not a banquet of pride or self-interest but a banquet of grace and mercy.This sermon proclaims the heart of the Gospel: that Christ invites the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—those who cannot repay—into His feast of forgiveness, life, and salvation. You'll hear how Jesus exposes our pride, how He embodies true mercy in His death and resurrection, and how the Lord's Supper is the foretaste of the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb.If you are looking for a Lutheran sermon, Christ-centered preaching, Biblical teaching, or a Gospel-focused message that points clearly to what Christ has done for you, this is for you.If you would like to support this ministry, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphBe sure to subscribe for more sermons, guided meditations, and devotions rooted in God's Word and the real presence of Christ.Hashtags#LutheranSermon #LCMS #ChristCenteredPreaching #GospelSermon #BanquetOfMercy

John 7:47-49 The Pharisees then answered them, “You have not also been led astray, have you? No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” All of us have at some time had to deal with peer pressure. It can be somewhat jarring and scary to think that we are not in the mainstream. We've noticed how often propagandists use the phrase “not in the mainstream” to put down a particular idea or philosophy. The Pharisees used that tactic on the temple officials. In essence, they said, “None of us have sided with Jesus. Don't you want our approval? If you have been convinced to believe in Jesus, you also have been cursed like this crowd.” It is possible that today we will feel that same pressure the temple officials felt when it comes to Jesus. If we speak out about Jesus, people will think we are some super spiritual weirdo. If we don't laugh at the dirty jokes and use profanity like everyone else in the office, we will be rejected. What do the pastors and the elders think about watching R-rated and PG-13 movies? Or if you are a pastor or elder, what will the people to whom I'm trying to relate think if I can't converse with them about the latest movie? Without realizing it, peer pressure, or fear of man, may shape our lives more than the fear of God, or our relationship with Jesus. These verses encourage us to put Jesus first place in our lives. As we live to love with Jesus, we will want to make our decisions based on what gains His approval and glory. Three Scriptures come to mind that encourage us to not cave to the pressure of the crowd. First, Colossians 1:18, “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” Second, John 5:30, “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Third, John 5:44, “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?” It is obvious that the Pharisees want to put the pressure on the officials to seek their glory rather than the glory of God. As we renew our minds to think like Jesus, we put Him first in all things, and we seek His will and glory rather than the glory of men. Out of such a mindset, the love of God flows. I encourage you today to have the same attitude in yourself that Jesus had—seeking to please the Father by doing His will for His glory. 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.

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 14:1, 7-14) today's readings).Jesus told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place."Jesus says this to guests present at a banquet of one of the leading Pharisees—an incisive teaching for all present who observe and hear him. Jesus witnesses the guests taking places of honor at the table and shares a parable with them about humility and the position you perceive yourself to hold. It ends with a consequence that is often disregarded: "For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." In the first reading, Sirach speaks similar words to a beloved hearer: "My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God." Jesus invites us to take up the yoke of humility, to learn from him in being humble of heart.God, help me today to accept the invitation of Jesus to be meek and humble. At the same time, give me the opportunity today to be a means of your love to someone who may not be able to respond in kind. "Blessed indeed will you be, Jesus says, "because of their inability to repay you." Pour out generously the gifts of understanding and wisdom when I struggle or resist finding the purpose in the yoke Jesus invites me to take up. Seeing and receiving it is more than I can do on my own, and I depend on you to guide me. God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me!Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Banquet_in_the_House_of_Levi_by_Paolo_Veronese_-_Accademia_-_Venice_2016_(2).jpg

Whose glory and authority should we honor? Matthew 22:15–22 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we honor all glory and authority, and therefore especially Christ's glory and authority as God Himself. The devotional explores the Pharisees' attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, revealing a deeper theological challenge regarding allegiance and identity. Jesus, recognizing their hypocrisy, redirects the inquiry, asserting that while earthly authorities like Caesar deserve what is due them, ultimate devotion belongs to God, Who communicates Himself supremely in Jesus Christ. The message transcends a simple political answer, urging listeners to consider their own creation in God's image, to heed God's inscription through Scripture, and ultimately to worship and obey Jesus as the definitive revelation of God Himself.

