Podcasts about phillistines

The kids are on another adventure! They are headed back to visit with some of the Israelites in a big moment, when the Phillistines attack! What will they learn from young David? Will they learn how to trust God?_______________________⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Podcast!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________Thanks for being here! We're the Holtzem Family. We love our family, and we love Jesus. We're hoping to bring some of our personal favorite things as a family, and some of our humor to you in hopes that it makes you smile, and maybe gives you something you can connect with.Find more Faith-Based Stories HereConnect with us further at;⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Holtzem Family on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Recipes and more about us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Wholesome House⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beverly Holtzem Art on Etsy

In today's episode:  Samuel prays for the people at Mizpah while the Phillistines get ready to attack God answers Samuel immediately A discussion from 2 Chronicles How God is the only One who can give real rest Israel turns to God and finds Him Israel is finally at peace   Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   Click all these links from P40: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

David among the Phillistines. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leapoffaithpodcast/support

Pastor Jeff preached a timely New Year's Eve message on this past Sunday. He emphasized that we will need God's supernatural help or strength in order to be successfull in the coming year. The story of Sampson teaches us invaluable principles related to that power and strength. In Judges 16:28 after Sampson had been demoralized at the hands of the Phillistines, he prayed and asked God for strength to avenge his enemies. How was Sampson able to summon God's help during this dismal time? First, he had to acknowledge God in his totality or triune form. Just like us, he needed God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be victorious. Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." The conquering strength and might belong to Him and because we are his, it also belongs to each and every one of us. Selah

Jonathan has a plan, Israel defeats the Phillistines, and Saul makes a foolish oath that almost cost him Jonathan's life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leapoffaithpodcast/support

Israel still at war with the Phillistines, Saul's disobedience, Samuel's rebuke (the hint of a new king) Israel's disadvantage against the Phillistines. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leapoffaithpodcast/support

Samson's vengeance on the Phillistines. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leapoffaithpodcast/support

The Gaza Hospital tragedy (2:05)Worldwide reactions What happened Who's to blame? Why the huge buildup of USA military in the region? Is it just gunboat diplomacy or is a nation the next target of Biden? (29:35) Nikki (Nuke-y) Haley always pushing for foreign wars and bringing terrorist refugees to USA (39:29)What does Denmark's experiment with Palestinian refugee immigration show? (45:21)Mark Levin and the Samson option — no, it's not using the jawbone of this chicken hawk ass to slay the Phillistines (54:42)Listener letter about his despair watching the last 3 years unfold — vaccines, faith, self-sufficiency in the post-"pandemic" world (1:04:30) Will Lawsuits Over Pfizer Pfraud Bankrupt the Company? They've already lost the PREP Act defense in one court. How are their actions like Purdue & the Sacklers in the opioid fraud cases? Why did other vaccine companies not jump on the Warp Speed bandwagon? (1:12:43) They lied to us about radio hosts and pastors who "died from Covid" (1:40:30) One blessing of the "pandemic" — people are finally realizing how childhood vaccines are destroying our health. Here's what's in them and what they're doing to us (1:46:17)Biden's "Ghost Gun" attack is supported by Supreme Court, by Alito! (2:03:58)INTERVIEW: George Barna - Nurturing Your Child's Heart, Mind, Soul Spiritainment, SAGE Cons, syncretism and a la carte worldview — George Barna, has studied our declining society for several decades founding the Barna Group and now with the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. He's distilled his insights into his latest book, Raising Spiritual Champions. (2:12:35)Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNI

The Gaza Hospital tragedy (2:05)Worldwide reactions What happened Who's to blame? Why the huge buildup of USA military in the region? Is it just gunboat diplomacy or is a nation the next target of Biden? (29:35) Nikki (Nuke-y) Haley always pushing for foreign wars and bringing terrorist refugees to USA (39:29)What does Denmark's experiment with Palestinian refugee immigration show? (45:21)Mark Levin and the Samson option — no, it's not using the jawbone of this chicken hawk ass to slay the Phillistines (54:42)Listener letter about his despair watching the last 3 years unfold — vaccines, faith, self-sufficiency in the post-"pandemic" world (1:04:30) Will Lawsuits Over Pfizer Pfraud Bankrupt the Company? They've already lost the PREP Act defense in one court. How are their actions like Purdue & the Sacklers in the opioid fraud cases? Why did other vaccine companies not jump on the Warp Speed bandwagon? (1:12:43) They lied to us about radio hosts and pastors who "died from Covid" (1:40:30) One blessing of the "pandemic" — people are finally realizing how childhood vaccines are destroying our health. Here's what's in them and what they're doing to us (1:46:17)Biden's "Ghost Gun" attack is supported by Supreme Court, by Alito! (2:03:58)INTERVIEW: George Barna - Nurturing Your Child's Heart, Mind, Soul Spiritainment, SAGE Cons, syncretism and a la carte worldview — George Barna, has studied our declining society for several decades founding the Barna Group and now with the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. He's distilled his insights into his latest book, Raising Spiritual Champions. (2:12:35)Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNI

Dad and the kids talk about David having the opportunity (again!) to kill Saul but not doing it and then how he went to go live among the Phillistines.

David is on the run. He turns to the High Priest and has to lie in order to obtain some food supplies and a weapon. He tries to defect to the Phillistines, but soon realizes that he won't be safe there either.

The Phillistines return the lost Ark. But when it arrives in Beit Shemesh, though the people bow and bring a sacrifice, 70 people lose their lives in a plague of God. Why? What did the people do wrong?

Trust in God's Grace

What happens when someone reaches their lowest point? What happens when you drive away someone who is filled with the presence of God. This week we are focusing on 1 Samuel 27 and discussing David's decision to dwell amongst his enemies, The Philistines. Special Thanks to Wilfredo A. Montalvo for joining us on this episode. Be sure to checkout his music! As always be blessed and enjoy. Please follow, like, and share our podcast with a friend or family member!

We read about how God took matters into his own hands regarding the Ark of the Covenant

The Phillistines thought they could manipulate God with the Ark. not so fast

Hi podcasting pals! Do you ever feel like God, more often than not, takes us the long way around? I mean, so often I'm like, why is this taking so long? I know, and agree, that's not good to do, but I just find it so hard to trust and wait.Anyone else?? Well, I'm certainly always trying to learn how to follow Jesus better, even when it's hard to do. But, I am thinking there's got to be a special blessing and new level of trust we will reach when we can submit to just wait on the Lord's provision and timing. Join me today to discuss a Bible story where we see first hand, the Lord take His children the long way around, and why He chose to.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/transfer/homepage)

Samson strays with a prostitute, and then finally meets the woman who will be his ultimate downfall. He betrays his mission to save the people of Israel and is taken captive by the Phillistines.

We read of Samson's next attempt to escape his destiny and go back to his Phillistine wife. When that is unsuccessful, the angry young man takes out his anger on the Phillistines and he becomes a fugitive. When his people hand him over to the Phillistines to escape punishment, he uses a strange weapon to rescue himself. Despite his best efforts to avoid his destiny, God makes sure he fulfills it.

Vayeira 6 - Alliance With The Phillistines by Complete Nach a chapter a day

We are learning together that the Presence of Jesus demands a reordering of our way of life. We can no longer carry the Presence like the Phillistines based upon convenience, but we must embrace a life of intentionality. At the Shepherd's Tent we are choosing to be joined together as family living our lives centered around the Presence and Person of Jesus!

