Podcasts about Pontius Pilate

Acts 4:1-31The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ the stone you builders rejected,      which has become the cornerstone.Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage     and the peoples plot in vain?   The kings of the earth rise up     and the rulers band together   against the Lord     and against his anointed one. ' Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.Acts 5:17-42Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 8th of October, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Job 28:28:”Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil, is understanding.” Then we go to the Gospel of John 17:17:”Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.” The Bible is the truth. We don't have to reinvent anything else. Everything you need to know, everything you need to stand by, is found in the Holy Word of God, the Bible. We cannot and we may not change anything. We've got to keep it simple. When you're talking to your children, make it very simple and then they will understand what the truth means. If we look at John 18:38. Jesus was standing before Pontius Pilate when he was judging him, and Pontius Pilate asked Jesus a question, ”What is truth?” Folks, there are none so blind as those who cannot see or don't want to see. Isn't that a true saying? You see, Pontius Pilate was looking into the face of truth itself. He was looking into the face of God and he was asking a question, “What is truth?” I want to say to you today, we must keep it simple. The Gospel is not complicated. I remember somebody saying to me a long time ago, ”Educators complicate, communicators simplify.” Keep it simple. Keep to the Word of God. When somebody says to you, ”Show me the truth,” give them a Bible because that is truth.You know the great automobile manufacturer Henry Ford? They came to him once and said, ”We want to paint the Model T Ford a different colour” (because in those days, they were all black). Henry Ford said, ”You can paint it any colour you like, as long as it stays black.” Folks, you can say what you like as long as you do not misinterpret the Bible. For those preachers that are listening to this word this morning, you have a tremendous responsibility when you get onto the platform, into the pulpit. You deliver the word of God because you will be judged accordingly. Just tell them what Jesus means to you! Have a wonderful day, God bless you and goodbye.

It’s one thing to read about Bible History…but it’s another to live it. How do you do that? This week on The Land and the Book, we'll take a tour of the Biblical History Center! You'll stand in a tent made of goat and camel hair. Examine a coin with Pontius Pilate's name on it--and walk through a home like biblical characters lived in. Hint: it's mighty small. Scripture comes alive when you join us this week for The Land and the Book.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 3rd of October, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go straight to the Book of Luke 23:50: “Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man.” We are talking here about Joseph of Arimathea. He was one of Jesus' secret disciples. He was a member of the Sanhedrin yet he had the courage to go to Pontius Pilate and ask for the body of our beloved Saviour, and took the body down from the cross, you can read it yourself, and he wrapped it in linen. He laid it in his own personal tomb that had been hewn out of the rock, and where no-one had laid before, and he left Him there until the day of preparation.I want to say something to you today. There are many good and just men like Joseph of Arimathea in the Kingdom of God. It's just that you never hear about them. They work quietly, but they are the backbone of the church of Jesus Christ. Now, I want to tell you a little story. My mother only had one brother, his name was George. He was a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. They used to take food to Britain because Britain was completely surrounded by the sea, and the ships that they sailed in had no defence system to speak of. They were very slow, but they brought food from America and from all over the world. When the siren went and there was an announcement that there were German U-boats in the sea, and their objective was to sink these ships, the Chief Engineer went down into the engine room, which was below water level. He closed a big steel door, he stood by the door and he told the workers to stoke the boilers, coal-fired ships in those days, and they had to keep on stoking that fire to keep the ship running. If those men had abandoned their positions and run on top, the ship would have come to a standstill and would have been torpedoed to the bottom of the sea. He would stand there, sometimes armed with a revolver, and said, “The first man that is going to leave his post, I will shoot!” He had to do that, and they would continue to keep the ship going.There are many of those engineers in God's army. This ministry has been going for 47 years and I want to tell you, it is the Josephs of Arimathea's that have kept this ministry going, no one else, and we thank God for every single member, men and women, who are continually supporting the work of the Lord, unseen. But God, through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, sees everything.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

Discover what virtually every Pre-Nicene Christian believed about the arrival of Jesus on earth in 90 seconds. And also discover why the Roman Empire tried so desperately to erase it from history."In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar (29 A.D.), Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Jesus descended into Capernaum, a city in Galilee..." - The Gospel of The LordMarcionite Churchhttps://www.marcionitechurch.org/The Very First Bible:https://www.theveryfirstbible.orgJournal of Pre-Nicene Christian Studieshttps://journal.pre-nicene.orgThe Persecution of Diocletian: A Historical Essay: A classic historical analysis by Arthur James Mason focusing on the motivations and events of the persecution.Readings in Ancient History: Illustrative Extracts from the Sources: An edited volume by William Stearns Davis that includes primary accounts of the persecution, such as the search for Christian scriptures.

Reading 1Amos 6:1a, 4-7Thus says the LORD the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.Reading 21 Timothy 6:11-16But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.Compete well for the faith.Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were calledwhen you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.I charge you before God, who gives life to all things,and before Christ Jesus,who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession,to keep the commandment without stain or reproachuntil the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christthat the blessed and only rulerwill make manifest at the proper time,the King of kings and Lord of lords,who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light,and whom no human being has seen or can see.To him be honor and eternal power.  Amen.GospelLuke 16:19-31Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetimewhile Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Beauty for Ashes, Diamonds for DirtLuke 23:1-25The Village Chapel - 09/28/2025In the early morning hours of what we now call Good Friday, Jesus was taken by the religious leaders to stand trial before Pontius Pilate. In Luke's account, Jesus speaks only five words when he responds to Pilate's question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” and says, “It is as you say.” We come to a crossroads in this account: Courage and cowardice converge; actual authority and power are displayed through silent suffering; and Jesus, being entirely innocent, willingly exchanges his life for the life of a convicted criminal and takes his place on the cross. What looks like a victory for Satan ends up being the masterstroke of God's Divine plan of rescue and redemption for the human race. Join us as we study Luke 23:1-25, and read about the Great Exchange, our sin for the righteousness of Christ!To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Pontius Pilate's Weakness

Istrouma Baptist Church (ASC) Sep 28, 2025 ========== September 28 - Field Guide Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo “Contentment” 1 TIMOTHY 6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. 1 TIMOTHY 6:1-2a NIV GODLINESS IS FOUND IN CONTENTMENT – NOT STATUS, POSITION OR WEALTH These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 TIMOTHY 6:2b-10 NIV GODLY THINKING MATTERS GODLY THINKING MATTERS -Wrong Thinking Leads To Wrong Motives -Godly Thinking Leads To Great Gain 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16 NIV GO AFTER THE THINGS OF GOD 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 NIV SLIDE 10 GOOD WORKS & GENEROSITY ARE A PART OF GODLINESS GOOD WORKS & GENEROSITY ARE A PART OF GODLINESS 1) Be humble. 2) Be rich in good deeds 3) Be generous 4) Be Kingdom-Minded GUARD YOUR HEART Contentment is not about what you have. It's about who has your heart.

