Podcasts about Philistines

In 2 Chronicles 21 Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat and rules for 8 inglorious and evil years. Judah's king commences his reign by killing all his brothers. It was said of this king of Judah that he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel - this is because his wife was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Edom revolts and sets up their own ruler. A letter comes from the prophet Elijah and strongly rebukes Jehoram and prophesies of the disease which would kill Jehoram - a disgusting sort of dysentery that causes his bowels to fall out after two years of suffering. During this time the Philistines and Arabians invade Judah and ransack the king's house. In 2 Chronicles 22 we read that the people of Judah make Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king at the age of 22. Ahaziah is evil like his great grandfather Omri and was no doubt controlled and directed by his mother, Athaliah. King Joram, of Israel, makes war with the Syrians and is seriously wounded. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle in Jezreel; where he is met and slain by Jehu; whom God had appointed to destroy all of Ahab's offspring. Ahaziah is buried out of respect for Jehoshaphat. Athaliah now takes control of the throne of Judah. Athaliah likewise destroys all the seed Royal in Judah with the exception of Joash, who was hidden in the temple for six years by his faithful aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband the high priest, Jehoiadah. Daniel 3 speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's defiance of the vision presented to him. On the plain of Dura, just outside Babylon, the Chaldean king sets up an image made entirely of gold. The height of this image is about 35 metres and its breadth 3.5 metres - these dimensions suggest it was probably placed on a plinth. All the dignitaries from every province which king Nebuchadnezzar ruled were assembled and commanded to bow down and worship when the orchestra plays. The penalty for disobeying would be to be cast into a fiery furnace. Daniel's 3 friends disobey the king. These three friends were not prepared to submit to the command of a mere mortal man when there was a greater principle at stake - "we ought to obey God rather than man" (Acts 5 verse29). These faithful servants of Yahweh are given a second opportunity to comply. They politely refuse and are cast into the furnace, which was so hot that it kills the officers who cast them into the furnace. The three faithful men walk around in the furnace. The king sees with them a fourth individual - the angel of God. When they emerge from the furnace they were not even singed, nor could the smell of fire be detected. Nebuchadnezzar is astounded and commands that all of his realm the worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - read aloud verses 28-30 Pause and Ponder. (Daniel must not have been present in Babylon at this time). Acts is Luke's second account - compare Luke 1 verses 1-4 with Acts 1 verses 1-3. Luke 24 closes with Jesus' ascension compare that to account the Acts 1 account which commences with the same event. Luke's first record closes with Jesus praying as he is taken to heaven as does Acts 1. For 40 days Jesus spoke with his disciples of the kingdom of God on earth, as the reconstituted kingdom of Israel. The only question the Apostles had was "Is the time for the kingdom now?" The time, as verse 7 indicates, is known only by Jesus' Father. By AD 96 when the book of Revelation is written Jesus then knew this time. But based on Jesus' commission for them to preach to the entire world it would obviously be some time distant. And following the words of the angels in recorded in verses 9-11 that kingdom would not come until our Lord's return to earth. From verses 12 to 26 a replacement is appointed for Judas, whose behaviour was the subject of prophecy - Psalm 109:8 (in fact it is instructive to read the entire Psalm as it will provide us with an insight as to what motivated Judas). That successor is named as Matthias. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Samson gets a bad wrap from many pastors and commentators. He is often credited with breaking his Nazarite vows. He is portrayed as a drunkard with no care for the uncleanness of corpses. The only part of the vow that Samson is said to have obeyed was the bit about cutting his hair, that is until his hair was cut. But when we read the story of Samson and pay attention, we will discover that Samson is never once recorded as having a drink or eating a grape. And the concern about corpses of often misunderstood and misapplied. Samson does have a weakness, but it is not wine. It is a much more fundamental weakness that causes him to make the terrible decisions that he makes. His weakness is women. And not just any women. Philistine women.

A — About: This passage reveals God's coming judgment against the Philistines for their rebellion and hostility toward His people. Despite their strength, they could not escape the Lord's appointed justice. B — Best Verse: "The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza." — Jeremiah 47:1 (NKJV) C — Call to Action: We are called not to rebel against God, but to trust in His justice and grace through Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment we deserved.

BABYLONIANS, ASSYRIANS, EGYPTIANS, PHILISTINES 

Yitskhaq's Conflict With Abimelech 15 Now all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines stopped up by filling them with earth. 16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.” 17 And Isaac departed from there and…

Send us a textThe first portrayal of the Philistines can be seen in the reliefs of the Medinet Habu monument. It shows their warriors, but also their women and children on ox-carts. They came to conquer, but also to live. They fought and contributed culturally, bringing their influences from the Aegean. But were they just a bunch of foreign invaders, or were they migrants integrating into the local culture? Support the show

In I Samuel Chapter 4, the leaders of Israel suffered a crushing defeat and wrongly assumed that bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle would guarantee victory. Instead of seeking God's guidance or repenting, they treated the Ark as a magical object rather than a symbol of God's presence. Their misplaced faith led to disaster—the Philistines defeated them and captured the Ark, the sacred vessel that represented God's covenant and presence with Israel. In Chapters 5–6, the Philistines placed the captured Ark in the temple of their god Dagon, only to witness Dagon fall before it and be destroyed. God's power brought plagues upon the Philistines until they returned the Ark to Israel with guilt offerings, acknowledging His supremacy. Yet, even some of the Israelites were punished when they failed to show proper reverence, reminding us all that God's holiness must never be treated casually or superstitiously. This story reveals powerful truths: God alone is supreme over all idols, His power is independent of human strength, and His holiness demands respect. He exposes false worship and shows that His purpose is always to make Himself known among all nations. Today, believers are called to examine their own “idols”—anything they trust more than God—and remember that His presence now dwells within them through the Holy Spirit, not in objects or rituals, but in hearts fully devoted to Him.