Pastor Kevin McAnulty speaks about the 5 mountains that people go thru to have a Warfare Breakthrough. He gives the five places and strongholds of the Phillistines as examples of this and what they mean, and how they relate to Spiritual Warfare Breakthrough

Jeremiah prophecies about the end of the nation of the Phillistines. We review the many descriptions of the barbarity of the Philistine people in the words of the prophets. Jeremiah's prophecy is similar to the predictions of his predecessors.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Phillistines stopping up Isaac's wells teaches us about the deleterious effects of envy and why it's a trait to avoid.

In this episode we find out that God really likes his cool tent. And if he wanted a damn house HE WOULD HAVE GOD DAMN ASKED FOR ONE! Oh and David killed a bunch of Phillistines and other folks. https://www.jonwatersvoiceover.com/podcasts Email: accordingtostupid@gmail.com Audible (Jon's books): www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_S…r=Jonathan+Waters Music www.bensound.com Twitter twitter.com/accordtostupid Facebook www.facebook.com/gospelaccordingt…t_homepage_panel Itunes itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jon-r…ng/id1156695372# Patreon www.patreon.com/Accordingtostupid Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LjFLpU4NWkmzMj_jhF0EA Audible (Jon's books): www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_S…r=Jonathan+Waters

Day of the DeadThere's really no way to describe it. One minute you have it all. The next all is gone. Its hard to describe the feeling of death. Unless someone near you has died.Then you experience that sting that you cannot put into words. Death reminds us about love because we were created to love. And when someone dies, we find it strange, not showing and sharing that love. This past summer I had to bury one of our alpacas. Our furry friends can become our family and its like losing someone that you came to love. Sweet little alpaca would no longer greet me. What is it about death That is so hard to understand? if you've ever lost someone, you know, that feeling that you would do anything to see them again, anything to talk to them again, anything to hug them again.Death is perhaps the only thing humans have found no cure for. If you’ve ever lost a friend or family member, you know the pain of this. But this morning I want to talk to you about the idea of talking to our dead relatives. If a visitor from another world were to sit down on a couch with us and turn on Hulu or Netflix or Disney – ok especially Disney – there is something – a theme – an idea they would start to pick up. Once I tell you you will say ‘oh yea, that’s true’. It's the idea that somehow, there is life beyond. Somehow death is not the end. Somehow, in ways we don’t fully understand…yet – death is still a mystery but that contacting our loved ones --- or them contacting us is such a beautiful thought. Here in America, we are pretty obsessed with this idea of death being nothing more than a gateway to the next life. Whether it’s zombies, the undead, ghosts, conjuring spirits or anything we celebrate on Halloween these days – death has become big business – especially the scary side of it. But then there’s the other side – the beautiful side – the idea of reconnecting with our loved ones. I lost my dad in a car accident a few years back. There really isn’t much you can say other than ‘man I would trade the whole world – just to talk to that person one more time’ and usually our desire to talk to them is to tell them how much we love them. That’s why in most films – Love and Death are so interconnected. Now if you’ve ever heard of the story of scripture – the real meta narrative you would know that this war between good and evil – love and selfishness – life and death started before humans arose on the scene. With this war, a large segment of the citizens of another realm were kicked out of the capital of the galactic realms. And the bible basically tells us the inner workings of this war and it really comes down to who has the power over life…and death. The bible describes a day in our future when it will seem as though the dead – from our time and centuries in the past will appear to us . Now the question we should be asking if this is a battle for our souls and our destiny – could it be possible that this banished legion race of beings could personify our loved ones with the hope and attempt to deceive us? If your loved one walked up behind you right now and sounded, smelled and seemed the same as they did while alive – is there anything you know or believe that would help you determine if this was them or not? And on that note, if death is just a portal to the next life then why do we fight so hard to stay alive? We love the idea of talking to the dead, celebrating life after death and who can blame us ? The Sumerians did, the Egyptians did,  the Persians, the Greeks, the idea of talking to the dead is found in Homer's Odyssey..and  the Romans And now the Christians.  Ok you get it, its chronic, and its basically everyone. So here's a few stats about this phenomenon, Pew research, estimated that nearly 1.4 million people – that’s more people than there are members of my denomination – that 1.4 million people in the United States identify as practicing Witches.  There are more witches in North America than there are mainline Presbyterians author. Julie Royce is quoted as saying that Wicca is A form of paganism that is effectively repackaged witchcraft for the millennial consumption. No longer are witchcraft and paganism, satanic and demonic. It's a pre-Christian tradition that promotes free thought and understanding of earth and nature. I’m really fascinated right now with the gorwing discussion or tension I should say of people who worship the creator vs. those who worship the creation. I think this is the great issue of worship in the world today – it was the same in history – whether they were called gentiles or heathen or pagans vs those who were monotheistic. The American religious identification survey gives Wicca an average annual growth of 143%. And latest estimates say that the movement is doubling in size every 30 months. According to the journal, the statesman and Elizabeth wind claims the two most recent American religious identification surveys, declare WCA one form of paganism as the fastest growing spiritual identification in America. The high holiday of wicca and paganism is Halloween. It finds its origin over 2000 years ago, with the Druids when it was believed that the boundary between this world and the underworld was thinner than usual, where the spirits could come into the world more easily, but not just any spirits. a supernatural race of spirits generally described as stunningly beautiful. But if they want They can also be terrible and hideous. According to Patricia Monahan, most scholars believed they were a degraded version of ancient gods. Also on this night, the souls of dead relatives were thought to visit the homes of all who celebrated The Holiday, The Holiday involved people going house to house in costume or in disguise, usually reciting verses or songs in exchange for food. It may have originally been a tradition whereby people impersonated the the souls of the dead and received offerings on their behalf. People Would set out soul cakes full of sweet fruit on out all hallows' Eve as an offering for the dead. This is where most believe we find the origin of trick or treat for all those good yummy candies. Americans, mostly Protestants did not celebrate this holiday for reasons of conviction, but as the cultural makeup changed. So did the celebration in the late 1800s and into the 19th and the 20th century,Halloween is branded as scary and spooky in the United States. but Let's contrast that with the day of the dead or DIA de Los Muertos festivities that take place over two days in an explosion of color and life affirming joy in Mexico and central and South America and growing around the world.This idea of engaging with the dead is not isolated to a few holidays. We see it in our literature, in our television shows and in our movies and kids are not excluded from this phenomenon. First, there was Casper. Now there's Coco. ThePixar film that was the number one film of all time in Mexico. It is one of the top 100 grossing films of all time. So what does the Bible say about this? Perhaps you care, perhaps you don't, but I at least think you, owe it to yourself to know what the Bible says about this idea of talking to the dead. Here’s one reason – nearly 2 billion people call themselves Christians in the world. Most of them believe the dead can make contact with us. Yet the bible says those who die, never return to the land of the living – but guess who it says do ? The fallen angels of heaven – to deceive. The gospel of Jesus is sin leads to death but I have died for you so that you can live forever. The gospel of Lucifer says sin is not that bad, live as you wish, death is the just the beginning. One we find in John 3:16 – the latter in Genesis 3:4. We are going to put a link to some more details on this idea in the comments below this video. Ok so Here’s another reason -  it's not the dead you're talking to. That's the most startling thing the Bible has to say about this topic. You are not talking to your dead relatives. According to the Bible, the dead sleep and await a resurrection. They don't have thoughts or feelings and they don't come back to talk to the living. If we go back to the beginning of the story, the first message shared by the fallen angel Lucifer was to Eve in a garden. And this was it. Eve, regardless of your actions, you'll never die. No matter what you do, you're going to live forever. This is where we get the idea that death is just a doorway into the next state of consciousness. But if this is true, this is a question we should ask ourselves, are we all saved? How does that make you feel? Everyone ends up being saved. Maybe that makes you feel good. Maybe that makes you wonder about that person that abused you. When you were a kid about Hitler, about people in the world that do what we call evil things. You mean they're going to be my neighbor in paradise without a standard by which people are determined to live in paradise or not. We have to ask ourselves, what is that standard?I don't like the idea of living next to Hitler in paradise. The reason this idea is so important is because it has so many ramifications. Are we judged ? If so by whom? are we all saved? Why would someone