     Concerning the permission of divorce, Jesus said the Pharisees, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way” (Matt 19:8). God's permissive will can be observed on a national level, as Paul said, “In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). This explains much of the poor behavior we see among the nations as we study world history. Though God desires righteousness among the nations (Prov 14:34), He allows them to pursue their own values and priorities. Yet He never relinquishes His sovereignty, and in time, He will hold every nation accountable for its actions (Ps 9:17; Rev 20:12-13).      God is always righteous and directs people to righteous living. However, God is no bully, as He does not force people to obey Him. When people turn negative to God, He permits them to pursue their sinful ways, though they are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. One who plays with fire will eventually get burned. Concerning those who “suppress God's truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18), three times it is written that He “gave them over” to “the lusts of their hearts” (Rom 1:24), and “to degrading passions” (Rom 1:26), and “to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Rom 1:28). Once God permits a person to operate by his/her sinful passions, they are given a measure of freedom to live as they want. These are described as “being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful” (Rom 1:29-31).      Fourth, there is God's overruling will, which refers to those occasions when He hinders His creatures from acting contrary to His sovereign purposes. Throughout Scripture we observe God intervening in the actions of fallen angels and people. After God permitted Adam and Eve to disobey Him, He then drove them from the Garden of Eden and overruled their ability to go back in and eat from the tree of life (Gen 3:22-24). After Abraham lied to Abimelech and told him that Sarah was his sister, Abimelech took her as his wife. However, in order to protect Sarah, God intervened and told Abimelech, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married” (Gen 20:3). Abimelech pleaded with God and claimed his innocence (Gen 20:4-5). God, being just, told Abimelech, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore, I did not let you touch her” (Gen 20:6). Jacob served his uncle Laban for twenty years, but during that time his uncle had mistreated him, and by the end, he saw his uncle “was not friendly toward him as formerly” (Gen 31:2). Realizing it was time for Jacob to leave his uncle, he told his two wives, Rachel and Leah, “your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me” (Gen 31:7). During the tribulation, there will be hostile unbelievers who will try to flee from God's wrath by seeking death. But God prevents them from this escape, as John writes, “in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them” (Rev 9:6).      When Satan wanted to attack Job, God granted him permission, saying, “Behold, all that he has is in your power” (Job 1:12a). But then God restrained Satan, saying, “do not put forth your hand on him” (Job 1:12b). When Satan came back a second time, God granted him permission to attack Job's body, saying, “he is in your power” (Job 2:6a), but then told him to “spare his life” (Job 2:6b). When Job's wife advised him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9), he responded, saying, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). During the seven-year tribulation, demons are released from an angelic prison and “power was given them” to hurt unbelievers (Rev 9:3). However, they were restrained, as God told them, “not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months” (Rev 9:4-5a). Satan is currently active in the world (1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19) and will be during the tribulation. However, God intervenes at the end of the tribulation and has Satan arrested and “bound him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:2). God's arresting angel “threw Satan into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time” (Rev 20:3).      Fifth, there is God's providential will, which refers to the outworking of His sovereign will in such a way that He creates circumstances that direct our lives and destiny. Believers who understand this will make their human plans contingent on God's sovereign plans (1 Ch 13:2; Acts 18:21; Jam 4:15). As God's people, we know the Lord and His will for our lives because His written Word informs and guides us. The Bible is our divine pedagogical guide. In addition to Scripture, God directs us providentially as He controls the circumstances of our lives to His desired end. However, only the believer with a thorough knowledge of God's Word can properly interpret his/her circumstances and know what God is doing. Interpreting circumstances, or divine impressions on the heart, is never as clear as knowing God's Word. Charles Clough states: "There is a mystical element to Christianity in how the Lord leads you; and He impresses upon you different things. But you can never elevate that mystical part of your Christian life and make it equal to the revelation of Scripture, because the revelation of Scripture is the measuring stick so you can tell the difference between Christ in the heart and heart burn. How you do that is whether it fits the Scripture."[1] God's providence is His continual care over the creation He brought into existence. God continues to create and control circumstances in order to direct history according to His predetermined plan, all for His glory and the benefit of His people. People live in the flow of history, and are moved by the circumstances God controls. J. I. Packer states: "Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill (Psa 145:9 cf. Mt 5:45–48), he upholds his creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col 1:17; Heb 1:3), guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men (cf. Psa 107; Job 1:12; 2:6; Gen 45:5–8), and directs everything to its appointed goal, for his own glory (cf. Eph 1:9–12)."[2]      God is holy and never creates evil, however, He can and does control those who do. Satan, and those who follow him, are ultimately under God's sovereign control, and even their evil plans and actions are used for His good purposes. For example, Joseph was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery and taken to Egypt where he suffered greatly. Yet, later in his life, Joseph interpreted their behavior from the divine perspective, telling his brothers, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). And Joseph repeated himself a second time, saying, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:7-8a). And later, he told them a third time, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). It was God's providence that drove Saul to chase after his father's donkeys, and then be led to the prophet Samuel and anointed king of Israel (1 Sam 9-10). It was God's providence that directed Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, so the baby Jesus would be born at the appointed time and place (Mic 5:2; Luke 2:4-6; Gal 4:4). Later, Joseph and Mary were compelled to go to Egypt, in order to preserve the baby Savior (Matt 2:13-15). It was God's providence that forced Aquila and Priscilla out of Rome by the emperor Claudius' decree, only to meet the apostle Paul in Corinth and join him in Christian ministry (Acts 18:1-3; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19). It was God's providence that put the Lord Jesus on the cross to be crucified by the hands of godless men. Peter, charging Israelites in Jerusalem concerning Jesus's death, said, “This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23). And after being persecuted by the leaders in Jerusalem, Peter and John, along with others, said to God, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur” (Acts 4:27-28). In these verses we see people behaving sinfully, whether Joseph's brothers, or human rulers who abuse their power; yet God used their sinful choices to bring about a greater good. Because God is righteous, all His actions are just (Psa 119:137). Because He is loving (1 John 4:8), He directs all things for the benefit of His people. Because He is good (Psa 34:8; 100:5), He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).      Concerning Christian ministry, God providentially opens and closes doors of service. Throughout the New Testament, an “open door” refers to a divinely orchestrated opportunity for sharing the gospel and engaging in Christian ministry (Acts 14:25-27). On one occasion the Lord closed an opportunity for ministry (Acts 16:6-7), but then opened another (Acts 16:9-10). An “open door” for ministry can have opposition (1 Cor 16:7-9), does not remove everyday concerns about life (2 Cor 2:12-13), should be sought with prayer (Col 4:2-3), and once opened cannot be shut by people (Rev 3:8). As God's people, we do not create occasions for Christian ministry; we simply accept those provided for us by the Lord (Eph 2:10).    In summary, knowing and doing God's will is largely a matter of knowing His Word and walking in it. Those who are positive to God will desire His Word in order to obey it. From Scripture we know about the Lord Himself, His sovereign control over His creation, what He desires of us, His permission of sin, as well as His directing history providentially to the return and reign of Christ. Where Scripture is silent, we may try to ascertain His will through the circumstances of our life, but such understanding must always be subordinate to the clear revelation of Scripture. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Charles Clough, Lesson 21 - Moral Relativism; Justification & Procedures for Holy War, (2010, 17th minute). https://www.bibleframeworkapplied.org/multi-lesson-series/deuteronomy [2] J. I. Packer, “Providence” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard and D. J. Wiseman, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 979-80.

