Podcasts about Pontius Pilate

Get access to daily prayer: Become a Patron on Patreon----------------------Wednesday - Easter Week 6Opening Words:“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”Colossians 3:1 (ESV) Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed:Come let us adore him. Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *death no longer has dominion over him.The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *but the life he lives, he lives to God.So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, *the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.For since by a man came death, *by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.For as in Adam all die, *so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed:Come let us adore him. Alleluia. The PsalterPsalm 119:97-12097Oh, how I love your law! *all the day long it is in my mind.98Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *and it is always with me.99I have more understanding than all my teachers, *for your decrees are my study.100I am wiser than the elders, *because I observe your commandments.101I restrain my feet from every evil way, *that I may keep your word.102I do not shrink from your judgments, *because you yourself have taught me.103How sweet are your words to my taste! *they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.104Through your commandments I gain understanding; *therefore I hate every lying way. 105Your word is a lantern to my feet *and a light upon my path.106I have sworn and am determined *to keep your righteous judgments.107I am deeply troubled; *preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.108Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips, *and teach me your judgments.109My life is always in my hand, *yet I do not forget your law.110The wicked have set a trap for me, *but I have not strayed from your commandments.111Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *truly, they are the joy of my heart.112I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *for ever and to the end. 113I hate those who have a divided heart, *but your law do I love.114You are my refuge and shield; *my hope is in your word.115Away from me, you wicked! *I will keep the commandments of my God.116Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *and let me not be disappointed in my hope.117Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.118You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *their deceitfulness is in vain.119In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *therefore I love your decrees.120My flesh trembles with dread of you; *I am afraid of your judgments. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsBaruch 3:24-37New Revised Standard Version24 O Israel, how great is the house of God,    how vast the territory that he possesses!25 It is great and has no bounds;    it is high and immeasurable.26 The giants were born there, who were famous of old,    great in stature, expert in war.27 God did not choose them,    or give them the way to knowledge;28 so they perished because they had no wisdom,    they perished through their folly.29 Who has gone up into heaven, and taken her,    and brought her down from the clouds?30 Who has gone over the sea, and found her,    and will buy her for pure gold?31 No one knows the way to her,    or is concerned about the path to her.32 But the one who knows all things knows her,    he found her by his understanding.The one who prepared the earth for all time    filled it with four-footed creatures;33 the one who sends forth the light, and it goes;    he called it, and it obeyed him, trembling;34 the stars shone in their watches, and were glad;    he called them, and they said, “Here we are!”    They shone with gladness for him who made them.35 This is our God;    no other can be compared to him.36 He found the whole way to knowledge,    and gave her to his servant Jacob    and to Israel, whom he loved.37 Afterward she appeared on earth    and lived with humankind. James 5:13-1813 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. Luke 12:22-3122 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted; *the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea.The Lord is my strength and my refuge; *the Lord has become my Savior.This is my God and I will praise him, *the God of my people and I will exalt him.The Lord is a mighty warrior; *Yahweh is his Name.The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; *the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them; *they sank into the depths like a stone.Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might; *your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy.Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods? *who is like you, glorious in holiness,awesome in renown, and worker of wonders?You stretched forth your right hand; *the earth swallowed them up.With your constant love you led the people you redeemed; *with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling.You will bring them in and plant them *on the mount of your possession,The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord, *the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established.The Lord shall reign *for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersLord, have mercy.Christ, have mercyLord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us;And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern usAnd lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousnessAnd let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your peopleAnd bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O LordAnd defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgottenNor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O GodAnd take not your Holy Spirit from us. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. The CollectsThe Sixth Week of EasterO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for MissionAlmighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!Alleluia, Alleluia! BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen*.* Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Psalms taken from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer by the Episcopal Church.The reading plan based is based on the 1979 Daily Office Lectionary Year A

Get access to daily prayer: Become a Patron on Patreon----------------------Monday - Easter Week 6Opening Words:“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”Colossians 3:1 (ESV) Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed:Come let us adore him. Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *death no longer has dominion over him.The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *but the life he lives, he lives to God.So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, *the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.For since by a man came death, *by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.For as in Adam all die, *so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed:Come let us adore him. Alleluia. The PsalterPsalm 77Voce mea ad Dominum1I will cry aloud to God; *I will cry aloud, and he will hear me.2In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; *my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;I refused to be comforted.3I think of God, I am restless, *I ponder, and my spirit faints.4You will not let my eyelids close; *I am troubled and I cannot speak.5I consider the days of old; *I remember the years long past;6I commune with my heart in the night; *I ponder and search my mind.7Will the Lord cast me off for ever? *will he no more show his favor?8Has his loving-kindness come to an end for ever? *has his promise failed for evermore?9Has God forgotten to be gracious? *has he, in his anger, withheld his compassion?10And I said, “My grief is this: *the right hand of the Most High has lost its power.”11I will remember the works of the Lord, *and call to mind your wonders of old time.12I will meditate on all your acts *and ponder your mighty deeds.13Your way, O God, is holy; *who is so great a god as our God?14You are the God who works wonders *and have declared your power among the peoples.15By your strength you have redeemed your people, *the children of Jacob and Joseph.16The waters saw you, O God;the waters saw you and trembled; *the very depths were shaken.17The clouds poured out water;the skies thundered; *your arrows flashed to and fro;18The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind;your lightnings lit up the world; *the earth trembled and shook.19Your way was in the sea,and your paths in the great waters, *yet your footsteps were not seen.20You led your people like a flock *by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsDeuteronomy 8:1-108 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. 6 So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, 8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, 9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. 10 And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. James 1:1-151 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted; *the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea.The Lord is my strength and my refuge; *the Lord has become my Savior.This is my God and I will praise him, *the God of my people and I will exalt him.The Lord is a mighty warrior; *Yahweh is his Name.The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; *the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them; *they sank into the depths like a stone.Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might; *your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy.Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods? *who is like you, glorious in holiness,awesome in renown, and worker of wonders?You stretched forth your right hand; *the earth swallowed them up.With your constant love you led the people you redeemed; *with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling.You will bring them in and plant them *on the mount of your possession,The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord, *the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established.The Lord shall reign *for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersLord, have mercy.Christ, have mercyLord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us;And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern usAnd lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousnessAnd let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your peopleAnd bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O LordAnd defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgottenNor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O GodAnd take not your Holy Spirit from us. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. The CollectsThe Sixth Week of EasterO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for MissionAlmighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!Alleluia, Alleluia! BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen*.* Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Psalms taken from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer by the Episcopal Church.The reading plan based is based on the 1979 Daily Office Lectionary Year A

Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 15 Scripture: Mark 14:50-52, John 18:12-24, Matthew 26:57-75, Isaiah 53:7 Luke 22:61, Luke 22:66-23:1. Nothing about Jesus' last hours was an accident. He was totally prepared and totally committed. He knew full well what was ahead of him. The disciples did not understand what was going to happen to Jesus and about all that He had been telling them was coming until they saw Him as the risen Savior. May we understand the significance of what Jesus did, the power of His life, His death and His resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit and the power to live a life dedicated to Him. Today, we pick up the “Up to Jerusalem” study where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane as soldiers approach Him led by Judas, His betrayer. Peter cuts off the ear of one of the men and Jesus heals it. We see that as the soldiers arrest and bind Jesus in chains most likely around the neck and ankles, that His disciples flee, leaving Jesus alone. The soldiers take Him first to Annas. Trial #1 - before Annas - Jesus is questioned, treated cruelly, Peter denies knowing Jesus, and Annas then sends Jesus off to Caiaphus. Trial #2 - before Caiaphus the High Priest - false witnesses come forward and turn Jesus' words around in a totally different way saying that this guy says he can tear down the temple and build it back up in three days when it has taken us decades to build it! (What Jesus had actually said and meant was, “Destroy this temple (My body) and in three days I will raise it up (predicting His resurrection on the 3rd day).”  But Jesus remains silent against the interrogation - a fulfillment of what Isaiah had said 700 years earlier, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth, He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mount.” Isaiah 53:7. Caiaphus finds Jesus “guilty” of blasphemy and Jesus suffered more brutality.  Peter denies Jesus a third time as the rooster crows and in Luke 22:61 we read that as Peter was denying knowing Jesus, Jesus turns His glance to Peter and looked straight at him and causing Peter to remember Jesus telling him that he would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crows.  Peter runs outside the courtyard and weeps bitterly for what he has done and who He has denied knowing. (In the coming weeks of this study we will witness the restoration, soon after Jesus' resurrection, of Peter's relationship with Jesus through a loving conversation with Jesus. A reconciliation that shows us the forgiveness and love of our Savior not just for Peter but for each one of us as well.) Pastor shares recent archeological news of the discovery of an ossuary belonging to Caiaphus along with other “holy speculation” that helps fill in details as our story moves forward. Trial #3 - Next Jesus is taken from Caiaphus to the Council. The Council asks Jesus if He is the Son of God and Jesus replies, “You say that I am.” Thus they accuse Him of blasphemy and send Him to Pontius Pilate where we will resume the story next week. Pastor ends the teaching saying Jesus really is who He says He is.  He is Messiah, the Living God come in human flesh to give His life for us all.  Nothing in all of life matters more than knowing Him. “Knowing Him”  - that's not religion and church attendance - it means personally knowing who Jesus is, knowing His heart, His love, and internalizing His willingness to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. This is not just a story — it is the story of God's love for you and me. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father's plan. As we study Jesus' final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us.  This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

1 Timothy 6 says that servants must honourably bare the responsibility of faithful service. The chapter next sounds a warning against false teachers and this is followed by one of the greatest, and possibly the hardest, lesson to learn – ie that godliness with contentment is the greatest profit a believer can have in life. We can take nothing with us when we die. All that is important is the legacy that the Almighty sees – a life of devotion to Him and service to others – a life rich in good works. To pursue any other course is a guarantee of frustration and sorrow (just as Balaam found out). Verse 10 tells us, “the love of money” (Greek “philaguros” – literally “lover of silver” which has in Greek the numeric value of 666) is ‘a root of all kinds of evil'. In verses 11-16 Timothy (and each believer) is urged to fight the fight of faith following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave a faithful witness before Pontius Pilate – costing our Lord Jesus his life. Jesus will, on his return to earth, set up the glorious kingdom of God demonstrating the power and honour of the King Invisible (God the Almighty Father) and the benefits that will come to those who live life by this guide. The letter concludes with a reminder to safeguard the deposit which had been committed to Timothy and a charge to the rich to avoid pride. The rich are counselled to use their God given resources to benefit others (the lesson being based on the life of Hezekiah cp2 Kings 20 verses 12-16). Let us learn godliness with contentment; richness in faith and loving works to others – pause and ponder.