not be saved? If we die and pass on to the next life or paradise, then why not expedite the process? Why do we fight off death so much in this world? Why not let the sick die faster? Why don't we stop looking for cures to all these diseases? Why don't we get rid of things like life support.It's easy to play with this idea until you come face to face with it. 1st Samuel chapter 28. This is the story of a man who was King. he's in despair. There is an army gathering against his country against his kingdom. And in verse three, we read now Samuel had died. Everything changes when someone close to you dies and nothing can prepare you for it. All Israel had lamented for him and buried him in Ramah in his own city and saul, had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land. These are key details. He had put them out and there's a reason for that.Saul Had followed God. And while he did, he had success. But the land was filled with the Philistines and their religion, like most heathen or pagan religions, like most all religions in the world today were built on the belief that the dead can come back and talk to the living that they can help foretell future events. If you had someone that could tell you what tomorrow may bring, you would absolutely want to know. Even if it meant they were coming back from the dead.. The gods of the old Testament were not just imaginary. Talking about these ‘gods’ David tells us the history of his people and the great sin of King Saul- They did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood (Psalm 106:34-38).the demons, the fallen angels, legion race were the gods of the old Testament and all these different gods were demons that somehow in some way had personified themselves. And then the people had made an idol after this demon. And if the angels are in the proportions that we read and legend says, they're extremely tall, 12, 16, 18 foot tall beings, and very Beautiful. (Deut 32:16-17). They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger. They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never knownDeuteronomy 18 also tells us that they were sacrificing their children, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10 that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God.This was profound. When I learned this concept that these weren't just ignorant people. They were worshiping beings with a ton of talent and skill and wisdom.Early Church leaders such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian held similar views (that the gods were actually demons).Why would ancient civilizations talk to these beings? We learn in 2 Kings 19:35 that one angel – one of these type of beings killed 185,000 soldiers in one night. You hear talk of generals from wars in our recent history who were communing with these same beings. Saul had followed God's word in the beginning and gotten rid of the mediums. The spiritists, the fortune tellers, the necromancers anyone that claimed to get truth from the deadSaul’s army – Israel is surrounded, death seems imminent – He’s terrified. And when Saul prayed, we are told the Lord did not answer him either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets. Saul is looking for answers, what are we supposed to do. And sadly we learn that he had rejected God earlier in the story. Samuel's dead. He was the voice of God to Saul. When you lose someone close to you in your life, you instantly start looking for someone to talk to, especially if this person was close to you. When I lost my dad, I remember thinking, I would do anything to talk to him. I knew the biblical teaching of the dead. But for months and months after, I would have dreams about my dad. And it began to mess with my mind because I would see my dad in my dreams. I would talk to him. It's not until you lose someone that you realize this power of love,This idea of loss.It helps you really  Begin to understand the power of this doctrine of Lucifer. A Friend of mine shared a story with me about a young boy in Africa. He loved to spend time with his grandmother. She would read stories to him. She would play with him and he just loved his grandma. He would sit by her while she read these stories in her rocking chair. Sadly, she got sick and she died. And the mom knew that the boy took this very hard. He loved his grandmother, but for weeks after she noticed him coming into the house with a smile on his face and heading straight to his room.She couldn't put the pieces together. So finally, she asked him, why are you going straight into your room? And he said because grandma rubs my head and read stories to me. Life is made up of these concepts and ideas, which equate to emotions and actions. You have a choice. No one else has this choice to determine what you believe and how it affects your behavior. What we believe about this topic may have greater consequences than many give it credit for.So we pick up our story in 1 Samuel 28. Saul asks for a medium, his men know exactly where to find one. But in the end it spelled disaster. See our notes for a deeper study on this topic. More Detailed Referenced Notes Below: Question: There is no way to describe the sting of death until you experience it for yourself. Death reminds us about love because we were created to love and when someone dies we find it strange not showing and sharing that love anymore. A few weeks back I found one of our alpacas that had died in the night and I was devastated. I loved her so much. What is it about death that is so hard to understand? If you have ever lost someone you know the feeling that you’d do anything to see them again, to talk to them again. Death is perhaps the only thing humans have not found the cure for. I want to tell you the story of a king who lost his closest confidant. That person he could share his heart with. He was in despair not knowing where to turn for hope and in that moment he did something he condemned others for doing and began looking for a medium - someone who could conjure up the dead. Preview: If the Bible is true, the countless experiences of the living talking to dead loved ones may not be as they seem. If 1/3 of the angels were cast out of heaven, and are in a war against us, what do you think would be the best way to get into your life?  By what means? If by chance it was through someone you loved, how would you know the difference between talking to a dead relative or a demon impersonating your loved one? And if the dead are permitted in to paradise, why would they not in love come back and minister to us in the land of the living? Data/Facts: We love the idea of communicating with the dead, and celebrating life after death. And hey who can blame us? The Sumerians did, the Egyptians did, the Persians, the Greeks, The Romans, and now the Christians… The oldest account of necromancy -talking to the dead- outside of Scripture is found in Homer’s Odyssey.Pew Research in 2014 estimated that with numbers at nearly 1.4 million - There may now be more Americans who identify as practicing witches/wiccans… than there are Seventh-day Adventists in North America. More than there are members of mainline Presbyterianism.” -…(https://qz.com/quartzy/1411909/the-explosive-growth-of-witches-wiccans-and-pagans-in-the-us/)Author Julie Roys says - “Wicca (which is a form of paganism) has effectively repackaged witchcraft for Millennial consumption. No longer are witchcraft and paganism satanic and demonic… it’s a ‘pre-Christian tradition’ that promotes ‘free thought’ and ‘understanding of earth and nature.’ - says. Yet such repackaging is deceptive, Roys added, "but one that a generation with little or no biblical understanding is prone to accept."It's tragic, and a reminder of how badly we need spiritual revival in this country, and also that 'our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world,'" she said, referencing Ephesians 6, which explains spiritual warfare.The American Religious Identification Survey gives Wicca an average annual growth of 143% and latest estimates say that the movement is doubling in size every 30 months [179][269] According to The Statesman - Anne Elizabeth Wynn claims "The two most recent American Religious Identification Surveys declare Wicca, one form of paganism, as the fastest growing spiritual identification in America”.[270]From the Witch School in Salem, Massachusettes, yea its a real thing and really in Salem. “ Wicca is America's Fastest Growing religion, and it is anticipated by some Christian religious experts that it will become the third largest religion in the United States early in the 21st century, behind only Christianity and Islam. Editor Thomas Horn states - “In the United States alone, … [there are] as many as 8 million unregistered practitioners of ‘the craft’.”This leads us to the second biggest holiday in America - Halloween.  Halloween has become big business in the United States.  2nd highest spending after Christmas. $9.0 Billion this year - 2 billion dollars more than all that was spent on the 2016 elections. We will spend more money escaping reality for a day than we did electing the leaders of the free world. There is a reason flu season coincides with Halloween with the amount of candy eaten in the next week. Halloween finds it origin over 2000 years ago with the Celts/Druids who called it Samhain, when it was believed that the boundary between this world and the underworld was thinner than usual. Where the spirits could come into the world more easily. But not just any spirits - the Eeesheee - a supernatural race of spirits. The aos sí are generally described as stunningly beautiful, though they can also be terrible and hideous. According to Patricia Monaghan, most scholars believed they were a degraded versions of ancient gods.  Monaghan, Patricia (2014). The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. Infobase publishing. p. 167.)Also on this night, the souls of dead relatives were thought to visit the homes of all who celebrated. The holiday involved people going house-to-house in costume (or in disguise), usually reciting verses or songs in exchange for food. It may have originally been a tradition whereby people impersonated the Aos Sí, or the souls of the dead, and received offerings on their behalf, similar to the custom of souling. Impersonating these beings, or wearing a disguise, was also believed to protect oneself from them. It was a holiday of impersonation. Impersonation - Someone who imitates or copies the behavior or actions of another. People would set out ‘soul cakes’ full of sweet fruit - on All Hallows' Eve as an offering for the dead. This is where most believe we find the origin of trick or treating for sweets. ( Kullstroem, Chris (27 May 2009). Making a Monstrous Halloween: Themed Parties, Activities and Events. McFarland. p. 85. ISBN9780786444380. “The Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating started as a European Christian custom called souling.”) For a long time Americans, mostly protestants, did not celebrate this holiday for religious reasons. As the cultural makeup changed so did the celebration. In the late 1800s and into the 20th century it became a community holiday and did not include the spook and dark side that we see coming back today. Perhaps where there is no light, darkness reigns.  