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--September 28, 2025 -- Pr. Seth Moorman -- "Gathered! Connected! Sent!" -- 1 Tim. 6:6-196 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. 7 We didn't bring anything into the world, and we can't take anything out of it. 8 As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied. 9 But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires which drown them in destruction and ruin. 10 Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. 11 But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony in front of Pontius Pilate, 14 I insist that, until our Lord Jesus Christ appears, you obey this command completely. Then you cannot be blamed for doing anything wrong. 15 At the right time God will make this known. God is the blessed and only ruler. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16 He is the only one who cannot die. He lives in light that no one can come near. No one has seen him, nor can they see him. Honor and power belong to him forever! Amen. 17 Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. 19 By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is.http://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Jesus had a remarkable way with people. He spoke to their most intimate questions in their deep need for God—whether they knew them or not. In Encounters with Jesus, we peer into a few of his most memorable encounters as described by St. John the Apostle in his Gospel. Other than the blessed Virgin, Pontius Pilate is the only mortal human being named directly in the Nicene Creed, and for good reason, as it is on his authority that Jesus Christ was crucified. But during his interrogation of Jesus, Pilate finds him enigmatic and not a little frightening. Who is this man? What is he really up to? But while Pilate worries about his reputation before the Emperor, Jesus offers Pilate what he really needs, salvation.

1 Timothy 6:6-10a, 11-18, 19b - But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith … But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will display at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, … so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Rev. Dr. Jeremy Vaccaro | Modern Service | 1 Timothy 6:6-196 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends the Dobbs decision, but her words spark outrage for twisting truth against science, the Constitution, and God. Comparing her stance to Pontius Pilate, critics argue she sidesteps morality, deceives the public, and undermines life's sanctity. This reflection calls Christians, conservatives, and patriots to confront deception and boldly stand for truth...

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Sep 21, 2025 ========== September 21 - Field Guide for the Church Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo September 21, 2025 Micah Cating ‭‭1 Tim.‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭19‬‬ All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of Lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. 1 TIMOTHY 6:1-2a NIV GODLINESS IS FOUND IN CONTENTMENT – NOT STATUS, POSITION OR WEALTH These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 TIMOTHY 6:2b-10 NIV GODLY THINKING MATTERS -Wrong Thinking Leads To Wrong Motives -Godly Thinking Leads To Great Gain 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16 NIV GO AFTER THE THINGS OF GOD 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 NIV GOOD WORKS & GENEROSITY ARE A PART OF GODLINESS 1) Be humble. 2) Be rich in good deeds 3) Be generous GOOD WORKS & GENEROSITY ARE A PART OF GODLINESS 1) Be humble. 2) Be rich in good deeds 3) Be generous 4) Be Kingdom-Minded GUARD YOUR HEART Contentment is not about what you have. It's about who has your heart. Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends the Dobbs decision, but her words spark outrage for twisting truth against science, the Constitution, and God. Comparing her stance to Pontius Pilate, critics argue she sidesteps morality, deceives the public, and undermines life's sanctity. This reflection calls Christians, conservatives, and patriots to confront deception and boldly stand for truth...

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Saturday morning, the 20th of September, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go straight to the Gospel of Luke 23:4: “So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” Oh folks, Jesus is known as the Friend of sinners. Pontius Pilate was an unbeliever. He was not of the Jewish faith. In fact, he was a gentile, and yet he identified that Jesus Christ was an innocent man. When all the religious people were accusing Him and wanted to put Him to death, it took an unbeliever to speak up for Jesus!If we go to Matthew 11:19, Jesus said, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' ” I want to say to you today, be careful before you start throwing stones because you might have a very big surprise one day when you get to Heaven. Jesus came to heal the sick, not the healthy. He says, “A doctor heals sick people, not healthy people.” That is why He was always found with outcasts, tax collectors, prostitutes - those that society cast aside. I want to say to you and I am speaking from my heart today, I love people, irrespective of who they are, because Jesus loves them too, and I have had more response while I am doing a massive campaign from unbelievers than I do from the so-called, I said, “so-called” righteous. When a man realises what he has done and he needs a Saviour, he does a 180-degree turn around immediately. I have seen it with my own eyes. We need to understand one thing. God has put eternity in the heart of a man. Every man knows deep down in his heart what is right, what is wrong, even Pontius Pilate. Today, let us love people, never compromise our stand as Christians, but give people an opportunity to meet the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and He will save them.Jesus bless you and goodbye.

Join us this week as Greg, Emily, and Rachel discuss the civil trials of Jesus Christ.Transcript

APOSTLES CREED STUDY #6September 14, 2025I believe in God the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who 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 into hell.The third day he rose again from the dead.He ascended into heavenand 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 the life everlasting. Amen.KEY THEMES:1.INITIAL THOUGHTSa. b. c. Look at this section through the lens of apologetics.Unbeliever's Q: “How could a loving God send anyone to hell?”When we recognize our sin, the real question is: “How can a just,righteous, and holy God let sinful people into heaven?”d. The Person of Jesus Christ… His title, authority, divinity, andhumanity. We have examined his “resume” as Savior.e. He also experienced real suffering (passion). This section of theCreed focuses on what we call “Christ's ministry of humiliation.”f. WSC 27: Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? “Christ'sg. humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a lowcondition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of thislife, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in beingburied, and continuing under the power of death for a time.”For a full account of Jesus Christ's humiliation, read: Matthew 272.SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATEa. A jarring change of tone! From glory to suffering.b. What about His years of teaching? The Creed's focus is on theATONING work of Jesus Christ, not all his life.c. This section of the Creed answers the question: “Why was Jesusconceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary?” Tosuffer and die in our place! (The Passion of Christ)d. Why is Pilate mentioned?i. This is real history! (not a saga or parable or illustration)ii. Pilate was the “Persona Publica” – Public Office. John 19:53.CRUCIFIEDa. Crucifixion was the most agonizing and humiliating form ofexecution. It was for outcasts and the worst of criminals.b. Physical and spiritual suffering… “My God, My God, why haveyou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)c.Deuteronomy 21:23, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”d. The Covenantal fulfillment of Christ's crucifixion. Isaiah 53.4.DIEDa. Death is required for atonement. Christ couldn't just shed bloodto atone for humanity's sins. He had to die.b. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…” Jesus paid it all.c. d. Hebrews 2:14-15 – Jesus defeats Satan's curse of death.2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – Jesus' death satisfied the sins of all.e. Christ understands death, which is our final and greatest comfort.5.BURIEDa. Burial confirms the reality of Jesus' death. He had a resurrection,not a resuscitation.b. His exaltation begins earlier with Jesus' words, “It is finished.”c.Joseph of Arimathea: Jesus' body is treated with great care,wrapped in spices and linens. Isaiah 53:9d. Christ's resurrection and ascension don't make sense withouteach of these elements laid out for us in the Apostles' Creed.6.FINAL THOUGHTa. b. What the Sufferings of Christ mean for you and meO Sacred Head, Now Wounded – Bernard of ClaiSupport the showRedeemer Church Murfreesboro PCA is 'together trusting the real God to redeem real people"

History offers a haunting picture of what happens when leaders abdicate responsibility. Darren Hardy uses the example of Pontius Pilate to expose the subtle ways avoidance shows up in modern business—and why accountability is the only path to true achievement. Hear it in now and rethink leadership. Get more personal mentoring from Darren each day. Go to DarrenDaily at http://darrendaily.com/join to learn more.