In AD 180, Charismatic ministry was very different than today. By God's grace, we need to somehow recover what was lost.Irenaeus (AD 180) - “Those who are in truth His disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform miracles, so as to promote the welfare of others, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe [in Christ] and join the Church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions and speak the prophecies they have received. Others still, heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are healed. Moreover, as I have said, even the dead have been raised and remained among us for many years. And what more can I even say? It is not even possible to number all of the gifts which the Church, throughout the whole world, has received from God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and which Christians demonstrate daily for the benefit of the unbelievers, neither deceiving them nor taking any financial reward from them [on account of such miraculous ministry]. For as Christians have received freely from God, freely also do they minister [to others]” Matt. 10:8  (Against Heresies, Book 2, Chapter 32, Section 4)

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/suffered-crucified-dead-buried-descendedWhat really happened at the cross—and why does it matter for your Monday?In this powerful fourth message of our Life Blood series, we walk deep into the heart of the gospel: the suffering, crucifixion, death, burial, and descent of Jesus. This isn't just history—it's your story. The cross isn't something that just happened to Jesus. It's something that happened because of us—and for us.Pastor [Your Name] unpacks Matthew 27 and the Apostles' Creed to show how Jesus didn't just die for sin—He died for you. To reconcile. To restore. To make you whole. From the brutal reality of the crucifixion to the soul-thirst of spiritual separation, this message shows how Jesus went through hell so you don't have to.Whether you're feeling broken, distant from God, or just going through the motions—this message is an invitation to receive what's free, belong to what's real, and let the gold of grace fill your deepest cracks.

patreon.com/commonprayerdaily------Opening Words:Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)------Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.------The Invitatory & Psalter:Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.------The Psalms & LessonsPsalm 119: ZayinRemember your word to your servant, *because you have given me hope.This is my comfort in my trouble, *that your promise gives me life.The proud have derided me cruelly, *but I have not turned from your law.When I remember your judgments of old, *O Lord, I take great comfort.I am filled with a burning rage, *because of the wicked who forsake your law.Your statutes have been like songs to me *wherever I have lived as a stranger.I remember your Name in the night, O Lord, *and dwell upon your law.This is how it has been with me, *because I have kept your commandments. Psalm 119: HethYou only are my portion, O Lord; *I have promised to keep your words.I entreat you with all my heart, *be merciful to me according to your promise.I have considered my ways *and turned my feet toward your decrees.I hasten and do not tarry *to keep your commandments.Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *I do not forget your law.At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *because of your righteous judgments.I am a companion of all who fear you *and of those who keep your commandments.The earth, O Lord, is full of your love; *instruct me in your statutes. Psalm 119: TethO Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *according to your word.Teach me discernment and knowledge, *for I have believed in your commandments.Before I was afflicted I went astray, *but now I keep your word.You are good and you bring forth good; *instruct me in your statutes.The proud have smeared me with lies, *but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.Their heart is gross and fat, *but my delight is in your law.It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *that I might learn your statutes.The law of your mouth is dearer to me *Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.------Wisdom 4:16-5:8The righteous who have died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous. For they will see the end of the wise, and will not understand what the Lord purposed for them, and for what he kept them safe. The unrighteous will see, and will have contempt for them, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. After this they will become dishonored corpses, and an outrage among the dead forever; because he will dash them speechless to the ground, and shake them from the foundations; they will be left utterly dry and barren, and they will suffer anguish, and the memory of them will perish. They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up, and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face. Then the righteous will stand with great confidence in the presence of those who have oppressed them and those who make light of their labors. When the unrighteous see them, they will be shaken with dreadful fear, and they will be amazed at the unexpected salvation of the righteous. They will speak to one another in repentance, and in anguish of spirit they will groan, and say, "These are persons whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach-- fools that we were! We thought that their lives were madness and that their end was without honor. Why have they been numbered among the children of God? And why is their lot among the saints? So it was we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us, and the sun did not rise upon us. We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through trackless deserts, but the way of the Lord we have not known. What has our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?------Colossians 1:24-2:7English Standard Version24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Luke 6:27-38English Standard Version27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted;  the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my refuge;  the Lord has become my Savior. This is my God and I will praise him,  the God of my people and I will exalt him. The Lord is a mighty warrior;  Yahweh is his Name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; * the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them;  they sank into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might;  your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy. Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods?  who is like you, glorious in holiness, awesome in renown, and worker of wonders? You stretched forth your right hand;  the earth swallowed them up. With your constant love you led the people you redeemed;  with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling. You will bring them in and plant them  on the mount of your possession, The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord,  the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established. The Lord shall reign  for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.------The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.------The PrayersLord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us; And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern us And lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousness And let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your people And bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O Lord And defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O God And take not your Holy Spirit from us.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.------The CollectsSpecial Collects:The Fourth Week of EasterO God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for Mission Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.------General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.------DismissalLet us bless the Lord Thanks be to God!BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

patreon.com/commonprayerdaily------Opening Words:Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)------Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.------The Invitatory & Psalter:Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.------The Psalms & LessonsPsalm 119: ZayinRemember your word to your servant, *because you have given me hope.This is my comfort in my trouble, *that your promise gives me life.The proud have derided me cruelly, *but I have not turned from your law.When I remember your judgments of old, *O Lord, I take great comfort.I am filled with a burning rage, *because of the wicked who forsake your law.Your statutes have been like songs to me *wherever I have lived as a stranger.I remember your Name in the night, O Lord, *and dwell upon your law.This is how it has been with me, *because I have kept your commandments. Psalm 119: HethYou only are my portion, O Lord; *I have promised to keep your words.I entreat you with all my heart, *be merciful to me according to your promise.I have considered my ways *and turned my feet toward your decrees.I hasten and do not tarry *to keep your commandments.Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *I do not forget your law.At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *because of your righteous judgments.I am a companion of all who fear you *and of those who keep your commandments.The earth, O Lord, is full of your love; *instruct me in your statutes. Psalm 119: TethO Lord, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *according to your word.Teach me discernment and knowledge, *for I have believed in your commandments.Before I was afflicted I went astray, *but now I keep your word.You are good and you bring forth good; *instruct me in your statutes.The proud have smeared me with lies, *but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.Their heart is gross and fat, *but my delight is in your law.It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *that I might learn your statutes.The law of your mouth is dearer to me *than thousands in gold and silver.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.------Wisdom 4:16-5:8The righteous who have died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous. For they will see the end of the wise, and will not understand what the Lord purposed for them, and for what he kept them safe. The unrighteous will see, and will have contempt for them, but the Lord will laugh them to scorn. After this they will become dishonored corpses, and an outrage among the dead forever; because he will dash them speechless to the ground, and shake them from the foundations; they will be left utterly dry and barren, and they will suffer anguish, and the memory of them will perish. They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up, and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face. Then the righteous will stand with great confidence in the presence of those who have oppressed them and those who make light of their labors. When the unrighteous see them, they will be shaken with dreadful fear, and they will be amazed at the unexpected salvation of the righteous. They will speak to one another in repentance, and in anguish of spirit they will groan, and say, "These are persons whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach-- fools that we were! We thought that their lives were madness and that their end was without honor. Why have they been numbered among the children of God? And why is their lot among the saints? So it was we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us, and the sun did not rise upon us. We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through trackless deserts, but the way of the Lord we have not known. What has our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?------Colossians 1:24-2:7English Standard Version24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Luke 6:27-38English Standard Version27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted;  the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my refuge;  the Lord has become my Savior. This is my God and I will praise him,  the God of my people and I will exalt him. The Lord is a mighty warrior;  Yahweh is his Name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; * the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them;  they sank into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might;  your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy. Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods?  who is like you, glorious in holiness, awesome in renown, and worker of wonders? You stretched forth your right hand;  the earth swallowed them up. With your constant love you led the people you redeemed;  with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling. You will bring them in and plant them  on the mount of your possession, The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord,  the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established. The Lord shall reign  for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.------The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.------The PrayersLord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us; And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern us And lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousness And let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your people And bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O Lord And defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O God And take not your Holy Spirit from us.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.------The CollectsSpecial Collects:The Fourth Week of EasterO God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for Mission Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.------General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.------DismissalLet us bless the Lord Thanks be to God!BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