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for another insightful episode of Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 14, 2025). In this episode, the hosts explore the powerful contrast between grumbling and joy found in Luke 15:1-10, where Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. They discuss how these stories reveal God's character as one who celebrates finding the lost, and examine why the Pharisees and scribes struggled with Jesus's radical inclusivity at the table. The conversation also covers Exodus 32:7-14, exploring the golden calf incident as a paradigmatic story of idolatry and God's faithfulness to the covenant despite human unfaithfulness. They touch on the challenging passage from Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, examining themes of judgment and restoration. The hosts provide practical preaching insights on Psalm 51:1-10 as a confession text and discuss 1 Timothy 1:12-17, highlighting how Paul's story serves as a tableau of God's mercy and transformation. Commentaries for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-24-3/commentary-on-luke-151-10-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the 14th Sunday after Pentecost 00:58 Grumbling vs. Joy: A Theological Contrast 03:19 The Parables of the Lost: Context and Meaning 09:35 Idolatry and Divine Fidelity in Exodus 12:49 Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet and National Consequences 17:19 Psalm 51: A Call to Repentance 20:15 Paul's Legacy: Mercy and Transformation *  *  * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Subscribe for weekly episodes and visit workingpreacher.org for additional preaching resources. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EH9NlVl2CvY.

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Breaking Free: When Good Rules Become Bad Masters, Part 1Series: Unveiled Scripture: Mark 3:1-12 Episode: 1416 Scripture Summary:  In Mark 3:1–12, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' legalism. Knowing their thoughts, He asks whether it's lawful to do good or harm on the Sabbath, then heals the man, sparking anger from the religious leaders who begin plotting against Him. Despite opposition, crowds continue to follow Jesus, drawn by His miraculous healings and authority over unclean spirits. As He heals many, the demons cry out, recognizing Him as the Son of God, but He commands them to remain silent. Key themes include Jesus' authority over illness and demons, conflict with religious leaders, and the growing popularity and opposition to His ministry.

Jesus Followers Are “Commissioned" to “Make Disciples” and Not to Become Members of an Exclusive Holy Club MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We need to welcome new excited Followers of Jesus as members of our Non-Exclusive global fellowship as Followers of Jesus. Those of us who have been brought up in the church or have been in the church for a while can get caught up in our perceived personal righteousness. We get used to the presence of God and His peace in our lives. However, we then encounter a new Followers of Jesus. These new Christians, before their conversion, were living in the ways of the world without God's peace. Now, these new believers are so excited with their new life; however, their outward manifestation of their conversion may not “fit” with our personal Christian behavioral norms. Sadly, too many modern Christians judge and condemn these new, excited believers for their enthusiasm rather than loving, encouraging, and embracing these new Followers of Jesus. We can learn from Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, who exhibited similar non-supportive behavior of Christians in Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, when I read even part of the story of Job, I too am overwhelmed by your “wildness.” Your ways and timing are beyond me. Job moved from hearing about you to having “seen you.” Lead me, Lord, on a pathway so that I too can pray as Job prayed: “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 89). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Insensitivity. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Gentleness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 7:45-47; Matthew 5:20; Luke 11:38-39; Psalms 49b:11-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Go! Make Disciples!” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Friday, 29 August 2025   The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42   “Queen, south, she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it, for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom. And you behold! Solomon's greater is here” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus referred to the account of Jonah's preaching and how Nineveh repented at it. He then noted that a greater than Jonah was there with them. He now reiterates this general thought, beginning with, “Queen, south.”   The queen of the south is identified in 1 Kings 10:1 –   “Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.”   This woman came to discover if the reports of Solomon's wisdom were true. She was, in essence, a woman in search of discovery greater than silver or gold. Rather, she was looking for wisdom and truth concerning the human condition in relation to their Creator. As such, it says, “concerning the name of the Lord.”   