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. 3:18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 3:24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 3:25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, 3:26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 3:27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, 3:28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, 3:29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, w...

Pastors Nick and Michael wrestle with the shocking comparison between us and a murderer like Barabbas—and unpack a fascinating archaeological discovery that confirms the identity of Pontius Pilate.

It's Tuesday, September 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Nigerian Muslims kill and injure Christian farmers On August 27th, when five Nigerian Christians went to check on their farms  located in Bauchi State, they found Fulani Muslim herdsmen grazing their cattle on the land owned by the Christians.  The argument led to the Muslims killing a Christian farmer and wounding three others, reports Morning Star News. Rev. Samson Habila, local chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said, “We solicit that we all go on our knees for prayers to our loving God to bring this conflict to a swift end for the betterment of our land and people.” In a separate incident on the same day, Muslim herdsmen assaulted two Christian women and a teenager who were on their way back from their farm. Naomi Sabo, was cut on her hand with a machete, her teenage son was cut with a machete, and a third victim, another Christian woman, had her ear cut off by the Muslims. In a span of two weeks in late August, hundreds of Nigerian Christian farmers lost their crops to Muslim Fulani herdsmen who took their cattle to graze on them. According to Open Doors' 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria is the 7th most dangerous country on Earth for Christians. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 of those Christians -- or 69% -- lived in Nigeria. Russia launched 800 drones against Ukraine Russia has stepped up its drone attacks on Ukraine, in its largest salvo since the beginning of the war, reports KGOU Radio. The aggressor launched 800 drones over the weekend — hitting the government building in Kyiv for the first time. Japanese Prime Minister resigns Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation.   Japan's economy is still hurting. The nation's real Gross Domestic Product is just now recovering to 2019 levels, after an extended 5-year recession. Japan's national debt is the highest in the world, at 255% of GDP.   The Japanese government's proposed budget for 2026 represents another 8% increase, year over year.  Indeed, 27% of the budget is set aside just to service the nation's debt. G7 vs BRICS The Group of 7 or “G7” nations includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  BRICS is now recognized as the competing force opposing the G7 nations. BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. In a BRICS summit, spearheaded by Brazil's socialist president, Luiz Lula, the mostly southern and eastern world powers worked on what they called “joint responses to tariffs and sanctions under the Trump administration and discussions on a multipolar world order.” Thousands of Brazilian protestors object to trial of Jair Bolsonaro Tens of thousands of Brazilians have taken the streets over in the last week, protesting the trial of Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, reports the Associated Press. He is facing 46 years in prison for allegedly supporting an attempt to overturn the 2022 election. Plus, Bolsonaro's opponents also claim that he encouraged a protest on January 8, 2023 that resulted in several millions of dollars of damage to the capital building. Brazil's Supreme Court is expecting to sentence the former president later this week. Bolsonaro was a pro-life president, and opposed homosexual marriage for his country. The current president, Luiz Lula, has committed himself to the pro-abortion and LGBTQ agenda for the nation since his election in 2022. 47% of Brazilians receive welfare In a related story, 47% of Brazilians receive a welfare check from the government. The most welfare dependent states are in the north and northeast of the country. These twelve states record more welfare recipients than jobs among their residents. The socialist candidate in the last election, Lula de Silva, won 10 out of 12 of these states. He only won the votes with three other states in the election. God is sovereign over all. Jesus told Pontius Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given you from above.” Company that profits from porn fined $5 million The Canadian company Aylo has been fined $5 million by the US Federal Trade Commission for portraying certain egregious forms of sexual sin on its websites (which include PornHub).   This amounts to a slap on the wrist for a company operating on an estimated $700 million of annual income. That's about 0.7%. The Federal Trade Commission has charged the company with allowing non-consensual and child-abuse related material on its websites. Democrats blocking all Trump's civilian nominees The U.S. government has come to loggerheads. Thus far, not a single Trump civilian nominee has been confirmed by a voice vote through the US Senate — due to Democrat filibusters. That's the first time this has occurred in the nation's government in a century. That compares to 65% of Trump's nominees clearing the Senate by voice vote in his first term and 57% of Joe Biden's nominees confirmed by voice vote.   GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune is considering pulling the nuclear option, or a rule change, to speed up the approval process, according to the Daily Caller. Few Americans, Christians included, believe we are sinful American Christians are pretty much agreed on this statement: “Sin is real, but people are basically good at heart.” That according to the latest George Barna survey. The pollsters discovered that 82% of Catholics and 70% of self-identified born-again Christians believe in “The basic goodness of humanity.” And only 57% of Catholics and 85% of self-identified born again Christians believe Romans 3:23 — that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  Meryl Streep to voice Aslan in new “Chronicles of Narnia” And finally, Netflix plans to release the next movie installment of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia story in November of 2026. Filming began last month which included a well-publicized street chase of Jadis, “the White Witch” last weekend. Brace yourself. Greta Gerwig, best known for directing the feminist hit film “Barbie” released in 2023, is directing this next Narnia release. Not surprisingly, Meryl Streep is slated to voice Aslan.  (The character of Aslan, Lewis's Lion, is meant as a personification of Jesus Christ). Movieguide, the Christian ministry led by founder Ted Baehr, calls this “a dangerous cultural shift,” and has initiated a petition to "respect the theological foundation of the story.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, September 9th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Sam and Hank discuss Gregory of Nyssa's "On Not Three Gods". We mention Gregory of Nyssa, Basil the Great, Thomas Jefferson, Constantine, Ablabius, Peter, James, John, Zeus, Hera, Athena, John the Baptist, Lazarus, Judas, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, Origen, Athanasius, Hillary, Trip, Theodosius, Paul and more. Gregory of Nyssa's "Life of Moses" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YmcS-f9CjA&t=5sGregory of Nyssa's "Human Image of God" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8KYHPgsSJM&t=255s0:00:00 - Intro and Midwestuary Recap00:02:18 - Gregory of Nyssa's Biography and Context00:07:33 - The Defense of the Trinity00:17:59 - Gregory's Arguments for One God00:42:03 - Objections and Unanswered Questions00:52:52 - Conclusion and Future Episodes

My message today is on the biblical commandment for born again believers in the end times to be LOOKING for the Lord, WAITING for the Lord, and WORKING right up to the moment when He shall, and will, appear unto us. These are not "high-level concepts of Christianity", but rather the doctrinal marching orders given to us by the apostle Paul. Live Sunday Service starts 11:00 AM in the Bookstore, come join us!“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:” 1 Timothy 6:12-14 (KJB)

Last week we started the phrase in the creed, I believe he suffered, but now we need to finish a statement he suffered under Pontius Pilate.You can find a transcript of this video and over 900 more devotions like this one on our website at PeaceDevotions.com.If you find value from these devotions we'd encourage you to support our ministry. You can support us by praying for our pastors, sharing and commenting on our videos, or by donating at https://peacedevotions.com/donateConnect with us on social media, our website, or get these emailed to your inbox.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceDevotions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peace_devotions/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2pFo5lJV46gKmztGwnT3vAWebsite: https://peacedevotions.com/Email List: https://peacedevotions.com/emailYou can also add Peace Devotions to your Flash Briefing on Amazon Echo Devices.https://peacedevotions.com/echo/

The Jewish council's decision to execute Jesus required Roman approval. The governor, Pontius Pilate, attempts to avoid entangling himself with the Jewish problems; but ultimately

In the last seven chapters of the Gospel According to John, we experience the arrest and trial of Jesus and witness the Jewish leaders manipulation of Pontius Pilate as they try to convince him to issue a death sentence on the Son of God. In John's abbreviated fashion, we learn about Annas and Caiaphas, relive Peter's denial of Jesus, his crucifixion, his miraculous resurrection and his granting of the Holy Spirit to his disciples.  Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our "Christian Collection" of shirts inspired by this episode.