patreon.com/commonprayerdaily------Opening Words:Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)------Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.------The Invitatory & Psalter:Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover)Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast,Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed: Come let us adore him.Alleluia.------The Psalms & LessonsPsalm 41Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble.The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive,so that they may be happy in the land; *he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.The Lord sustains them on their sickbed *and ministers to them in their illness.I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; *heal me, for I have sinned against you.”My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *“When will he die, and his name perish?”Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *their heart collects false rumors;they go outside and spread them.All my enemies whisper together about me *and devise evil against me.“A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him; *he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”Even my best friend, whom I trusted,who broke bread with me, *has lifted up his heel and turned against me.But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, *and I shall repay them.By this I know you are pleased with me, *that my enemy does not triumph over me.In my integrity you hold me fast, *and shall set me before your face for ever.Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *from age to age. Amen. Amen.Psalm 52You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness *against the godly all day long?You plot ruin;your tongue is like a sharpened razor, *O worker of deception.You love evil more than good *and lying more than speaking the truth.You love all words that hurt, *O you deceitful tongue.Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, *topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,and root you out of the land of the living!The righteous shall see and tremble, *and they shall laugh at him, saying,“This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, *but trusted in great wealthand relied upon wickedness.”But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; *I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.I will give you thanks for what you have done *and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence of the godly.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.------Wisdom 1:16-2:11,21-24But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away and made a covenant with him, because they are fit to belong to his company. For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. For we were born by mere chance, and hereafter we shall be as though we had never been, for the breath in our nostrils is smoke, and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our hearts; when it is extinguished, the body will turn to ashes, and the spirit will dissolve like empty air. Our name will be forgotten in time, and no one will remember our works; our life will pass away like the traces of a cloud, and be scattered like mist that is chased by the rays of the sun and overcome by its heat. For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow, and there is no return from our death, because it is sealed up and no one turns back. "Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the full as in youth. Let us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass us by. Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. Let none of us fail to share in our revelry; everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment, because this is our portion, and this our lot. Let us oppress the righteous poor man; let us not spare the widow or regard the gray hairs of the aged. But let our might be our law of right, for what is weak proves itself to be useless. Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hoped for the wages of holiness, nor discerned the prize for blameless souls; for God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. ------Colossians 1:1-14English Standard Version1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father.3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Luke 6:1-11English Standard Version6 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.------Cantemus Domino (The Song of Moses)Exodus 15:1-6, 11-13, 17-18I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted;  the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my refuge;  the Lord has become my Savior. This is my God and I will praise him,  the God of my people and I will exalt him. The Lord is a mighty warrior;  Yahweh is his Name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; * the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea.The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them;  they sank into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might;  your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy. Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods?  who is like you, glorious in holiness, awesome in renown, and worker of wonders? You stretched forth your right hand;  the earth swallowed them up. With your constant love you led the people you redeemed;  with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling. You will bring them in and plant them  on the mount of your possession, The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord,  the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established. The Lord shall reign  for ever and for ever.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.------The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.------The PrayersLord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.The SuffragesO Lord, show your mercy upon us; And grant us your salvation.O Lord, guide those who govern us And lead us in the way of justice and truth.Clothe your ministers with righteousness And let your people sing with joy.O Lord, save your people And bless your inheritance.Give peace in our time, O Lord And defend us by your mighty power.Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.Create in us clean hearts, O God And take not your Holy Spirit from us.Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.------The CollectsSpecial Collects:The Fourth Week of EasterO God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Prayer for Mission Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.------General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.------DismissalLet us bless the Lord Thanks be to God!BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/the-miracle-meaning-of-the-virgin-birthWhat do you know about what Christians actually believe? In this message, we dive into the foundational truths of the Christian faith, exploring the Apostles' Creed and its powerful declaration that “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” Learn what Scripture teaches about the Trinity and discover how the doctrine of God as Father shapes our identity, prayer, and daily lives.#Lifeblood #GodTheFather #christianfaith  #trinity  #childofgod #faithfuel  #identityinchrist  #bibleteaching  #christianliving  #spiritualgrowth #kingdomfamily NOTES: We must continually revisit the core truths of our faith, for they are the lifeblood that nourishes our relationship with God. - TozerKnowing what we believe is how we suit up for battle. (Ephesians 6) We can't afford silence. (Romans 10)Belonging to the body of Christ requires belief in specific content. (Romans 10) What do you know about what Christians actually believe?Creeds are not replacements for Scripture—they're faithful reflections of it. They help guard the gospel, articulate truth, and pass the faith from generation to generation.“Theologically hollow congregations and pastors may like to think they will bequeath a gospel legacy to the next generation, but the truth is we only pass on what is our passion. New converts and new kids won't think and live and love like mature Christians, let alone be able to articulate the Christian story, if our beliefs rest in a statement of faith on the website, and not in our hearts.” - DeYoungI believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth,And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.The third day He arose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.I BELIEVEThe Christian understanding of faith includes both knowledge and conviction—the head and the heart working together.Faith involves thinking, learning, and engaging our minds.Conviction is what happens when the truth we know becomes truth we trust.The object of our faith matters more than the strength of our faith. It's not the strength of your faith that saves you. It's the strength of your Savior.I BELIEVE IN GODChristians believe in the eternal, triune God. One God in three persons.The Trinity    1.    There is only one God.    2.    The Father is God.    3.    The Son is God.    4.    The Holy Spirit is God.    5.    The Father is not the Son.    6.    The Son is not the Holy Spirit.    7.    The Holy Spirit is not the Father.There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in essence, equal in power and glory.1. There is only one God. (Deut 6:4, Isa 43:10, Mark 12:29)2. The Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct persons. (Luke 3:22)3. Each person is fully God. (1 Cor 8:6, 1 Pet 1:3, John 1:1, Titus 2:13, Heb 1:8, Acts 5:3-4)I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earthWe are children of God, not by right of human birth but by the miracle of divine adoption. John 1:12-13 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all. For everything that Christ taught, everything that makes the New Testament new, and better than the Old, everything that is distinctively Christian as opposed to merely Jewish, is summed up in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God. “Father” is the Christian name for God. – J.I. Packer2 Corinthians 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.  Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”Behold, ponder, contemplate—be astonished, smitten and speechless “at the great love the Father has lavished on us. (1 John 3:1)How can you apply the truth that God is your Father?1. Pray like a child, not a performer.2. Love the family you've been adopted into.3. Start your day with the Trinity.

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity. ​* The Deity of Christ -- Another Approach For centuries, as affirmed at the Council of Nicea, Christians have used a wonderful list of Bible verses to demonstrate from God's Word the deity of Jesus Christ. Here though is another avenue, similar to the "Big Picture View" approach that we use in Bob Enyart's life's work, The Plot: An Overview of the Bible:​ Thus Saith the Lord: If we count how many times the Old Testament prophets said, “Thus says the Lord” we find them using that phrase, in the New King James Version of the Bible, about 420 times. The New Testament on the other hand, never once records that phrase. Jesus Christ, with all the red ink devoted to recording His words, never once used that ubiquitous phrase, “Thus saith the Lord.” Rather, Jesus proclaims, “I say to you,” in the Gospels! Not a single “Thus says the Lord,” but rather, “I say to you,” 135 times. The following chart demonstrates biblically that these two phrases, Thus saith the Lord, and I say unto you, indicate the same thing, that God is speaking. For Jesus Christ made it clear that He Himself was at the heart of His teaching. Unlike the righteous priests and kings, prophets and the apostles, the Lord focused His message on Himself;   See more... Today's Resource: The Gospel of John! The Gospel of John Vol. I: Christ spoke often of the Father. Still, He preached an egocentric message. Jesus said: follow Me · believe in Me · abide in Me · do all for My sake · confess Me · love Me · come to Me · keep My commandments · receive Me · seek Me · I bear witness of Myself · I am the truth · I am the life. Should a created being direct most attention to the Father, or focus upon himself? Bible teachers use a handful of verses to establish Christ's identity. As is his style, Bob Enyart starts with a sweeping overview of the Bible to address the deity of Christ. This study stuns and delights, respectively, those disputing and affirming His divinity.​ The Gospel of John Vol. II: Relive Jesus feeding five thousand, walking on water, and being so offensive that even some of his own followers rejected Him, as did His own siblings. Hear Jesus command men to "judge with righteous judgment." Envision officers sent to apprehend Jesus failing to fulfill their mission as Christ thwarts the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him. The Pharisee Nicodemus risked all by defending Jesus; Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery; and He proclaimed, "before Abraham was, I AM." Then Jesus was condemned for healing a man born blind. Finally, Jesus blesses friends and enrages enemies by resurrecting Lazarus. The Gospel of John Vol. III: This climatic third volume concludes John's Gospel. Six days before the crucifixion, Mary of Bethany anointed Christ's head and feet. The next day the people of Jerusalem hail Him as King. By week's end, Jesus would be betrayed to His enemies and rejected by the crowd. The powerful father-and-son-in-law team of Annas and Caiaphas put Him on trial as did Pontius Pilate also. He died on a Roman cross in the place of a murderer named Barabbas, in the place of a sinner named Adam, and in the place of a Christian named... Enjoy these or any of Bob's studies, made available by book title or by topic, or you can subscribe or donate online or by calling 1-800-8Enyart (303-463-7789).