One can see her mind asking, “Is Israel's God the true God?” It reflects the search of those in humanity who truly want to know if the knowledge of the Most High can be ascertained or not. As it says several times in various ways in Scripture –   “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10   Sheba is probably in the area of Saudi Arabia today. This can be discerned from Isaiah 60:6, which refers to other known areas in that general location. This woman traveled from this location specifically to obtain wisdom. It can be deduced from Jesus' words that she found it because it says that “she will arise in the judgment with this generation and she will sentence it.”   It is the same thought as in the previous verse concerning the men of Nineveh. Whereas the men of Nineveh would rise in judgment against those of Israel whom Jesus came to reveal Himself to because they reconsidered at the proclamation of Jonah, this queen would do so, “for she came from the extremities of the land to hear Solomon's wisdom.”   A new word, peras, an extremity, is used. It is from an obsolete derivative of peiro, to pierce. Like the proverbial Starship Enterprise, one can think of a trek piercing the unknown, even until the end of the trek.   This woman came from an area lying at the extremity of Israel's knowledge of the inhabited world to simply hear Solomon's wisdom in relation to the Lord God of Israel. Understanding this, Jesus finishes with, “And you behold! Solomon's greater is here.”   What is it that Jesus has done, both with the previous verse and this one? He has made an implicit claim to deity. Jesus first spoke of the “proclamation of Jonah” and then that “Jonah's greater” was there. Here, He refers to “Solomon's wisdom” and then says that “Solomon's greater” was there.   Jonah's proclamation was the proclamation of the Lord. Jesus is actually not referring to Jonah the man, but his position as the Lord's prophet. As it is said in Jonah 1:1, “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah.” Of Solomon's wisdom, it says, “behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you” (1 Kings 3:12).   Jesus claims a proclamation greater than that of Jonah. But Jonah's proclamation was that of the Lord, albeit indirectly. Jesus claims a wisdom greater than Solomon's, but it was the Lord who gave Solomon that wisdom. The meaning is that Jesus claims to be the Source of wisdom itself. He is the Lord God.   The men of Nineveh discerned this. The queen of the south discerned this. However, the men of Israel, representative of that generation, were unable to do so. Thus, those who received and accepted the word and wisdom of the Lord from Nineveh and the south would be there at the judgment of Israel, condemning them for their total lack of discernment.   The very people of the Lord, and who possessed the oracles of God, were to be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 22:13) for failing to see who Jesus is.   Note: As promised in a previous commentary, after this commentary, the timeline of Jesus' Passion will be provided. Keep it handy, as it is something people around the world continue to misunderstand to this day.   Life application: In both the previous verse and this one, there is no article before the subject. It simply says, “Men, Nineveh” and “Queen, south.” Saying it this way provides emphasis to His statements. But why would Jesus refer to them this way? The answer lies in who His audience is.   Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees of Israel. They have the law. They are the religious elite of the “chosen people.” By making His declarations, He is essentially saying, “The Gentiles immediately and completely perceived what you are unable to discern.”   To this day, the people of Israel have the exact same information that the Gentile peoples of the world possess in order to discover if Jesus is God or not. They, however, have rejected that information and refuse to acknowledge their Lord.   They are determined to shun Him, rebuild a temple for worship that rejects Him, and attempt to find justification through their own merits by observing a law that only pointed to Him, awaiting His fulfillment of it.   The book of Hebrews clearly and unambiguously tells what the penalty for such a crime against Him is –   “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:26-29   Pray for Israel. They need Jesus.   Lord God, You have patiently waited for Israel to turn to You for salvation. Many have begun to do so in recent years, but the nation is still fighting against Your truth. We pray that the good news will spread greatly before the rapture comes, and Israel must endure the trial that lies ahead. Amen.   TIMELINE OF JESUS' WEEK OF PASSION   Misconceptions -   1) Sign of Jonah / Three days and three nights. Matthew 12:40 –   a: The sign of Jonah is not the Lord's time in the belly of the great fish. It is the message He preached and which will be rejected. Jonah cried out, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed.” As is consistent in the Bible, it was a warning, a day for a year. Israel would be destroyed in 40 years.   