Key Bible Verse: "Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD...so they abandoned the LORD and did not serve Him. And the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and they afflicted them for eighteen years... then the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You...please save us this day! " Judges 10: 6-8, 10

In 2 Samuel chapter 8, the Bible records a season of great military success for King David and the strengthening of his kingdom. After consolidating his rule over all Israel, David goes to war against surrounding nations and secures victory after victory, fulfilling God's promise to give him rest from his enemies. Summary David defeats the Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, Arameans (Syrians), Edomites, and others, expanding Israel's borders and establishing dominance from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt. He takes valuable spoils of war—gold, silver, and bronze—and dedicates them to the Lord. The chapter emphasizes that “the Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6, 14). This phrase underlines that David's triumphs were not just military achievements but divine favor and fulfillment of God's covenant promises. David sets up garrisons in conquered territories to maintain peace and order, establishing political stability. He also appoints a structured leadership over Israel — including Joab as commander of the army, Jehoshaphat as recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech as priests, Seraiah as secretary, and Benaiah over the Kerethites and Pelethites (David's royal guard). Themes and Lessons •Divine Favor: David's success was due to God's presence, not merely human strategy. •Faithfulness: David honored God by dedicating the plunder to Him. •Order and Leadership: A strong kingdom requires godly structure and trusted officials. •Fulfillment of Promise: God's word to Abraham and to David about establishing Israel's dominion was being realized. Hashtags: #2Samuel8 #David #Victory #BibleStudy #FaithfulGod #DivineFavor #SendMeRadio #BibleTeaching #GodsPromisesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

Egypt's Retreat and the Emergence of New Kingdoms in the Early Iron Age AUTHOR NAME: Eric Cline BOOK TITLE: 1177 BC, the year civilization collapsed; After 1177 BC, The Survival of Civilizations Following the collapse, Egypt, despite surviving, merely coped and retreated from the international stage, entering the chaotic Third Intermediate Period. The resulting power vacuum allowed the emergence of smaller kingdoms like Israel, Judah, and Moab. Archaeology uses Old Testament texts as guideposts for the First Millennium BC. The Philistines are identified as the Sea Peoples group called the Peleset, evidenced by DNA extracted from Ashkelon burials.

“God's Promise & Protection”Exodus 23:20-3320 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. 21 Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.22 “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.23 “When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, 24 you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. 25 You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. 26 None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land. 31 And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them and their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

Ordinary Tool, Extraordinary God October 12, 2025 AM Elwyn Johnston Judges 3:31 Verse of the Week: “Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” 2 Chron. 20:15 1. You are God's answer to your world. “After Ehud came Shamgar the son of Anath” Judges 3:31 2. What you have can make a difference “Shamgar killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.” Judges 3:31 “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” Matthew 25:21 “God has given each of you a gift….Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 3. Don't allow the circumstances to stop you “Shamgar killed 600 Philistines” Judges 3:31 “When the priests who were carrying the ark came to the edge of the Jordan River and set foot in the water, the water stopped flowing from upstream.” Joshua 3:15 & 16 “we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel...and he said…Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” 2 Chronicles 20:14 & 15

1 Samuel 24: 1-22When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.'” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 5 And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm'? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.”16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house.” 22 And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

2 Samuel 1: 1-27After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. 2 And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. 3 David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” 4 And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 5 Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6 And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear, and behold, the chariots and the horsemen were close upon him. 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.' 8 And he said to me, ‘Who are you?' I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.' 9 And he said to me, ‘Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.' 10 So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. 12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13 And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.” 14 David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?” 15 Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died. 16 And David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord's anointed.'”17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said:19 “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon,lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.21 “You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor fields of offerings!For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.22 “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty,the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.23 “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided;they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.24 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.25 “How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.27 “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”

“David did not let a man or woman live to be brought to Gath, for he said, “Or they will inform on us and say, ‘This is what David did.' ” This was David's custom during the whole time he stayed in the Philistine territory.”1 Samuel 27:11 CSB

Ishbosheth murdered. David now can be king over all Israel, a position he will hold for 33 more years. The Philistines attack the new king and are defeated.

During a stand off with the Philistines, Israel's army is put to shame by a warrior named Goliath. While King Saul and the rest of Israel's army cower in fear, a young shepherd boy hears Goliath's challenge and decides to step up. David's brothers and King Saul himself tell him why he can't fight Goliath, David knows who his God is, and who he is.

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom takes a deep dive into the account of David and King Saul 1 Samuel 8:4-54 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”1 Samuel 8:77 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.1 Samuel 18:5-85 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 6 Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 7 So the women sang as they danced, and said:“Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”1 Samuel 27:11 And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.”1 Samuel 28:128 Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered their armies together for war, to fight with Israel. 1 Samuel 28:33 Now Samuel had died,…  And Saul had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land.1 Samuel 28:5-75 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him,… 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” and his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”Leviticus 19:3131 ‘Give no regard (consideration) to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.Exodus 22:1818 “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.Leviticus 20:2727 ‘A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits (who consult the spirits of the dead), shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones.1 Thessalonians 5:2222 Abstain from every form of evil.Proverbs 4:1414 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.3 John 1111 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good….1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,…John 10:1010 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.Ephesians 4:2727 nor give place (opportunity) to the devil.