This idea of conjuring the dead is said to be one of the most common themes in most video games today - usually by raising up warriors as zombies to fight in battle.Halloween is branded as scary and spooky in the United States. It is celebrated over the course of a day. Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos festivities however, unfold over two or more days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy in Mexico, in central and south America and growing around the world.The Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For these pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Día de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth.Then there is the altar. Where families put the favorite food of the family member and even toys the children because of their long journey. Often they will put marigolds leading the way back to the grave. This idea is not isolated to a few holidays. We see it in literature, in our television shows and in our movies and kids are not excluded.For Example - the Pixar film - Coco - the #1 film of all time in Mexico and one of the highest grossing films of all time is all about making the idea of talking to our dead loved ones as fun as the day of the dead portrays. What once was condemned we now pay to enjoy. So what does the Bible say about this idea of communicating with the dead? First off, it’s not the dead we are communicating with. According to the Bible the dead sleep and await a resurrection. They don’t have thoughts or feelings and don’t come back to talk to the living. So then who is it so many are talking to? The first message shared by the fallen angel Lucifer to Eve was “regardless of your actions, you won’t die” This is where we get the idea that death is just a doorway to the next state of consciousness. But if this is true, then are we all saved? Without a standard by which people are determined to live in paradise or not, are all saved? Do I have the joy of looking forward to living next to Hitler and other evil men in paradise? I don’t like that idea. The reason this idea is so important is because it has so many ramifications. Are we judged? By whom? Based on what? Are we all saved? Why would someone not be saved? If we die and pass on to the next life or paradise, then why not expedite that process? Why do we fight off death so much in the world, why not let the sick die faster, stop looking for cures to diseases, get rid of things like life support. It’s easy to play with this idea until you come face to face with it. BIBLE/STORY - Setting - 1 Samuel 28:3(Endor) - Saul had followed God and while he did he had success. The land was filled with the Phillistines and their religion which was built on the belief that the dead can come back and talk to the living…and that they can help foretell future events. Not many know that the great gods of the old testament were not just neat ideas, they were based on something. (https://www.thoughtco.com/false-gods-of-the-old-testament-700162)—-Talking about these ‘gods’ David tells us the history of his people and the great sin of King Saul- They did not destroy the peoples, as the Lord commanded them, but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood (Psalm 106:34-38).We learn here that the gods of the old testament were actually demons.(Deut 32:16-17). They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger. They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never knownDeut 18:9-12 - 9When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations. 10There shall not be found among you any one who maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or who useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12For all who do these things are an abomination unto the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee (KJV).Though Mosaic Law prescribed the death penalty to practitioners of necromancy (Leviticus 20:27What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? (1 Cor 10:20-22)Early Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian held similar views (that the gods were actually demons).——So just to be clear, the fallen angels are also known as demons. And the demons were what the majority of nations worshipped in the old world. Psalm 8:5 tells us man was made with lesser powers than the angelsHow powerful is one angel - we know from 2 Kings 19:35 - one angel killed 185,000 soldiers in one night. The Good news is that each of us has a guardian angel commissioned to be with us through our lives. Now if you have a full time bodyguard with superpowers, could it be that your life is threatened by an enemy? So Saul had gotten rid of Mediums, Spiritists,, fortunetellers - Necromancers as Deuteronomy commanded. 1 Samuel 28:3-6Saul is longing for answers. Notice verse 3 - Samuel has died. He was the voice of God to Saul. Have you ever lost someone close to you? You know this feeling of love being cut off suddenly. I have. A few years back I got a call that my dad had died in a car accident. Sudden. You think of the your last conversation. You think of the good times. You would do ANYTHING to talk to them again. Let me repeat that - You would do ANYTHING to talk to them again. I know the Bible teaching on the dead, yet for months and even years I would have dreams where I would see my dad, talk to him, even know he was dead yet everything in my being - in my dream - wanted to hug him, talk to him. Not until you lose someone and realize the power of love and loss do you begin to really understand the power of this doctrine of the devil - that death is a doorway to the next life. Did I think it was a good thought if my dad was looking down from heaven or up from hell at his family so sad without him? When we really think of death and the heresies that have come even into the church we have to realize why so many want nothing to do with God. Saul was desperate and he called for a medium. He knew better but he was would do ANYTHING to find answers.1 Samuel 28:7- 25——-Why address this today? Because if the Bible is true, then something is coming, a deception thousands of years in the making onto our planet. The most powerful medium - friends and family, who seem to come to us, look the same, sound the same, smell the same, and are here to comfort us and ‘warn us’ of coming danger. I can tell you everything in your soul will WANT TO BELIEVE these beings impersonating your loved ones. This is where faith and feeling will fight their greatest battle. The only thing telling you this is not real is Scripture and the truth that the dead know nothing (Eccl 9:5) and Job 7:9-10 - As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so one who goes down to the grave does not return. He will never come to his house again; his place will know him no more.1 Timothy 4:1 - The Spirit clearly says that in the last days some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.1 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.as we learn this story of the battle between good and evil we learn that there are other worlds out there (Hebrews 11) we learn that 1/3 of the angels and their general are confined to this earth now.(Revelation 12) We learn that those beings from other worlds are not coming here to be contaminated by sin. Therefore we are under quarantine. Which means any discussion of aliens is a discussion of fallen angels visiting this planet. I know Hollywood has painted a picture that together if we unite we can fight the coming invaders, but the only invaders coming from outside of this planet are Christ and the unfallen angels at the second coming, because the fallen ones are already here. Demons - fallen angels - are organized, have special skills like filling someone with pride, anger, lust, rage, depression, despair, gluttony, resentment and the list goes on…The new testament is filled with examples of demon possession especially as Jesus walked the earth. In Mark 5:9 we learn of a man suffering possession and it is declared to be “Legion” when Jesus asked the name - the roman term for at least 5000 in a division of the army. We also learn in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Lucifer - the fallen archangel of heaven is planning to personate christ before the true second coming. We also learn that the fallen angels are going to impersonate loved ones who have gone to sleep i.e. died. Why? Because this is the most powerful MEDIUM to sway someones belief system. I had a friend in elementary school who’s family had spoken to their dead daughter- his sister. There is NO. LET ME REPEAT. NO WAY to reason with someones apparent reality. They saw her, they spoke to her, and I was not going to convince them otherwise. The dead can appear to talk to the living, it’s just not the dead but demons masquerading as loved ones with the sole desire to deceive us. A friend recently shared a story about a boy in Africa. He loved to spend time with his grandmother and sit by her while she read stories to him in her rocking chair. Sadly she got sick and died. The mom knew the boy took this very hard. For weeks after, she noticed he kept heading to his room more often than usual and with a look of happiness. Finally she asked him why. He said because grandma rubs my head and reads stories to me still.Life is made up of concepts and ideas which equate to emotions and actions. You have a choice on what you believe and how it effects your behavior. This topic and a complete understanding of it impacts so many other beliefs and ideas. It has influenced this planet since the first day and will be an issue until the last day. The reason it is all so important is because it is about love. God loves us and does not want to see us deceived and lost. We have to decide if that love is worth it…For why should we seek the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5)