With a cursory look at Jesus' words in Matthew, the sign seems to be His death and resurrection. But Luke leaves out both the time frame and the entire account of the fish. When he does this, he clears up the context – that the sign of Jonah is his preaching, and what that preaching stated… that destruction was decreed in 40 days. The preaching to the Ninevites was the sign.   When Israel disobeyed in the wilderness, they were given a day for a year punishment for every day that the spies were gone. It was 40 days, and thus 40 years of punishment. In Ezekiel chapter 4, he was told to lie on his right side for 40 days, signifying a day for a year of punishment for Judah. He was told to do the same for his left side, but for 390 days. It was a day for a year for the house of Israel. Together, they form the prophetic basis for the return of Israel in 1948.   Forty years after Jesus' words, for a day, Israel was destroyed and carried away into exile. The Romans came in and did what Nineveh was spared of. God's judgment fell heavily upon them for failing to repent, receive their long-awaited Messiah, and conform to the will of God, which is found in the finished work of Jesus Christ.   b: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40   This is an idiomatic expression. It does not mean literally three days and three nights. This is a misunderstanding of the phrase as it relates to Biblical time. It's important to note that this verse is from Matthew and is directed to the Jewish people, Jesus as King.   Hebrew idioms would have been understood and not needed any clarification or verbal amending. To the audience, Matthew was writing that any part of a day is considered to be inclusive of the whole day. It's no different from the terminology we use today. If I arrive in Florida on a plane at 11:30 pm on 11 April, during a later conversation, I would still say I was in Florida on that day.   The biblical pattern of “evening and morning” being a day goes back to the first chapter of the Bible and includes an entire day, regardless of what part of a day one is referring to. If you want to understand the term day and night as an idiomatic expression, simply type “day and night” into your Bible search engine and see how many times, throughout the Bible, the term is used in this way. It goes on and on. Jeremiah does a great job of using it in this way. Study!   The same verse, as recorded in Luke, says, “And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say,    “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.”  Luke 11:29-32   As you can see, Jesus explicitly states that the sign is the preaching of Jonah. In this instance, Luke was not writing only to Jewish people, but predominantly to non-Jewish people – Jesus as the Son of Man. Therefore, the terminology is amended to avoid confusion. This occurs many times in the gospels, and therefore, the addressees (or the background of the writers themselves) need to be identified to understand proper terminology.   The same phrase is given in Esther 4:16 –   “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”   This is then explained in Esther 5:1 –   “Now it happened on the third day (b'yom ha'shelishi) that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.”   As you can see, what she said in verse 4:16 is explained as an idiomatic expression in verse 5:1. This same phrase is exactly repeated in the NT 13 times – “On the third day,” not “After the third day.”   2) High Sabbath. John 19:31 –   “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”   The second issue to be resolved is that some scholars claim that John “appears” to place the crucifixion on a different date than the other writers. Because of this, an attempt was made to insert a second type of Passover meal, or a second Sabbath, into the Bible. This supposedly helps the Bible out of an apparent problem.   However, no such meal, or Sabbath, is identified in the Bible at any time. Nor is it necessary to make something erroneous like this up. The Bible identifies the timing of the entire Passion Week, dispelling the problem. The terminology for “Preparation Day” used in all four gospel accounts absolutely clears this up and will be noted as we go on.   The terminology "high Sabbath" is pointing to the fact that the Sabbath (there is only one Sabbath, Saturday) coincided with the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a "holy convocation" according to Exodus 12:16 and Leviticus 23:7. There are only six times in the Bible that something is called a Shabbath Shabaton, or “Sabbath of complete rest.” Four of them speak of the Seventh Day Sabbath, one concerns the Day of Atonement, and the last speaks of the seventh-year Sabbath rest for the land.   Thus, there is no second Sabbath. A holy convocation is not a Sabbath. On a Sabbath, meals could not be prepared. However, Exodus 12:16 says –   “On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you.”    3) Four days. Exodus 12:3 –   “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.'”   