“God's Promise & Protection”Exodus 23:20-3320 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. 21 Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.22 “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.23 “When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, 24 you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. 25 You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. 26 None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land. 31 And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them and their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

1 Chronicles 20 continues the story with the capture of Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, in the following spring. The crown of the Ammonite king, weighing about 35 kilograms was taken to David and placed on his head. David put the Ammonites to hard work to pay tribute to Israel. The chapter concludes with the destruction of four of the Philistine giants, all of whom are related to Goliath and all are slain by David's warriors. Chapter 21 of 1 Chronicles finds David and all Israel in an exalted state of pride. David orders a census of the strength of the army. Joab pleaded with him not to do this; since victory was through Yahweh's saving arm and was independent of the size of the army. The king's word prevails and the census is taken but excludes Benjamin and Levi - as Joab had sway there. The record indicates that on this occasion Joab was correct and David was wrong. The prophet Gad was sent to David to tell him to choose between 3 punishments. David leaves the choice to God and for three days plague ravages the land. Eventually the plague is stayed at Jerusalem when David purchases the future site of the temple and offers sacrifices to the LORD. David, who had been Israel's shepherd, intercedes on behalf of his suffering sheep. What a lesson for all! Ezekiel chapter 31 contains many similarities to chapter 28. Just as the prince of Tyre had been a cedar in the garden of Eden, so too is Pharaoh of Egypt described in the same terms. He would be judged and brought low by Judah's Sovereign God. Pharaoh, Egypt, the Nile river and the crocodile - also known as the dragon- would be humbled by the Lord GOD Almighty. Nebuchadnezzar would be God's instrument in the overthrowing of the wicked kingdom of Judah. The Apostle Paul eventually came to Ephesus on his third missionary journey, after more than one unsuccessful attempts to visit Asian cities on the second journey. Western Turkey was in those days known as "Asia". The LORD was waiting for the best time for the preaching of the gospel. Acts 19 records the events at Ephesus. The Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed in that city and it became Paul's base of operations throughout the then known region of Asia. Chapter 1 contains greetings and the faithful in Ephesus being described as having, in status, been elevated to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. From verses 15-22 the Apostle offers prayer and thanksgiving on the believers' behalf. Paul outlines in verses 19-22 the great place Christ occupies to all believers. The Apostle tells the Ephesians that in the Lord Jesus Christ the Almighty's power was seen in producing a righteous man who could then be raised from the dead. As an aside which may be of some interest for those studying this chapter: all four Greek words for 'power' are used in those verses. Chapter 2 deals with the enlightenment of believers and their salvation by grace - on the basis of their faith. Believers salvation has nothing to do with their merits. However, a life of gratitude is necessitated from believers. In verses 11-18 Paul outlines the faithful's changed status from hopeless nobodies to sanctified believers in Christ Jesus. The chapter concludes with the growth of the body of believers into a holy temple. A dwelling place for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Slowly read aloud verses 17-22 and consider the foundation God has given us and that each of us determine to be a part of the LORD's holy edifice.

Yes!  You are in!  Do you have a reputation that you want to change?  Not happy with past mistakes.  Welcome to the Club and here is a case study on how to move forward.  Here you go...Yes, thank you, once again, Dr. Lorrits.  You can hear more of him at the Bryan Lorrits podcast.  Simply click on the link in this episode's description...https://www.youtube.com/live/qjpCWov6c0Y?si=2ggetogt4YF-59gzThe Bible as what I like to call the Owner's Manual for Life is full of jaded, flawed characters being redeemed.  Chosen.  As stated, if you think you are the least likely and especially if those around you think you are the least likely to do something amazing for/with the Lord, you are prospect A1.  Woman at the Well...check John 4.  Checkered past.  Looked down so much by her community that nobody would affiliate with her.  She had to go to the well in the heat of the day to avoid bullying and judging and cruelty. And Jesus Christ chooses her.  She wasn't even Jewish like the other disciples.  She was a Samaritan.  In other words, think of who is your enemy...that person.  David, side note, very interesting series on Prime if you have it.  Extra side note, interesting to see MGM inspired by Angel Studios to go for that series.  David was seen as a loser to his family and brothers.  Dad didn't even round him up when Samuel asked to see all his sons.  A literal sheep shepherd is chosen to take down the mightiest warrior the Philistines had.  He rises to power.  He screws up in a massive way.  And rallies himself again.  As for your life, anything is possible with God.  Matt 19:26Some of you may be thinking, aren't you beating this drum too much?  No.  I think we keep going until everyone has Hope and living their best life that honors/loves God and our neighbors.  In other words, we are not done until Jesus Christ comes back or until we die.  BTW, for returning listeners.  How much has happened to fade you from Hope of the last message.  I bet a lot.  That is what the enemy does.  Want to confuse you, make you busy and make yourself think you are a loser and to stay down.  As for this podcast, we are in the Hope and encouragement business.  1 Thes 5:11.  Thank you for sharing when worthy.  As for your loved ones, they may seem good.  I bet they are not.  Ask how are you really doing?  Ending on a prayer note...Lord, who does this listener reach out to?  Will you put specific names on their hearts?  As for their life, what have you chosen them to do shines your light and Love Matt 5:16?