Mr. Black is back from his yearly mission trip to Sturgis, South Dakota. He is also fresh out of his prison ministry work and ready to INSPIRE and to ask probing questions. Why are so many people struggling to belong and fit in? Why is there so much distance, pain and relationships that are in tatters? Why do many people feel so unloved and underappreciated? Today on Like It Matters Radio Mr. Black poses the question, “What is Love?”. It is reminiscent of Pontius Pilate’s question to Jesus, ‘What is Truth?’ The questions are compounding on each other. What is the truth that leads to the love that allows people to function at the highest levels? On today’s hour of power Mr. Black will take his listeners through a couple of stories and the reality that people are the greatest commodity in our lives. When we invest in people and love on people, then we all do better. Why do people go into prisons and serve those less fortunate? Why do people go on mission trips and spend their time and money pouring into other people? Because people matter- we are all in the People business no matter what we do for a living! Tune into Like It Matters Radio for Inspiration, Education and Application! Because, when you live your life like it matters- It does! Be sure to Like and Follow us on our facebook page!www.facebook.com/limradio Instagram @likeitmattersradioTwitter @likeitmatters Get daily inspiration from our blog www.wayofwarrior.blog Learn about our non profit work at www.givelikeitmatters.com Check out our training website www.LikeItMatters.Net Always available online at www.likeitmattersradio.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 24th, 2025 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/ OPENING SONG: “In Moments Like These” and “Do Lord” WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS OPENING PRAYER: Holy God, you are deserving of the very best we have to offer — the devotion of our hearts, the place of honor in our priorities and the first fruits of our labors. We enter this place and space of worship, asking you to be in our midst, to speak your message of love and mercy, conviction and challenge to us. We welcome your Spirit, knowing that in so doing, we abandon control and open ourselves in faith and trust to your purposes and plan, rather than our own. Come, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we pray, and may our worship be acceptable in your sight. Amen. PRELUDE & LIGHTING ALTAR CANDLES “Hear Our Praises” *HYMN “All Things Bright and Beautiful” - #147 CALL TO WORSHIP: L: Welcome to worship this day! P: We have come seeking God's blessings and love. L: They shall be given to you. P: We have come seeking forgiveness and healing. L: These will be offered to you. Open your hearts to receive God's Good News. P: We open our hearts to all of God's words and ways for us. AMEN. HYMN “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” - #349 AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - The Apostle's Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker 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, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick 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. GLORIA PATRI FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 2:38-39 OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.) HYMN “Sanctuary” PASTORAL PRAYER THE LORD'S PRAYER OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: “O Worship the King” *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHILDREN'S MOMENTS (Children K-6th grade are invited to Jr. Church at this time). SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 10:13-16 SERMON “Let the Little Children Come” *CLOSING HYMN “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” - #452 *BENEDICTION *SENDING FORTH “As We Go” POSTLUDE “When We All Get to Heaven”

Welcome to Day 2701 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “The Cloud Rider” – Supernatural Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2701 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2701 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today, we continue with the 12th of 16 segments of our Theology Thursday lessons. I will read through the book "Supernatural," written by Hebrew Bible scholar, professor, and mentor Dr. Michael S. Heiser, who has since passed away. Supernatural is a condensed version of his comprehensive book, ‘The Unseen Realm.' If these readings pique your interest, I would recommend that you read ‘The Unseen Realm.' Today, we will read through chapter twelve: “The Cloud Rider” I closed the last chapter by noting how Jesus began to talk about his death immediately after baiting the powers of darkness at the gates of hell and Mount Hermon. The challenge set in motion a string of events that would lead to the Lord's trial and his death on the cross. Christians have read about the trial of Jesus many times. But there's a supernatural backdrop to it that is frequently overlooked. To understand what finally draws the death sentence from the Jewish authorities and the transfer of Jesus to Pontius Pilate to carry it out, we have to go back to the Old Testament book of Daniel—to a meeting God holds with his heavenly host, his divine council.   The Ancient of Days and His Council Daniel 7 begins with an odd vision. Daniel sees four beasts coming out of the sea (Dan. 7:1–8). They're all freakish, but the fourth beast is the worst. In the dreams interpreted in the Old Testament, both objects and living things always represent something, and in this dream, the four beasts in Daniel's vision are four empires. We know that because his vision aligns with the themes of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2, which was about Babylon and three other empires to follow. Our focus, though, is on what Daniel describes next: As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. (Dan. 7:9–10) We know the Ancient of Days is the God of Israel. That's pretty easy to determine, especially if we compare the description of his throne to Ezekiel's vision of God's throne (Ezek. 1). The fire, wheels, and human form on the throne in that vision are the same as Daniel's. But did you notice there isn't just one throne? There are a number of thrones in Daniel's vision (Dan. 7:9)—enough for the divine court, God's council (Dan. 7:10). The heavenly court meets to decide the fate of the beasts—the empires—in the vision. It is decided that the fourth beast must be killed and the other beasts rendered powerless (Dan. 7:11–12). They will be displaced by another king and kingdom. And that's where things get even more interesting. The Son of Man Who Comes on the Clouds Daniel continues narrating his vision: I saw in the night visions, and...

August 19, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:17-31 (32-40); 12:1-3Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34“By faith…” (Heb.11:17a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hebrews 11 is called “the great chapter on faith,” and it's obvious why. Every Lutheran should cherish this chapter, because all over the place it says, “By faith.” That's a big part of the Lutheran, Biblical teaching. In this chapter, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and others are examples of saving faith in God's Word and promises. These were people like you and me who trusted in God's promises throughout their lives and situations. Those promises were all fulfilled in Jesus. So the Old Testament faithful looked ahead in faith to Jesus, the Messiah who was to come.But there's even more in this chapter. If you notice, only certain events are mentioned in Hebrews 11, and other significant events are not. For example, nothing is said about Isaac getting married to Rebekah. Nothing is mentioned about Jacob seeing the heavenly staircase with angels going up and down on it. Nothing is mentioned about Moses delivering God's sacrificial system of worship to the people, though all these things were also clearly acts of faith. Other noble and important acts did not make the list, either. Something else is going on here than just a list of mere examples to try to be like.The specific Old Testament events in Hebrews 11 all point to Jesus. Jesus certainly fulfills the entire Old Testament, as He says in Luke 24, John 5, and many other places. Old Testament people, places, and events prefigure and point to the greater fulfillment that Jesus gives. So Jesus is like Isaac, the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1), who was also offered as a sacrifice according to God's will. Jesus is like Esau, who gives up His birthright and His blessing to God's sinful people who are more like Jacob. Thus, we get the full blessing of our heavenly Father simply by God's grace. Jesus' blessing is like Esau's in that He is assigned to serve us, which He does by the Word and the Sacraments in the context of the liturgy. Like Moses, Jesus would rather stand for God's Word and God's people, even if He would be mistreated by the world. Like Moses, Jesus endured even before Pontius Pilate because He was intent on following God's will and holding to God's invisible Word. And Jesus is our new Passover lamb, who died to save us from death and now gives His own body to eat in the Lord's Supper.Forgiveness, life, and salvation are for you. You do not earn these, nor do you merit getting them. But as free Gifts of God's love in Christ, they are promised and offered for you, too. Like the heroes of faith, may you also trust in your Savior in every situation and point others to Him as well.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Grant our hearts to remain ever faithful to Your Son, O Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