This requirement has nothing to do with the Passover at Jesus' time. Nothing in Scripture can be used to justify what is commonly taught, saying that the Passover lamb was selected each year to test it for defects. The opposite is true. The lamb was selected because it had no defects. Thus, this has nothing to do with Palm Sunday and the subsequent days leading up to Passover. Rather, this animal was selected early to ensure that every household had a lamb before the plague of darkness that fell on Egypt. It is never mandated again. People bought their lambs in Jerusalem from keepers of the flock who had already inspected them. Further, they did it within a day of the Passover.   There are four things that occurred at the first Passover that are not required in the annual celebration found in Leviticus 23 –   The eating of the lamb in their houses was dispersed through Goshen. Taking the lamb on the tenth day. The striking of its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their houses. And, Eating it in haste.   The four-day requirement never occurred again. There is no biblical support for it. People have picked and chosen selected verses, without following through on the study, to come to an incorrect conclusion on this.   Chronology of the Events –   1) The easiest way to identify the day of Passover from the gospels is by reviewing the term “Preparation Day.” It is in all four gospels, and it exactingly identifies the day of the Passover –   Matthew 27:62 – “The next day, the one after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.” This was the day after the crucifixion. Matthew says it is the day “after Preparation Day.” After this is recorded the day after the Sabbath (Matt 28:1, the first day of the week).   Mark 15:42 – “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached...” This is the day of the crucifixion. Mark says, “It was Preparation Day.” Mark 14 ends on the night of Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mark 15:1 then identifies that it is “immediately, in the morning,” meaning Preparation Day.   Luke 23:54 – “It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.” This is the day of the crucifixion. Luke says, “It was Preparation Day.” Luke 23:56 then says that they rested on the Sabbath, and then He was raised on the day after the Sabbath, Sunday, the Lord's Day, the first day of the week (Luke 24:1).   John 19:14 – “Now it was Preparation Day of the Passover.” This is the day of the crucifixion. John says, “It was Preparation Day.” This definitively, and without any chance of coming to any other conclusion, identifies the day as Friday, followed by the Saturday Sabbath. As sad as it is that this is denied by many, it is what the Bible actually teaches.. The four gospels are harmonious in this, and it is… irrefutable. However, the rest of the Passion week identifies this as well.   And so, let's break all this down. Here's what you need to know:   Paul plainly states that the Feast of Firstfruits is a picture of the resurrection:   “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:20   The feast of Firstfruits was a Sunday according to Leviticus 23:15 – “From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks.” Note: the Sabbath referred to here is a Saturday. We don't need to go any further there to know this is correct and that Christ rose on a Sunday.     Here is the math from the gospel accounts. It's all there in black and white and very easy to look up –   **“Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.”  John 12:1 This would have been a Sabbath day (Saturday).   **“The next day, the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.”  John 12:12 This would have been 5 days before the Passover, meaning Sunday (Palm Sunday), as the Passover would have started Thursday night at sundown and run until Friday night at sundown (remember biblical days start at sundown).     The account couldn't be clearer that the next day after the Passover was a Sabbath. This is indicated several times. As I said, some people have attempted to use the terminology in John (it was a “high day” or a “special Sabbath”) to indicate that it could have been a day other than a Saturday. All special Sabbaths are specified in Leviticus and don't necessarily fall on Saturdays. However, the term “Sabbath” as used in the other gospel accounts indicates a Saturday. There is nothing to support, anywhere in Scripture, that there were two Sabbaths in a row on this particular week. Further, the special Sabbaths in Leviticus do not apply here. As I said, one is the Day of Atonement, which occurs in the seventh month. The other is a Sabbath for the land every seventh year. Neither applies.   In fact, such an analysis does an injustice to the reading of the text. Therefore, the special Sabbath occurred on a regular Sabbath day (Saturday). As I said earlier, it was a great (high) Sabbath because it coincided with the holy convocation, which is the first day of Unleavened Bread. From this, we can give the entire week's schedule (refer to the cited verses in your own Bible to familiarize yourself with what's being said) –   Sabbath 6 before // John 12:1 - ...six days before the Passover.  Bethany/Lazarus. Sunday 5 before // John 12:12 & Mark 11:10 - The next day...  