Presented by Julie Busteed What happens when you are not patient and run ahead of God and take things into your own hands? That's exactly what happened to King Saul. You can read the entire account in I Samuel 13:1-15 but let me summarize. Saul is the newly appointed first King over Israel. They've had some success at defeating their enemies. I guess King Saul is feeling pretty good about this. Then the Philistines—the enemy—assemble to fight and they have many chariots and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. When the Israelites see this, they are quaking with fear. Saul waits seven days for Samuel (the prophet and priest) to arrive to offer the burnt offering. He was following Samuel's instructions (1 Samuel 10:8). But something happens—we're not told what—but Samuel doesn't show up in seven days. He's late. And Saul seeing that his soldiers are frightened, seeing the strength and number of his enemies, takes things into his own hands and he offers the sacrifice to God (which by the way was against the law—only priests were to do this). And then guess who shows up at this exact moment—Samuel! And he asks Saul what's going on, and Saul explains: “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:11-12). Oh wow. Did you hear that? Saul's saying things weren't going as he thought they should. He was looking at his circumstances around him and becoming fearful and not looking at God. And so, he took things into his own hands—he felt “compelled” to ask for the Lord's help in this way. And Samuel then tells him that he's done a foolish thing. That he's not kept the command that the Lord God gave him and as a result the Kingdom of Israel will be taken away from him, it will not endure. I do feel for Saul sometimes. It sounds like he convinced himself he was doing the right thing in rushing ahead of God and offering these sacrifices and seeking the Lord's favor instead of waiting for Samuel. But it was not the right thing. How many times have you been anxious, got tired of waiting for God and took things into your own hands which then resulted in more trouble? Maybe you are so desperate to get out of a job or a project that you'll do anything. I know. It's hard to wait. But it can be even more dangerous to not wait. To make poor decisions and suffer those consequences. You might not have your kingdom taken away from you like Saul, but it could still end in difficulty. As the Psalmist says, wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14 ESV)!

In this episode, Dinesh reveals the mystery surrounding the Dragon in his new film “The Dragon’s Prophecy,” and then Jonathan Cahn, author of the book of that title, joins Dinesh to discuss the close parallels between Israel’s battles today against the radical Muslims and the battles of the ancient Israelites against their persistent enemy the Philistines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saul hears from Samuel and is brought low. David sent home to Ziklag by the Philistines only to find his town has been burned to the ground and his wives have been captured, all by Amalekites. God through David turns things around quickly.

David is now king of Israel, and the Philistines are not happy, listen to this podcast to see how God miraculously delivers Isreal. Year A Quarter 4 Week 40All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Lessons From The Life of David | Week 4 |  Ken Miller--In this lesson, we will pick up the story of David's second attempt to seek refuge among the Philistines. This is one of many occasions when David tried to come up with his own plan for solving the problem of Saul.--Notes

1 Chronicles chapter 14 deals, firstly, with David's wives and sons; and then with two miraculous victories over the Philistines as they sought to destroy David before he had opportunity to organise his kingdom. Verses 8-12 tell of the LORD's instructions to David and His aiding of the king when the Philistines launched an attack on an unprepared Israel. These verses reveal David's thanks for Yahweh's aiding Israel and giving them the victory. Verses 13-16 says that the Philistines tried another attack shortly after the first failure. Once again the Almighty went before His people who heard the movements of the angelic hosts in the tops of the balsam trees. As a result of these two mighty victories the surrounding nations were in awe of Israel and their God. The comments lack commentary for 1 Chronicles 15. These will be added in the next few days. The 27th chapter of Ezekiel contains a lament over how great Tyre had been brought low. The Tyrians had enlisted the best of all nations into their military machine. Tyre had become wealthy through her commercial enterprises. Any nation that had assisted Tyre also prospered from their association with Tyre. Indeed, the humanly unexpected demise of Tyre illustrates Daniel's declaration: "The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men" Daniel 4:17. But none of those nations cared that Yahweh had brought Tyre low. Their only concern was that no longer would the wealth that the Phoenicians had thought to be theirs belong to them. Verses 1-12 of Luke 24 describe events associated with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time of his raising would have been 6pm Saturday evening, which by Jewish way of reckoning time began the first day of the week. The women, of whom there may have been around six in number, find the stone which had been sealing the tomb, rolled back. Two men, who stood by (undoubtedly angels), tell them not to seek the living Lord among the dead. But, that Jesus' disciples are to meet him in Galilee as he had told them before his death. Several of the women ran to tell the news to the Apostles, who found the women's report incredulous. Peter together with John (see John chapter 20) come and verify the women's message. That same day two of our Lord's disciples are journeying to Emmaus and are joined by Jesus. The record tells us that their capacity to recognise the Lord was restrained. The two express their great disappointment in the events that had taken place recently. Jesus takes the initiative and explains from Moses, the Psalms and the prophets the entire picture of Messiah, who had to suffer before being glorified. As the group of three approach a village Jesus indicates that he wishes to travel further, but the other two constrain him to stay with them. Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread. The two disciples hastily return to Jerusalem with great excitement. On finding the Apostles assembled together those two hear of Jesus' appearance to Simon Peter and add their own witnessing. The Lord appears to the group assembled and shows them the wounds in his hands and side - some translations say "back". Further Jesus eats some food to show that he was not an apparition. Then the chapter says the Lord gives his Apostles the great commission to take the Gospel into all the world. Luke's final account is that Christ is praying he ascends from the Mount of Olives into heaven (compare Acts 1verses 6-11).

David again spares Saul, but eventually has to run to the Philistines for protection. Saul, fearing the enemy risen against him, seeks out a medium for encouragement.

David is now king of Israel, and the Philistines are not happy, listen to this podcast to see how God miraculously delivers Isreal. Year A Quarter 4 Week 40All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom teaches us what it really means to trust in God. Psalm 27:44 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life,…Matthew 6:31-3331 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles (a non-believer) seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.1 Samuel 17:3737 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”James 2:2020 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead (useless)?Proverbs 3:5-65 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.Matthew 12:3434 …For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.Psalm 27:1      The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?James 3:4-54 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.Psalm 27:1      1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?Proverbs 23:77 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.Romans 12:22 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Romans 8:3131 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

David is now king of Israel, and the Philistines are not happy, listen to this podcast to see how God miraculously delivers Isreal. Year A Quarter 4 Week 40All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Exodus 13:17–18a When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.HUMBLE - Posture of Preparation Luke 16:10a – Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. TEST - Potential for Promotion James 1:2–3  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseveranceOBEDIENCE - Proves our Priorities John 14:15  “If you love me, keep (obey) my commands.”

David is now king of Israel, and the Philistines are not happy, listen to this podcast to see how God miraculously delivers Isreal. Year A Quarter 4 Week 40All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

David is now king of Israel, and the Philistines are not happy, listen to this podcast to see how God miraculously delivers Isreal. Year A Quarter 4 Week 40All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

What is faith? Faith is a good fight! As believers, we are to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life. We see powerful principles of fighting the good fight of faith in Jonathan's bold decision to take on a Philistine garrison. Let us learn from his faith and bold action on how to fight the good fight of faith. If you prayed the prayer of Salvation please fill out this form so that we can mail you a free gift!https://gospeltabernacle.breezechms.com/form/salvationIf you would like to check out all our resources, send a message, or sow a seed into the ministry work please visit: www.faithformygeneration.com

By Stephen Bouchette - Ancient armies have utilized champion warfare, where the best of their warriors would fight the best warrior of their enemy. The future Israelite king, David, versus the Philistine's champion, Goliath, is a famous example. We, modern Christians, have our own champion: Jesus Christ. We reflect on His

Judah's insensitivity to sin continues, as does God's call for them to repent. Learn how the prophesies against the Philistines, Moab, and Ammon have been fulfilled and how that judgment will also extend to Ethiopia, Assyria, and nations of today.

Why did the Assyrians spare Philistine port cities like Gaza when they conquered The Levant? How did the Persians overthrow the Babylonians in the region? What did Alexander The Great send back to his tutor after he sieged Gaza City?  William and Anita are joined once again by Josephine Quinn, Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge and author of How The World Made The West, to discuss the five ancient empires that conquered Gaza. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Becki Hills Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when humans try to control God? The Philistines learned the hard way when they captured the Ark of the Covenant and their idol Dagon ended up decapitated before it! This ancient story from 1 Samuel 5 reveals a timeless truth: God cannot be contained in our boxes or manipulated to fit our expectations. Are you trying to make God conform to your preferences instead of worshiping Him as He truly is? Discover the freedom that comes when we stop trying to control the uncontrollable.

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God's sovereignty extends far beyond individual salvation to encompass entire nations—a biblical truth often overlooked in contemporary teaching. This eye-opening episode delves into Ezekiel 25, where God pronounces judgment on Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia for their centuries of hostility toward Israel.What's remarkable is how God remembers national sins committed hundreds of years earlier. The Ammonites celebrated when Jerusalem fell. The Moabites claimed Judah was "like all other nations." The Edomites, despite being blood relatives through Esau, took vengeance against God's people. The Philistines maintained "everlasting enmity" toward Israel. For each, God pronounces specific judgments that were historically fulfilled through Babylon's conquests.Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, we see God actively raising up and tearing down nations, establishing their boundaries and appointed times. This isn't just Old Testament theology—Paul affirms it to the Athenians in Acts 17. Scripture presents three redemptive dimensions: individuals, creation, and nations.This perspective challenges our modern tendency to compartmentalize faith as purely personal. While individual salvation has always been by grace through faith, God simultaneously works out His purposes in the geopolitical sphere. The Bible's consistent pattern shows that how nations treat Israel matters to God—a principle with profound implications for our world today.As we reason through these challenging passages, we're reminded that only God can take righteous vengeance. Our ultimate comfort comes not from national identity but from personal salvation through Jesus Christ [the Messiah], who shields believers from the wrath these nations experienced. Join us next time as we explore God's judgment on Tyre and continue uncovering biblical truths that speak to every dimension of life.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Gaza is one of the oldest urban centres on Earth, and in this series we are exploring its long history. It was first referred to by Pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BC when it was known as Ghazzati. In this episode we ask: Who were the Philistines? Why did Egyptian pharaohs put monopolies on Gazan sweet wine? And what was 'The Bronze Age Collapse'? William and Anita are joined by Josephine Quinn, Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge and author of How The World Made The West, to discuss the ancient history of Gaza. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Becki Hills Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 14th, 2025—Never short sell an immeasurably more God.Never underestimate the power of a simple prayer offered on behalf of a complex situation.Never dismiss the impact of obedience (disobedience).Never be afraid of the repercussions of telling the truth in love. One of those repercussions is freedom.When in the dark always ask for more of God. You need Him more than answers, advice or direction.When I am primarily after God to serve my interests, I have missed His greatest value – presence. God's love for us isn't best expressed in what He does for us. His love was best expressed by what He did for us. John 3:16,17 (NIV) “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 1:14 (AMP) 14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 3 Aspects of God's presence vital to navigating dark and directionless seasons. Presence = Guidance & ProtectionPresence = Daily ProvisionPresence = Identity & Security1. God's Presence = Guidance & Protection Exodus 13:17-18, 20-22 (NIV) 17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.Israel needed this type of unmistakable guidance because they had never gone this way before. They longed to be free without the slightest clue of what direction to walk in to be free. 2. God's Presence = Daily ProvisionIsrael couldn't connect the dots between a God powerful enough to deliver them, lead them and protect them to a God would could provide for them.Joshua 5:10-12 (NIV) 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.God as our Provider has less to do with what He provides or how He provides, but who He is - He is Jehovah-Jireh. Acknowledging God as Provider is to never think what we have is solely due to who we are or what we can produce. 3. God's Presence = Identity & SecurityExodus 32:9-10 (NIV) 9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God… 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.Exodus 32:30-34 (NIV) 30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” 31 So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” 33 The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.” 35 And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.Exodus 33:1-3 (NIV) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.' 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”Exodus 33:12-17 (NIV) 12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”Outcomes and destinations are empty without Identity. God's presence gives us our identity. If you are confident in an immeasurably more God and secure in who you are in Christ, where you are and what's in front of you become secondary to whose you are. Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV) 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”Psalm 34:4 (NIV) I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered my from all my fears.Psalm 18:6 (NIV) In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.James 4:8 (NIV) “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways I will hear from heaven and heal their land.”Revelation 3:20 (NIV) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him and he with me.”

In recent days, many of us have heard stories of the senselessness of evil. Not just faraway in Charlotte and Colorado and Utah, but right here in our own Twin Cities.Our family spent much of our summer with four dear Annunciation families on our sons' baseball team. All of them had kids in the room where the gunman opened fire. One little girl, a friend of our daughters, was shot three times. And all our Annunciation friends know well the students who died and others who were injured. What's been so unsettling is the sheer senseless evil of shooting up a room of children. It is profoundly wicked, like the devil himself, to go after children.Sensible people understandably look for motives and rationale. But it's not always so easy. Someone read aloud to me some of the gunman's words, and I don't know what to say but senseless. Irrational. Sheer evil — that would open fire on children, and be so deeply deceived as to pretend in writing the day before to be a good person.We might wonder if such an evil person is possessed by the devil. The better answer, I think, is to say that such a person, like the devil himself, has become deeply enslaved to his own evil and indwelling sin. The deep anti-God and anti-Christ impulse in the devil himself is the same anti-God and anti-Christ impulse in all sinners, but for God's common and saving grace. It's called sin. Left unchecked, it will devolve into senseless anti-God evil and the ultimate slavery.Which relates to our passage this morning. As the back and forth escalates, let's go first to where the dialogue ends up in verses 44–47. Jesus says,You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.Last week Jonathan said, Wait till you hear what Jesus says next week. He was talking about verse 44: “You are of your father the devil.” And then the end of verse 47: “The reason why you do not hear [my words] is that you are not of God.”So, that's where this is going, but look where it begins. Verse 30: “As [Jesus] was saying these things (verses 12–29), many believed in him.”Verse 31: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him . . .”Jesus is talking to believers — at least people who have believed thus far. They've started to believe, but the question before us this morning is whether they will keep on believing as Jesus keeps speaking. Many of them have fickle faith. We've seen Jesus confront groups like this already in 2:23–25 and chapter 6. Isn't Jesus's instinct with a crowd amazing? A crowd gathers, and Jesus doesn't think, Hmm, this is a thrill. I better not mess it up. How can I lower the bar so that every stays and even more come? Rather, Jesus's instinct seems to be, There's a crowd; they can't all be real. I need to raise the bar. Whittle down the crowd; narrow it down to genuine believers, to true disciples. Jesus doesn't cater to those with fickle faith; he challenges them. If they stay fickle, they'll spoil the movement, not help it. But if you challenge their faith, some will go, but some will stay — remain, hang on, hold fast, and be true disciples.So, let me pause at this point to ask: What would this be for you? For Jesus's audience, it's their Jewishness. They are sons of Abraham, which they retreat to twice in verses 33 and 39. Very few in this room are counting this cost: if I believe and keep believing in Jesus, then my life of faith and faith-community as I've known it will be upturned. Or is it?Social appeal is powerful; community pressure is real. That might be the challenge for you this morning. Your people are secular to the core. Or Muslim. Or Buddhist. Or just unbelieving American conservatives or progressives. Or professing Christians who are fickle in their faith. Whatever level of interest in or openness to Jesus you have this morning, what group tempts you to not believe and stay with Jesus? (So many today are slaves of their own conception of others' opinions, whether adopting it or reacting to it; either way you're a slave to your own sense of what's mainstream, what the majority thinks, where the trends or counter-trends seem to be going.)And the main point for us this morning in John 8 is that those who are “of God” stay with Jesus. They bear with his word, and no matter how uncomfortable, his words find place in them, and he bears fruit through them.The main claim in this passage is verses 31–32, then the rest fleshes this out or defends this leading claim. Look there:So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”Jesus makes the claim, then they go back and forth about it. And in verse 47, we find that, at bottom, to stay with Jesus shows one is “of God” or not. So, that's how I'd like to frame it for us this morning, very personally. I take it that this room is filled with people who have believed in Jesus, but the emphasis this morning is on staying, remaining, abiding, holding fast. And for those who haven't yet believed, you get an inside look into what Christian belief is. It is not a past belief or a momentary belief that makes you a Christian, but an abiding belief, a belief that remains, a belief that holds fast to Jesus, a belief that persists and endures and perseveres the ups and downs of this life and keeps believing in him — stays with him.So, here's how we'll ask the question, to get at the three parts of the text: How do I know if I'm “of God” or not? Or how do I know if my belief is real and will endure?The realities of this text fall neatly into two columns: “of God” and “not of God.” That's the bottom-line reality, and this is what we'll spend the next few minutes filling out. So, here are three questions to confirm you are “of God.”1. Are you getting free from sin and enjoying it?Oh we love this word “freedom.”Verse 32,“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”But the question to ask is, Free from what, and free for what? We get a piece of it in verses 31–34:If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free'?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”Jesus offers freedom, and they hear in that offer that he's implying they are presently enslaved. They take offense at this, and retreat to their ethnic status: “we're offspring of Abraham; we've never been enslaved.” Which, of course is ridiculous. Ever heard of Egypt? How about the Philistines? And Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome. There's hardly any power in the ancient world that Abraham's offspring weren't enslaved to at some point. But it's a senseless diversion. Irrational. And Jesus doesn't take the bait by arguing about it. He brings it back to the point: “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”Freedom from sin is the freedom from that Jesus is offering.But what about freedom for? Freedom from sin. But free for what? Now, verses 38–41:I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” 39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.”Doing matters. Last week, Jonathan talked about not having a do-have-be mentality, but be-have-do. And he didn't say no doing. He said get the doing in the right place. And this first question is about the doing. The unbelieving show they do not have faith and they do not belong to God by what they do. And so too, those of God, who have faith in Jesus, get free from sin which is freedom to do good for others. This is the right place for good works. Your life matters. What you do matters. And freedom from sin doesn't mean you just sit around and watch clean videos, but that in freedom you love others and seek to do them good.But don't miss the greatness of Jesus in this. He is the one who sets free for real, free from sin, free to actually do good, to love others, to get past self and see others' needs and take initiative and expend effort and experience the joy and reward of doing someone else in need some genuine good, in the name of Jesus. And now we'll see in verse 36, that it is not only sons who are free but “the Son” who sets them free. Which leads to our second question.2. Does Jesus's word find place in you? Now, we come to the main focus on abiding or staying with Jesus. It's one thing to believe in a moment or believe in the past or believe initially in Jesus with fickle faith. But it's another thing to keep believing, to abide, to remain with him, stay with him when challenges come — for Jesus's words to “find place in you.” Jesus first mentions “abiding” or “remaining” in verse 31, but then he comes back to precisely this in verse 35, and it's easy to miss because the word changes in our English. Verse 31 has abide. Verse 35 has remain. But it's the same word in the original. Look at verses 35–37:The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.Jesus speaks to room full of people who “have believed” so far. And he says, if you don't remain with me, stay with me, you're a slave. Slaves come into a household for a time, but don't stay. They're not really part of the family. They're temporary members of the household. Eventually the slaves leave, but the sons stay. They abide. Sons remain.The word to us is this: if you stay with Jesus, if his word “finds place in you,” if you remain by faith in the house with him, you show yourself to be sons, true disciples. And those who seem to believe but do not stay reveal their ongoing slavery to sin.Over the years, we've sung together “He will hold me fast.” One of the most unnerving things in our life together as a church has been those who have sung with us and slowly walked away. And we ask, Did he not hold them fast? Will he hold me fast?Based on John 8, and the book of 1 John, and Hebrews, and elsewhere in the Bible, here's how I sing “He Will Hold Me Fast.” As I stay with Jesus, as I hold him fast, he holds me fast. And it's not that my holding fast causes him to hold me fast. It's the other way around. His holding me fast is manifest, in part, through my ongoing holding him fast. From my finite, limited, human perspective, I don't know for certain that I'll always hold him fast. If I give myself to sin and its slavery and do not hold fast to Jesus, it will be revealed that I wasn't “of him,” and he wasn't holding me fast. But right now, as I sing this song, I hold him fast, and as I sing, I resolve afresh and pledge anew to keep holding him fast — and as I hold him fast in faith I see and show that he is holding me fast.And there is something more we can say here about those who stay with Jesus and remain in him and have his word “find place” in them. This is one of the most shocking things Jesus says to these Jews. Not only does he call them to believe in him and abide in that belief, but he says in verse 42:“If God were your Father, you would love me.”Love me, he says! Perhaps the one question that would clarify that your faith is not fickle, but that you truly are his disciple, is this: Do you love him?Which leads to our third and final question.3. Can you bear to hear the words of Jesus? In these three questions, we've worked from the outside in, or from the top to the bottom: from doing good, to staying with him, and now back to where it all begins: believing in Jesus, hearing his words with faith. Believing his words that he came from God, and shares in the divine identity, even as he stands before us as fully human. And not just believing some of what he says about himself, as we find it convenient and socially acceptable. But believing all of what Jesus says about himself even and especially when it's at odds with whatever social group appeals to us most. Let's finish with verses 42–43:Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word.When Jesus says that he “came not of my own accord” (literally, “not from myself I have come”), he speaks as man who is no mere man. Jesus is no mere human, putting himself forward, saying, Hear me, believe me, love me, stay with him, do others good in my name. No, this man “came not of his own accord” but is God the Son sent by God the Father. (For Jesus's various “not my own” claims in the Gospel of John, see also 5:30, 43; 6:38; 7:28; 8:50; 12:49; 14:10). To hear Jesus and believe Jesus is to hear the one sent by God to speak for God and who is God himself (as we saw in verses 24 and 28, and will see next week in verse 58).To hear the word of Jesus is to hear the word of God. To believe what Jesus says about himself, and everything else, is to believe what God says about Jesus and everything else.So, in this sermon, we've worked backwards, in a sense. We started with true freedom, then came back to staying with Jesus, then came to the bottom and center: how you hear Jesus's voice.Now we've worked through the chart, and I'll fill it in: And if you're really struggling with the question, Am I of God or not? I have good news for you: if you are genuinely asking and genuinely concerned, that's a first indicator you're of God. Those who are not of God don't spend a lot of time worrying about it. Thank God you're concerned, and lean into Jesus. At the end of the day, the question for you, and for everyone in this room is, What do you do with Jesus? What do you think of him? Do you believe him? Do you love him? Do you fully intend to stay with him? How you respond to Jesus is the test, is the indicator, of whether you're “of God” or “not of God.” There's no way around Jesus to figure out if you're of God or not apart from how you orient on Jesus.So, here's my prayer for you and for us as a church: that we (those “who have believed” till now) would keep hearing Jesus even (and especially!) when it's uncomfortable and we don't like it at first (because we think other people in our lives won't like it), and so love him and stay with him (through life's trials), and so enjoy freedom from sin to do others good.Table for the FreeThis is the Table of those set free, and being increasingly set free, by the Son, from sin and for enjoying him and for expressing that love for him in doing good for others. This is a Table of true freedom. It celebrates his victory over death, our liberation from sin by his offering of himself for us at the cross, and our tasting and seeing that he is good.True freedom is from sin and its misery. True freedom stays in Jesus's word and loves him, which overflows into the freedom to love and do good for others.

Sunday, 14 September 2025   But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:8   “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when seed fell among the thorns, the thorns sprang up and choked them. He next says, “And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit.”   The Greek includes the definite article, “the good earth.” The implication is that there is, in fact, good earth. When the seed is scattered, some of it is lost to the various places previously identified, but some of it will land in earth that is properly suited for the intended purpose of the sower, which is to produce a harvest.   The words assure Jesus' hearers that God has provided good earth for this to come about. It is up to the one looking to obtain a harvest to select the right field, prepare it accordingly, and then begin sowing.   Though there is good soil, effort is required to obtain the harvest. Thus, there is the provision of God and the labor of the sower uniting to gain the benefit of the soil. When these are harmoniously combined, the result is “Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   Each of these numbers is used for the first time: hekaton (100), hexékonta (sixty), and triakonta (thirty). The latter two are formed as decades of the words hex (six) and treis (three).   Jesus' words are a general statement about the various grains that are sown and the quality of the good earth into which it is sown. As such, the numbers should not be pressed when Jesus explains the parable. He is simply providing an example of how things will work when the seed is sown into good soil.   To obtain a hundredfold is not something that was considered impossible. Centuries earlier, the record of Isaac's life says –   “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.” Genesis 26:12-14   Life application: Normally, one will get out of his efforts what he puts into them. This isn't always true because there can be catastrophes that sweep away one's efforts. For example, someone may plant papayas around his property. Those plants that are in good soil, have proper sunlight, and have abundant water will produce fruit.   Others that are out of the sun may not be productive. And because papayas need sufficient water, others may have the buds fall off or produce really deficient fruit if not kept properly watered. This is to be expected when someone tries various spots on his property for planting them.   The ones that meet all the right conditions may produce a large harvest. However, just as the harvest is almost ready (I mean, within days), a hurricane (we'll call it Hurricane Helene) comes through the area and floods the property with saltwater from the nearby gulf. That fruit will be ruined because of the saltwater. The plant is likely to be blown over by the wind, too.   Such things can happen, and one has to ask himself whether it is worth the risk of planting fruit trees at all. For certain, there will be no fruit if one doesn't try. In other words, life is a risk. It takes getting up and working in order to produce a harvest.   Fruit trees abound in the world, but when they are in uncleared areas, they generally are not as productive as they will be when land is cleared, prepared, and the trees are planted in optimum conditions. Sometimes, several years of experimenting may take place before any results are realized.   Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Eventually, he made a lightbulb that works and lasts. How willing are you to make the effort to learn biblical languages, learn to share the gospel, or excel at playing music (which includes playing at church on Sunday morning)?   We will never have results if we don't get to work. God has given us the time, place, and ability to make things happen. So get up, pray about what you intend to do, asking God to bless your efforts, and then get to work.   If a hurricane (this time we'll call it Milton) comes through and destroys your efforts, you have more choices to make. Pray that God will lead you in the right decisions to continue to glorify Him.   Lord God, may our actions and words be directed first and foremost to Your glory. Only when that is the case, may we then produce the right results that will cause our efforts to multiply. Keep us from thoughts of abundance without effort unless the glory is directed to You. Whether we reap a harvest with a lot of effort or without it, may we acknowledge You as the reason it came about. Amen.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. — Judges 3:31 Can one person really make a difference? Shamgar barely gets a verse. No long backstory. No detailed battle plan. Just a man with an oxgoad—a farmer's tool, not a warrior's weapon. Yet with it, he struck down 600 Philistines and saved Israel. That's it. No fanfare. No epic speeches. Just simple faith, raw courage, and God's power behind an ordinary tool. Sometimes God writes his biggest stories with the smallest brushstrokes. Shamgar's life reminds us: impact isn't about having the best weapon, but about putting what's in your hand into God's hand. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or better tools. God's not asking for what you don't have. He's asking for what you do have. Your oxgoad might be a kind word, a simple prayer, a skill you think is too small to matter. But in God's hands, ordinary becomes extraordinary. Never underestimate the difference one willing man or woman can make when they give God their tool and their trust. ASK THIS: What's the “oxgoad” in my hand that I've overlooked as insignificant? Do I believe God can use my ordinary life for extraordinary impact? Where is God calling me to step up, even if I feel unprepared? How can I trust God today to multiply my small obedience into big impact? DO THIS: Take one small, practical step of obedience today using whatever “oxgoad” God has placed in your hand. PRAY THIS: Lord, take what I have—even if it feels small—and use it for your glory. Make me bold like Shamgar to step into the fight with what you've given me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Available."

Dinesh and Debbie discuss Charlie Kirk’s legacy, how the savagery of Hamas today resembles the savagery of the Philistines, why blue cities seem to like high crime rates, how test scores in America are dropping rapidly, and how Islamic radicals organize the takeover of suburban towns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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5/8. As discussed by Professor Eric Cline, the Philistines are definitively identified as part of the Sea Peoples, likely the "Pleset" mentioned by the Egyptians. They settled in five key cities, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Gaza. Archaeological and recent DNA evidence from children in Ashkelon shows a mix of local Canaanite and "other" (possibly Aegean/Sardinian/Spanish) ancestry, indicating their descendants were from the original Sea Peoples, confirming their identity and origins. 1ST CE, NAPLES

There may be no story in Scripture more familiar than David and Goliath—the epic clash between a shepherd boy and a giant. But often overlooked is the third key character in the story: King Saul.In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, David: A Matter of the Heart. Preaching from 1 Samuel 17, Paul contrasts the identities of Saul and David and shows how their understanding of who they were before God determined how they faced the threat of the Philistine warrior.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.