This week on Perspectives podcast, the conversation on The Christ-Like Journey continues, this time examining how it comes with being misunderstood. Rev. Brittany leads the digital Bible study and is joined by Meghan Claussen, Communications Director of First UMC of San Diego, who is charged with digital evangelism and has seen first-hand how pursuing and voicing divine justice often receives a response of disbelief, skepticism, and misunderstanding. The conversation is inspired by Mark 15:1-5, the passage of the gospel where Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate under accusations of sedition, an offense that was punishable by death. But instead of arguing his case, Jesus responds with silence. A response that was astonishing to Pilate and would be even more unbelievable today. The two women break it down to examine how individuals and churches can use Jesus’ ministry example when challenged by naysayers and skeptics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What's a common misconception people have about you? If someone misunderstood something you said or did, would you rather explain or let it go? How do you react when someone misjudges your intentions? Have you ever misunderstood someone else and only realized it later? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This week on Perspectives podcast, the conversation on The Christ-Like Journey continues, this time examining how it comes with being misunderstood. Rev. Brittany leads the digital Bible study and is joined by Meghan Claussen, Communications Director of First UMC of San Diego, who is charged with digital evangelism and has seen first-hand how pursuing and voicing divine justice often receives a response of disbelief, skepticism, and misunderstanding. The conversation is inspired by Mark 15:1-5, the passage of the gospel where Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate under accusations of sedition, an offense that was punishable by death. But instead of arguing his case, Jesus responds with silence. A response that was astonishing to Pilate and would be even more unbelievable today. The two women break it down to examine how individuals and churches can use Jesus’ ministry example when challenged by naysayers and skeptics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What's a common misconception people have about you? If someone misunderstood something you said or did, would you rather explain or let it go? How do you react when someone misjudges your intentions? Have you ever misunderstood someone else and only realized it later? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

A dream cast put on a live production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl over this past weekend, when Cynthia Erivo as Jesus went toe-to-toe with Adam Lambert as Judas -- not to mention Hamilton's Philippa Soo as Mary Magdalene, John Stamos and Josh Gad sharing the role of King Herod, Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate and more legends of stage and screen. Unfortunately for anyone who wasn't in the house Friday, Saturday or Sunday in Los Angeles, those are the only three nights planned for this star-studded cast -- but what if the show could go on? On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Keith tells Katie all about being in the house for the final night of the show and pitches the possibility of a live cast recording being released for all of us who have been watching every fan-shot clip on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daily Dose of Hope August 4, 2025   Scripture – Luke 3   Prayer:  Almighty God, Thank you for today and new week.  Thank you for providing for us, caring for us, and protecting us.  Over thousands upon thousands of years, you have taken care of your people.  We give you glory and praise, for who you are.  Thank you, most of all, for sending Jesus, who moved into our neighborhood so that we could begin to understand your love.  Wow.  There are no words to adequately thank you for the sacrifice that saved our lives.  Lord Jesus, we love you and we thank you.  Help us grow in holiness, continue to transform us so we can be a better reflection of you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.   Today, we dive into Luke 3. I find it particularly fascinating how Luke begins by listing all the rulers of the time.  He is showing us that John and Jesus are doing ministry within a particular geopolitical landscape.  Luke identifies some of the most important rulers of that region. Tiberius was the Roman emperor from 14-37 AD.  Like many emperors, he was known to be cruel, corrupt, and self-obsessed.  His rule served as a significant contrast from the kind of Kingdom ushered in by Jesus Christ.   Then we have Pontius Pilate.  He was governor of Judea from approximately 26-37 AD.  Of course, we recognize him for his role in Jesus' trial and death, which also landed him a mention in the Apostles' Creed.   Herod Antipas is also mentioned.  He was the son of Herod the Great.  The Herod dynasty was set up by the Roman government to rule over the Holy Land.  They considered themselves Jewish, although the Jewish leaders might have argued that point.  The Herods in general tended to feel easily threatened and rule with an iron fist.  Herod Antipas was ruler over the region of Galilee and Luke refers to him a few times.   The high priests who Luke mentions are Annas and his son-in-law, Caiaphas.  Caiaphas was officially the high priest during this time but the presence of Annas still was clearly felt.    Mentioning these real people was important to Luke.  He wanted to show that God is bringing about salvation not in the abstract but in real time, through real events, real people, and in actual places.  It's in the messy, difficult, and complex event of history that God reveals himself and continues his work of redemption.   And the work starts with John the Baptist, who gathers people in the wilderness at the Jordan River.  He quotes some prophecy from Isaiah, suggesting that God's people will be restored among the nations (of course, no one quite understands how they will be restored.) And of course, John talks about Jesus, for whom he has been called to prepare the way.  John is a forerunner of sorts, preparing the hearts of the people for what is to come.  John has no problem speaking truth, he has some pretty harsh words for the people, calling them to repentance and baptism.  Keep in mind, repentance means a sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God.  This is more than just being sorry.  It is a real change of heart and mind with a desire to be obedient.  John addresses the common people, the soldiers, and even the tax collectors, and how they can repent and begin to produce good fruit.    When John baptizes Jesus, it marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. This call to ministry was accompanied by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and confirmed by God's voice from heaven. It is a beautiful picture of the Trinity. What's interesting and even a bit puzzling about this scene is that John's baptism, as I just mentioned, was one of repentance. It was for sinners to come, repent, and be cleansed. But Jesus was sinless. He had no need of a sinner's baptism. And yet, he chose to go through the ritual. Jesus sought to identify with the people he came to save.   This is a critical part of the incarnation, God coming to earth to become a human being. It's in the incarnation that Jesus becomes one of us. Jesus goes to the people, identifies with them, and gives them a real-life demonstration of who God is and how much God loves them. The baptism was simply the beginning.   The chapter closes with a genealogy of Jesus, according to Luke.  Luke attempts to trace Jesus' family tree all the way back to Adam.  While Luke isn't literally listing every single generation, he is making a point.  Jesus did not come to just save the Jewish people but all people.  We know from the book of Romans that Paul calls Jesus the new Adam, the one who restored what was lost in Adam's sin.  While Adam infected all people with sin, Jesus opened the door to redemption and eternal life for all people who believe in him.   Take a moment and read through this genealogy again, as well as the genealogy in Matthew 1. What are the similarities and differences? How does each author go about telling the story of Jesus' family?   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Theological Categories of God's Will      The will of God can be divided between His secret will and revealed will. Moses wrote, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29). What God has revealed in Scripture is what He deems important for us to know. But there are secret things that belong to the Lord, and on these matters, He remains silent. To spend our days pursuing what God has sovereignly chosen to keep hidden will only lead to unending frustration. If we have prayed and studied God's Word thoroughly yet received no clear answer, it may be because God does not want us to know—or not to know at this time. Though we may seek to discern God's will through daily experiences, such providential insight must always remain subordinate to His written revelation. Though we don't know many particulars about what God is doing, we know He is in control and directing history to the return of Christ and the eternal state, and we are part of that grand plan. Concerning God's revealed will, Scripture presents several classifications.      First, there is God's sovereign will, which refers to His free and independent choices to do whatever He pleases, without external constraint or consultation. God declares, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isa 46:10b; cf. Psa 33:11), and “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?'” (Dan 4:35). “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps” (Psa 135:6), and He “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph 1:11b). According to McChesney: "There is a sense, indeed, in which the sovereignty of God is absolute. He is under no external restraint whatsoever. He is the Supreme Dispenser of all events. All forms of existence are within the scope of His dominion. And yet this is not to be viewed in any such way as to abridge the reality of the moral freedom of God's responsible creatures or to make men anything else than the arbiters of their own eternal destinies. God has seen fit to create beings with the power of choice between good and evil. He rules over them in justice and wisdom and grace."[1]      God remains in constant sovereign control, guiding His creation through history. He meddles in the affairs of mankind, and His unseen hand works behind all their activities, controlling and directing history as He wills. We know from Scripture that God possesses certain immutable attributes and that He never acts inconsistently with His nature. For example, because God is righteous, all His actions and commands are just. Because God is immutable, His moral perfections never change. Because God is eternal, He is righteous forever. Because God is omniscient, His righteous acts are always predicated on perfect knowledge. Because God is omnipotent, He is always able to execute His righteous will. Because God is love, His judgments can be merciful toward the undeserving and humble.       God controls who sits in positions of power, whether they hold that position by birth or democratic vote. Ultimately, it is God “who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings” (Dan 2:21a), for “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Dan 4:17). When Israel turned negative to God, He judged them by placing weak leaders over them, saying, “I will make mere lads their princes, and capricious children will rule over them (Isa 3:4). The result was, “Those who guide you lead you astray and confuse the direction of your paths” (Isa 3:12b).      God even controls hostile unbelievers to accomplish His purposes (Prov 16:4). When Jesus was on trial, Pilate falsely thought he had control over Him, saying, “Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” (John 19:10). Operating from divine viewpoint, Jesus said to Pilate, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). While praying to God, Peter and John acknowledged God's sovereignty over the Gentile rulers, saying, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur” (Acts 4:27-28).      Second, there is God's directive will, which refers to His actively guiding His people to do what He expects. It is sometimes called His prescriptive will because it prescribes how people are to think, live, and relate to Him and others. For example, God directed Adam and Eve to be “fruitful and multiply” and to “rule” as theocratic administrators over His creation (Gen 1:28). After creating the garden of Eden, He directed them to “cultivate it and keep it” (Gen 2:15). He also gave them freedom, saying, “from any tree of the garden you may eat freely” (Gen 2:16), but also gave one prohibition, saying, “from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die” (Gen 2:17). Other examples include God directing Noah to build an ark (Gen 6:13-14), directing Abraham to leave his country and go to the place where God wanted (Gen 12:1), directing Moses to go to Egypt to liberate His people (Ex 3:10), and later to give them the Law so they could walk in His will (Ex 34:27-28).[2] It should be remembered that the four Gospels reveal that Jesus was born and lived under the Mosaic Law code (Gal 4:4), and during His time of ministry, He directed others to obey that code (i.e., Matt 8:1-4; 23:1-3). Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] E. McChesney, “Sovereignty of God,” in The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, ed. Merrill F. Unger and R.K. Harrison (Chicago: Moody Press, 1988). 1085. [2] God had revealed His will for Israel through the Law of Moses, and this gave them clear guidelines for how to live as God desired. Because God cares for His people, He provided them rules for living in relationship with Himself and others. If His people walked in the ways of the Lord, He promised them blessing (Deut 28:1-14). But if they turned away from His revealed will, He promised them cursing (Deut 28:15-68). The blessed life or the cursed life was always before them (Deut 11:26-28). God's directives were communicated through Moses to God's people (Deut 6:1-2), who were to receive them and adhere to them (Deut 6:3-6), and communicate them to their children (Deut 6:7).

Jesus has testified before the Jewish Sanhedrin and before Pontius Pilate the Roman governor of Judea. While denying culpability, Pilate eventually gives way to the demands of the Jews and send Jesus to be put death by crucifixion. The cries of the Jews which declare, “We have no king but Caesar” recall the posture of Israel of old, for as early as the book of Judges they declared that they were in need of a king although God himself was to be their king. John takes care to point out the fulfillment of the Scripture as Jesus endures the agony of the cross unto death. Once it has been determined that he is dead, they take his body down and bury him in a borrowed tomb. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Listen to  Joan Breibart who  has been DOING Pilates for 60 years and  doing it professionally since  April 1991 and who has met or been in a workshop or as a client  with an  Elder or “master” 2nd Generation— a lineage deal  she invented 1993. Why listen?  She  explains why EVERYONE today is Confused about Pilates. Or Pilots or Pilaadees  or whatever  it was called  only   30 years ago when the name was unknown  and unpronounceable   and  worse— it recalled Pontius Pilate!! Forget the labels. Forget mentoring. Start Thinking like JOE. He was a Big Thinker—not a onesie twosie guy.  _____Follow PhysicalMind Institute on Instagram or Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.Visit the PhysicalMind Institute shop.

Patrick brings listeners through fresh archaeological findings—could a 3,800-year-old inscription mention Moses, and what do modern discoveries say about Pontius Pilate? He tackles the perils of early smartphone access for kids, shares raw stories of faith and community resilience from callers, and offers thoughtful guidance on real-life ethical puzzles, all while weaving in personal memories, playful banter, and on-the-spot reactions. Mysterious message 'from Moses' found in ancient Egyptian mine could prove the Bible true (00:36) Kids Who Get Smartphones Before 13 Face Skyrocketing Suicide Risk, Study Warns (09:34) Patrick finishes the “cliff hanger” from the end of the 2nd hour where he’s talking about the thorn in St. Paul’s flesh (21:59) Sean - I love your voice and mustache. I have been in the hospital for 21 days because of an automobile accident. Thank you, Patrick! (25:44) Mary Ann - What should a good Catholic do when there is an ethical mistake made on a rental/lease? (36:01) Michael - For the first Friday devotion and the First Saturday Devotion, could I go to Confession one time to serve both requirements? (45:48)

Jesus on trial- From the Sanhedrin, to Pontius Pilate, to Herod, Jesus was brought before his accusers and questioned without any evidence of wrongdoing. Jesus remained silently as he was mocked by His enemies, committed to the path of suffering and sacrifice.

Mae and Fortune answer a question from an entire family, plus a pretty little Pontius Pilate update for the ages! Do you fly in *your* dreams?Handsome is hosted by Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune FeimsterSubmit questions to speakpipe.com/handsomepodFollow us on social media @handsomepodMerch at handsomepod.comWatch Handsome on YouTubeThis is a Headgum podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Advertise on Handsome via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daily Dose of Hope July 21, 2025   Scripture – Matthew 27:1-31   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come before you this morning, rejoicing in your powerful and holy name.  You are everything, Lord – Creator, Sustainer, Provider, the one who sees, the one who is most high, Mighty, Everlasting.  There are times that we are overwhelmed by your love and care.  How could the one who created all, also care about me?  God, we give you glory.  We are so grateful for how you involve yourself in our lives.  Most of all, we thank you for Jesus.  Oh, Lord Jesus, we give you glory, honor, and praise.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Happy Monday. Today, we are starting Matthew 27.  This is another long chapter that is filled with a lot of substance so we will once again take three days to walk through it.   Today's narrative about Judas' suicide is found only in Matthew. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. I'm not sure what Judas thought would happen when he accepted the bribe. Maybe Jewish independence? Maybe some extra favors? Maybe some sense of satisfaction? But when Judas actually sees that Jesus is arrested and condemned, a man he knew was totally innocent, Judas is filled with remorse. He sees the consequences of his decision.   In his anguish, Judas brings the silver back to the religious leaders. Maybe he was looking for some kind of reassurance or guidance but they gave him none. They were, after all, simply using him to get what they wanted. When Judas realizes this, he appears to be consumed by both remorse and anger and hurls the silver into the temple. It's then that he kills himself. It seems that Judas was overcome with remorse.   If you think about it, remorse produces extreme sorrow and grief. The goal is that remorse will lead to repentance and life change. This happened for Peter. He denied Jesus three times, a very significant betrayal. He must have felt incredible sorrow after what he did but he didn't stay there. He allowed God to move him to repentance. But Judas, for whatever reason, could not get past the grief. Maybe he was overcome with fear about what his life would be like when people discovered it was him. Maybe he didn't think he would be forgiven or he thought he would lose social position. Whatever it was, he couldn't get past it.   Friends, I don't know what you are dealing with right now, but there is ALWAYS hope. Things can be really, really bad. Life can feel totally dark. But God is light. With God, there is always hope for a better day. For some reason, Judas didn't think so but he was wrong. Jesus would have forgiven him and loved him, just as he did Peter.   Jesus loves you. Jesus will always forgive you. Your life is valuable. If you ever get to the point where the darkness feels all-consuming, reach out immediately. Reach out to me or to a friend. And don't forget that God is always there, just waiting, ready to listen and comfort. You are never alone.   In the next portion of today's chapter, we have Jesus going before Pilate.  Pilate was a Roman, the governor of Judea who was serving under Emperor Tiberias.  While Pilate has been mentioned outside of the Gospels by several secular writings of the time, he is certainly best known for his role in Jesus' crucifixion.  Let's dive into that.   In Matthew's Gospel, we get the impression that Pilate is reluctantly asking Jesus questions.  He doesn't feel that Jesus is guilty of anything and this is weighing on Pilate.  Then, his wife sends him an urgent message, begging Pilate to ensure that nothing is done “to this innocent man” for she had suffered a great deal in a dream because of Jesus.   Pilate ends up seeking a compromise. Knowing Jesus had been handed over by the religious leaders out of envy and spite, Pilate appealed to the crowds at the Passover, asking which “criminal” should be set free, Jesus or Barabbas? Seeing Jesus as innocent, it appears that Pilate believes that surely the people will choose Jesus over the murderous zealot, Barabbas.  But they don't.  The Jewish leaders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released rather than Jesus.    Pilate gives in to political pressure.  He knows Jesus is innocent.  Pilate, exasperated, declares that he is “innocent” of Jesus' blood but then he hands Jesus over to be flogged and crucified.  He did what was easy, not what was right.  And Pilate will be forever remembered as a leader who chose the expedient route, rather than the one with integrity.  He is immortalized in the Apostles' Creed and remembered by Christians around the globe when we say that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.”   The final portion of today's Scripture has the Roman soldiers mocking Jesus.  This was one more form of punishment and humiliation before the ultimate torture instrument of the cross.    More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

The Servant King by Josh Head Matthew 12:15-21 (NASB1995) (all the rest are ESV) Matthew 3:16-17 Matthew 12:14 Matthew 12:15-16 “There is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ. There is in Him a conjunction of such diverse excellencies that would have seemed to us utterly incompatible in the same subject. There do meet in Jesus Christ infinite highness and infinite humility. He is higher than all the kings of the earth for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords so great is he that all the kings and princes of the earth are as worms in the dust before him. So great is he that all the nations are a drop in the bucket. He is infinitely above any need of us, so we cannot be of any profit to him. And yet, he is one of infinite humility. None are so low or inferior, but Christ is willing not only to take notice of them, but to enter into friendship with them, yes indeed to unite his soul with them in spiritual marriage, to take our nature upon himself to become one OF us so he can become one WITH us. He is great enough to become low for us, to expose himself to shame and spitting and death. Such a conjunction of infinite highness and infinite humility in the same person seems impossible, and therefore, is altogether beautiful.” – Jonathan Edwards   Matthew 12:17 Isaiah 1:15 Matthew 12:18   We believe in one God,     the Father, the Almighty,     maker of heaven and earth,     of all that is, seen and unseen.   We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,     the only Son of God,     eternally begotten of the Father,     God from God, Light from Light,     true God from true God,     begotten, not made,     of one Being with the Father.     Through him all things were made.     For us and for our salvation         he came down from heaven:     by the power of the Holy Spirit         he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,         and was made man.     For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;         he suffered death and was buried.         On the third day he rose again             in accordance with the Scriptures;         he ascended into heaven             and is seated at the right hand of the Father.     He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,         and his kingdom will have no end.   We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,     who proceeds from the Father and the Son.     With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.     He has spoken through the Prophets.     We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.     We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.     We look for the resurrection of the dead,         and the life of the world to come.   Matthew 12:19 Matthew 12:20 Matthew 12:21 John 13:12-16 “The cross is unrepeatable but cross bearing is not.” – Eugene Peterson Ephesians 5:25 John 15:15 “He will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.” “He will not quarrel” “He will not cry out” “Nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.” “A bruised reed he will not break.” “A smoldering wick he will not quench.”

In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️‍

At the heart of the Nicene Creed (325 AD) we find the words: “For our sake [Jesus] was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered, died, and was buried.” But how is it possible that someone who died 2,000 years ago could have died for our sake?! And if Jesus is God, how could He have died? And why would He have died—was this something He chose, or something He was coerced to do? In this episode of Ask Away, Jo Vitale engages with contemporary challenges to the cross, and asks what difference, if any, the death of Jesus makes to us today? ------ We're so glad you joined us for Ask Away. If you have a question that needs answering, we'd love to hear it. Send us an email at askawayquestion@gmail.com or call and leave a voicemail at ‪(321) 213-9670‬. Ask Away is hosted by Vince and Jo Vitale, and produced by Studio D Podcast Production. New episodes come out regularly, so make sure to subscribe. The best way you can support Ask Away is to leave a review. All you have to do is open up the Podcast App on your phone, look for Ask Away, scroll down until you see ‘Write a Review' and tell us what you think. If you'd like to see videos from Vince and me, invite us to speak, or make a financial gift so that more people's questions can be heard on Ask Away, visit Kardiaquestions.com See you next time, and remember, if you have a question, it's worth asking.

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.