Palm Sunday/Riding the donkey. Monday 4 before // Mark 11:12 Now on the next day... Jesus cursed the fig tree. Tuesday 3 before // Mark 11:20 Now in the morning... The withered fig is identified. Wednesday 2 before // The gospels are silent on what occurred on this day. Thursday 1 before - Passover starts at Sundown //Mark 14:1 After two days it was the Passover... (this is the first timing mentioned since Mark 11:20, which was Tuesday). - Note:  Pay special attention to the fact that in the following accounts, Mark is using Jewish time (sunset to sunset and John is using Roman time – from midnight) –   Mark 14:12 - "Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread when they killed the Passover Lamb."  Here, Mark, like Luke, unites the Passover with the Feast of Unleavened Bread.   John 13:1 - "Now before the Feast of the Passover..."    Both Mark and John are speaking of the same day – The meal, washing of feet, Gethsemane, etc.    ***Christ was crucified during this same 24-hour period, but it was obviously after the final night at Gethsemane and then the illegal trial.  Mark is speaking of this event from sundown, John is speaking of it in Roman time (this is obvious because they use different terminology for the same meal where Judas left to betray the Lord… can't miss this point and get it right).   6 days before – Saturday 5 days before – Sunday 4 days before – Monday 3 days before – Tuesday 2 days before – Wednesday 1 day before – Thursday The Day – Friday   The problem with people believing that John was speaking of a different day (as mentioned above) is that they miss the fact that the terminology for the day is different based on the author. To clear up any misunderstanding here, one needs only to compare the uses of the term “Preparation Day.” Once one does this, there are no discrepancies in the accounts. Go back and review what I said about that earlier. The timeline is set, it is irrefutable, and it is the only biblical option. Anything else inserts unbiblical information into the record.   Based on the biblical evidence,        1) There is no discrepancy between any of the accounts.     2) Jesus was crucified on a Friday.     3) Jesus rose on a Sunday.   Again, the Bible says 13 times that He was raised “on” the third day.  This is mentioned by Jesus Himself as well as the apostles. Therefore, it must have been Friday that Christ was crucified. --------------------------------------------------------------------   Finally, please don't believe (as some have claimed) that Christ rode the donkey into Jerusalem on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. This would have been the Sabbath. If He did, He would have violated the law –    “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.”  Deuteronomy 5:12-14   There is no need to make the assertion that it was a Saturday unless you simply wanted to finagle the dating. There is also no biblical provision for an exemption to the commandment prohibiting working a donkey.

Read OnlineHerod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Mark 6:17–19The suffering and death of Saint John the Baptist greatly parallels the suffering and death of Jesus. They were cousins. John was one of the first to acknowledge the divine presence of our Lord when he leaped for joy in the womb of his mother during the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. John lived a holy and simple life, embracing His mission to prepare the way for the Lord. He was the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. Of him, Jesus said that there was no one born of woman who was greater than John. For these reasons, we should not be the least bit surprised that John's suffering and death parallelled and prefigured the death of the Savior of the World.Herod was fearful of John, believing him to be a holy man of God. He imprisoned him with a certain regret, knowing that he was innocent. Similarly, before Pilate condemned Jesus to death, he found Him not guilty of any crime. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but allowed fear to direct his choice to condemn our Lord.John was ultimately killed because of the hatred and plotting of Herodias, the unlawful wife of Herod. It was Herodias' anger that became a weapon, forcing Herod to put John to death. Similarly, it was the jealousy and anger of the religious leaders at that time that instigated and drove the death of Jesus. Pilate, like Herod, was at first unwilling to condemn our Lord. But the relentless hatred of the scribes and Pharisees compelled Pilate to condemn Jesus, just as it was Herodias' hatred that compelled Herod to kill John.After John's death, some of his disciples came to carry his body away for burial. This was permitted by Herod, perhaps because of his feelings of guilt. So also with our Lord, Pilate permitted some disciples and the holy women to carry Jesus' dead body to the tomb for burial.In the end, the good fruit of Jesus' death infinitely overshadowed the crime that was committed against Him. So also with John. We can be certain that, as a martyr, the blood he shed as a witness to Christ bore spiritual fruit that surpassed all he had done in his public ministry. Each of us is called to imitate our Lord and, therefore, should also take inspiration from Saint John the Baptist. They both were innocent but suffered greatly. They both spoke the truth, despite the hatred of some. They both gave their lives, in accord with the Father's plan. Jesus was John's Savior; John was but a precursor and servant of our Lord. Reflect, today, upon the invitation God