 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12:    "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."   The verse from 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 addresses the concept of rejecting truth and embracing lies, which has profound relevance in modern life. In today's world, we're often inundated with information, some of which may be misleading or false. This passage serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of choosing convenience, comfort, or personal biases over truth and righteousness.   In practical terms, it challenges us to critically evaluate the information we consume, stand firm in ethical values, and resist the temptation to accept falsehoods that align with our desires or justify harmful actions. It also underscores the importance of discernment and humility, encouraging us to seek the truth with open minds and hearts rather than being swayed by strong delusions or manipulative influences.       The question "What is truth?" is famously posed by Pontius Pilate in **John 18:38** during his interrogation of Jesus. This moment highlights a profound philosophical and spiritual inquiry that resonates throughout the Bible and human history.    In the Bible, truth is often associated with God's word and character. For example: - **John 14:6**: Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that truth is found in Him. - **Psalm 119:160**: "The entirety of Your word is truth," pointing to the reliability and divine nature of Scripture. - **John 8:32**: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," illustrating the liberating power of truth in one's life.   Truth in the biblical sense is not just factual accuracy but a deeper alignment with God's will, love, and purpose. It challenges us to live authentically and seek righteousness in our actions and beliefs.   live your truth     In modern usage, "Your Truth" often refers to an individual's personal experience, perspective, or understanding of the world. It emphasizes the subjective and personal nature of truth—what feels authentic to someone's life and beliefs, even if it doesn't align with others' views or objective facts.   In contrast, biblical truth is portrayed as universal, unchanging, and grounded in God's nature and word. It is not subjective or personal but rather a reflection of divine will and absolute morality. The Bible teaches that truth is something external to oneself, revealed through Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life."   While "Your Truth" celebrates individuality and personal authenticity, biblical truth calls for alignment with a higher, overarching standard that transcends personal feelings or perspectives. The difference lies in the source—one is internal and subjective, while the other is external and divine.   -   Yes, the concept of "Your Truth" often aligns with the idea of a personal worldview. A worldview encompasses the lens through which an individual interprets life, reality, and their place in the world—it's shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, values, and cultural influences.   "Your Truth" emphasizes the subjective side of this worldview, focusing on personal authenticity and the individual journey. However, worldviews also encompass broader philosophies and frameworks that may be shared by communities or cultures. While "Your Truth" highlights individuality, a worldview might include both personal perspectives and shared ideologies, making it more comprehensive in scope.

Send us a textThe crucifixion stands as history's defining moment—a sacrifice orchestrated by God that transformed humanity's relationship with Him forever. What made this execution different from thousands of others carried out by Roman authorities? When soldiers witnessed darkness covering the land, felt the ground shake beneath their feet, and saw the temple curtain torn from top to bottom, they recognized they were witnessing something beyond human comprehension. "This one was really the Son of God," they declared, as water and blood flowed from Christ's pierced side.The political dynamics surrounding Jesus's trial reveal fascinating tensions. Pontius Pilate repeatedly attempted to avoid crucifying Jesus, finding no legitimate crime warranting execution. Meanwhile, Jewish religious leaders manipulated Roman law to eliminate someone they perceived as threatening their system. This interplay between Roman governance and Jewish religious authority created the perfect circumstances for ancient prophecy's fulfillment.Scripture reveals that "before the foundations of the earth, Jesus was already crucified." This divine foreknowledge demonstrates that what appeared to be the enemy's victory was actually God's predetermined plan. Every prophecy in the Old Testament—over 300 specific predictions—pointed directly to Christ and His redemptive work. From the arrangement of Israel's tribal camps forming a cross to the ceremonial laws about scapegoats, God embedded symbols of Christ's sacrifice throughout history.Understanding the crucifixion transforms how we read Scripture. Nothing in God's Word is coincidental or wasted—every detail contributes to our comprehension of His glory and our place in His kingdom. Rather than manufacturing complex theories, we should focus on clearly understanding what Christ accomplished and how we can faithfully represent Him in our world today.Join us as we explore how God works through seemingly chaotic human events to accomplish His eternal purposes, turning history's greatest injustice into humanity's only hope for redemption.The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Pontius Pilate was like every other person who has ever lived. The fundamental question of his life was, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:22). Everyone has to deal with Jesus, to decide about Him and His claims. In one setting, we can see how one man (Pilate) was influenced to deal with Jesus in three different ways. These three ways are how many people today still choose to deal with Jesus Christ.

Just like all those involved in the Easter story, we've been given the opportunity to participate with Jesus in His Kingdom. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses four characters involved with Jesus' trial and crucifixion who missed the invitation to a better future: the high priest Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot, and the Roman soldiers. They all believed something else, like money, power, or status, was more important than God's invitation. We have the same choice to make. Will we be deceived by the world, or will we have the courage to answer Jesus' call on our lives?   To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, visit this link: allenjackson.com/podcastdonate

Welcome to our latest message, where we explore the profound theme of substitution and the pivotal choice between self-salvation and accepting the life Jesus offers. In this insightful message, we delve into the Gospel narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate and the powerful demonstration of God's grace through the choice between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus the Messiah.Discover how Jesus became our substitute, taking our place on the cross, and learn about the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection. This episode challenges us to reflect on our personal journeys towards salvation and to recognize the infinite life found in surrendering to Jesus.Join us as we uncover the depth of God's self-giving love and the path to true freedom and abundant life that only He provides. Whether you're new to faith or seeking a deeper understanding of the Gospel, this message will inspire and equip you to make a life-changing choice.Key Scriptures: - 2 Corinthians 5:21- Matthew 27:11-26- Acts 2:23- Galatians 2:20- Matthew 16:25Tune in for an exploration of salvation, humility, and the boundless grace of God. Perfect for those ready to embrace true life in Jesus.

This Easter, Brandon talks to AJ about reflecting a bit on the interactions between Jesus, Pontius Pilate, and the Chief Priest. What do the earthly leaders reveal about themselves in their interactions with the Christ?

John 17 outlines Jesus' wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory – verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father's character; and in that “knowing” would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the ‘son of destruction'. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs; who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest's servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter's first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter's second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence – another illegality – on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be “King of the Jews” (see 1 Timothy 6:12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.

Pontius Pilate was like every other person who has ever lived. The fundamental question of his life was, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" (Matthew 27:22). Everyone has to deal with Jesus, to decide about Him and His claims. In one setting, we can see how one man (Pilate) was influenced to deal with Jesus in three different ways. These three ways are how many people today still choose to deal with Jesus Christ.

Anytime we see Jesus start a sentence with the words, “Truly, truly” it means that what he's about to say is really important and it'd be good for us to just hear this again. So, John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”Now it was Jesus saying things like this that (in one sense) got him killed on Friday. But because what Jesus says here is true is why he was raised on Sunday.Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is the core creed of Christianity. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried.[But on the] the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end. …These are facts about Jesus and the Gospel of John makes them clear to us, and I wanna repeat to you what Pastor David Mathis said last week — we see it here in verse 27 — it's that the Father has so exalted Jesus that he has made him the final judge of all humanity. The Nicene Creed just affirms what Jesus says. One day every single human being will stand before Jesus and answer to him. This is not theoretical! This is not symbolic! This is heart-pounding literal.One day, a day like today, a moment in time, each of us will look at Jesus, right in his face. We're going to look at his human face … which he has right now — and we're going to see his eyes. We're going to see his nose. We're going to read his lips as he speaks. And we will absolutely know that the Divine Judge is a man like us, who became like us to save us. Everybody will know that on the Last Day — even those who reject Jesus will know then that they have rejected their only hope of salvation.We're all gonna see him one day. You are going to see Jesus, and for what it's worth, I believe that my job mainly is to help prepare you for that moment. There's a trillion things going on in our lives, and they all matter, but the thing that matters the most is that you are ready to meet Jesus.And so to that end, for this Easter sermon, looking at John 5:24, I wanna repeat to you three truths about reality I hope you always remember.1. You can hear Jesus today.Look at that word “hear” in verse 24: Jesus says, “whoever hears my word.” And the nice thing about the word “hear” is that it can have a couple of meanings. At the most basic level, it means to literally, audibly hear something. To hear involves sound waves entering the ear canal and causing the eardrum to vibrate, and then these vibrations are transferred through tiny bones in the middle ear to the inner ear where they're turned into electrical signals that then travel to the brain which then interprets the meaning. That's what it means to hear. But that's not what Jesus is talking about in verse 24. That's also not what my mom ever meant when she used the word. I don't know if this is a Southern Mom thing or if all moms do this, but often growing up when my mom would give me instructions, she would end her instructions with “Do you hear me?” I can promise you that when she said that she was not thinking about my ear canal. What was she saying then? She was talking about obedience. She wanted to make sure I was gonna do the thing she said. She wanted me to heed the words, to take action on the words — and that's what Jesus means in verse 24. To hear the words of Jesus is to believe. Jesus is saying the same thing two different ways in verse 24: to hear his word is to believe God the Father who sent him.Jesus is talking about faith, and we've already seen that our faith is the purpose of this Gospel. John wrote this Gospel so that people would read it and believe in Jesus (John 20:31). And that was not just the purpose in the year 80 when John first published this Gospel, but that's the purpose today, every time we open this book. Because all these years later, we can still not just ‘hear' the words of Jesus, but really hear him.You can hear Jesus today. That goes for all of us, and look: we should hear him. We should do what he says. And Christians, isn't that what we want?! We have his word, and everyday we wanna say: Jesus, we hear you!But for those who don't yet believe, if you don't yet hear Jesus, I hope you can hear him tomorrow. And if you don't hear him tomorrow, I hope you get a chance to hear him the next day, but there's no guarantee. This is what's called the urgency of the gospel. It means that there will come a time, at some point, when you won't be able to hear Jesus anymore. But you can hear him today. And so today (as the Bible says, Hebrews 3) — today, while it is called “today,” don't harden your heart toward Jesus, but really hear him. Believe him. On his behalf, I'm calling you to believe him right now.You can hear Jesus today. 2. If you hear Jesus you have eternal life.Now there are some grammatical details in verse 24 that I'm gonna make a big deal about.For the first one, I want you to notice the first time the word “has” is used, right before the words “eternal life.” This is in verse 24, and it's one of those things that I wanna make sure you really see it, so help me out. Verse 24, everybody find the word “has” right before “eternal life.”“…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life…”That's a present active verb. It means not that you have had it, or that you will have it, but you actively have it now. You possess it now. It is yours in this moment.John repeats this for us: John 3:36, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” John 6:47, Jesus says, “Whoever believes has eternal life.” And John 11:25, Jesus with the same point says, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he die…” — which means this physical body here over, there's a flatline — Jesus says “yet shall he live.”Believer in Jesus, listen — you have, right now, the resurrection life of Jesus in you and it is inextinguishable, it's indestructible, it's irrepressible, it's unfading, unfailing, unyielding — even though, look, tribulation will come for you, and distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword — they're coming for you, but the resurrection life of Jesus in you is ever-bright, ever-true, ever-new. It does not drift, it does not dim, it will never die. Happy Easter! This is what it means to be a Christian! Because of what Jesus has done, we will live forever. You have that life now and the best is yet to come.If you hear Jesus you have eternal life. 3. If you have eternal life you have been changed.Again, let me show you another word in verse 24: The one who believes in Jesus has eternal life, which means, the end of verse 24:“He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” I want you to focus on that second time the word “has” is used at the end. The end of verse 24: the believer in Jesus “has passed” from death to life. “Has passed” is in the perfect tense, which means this is an action that has been completed in the past. It still has an ongoing effect, but we look back on the perfect tense. At some point in the past, this action has happened. What action?Passing from death to life. That word “passing” means literally to change, or to transfer. It means to move from one place to another. And when Jesus says death and life here, he's referring to spiritual death and spiritual life, and he's saying that for those who believe in Jesus — who have eternal life and don't come into judgment — they have in the past been changed. The theological word for this is the word “conversion” (which means to change or transfer). And conversion happens at a moment in time, it's the moment of saving faith. When someone puts their faith in Jesus, when they really hear him, when they believe him, the Holy Spirit is at work in that moment to make that person spiritually alive — or to use the phrase from John Chapter 3, this is to be born again. It means we are converted/transferred/changed from spiritual death to eternal life.Last month when I was at my grandmother's funeral, her pastor (who used to be my pastor) said something I thought was amazing. My grandmother was a godly woman. I never knew her when she was not a Christian, and most people would say the same thing. She grew up in the same church her entire life — she's buried right by the only church she's ever been part of.But there was a time in her life when she was spiritually dead. And her pastor, Preacher Billy, said “When people tell me they've been a Christian their whole life, I tell ‘em that's too long.” He's right. Nobody is born a Christian. You have to be changed to be a Christian!Now this doesn't mean that every detail in your life is completely different just like that — that's what discipleship is about; for the rest of our lives we learn together to obey all that Jesus has commanded us — But there is a change.There is a decisive move from facing condemnation to no condemnation, from hopeless to hope, from without God to having God. There's a change from spiritual death to eternal life. And it all starts with hearing Jesus. You can hear Jesus today. If you hear Jesus you have eternal life.If you have eternal life you have been changed.And I want you to know this church believes in conversion. We believe that it's a necessity and we believe that God the Father is working until now, and Jesus is working, and he's still saving people. Which is why this morning there are ten individuals who are coming to be baptized, as a symbol of their conversion.By our faith in Jesus we become united to him in his death and resurrection, which means that when Jesus was crucified, our old selves that were destined for death, were crucified with him. The cross of Christ was the death of our death. Baptism shows that as the person is buried under the water. But just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we are now raised with him as new creatures, on a new path, toward a new destiny. We have come out of the grave of spiritual death and we have new life. Baptism shows that too. And in just a few minutes, I'm eager for you to witness the baptisms of ten people who each have different stories and the same story — they heard Jesus, they have eternal life, they have been changed.Father in heaven, thank you for Jesus and his word. Thank you that you are working right now, in this room, in these cities, in our world — you are at work for your glory and our good, and we praise you. With everything we've got, we praise you. Magnify your glory this morning, we ask, in Jesus's name, amen.

Easter is the cornerstone of our faith—a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and the victory of the empty tomb. As we enter this sacred season, we're bringing back one of our Best of Raising Godly Girls episodes, a powerful conversation with Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History.  Originally hosted by Patti Garibay in March of 2024, this episode takes us deep into the historical events of Holy Week, from the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy to the roles of Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas. Linda shares eye-opening insights that bring Scripture to life, helping us teach our daughters the historical truth of the Bible and shape their Biblical Worldview.  Whether you're listening on your own or with your girl, this is a perfect way to prepare your heart for Resurrection Sunday. Join us for this Raising Godly Girls favorite and discover practical ways to share the profound truths of Christ's resurrection with the next generation.  Learn more about Linda and her work, The Mystery of History, at themysteryofhistory.com   Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

Pastor Jerrell Jobe takes us on a step into the final hours of Jesus' life through the eyes of Pontius Pilate, a Roman soldier, and Simon of Cyrene. Beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, Jesus endured the unthinkable, not because He had to, but because He chose to. His agony wasn't the end, but the doorway to our freedom. This is the story of the Savior who gave everything, for you. Watch this teaching to fully learn the depth of Jesus' love for all humanity.

Pastor Jerrell Jobe takes us on a step into the final hours of Jesus' life through the eyes of Pontius Pilate, a Roman soldier, and Simon of Cyrene. Beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, Jesus endured the unthinkable, not because He had to, but because He chose to. His agony wasn't the end, but the doorway to our freedom. This is the story of the Savior who gave everything, for you. Watch this teaching to fully learn the depth of Jesus' love for all humanity.

As Pat says in today's episode, it's not a Good Friday, it's a Great Friday--which is fitting, as the guys review The Greatest Story Ever Told!George Stevens' epic adaptation of the life of Christ turns 60 this year, and it holds up as one of the most sprawling and "cinematic" tellings ever committed to film!In the latest installment of "There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia", Ian and Pat talk about the film's spotty Biblical accuracy and undeniable visual poetry; the wild cast of characters (including Max von Sydow as Jesus, Telly Savalas as Pontius Pilate, and John Wayne's infamous quarter-million-dollar cameo as a Roman soldier); and Hollywood's "Jesus curse"!You'll also learn about the film's different versions--and which one to seek out for the best possible viewing experience!Subscribe, like, and comment on Kicking the Seat here on YouTube, and check us out at:kickseat.comXLetterboxdBlueSkyInstagramFacebookShow LinksWatch the Greatest Story Ever Told trailer.Keep up with Pat at HollywoodChicago.com.Listen to Pat's movie reviews on the radio at STAR 96.7.

Pontius Pilate is commonly known as the man who turned Jesus over to be crucified. But Pilate could have gone down in history for all the right reasons if only he'd acted with integrity. Join John Bradshaw for a different perspective on the Easter story as he underscores the importance of following your convictions when God speaks to your heart.

Pontius Pilate is commonly known as the man who turned Jesus over to be crucified. But Pilate could have gone down in history for all the right reasons if only he'd acted with integrity. Join John Bradshaw for a different perspective on the Easter story as he underscores the importance of following your convictions when God speaks to your heart.

A Sermon for Good Friday St. John 19 by William Klock Every year, reading the passion narratives over the course of Holy Week, I always find myself at some point, at least for a little while, pondering Pontius Pilate.  If we read the Jewish historians Philo and Josephus, they leave us with the impression that Pilate held the Jews and their religion in disdain and relished any opportunity they gave him to exercise his military authority.  But then we read about him in the Gospels and we see a tired and exasperated government official who seems to just want to keep the peace.  These people for whom he has no great love and even less patience have arrested Jesus.  They can't legally execute him themselves, so they drag him before Pilate.  On the one hand Pilate has no interest in crucifying Jesus.  He doesn't like these people and he doesn't want to do their dirty work.  But he's also finding the whole situation a pain in the neck.  He was there to keep Caesar's peace and the Jews weren't making it easy for him.  And so he had Jesus brought to him and he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?”  And Jesus responded, “Are you asking because you're interested or because that's what you've heard people say about me?”  And Pilate responds, “Am I a Jew?  Why should I care if you're King of the Jews or not?  It's your skin on the line.  Your own people—your own priests!—arrested you and handed you over to me.  I'm giving you a chance to explain yourself.  So what do you have to say?” Jesus goes on to explain in those well-known (and often misunderstood words), “My kingdom is not from this world.  If it were, my disciples would have taken up arms to save me from the soldiers of the high priest.”  And Pilate, confused and getting annoyed asks, “So are you a king or not?”  And Jesus responded, “You're the one calling me a king.  I was born for this.  I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”  And we can hear the annoyance and the exasperation in Pilate's famous answer, “What is truth?”  And with that he went back out to address the Judeans.  He didn't understand what Jesus was saying, but that didn't mean Jesus was guilty.  Pilate went out and told them as much.  It was usual for the governor to free a Jewish prisoner at Passover, so Pilate offered them a choice: Jesus or Barabbas.  Barabbas was a monster.  Surely they'd choose Jesus, because they certainly didn't want Barabbas out of prison.  For that matter, Pilate didn't want Barabbas out of prison!  But, no, to Pilates' great surprise, they shouted out for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.  Pilate gave up.  He symbolically washed his hands and declared to the people, this is on you, not me.  And they took Jesus off to die. Just like Pilate, people have been stumbling over these words of Jesus for two thousand years.  People hear him say that his kingdom is not from or not of this world and they then say to us, “Well, then leave me alone.  Go worship in your church and leave the rest of us be.  Enjoy your pie in the sky when you die.”  Even Christians have misunderstood this to mean that we should disengage from the world.  But that's not it at all.  Jesus' kingdom may not be from this world, but it is most certainly for this world.  It's the only hope this world has.  It's what Jesus means when he tells us to pray “on earth as it is in heaven”—to look forward to, to hope for, and to pray for that day when God has set his creation to rights, when earth and heaven and God and man are back together as they—as we—should be.  As he created it all and us in the beginning.  This is what Jesus bore witness to and it's what we, forgiven and washed and filled with his Spirit are called not only to pray for but to witness to the world and the people around us.  It's that kingdom that comes not by the sword—which is the only kind of kingdom Pilate could think of.  Instead, it's the kingdom that comes by the love we saw last night as Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and then washed their feet.  It's the kingdom that we see coming today, on Good Friday, as Jesus goes to the cross. On Good Friday, at the cross, all the great stories of the love of God come together in one place.  As John tells us the story of Good Friday, he brings all these other stories together.  There's Psalm 22 and Psalm 69 and there's Isaiah and Zechariah, and there's the Passover lamb whose bones were not broken and it all points us to the big story of the God of Israel and his people and his love for them—a love that was meant to be, through them, for everyone and for all of creation.  They were his agents for challenging the power of evil in the world, for being light in the darkness.  And, of course, as we read the Old Testament, we see that their story—not very surprisingly—their story got stuck in the very problem for which it was supposed to be an answer—the great problem of rebellion and sin.  And yet, Israel's failure was God's opportunity to announce his love once again.  He would be faithful to his people.  He would send his Messiah and his Messiah would fulfil his purposes for the world. Think of that bigger story.  Going back almost to the beginning we're told about the men of Babel and their tower.  They'd lost all knowledge of their creator.  They grasped at divinity themselves, reaching towards heaven.  God confused their languages.  There's that “What is truth?” question all the way back there!  And there, in the midst of deep darkness, just as the human race seems well and truly and utterly lost, God shows up to make himself known to Abraham and to announce that through Abraham and his family, he will make himself known to the world.  A glimmer of light in the darkness.  And then that family winds up enslaved in Egypt, so the Lord sends Moses to confront Pharaoh and to lead his people out of bondage—and Passover happens.  There are centuries of ups and downs for Israel, but each time things go bad, the Lord sends a deliverer.  And then finally he gives Israel a king—Saul—and the Philistines kill him.  So the Lord raises up the lowly shepherd, David, who establishes a great kingdom and the Lord promises him a future heir who will be God's own son and who will rule forever and ever.  And then more centuries of ups and downs, of faithfulness and failure—mostly failure—until Babylon brings Israel down in shame and takes her off into exile.  And when Israel is at her lowest, shamed and disgraced, that's when the Lord points to her through the Prophet and declares: Behold, my servant.  And he gives the Prophet Daniel, sitting in the shame of exile, a vision: the great empires rise from the sea, but over them all the Lord exalts the son of man as their judge. And, Brothers and Sisters, this story echoes all through our Good Friday Gospel today.  We see Rome, another of those imperial monsters rising from the sea.  And Rome does what Rome did best, brutally killing a rebel king.  John shows us Pilate as he brings Jesus out to the people the day before Passover and announced, “Behold your king!”  But those Sadducee priests didn't want a Messiah any more than they wanted a resurrection.  In fact, they didn't want a Messiah so much that they shouted out the unthinkable, “We have no king but Caesar!”  John shows us Babel and Egypt and Philistia and Babylon at their worst and then he shows us the seed of Abraham, the one greater than Moses, the son of David, the servant of the Lord and declares, “Behold the man!  Behold your king!” And yet, for all it seems that Rome and the Sadducees are out of control, they never really are.  As in Daniel's vision, the beasts rise from the sea and they rage, but the God of Israel never ceases to be sovereign.  Even in their evil, the beasts of empire serve his purpose.  So, ironically, it's Pilate the Roman governor, the man cynical of the very idea of truth, who in God's providence, declares the truth to the people as he announces to them, “Here is your king!”  Even as the priests protest his placard on the cross, Pilate again stands firm on the truth, insisting, “What I have written, I have written.”  John powerfully reminds us that even this cynical, self-serving servant of Caesar will serve the Lord's purposes.  Jesus had said to Pilate, “You have no authority over me unless it is given to you from above.”  So Rome does what Rome does best.  It mocks and it kills and yet, in doing that, it providentially serves God's purposes and proves the point that the God of Abraham and Moses and David does not fight the battle against evil with the weapons of the world, but with love.  Everyone that day thought that Caesar had won.  The devils were dancing with joy that Friday.  And yet Caesar and the priests and the devils all played right into God's hand.  As evil rose to its full height, as it was concentrated all in one place, God won the victory against it on Good Friday. At the cross, God's project to set his creation to rights is finally accomplished.  This why John opens his Gospel with those powerful echoes of Genesis.  In Genesis we read that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  John echoes those words as he tells us that in the beginning was the word and the word became flesh and dwelt amongst us—bringing heaven and earth back together.  All through John there are these creation themes.  There's light and darkness.  There's the seed that will bear fruit and multiply.  And now on Friday, the sixth day of the week, the day when God crowned his work of creation with the creation of man to rule his new world, John shows us Pilate bringing out Jesus, robed in purple and wearing a crown of thorns, and he declares to the people, “Behold the man!”  Jesus is the true image of God and the world is so mired in rebellion and sin that God's own people, confronted with the image of God in Jesus can only shout out, “Crucify him!”  The people who prayed for the return of the Lord to his temple, turned their eyes away when he did return and demanded his death.  They were so mired in darkness that they couldn't bear the light. And yet the love of God marched sovereignly on—to the cross.  At the end of the sixth day in Genesis, God finished his work and now on this sixth day in John's Gospel we hear Jesus announce that “It is finished” as he takes his last breath.  It was finished.  His work was accomplished.  Humanity was forgiven and creation was healed.  Evil had risen to its full height, giving the love of God the opportunity to rise even higher on the cross.  Of course, no one understood that on Friday.  It would take the resurrection, in which Jesus was vindicated by his Father, in which his victory was brought out into the light for everyone to see, it would take that before they would know and understand and believe.  But on the cross, as Jesus breathed his last and slumped, hanging on those nails, it was finished.  Once and for all.  A full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of Israel, for the sins of all of the nations—for the sins of the whole world.  A sacrifice that would finally heal the breach and bring an answer to our prayer: on earth as it is in heaven. And now, Brothers and Sisters, you and I stand gathered at the foot of the cross, confronted by the very image of God and by his amazing love.  Here is the man who represents what we were created to be in the beginning and what, if we will only commit ourselves to him, God will make us to be.  Here is our King, who has inaugurated his kingdom—this new creation, this world set to rights, a world founded on love—and not the world's idea of love, but the love defined by the story of God and his people and by Jesus' sacrificed for us on the cross.  Here we're confronted by the King and his kingdom and by a vision of the world set to rights.  What will we do?  We are so often stuck in the kingdom of Caesar.  We put our trust in Caesar's sword and in Caesar's coins—even in Caesar's gods.  Like those Sadducee priests who were so dead set on holding on to what they had, that they declared the unthinkable, that they declared the very thing they knew so well was false: “We have no king but Caesar.”  And John reminds us today that whatever power Caesar may have, has been given to him by God and to fulfil his purposes, not Caesar's.  Brothers and Sisters, let go of Caesar and take hold of Jesus.  Let go everything else and take hold of the love of God made manifest at the cross. Good Friday reminds us.  We look up to the cross and we see Jesus.  Behold the man.  Behold the king.  He is the image of God and as we look in his face we see the God who loved his people, who loved the world so much, that he gave his own son that we might be forgiven and set to rights and welcomed back into his fellowship—who sent his son not to condemn, but to save.  Here is the good shepherd who lays down his own life for his sheep out of love.  Here is the one who shows the greatest love we can ever know as he lays down his life for his friends.  Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the uttermost.  This love we see at the cross is the very love that shone so brightly out of the darkness at the very moment when we thought the light had been overcome.  This is the love that redeems and renews us, but even more important than that, this is the love that glorifies the God who is love. And so, Brothers and Sisters, this Good Friday, be transformed by this love.  Our brother and our king has given his life and by that love he gives us life and hope and a lens through which we should, more and more each day, see every part of our lives and every part of the world.  This is the love that forgives our sins and heals our hurts.  This is the love that is making creation new and that, one day, will wipe away our tears.  This is the love that we, as Jesus' people, manifest to the world.  This is the truth we witness for the sake of the world and to the glory of God.

From the wilderness of ancient Judea to the pages of the New Testament, John the Baptist is one of the most compelling and mysterious figures in biblical history. But who really was he? What was his message? And why did he choose to live in isolation, wearing camel hair and eating wild locusts and honey?In this special episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes takes you to Bethany – the traditional site of Jesus' baptism and the heart of John the Baptist's ministry to uncover the life and legacy of this fiery preacher. Joining Tristan are two expert guests – Professors Joan Taylor and Helen Bond – to explore the archaeological and historical evidence surrounding John the Baptist. Together, they delve into his radical message, his clash with Herod Antipas, and his role in the broader world of Roman-occupied Judea. What emerges is a portrait of a man who defied authority, inspired movements, and helped shape one of the most influential stories in human history.For more from Helen and Joan on The Ancients:Jesus of Nazareth - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFWoLLNQFgL0FmBhUoKe2Mary Magdalene - https://open.spotify.com/episode/43gF3oTWEwz0pi3PLRmtGcPontius Pilate - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vZxK1dFIwspOoBOkpVLmAPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here:https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Chris delves into the elusive nature of truth, drawing parallels between modern society's subjective realities and Pontius Pilate's question, “What is truth?” during Jesus' trial. Frustrated by lies from figures like Donald Trump—claiming the EU was designed to harm the U.S. or tariffs collect $2 billion daily—Markowski critiques the distortion of truth by politicians and media on both sides, advocating for an absolute truth and pledging to deliver honest insights to listeners. www.watchdogonwallstreet.com

Trapped by the Jewish leaders, Pontius Pilate asked the crowd, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ” (Matt. 27:22)? Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the grave warning found in Pilate's own answer to this question. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/pilate-who-condemned-him/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Pastor Eric's message explores the difference between Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and Pontius Pilate's display of power, encouraging us to view Jesus not as a celebrity or competitor, but as the true Christ and Savior.

In this episode, host Nate Claiborne and theologian-in-residence Dr. Michael Allen dive into the heart of the Nicene Creed—its second article, which focuses on Jesus Christ. Building on their previous conversation about the importance of creeds as both summaries and guardrails for Christian belief, they explore what the Creed affirms about Christ's identity, nature, and redemptive work. From the theological poetry of “God from God, Light from Light” to the historical grounding in figures like Pontius Pilate and Mary, this central paragraph of the Creed brings into focus both the mystery and majesty of the eternal Son who took on flesh for our salvation.Dr. Allen explains how the Creed combats ancient heresies like Arianism by affirming Jesus' full divinity and eternal existence while also narrating his true humanity through the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The conversation emphasizes how these statements are not merely doctrinal assertions but pastoral and devotional aids for worship, especially relevant during Holy Week. As NewCity continues to recite the Creed weekly, this episode helps listeners reflect more deeply on what each phrase means, why it matters, and how it connects us to the global and historic church.

Fr. Mike reflects on the prayer of Jesus before his sacrifice, where he not only prays for all his disciples but for us as well. We also dive into Christ's trial with Pilate, and how the actions of the Jews are much like ours today. Today's readings are John 16-18 and Proverbs 6:12-15. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The enigmatic figure of Barabbas appears in all four gospels as a "bandit" or "insurrectionist" who is released from prison by Pontius Pilate instead of Jesus. In this special Easter episode, Helen and Dave explore the (many) theories about Barabbas' backstory and what he may have represented to the gospel authors. SUPPORT BIBLICAL TIME MACHINEIf you enjoy the podcast, please (pretty please!) consider supporting the show through the Time Travelers Club, our Patreon. We are an independent, listener-supported show (no ads!), so please help us continue to showcase high-quality biblical scholarship with a monthly subscription.DOWNLOAD OUR STUDY GUIDE: MARK AS ANCIENT BIOGRAPHYCheck out our 4-part audio study guide called "The Gospel of Mark as an Ancient Biography." While you're there, get yourself a Biblical Time Machine mug or a cool sticker for your water bottle.Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos

Send us a textThe Triumphal Entry:Palm SundaySenior Pastor Keith StewartApril 13, 2025It's a story told by all four gospel writers and marks the beginning of the Passion Week of Christ. Just about the time you think you really understand it, it surprises you with layers of rich meaning that you never noticed before. At the heart of this story is a choice and not just any choice - THE CHOICE - are we committed to Jesus for Who He is or for Who we want Him to be? Don't miss this message!____________1. It turns out that donkeys are more important than many of us ever realized. What are the things about donkeys that stood out most to you today? How do they enhance your understanding of Christ and His mission? What sort of statement did it make for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey at Passover? Do you think people in his day understood the significance of this?2. Obviously at Passover, the fervor of the people reaches its highest levels. Remembering the significance of the deliverance of their people from Egypt and now being under the bootheel of another superpower made them yearn for God to do it again. But neither the people nor even Jesus' disciples understood the sort of deliverance Christ intended to bring. Why do you think they were so blind as to what Christ intended to do even though He taught it and explicitly said it many times? If you lived in those days, do you think you would have seen things differently or the same as everybody else? Why or why not?3. Pastor Keith said, “We want Jesus to be who we want Him to be instead of who He is." He then gave examples of the many ways we distort who Jesus is; Political Jesus, Magic 8-ball Jesus, Mr. Rogers Jesus, Santa Jesus and even Self-Help Jesus. Have you ever witnessed this yourself?Is this something you did at some point in your faith journey? How did that affect you? How did you come to a true, better and more Biblical understanding of Christ?4. There were two likely triumphal entries into Jerusalem that day taking place on opposite sides of the city. One involved Pontius Pilate accompanied by a massive display of force. The other involved Jesus, a donkey and a rag-tag group of followers. Why does the world worship power and military might even to this day? Which parade would you personally fit into best? What does Jesus' entrance into the city that day say about the nature of His kingdom?5. We all must make a choice. In a sense, even today, we are still waving our palm branches. This National Jewish symbol for liberation can either be waved in the political sense, i.e. believing that our deliverance rises and falls based on who possesses power in Washington DC. Or it can be waved in a more profound spiritual sense believing what's fundamentally wrong with the world can't be fixed by legislation, executive order or any other sort of political action. Instead, each and every heart needs to experience forgiveness, liberation from the bonds of selfishness and be set free to love God and others as intended. In which sphere do you wave your palm branch most? Based on what you read, what occupies your time and energy and conversations, or how you post on social media, what would others say is the sphere where you wave your palm branch most?

Jesus will not be brought to trial, first with the religious leaders and ultimately by Pontius Pilate. As the trial unfolds before Pilate one thing is obvious to him, Jesus is innocent. But Pilate is in a pressure cooker and succumbs to the angry mob screaming for Jesus to be crucified. Ultimately his only way out is to give them an option, Jesus or Barabbas. Shockingly they choose Barabbas and Jesus will be delivered to die as a substitute.———————————————————————————————Gather your church essentials here for notes, prayer, events, etc:https://nbcc.com/churchessentialsConnect with us on Social Media:Website: nbcc.com/Facebook: facebook.com/nbccnorcoInstagram: instagram.com/nbccnorcoYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6S-3n9PVnXm8zSPHAYVyGw----------------------------------------If you have any prayer requests or questions, please message us on our social media or send us an email at hello@nbcc.com. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast!----------------------------------------Join us in person, Sunday's at 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30amhttps://goo.gl/maps/PEe1rzXWKBv

Luke 23:1-56 - We continue unpacking the creed's statement about the humanity of Jesus, this week turning to His passion (or suffering). The creed explains that Jesus "was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried," scaffolding our belief in the legal subjugation, multifaceted suffering, and genuine death that Jesus experienced "for us human beings and for our salvation." In this sermon we consider Luke's telling of these events and what they reveal about Jesus and His mission. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 9 of our series "The Nicene Creed: The Ancient Theology of the Triune God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Why is the Nicene Creed so significant for Christians? What is its relationship to Scripture? 2) Jesus is questioned about His kingship or HIs reign. What does his elusive answer suggest? 3) How is the story of Jesus and Barabbas a picture of the kind of theological "substitution" that is part of the gospel? 4) What kinds of suffering did Jesus endure after his arrest? What kinds of suffering did He endure across His whole human life? 5) What is the relationship between the torn curtain in Luke 23:45 and Jesus's offer to the trusting thief on the cross? 6) Why do you think the authors of the creed wanted to emphasize the burial of Jesus? Why is it important to acknowledge?

This week, leading up to Easter, we're looking at the most famous trial of all time: the trial of Jesus. It's a courtroom drama like no other, and its outcome changed everything.But what do we actually know about the trial and conviction of Jesus? Was it fair? Was it real?(00:00) - - Intro (05:33) - - Gospel anti-Semitism? (07:45) - - Judea and Galilee (12:54) - - Pontius Pilate (26:02) - - The Sanhedrin (33:30) - - Judean trials (36:37) - - Jesus in Jerusalem (49:13) - - Jesus' final night (51:16) - - The Jewish trial (54:46) - - The Roman trial (01:02:11) - - King of the Jews (01:10:03) - - Five-Minute Jesus (01:13:13) - - Are the trials historically plausible? (01:21:29) - - Why was Jesus crucified?

Welcome to First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman! Subscribe and join us for online & in-person services every Sunday at 10:30am (EST).Speaker: Pastor Bentley Robinson

Marc went live over in the Facebook group to talk all about Pontius Pilate. Over the last few weeks, we have received a few different questions about Pontius Pilate, including: Was Pontius Pilate real? Why didn't Pontius Pilate just release Jesus if he knew Jesus was innocent? Why does the Church Creed blame Pontius Pilate for Jesus' death even though Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' death in the Bible? We hope this conversation is a blessing to you this Holy Week! Want to join our online Facebook community? Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realtalkchristianpodcast/   *Note, this episode was originally released in 2024.

"Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will." – Jesus to St. Faustina (Diary, 1731)The Rosary. The Divine Mercy Chaplet. Formal Prayer.I had resistance to praying in this way.I had resistance to even saying His Name for years.But the more I said It, the more I saw—I needed to say It.Whatever is keeping you from saying It,Or feeling It,Or believing It,Or knowing It—That's exactly why you have to say It.That dissolves.That lets you go.It frees you to move on,To forgive,And to share.Because that's all we're here to do.I love you,NikTHE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET The Image - Look at it and then see it within!Opening Prayers (On the Crucifix):You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls,and an ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the world and empty Yourself out upon us.(3x) "O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us, I trust in You."Step-by-Step Instructions for the Chaplet:On the Our Father bead (large):"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."On each Hail Mary bead (small):"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."Repeat the Our Father (large) and Hail Mary (small) prayers for all five decades of the rosary.Traditional Prayers:Our Father:Our Father, who art in Heaven,hallowed be Thy name.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,on earth as it is in Heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.Hail Mary:Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.Blessed art thou among women,and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. ( I trust in you)Holy Mary, Mother of God,pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.Apostle's Creed (On the Crucifix):I believe in God, the Father Almighty,Creator of heaven and earth;and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into hell;on the third day, He rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy Catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting. Amen.Closing Prayers (After the Decades):(3x) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.Final Prayer:Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible,look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us,that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent,but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will,which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.Take your time with these prayers. Say His Name. Start here. Trust your heart. You're held in His grace. Always.Send me your stories, reflections, or reviews. Wherever you are, you're not alone. I see you.I Love you,nik_________________________--Wake Up to Love, and pray the Holy Rosary, pray the LOVE with us LIVE every weekday morning at 4:44 am ET

Patrick addresses current social issues, such as the controversial acts of vandalism against Tesla cars and the legal consequences of these actions. Patrick and Cyrus discuss the motivations behind these attacks and consider their broader societal impacts. Who’s paying to burn Tesla’s? DOJ & Congress probing the money trail. (05:49) Chris (email) – Can my Guardian Angel move or prompt me to pick a Confirmation name? (20:36) Ally (email) – Is it true that sometime a long time ago the Catholic clergy debated about how many angels could fit on top of a pin? (25:11) Mick - Why is Eucharist not mentioned in the Creeds. Why does Pontius Pilate get so much credit? (32:56) Jay - My friend likes to bring up LGBTQ people in her family. How do I react to this? (43:08)

Pontius Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he chose to placate the people rather than release Him. But the courage he lacked, you can show today. Notes: Focus verses - John 18, 19 By definition, a coward is someone who lacks the courage to face difficult or painful things. Pontius Pilate saw an angry crowd that threatened his position.He was more afraid of the consequences than he was of God. #1 The Prefect Meets the PerfectJohn 18:28-38 Jesus, the PERFECT Son of God stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman appointed PREFECT Governor of Judea. Prefect Governor means he was a military focused governor. The religious leaders knew exactly what they were doing when they brought Jesus to Pilate. The man known for using power harshly becomes hesitant and weak when confronted by Jesus. “What is truth?” Jesus was the incarnation of truth. Read verse 37.Jesus came to bring truth. Truth divides. Like Pilate, we all must make a decision regarding Jesus. Neutrality is not an option. Pilate attempts to appeal to the crowd logically, in an attempt to get Jesus released. #2 Pilate BlinksJohn 18:39-19:6 Just like Neville Chamberlain blinked in the face of tyranny, Pilate blinks in the face of Truth. He knows Jesus is innocent.But instead of releasing Jesus, he tries to placate the people. Pilate offers the crowd a choice: Jesus or Barabbas. No better picture of the gospel than this right here. The cross Barabbas was to die on was already constructed, the arrangements were made, and he had hours left to live. Barabbas was guilty, but Jesus was innocent. This is what Jesus has done for us.We’ve committed a crime by violating God’s commands, we’re guilty, and the penalty is death. But God made a way for us to be delivered out of death, out of our guilt, and that’s what Jesus ultimately did on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus took Barabbas’ place on that cross. The crowd chooses Barabbas. Pilate didn’t need any Passover custom to release an innocent man, he just needed to do what was right. When the crowd decided against Jesus, he thought he might have one more trick up his sleeve. He released Barabbas, and scourged Jesus in hopes it'd satisfy the angry crowd. Pilate brought Jesus out one final time. He thought that if he give the crowd a little bit of what they want they’ll be happy, they’ll change their minds, they’ll reverse course.Pilate blinked. He thought he could use diplomacy and compromise to get himself out of a difficult position. Compromise doesn’t calm the mob, it fuels it. Compromise is part of life.But when it comes to THE Truth, when it comes to Christ, compromise should not be part of the equation. To compromise on who Jesus is, is to invent another Jesus. Only the real Jesus saves. Pilate’s appeasement of the crowd is not just a political failure—it’s a picture of what happens when leaders, Christians, and even churches try to compromise truth to satisfy the demands of culture. If you play both sides, offering a little truth, softened by a lot of concession and mix in some human empathy, and you end up with the crucifixion. A complete and utter rejection of everything Jesus is and was. We cannot untether EMPATHY from TRUTH. Just because someone feels a certain way does not mean we abandon truth. As Christians we are called to offer COMPASSION not COMPROMISE. Let’s bring this message to a close now. Read John 19:12–16 #3 Pilate judged the Judge. Pilate crucifies Him.The fear of man outweighed the fear of God. Jesus threatened to disrupt Pilate’s cushy role, and so he gave in to peer pressure and he judged the Judge. In Revelation 20 at the Great White Throne judgement, the judged will face the Judge. Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus.But you cannot wash yourself of your sins. You either receive Him or reject Him. “You are either for me or against me.” Have you trusted Jesus as Savior and made Him the Lord of your life? The courage that Pilate lacked, you can show today. Jesus said "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32 NLT) We are just like Barabbas.Guilty and headed for judgement.But Jesus came in, not accidentally, but intentionally and took that punishment we deserved and He died on a cross for our sin. Like those soldiers around Jack Lucas, he dove on those grenades and absorbed their destruction, that’s what Jesus did for us!He absorbed God’s righteous judgement and drank the cup of His wrath that was going to be poured out on us because of our spiritual rebellion against God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pontius Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he chose to placate the people rather than release Him. But the courage he lacked, you can show today. Notes: Focus verses - John 18, 19 By definition, a coward is someone who lacks the courage to face difficult or painful things. Pontius Pilate saw an angry crowd that threatened his position.He was more afraid of the consequences than he was of God. #1 The Prefect Meets the PerfectJohn 18:28-38 Jesus, the PERFECT Son of God stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman appointed PREFECT Governor of Judea. Prefect Governor means he was a military focused governor. The religious leaders knew exactly what they were doing when they brought Jesus to Pilate. The man known for using power harshly becomes hesitant and weak when confronted by Jesus. “What is truth?” Jesus was the incarnation of truth. Read verse 37.Jesus came to bring truth. Truth divides. Like Pilate, we all must make a decision regarding Jesus. Neutrality is not an option. Pilate attempts to appeal to the crowd logically, in an attempt to get Jesus released. #2 Pilate BlinksJohn 18:39-19:6 Just like Neville Chamberlain blinked in the face of tyranny, Pilate blinks in the face of Truth. He knows Jesus is innocent.But instead of releasing Jesus, he tries to placate the people. Pilate offers the crowd a choice: Jesus or Barabbas. No better picture of the gospel than this right here. The cross Barabbas was to die on was already constructed, the arrangements were made, and he had hours left to live. Barabbas was guilty, but Jesus was innocent. This is what Jesus has done for us.We’ve committed a crime by violating God’s commands, we’re guilty, and the penalty is death. But God made a way for us to be delivered out of death, out of our guilt, and that’s what Jesus ultimately did on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus took Barabbas’ place on that cross. The crowd chooses Barabbas. Pilate didn’t need any Passover custom to release an innocent man, he just needed to do what was right. When the crowd decided against Jesus, he thought he might have one more trick up his sleeve. He released Barabbas, and scourged Jesus in hopes it'd satisfy the angry crowd. Pilate brought Jesus out one final time. He thought that if he give the crowd a little bit of what they want they’ll be happy, they’ll change their minds, they’ll reverse course.Pilate blinked. He thought he could use diplomacy and compromise to get himself out of a difficult position. Compromise doesn’t calm the mob, it fuels it. Compromise is part of life.But when it comes to THE Truth, when it comes to Christ, compromise should not be part of the equation. To compromise on who Jesus is, is to invent another Jesus. Only the real Jesus saves. Pilate’s appeasement of the crowd is not just a political failure—it’s a picture of what happens when leaders, Christians, and even churches try to compromise truth to satisfy the demands of culture. If you play both sides, offering a little truth, softened by a lot of concession and mix in some human empathy, and you end up with the crucifixion. A complete and utter rejection of everything Jesus is and was. We cannot untether EMPATHY from TRUTH. Just because someone feels a certain way does not mean we abandon truth. As Christians we are called to offer COMPASSION not COMPROMISE. Let’s bring this message to a close now. Read John 19:12–16 #3 Pilate judged the Judge. Pilate crucifies Him.The fear of man outweighed the fear of God. Jesus threatened to disrupt Pilate’s cushy role, and so he gave in to peer pressure and he judged the Judge. In Revelation 20 at the Great White Throne judgement, the judged will face the Judge. Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesus.But you cannot wash yourself of your sins. You either receive Him or reject Him. “You are either for me or against me.” Have you trusted Jesus as Savior and made Him the Lord of your life? The courage that Pilate lacked, you can show today. Jesus said "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32 NLT) We are just like Barabbas.Guilty and headed for judgement.But Jesus came in, not accidentally, but intentionally and took that punishment we deserved and He died on a cross for our sin. Like those soldiers around Jack Lucas, he dove on those grenades and absorbed their destruction, that’s what Jesus did for us!He absorbed God’s righteous judgement and drank the cup of His wrath that was going to be poured out on us because of our spiritual rebellion against God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.