In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, Israel is battling the Phillistines, an enemy nation. After suffering defeat, they retrieve the ark from it's resting place. Bringing it into camp and among the battle, they expect that it will guarantee their victory. However, they have not consulted with God for His direction, nor have Hophni and Phineas repented of their sins. Despite this, there seems to be the expectation that God will ensure their victory. Ironically, it is the Phillistines that remember the God of Israel, and all that He has done. Israel is defeated in battle once again, this time resulting in the capture of the ark, and the prophesied death of Eli's sons. Using the ark as a good luck charm, and treating God as an object results in His glory leaving Israel. However, it is still part of God's all-knowing plan which sets up the ancestral line from which Jesus will come. It is a desperate place to be when God departs from us. There are no shortcuts to how we approach Him. God is not an object to be used, but is a divine person to be loved.

In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, Israel is battling the Phillistines, an enemy nation. After suffering defeat, they retrieve the ark from it’s resting place. Bringing it into camp and among the battle, they expect that it will guarantee their victory. However, they have not consulted with God for His direction, nor have Hophni and Phineas repented of their sins. Despite this, there seems to be the expectation that God will ensure their victory. Ironically, it is the Phillistines that remember the God of Israel, and all that He has done. Israel is defeated in battle once again, this time resulting in the capture of the ark, and the prophesied death of Eli’s sons. Using the ark as a good luck charm, and treating God as an object results in His glory leaving Israel. However, it is still part of God’s all-knowing plan which sets up the ancestral line from which Jesus will come. It is a desperate place to be when God departs from us. There are no shortcuts to how we approach Him. God is not an object to be used, but is a divine person to be loved.

In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, Israel is battling the Phillistines, an enemy nation. After suffering defeat, they retrieve the ark from it’s resting place. Bringing it into camp and among the battle, they expect that it will guarantee their victory. However, they have not consulted with God for His direction, nor have Hophni and Phineas repented of their sins. Despite this, there seems to be the expectation that God will ensure their victory. Ironically, it is the Phillistines that remember the God of Israel, and all that He has done. Israel is defeated in battle once again, this time resulting in the capture of the ark, and the prophesied death of Eli’s sons. Using the ark as a good luck charm, and treating God as an object results in His glory leaving Israel. However, it is still part of God’s all-knowing plan which sets up the ancestral line from which Jesus will come. It is a desperate place to be when God departs from us. There are no shortcuts to how we approach Him. God is not an object to be used, but is a divine person to be loved.

In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, Israel is battling the Phillistines, an enemy nation. After suffering defeat, they retrieve the ark from it’s resting place. Bringing it into camp and among the battle, they expect that it will guarantee their victory. However, they have not consulted with God for His direction, nor have Hophni and Phineas repented of their sins. Despite this, there seems to be the expectation that God will ensure their victory. Ironically, it is the Phillistines that remember the God of Israel, and all that He has done. Israel is defeated in battle once again, this time resulting in the capture of the ark, and the prophesied death of Eli’s sons. Using the ark as a good luck charm, and treating God as an object results in His glory leaving Israel. However, it is still part of God’s all-knowing plan which sets up the ancestral line from which Jesus will come. It is a desperate place to be when God departs from us. There are no shortcuts to how we approach Him. God is not an object to be used, but is a divine person to be loved.

In chapter 4 of 1 Samuel, Israel is battling the Phillistines, an enemy nation. After suffering defeat, they retrieve the ark from it’s resting place. Bringing it into camp and among the battle, they expect that it will guarantee their victory. However, they have not consulted with God for His direction, nor have Hophni and Phineas repented of their sins. Despite this, there seems to be the expectation that God will ensure their victory. Ironically, it is the Phillistines that remember the God of Israel, and all that He has done. Israel is defeated in battle once again, this time resulting in the capture of the ark, and the prophesied death of Eli’s sons. Using the ark as a good luck charm, and treating God as an object results in His glory leaving Israel. However, it is still part of God’s all-knowing plan which sets up the ancestral line from which Jesus will come. It is a desperate place to be when God departs from us. There are no shortcuts to how we approach Him. God is not an object to be used, but is a divine person to be loved.

The great rivals of the Israelites - the Philistines. Who were they? Where did they come from? Today we discuss some world history of around the time of 1000 BC: ranging from China to India and through to the bronze age collapse for the many kingdoms of Mesopotamia and the ancient Mediterranean. We speak about how this collapse an the invasion of the sea people pushing through Egypt and across the sea effected the Israelites - as it brought about one of the most well known people in all of history...  Goliath! We speak about the man who faced up to him, David, and how he come to kingship.  Sources https://www.ancient.eu/King_David/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Israel_(united_monarchy) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017&version=ESV History of the Ancient World, Susan Wise Bauer. Stay safe everyone! If you would like to contact us then please do here; Hasitcrossedyourmind@gmail.com Or on our social media; Social media https://www.instagram.com/hasitcrossedyourmind https://www.instagram.com/jerome747 https://www.instagram.com/lukeholehouse Acknowledgements Special thanks to Laura Sewall for providing our art, if you want to get in contact with her; Her website is laurasewall.com Her instagram it's @laurasewall96 And her email for enquiries is laura.sewall@live.co.uk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goliath was the "hero" of the Phillistines, and David was the "hero" of Israel, but who is our true hero? Find out in Pastor Mike's second sermon on David, taken from 1 Samuel 17:1-11.

Main Point of the Sermon: Jesus has the authority to bring about his kingdom in every sphere of life. Intro We have been preaching through the Gospel of Luke for a few months now that I want to remind us what Luke is trying to accomplish, Luke 1:1–4 NLT 1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. So this letter was a historical account written to help the readers have certainty about what they were taught and as we’ve gone carefully through this letter, we see that this letter is trying to show us if Jesus is really who he says he is. At Jesus’ baptism, we see that he is the beloved son. And at Jesus’ trials in the wilderness, we see that he is the one who will be faithful in all the ways that Israel was faithless. He will stand the test and will be worthy to be our representative and ultimately our sacrifice. A few weeks ago, Pastor Daniel preached on Luke 4:18-19. I want to re-read it for its essential to understand our passage today, Luke 4:18–19 NLT 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Wow, isn’t that one of the most beautiful and hope-giving announcements you’ve ever heard? And Jesus promised that this liberating kingdom would not just be for Jews but for all people so not matter your background, this good news is for you! So the question that those in Israel were asking was, “Can Jesus really deliver on this promise? Is he really the one who will bring this kingdom?” The response of the Jews was that they didn’t believe he could be the one. For they tried to throw him off a cliff. Lots of politicians today have great plans for our country. A utopia. But most of us know that it’s all talk. They don’t have the power to enact these changes. But does Jesus? We’re putting all of our hopes, dreams, and future in this guy from Nazareth. Is Jesus really the Messiah? Will he really bring an end to all the suffering in the world? Will he truly set the captives free? Will he win over Coronavirus? What about cancer? What about death? Today, we are going to see Jesus bring these verses to life! He is going to set free those that no one else can set free. He’s going to bring healing for those who have no cure. He’s going to give us a teaser of the kingdom to come when he reigns fully on the earth. MAIN POINT Jesus has the authority to bring about his kingdom in every sphere of life! Here’s where we’re headed today, Outline Three Scenes focused on Three locations a. Authority at the Synagogue (31–37) b. Compassion at Simon’s House (38–41 ) c. Other Cities (42–44 ) Scene One: Lk 4:31–37 Authority at the Synagogue Luke 4:31–32 ESV 31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Note the word, authority. That is a key word in this section we will see again. Circle that word every time you see it in the Text. Three kinds of authority shown in this Text: a. Authority over truth b. Authority over demons c. Authority over sickness And all this authority is exercised by just a word. That’s another word you will see repeated that you can circle. Note that each of these spheres man does not have authority over (Truth, demons, and sickness) These are all areas that no man can tame or claim and Jesus will be shown supreme and authoritative over each one. › Let’s look at the first one: Authority over truth (and I’ll explain what that means) Luke 4:32 ESV 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 1. Authority over truth The teachers of the day, received their authority from the Torah or other well-known teachers of the Law. So the teachers would make a point and then cite all the respected leaders who affirm that thought. They needed outside authorities to verify their authority. The elders helped me think of an example that would illustrate this more, Do you know Joni Erickson-Tada? She a well-known Christian author and speaker. She’s also a quadriplegic. She had a terrible accident when she was younger that paralyzed most of her whole body. Imagine the difference between me sharing a moving story of suffering from her life versus her sitting on this stage, with her wheel chair, sharing with you. It’s night and day, isn’ it? That’s what’s going on here. The “authorities” of Jesus’ day, were like me, sharing a story from someone else’s life. Unlike the teachers of the day who may have nice things to say or heady speculative philosophies, Jesus taught life-giving authoritative words. The reason being was that he was the Word according to John 1. He was not handing down second-hand info but the source. That’s why I said, he has authority over truth instead of authority in his teaching. I have authority in my teaching but that’s because I am preaching God’s word, who is the ultimately authority. My authority is derivative. It’s borrowed. Just like me as a pastor. I have authority over my flock but I’m an undershepherd. He didn’t need to appeal to outside authority, he IS the ultimate authority. › Let’s see Jesus’ second kind of authority in this passage, 2. Authority over demons When it comes to spiritual dark forces in the world, the Bible identifies Satan as the leader of darkness, with his followers called demons. The demons are angels who have rebelled against God. Luke shows us over and over that demons can mess with people. For Christians, they can influence and mess with us under God’s sovereign guardrails. For those who are not in Christ, they can steadily take over you. You can see the man here has lost control. The proper word would be demonized. In the ancient world, demons were viewed with a sense of awe. They were otherworldly and people knew they did not have power over them. Let’s look, Luke 4:34 ESV 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” US!? There seems to be multiple demons in this guy or perhaps he is speaking on behalf of demons everywhere. His clash with the devil now takes a different tack. He no longer fires Scripture verses at the devil (4:3–12) but raids his outposts, routs his demonic legions, and sets free their captives. - David Garland We need to talk about the Demon’s recognition of Jesus’ identity. First of all, this is a huge theme in Luke. That is, Jesus is steadily revealing his identity and confirming the Father’s affirmation of him at his baptism “You are my beloved son”. What is the demon actually affirming? There are three pieces I want to quickly highlight. 1.“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” He identifies that Jesus is from Nazareth, which is important because its grounding Jesus as a man from a place, rather than them some mystical figure from nowhere. However, there is something even more significant we will get to at the end of the sermon. 2.“have you come to destroy us?” Despite the power that demons actually have and how they can bother us, the demons know that their ultimately going to be defeated. Revelation 20:10 ESV 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Other passages would make clear that the demons will join the devil too. I know demons can feel freaky and intimidating but they’re fighting a lost war. When Jesus died on the cross, he disarmed the rulers, We do not have to fear them. 3.“I Know who you are, the Holy one of God.” The Holy one of God is a special title. It’s connected to the fact that Jesus is the divine son of God. He’s set apart. However, there is a deeper connection to the Old Testament we will get to later. Please note, it is one thing for your family and friends to affirm you in your identity, it is another thing for your enemies to do the same. Jesus has so much authority that even the demons are declaring his identity. › Let’s see how Jesus responds to this demon, Luke 4:35 ESV 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. Does he have this long prayer and ritual? If you look at ancient records of how people would attempt to cast out demons, they were complicated and not guaranteed. He just commands him to go. He doesn’t say, “In the name of so and so.” He says basically, “In the name of ME!” In the words of the famous hymn from Martin Luther, “One little word shall fell him.” And he does it in a way that keeps the man safe, lest the demon wound him. What does this teach us? Jesus is in a battle with Satan and his demons, but it’s not an even a match. He doesn’t wrestle with the demon and it’s a close match going back and forth, uncertain who’s going to win. “Come on Jesus, you can do it!” Dualism is an idea that darkness and light have locked horns and they are in an epic battle. While there is a battle, it’s not like that. It’s very much one-sided. Ever heard the saying, “Never bring a knife to a gun-fight?” Jesus is bringing a tank and the demons have water guns. › Let’s see the people’s response to Jesus casting this demon out, Luke 4:36–37 ESV 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. There’s that word again, “Authority.” And also, “Word.” And notice, “What is this word?” Remember, Luke 4:32 ESV 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. He doesn’t just have authority in his teaching but his word has authority over demons. This was unheard of and so the report spreads about this man who exercises authority with just a word. › As we move to scene two: We will see the last type of authority of Jesu highlighted, his healing authority. But we will also see his compassion highlighted as he exercises his authority. Scene Two: Lk 4:38–41 Compassion at Simon’s House 3. Authority over sickness Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law (38–39) Luke 4:38–39 ESV 38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. Marvel at the power of Jesus. He doesn’t ask for the sickness to go. He commands it. He rebukes it. Just like he rebuked the demon, he rebukes the fever. With just his words. The Text gives us a sense that this fever is very bad. But remember, a fever is just a symptom of something deeper going on. Whatever virus is afflicting her body and causing the fever bows to the authority of Jesus and flees. Every virus is under the authority of Jesus. Notice that there was no process. The Text doesn’t read, “And then she started to slowly feel better and after a few days, she was well.” There was an instantaneous complete healing of her body where she was well enough to serve. This is a true miracle. With just a word, her body is made whole. This is some authority. Jesus has authority to heal and he doesn’t appeal to another authority. He IS the authority. He is the creator of the universe and can command every molecule in her body to do what he wills. But perhaps if you are a skeptic, Jesus’ got lucky. Maybe there was some physiological, placebo effect that brought healing to Simon’s mother-in-law? › The next verses removes all doubt. Luke 4:40–41 ESV 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Imagine a long day of teaching and serving people and as you settle down to rest, a large hoard of desperate and needy people gather around your home begging for help. Don’t imagine, orderly lines, but desperate people. Notice, “Various diseases” and “Every one of them and healed them.” We’re talking the crippled are walking, those with uncureable skin diseases, all kinds of viruses. Look at the power here. Not just some. Or headaches. Various kinds and every one of them were healed! Jesus is lord over every disease and problem. There is no disease that is bigger to him. No cancer that scares him. Coronavirus got nothing on him! This should increase our faith in the power of Christ. Some of us need to confess that we fear the Coronavirus more than God. In this age that is still under the curse of the Fall, God sometimes decides it would be best for us and his kingdom for us to experience that kind of healing power now. So this means that whether it is a headache, a mental illness, or stage 4 cancer, it’s the same degree of difficulty to God. But sometimes, he decides its best for us to not receive immediate healing. We don’t always understand the wisdom of why and when he heals but we can trust him. We can trust in his plans and his heart. His plans: We covered this earlier in the section on demons, but because God is sovereign and Jesus’s work on the cross we know he will one-day heal every disease known to man in the new heavens and earth. Because of the age to come, we know that nothing we suffer in this age will compare to the glory and the longevity of the age to come. Jesus’s life of miracles foreshadows the character of his kingdom and the coming age of freedom. And he know that he is the faithful one that can bring about this cosmic restoration. His Heart: We can also trust his heart and be comforted that he knows what its like to suffer. Jesus played by the same rules as us, in fact, the rules were rigged against him. He suffered unjustly for wrongs he never committed. He doesn’t watch us passively and unmoved while we suffer but can commiserate with us as one who suffered like us. Gospel Invitation That’s the beauty and insanity of the gospel. Jesus suffered on the cross like all he ever did was wrong through he only did what was right. He did this because he loved us and someone needed to pay the penalty for all of our sins. So as a result of Jesus death, we who put our trust in Jesus’ life and death can have peace with God. And we will have joyous access to his presence and a world without any suffering one day. Jesus has authority over all and that includes your life. Does he have authority over you life right now? He has claim over your life right now, even if you reject him. But one day, you will bow to his authority. If you are not in submission to Jesus and confident you have peace with God and you will inherit this perfect world without suffering, come talk with us. Jesus made a way for you if you repent, believe, and be baptized. We want to talk to you more about it. › Let’s look again at v. 42. Although this scene further illustrates the absolute authority of Jesus, it also shows us his compassion. Luke 4:42 ESV 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, “When it was day!” Did you hear that? According to Mark’s parallel account he did get some sleep but if you look at both texts, it suggest he was up very very late. When it was day! He was up most of the night healing people! What love and compassion. › What does Jesus do after all that ministry? Let’s look at the last scene. Scene Three: Preaching at other Cities (43–44) Luke 4:42 ESV 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, But what did he do at the end of it all that ministry? He didn’t go to bed. He went to be alone with the Father and pray. I say this because every time he does this, it’s to pray and be with his father, even though this text doesn’t explicitly say that. It’s strong assumed. Luke 5:16 ESV 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Wow, I wouldn’t do that! Would you? How often do we neglect prayer and being alone when things are crazy? We have the most reasonable justification. We need to rest! And yet, although other instances in Jesus’ life demonstrate that he does affirm and celebrate the limitations of the human body and the need for rest, Jesus knows he needs to be with the Father MORE! It’s amazing, Jesus is God and yet, he needs to be alone with his Father. I want to talk about this more in the Midweek this week What was the result of his time alone? › He received clarity about his mission as he got away from the chaos of the crowds which leads us to vv. 43–44. Luke 4:43–44 ESV 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. You would think he would stay because there is need and they’re asking him to stay. In our age of busyness, this is an important lesson for all of us that there are a lot of good things for us to do but that does not mean its always the most essential thing to do. We need to hear from our Father and sit with him to receive clarity through the Word and Prayer what he has for us. › Let’s look at the purpose he highlights, Jesus’ first ministry was one of primarily preaching the gospel before his death and resurrection. His miracles, gave a glimpse of his future reign and gave confirmation of his Words. But the miracles were not his mission. If his mission was merely to address the social ills of his day, he would just do healing tours and focus on mentoring the next generation of politicians. Our Purpose To bring this home for us, we too are to dismantle the works of satan in this world like Jesus did. However, it’s different for us. We’re not dying for anyone’s sins. Jesus did that for us. How do we partner with Jesus’ work to dismantle the works of Satan? We will destroy his works by giving the world a glimpse of the new heavens and earth, like Jesus did. That means Christians WILL and MUST care about the whole of a person and society. We must care about healthy families. We must care about the poor. We care about the unborn. We care about injustice and prejudice. We care about mental health. We bring healing through spiritual and physical means to the brokenness we see. However, we ESPECIALLY dismantle the works of Satan by preaching the gospel and making disciples. When you do this, you get to the core problem of it all. You can give a person bread and they’re fed for a meal. However, we must also address their greatest need and that’s being reconciled with God and given a Spirit to help them live a transformed life. So our call is to preach and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus’ kingdom. › I want to conclude our time with going back, Jesus Conclusion I want to go back to the confession of the demon about Jesus’ identity. Luke Scholar, James Edwards makes a fascinating point about it, Luke 4:34 ESV 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” There is only one other person in the Bible who is called the Holy one of God. Who would you guess? Samson! Judges 16:17 ESV 17 And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” It’s harder to see this in the Hebrew but the word, Nazirite means holy or consecrated. In the Greek translation of the OT called the Septuagint, it says, “Holy of God” or “Holy one of God.” Why is this significant? Well, perhaps you know the story of Samson. He was empowered by the Spirit to bring liberty to his people with supernatural strength. The Phillistines ruled and had his people in bondage. Throughout his life, Samson wrecked armies and beat back the enemy armies. He was able to literally snap off ropes when he would be tied up. However, you probably also remember that he was deeply broken and had an uncontrollable problem with lust. He ultimately could not liberate his people physically or spiritually. Similarly, Jesus has declared liberty in the land and is now wrecking the strongholds of Satan. He has the authority to bring about his kingdom reign. Every area that no one else can tame. But unlike Samson, Jesus is not broken and does not have a problem with lust. He is sinless as we saw in his testing in the desert with Satan and he’s the only faithful, holy one of God to set captives free! He sets us spiritually free now, if you’re trusting in Jesus, he will set us physically free when he returns. All of God’s people will be healed in every way. Everything that ails our body. Inside and out. Every trauma. Every heartbreak. He will rid the world of all evil and suffering will be no more. He has the authority and compassion to make all things new! Reflection Time Repent of areas in your life that Jesus doesn’t have authority. Maybe you a more impressed with sickness than Jesus. Ask him for greater faith in his power. Ask if there are any demonic forces afflicting you. Benediction and Commission Matthew 28:18–20 ESV 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The story of Saul's monarchy is one of the great sadness as he continually turned away from the Lord. Samuel's ministry to him was consistent in encouraging him to come back to God, but Saul would not listen. Today's message focuses on the circumstances of Saul's crisis with the Phillistines and his response to the problem.

In this episode, we discuss the story of an angel informing Manoah and his wife that they will bear a son who will be a Nazirite and save the Jews from the Phillistines. That son, of course, was Samson, who valiantly fought the Phillistines, but also married a Phillistine woman from Timna.

In this episode, we discuss the judge Ibzan (Ivtzan) whom the Talmud identifies as Boaz (from the Book of Ruth). We analyze this assertion and test its viability from different angels, ultimately suggesting that other elements of Rabbinic Tradition do not agree with this identification. Afterwards, we briefly speak about Elon the Zebulunite and Abdon (Avdon) ben Hillel the Pirathonite. This lecture ends with an introduction to the Phillistines' role in subjugating the Jews during the Period of Judges.

In this episode we pull the ol' switcheroo in the idea that "if you do something bad...well...we already did the thing to show you not to do the thing I told you not to do." Also, another Jon joins the mix. Apparently Saul's son? Email: accordingtostupid@gmail.com Audible (Jon's books): http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_Sci-Fi_c2_1_narr?searchNarrator=Jonathan+Waters Music www.bensound.com Twitter https://twitter.com/accordtostupid Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gospelaccordingtostupid/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jon-reads-bible-gospel-according/id1156695372# Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Accordingtostupid Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LjFLpU4NWkmzMj_jhF0EA Audible (Jon's books): http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_Sci-Fi_c2_1_narr?searchNarrator=Jonathan+Waters

Reading the story of Jonothan and Saul at Mich Mash where they are confronting the Phillistines, we learn about 'Maybe Faith'.  This states that, 'when God makes me wait, I can either allow the uncertainty of the situation to force myself to act in fear or offer myself in faith'. By offering ourselfves in faith, we are actively giving God the opportunity to open or close the door to the situation fully trusting Him to do what is best for us.  Maybe faith: Is not crippled in fear Knows the heart of God Pounds on the door (of our heart) Invites Divine Aid Actively waits for answers Embraces the hard path Bolster's other's faith (when they see ours) Casts out fear Readings from 1 Samuel 13 and 14

Spiritual Rants:  A Dirty Bath   Spiritual Rants is a podcast to guide first-time Bible readers through  1) the most sensational portions of the Bible 2)  the most important theological sections and 3)  the most difficult passages in the Bible   This week's podcast are based on the One Year Readings for Week 21 (May 21-27)   1 Sam. 29:1-2 Sam. 12:31 John 11:54-16:33 Ps. 118:1-119:80 Pr. 15:24-16:5 Read more at http://spiritualrants.libsyn.com/#mpJ0sz5MbS1XwcZK.99 Four covenants in the Bible and why they affect us The death of Saul and Jonathan Why it isn't good to lie to David David's betrayal of a good friend, adultery, and murder Nathan's hot dog Uzzah's Oopsa David's fill of Phillistines and when they had their fill of him how to study the Bible through John 15 Perfume and Palms (John 12) When to make sure you wash your feet (John 13) Promises in Prayer (John 14) Vital information on the Holy Spirit (John 16) The longest chapter in the Bible  (Ps. 119) what happens when you commit yourself to the Lord (Prv. 16:3)    

Every man of God needs to take a stand.  Similar to one of David’s mighty men - Shammah.  Jeff Jerina of Men Unplugged chats with author of Seven Days in Utopia, Golf's Sacred Journey, executive producer of the movie Seven Days in Utopia starring Robert Duval and Lucas Black and sports psychologist Dr. David Cook.  Get some amazing tips from the book and how Dr. Cook came up with the idea of the book from one little acronym SFT.  Learn what S F T really means.  A great lesson from 2 Samuel 23:11-12 a life changing verse. Valuable insight from the life of Shammah, one of King David’s mighty men on how to stand tall for God.  All of the other Israelites fled, however, Shammah took his stand against the Phillistines as a warrior for Christ and God brought a great victory through the hands of Shammah.  Dr. Cook has helped numerous professional athletes conquer compete at the highest level.  Including the San Antonio Spurs basketball team including David Robinson and Tim Duncan during their first two championship seasons.  He also coached numerous PGA Golf Tour Champions, Olympians, Fortune 500 companies and more.  Golfers like Tom Lehman and Scott Simpson have acknowledged his expertise in the field of sports psychology.  Golf Digest titled him Top 10 Mental Game expert.  He served in a position of the United States Olympic team in 1988. His articles have been featured in numerous publications.  He also the President and Chairman of the Board for Utopia Films. Our sponsor for this podcast episode, Audible, has offered a FREE month trial membership and 1 FREE audiobook of over 180,000 books to download through this link http://www.audibletrial.com/MenUnplugged  For full show notes, a list of resources like a FREE month's membership to Covenant Eyes by using promo code MenUnplugged, the Strand Study Bible which you can only get at MenUnplugged.net, as well as, the personality type finder for men, their wives, kids and corporate teams.  Check out the resources page of MenUnplugged.net.  The show notes are available on the podcast page.  Subscribe to the show on iTunes, GooglePlay music or Stitcher Radio.   When you subscribe to the weekly Men Unpugged email list at MenUplugged.net you'll get a FREE PDF copy of Jeff's book, 10 Steps to Power and Purpose.  

God intends to punish the Ammonites, the Edomites, and the Phillistines. Some of them are punished merely for an attitude of malicious glee at the punishment of Israel. This should make us think twice about our own attitudes about our enemies.

For the director of music. To the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam. When the Phillistines had seized him in Gath.

For the director of music. To the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam. When the Phillistines had seized him in Gath.

Please beware: These are very early vintage shows from a podcast that evolved gradually over 18+ years and 800+ episodes and sounds very different today. If you're new to Into Your Head, please try my later shows first. Tonight's topics include: A plausible lie for promotional purposes, Inventing a toy dog, Encouraging a disabled pet, A defeatist attitude, Bright yellow warthogs on the Internet, Customised modular phone Phillistines, Smothering things in wallpaper, A surprising attitude to kitchens, Encouraging stalkers, The Cherry Tree Principle, Instructions for my burial, Speculating about thorns worn under a hat. Better out than in, An horse philosiphising about pollution. License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International – It is mandatory to reproduce this attribution for each episode: “Neal O'Carroll via IntoYourHead.ie – Many episodes findable forever on Archive dot org.”

Bro. Cowen preaches Revival on 10/17/2007