has given to you to imitate the life of John the Baptist by uniting yourself to his Lord. The first form of imitation will take place when you commit yourself to the proclamation of the truth in accord with your mission. What mission has God given to you? How is He calling you to proclaim the Gospel with courage, strength, determination and fidelity to the end? Reflect, also, upon the injustice inflicted first upon John and then upon our Lord. As you do, try to look at any injustice you have received in life in the light of John's and Jesus' lives. They did not run away from injustice. They embraced it as a sacrifice and offered it to the Father in Heaven. Jesus' Sacrifice brought forth the Salvation of the World; John's was but a sharing in that glorious offering. Make your offering with them, and do not hesitate to do so with deep love and trust in the Father's plan. Most glorious Lord, You invited Saint John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your coming and Your death. He gave his life as a martyr, and this sacrifice bore an abundance of good fruit. Please give me the grace to walk in his footsteps by faithfully fulfilling my mission in life with courage and strength. May I never waver in the face of injustice so that I can embrace it and make it my spiritual offering to You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Luke 14:1, 7-11 - One Sabbath, when He [Jesus] went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching Him carefully. … Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann When Jesus Redefines Our Relationship, Part 2Series: Unveiled Scripture: Mark 2:13–28 Episode: 1415 Scripture Summary:  In Mark 2:13–28, Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to follow Him—demonstrating His mission to reach sinners, not the self-righteous. He then shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, prompting criticism from the religious leaders. Jesus responds, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Questions arise about why Jesus' disciples don't fast, and He explains using parables about new wine in old wineskins, illustrating that His new way of life can't be contained by old religious systems. Later, the Pharisees criticize His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, but Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, declaring Himself Lord of the Sabbath. Key themes include grace over legalism, Jesus' authority, and the radical nature of the kingdom of God.

Reading Luke 18:9-14 where Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, to those who trusted in themselves and had contempt for others. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 23:23-26 - Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Damning exposé of Bugnini in so-called liturgist's rediscovered memoirs https://www.complicitclergy.com  /2025/08/15/damning-expose-of-bugnini-in-prominent-liturgists-rediscovered-memoirs/

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 23:13-22  - Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.' Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.' You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by Him Who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him Who is seated on it.” Memorial of Saint Louis of France Memorial of Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest Saints Louis and Joseph, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Pope Leo recommends the moral teachings/theology of the great pre-Vatican II moralist and Saint, Alphonsus Ligouri https://southernorderspage.blogspot.com/2025/08/pope-leo-recommends-moral.html 3) Birthright citizenship is much more complex than media wants you to believe https://www.returntoorder.org/2025/08/birthright-citizenship-is-much-more-complex-than-the-media-wants-you-to-believe/ 4) United States: Conversions to Catholicism at highest level in 20 years https://fsspx.news/en/news/united-states-conversions-catholicism-highest-level-20-years-54011

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 23:27-32 - Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood.' Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!" Memorial of Saint Monica Saint Monica, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Jesse discuss today's Minneapolis shooting tragedy by a so-called "transgeder" woman, killing two children at Mass and wounding many others

Gospel Matthew 23:27-32 Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood.' Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!” Reflection When evil is involved, things don't stay the same, they get worse. The lies get bigger. The hypocrisy grows. And when that happens, there's such a terrifying end to it all. When we look at these men who Jesus has complained about being not good ministers of the temple. Now he actually says what their evil has led to. They, the ministry of the temple, is willing to kill the greatest prophet, the Son of God. Closing Prayer Father, help us to be aware of evil in our lives. Hypocrisy. Little lies that we think are not that bad, but then they grow. So help us always to pay attention to who we are and where we have weakness, give us strength to change and to grow, and to enter the light. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices