Podcasts about rc sproul

Aaron had more important things to do this week with the birth of his third, congratulations Aaron and Sarah! This week we are joined by special guest Mark Luebe. Mark is a church planter currently attending Redemption Church as he builds his core team. Mark is an expert on Romans and so it was a joy to discuss with him this complicated section on God's Righteousness in his judgment of sin. This weeks episode is brought to you by, The Member's Meeting on March 9th right after the service.&RCD Book Club on March 17th Reading: The Holiness of God by RC SproulSign up here: Book Club Sign Up

Aaron had more important things to do this week with the birth of his third, congratulations Aaron and Sarah! This week we are joined by special guest Mark Luebe. Mark is a church planter currently attending Redemption Church as he builds his core team. Mark is an expert on Romans and so it was a joy to discuss with him this complicated section on God's Righteousness in his judgment of sin. This weeks episode is brought to you by, The Member's Meeting on March 9th right after the service.&RCD Book Club on March 17th Reading: The Holiness of God by RC SproulSign up here: Book Club Sign Up

Pastor Michael has a bold claim- that Jesus Didn't Do Presuppositional Apologetics. We discuss the popularity that this kind of apologetics had and how it seems to be falling out of favor again for classical Apologetics. Sure to be of interest to anyone who wants defend the faith or understand its credibility. Permit some reformed guys to one more time discuss apologetic method. We mention Greg Bahnsen's great debate demonstrating the strength of Presuppositional Apologetics.  And we mention a debate between RC Sproul and Greg Banhsen over what kind of apologetic method Christians should have.  Use code "RESTLESS" to get 10% off at https://spindlesandscarlet.com/ Restless would love your support on patreon. Join our patreon for bonus episodes every single week! You can follow this podcast all over the internet. twitter,   instagram.    or facebook Or email us at restlesspodcasting@gmail.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues his message series, Romans Bold Faith That Saves. We look at why is Jesus such a big deal, and why is the cross and Jesus' resurrection the only way? Absolutely nothing about your relationship with God is earned, none is credited to your effort. Absolutely everything about your relationship with God is because of Jesus own righteous perfection in your place and through your life!This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Leon Morris, RC Sproul, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Doxology song by Thomas Ken• Download the free study guide by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Romans ch. 3, verse 21 - ch. 4, verse 25; Genesis 17; Psalm 51; Galatians 2, verse 20• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Join The Mustard Seed as they veer a little off their normal topics, Keisha and Elizabeth are going to go over a subject they are passionate about, Apologetics. We believe this is something that is relevant for such a time as this. Join them as they do an introduction into this topic, a general overview so we have a better understanding what Apologetics is, and moving froward we will go through some of the different parts of Apologetics in future shows, so we know we are doing it justice. We are excited to share this with you, and cannot wait for all the rest to follow.REFERENCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:GotQuestions.OrgConvincingProof.orgBooks we mentioned: Momma Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Mere Christianity by CS Lewis, A Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Frank Turk and Norman Geisler, and Talking with Your Kids about Jesus by Natasha Crain.Apologists Mentioned:CS Lewis, Dr. Voddie Baucham, Frank Turk, RC Sproul, Josh McDowell, William Lane Craig, Lee Strobel, Norman Geisler, and Daniel B. Wallace

Pastor Jordan shares Thursday's devotional podcast from Bible Fellowship Church. [Scripture: Deuteronomy 29:29] Taken from Everyone's A Theologian by RC Sproul. 

Both CS Lewis and RC Sproul asked, "If you could boil down take Christian theology and boil it into one word, what would it be?" Love? Faith? They answered that the one word would be Grace. Grace is like a huge bank account and faith is the account number to get access to it. God provides the grace, and we respond to it with faith. Another way to look at it is to contrast 3 words and what they mean: Judgement - getting what you deserve Mercy - not getting what you deserve Grace - getting something that you don't deserve Grace is something that costs everything for the Giver (Jesus) and nothing for the recipient (you and I). John 1:14 tells us that, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, ...full of grace and truth." Today we're studying Matthew 20:1-16.

Episode 95 With the Gentiles having been grafted in, what will happen to Israel? Can they be added back? RC Sproul on Israel in Chapter 11: https://youtu.be/8ahheVv6Wcw?si=gEgQHvcAPKwMn2bv Original Sermon: https://www.sermonaudio.com/dashboard/sermons/1215241817211559/ Find our videocast here: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠ https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8 Find more Take 2 Theology content at https://take2pod.wordpress.com/

Closing Thought: There is much for us to learn from Judas' betrayal, Pharaoh's hardening, and Esau's forfeiture. While there is nothing that comes to pass that God did not decree, ("There is not one random molecule in all the universe." – RC Sproul) as He is sovereign over all events for all time. We must remember that even though we cannot see the reasons, we can trust His plan is perfect and good. However, even though God is sovereign, there is no one who will be able to stand before God with the excuse "the Devil made me do it". And it will not go well for the man who stands before God and claims that is His fault for the sinful choices he has made. Do not be confused; God's sovereignty does not take away the responsibility for the choices that we make. Full stop!

Some people just don't like reading books. Here's a list to help you possibly gain some ground:Aesop's fablesTrial and Triumph by Richard Hannula Abridged version of a classic (Odyssey, Frankenstein, Robinson Crusoe, etc...) Man of the House by CR Wiley Heroes then a now book by YWAM (Gladys Aleward, Richard Wurbrandt, etc...)Confession (Heildeburg, Westminster, London Baptist 1689)Stalin or Hitler by Albert Marrin The Action Bible Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan or Willing to believe by RC Sproul. Hobbit by Tolkien or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Lewis. 

From the magical escapism of childhood fantasies to Christian-inspired storytelling, Ruth opens up about how her faith journey intertwined with her passion for writing and art. Once distanced from her faith during college, she recounts her reconnection inspired by figures like RC Sproul, influencing her renowned "Dragon Forest" series. With tales of self-discovery and bravery, Ruth's narratives invite readers to explore themes of redemption and moral complexity, casting dragons in new, thoughtful lights. Connect with Ruth at Artbyruth.com On IG @author_ra_douthitt FB @Author Ruth Douthitt Make sure to check out her podcasts: A Writer's Day and Broken Vessels Mended by God Some of her books (Affiliate links) Seek Him- Prayer Journal Dragon Forest Trilogy The White Wolf The Road to Home Another mention in this episode: Wolf Soldier by James Hannibal Highlighting another podcast for mama's in the next season of life: Finding Purpose In the Empty Nest Join Pam's Facebook Community at Tending Fields Mom's Group #dragonsforkids #dragontales #fantasynovels #christianfiction #goodvsevil #visualart #booksforkids

Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation.Learn more at ReasonableTheology.org/LutherSome Recommended Luther BiographiesHere I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland BaintonLuther and the Reformation: How a Monk Discovered the Gospel by RC SproulThe Legacy of Luther by RC Sproul and Stephen NicholsSupport the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

Bob covers John 1: 19-31 in his Bible commentary series. He states that a lamb was not a "scapegoat" in terms of Jewish animalistic sacrifice for the propitiation of sins (using an RC Sproul clip to explain). Then Bob gives various justifications for the use of a sacrificial lamb, since it seemingly violates our intuitive sense of justice.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The previous episode in this series, i.e. BMS ep 334, Installment 4: the Word Became Flesh.The RC Sproul sermon on Jesus as the Lamb of God.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Along with Kerry Baldwin, Gregory Baus co-hosts the Reformed Libertarians podcast. After first explaining Reformed theology in relation to other Christian perspectives, Greg discusses its relevance for libertarians.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this interview.The Monetary Metals 12% silver opportunity.Details for the 2024 ExPat Money Summit.About Gregory Baus. The Reformed Libertarians Podcast (RLP).The disestablishment from the time of the English Civil War.Westminster Confession and catechisms.The 5 "Solas."Canons of Dort (TULIP).RC Sproul's series on Reformed Theology.RLP Episode 2, on Romans 13; Episode 3, arguments for anarchism; and Episode 16, elements of Reformed Covenant Theology.Against Civil Establishment of Religion, by Baus.American independence as Presbyterian rebellion.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Have you ever wondered why some people abandon their religious roots for entirely new spiritual paths? In this episode of "Avoiding Babylon," we start with captivating personal tales of transitioning from Protestantism to Catholicism. We discuss the prejudices against those born into the Catholic faith and the idea of convert supremacy, all while sharing how influential figures like RC Sproul and John MacArthur have shaped our spiritual journeys. Through these stories, we aim to paint a vivid picture of how different denominations and theological traditions have influenced our faith.Next, we dive deep into the intricacies of justification and liturgical practices, from the ancient methods of fourth-century ascetics to the modern debate between the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and the Novus Ordo. We analyze how engaging with historical liturgies and studying scriptural prophecies can ignite profound theological exploration. The discussion further explores the impact of Sola Scriptura on Western materialism and the role of relics and apostolic miracles in validating early Christian practices. This segment promises to offer rich insights into how ancient traditions can profoundly shape contemporary faith.Finally, we tackle some of the most complex and contentious topics in modern faith and culture. From the moral and ethical considerations surrounding marital obligations to the evolving understanding of gender roles, nationalism, and race, we leave no stone unturned. We reflect on the emotional and social dynamics within marriages, the influence of prominent figures like Harrison Butker, and the controversial viewpoints on U.S. foreign policy and ethnic influence. Through a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and historical context, this episode offers a compelling exploration of faith, culture, and identity that will leave you questioning and reflecting long after the episode ends.Support the Show.********************************************************https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonOdysee: https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylon

Tony and Bre launch their Summer in the Sermon series with a clip from RC Sproul's famed “Holiness” lectures. Originally filmed in 1986, these recordings of a young Sproul became a devotional treasure to millions of Christians, and a true reformed classic. More from Ligonier www.ligonier.orgJoin us for the "Winning with Wisdom" Conference, featuring Tony Wood and Grant Castleberry. Tickets now available:https://www.missionbible.org/events/wisdomChat with Bre on Instagram @datenightwiththewoods Follow Tony on Instagram @drtonygwood For videos, old episodes, blog posts, events, and more www.datenightfam.org

Bob covers John 1: 6-13 in his Bible commentary series. He likens the Arminian vs. Calvinist divide to General Relativity vs. quantum theory in physics, where both approaches are correct in their realm but--in their current versions--are incompatible.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The previous episode in this series, i.e. BMS 305, Installment 2, Jesus as Logos.The BMS episode with Steve Patterson, covering mind-body dualism.RC Sproul on the TULIP of Calvinism. Leighton Flowers' Provisionism.RC Sproul on John the Baptist as the last Old Testament prophet.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Every human being that walks this earth knows with certainty that God exists. Our sin is not that we do not know Him; it is that we refuse to acknowledge Him even though we do know Him. (RC Sproul)

“Adoration of God, like the Law of God, acts as a mirror to show us the blemishes of our character and drive us to a posture of contrition.” ~RC Sproul

Guest Bios Show Transcript https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tbf5FsOm0oResearch shows more than 95% of women who report being raped are telling the truth. But in some churches, these women are not believed and shamed. According to author Ryan George, it's all part of a propaganda machine meant to consolidate and maintain power. On this edition of The Roys Report, host Julie Roys continues her eye-opening dialogue with Ryan George, the son of an Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) pastor. In part one, Ryan described the physical abuse he suffered from his dad. Now Ryan exposes the harmful rhetoric in IFB churches from his insider perspective and comments on shocking examples of IFB misogyny. This podcast includes clips from IFB pastors who shamed women and rape victims in their sermons. Also included in this podcast is Ryan's description of how IFB pastors promote violence, especially when it's directed towards those seen as political foes. This is a no-holds-barred podcast, exposing the ugly truth about the IFB church movement, which Ryan asserts is a cult. It also includes a clip from John MacArthur in which the famous preacher sounds an awful lot like Ryan's IFB pastor dad. However, this podcast also has a wonderfully redemptive story, as Ryan tells how he escaped the abuse and deception in his father's IFB church and overcame fear. Guests Ryan George Ryan George is the author of Scared to Life, Word on the Street, and his latest book, Hurt and Healed by the Church. He's the blogger behind Explorience.org, where he tells stories at the intersection of physical adventures and spiritual discoveries on all seven continents. He co-founded and co-leads Dude Group, a parachurch outdoor Bible study and prayer group in the Blue Ridge Mountains where he lives with his wife, Crystal, and daughter, Deonnie. Show Transcript SPEAKERS PASTOR BOBBY LEONARD, JOHN MACARTHUR, RYAN GEORGE, Julie Roys, JACK HYLES Julie Roys  00:00 The following podcast contains clips from some pastors in the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, or IFB, who shamed women and rape victims in their sermons. We chose these clips to illustrate the systemic problems in IFB churches. But we realize these clips are hard to hear, so please take care as you listen.  For more background on these and other stories please visit JulieRoys.com. Research shows that more than 95-percent of women who report being raped are telling the truth. But in some churches, especially IFB churches, these women are disbelieved and shamed. According to Ryan George, it's all part of the IFB propaganda machine meant to consolidate and maintain power. Welcome to The Roys Report—a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I'm Julie Roys. And in part two of an eye-opening podcast with Ryan George—the son of an IFB pastor—Ryan exposes the misogynist propaganda in IFB churches. And in this podcast, you'll hear some shocking examples of this misogyny. But as Ryan explains, there's also promotion of violence within IFB churches, especially when it's directed towards those seen as political foes. This is no-holds-barred, stunning podcast, exposing the ugly truth about the IFB Church—a group Ryan confidently asserts is a cult. You'll also hear a clip from John MacArthur, where the famous preacher sounds an awful lot like an IFB pastor. But this podcast also has a wonderfully redemptive story, as Ryan tells how he escaped the IFB and overcame fear. I love Ryan's story—and I think you will too. We'll get to that in a minute. But first, I'd like to thank the sponsors of this podcast—Judson University and Marquardt of Barrington . . . Well again, here's part 2 of my podcast with Ryan George, author of Hurt and Healed in the Church. . . So there’s a whole section of your book that deals with propaganda. And you know, as a journalist, as somebody who’s in media, I mean, that’s something that always sort of piques my curiosity when I see something like that, but it’s really this idea of how the IFB was able to sell certain ideas to you. And extra biblical ideas that really weren’t necessarily in Scripture. And one of them that was just so heartbreaking to me because I work with female victims all the time of sexual abuse, and was that this idea, you actually heard this in college? Just stunning to me, that a woman if she’s raped, she would only get pregnant if she’s somehow enjoying it. And so it was kind of her fault if she gets pregnant. I mean, just despicable. absolutely shocking that anyone would say that. Yeah, just absolutely despicable. And, you know, I’m very pro-life in my convictions, but the thought that somebody would try to treat a rape victim who got pregnant that way is just heartbreaking, heartbreaking. But we know, these really misogynist ideas are woven into so many of these fundamentalist churches. And you mentioned in your book, that Jack Hyles, who if you don’t know Jack Hyles was really a main figure within the IFB movement. He had this church in Hammond, Indiana, First Baptist of Hammond, I think, huge mega church. I think at one point, they said they had like 40,000 people coming. I know he would bus people. RYAN GEORGE  01:42 He had 86 buses at the peak of their ministry, running a bus route. I mean, that’s a big metro area city bus ministry. Julie Roys  01:49 Yeah, Absolutely, absolutely huge. Anyway, you had this clip, and it was so awful, I like had to look it up in your footnotes and be like, is this online? And so the journalist in me, like has to find it, right. So actually I was able to do it, I was able to find this clip. And just so people realize, I also looked up, like what was the context? Because he says, who slew all of these? when he’s speaking and really what he’s talking about, I looked up that phrase, it’s actually from II Kings 10, and it refers to Jehu, who is basically meeting out God’s judgment to the wicked king Ahab, and also Jezabell two of the most wicked kings Israel ever had. And there are actually, you know, these men of the city, who slew who slay the 70 sons of Ahab. And it’s a pretty graphic description in the Old Testament where they actually bring the heads of all of these sons, and they put them at the gate. And it’s like the judgment of God being meted out in just, you know, a horrific way. But then again, what Jezebel and Ahab did during their reign was pretty horrific as well. But Jehu comes and he looks, you know, in front of the people, he’s looking at this this pile, and he says, who slew all of these? And so in this clip, Hyles is actually likening these wicked men who were beheaded, to the people he’s describing, and it’s absolutely breathtaking, because these people are women, who, God forbid, didn’t dress in the way that he thinks is appropriate. So take a listen. JACK HYLES  03:47 Who slew all of the women in shorts? Who slew all of these poor kids that are girls pregnant before they married? caused the boys to get so stirred up passionately that they rape a girl. Brother, you listen to me. For every single man that goes to prison for rape, you ought to be right beside him, a half-naked girl in the next cell. Who slew all these people on beaches? Who slew all these churches to have mixed swimming parties? Julie Roys  04:31 Unbelievable. RYAN GEORGE  04:32 And if you notice in the background of any video, or background of that video, it’s all women except for one guy and they’re smiling. Julie Roys  04:41 Some are some are not. I mean, some are smiling. Some are not. And I just know you know from reading your book, and from the research that I’ve done, I mean, there’s a lot of sexual abuse going on behind the scenes. I just have to wonder how many of these women are standing there hearing this, and they’ve been sexually abused, and now they’re hearing, it’s your fault that this happened to you. Which, interestingly, Jack Hyles’ son, David, he’s been accused by several women of raping them. In fact, I did a podcast about four years ago with a woman who claimed she was raped by Jack Hyles son David Hyles. We’ll put a link to that in the show notes. That’s I mean, if you want to explore this a little bit more that was a really powerful podcast. Amazing woman what she’s been through., RYAN GEORGE  05:36 Oh, yes. Julie Roys  05:38 But also, there’s the son-in-law of Jack Hyles, who, you know, he’s been convicted of taking what a 16-year-old across state lines and raping her. Interestingly, when he was caught in his crime, he did eventually admit, I guess that  he had raped her. But then he blamed it on the teen’s aggressiveness, on her aggressiveness. I mean, this is so just baked into the whip and woof of this culture, that it’s the woman’s fault. And you might think, well, you know, Jack Hyles, died in 2001. So this is like the IFB of many decades ago. And, unfortunately, it’s not. In fact, I found a clip, and this was just like, last month on the internet, and it was a recording that it had been from, I think, August of last year, last September, but it finally made its round. Yeah. On the internet. And it was of a pastor in North Carolina, Pastor Bobby Leonard, at this Bible Baptist Tabernacle in Monroe, North Carolina. And this, I mean, every bit as awful as what you just heard from Jack Hyles. Let me play this because, again, this happened within the past year. PASTOR BOBBY LEONARD  07:01 I used to say this. I haven’t said this a long time. You ready? I said, if you dress like that, and you get raped, and I’m on the jury, he’s will go free. You don’t like it, do you? I’m right though. I’m right. Because a man’s a man. Julie Roys  07:22 Hhmm. A man’s a man. RYAN GEORGE  07:25 We define manhood very differently. Julie Roys  07:27 Yeah, right. I mean, that was unbelievable. And I pointed out and I think I put a Tweet out there saying or a post on X, I guess I have to say, that, yeah, he’s a man. He’s not an animal. And one of the features of a man is he’s able to exercise self-control. So if a woman’s in shorts, no, that doesn’t give you a license to rape her. And that video went viral. And there were protests there. And I don’t know if they’re still ongoing. I know, several weeks after this video went viral,  those protests were still going. But you know, I looked before we recorded this podcast, and this Bobby Leonard is still pastor at this IFB church. RYAN GEORGE  08:09 Same church. Julie Roys  08:10 Yep. The thing that kills me about this is that this man is a pastor, and he’s espousing something again. So the antithesis of what Jesus would. I mean, his heart broke for victims. His heart was absolutely. So I mean, the only people he was hard on was religious hypocrites. That’s the only people he was hard on,  but people caught in sin, people victimized, those are the people Jesus’ heart broke for. RYAN GEORGE  08:39 There’s a chance that when that woman who was pulled out from underneath her adultery partner, when they brought him to Jesus, brought her to Jesus to stone her, there’s a really good chance that she was naked standing there next to Jesus. Julie Roys  08:49 Oh, I thought you were gonna say that she was a victim. But I’d never thought of that. RYAN GEORGE  08:53 I don’t know. She definitely she could have been a victim. Right? But even if it was consensual, they didn’t draw her adultery partner out. Right? They didn’t try to stone him. Julie Roys  09:02 No, no, not a man. No. RYAN GEORGE  09:04 No, right, right. They pulled her out as if she was the problem which is an IFB thing. And then so if that’s the case, they said, we put her in the act. So, there’s very likely that a pastor like this, a group of Pharisees, pulled this woman out into public, set her next to Jesus and Jesus didn’t look at her, he wrote in the dirt. And then when all the accusers went away, say, Hey, where are your accusers? Neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more. That’s like you’re saying antithetical to what is the messaging in that video, and many of the churches that I grew up in. Julie Roys  09:40 There’s so many components that you discuss, and we don’t have time to go through them all. I wish we could. But one of them I was like, we have to talk about this because Christian nationalism has become so big. And especially right now, in an election year, we’re hearing In a lot of it. I didn’t realize how IFB  churches supported Christian nationalism and tried to kind of do it biblically like having a biblical basis. Would you describe that? RYAN GEORGE  10:14 Well, it’s baked into the idea that if we can’t winsomely attract people to Jesus, right? Their churches don’t even try to winsomely attract people. I tell a story in the book about my parents church had a raffle that you could win a shotgun if you brought people to church. Yeah. Because like, that’s the only way, they knew that the message that they had to sell wasn’t going to be popular, right? And so what they look at is well, then just like as they do in the churches, can we go by force? Right. And so, when you hear fundamentalists talk about politics, they’re talking about overtaking and taking control. Like you hear these kinds of authoritarian terms, to say, we are trying to take our culture by storm, we’re going to try to take it back. That’s not exclusive to IFB. But you wouldn’t think that this very seclusionary cult would try to be mainstream in that way. But I mean, we had polling places on our campus. The college I went to is the home district for Matt Gates, who is also accused of multiple sexual crimes against minors. And they would brag that, you know, they would get students to change their voting district to college so that we could vote in Florida elections, and our college bragged that we put Bush in the White House. Because if you count how many votes were cast by our students in that district, that was enough to put Bush over the top, I voted for Bush, this isn’t a political thing. But the idea is that they were trying to take it by any ways necessary, which definitely falls into this whole Trumpism thing now because they’re like, that’s our Savior. He’s gonna force it. He’s talking about retribution. He’s talking about making people pay, making people cry. You know. So it makes sense if you have an authoritarian church and authoritarian pastor that you’d be drawn to political authoritarians. Julie Roys  12:05 And wasn’t there something too about like when the passage about the separation of the sheep from the goats and that certain nations, I’ve never heard this before, that God will separate certain nations, like separating the sheep from the goats, almost like if you’re not in the Christian nation, you’re not going to make it in? RYAN GEORGE  12:26 Yeah, it’s a weird double jeopardy situation. And they’re like, Hey, we have to win America back to God because of this passage. And part of it is because if you only believe that the King James version is the only version you can read, and if you only believe that there are pastors out there, I have a few pastors that say that the English version of the Bible is more inspired than the original. Like, I mean, it’s all over you can find on the internet. If you follow, there’s an Instagram account, I highly recommend called At Bad Sermons. Bad Sermons has a whole bunch of this stuff. Julie Roys  12:55 I think that’s where that clip, actually yeah, of Pastor Monroe first came out, yeah, RYAN GEORGE  13:01 Oh, my gosh. And so what happens is they go, well, then that means if A plus B equals C, then we have to win America to Christ, so that, and they don’t mean that they have to save America. They’re not trying to save Americans. They’re trying to save their version, which is, again, a messed-up version of America for this thing. But that doesn’t make sense. So as I’m writing that chapter in my book, I’m in Slovenia, which I was in northern Slovenia, I was about 5-10 miles from the Italy border. And if you’ve ever looked at that part of the map, Slovenia has been part of like, 12, where I was sitting in that library has been part of like, 12 different countries in the last 400 years. Like, so at what point does Jesus pick your country? Is it 1787? Is it 2004? Is it 1999? Was it when it was in the Soviet bloc? Is it now that it’s not? It’s like, you know, was it when it was part of this country or that? Like, there’s so little intellectual rigor applied to anything. And when you do try to apply any type of academic anything, you’re saying, Oh, you’re a liberal, you don’t have faith, you know, all this stuff. Like you have to take the man of God’s word for this. And so you have IFB pastors after Joe Biden was elected, getting up and saying, Hey, I don’t know if you know if this is right, but I’m not going to get in the way of God if his will is to assassinate Joe Biden, from the pulpit. Wow. And you go, wait, what? Like, where did Jesus ever call us to assassinate our enemy? When Peter cut the guards year off, Jesus healed the guard and then said to Peter, like, what are you doing, man? Like, this isn’t how we do this. Julie Roys  14:37 Ah, that is so I am speechless. That is so so awful. Wow. Well, there’s something else that stuck out to me, probably because this is in the news right now. And you’ve got a chapter called, Misrepresenting Orthodoxy, and you talk about these IFB preachers who will condemn certain groups or certain groups of people in sort of this selective self-righteousness. And you talk about your father, who again, this is a man who was a pedophile. I mean, he molested girls who are not even of age. And yet, he said he would condemn Martin Luther King Jr., because he supposedly was a philanderer and, you know, had relations with women outside of marriage. At least, you know, in that case, you know, I don’t know, but I’m guessing they were consensual. Which was not the case with your father. But you write, I thought  this was a great paragraph. You write, While that irony plays out. Let me just read this here. While that irony plays out on a micro level of my family, I can’t escape the more macro irony of my dad’s disregard for Dr. King. In the unsaved churches of my youth, beliefs were an idol and hypocrisy was defended as a way to protect the gospel. Dogmatism took precedence over following the example of Jesus. Doctrine was more important than authenticity, curiosity, or compassion. And you’re probably aware, right now, there’s a big brouhaha over some things that John MacArthur has said, about Martin Luther King, Jr. In fact, I’m just gonna play that. So if people haven’t heard that, they can hear what he said. I’ll just play it. JOHN MACARTHUR  16:41 The T for G (Together for the Gospel) guys wanted to honor him with a panel, and we spent an hour, an hour and 15 minutes. And it was just beautiful tributes to RC from all of us, who knew him so very, very well. And the strange irony was a year later, they did the same thing for Martin Luther King, who was not a Christian at all, whose life was immoral. I’m not saying he didn’t do some social good. And I’ve always been glad that he was a pacifist, or he could have started a real revolution. But you don’t honor a non-believer who misrepresented everything about Christ and the gospel, in an organization alongside honoring somebody like RC Sproul. Julie Roys  17:36 So how does that hit you? RYAN GEORGE  17:39 So I see it again as a hypocrite, you know. John MacArthur has covered for multiple child molesters in his church. And I go, here’s the irony is you’re going to prop up people in your own church who are doing way worse than what Dr. Martin Luther King is and say that they are examples of the faith. Like this is why we keep them in our church, right? And then say somebody who had some affairs, which we’re not condoning affairs, that it wipes out everything they did, including  whether or not they’re going to heaven. That’s the mental gymnastics that the  IFB church has to do to feel self-righteous. Julie Roys  18:16 And missing, that one of the greatest sins that God calls out is pride. I mean when I hear things like that, I’m like, wow! I mean, I could talk about Dr. Martin Luther King’s doctrine, and there may be some really bad things in there. And I’m not saying that you can’t talk about that. But to say that you, a mere human, who doesn’t know the hearts of man, can say where the eternal destiny of someone else is. That crosses a line to me. RYAN GEORGE  18:46 It’s hubris. Julie Roys  18:48 Absolutely. RYAN GEORGE  18:49 And the irony is Dr. Martin Luther King was a Baptist pastor in the south, which means it was probably conservative to some degree, as far as theologically conservative church. They were probably closer than MacArthur would like to admit. Julie Roys  19:02 Yeah. Well, the last section of your book is beautiful. And it talks about. RYAN GEORGE  19:08 Oh, thank you. Julie Roys  19:08 Yeah, it talks about the greener pastures that are available. You know, there to get beyond the abuse, and the dogmatism, you know, that these things don’t have to define you and define the rest of your life. I think that’s hugely important. But at the same time, moving forward and choosing, you know, the better path, to choose growth over comfort, can be, it’s a risky thing to do. But it’s the path you chose, and maybe the path less traveled. But why would you like to the person who right now is just kind of sitting there going, You know, dare I do that? What would you say? RYAN GEORGE  19:54 I’d tell him, it’s worth it. So I’m a little predisposed to this. So, I’m an adrenaline junkie, I jump off mountains and planes and buildings. I’ve surfed in the Arctic. I do all kinds of crazy things. Julie Roys  20:06 You surfed in the Arctic? RYAN GEORGE  20:08 Yes, ma’am. I’ve camped in both the Arctic Circle and Antarctica. I do a thing called wing-walking, where you go out on the wings of a bi-plane while it’s flying, and it does aerobatic maneuvers while you’re out there. Julie Roys  20:16 No, no, no, no, no, no. RYAN GEORGE  20:18 But here’s what I’ve learned in that. And this is how God designed our bodies with dopamine and epinephrine and other reward chemicals, is that when we do this scary thing, we are chemically rewarded, right? And the times when I felt most alive in my life, outside of a faith community in a relationship, but like physically when I felt most alive, was after I conquered a fear. I was so scared to go wing walking the first time. I finally found a life insurance company to give me life insurance cuz you can imagine it’s hard to insure some of the stuff that I do for fun. And I got back down on the ground after my first, you take lessons, and you get like certified for different things you do out on the wings. And I got back down on the ground and my classmates had waited, I was the last student through the school that day. And one of my classmates yelled out, how was it? And I’m taking off, you know, your gear whatever, I was like, I’ve never felt more alive, right. And so what I’d like to tell people is, it’s that way for me and my faith. When I’ve had a conversation around a fire with somebody, or when I saw someone meet Jesus for the first time or put their marriage back together. Or I have a friend who has six foster and adopted children?, and to watch the reclamation project of what he and his wife are doing right? And different things in my life. I’ve seen Jesus do incredible things. And I have goosebumps right now all over my body, thinking about what I’ve seen is like, that is what life in all caps is. And I’ve experienced it. So my last book was called Scared to Life. And it was about I felt God the most when I’m scared. And so what I’m able to do because it’s become normal for me, I’m scared of heights. People are amazed. I’ve jumped off the 63rd story of a building before, but I’m scared of heights. But what I’ve learned is, is that when I lean into that fear, the reward is at least equal to whatever I was afraid of. And I found that to be true in my faith. You can’t convince them. It’s like trying to convince a seven-year-old that someday they’re going to like kissing girls. Trust me dude, I’m telling you, it’s the same thing. People are like, You’re so crazy, I would never go out on the wings of an airplane. It’s like, but have you ever been upside down at 140 miles an hour looking at the California desert? I can’t explain it right? It’s the same thing. There are things in my faith. I’ve had these encounters with Jesus that’s sweeter than anything I’ve ever had with my parents, anything I’ve ever had in churches growing up, that cannot be explained outside of Jesus. And I want that for you. I won’t ever force someone to jump out of a plane with me or do some of the stuff that I do. But I will invite over and over and over again because I know what’s waiting for them on the other side. And then you go, Okay, you just did something that 99% of humans in America would say you are legitimately crazy to try, and you feel more alive. What is something back home that you’re scared to do? A conversation you’re scared to have, a thing you’re scared to relinquish to Jesus, an addiction you’re scared to tell somebody about whatever it is. That Invitational model has proven true in my life over and over again. Julie Roys  23:16 I mean, it makes me think of when I was about to blow the whistle on the Moody Bible Institute. And I had this piece written, and I won’t go into the whole story of how that went down. But I was terrified because I knew that would burn my bridge forever. Not just with Moody. But you get blacklisted. And that would be the end of my career. And I was okay with that. But it was still scary. And yet, I mean, yes. Did I feel alive when I did that? And then on the heels of that, that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing today. God birthed this out of that, and had I not followed through  on that conviction God gave me, I wouldn’t I wouldn’t be here, you know. And so, to me, I feel like I’m living the adventure. You know. I think life in Christ should be living the adventure. And it will always, always, I think we’ve forgotten about this. RYAN GEORGE  24:14 Jesus hinted at it. So they didn’t have the terms that we have now in the New Testament to describe biology and whatever else. But over and over and over from Jesus and other people Old Testament New Testament. The Bible says the just shall live by faith. But what a lot of people don’t reverse engineer that to go it’s you can’t have faith unless you have doubt, fear, both, right? I’m only scared on the wing of an airplane if I don’t think my harness is going to work or there’s going to be a malfunction in the plane. When you’ve done it 100 times, the 100th time I rode a motorcycle, it wasn’t as scary as the first time right? The first time you ride a roller coaster you’re holding on white knuckles. By the fifth time you’re posing for the picture. You’re physically doing the same thing. But you’ve lost that fear. And so, for us to live by faith on a regular basis, there has to be something that brings doubt or fear into our life. It sounds masochistic and I don’t mean it that way. But if Jesus isn’t given me an assignment on a regular basis that makes my palms sweaty, then I have to ask myself, do I have faith right now? Am I living the just life? Julie Roys  25:11 Absolutely. And that’s why I think we’ve forgotten that to be a moral person, to be a godly person, it actually requires courage. Like, you just don’t hear that very much. We think of it as you have to be pure in your thoughts and your life and all those things are true. But you have to have courage, because God will call you to something that requires faith and like you’re saying, it requires facing your fear. And I’m thinking right now because this is where your book lands. But I know this is where an awful lot of people are. Is some of the scariest things to do, are to pursue your own healing. Because it means instead of running away from what was painful, you actually have to lean into it, you actually have to go places that you don’t want to go. And yet, that’s something that you did. And I feel like you’re kind of not that any of us is on the other side. Because healing is a process that we won’t fully be healed till we’re in heaven, right? You know, so. But you’re kind of on the other side, where you’ve walked through some stuff and been able to say, hey, you can trust this process. So speak to that person right now who may be in that spot. RYAN GEORGE  26:25 Oh, man. The hard part is all of our journeys are nuanced, right? So I’m not calling someone and telling them, Hey, go back to the church where you came from, or go back to the religion that you came from, or even go back to a church as is commonly defined United States, like a Sunday service, or whatever else. What I am calling people to do is to find a version of Jesus they can fall in love with. And I was talking to a podcaster a few weeks ago, and she gave me this great analogy, and I got to use it. But she said, there are a lot of people who go to a Taylor Swift concert alone, but nobody goes home alone. They come home with friendship bracelets, and new friends and new Instagram connections and whatever else. And I said, for me, the Taylor Swift in that story is Jesus. And if I find that Jesus, that I’m a big fan of which I have found, and if I go to the concert, I’m going to bump into other people who love the same Jesus. And we’re going to trade friendship bracelets, and we’re going to start. So whether that spiritual community is a service, or whether it’s just meeting someone for coffee, there are certain people that I know, the first version of Jesus they can find is to go to therapy, and to be real. And what happens is, after you get used to telling your story in that room, then you get more courage to tell people outside of that room, et cetera. And so church can grow for you. But my book is not a call to go back on a Sunday. My call is to fall in love with the Jesus that I’ve fallen in love with, because it’s been utterly rewarding. And if you can look at it as a personal relationship, I know that that terminology has been used and abused in the faith that I grew up in. But as a note, this isn’t like me and the church. This is me and Jesus, and know that Jesus, everywhere he went, other people were attracted around that were fans of his hand up to 1000s of people. So no matter whether you define church as a house church, or, you know, multisite, non-denom, whatever. All of it is trappings; find the Jesus that loves you. And he promised, in his own words, read letters to the Bible. He said, If you seek me, and you seek with your whole heart, you will find me. And we’re on this divine scavenger hunt to find him everywhere and anywhere. And when you start intentionally looking for him. Like before, before I go on a hike, you’ll get this because you’re a hiker. Before I go on a hike in new places like God, will you reveal why you drew me to this trail? God, will you reveal what it is you want me to know about yourself today? And I can tell you how that prayers were answered hiking in the Faroe Islands and Iceland and Norway. I still remember how Jesus answered those prayers. I have prayed that prayer before getting on a flight at JFK. God, would you reveal why it is I’m getting on this plane? What do you want me to know about getting on this plane? And that led to a very emotional blog post and people are like, Oh, my goodness, you met Jesus on a flight to Finland? Like how does that even work? And if we’re expectant to find the real Jesus, why wouldn’t he want to reveal himself? Jesus gave up his life so that we could know him. So when we asked him, Jesus help me know you more, helped me find the real you, why wouldn’t he answer that prayer? Julie Roys  28:45 I love that. I love that. And it is the real Jesus. And unfortunately, he has not been portrayed to some of us as his true self. And it’s important that we find that. Ryan, this has been such a phenomenal conversation. I’ve so enjoyed it. Yeah, just so glad to have this conversation and for the gift of your book. And I know it takes a lot to write a book and especially one this personal. So thank you so much, and it’s just been a delight. RYAN GEORGE  29:45 Thanks for sharing me with your people. Read more

"A Living Sacrifice"Romans 12:1Pastor Nate ClarkeFebruary 4, 2024Part of WORSHIP SeriesSERMON NOTES:- Romans 12:1-2- A living sacrifice - Romans 12:1 _in view of God's mercy_--- Adoption in Jesus and identity in Christ--- You are under grace, not the law--- You are justified from guilt and the penalty of sin--- You are promised help in times of trouble--- You are given the Holy Spirit within you--- You have confidence in the glory to come--- You cannot be separated from the love of God--- You have confidence in God's continued faithfulness- True and proper worship is always done in view of God's mercy- True and proper worship involves your whole life- Romans 12:1 _offer your bodies_- “Christ gave himself for us, and we are to respond by giving ourselves to him.” RC Sproul - 1 Corinthians 9:26-27- 1 Samuel 15:22- Hosea 6:6- True and proper worship involves sacrificial gifts.- Romans 12:1 _as a living sacrifice_--- Burnt offerings--- Grain offerings--- Peace offerings (thanksgiving, votive, and free will offerings)--- Sin offering--- Guilt offering- Hebrews 13:16- True and proper worship is the primary goal of every believer.- Be worshipful so that you can be merciful.- A merciful lifestyle depends on a worshipful lifestyle.Oasis Church exists to help people see Jesus more clearly.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Richmond, VA.Stay Connected:Website: https://oasischurch.online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/

The Protestant Reformation was a foregone conclusion because, at some point, people would have to rise up to throw off the religious tyranny of the Roman Catholic Church. This movement was led by Martin Luther in Germany, Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland and John Calvin in France. But sadly, instead of overthrowing the Roman harlot, they ‘reformed' her, and created a new system of teaching based on creeds, confessions and canons. Reformed Theology. They ‘improved it worse', or as the Germans say, die verschlimmbesserung. Whoa, that's a mouthful. On this episode of Rightly Dividing, we are looking at the Protestant Reformation as compared to the clear teachings of your King James Bible, and we wade through some fairly meaty creeds, confessions and canons that form the bulk of the Reformation, or Reformed Theology. The Reformers were a highly passionate lot, which is a good thing, but some of that passion led to some insane excess. Martin Luther, talking about the Jews, wrote “First to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them.” Yikes. John Calvin had his opponents, political and religious, put to death. Certainly none of this aligns with anything Paul ever wrote. But the Reformed Movement which rose up around them is alive and well in our day, and it is based on 3 main things. They are the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort and the Westminster Confession of Faith. John MacArthur, RC Sproul, John Piper and others have been the Reformed standard bearers in the 21st century, and they and their followers rule social media with a rod of iron. On this episode, we compare what they teach and believe to the Bible.

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: How to lead your family & your church wellScripture: 1 Peter 5:1-14 NIVBottom Line: We lead our family and church family like Jesus told us to: teaching them to obey all he's commanded us.1. SERMON OUTLINE2. NOTES3. OUTLINES4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS5. MAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionMy dream last night was like no dream I've ever had. It was clear, not overly weird, and it repeated. And it had a clear point.And I actually remember it.I was at my old church after being gone awhile. We were coming out of the Sunday worship service and old friends were greeting me after being gone a long time. Some invited me to share a word with their Sunday school class. I was thrilled to do that. But I had to come up with something to say. But then I found myself wandering around the campus trying to find that Sunday school class. I spent 55 of the 60 minutes looking for this class. When I finally found it I realized it was right where I started when they asked me to come in and share. I'd been right where I was supposed to be in the first place.I also knew what I was to share in the brief time I had with them. It would be Matthew 28:19-20, especially this part… “Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you”And then as I was driving in this morning praying about what to do with this dream, I felt led to share this and then I felt like God shared another thought. That just like I wandered all over that church campus looking for the class room, Israel had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Why? Because they didn't believe God's words about taking the promise land and so they disobeyed the commands of God. This led me to wonder if we aren't doing the same thing today. Are we leading (shepherding) our families and church family to obey the commands of Christ?This goes with the questions we're wrestling with in 1 Peter 5 today.What is an elder in the Bible?ShepherdPastorBishopOverseerElderThe New Testament uses this interchangeably. Duties include: lead, feed and protect the flock. I (Darien) am speaking as a current elder in our church.I am speaking to our current elders.I am speaking to our future elders.I am speaking to our church members who are responsible for choosing our elders and holding them accountable to lead according to God's word.I am speaking to every person who is or wishes to be a leader in the church—we're all called to lead like our chief shepherd Jesus Christ.I am also speaking as a husband to Anita and father to our four daughters (who are grown and out of the house now)I am speaking to parents and future parents.I am speaking to kids.I am speaking to every church member.This is important because so much rises and falls on leadership. And God has defined leadership for the church is it's broadest terms as shepherds. OUTLINE (Based on E Clowney's outline)1. How do lead your family and church family well? 5:1-11 1. How do pastors/elders do this? 1. Remember who Peter is (1) 1. Apostle 2. Elder/pastor 3. Witness 1. To Christ's sufferings 2. To Christ's glory 2. Remember who I am (1) 1. Fellow apostle (little ‘a') in that I am also sent by Christ 2. Fellow elder/pastor/undershepherd to Christ 3. Fellow witness to all Christ has done in and through me including how we suffering together 3. Shepherd/pastor/oversee Christ's flock under your care (2-4). How? By leading, feeding and protecting them like this: 1. “Watching over them” (overseer) like a general inspecting his troops or better a shepherd caring for his flock; not just looking for flaws but knowing the history, personality, & unique challenges of each individual sheep (2) 1. Not because you must—duty (2) 2. But because you are willing, as God wants you to be—delight (2) 3. Not pursuing dishonest gain (money, position, reputation) (2) 4. eager to serve (not lording it over those “entrusted” to you; remember how we defined that word last week (like the person you entrust your life savings to while gone on vacation when there are no banks like in the first century) (3) 2. By being examples (of Christ) to the flock (3) 3. In a manner worthy of the reward that awaits (4) 2. How does everyone else do this? (5-11) 1. In mutual service to one another (5) 1. Why? 2. Because God opposes the proud but gives favor to the humble. (Cf. Prov 3:34; James 4:6) 2. In humble service to God and each other (5c-7) 1. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand.” God is able! 2. “Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.” God cares! 3. In triumphant suffering (8-11) 1. The Christian resistance movement (8-9) 1. “Be alert and of sober mind.” Pay attention to the world around you. 2. The Devil is roaring looking to devour. 1. Christians in that day would know about lions in the colosseum in Rome. Lions devouring enemies of Rome for entertainment. 2. Words from elder/pastor Ignatius (AD 108-140) anticipating his death in the Roman Colosseum: “Let me be given to the wild beasts, for through them I can attain unto God. I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread...Come fire and cross and grapplings with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, hacking of limbs, crushings of my whole body, come cruel tortures of the devil to assail me. Only be it mine to attain unto Jesus Christ.” Clowney, p. 172-3 2. The assurance of God's saving purpose (10-11) 1. There is God's glory and life awaiting us at the end of the narrow way 2. There is suffering for us between here and there along the narrow way that leads to life2. Final Greeting (12-14) 1. Silas: Messenger or editor? (12) Messenger and amanuensis (took dictation) 2. Peter's purpose in writing (12) 1. To encourage them 2. To remind them of the true grace of God 3. Greetings from whom? (13) 1. The local church (network of house churches) 2. In Rome (Babylon is symbolic) 4. Peace to whom? (14) Those “in Christ”ConclusionBottom Line: We lead our family and church family like Jesus told us to: teaching them to obey all he's commanded us.Are we shepherding our families to obey the commands of Christ?Are we shepherding our church family to obey the commands of Christ?Other stories/examplesDaniel is a great example of a disciple of Jesus Christ as described by Peter in 1 Peter. He is a literal exile living in a kingdom hostile to his beliefs. He stays faithful over and over even when it costs him.He is thrown into the lion's den when he defies the King's edict and prays to God instead of to the king per the new law. He is maliciously setup to bring his downfall. This seemingly happens when he is thrown into the lion's den until the next morning when we learn that God shut the lion's mouths and he was fine. We will be persecuted for following Jesus Christ.We will be slandered and misunderstood too.We will become targets of hate for our beliefs.God is faithful. He will not abandon us.He calls us to bless them.He will bless us.In successive weeks at [HTB](https://www.htb.org/), I (Nicky Gumbel) interviewed two people of courage and faith. One, Ben Freeth, inspired by his faith in Jesus Christ, had taken a courageous stance against the unjust regime in Zimbabwe. As a result, he was beaten, tortured and forced to watch his elderly mother-in-law and father-in-law undergo torture, from which the latter eventually died. Yet in the midst of his suffering, he chose to love and bless the torturers. The second was a pastor from one of the sixty countries around the world where physical persecution of Christians still takes place. He had been imprisoned and, at one stage, sentenced to death for no other reason than his faith in Jesus Christ. Yet in the face of extreme suffering he refused to deny his faith. PrayQ. What do I want them to know?A. How to lead their family and church well.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because this is God's plan for parenting the family and the family of God.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. 1. Elders, lead the church like Jesus Christ led his disciples. 2. People, lead one another like Jesus Christ led his disciples.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. This leads to healthy, reproducing families of faith that impact our broken world for good.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. 1. At home, for those under our roof, we lead, feed and protect the flock through the teaching and applying God's word to our lives and each other. 2. At church, for those in our local fellowship, we lead, feed and protect the flock by choosing qualified men to lead like Jesus Christ.NOTES“Suffering Christians who look to the Lord also gain comfort by remembering the family of believers (2:17). Samuel Bénétreau points out four advantages to be gained from knowing that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings (9). First, there is encouragement in knowing that you are not alone and isolated, suffering in a unique way. Second, you are reminded that the bond that unites you to Jesus Christ also joins you to the family of God throughout the world. Suffering Christians have a caring fellowship with those similarly afflicted. Third, Christians are reminded that suffering is inherent in the Christian faith. Through suffering they have fellowship with Christ and their faith is purified. Peter speaks of the suffering that must be 'accomplished' or 'brought to its end' by the 'family of believers'. Suffering has its place in God's plan for a world destined for justice, peace and glory.Christians know that the 'family of believers' does not suffer in vain; their experience of suffering is being brought to the victorious conclusion that God has designed. Fourth, knowing of these sufferings stimulates hope.The spread of persecution and trials points to the nearness of the consummation: the promised land is in view.50” -Clowney, p. 176“In southern France, overlooking the Mediterranean, stands the Tower of Constance. There, in the eighteenth century, Huguenot women were imprisoned for decades because they refused to surrender their Reformed faith. In the tower room where they were held captive, a stone coping surrounds a round opening in the floor. Inscribed in the stone is the word'Résistez! Marie Durand entered that room in 1729, when she was fifteen years old. Three years later her brother Pierre was hanged at Montpellier.In 1745 she was offered her freedom if she would agree to renounce Protestant worship. She refused all such offers and remained captive for thirty-eight years, resisting the temptations to despair, to suicide, to betrayal. From her imprisonment she began a ministry of encouragement by correspondence. Some of her letters are kept today in the Museum of the Wilderness in the mountains of the Cévennes.” Clowney, p. 1751 Peter 5:10 (ESV): 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.1. Complete/restore2. Establish - strengthen and protect3. Strengthen 4. Place on firm foundation -Clowney, p. 178Elders in the New Testament are tasked with several key duties, including:1. **Spiritual Oversight:** Providing spiritual guidance and leadership to the church community.2. **Teaching and Doctrine:** Instructing and ensuring adherence to sound biblical doctrine.3. **Shepherding the Flock:** Caring for the well-being of the congregation, like a shepherd caring for a flock.4. **Modeling Character:** Demonstrating a godly and mature character for others to follow.5. **Prayer:** Engaging in prayer for the church and its members.6. **Protecting from False Teaching:** Guarding the congregation against false doctrines or teachings.These duties are often outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 in the New Testament.I. Living in the Suffering Church of God 5:1-11 1. The humble role/rule (leadership) of Christs' elders (1-4) 1. Their fellowship with Christs' sufferings and glory (1) 2. Their charge as shepherds of God's flock (2-4) 1. The calling of the shepherd/elder/pastor 2. The manner of the shepherd/elder/pastor 3. The reward of shepherd/elder/pastor2. The humble service of Christs' people (5-11) 1. In mutual service (5) 2. In confident devotion: humble service to God (5c-7) 3. In triumphant suffering (5:8-11) 1. The Christian resistance movement (8-9) 2. The assurance of God's saving purpose (10-11)II: Final Greetings 5:12-14 (Clowney)1. Silas: Messenger or editor? (12)2. Peter's purpose in writing (12)OUTLINESShreiners outlineElders—3 exhortations:1. Shepherd and oversee God's flock2. Be eager in fulfilling their task and should not serve for financial gain3. Live as examples of the flock instead of using their authority to domineer the churchHelms OutlineI. An exhortation to elders (1-5) A. The elders role (1-2a) 1. To shepherd the flock of God 2. Elders must not lack character 3. Elders must not misunderstand their calling 4. Elders must emulate their Chief Shepherd B. The elders readiness (2b-3) 1. Not under compulsion, but willingly 2. Not for shameful gain, but eagerly 3. Not domineering, but as examples C. The elders reward (4) D. Everyone else's responsibility (5) II. True Grace and eternal Glory (6-14) Divine Logic of True Grace A. Divine commands & encouragement (6-9) 1. Humble yourselves/God cares for you (6-7) 2. Be sober-minded and watchful and resist (8-9) B. Divine Principle Repeated (10a) - True grace looks like this: present sufferings are intimately connected to eternal glory C. Divine Actions Followed by Our Adoration (10b-11) 1. Restore, Confirm, Strengthen, Establish 2. Our adoration D. Finishing in True Grace (12-14)NIV Study Bible brief outlineAfter the opening (1:1-2), the letter has three main sections:1: Peter first tells his readers to be holy in all you do. As Gentiles they once lived in ignorance (they did not know the ways of God). But they are now a holy nation, part of God's own people, and are called to a new way of life.2: Peter then explains how this way of life will impress those who might accuse and persecute them without just cause.3: Peter acknowledges that his readers are suffering for their faith, but he explains that this is only to be expected. The Messiah himself suffered, and believers all over the world are facing the same challenge. The followers of Jesus are waiting for the day God will visit them, and even in their suffering they can show they belong to God.The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.P Schreiner Commentary“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner 0. Elect exiles (1:1-2)1. Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2) 1. New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12) 2. New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)2. Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4) 1. Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7) 2. Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)3. Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5) 1. Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19) 2. Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)4. In Babylon (5:12-24)Relying on Willmington's Outline Bible1 Peter 5 -Chronological life application, study Bible notesDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:1. Retell the story in your own words.2. Discovery the story 1. What does this story tell me about God? 2. What does this story tell me about people? 3. If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?3. Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)- What is God saying to you right now? - What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions: Based on this passage:1. Who is God?2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)4. What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)Final Questions (index cards optional)- What is God saying to you right now? - What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED---“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: Why do people suffer? Living with the end in mindScripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19; Matt 5:11-12; Phil 2:5-11; Luke 9:26; Acts 5:41; Mark 10:17; James 1:2-4; Rom 8:28 NIVHow do we maintain our joy in the midst of suffering?How do we arm ourselves with this attitude of Christ? Why do bad things happen to good people?Bottom Line: We live in light of the end by not being surprised (but rejoicing) at or ashamed of our suffering (but pressing on) but instead by entrusting ourselves to the Lord's good works of doing good works until we go home.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionWe said last week that we live with the end in mind by arming ourselves with the attitude of Christ. (Regarding suffering)This week Peter continues with this thought by adding how we do this. If I were in Ephesians 6, I'd say this includes putting on the full armor of Christ. Peter adds this to Paul's teaching: Entrust yourself to your faithful Creator, and Continue to do good until you go home.I told the story at the end of last week about Barnie Reeves. He was a member of this church for years until he went home to be with the Lord. He was in the hospital in those last days with intestinal cancer of some kind. I was visiting him in the hospital one day downtown when he started tearing up. He said that there had been times that week when he felt like Jesus was in the room with him. He said he'd never felt closer to the Lord than in those moments. This was in the midst of the worst suffering he'd ever been through. This retired USAF sergeant, tears rolling down his aged cheeks, was smiling and glowing with the joy of the Lord in the midst of suffering because he was able to make the connection between suffering and glory. That when he suffered for doing good (not evil), and he was vocal with anyone who would listen about his faith in Christ, he experienced the joy of the Lord. He fellowshipped with a Jesus who understood great suffering.It's this empathy towards suffering with purpose that gave him joy.How are you suffering today? Is it for good? Because of evil? Because of the sin of others? Because of your sin?What does God say about this?“This lesson is one that George Matheson, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 1842, put before us in elevated language. At birth Matheson's eyesight was poor. By age eighteen he had nearly lost it completely. Robbed of physical sight, he nevertheless recognized spiritual truths with penetrating clarity and insight. Take the role of suffering in the life of a believer, for example. It never caught him by surprise. He never thought suffering for his Christian faith strange. And when, according to God's will, he was asked to enter into it, he was never ashamed. He writes:There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain. Nothing could be more sad to Jacob than the ground on which he was lying, a stone for his pillow. It was the hour of his poverty. It was the season of his night. It was the seeming absence of his God. The Lord was in the place and he knew it not. Awakened from his sleep he found that the day of his trial was the dawn of his triumph.Ask the great ones of the past what has been the spot of their prosperity and they will say, "It was the cold ground on which I was lying." Ask Abraham; he will point to the sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Ask Joseph; he will direct you to this dungeon. Ask Moses; he will date his fortune from his danger in the Nile. Ask Ruth; she will bid you build her monument in the field of her toil. Ask David; he will tell you that his songs came in the night. Ask Job; he will remind you that God answered him out of the whirlwind. Ask Peter; he will extol his submersion in the sea. Ask John: he will give the path to Patmos. Ask Paul; he will attribute his inspiration to the light which struck him blind.Ask one more! — the Son of God. Ask Him whence has come His rule over the world; he will answer, "From the cold ground on which I was lying — the Gethsemane ground —I received my scepter there."OUTLINERelying on David Helms' commentary for this outline:III. The connection between suffering and gloryDon't be surprised or think it strange when you, a Christian, suffers for doing good. (12) (This is another way to ask the question: why do bad things happen to good people?)But rejoiceWhy?Because we suffer with ChristSo that we may be overjoyed when glory is revealedWhat is God's glory exactly? It's the sum of his attributes like his Holiness (justice, righteousness)LoveLifeLight--like the sunraysTruthFaithfulnessOmni-benevolence (he's all good)Omnipotence (all powerful)Omniscience (all knowing)Omnipresence (everywhere all the time; even outside of time)Immutable (unchanging and therefore perfect)Glory is meant to be visible Like a gold medal shines and has intrinsic valueIt also represents hours, days, months of work and preparation needed to earn that medalOur job is to reflect his gloryIf insulted, notice you are blessedWhy?Because the spirit of Glory rests on you (Persecution University -Greg Stier)If you suffer, It should be for good, not evilIf as a Christian, don't be ashamedBut praise God that you bear his nameWhy?Because it is time for judgment to begin with God's householdDon't be ashamed (16)Jesus said, if you are ashamed of me Acts 5:41, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”Luke 9:26, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”Th e Poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox penned these words:“All those who journey, soon or late, Must pass within the garden's gate;Must kneel alone in darkness there,And battle with some fierce despair.God pity those who cannot say,‘Not mine but thine,' who only pray,‘Let this cup pass,' and cannot seeThe purpose in Gethsemane.”Therefore, press on, brother! -Barnie ReevesEmbrace your suffering—if it's for your own good.Notice God is making a connection between our suffering his judgment—most surprising! First time his reference to suffering isn't at the hands of ungodly people.Yet, still about ungodly behavior.So, at times, our suffering comes to us because we deserve it. God disciplines us. (Prunes us?)“The apricot tree at 2828 Hill Heights Park was trimmed back so much I wondered if the branches and leaves would ever grow back, let alone the leaves. We needed up that next year having apricots coming out of our ears; Mom made apricot pie, jam, and we had it as fresh fruit, an there was still an abundance left for the birds.” -SpurgeonWhen we sink, we tarnish his glory. So he disciplines us to multiple reasons (see below)And if you're discouraged, take note of what Peter says about unbelievers.Like Spurgeon, learn to say, “I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages.”Entrust your souls—v. 19 Most succinctly summarizes this theme of suffering and how we're to live in light of the end:.Regardless of whether we are suffering from sins we've committed or for doing good, we're called to trust the Lord for the care of their souls.While doing goodDon't be surprised when hardship comes; don't think it strangeDon't be ashamedDon't hesitate, instead, to Commit or Entrust yourself to God's eternal plan, and Faithful creator = sovereign; no suffering happens that he doesn't allowFaithful to his people no matter what“The word for commit (19) is used for making a deposit. The Hellenistic world lacked our modern banking system. Someone undertaking a journey might deposit his or her funds with a neighbour while away. Naturally, the neighbour's integrity would be a concern! God's grace appears in his entrusting the gospel to us; how much more readily may we commit our souls to the faithful keeping of our Creator (19)!Continue to do good along the narrow wayThis shows that we're entrusting our lives to him in the midst of suffering and persecution“Press-on” were words of Paul that Barnie would say often in his latter years. Barnie—son of encouragement—knew how to encourage discouraged believers.ConclusionWhen we entrust ourselves to the Lord, we find ourselves resting in him. This frees us up to do good as we head to the end.Bottom Line: We live in light of the end by not being surprised (but rejoicing) at or ashamed of our suffering (but pressing on) but instead by entrusting ourselves to the Lord's good works of doing good works until we go home.PrayQ. What do I want them to know?A. How live rejoice in their trials and suffering.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because it will encourage them to press-on towards joy when they suffer instead of fall into despair.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Live with the end in mind by continuing to do good as you commit yourself to your faithful creator.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this leads to joy and glory and changed livesQ. How can they begin to do this?A. ByCommitting yourself to your faithful Creator.Continue to do good until you go home.NOTESRichard Wurmbrand story.“Two present-day examples ought to encourage us in this direction. The death of Richard Wurmbrand in 2001 didn't attract a huge amount of attention, but back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he was one of the better-known dissidents in the Communist bloc. And unusually for a dissident at that time, he was no intellectual but an evangelical minister in Romania who was suffering for the gospel. He described the joy he possessed amid persecution. He had been confined in solitary confinement. He had been beaten and bore many scars. Yet he said that in it all there were times when he was overcome with joy. In fact, he writes that he would actually stand up in his weakened state and dance around his cell as if the angels were dancing with him. That is Beatitude-like rejoicing! That is the proper stance that every Christian ought to have in the day of trial. We ought to be known for dancing—as if all the host of Heaven are joining in.Helen Roseveare was a Christian British medical doctor who served more than twenty years in Zaire, Africa. In 1964 a revolution overwhelmed the country. She and her coworkers were thrown into five and a half months of unbelievable brutality and torture. For a moment she thought that God had forsaken her, but then she was overwhelmed with a sense of his presence, and she records that it was as if God was saying to her:Twenty years ago you asked me for the privilege of being a missionary, the privilege of being identified with me. This is it. Don't you want it? This is what it means: These are not your sufferings, they are mine. All I ask of you is the loan of your body.What an encouraging model for us all. Are you feeling forsaken? Peter wants you to see that just behind the curtain, if you could pull back the veil, is the presence of the God of glory and his Spirit resting upon you. So don't be surprised, don't think it strange, and don't be ashamed.” -Helms, p. 151Why do bad things (suffering) happen to good people?First of all, who's really good?Jesus says no one is good. “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” Mark 10:17Paul says no one is good.As it is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:10-12 NIV quoting parts of Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccle. 7:20No one is good in God's eyes until he's justified them (declared righteous) empowering them to do good. What good people?If we mean people who do good things and maybe don't murder or cheat on their spouse (low bar), then the answer is likely they are not being perfect as their father in heaven is perfect. Suffering comes becauseWe have to deal with the consequences of our actions and sinsWe live in a broken world so we are impacted by the consequences of original sinWe have to deal with the consequences of other people's sinsIf we mean people who love God and love people, by grace through faith, then Peter answers this question in 1 Peter.We have to deal with the consequences of original sin. Hurricanes hit all peopleWe live in a broken world so we are impacted by the consequences of original sinWe have to deal with the consequences of other people's sinsTo test our faith to see if it's genuineTo give us the opportunity to persevere by grace through faith and become mature and complete not lacking anything (James 1:2-4)To purify our faith (like discipline) so that we're better equipped to be holy and not sinTo cleanse and purify the spiritual believerTo chasten and punish the carnal believerTo convict and punch the non-believer so as to save them from eternal punishmentDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINESNIV Study Bible brief outlineAfter the opening (1:1-2), the letter has three main sections:1: Peter first tells his readers to be holy in all you do. As Gentiles they once lived in ignorance (they did not know the ways of God). But they are now a holy nation, part of God's own people, and are called to a new way of life.2: Peter then explains how this way of life will impress those who might accuse and persecute them without just cause.3: Peter acknowledges that his readers are suffering for their faith, but he explains that this is only to be expected. The Messiah himself suffered, and believers all over the world are facing the same challenge. The followers of Jesus are waiting for the day God will visit them, and even in their suffering they can show they belong to God.The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.P Schreiner Commentary“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner 0. Elect exiles (1:1-2)Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Relying on Willmington's Outline Bible1 Peter 4 - Peter writes about sufferingI. The purpose of suffering (4:1-11, 15, 17-18)A. To cleanse and purify the spiritual believerB. To chasten and punish the carnal believerII. The privilege of suffering (4:12-14, 16)A. It is to be expected (4:12): All believers will be allowed to sufferThis is God disciplining his children i.e. refining them by fireIllustration: “Go sit on the bed” - how we'd begin a conversation about something our girls needed to be disciplined over.B. It is to be esteemed (4:13-14, 16): To suffer for Christ means to share his past griefTo suffer for Christ means to share his future gloryIII. The patience in suffering (4:19)A. We are to commit ourselves to God. (4:19b)B. We are to continue to do good. (4:19a)1 Pet 4:17-18 This refers not to final judgment but to God's refining discipline (Heb 12:7). God often allows believers to sin and then experience the consequences.He does this for several reasons: (1) to show us our potential for sinning, (2) to encourage us to turn from sin and more constantly depend on him, (3) to prepare us to face other, even stronger temptations in the future, and (4) to help us stay faithful and keep on trusting him. If believers need earthly discipline (judgment) from God, how much more will unbelievers receive it? If the righteous are barely saved (only because of God's mercy), what chance have those who reject Christ?1 Pet 4:19 Everywhere the Bible counsels that we trust God—in good times and bad, during sunny skies and thunderclouds, when we have a pocket full of change and a pocket full of sawdust. How does trust work? (1) Trust overcomes fear. Genuine trust in God says, "Whatever mess I'm in, my heavenly Father will lead me." (2) Trust overcomes depression. No matter how overwhelming the situation or how low it makes you feel, God can draw you back to the light.(3) Trust overcomes hate. When careless or cruel people hurt you, sometimes irreparably, you can hate forever or you can trust God, but you can't do both. God is there to steady even the worst situation —always with a promise, always with hope. Commit your life to him for safekeeping. Rely on him when you face your worst circumstances. -Chronological life application, study Bible notesMAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: Living with the end in mindScripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11; Phil 2:5-8 NIVBottom line: Living with the end in mind requires us to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionThis is a difficult world to live in for everybody. But Christians have additional challenges that come with our faith. For example, recently, a pastor from Pakistan was speaking about the many challenges that they've faced since 2019.COVID-19 & ARC 2020: Not long after this pastor began a formal partnership with the Association of Related Churches (ARC, based here in Charleston), Covid hit. This caused pastors (along with everyone to quarantine and isolate). Christians in the US explained that because churches in America were not meeting they weren't seeing a lot of offerings. As a result, they should not expect a lot of support until Covid settled down. But this pastor pushed back saying, “Didn't Christians in Rome in the first century run into the plague to serve people?” We're not going to isolate ourselves. We might not have the money now but we're going to trust him for it. And $4 million would eventually come in for the pastors and ministries of the Pakistani church.Refugees 2021: Debacle in Kabul, Afghanistan in August ‘21The Taliban stepped in when the US left Afghanistan returning the country to its Shiria law ways. As a result, many Afghanis who'd been supportive of the US presence began to run for their lives running to other countries like Pakistan. Because of the agreements between these governments and the Taliban, when the pastors approached the Pak government to see how they could help the refugees, the Pak gov't denied their existence. Eventually, these pastors found ways to get around this that the govt could accept and ministered to refugees.Massive Flooding 2022: “While some smaller floods occurred post-2020, the most significant event impacting Pakistan was the 2022 monsoon season deluge. Here's a brief summary of its scale:Devastating: One-third of the country submerged, impacting 33 million people.Deadly: Over 1,800 lives lost, making it the world's deadliest flood since 2020 and Pakistan's worst.Economically crippling: $30 billion+ in damages and losses, pushing millions into poverty.Widespread: All provinces affected, causing infrastructure destruction, agricultural losses, and health crises. (145 hospitals destroyed)Remember, this is just a snapshot. The long-term consequences of these floods are still unfolding.” (Bard, 1/14/24)Persecution 2023: Due to zealous, misguided Muslims, Christians became unfairly targeted accused of slandering Muhammad. 25 churches burned400 homes burned or lootedBut…Water mission water treatment unitsBottom line: Living in light of the end requires us to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ.Relying on David Helms' commentary for this outline and looking back to our previous passage:3 Commitments to be resolved to“Arm yourselves also with this same attitude”Because to be willing to suffer for Christ is to be willing to be done with sin; be holyPhil 2:5-8 mind/attitude of ChristDon't live “for evil human desires” butLive “for the will of God.”Enough already!2 Costs to embraceThey're surprised you're done with the pastThey'll heap abuse on you and slander you for being faithful1 Encouraging conclusion to look forward to—they will have to give an account to GodWho's ready to judge the living and the deadNext we seeThe reign of ChristThe resurrection of ChristThe return of Christ4 ways to be a living hope in a dying world:Be alert and sobermindedWhy?Because it helps us prayMatt 6:33 reminds us that when we “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, all these things (that we tend to worry about) will be given to us” as well. So we pray with this in mind.Love each other deeplyWhy?Because God's love covers a multitude of sinsThe cross (the love of God on display) covered all sins (Rom 5:8)Offer hospitality to one anotherHow?By serving believers in particular (“one another”) but not limited toBy serving people using our spiritual giftsEvery Christian has at least one. No Christian has them all. They're to build up the body of Christ.2 basic categoriesSpeakingServingWithout grumbling (meaning we're tempted to)Serve one another using your spiritual gift(s) (not an exhaustive list)How?As a faithful steward Through speakingThrough serving using your specific giftsWhy?So that in all things God may be praised…ConclusionBarney Reeves was the father of Jimmy Reeves, the founding pastor of our church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Summerville.Barney was a gruff, retired USAF sergeant and he loved God's word and God's church. He was a huge fan of his son being a bi-vocational pastor of our church. But he was also excited when Grace stepped out in faith to hire a full-time pastor. That meant that he and I could talk during the day. Anyway, in Barney's later years, he fought intestinal cancer a long time. This meant he was in and out of hospitals. I remember one time in particular when I was visiting him there and it was just the two of us.He was tearing up as he shared with me how he felt like the Lord was right there in the room with him. It was the glory of the Lord in that place. And it greatly encouraged him as he suffered. I have no doubt that Barney was a great witness to Christ whenever he was in the hospital. But I also believe he needed that glory of encouragement to press on (a phrase he used very often). We need this too. Glory and suffering…Peter gives us a theology of suffering in this letter and links it to the future glory we will enjoy and receive. Our Bottom Line today is that we can live in light of the end but it requires us to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ himself. An attitude that is so willing to serve people that it's willing to suffer and serve people “To bring them to God.” (3:18)And we know that God wants to do this in and through us. Let's follow Pete's advice as we embrace the suffering in our lives as an instrument of glory for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.PrayQ. What do I want them to know?A. How to live in light of the end.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because it helps us deal with suffering that comes to every Christian.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Live as Peter describes and calls us to.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this will empower us to show people what God's love looks like.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. ByStaying alert and sobermindedLoving one another deeplyOffering hospitality to one another without grumblingServing one another in the power of the Holy SpiritNOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINESNIV Study Bible brief outlineAfter the opening (1:1-2), the letter has three main sections:1: Peter first tells his readers to be holy in all you do. As Gentiles they once lived in ignorance (they did not know the ways of God). But they are now a holy nation, part of God's own people, and are called to a new way of life.2: Peter then explains how this way of life will impress those who might accuse and persecute them without just cause.3: Peter acknowledges that his readers are suffering for their faith, but he explains that this is only to be expected. The Messiah himself suffered, and believers all over the world are facing the same challenge. The followers of Jesus are waiting for the day God will visit them, and even in their suffering they can show they belong to God.The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner 0. Elect exiles (1:1-2)Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: How Christians find encouragement in the midst of sufferingScripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22; Romans 8:28 NIVBottom line: SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroduction“The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most famous battles in history. It occurred on the mainland of Europe on June 18, 1815. It pitted the French army, commanded by Napoleon, against the Anglo-German-Dutch forces led by the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian forces commanded by General Gebhard Blucher.There is an interesting story about how the news about Waterloo reached England. News was carried first by a ship that sailed from Europe across the English Channel to England's southern coast. The news was then relayed from the coast by signal flags to London. When the report was received in London at Winchester Cathedral, the flags atop the cathedral began to spell out Wellington's defeat of Napoleon to the entire city:"Wellington defeated." However, before the message could be com-pleted, a good old-fashioned London fog moved in, and the rest of the message was hidden.Based on incomplete information, the citizens of London thought Napoleon had won. That would have been a devastating defeat for England. Gloom filled the nation as the bad news quickly spread every-where. But when the mist began to lift, the flags high up on Winchester Cathedral completed the news. The flags spelled out this triumphant message: "Wellington defeated the enemy!" The English fears had been unfounded. Joy immediately replaced the gloom. All over England people danced in the streets, rejoicing at this great victory over one of the most dangerous enemies the nation had ever faced. In like manner, the resurrection and ascension of Christ gives us a certain hope that our own victory has been secured.” -David Helms“If you should suffer .. he writes. The imperial persecutions that would sweep across the Roman world had not yet come. Christians were not yet being compelled to affirm the deity of Caesar. No doubt there were already those who had given their witness as martyrs (see 4:6), but much more was to come. Yet it was already time to prepare. Churches today that experience little persecution need Peter's instruction; in a future nearer than they suppose they may find themselves suffering with the rest of Christ's afflicted church in the world.Peter would prepare the church not simply to endure persecution, but to find in persecution an opportunity for witness. Both the boldness and the humility needed for witness come about through a fundamental exchange. Christians must exchange the fear of others for the fear of the Lord. Peter gives the secret of boldness as one who had found it after failure. Waiting in the courtyard of the high priest's house while Christ was being examined, Peter had failed miserably. Rembrandt's painting captures the scene: Peter has just denied Christ for the third time, swearing with fearful oaths that he was no disciple of Christ, was not with him, did not know him.! In the background shadow stands Jesus. He has just turned to look at Peter.“-Edmund Clowney, pastor, author, professor, and mentor to Tim KellerOpening illustration is Napoleaonic war mistaken messaging storyIn 1807, John Newton, best known as composer of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace', encapsulated the amazing grace of God in some of his last words as he lay dying. He declared: ‘I am a great sinner but Christ is a great Saviour.'Think like a detective. Even though there are some very hard to understand verses in this passage, we can still come away answering the main theme questions from these verses and be encouraged in the midst of suffering.Relying on David Helms' commentary for this outline and looking back to our previous passage:Structure in the passage brings us 2 key ideas:I. A particular word: Submission/Subject2:11-12: Exhortation to honorable conduct and good deeds2:13, 18; 3:1: Three examples on submission: what good deeds look likeRulersMasters/bossesWivesII. A special relationship: Jesus3:8-17, 18-22: Two messages of encouragement, One from the victory of DavidPs 34:12-161 Peter 3:10-12One from the vindication of Jesus In other words, “They inform us that 3:18-22 are not concerned with the arduous task of submission, suffering and death…”“…Rather, this passage is about final victory gained through them…”“…Therefore, we can say that Peter wants to encourage us by lifting our hearts and minds to Heaven where Christ is already seated. In other words, ‘Take heart, you too shall one day win!'”ConclusionBottom Line: Q. What do I want them to know?A. That we win because Christ won.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because this changes our outlook in the midst of suffering.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Suffer knowing that it's temporary and like in the flood and on the cross.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because God will vindicate you and bring people to God in the process.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Move from complaining to thanking God for Romans 8:28PrayNOTESSeems to be Peter is encouraging believers in the midst of their sufferings that though they are a small remnant (like in the days of Noah), God is faithful and will save them and bring them through it.Question: Why is it better (to suffer for doing good than evil)? In other words, v. 17–why?3 possible answers:Because sometimes it's God's will to suffer for doing good. Or at least he allows it to accomplish his purposes. Ex. Someone runs into a building to save a person and ends up getting burned in the process.Because if you're going to suffer regardless it seems that for good is always better than for evil. Good > evil. It's taking what someone meant for evil and redeeming it for good. Because this is what Christ, our Lord and example, did TO BRING US TO GOD.What did Jesus do as described in 3:18-20?3 possible answers:In time between death and rez, Jesus took gospel to the now dead who had rejected Noah's message.That pre-incarnate Christ was proclaiming gospel through Noah and that's why they're imprisoned. (Rejected Christ's msg through Noah)That then imprisoned spirits were actually fallen angels who'd tried to corrupt humans in Noah's day. (See Gen 6:1-7) Peter sees in the flood a picture of baptism or salvation by the power of Holy Spirit through the cross and rez of Jesus Christ. Water baptism and the flood (water) are both outward symbols of cleansing and deliverance. ApplicationsBe encouraged by embracing the cross & trials of life.Be encouraged by Christ's victory of sin & death in the resurrection.Christ won and, therefore, we win. We see it in historyFlood/ArkCross/RezWe see it in futureChrist as KingRevelation and New heaven/earthWe are encouraged in the midst of suffering when we reflect on the history (past) and conclusion (future) of His Story (History) played out in and through Jesus Christ and his people.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINESII. THE CHRIST OF BELIEVERS (3:18-22): Peter describes a fourfold ministry accomplished by the Savior.A. His death (3:18)1. The permanence (3:18a): He died for our sins once and for all.2. The purpose (3:18b): He died to reconcile sinners to God.B. His journey to the spirit world (3:19-20)1. The transgression (3:19): Jesus preached against the sins of these evil spirits.2. The time (3:20): They committed their wickedness in the days of Noah.C. His resurrection (3:21)1. The salvation (3:21 a): Jesus' resurrection guarantees our redemption.2. The symbol (3:21b): Water baptism.D. His ascension and exaltation (3:22)Clowney's Outline7. The blessing of living with Christian suffering (1 Peter 3:8-22)Response to suffering in a life of blessing (3:8-12)Called to a life of blessingCalled to bless in response to cursingCalled to bless as heirs of blessingThe blessed witness of suffering for righteousness (3:13-22)The opportunity for witness in word (3:13-15)The opportunity for witness in life (3:16-17)The victory of Christ's suffering (3:18-22)Helms' OutlineEncouragement to ContinueI. The Need for Encouragement (1 Peter 3:8-17)A. The Encouraging Phrase: Called to be a blessingB. The Ideal Biblical Reference: Psalm 34C. The Precise Words: Fear and BlessingFearBlessingII. Encouragement in Christ's Victory (1 Peter 3:18-22)A. Detectives in search of meaningB. More clues from the surrounding contextA particular word: SubjectA special relationship: JesusAn encouraging conclusion to our pursuitMAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: How to retaliate like Jesus Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-17 NIVJohn 14:61 Peter 2:2-3James 1:2-4Matthew 5:11-121 Peter 3:18Bottom line: Jesus calls us to retaliate with blessing.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionAn arm of our Milky Way Galaxy over the La Silla Observatory in northern Chile. The terms Milky Way and galaxy come from the Latin via lactea, or "the road of milk," derivative of the more ancient Greek term galaxias kyklos, or "milky circle." A luminou reminder that Jesus is "the Way" and His Word is like pure milk (John 14:6; 1 Peter 2:2-3)In 1807, John Newton, best known as composer of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace', encapsulated the amazing grace of God in some of his last words as he lay dying. He declared: ‘I am a great sinner but Christ is a great Saviour.'Jesus was insulted, persecuted and slandered by his enemies. How did Jesus retaliate? He didn't. Per ChatGPT: “No, Jesus is often portrayed as teaching non-retaliation and forgiveness. In the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament, Jesus is characterized as promoting love for enemies and responding to hostility with patience and compassion. The idea is rooted in teachings such as "turn the other cheek" and "love your enemies," emphasizing a non-retaliatory and forgiving approach.”Retaliation refers to the act of responding to an injury or harm with a corresponding injury or harm. It often involves seeking revenge or reprisal against someone who has wronged or harmed you.When I googled questions people are asking about retaliation, I learned at least 2 things:People don't know what the word means. (They're asking a lot)People are asking a lot about retaliation as it relates to the work place.How did Jesus retaliate?He retaliated the opposite to how the world retaliates:He forgave.He turned the other cheek. He blessed responding to evil with good.Let's look at the passage in detail and see all that Jesus had to say about how to live out our living hope in this dying world that tempts us to retaliate with evil.Outline (based on the Outline Bible)1 PETER 3—Peter talks about appropriate conduct for believers in light of what Christ has done for us.LAST WEEKI. THE CONDUCT OF BELIEVERS (3:1-17)A. Responsibilities of wives (3:1-6) 1. Peter's exhortation (3:1-5)a. Concerning their behavior (3:1-2): Wives should depend upon their lives more than their lips in witnessing to unsaved husbands.b. Concerning their beauty (3:3-5): Inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.2. Peter's example (36): He uses Sarah of the Old Testament as a role model.B. Responsibilities of husbands (3:7)1. What they are to do (3:7a): Husbands must be considerate of their wives and respect them.2. Why they are to do it (3:7b): If they fail here, their prayers will not be answered.THIS WEEKC. Responsibilities of all (3:8-17) 1. Live in loving harmony (3:8).2. Reward both good and evil with good (3:9-14).3. Worship Christ as Lord, and always be ready to explain your faith (3:15).4. Be ready to defend your faith (3:16-17).ConclusionBottom Line: Q. What do I want them to know?A. How God expects you to live as a Christian tempted by retaliation.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because Christ Jesus died so that you could respond to injustice as Jesus did.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Respond to insult, persecution and slander with blessing.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because he commands it, models it, and empowers us to do it.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. 1. Trust Christ Jesus today. Repent and believe. Forgive those who've wronged you.Apologize to those you've wronged. Make things right as much as possible.Live a holy, good, life blessing others as you've been blessed. Return good for good and for evil. Embrace the unjust, undeserved suffering that comes your way.Do life with followers of Jesus Christ as described in v. 8-12.Be prepared to answer.Read your bible every day. Pray about what you read. Obey what you read.LOL: Listen, Obey, Lead others to do the same; SOAP.PrayNOTES“After a particular Sunday morning worship service, a member of St. Andrew's greeted me. When he shook my hand, he held on and said, “Pastor, my daughter is in the Air Force, and she is being deployed to the Middle East.” He began to tremble, and tears rolled down his cheeks. It was a poignant moment. I sensed the fear and concern he had for his daughter. He was expressing what every parent feels when a son or daughter is called into the midst of warfare. He said to me, “Please pray for my daughter,” and I said, “Yes, of course.” At St. Andrew's, we have lists of people for whom we regularly pray, but this particular encounter was so urgent that I could not go to sleep that week without first pleading for his daughter before the Lord. It weighed on me because he had communicated the intensity of his feelings.To have sympathy is pathos, or passion that is shared”Excerpt From1-2 Peter - An Expositional CommentaryR.C. SproulThis material may be protected by copyright.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINESOUTLINE Bible 1 PETER 3—Peter talks about appropriate conduct for believers in light of what Christ has done for us.I. THE CONDUCT OF BELIEVERS (3:1-17)A. Responsibilities of wives (3:1-6) LAST WEEK1. Peter's exhortation (3:1-5)a. Concerning their behavior (3:1-2): Wives should depend upon their lives more than their lips in witnessing to unsaved husbands.b. Concerning their beauty (3:3-5): Inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.2. Peter's example (36): He uses Sarah of the Old Testament as a role model.B. Responsibilities of husbands (3:7)1. What they are to do (3:7a): Husbands must be considerate of their wives and respect them.2. Why they are to do it (3:7b): If they fail here, their prayers will not be answered.C. Responsibilities of all (3:8-17) THIS WEEK1. Live in loving harmony (3:8).2. Reward both good and evil with good (3:9-14).3. Worship Christ as Lord, and always be ready to explain your faith (3:15).4. Be ready to defend your faith (3:16-17).NEXT WEEKII. THE CHRIST OF BELIEVERS (3:18-22): Peter describes a fourfold ministry accomplished by the Savior.A. His death (3:18)1. The permanence (3:18a): He died for our sins once and for all.2. The purpose (3:18b): He died to reconcile sinners to God.B. His journey to the spirit world (3:19-20)1. The transgression (3:19): Jesus preached against the sins of these evil spirits.2. The time (3:20): They committed their wickedness in the days of Noah.C. His resurrection (3:21)1. The salvation (3:21 a): Jesus' resurrection guarantees our redemption.2. The symbol (3:21b): Water baptism.D. His ascension and exaltation (3:22)Clowney's Outline7. The blessing of living with Christian suffering (1 Peter 3:8-22)Response to suffering in a life of blessing (3:8-12)Called to a life of blessingCalled to bless in response to cursingCalled to bless as heirs of blessingThe blessed witness of suffering fro righteousness (3:13-22)The opportunity for witness in word (3:13-15)The opportunity for witness in life (3:16-17)The victory of Christ's suffering (3:18-22)Helms' OutlineEncouragement to ContinueI. The Need for Encouragement (1 Peter 3:8-17)A. The Encouraging Phrase: Called to be a blessingB. The Ideal Biblical Reference: Psalm 34C. The Precise Words: Fear and BlessingFearBlessingII. Encouragement in Christ's Victory (1 Peter 3:18-22)A. Detectives in search of meaningB. More clues from the surrounding contextA particular word: SubjectA special relationship: JesusAn encouraging conclusion to our pursuitMAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: How to live with an unbelieving spouseScripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7, Genesis 18-9-12 NIVBottom line: We live to win an unbelieving spouse resting in hope, belonging/holiness, good deeds, courage, so we can submit to them.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionSt. Augustine's mother and father“IN THE YEAR AD 397 an aging saint in the Christian faith wrote what would become one of the most compelling autobiographies ever published. When the book was finally finished, he titled his own tale The Confessions of Saint Augustine. Buried in this celebrated narrative is the moving tribute Augustine gave his mother, Monica, on the influence she had in bringing her unbelieving husband, Patricius, to personal faith in Jesus. Augustine described his mother's role with these words:She served her husband as her master, and did all she could to win him for You, speaking to him of You by her conduct, by which You made her beautiful…Finally, when her husband was at the end of his earthly span,she gained him for You.!It doesn't take much for us to envision Augustine's mother, hard-pressed for years in a difficult marriage, looking for strength to go on in the quiet words and understated promises of 1 Peter 3:1, 2. Perhaps she even had them committed to memory:Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” -HelmsThis illustrates what Peter is going for in today's passage. Outline (based on the Outline Bible)1 PETER 3—Peter talks about appropriate conduct for believers in light of what Christ has done for us.Bottom line: We live to win an unbelieving spouse resting in hope, belonging/holiness, good deeds, courage, so we can submit to them.I. THE CONDUCT OF BELIEVERS, as exiles and foreigners just passing through. (3:1-17) A. Responsibilities of wives (3:1-6)1. Peter's exhortation (3:1-5)a. Concerning their behavior (3:1-2): Wives should depend upon their lives more than their lips in witnessing to unsaved husbands.b. Concerning their beauty (3:3-5): Inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.It's worth a lot more to God than outer beauty.It's made up of a quiet and gentle spirit.Not weaknessNot based on personality2. Peter's example (36): He uses Sarah of the Old Testament as a role model.B. Responsibilities of husbands (3:7)1. What they are to do (3:7a): Husbands must be considerate of their wives and respect them.Based on what they know about God.Based on what they know about their wives.As the “weaker partner”, there's no room for violence or physical abuse. They are equal in value in God's eyes.They have the same inheritance coming from God's gifts.2. Why they are to do it (3:7b): If they fail here, their prayers will not be answered.C. Rationale of the one who is willing submit:Based on the living hope found in 1:3-4Belonging to God's family as he's set them apart from the world to holy living.Setting them up to live “such good lives” that the lost see them and though they disagree with you they praise your GodEmboldening them with courage from on high to live this waySubmitting willingly to their husband with the aim of winning him to Christ Jesus. Note: this is for any husband really.Piper shows how a wife submits to her unbelieving husband:She rests in the hope of GodShe remembers she belongs to God (holiness calls apart from the world to God)She lives courageously in the face of fearShe conducts her life with good deedsShe submits to her husband as she gladly submits to GodConclusionBottom line: We live to win an unbelieving spouse resting in hope, belonging/holiness, good deeds, courage, so we can submit to them.WHAT A WIFE'S SUBMISSION IS NOT (Piper)1. It is not agreeing with the husband on all important matters. 3:12. It is not leaving the brain at the altar. 3: 1ff.3. It is not avoiding the effort to change her husband. 3:14. It is not putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. 3:15. It is not getting all her spiritual strength through the husband. 3.56. It is not acting in fear. 3:6WHAT A WIFE'S SUBMISSION IS (Piper)Submission is the divine calling of awife to joyfully and fearlessly honor and affirm her husband's leadership, and tohelp carry it through according to her gifts.What about husbands? This works for them too.What about those who might marry? This warns them to choose wisely.What about those who have friends who are tempted to divorce? Hopefully, this keeps us from recommending divorce so quickly.What is God most concerned with here? The lost finding salvation.As I prepared this message, I realized that my wife did this in my life when we were dating. I wasn't a believer (but thought I was) when we dated in high school. We were friends all through high school and I pursued her throughout those years. We finally started dating our senior year and dated into our freshman year in college.Not only did I pick her out of a room full of girls skating one Friday night because I thought the was the prettiest but she ultimately won me over through her inner beauty of faith in Christ. I ended up coming to Christ my freshman year in college. We married right after I graduated.God works through our apologetic of life as we embody the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This preaches way more loudly than our words because it illustrates our convictions. This is why Peter exhorts wives to live this way before their unbelieving husbands. PrayNOTESAnother possible bottom line: Be willing to suffer in the here and now so that others won't suffer in the hereafter.In 1 Peter 3:7, when Peter refers to the wife as the "weaker partner," it's often interpreted as a reference to physical or societal vulnerability rather than indicating inferiority. Peter encourages husbands to show honor and understanding to their wives, recognizing their equal spiritual standing but acknowledging the historical and cultural context in which women may have faced societal challenges. It's important to consider the cultural and historical background when interpreting such texts."Respect" refers to a positive regard for the feelings, rights, and opinions of oneself and others, acknowledging and valuing each individual's worth and dignity."Considerate" describes someone who is thoughtful, showing concern for others' feelings, needs, or well-being.Part 1https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/to-wives-with-unbelieving-husbandsParts 2-5 followDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastQ. What do I want them to know?A. God calls us to suffer injustice, sometimes.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. So that we illustrate and embody the message of hope through Christ.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Be willing to suffer in the here-and-now so that others won't suffer in the hereafter. This is best seen in the cross of Christ. It's what Jesus means when he tells us to deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow him.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this matters so much to God. And it should matter to us. It's why we're still here.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Pray for God to help us rest in his living hope, believe we belong in this holy family, living such a godly life, emboldened with courage from above, so that we can submit ourselves in such a way that we point people to Jesus Christ.MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Episode 238 – A Necessary God Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script Notes: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19, verses 1 through 4, New Living Translation ******** VK: Hi! I’m Victoria K. Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m here today with RD Fierro, founder of Crystal Sea Books, and part-time poet. Today on Anchored by Truth, as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are going to begin a new series where we focus on the central figure of the entire Bible: Jesus. That seems appropriate as we come to the time of year when we celebrate the Lord’s birth, doesn’t it RD? RD: Well, Christmas is certainly a time of the year when people begin to more naturally think about Jesus because the reminders of him start to appear more and more around us every day. But, of course, it’s important to remember that we really should focus on Jesus every day of the year. For Christians, Jesus should be the focus of our daily lives. And actually throughout our lives we should be on a quest to get to know God better each day that is granted to us. VK: I agree with that. So, today we’re going to start listening to a new Crystal Sea story. This time it’s one of our rhymed pieces that you wrote as a Christmas epic poem. This is actually the second installment of a story that you began a long time ago. You said you originally wrote the first installment because you wanted to give it as a gift to some co-workers? RD: I did. Years ago when I worked in one of those big state agency buildings that are so common here I wanted to give Christmas presents to some of my co-workers but doing that in a state agency can sometimes be tricky. So, I decided that one present I could give was a little entertainment so I wrote a piece that was inspired by some of things that used to entertain the kids of my generation: Christmas poems and the short serial stories you used to see in the movie theaters before the main feature. Each of those film pieces would always leave you hanging so you had to come back every week to see what happened. So, I wrote a Christmas story in six parts and each part left you wondering what would come next. VK: And then a few years ago you decided that the story needed to continue so you wrote the next installment of what is going to be, when completed, a poetic trilogy. The story began in Crystal Seas’ Christmas epic poem: The Golden Tree, Komari’s Quest. The story continued in The Golden Tree, Eagle Enigma. Today, we are beginning the final part of the trilogy. Here is part one of The Golden Tree, The Frost Lion. ---- The Golden Tree: The Frost Lion – Part I VK: I really like some of the lines from that part. “Where the lights soared in the vault overhead and proclaimed indescribable glory as if the heavens could not but proclaim their omnipotent Creator's story.” Not only are the lines lyrical but they also evoke such clear imagery. I can imagine kids sitting around their mom and dad … RD: Or grandmother and grandfather... VK: Or grandparents and listening to this recording with them - just like families used to sit around and listen to someone read The Night Before Christmas. Of course, that’s one of the reasons we wanted to put this poem out there. To give families an entertaining story that also would allow parents to discuss their faith with their kids. RD: Exactly. There are so many questionable choices these days that are advertised as being “family friendly” but they are based on a secularist view of the world. We wanted to be sure that there was a story that was available for “fireside” listening that directed everyone’s attention to the real “reason for the season.” VK: Well, there are a total of seven parts to Golden Tree: The Frost Lion. So, for the next six weeks we’ll be letting the story unfold as we continue to unpack insights into how the Bible is such an integral part of being able to frame a coherent world view. I mean the two fundamental attributes that you believe would have to characterize any book that would constitute a genuine special revelation of God are that that revelation would have to be consistent with the created order as it is observable by creatures within it – essentially us. And that revelation would have to display supernatural origin. RD: Right. As hard – or as exciting – as it may be to comprehend empirical observations, combined with logic, tell us that the visible universe does not – indeed cannot – provide an explanation for its own existence. The universe, as grand and vast as it is, has all the fingerprints of having a beginning in space and time. Also, the second law of thermodynamics, the law of entropy, tells us that it will have an ending. Anything that has a limited life span, no matter how long some people might conceive that light span to be, cannot be self-existent. Only a self-existent being or entity can account for its own existence or the existence of anything else. Some philosophers use the terms Necessary Being and Contingent Beings to describe the difference between the two. VK: And since the universe is not eternal it looks very much like it is contingent on something or someone outside itself to account for its existence – a Necessary Being upon which it is dependent. And we call that Necessary Being God. So just like the bears in our story when we see the northern lights or stars twinkling in a deep night sky we can know that that the starlight - and the night sky and especially our ability to see and understand all that grandeur - points to the need for a Creator. And we’ve seen that the bears we’ve just met aren’t the first bears who have lived in this land. It was actually their ancestors who left their home and shortly we’ll learn they were searching for the lair and throne of their Creator – who they thought of as the Great White Bear. RD: Yes. I think the symbolism for the story is already pretty plain but I would like to point out one thing - and that’s what I want to spend some time on today – is that the bears who set out on their quest wouldn’t ever have started out if they weren’t convinced that the Great White Bear existed. And that’s one of the problems that we see reflected so clearly in today’s very relativistic culture. Too many - far, far, far too many people today, both inside the church and out, are defeated in their own quests because they have been misled to believe that there is no Creator – no Great White Bear if you will. As a result, they see the world as fundamentally being either chaotic at best or outright meaningless at worst. VK: I think you need to expand on that thought a bit. You’re saying that God isn’t just a logical necessity to explain the existence of a contingent universe, but that an awareness of God is an essential component of us being able to comprehend our place in that universe? RD: To quote what I say in some of our humorous Life Lessons with a Laugh - exactamundo. VK: So you’re quoting yourself. Sounds like something only a writer would do… RD: Again, exactamundo. Anyway as the eminent theologian RC Sproul used to say, “Ideas have consequences.” The idea that the universe was framed by an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and holy God carried with it the inextricable notion that the universe has been created intentionally and for a purpose. As such the universe would display design and order and the intelligent creatures within that universe – us – could perceive that design and order. VK: And that very concept formed the foundation for what we think of as science today. And that’s why many of the founders of modern science – like Sir Isaac Newton and Louis Pasteur were strong Christians. They were convinced that there was design, order, and logic in universe because the universe had been made by a being that was supremely purposeful and logical. As such, they were encouraged to go and discover that order and use the results of it to improve the lives of the people around them. Or said a little differently they were encouraged to go on their own quests to discover more about the creation and thereby appreciate even more the Creator. RD: So all that made perfect sense. If the universe had been created by a God of order, logic, and purpose then creation would be comprehensible. Those early giants of science took seriously the Biblical statement that man had been made in the image of God, so they felt sure that God would bless their efforts at applying themselves to understand what he had created. But one of the tragic effects of the success of their work and the amazing results they achieved is that over time – and now we’re talking about centuries not decades – the work of science became divorced from the original source of the inspiration for them to do the work. Scientists – not all, but a great many – became convinced that it was possible to understand creation while ignoring the Creator. VK: Or said slightly differently, they sought the blessing without regard to the Blesser. So, one of the points you’re making is that somewhere along the journey – the quest – for discovery, a lot of people forgot why the journey was begun in the first place. And that is reflected in our society and culture today. RD: Yes. And Christmas is a great example of that same phenomenon happening in our calendar and celebration of the common understanding that was the foundation of our communities. The word “Christmas” obviously derives from the words “Christ” and “mass.” And one of the big reasons that gift exchanges became a part of the celebration was in commemoration of the great gift that God had given the world in the birth of Jesus. And, of course, the whole reason that God gave us the gift of Jesus was because after the fall in the garden of Eden God had begun his great plan of redemption. So, in a very real way the history of all of mankind gives evidence of God’s plan unfolding in exactly the way God intended. VK: And you believe that even some of the more tragic of the things that we see around us provides evidence for the existence of God and the truth of scripture? RD: Yes. C.S. Lewis noted that one of the things that convinced him to become a Christian was that he couldn’t get over the idea that some things were right and some things were wrong. But then he realized for that idea to make sense – that there’s a difference between right and wrong – he had to have an explanation for where that idea came from. Why did he think that there was a real distinction? Of course, the only logical conclusion was because there was a Being – a God somewhere – who had established the whole moral and ethical scheme to begin with. That’s just as true today as it has ever been. VK: That’s a pretty remarkable idea when you think about it. The very notion that we have ethical sensibilities to begin with is dependent on there being a real difference between right and wrong. And not just a matter of personal convenience like preferring squash to broccoli. When people begin to assert that something is wrong they don’t just mean that they find it inconvenient. They mean that there is a determinable ethical distinction that compels – or should compel – our behavior. And we all know that. Anyone who doesn’t know that there is a difference between right and wrong we would describe as a sociopath. RD: And we would have good reason for doing so. Now in saying this we’re not saying that there is universal agreement on the precise details of what’s right or wrong and different societies at different times have arrived at varying conclusions about the specifics. But there’s never been a society that didn’t make some kind of a distinction regardless of what they did with the specifics. In some cultures the distinctions might have been ones that we would consider trivial – like acceptable dress for women and men. In other they would have been more profound or serious – like the relationship between a government and its people or whether private ownership of property is permitted or prohibited. The rules have varied but every culture, tribe, and nation has had rules of some sort. VK: And pretty much all people everywhere know that they have – at one point or another – violated those rules. Written or unwritten. Government or cultural. Religious or secular. We have an inherent awareness that as moral and ethical agents we have certain obligations that we are subject to. So we see that not only is there a physical order to the physical universe there is also an ethical order that applies to us as people. But without there being a God, a holy and purposive God, we would have no reasonable explanation for the existence either of the obligation or the sense that we need to be accountable the obligation. And that same sense that tells us that we are subject to the obligation tells us that we have all fallen short. RD: Right. We all know that we’re not perfect, but to know that means we know that somewhere there is a standard against which that determination can meaningfully be made. That’s why Jesus had to come and why the Christian claim that Jesus was perfect, was sinless, is so essential. Again, to refer to Sproul again, RC used to say that if he was in a discussion with someone who just refused to acknowledge the existence of God, one of the final questions he would ask such people is what they did with their guilt. VK: And we all have guilt. And some of us feel it far more keenly than others. If we don’t have Jesus, if we don’t know Jesus, then we’re the only ones who can shoulder that guilt. But the moment we understand that the Perfect Man, Jesus, has willingly taken our guilt onto his own shoulders, we can start to become free of that guilt. And that’s one of the keys to beginning and completing our own quests through life. As we talked about a long time ago on Anchored by Truth, understanding the Bible provides context and meaning to our lives. Knowing that God himself made a provision for our imperfection removes the need for us to continue to feel guilty forever. Knowing that Jesus is our savior is the truth that sets us free. RD: And that’s one of the things we really want to focus on as the days unwind toward Christmas. We want to take a close look at how we can be sure that Jesus isn’t a mythological figure, but instead is a real person who was born, walked and lived at a specific place and time, and died. But then he demonstrated that he was God’s atoning gift by walking out of the grave and appearing to a group of women first and then to his disciples. If Jesus wasn’t a real person who did those things we would have absolutely no hope for being justified before a perfectly holy God. A mythological figure, no matter how charming, couldn’t save anyone. But Jesus did and does. So, as we conduct our own quests through life, if we’re pursuing worthwhile ends we can be confident that they aren’t futile. There is a meaning to our individual lives even when those lives are set against the backdrop of an unimaginably grand cosmos. The Bible and Jesus give us that meaning. As Augustine famously said, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” VK: Sounds like it’s a great time to have a prayer. Since we’re approaching Thanksgiving how about if today we listen to a prayer for that special day when we turn our attention to the goodness that God has shown to us. ---- Prayer for Thanksgiving – VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” We hope you’ll be with us next time as we continue our discussion of the reality of Jesus’ life. We hope you’ll take some time to encourage some friends to tune in too, or listen to the podcast version of this show. Also, we’d to remind listeners that copies of The Golden Tree: Komari’s Quest and The Golden Tree: Eagle Enigma are available from our website. If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Bible Quotes from the New Living Translation) Psalm 19, verses 1 through 4, New Living Translation (Sources used for this episode or other in this series) “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” Augustine, Confessions https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/ourheartisrestlessuntilitrestsinyou/ https://www.proginosko.com/2019/07/reforming-apologetics-common-notions/

Martin Luther was a man whose heart was held captive to the Word of God. He was used mightily by God to usher in the Protestant Reformation, which would serve to recover the core truths of the Gospel that had been obscured by medieval religion and superstition.On this episode we will examine the life of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation. Learn more at ReasonableTheology.org/LutherSome Recommended Luther BiographiesHere I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton: https://amzn.to/3QgzxNELuther and the Reformation: How a Monk Discovered the Gospel by RC Sproul: https://amzn.to/46P54O6The Legacy of Luther by RC Sproul and Stephen Nichols: https://amzn.to/3Qad6KdGet the newsletter at ReasonableTheology.org/Subscribe. The weekly email includes:the latest article or podcast episodea helpful theological definitiona painting depicting a scene from Scripture or church historya musical selection to enrich your daythe best book deal I've found that week to build your library.Support the showGET THE NEWSLETTEREach edition of the Reasonable Theology newsletter contains my latest article or podcast episode PLUS: A Theological Word or Phrase Explained Quickly and Clearly A Painting Depicting a Scene from Scripture or Church History Audio of a Hymn or other Musical Selection to Enjoy A Recommended Book or Resource to Expand Your Library SUBSCRIBE HERE

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: We love because we liveScripture: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3Bottom line: We love God & people because we live forever.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroduction“He Loves Because He Lives” by David HelmsThe Vietnam War was mercifully drawing to a close during my middle-school years. And that meant that young men who had been sent over to fight were now returning to the States. Each one needed a fresh start on life. For one man that meant enrolling at Judson College. I never knew the man by name, but I regularly saw him from a distance of a hundred yards.Judson College is on the Fox River in Illinois; my dad's office in the Athletic Department was a wedge shot from its banks. I could see the river from the gym. During the frigid winter months the man stood alone along the river's frozen edge, tending a covey of ducks. He fed them. He cut through the ice to open up an area of water for them. In short, he met their every need during the cold season. Every day.I asked my dad why the man cared so much about the ducks. I will never forget the story he told: "He has just returned from the war in Vietnam. The story is that ducks saved his life. His unit had been ambushed. Many of his friends had been killed, and while he hadn't been shot, he lay down to look like he had. He hoped they would go away.But they didn't. The enemy kept coming. Through the fields they came. They'd put one more shot in every fallen man to ensure that he was dead.But suddenly a covey of ducks flew overhead, and the attention of the soldiers was diverted. In their excitement they began running after the ducks to shoot at them instead. In the end, they stopped checking the field for men and left. That's how the man down by the river escaped. And now he has a special love for ducks. He loves because he lives." The call of our text conveys something similar. —David Helms, p. 65“A sincere and earnest love, a life given over to the genuine care of others, is the natural result of being born again. To highlight the command in the text simply notice the phrase, ‘love one another earnestly.' To see why we love simply note, ‘since you have been born again.' To put the force of Peter's thought as clearly as possible: when you get a fresh start on life (see 1:3 and its connection to 1:23), love should happen (1:22-2:3).” -Helms, p. 66OutlineI. The Logic of Love 1:22-23“The mark of the Christian life is love.” -Helms, p. 66Sincere, earnest, deep = genuine (not fake)Love resulting from being born again is like when someone gets a fresh start on life, love happens. Peter's Logic of Love:Love one another deeply, from the heart…For you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of GodJust ask Chris and Amy Karpus. His love is greater than ever because God gave him new life miraculously after cardiac arrest and being brain dead for 40+ minutes. Yet he lives. So he loves. Full testimony a little later with details:https://youtu.be/7wHiUm_sAWs?si=En53b5WdW43D0ZNtPeter essentially says, we love because we live. We live by the grace and mercy of God so we love. He first loved us so we “love others deeply, from the heart.”Peter is preaching to Christians who are a minority within a minority (Christians>Jews>Romans) who are being persecuted for it. They need encouragement and reminders of who they are and why they persevere and how they love.Have been purified (v. 22) by obeying the truth. We're cleansed/purified/forgiven by obeying God's word. That can be heard in 2 opposing ways:If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words SO THAT he will forgive you, that's not a biblical way to understand salvation. If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words BECAUSE he forgave you already (because you believe and trust him), that a biblical understanding of salvation.We don't have a works-salvation. A salvation that we can earn by doing good things. We have a salvation that works. A salvation that leads us to want to do good works out of gratitude for our forgiveness.Why did God do this? For many reasons. Here are 2 in our text:First, “So that you have sincere love for each other.” God's plan is for the world to see a diversity of Christ-followers love one another deeply despite their differences. “They will know you are Christians by our love.” (V. 22)Second, “For you have been born again.” (V. 23)What is “born again?”Born from above. Second birth after our physical birth. Born of the Spirit of the living God.It's the only way to enter the kingdom of God. (Cf. John 3)This birth isn't temporary (perishable seed) like physical birth.This birth is eternal (imperishable seed), the second birth.Are you born again?Peter refers to “truth,” “the word that was preached to you,” and “spiritual milk” all referring to God's word to us. His word that lasts forever.“Therefore” - whenever you see the word “therefore” you always ask the question, “What's the ‘therefore' there for?”“Therefore” is there for us to look back and remember what was just said/written. That context matters a lot.That context is summarized in v. 21 where it says, “Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Also, v. 3 where he tells us we have a “living hope.”Since this living hope is eternal and not temporary, we're to respond to this gracious and merciful gift by living and loving others well. (Like the man and the ducks)Therefore, we “Rid ourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” These are not loving.In addition, we crave the word of God (truth) “Like newborn babies crave pure” milk. “Pure spiritual milk” = word of God.Milk is a rich source of several valuable nutrients, including:1. Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.2. Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb and use calcium.3. Protein: Important for muscle growth and repair.4. Vitamin B12: Necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.5. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Aids in energy metabolism.6. Phosphorus: Contributes to bone and teeth health.7. Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.8. Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.9. Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.10. Zinc: Necessary for immune system health.Milk is a well-rounded source of these nutrients, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.This causes us to grow in maturity even in the midst of trials and tribulations like these Christians were going through. Having “tasted” of the Lord's goodness and truth, we should remember the blessings that flow from growing by grace through faith in the word of God even in the midst of trials.ConclusionWe love because we live. Therefore,Go love deeply, from the heart,Get rid of your dirty ways, and Grow in your desire to know, trust and obey the word of God.Have you been born again?Have you tasted that the Lord is good?Do you crave his pure spiritual milk like a newborn baby?Do you need to repent of your sins?Then pray right now and ask him to forgive you for your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)Pray for him to give you a hunger and thirst for him and his words so that you can obey them out of gratitude for what he's already done for you. He's done the work for salvation. Now we get to do the work of gratitude that flows from our salvation. GoGet rid ofGrowPrayNOTESAcorns and gospel conversations about Jesus.Peter's aim in 1 Peter 1 so far is holy living in the midst of trials by these Christians.Holy living flows from being born again by the living and enduring word of God.Holy living flows to being holy by loving one another deeply, from the heart.Love like this comes from a pure heart. A heart purified by believing the good news preached to you. How are we purified?By obeying the truth. Does that mean that we obey the law so that we're purified? We obey the word trying harder and pushing out sin from our lives? No. That's the work of the flesh or “perishable seed.”Perishable seed = seed of Adam through the flesh which includes our sin nature (which is why we sin)Imperishable seed = the word of God, which is living and enduring and eternal. It's alive!Like an acorn caries within its dead shell potential life, the seed of the gospel carries with it the potential for life as well. But instead of trying to obey God's laws in our own strength (flesh), we lay down our lives and trust him by obeying his words because that trust (faith, hope) leads to life abundant and eternal.This is good news!Gospel = good news = truth = word that was preached to youWe don't obey our way into purity unless by obey you mean we obey the command of scripture to trust and follow Jesus. (John 3:16, Matthew 16:24)The way of the flesh is dead and fleeting.The way of the word is living and enduring. Arguments forBecause in v. 22 love is the overflow of this obedience to the truth. (1 John 1:9; Gal 5:6; 1 Tim 1:5)“For you have been born again” also results in obedience to the truth. (1:23-25)“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬“So your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying…” v. 21-222:1-3Piper, Pt. 1 “Spiritual growth is not optional”“Therefore” - because of what he just wrote (that we're born again), through the living and enduring word of God (good news), we are a new person!Therefore, we get rid of all that isn't good in our attitudes, feelings, thoughts and actions.Action and effort are required! New born infants are not just new Christians. We're all made new forever!We are all new people, andCrave/Desire (taste) pure spiritual milk (word) like a baby desires/craves physical milkTaste (Ps 34:8)Anyone can read the word. But when you taste the goodness or kindness of God when in the word, that's evidence that you are born again.Drinking this milk causes us to grow up spiritually. I.e. sanctificationPeter thinks of salvation as future a lot in this letter. (I.e. hope to be fulfilled)It's a process: We are born again (passive; it's by God)We eat/drink the word (active) tasting his goodnessWe grow/mature spirituallyWe arrive (eventually) at full salvationEating/drinking and growing are not optional—they are evidences that you're the real dealGod keeps his own and evidence is seen in your maturingBorn again: What effect does it have on our lives?Loving one anotherGetting rid of that which hurts other peopleDrinking spiritual milk is a strategy for loving and getting rid of evilMalice (feeling) — desire to hurt people; mean-spiritedDeceit (feeling) — leading people to believe what's not true about usHypocrisy (feeling) — feeling about me; play-acting instead of being who I really amEnvy (feeling) — feelings about you and your successes; we want it but we don't want you to have itSlander (action) — frustrations are about us and you. Lack of contentment in God that leads us to say things about you that tear you down and hurt you and are untrue.Helms' notes“We love because of the imperishable nature of God's word…How exactly is sincere love the natural consequence of the living and abiding word of God?”The Logic of Love ExploredSeeds possess the power to bring new lifeSeeds possess within themselves the power to bring forth life. For ex.A perishable seed of an oak tree (an acorn), after falling to the ground and dying as a result, possesses the power to bring forth new life.The sapling emerges because all of the necessary life-giving properties were present in the seed from the beginning. So it is with God's word. Like a seed, the Bible is alive. It contains within itself everything necessary for life. Dr. Lanier at SEBTS.edu used to tell his students every semester how he came to know Christ by just reading the New Testament. The word is alive! The word brings forth life!The word of God contains within itself all the properties necessary for life. And that ought to revolutionize our understanding about the power of God's word to bring forth life.Seeds come with fullness of purposeLife isn't the only natural result of God's word. Love is as well. How is it that the gospel brings forth both life and love?Isaiah 55:10-11 It is God's purpose that when it goes out it accomplishes all that God purposes it to.And what's his purpose? That God would be known in all his fullness.God is love.Therefore, God's word gives us life and love.Therefore, within God's word, we gain Jesus Christ who is—life and love.Therefore, the logic of love rests in this: God is life, and God is love. Thus, if God sent his Word in to our hearts to give us life, then we have tasted of his fullness nad will make manifest the fruit of his character. It is for this reason Peter says:Love one another earnestly/deeplySince you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of God.II. The Brevity of LifeIII. The Look of LoveCross references““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬Outline Bible (1 PETER 2)Peter speaks of renouncing, relationships, respect, and a role model.I. THE RENOUNCING (2:1-3, 11)A. What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b): We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and worldliness.B. What we are to receive (2:2-3): We are to crave pure spiritual milk.II. THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4-12)dedratitresA. What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10-11a)1. We are living stones (2:5a).2. We are royal priests (2:5b).3. We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10).4. We are strangers on earth (2:11a).B. What Christ is (2:4, 6-8, 9b, 12)1. He is the living foundation (2:4a).a. He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4, 7a).b. He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8).2. He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b).3. He is the chosen one (2:4c).4. He is the judge (2:12).5. He is the light (2:9b).III. THE RESPECT (2:13-20): For the Lord's sake, we are to show respect(and submission) to the following parties:A. Civil authorities (2:13-16)B. Employers (2:18-20)C. Everyone (2:17)IV. THE ROLE MODEL (2:21-25)A. Who he is (2:21-22): He is our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.B. What he did (2:23-24a): He died on Calvary's cross.C. Why he did it (2:24b-25)1. That his wounds might heal ours (2:24b)2. That we might turn to the Shepherd (2:25)DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastQ. What do I want them to know?A. We love one another deeply because we live by his mercy and grace.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. It leads us to actually love each other deeply, from the heart.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid ourselves of the evil that we're still wearing, and grow in Christ together.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because it's life-giving and leads to blessing.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Repent. Believe. Love. Live.OUTLINESThe Visual Word - 1 Peter“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don't revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)Hope as Exiles 1-2Elect Exiles 1:1-2New future 1:3-12New family 1:13-2:10Exile Identity 2-4Submit 2:11-3:7Suffer well 3:8-4:11Stand Firm 4-5Suffer joyfully 4:12-19Resist the devil 5:1-11In Babylon 5:12-14I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P SchreinerHope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)Elect exiles (1:1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Elect Exiles (1:1-2)“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God's wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God's foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God's wonderful plan for their lives.”Hope as Exiles (1-2)“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter's first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next. While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT SUMMARY SO FAR1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”Let's live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we're wrong, they'll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…They'll see who we are and that's we're different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)ChosenExiles/Holy people in the wildernessNew people New covenant with GodNew temple/a peopleKingdom of priestsWhat else?They'll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)They'll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)From Schreiner:“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsFrom Helms:“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.THE BIBLE PROJECTI. Greeting (1:1-2)II. Song of praise (1:3-12)III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.HELMSLife is hard even for Christians.3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:Our status in Christ ANDOur sufferings on earth.”Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.Be holy (1:15)live out (1:17)Way of life (1:18)Live such good lives (2:12)Behavior (3:1)Your lives (3:2)Behavior (3:16)“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”Turning point 2:11-12Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.He appeals specifically to elders before the community.“God has Established our salvation,Given us our identity,Conformed our present-day calling,Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”Subtitle? How to live as God's fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”As God's chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.Elect = chosen, those whom God lovesIsrael was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin. Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn't mean it wrt Israel's ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”CS Lewis quote, p. 26SchreinerOUTLINE OF 1 PETER1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)SECTION OUTLINE2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsThey suffered both in:Every day lifeFrom imperial authority”IDENTITY“People of God” “The Lord's new temple” “priests”“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Obedient children”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”“God's chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”PURPOSE“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/we-cannot-love-without-hope “The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: How should we respond to this living hope?Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25Bottom line: We respond to this living hope in 2 ways: Be Ready. Be Holy.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionV FormationPicture the V formation of a flock of geese. V. 3 and v. 21 are the back and v. 13 is the point (pun intended). The point of this is to fully set your hope on the grace to be revealed through Jesus Christ. Context“Last week, we saw Peter open his letter by laying out the nature of our future hope, our imperishable and unfading inheritance. We marveled at the fact that we are able to understand the good news we have received in a way not even God's prophets and heaven's angels could comprehend.This week, Peter will transition from description to prescription. Having described our salvation, Peter will now tell us how we should respond to the good news of grace, even as we endure opposition and trial during our time of exile.” -Jen WilkinCrows NestSo the picture is of Peter up in the crow's nest of a large sailing vessel during a long, turbulent journey, where he can see land before anyone else. So he can shout down to the crew hope because land is near. This helps the crew persevere through the storms because they believe that land (hope) is near. So Peter is in the crow's nest. We've been at sea for months searching for a new land. We're nearly out of food and water. We're discouraged and on the edge of mutiny. The captain sends Peter up to the crow's nest to see if there's any sight of land. And sure enough Peter spots land. Land-ho!Immediately, hope springs from despair. Our circumstances have not changed at all. But our belief that Peter sees land changes everything about how we see life. The captain goes from enemy to hero. God is allowing trials and tribulations to come our way to test our faith and to make us better (not bitter) through persevering in a living hope. Verse 13 helps us persevere. Trials/tribulations“A picture from ancient Roman times shows the method by which grain was threshed. One man can be seen stirring up the sheaves, while another rides over them in a crude dray equipped with rollers instead of wheels.Attached to the rolling cylinders are sharp stones and rough bits of iron. As they grind over the recently tossed sheaves, the stones and iron help separate the husks from the grain. The simple cart was called a tribulum.This agrarian piece of farm machinery is the object from which we get our word tribulation. Do you ever feel as if you are under the inescapable weight and force of the tribulum? If so, Peter wants to remind you that no thresher ever operated his tribulum for the purpose of tearing up his sheaves.The thresher's intentions were far more elevated than that. The farmer only wanted to cull out the precious grain. And as it is with the ancient farmer, so it is with God.Understanding that God's purposes for us include various trials is important, for by them we are tempered. The extracts of this world are removed from us, and we are made fit for Heaven. A simple bar of iron ore, pulled from the earth, might be worth $5.00. However, that same bar, when made into horseshoes, would be worth $10.50. If the owner decided to make the bar into needles for sewing, it could be worth as much as $3,285. And if he turned it into springs for watches, its value could jump as high as $250,000.What made the difference? Simply the amount of heat by which the iron bar was tempered and honed.What Peter is saying is that our faith is far more precious to God than a bar of iron. According to the text it is even more precious than gold! So be encouraged. You may find yourself on the anvil of suffering, but God is at work. He is testing the genuineness of your faith. And for him, that faith has eternal value.” -Helms, p. 41OutlineLast 2 weeksI. The SOURCE of our Hope. (1:1-2)II. The GUARANTEE of our Hope. (1:3-5)III. The JOY of our Hope. (1:6-9)IV. The PROPHETS and our Hope. (1:10-12a)V. The ANGELS and our Hope. (1:12b)This weekVI. The RESPONSE to our Hope. (1:13-17) aka “The 2 Marks of a Decided Hope” (Helms)A. In regard to ourselves (1:13): We are to beAlert, andFully soberThe idea is the “gird up your loins of your mind” (literally)B. In regard to our Savior (1:14-17)We are to be holy before God. (1:14-16)We are to be respectful toward God. (1:17)VII. The COST of our Hope. (1:18-21)A. The price (1:18-19)Negative (1:18): It was not purchased with silver or gold.Positive (1:19): It was bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.B. The planning (1:20-21): Christ was chosen before the foundation of the world to do this.VIII. The VEHICLE of our Hope. (1:22-25)A. The new birth (1:22-23a): One must experience regeneration to be saved. B. The old book (1:23b-25): It is God's word that bring this about. ConclusionBottom line: We respond to this living hope in 2 ways: Be Ready. Be Holy.“Peter's cry from high above the ship's decks now comes to rest. He has finished his early call. He wants us to do one thing: set our hope on the grace that is to be brought to us at the revelation of Christ. He has shown us the two distinguishing marks of those who are doing so—a healthy mind and a holy life. And he put forward three reasons to motivate us to it—God's holy character demands it, his impartial judgment warns us to it, and Christ's sacrifice compels us in it.” -HelmSo Peter is in the crow's nest. We've been at sea for months searching for a new land. We're nearly out of food and water. We're discouraged and on the edge of mutiny. The captain sends Peter up to the crow's nest to see if there's any sight of land. And sure enough Peter spots land. Land-ho!Immediately, hope springs from despair. Our circumstances have not changed at all. But our belief that Peter sees land changes everything about how we see life. The captain goes from enemy to hero. God is allowing trials and tribulations to come our way to test our faith and to make us better (not bitter) through persevering in a living hope. Do you believe that Peter, in his letter, sees land? Do you believe that your circumstances, which haven't changed, can be seen and persevered through in a different light? The light of the living hope of God! I pray that right now you'd surrender your lives to Jesus Christ trusting him with your immediate future and your eternal future. He has risen from the dead. He has proven that he creates and sustains life. Rest in that truth today!PrayNOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastQ. What do I want them to know?A. What 1 Peter is all about.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because I want them to have a living hope in a dying world. Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Stand firm in the grace of God and persevere through trials as they share the good news with those around them.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this will sustain them through any trial.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Ask someone today, “How can I pray for you today?”OUTLINESThe Visual Word - 1 Peter“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don't revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)Hope as Exiles 1-2Elect Exiles 1:1-2New future 1:3-12New family 1:13-2:10Exile Identity 2-4Submit 2:11-3:7Suffer well 3:8-4:11Stand Firm 4-5Suffer joyfully 4:12-19Resist the devil 5:1-11In Babylon 5:12-14I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P SchreinerHope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)Elect exiles (1:1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Elect Exiles (1:1-2)“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God's wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God's foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God's wonderful plan for their lives.”Hope as Exiles (1-2)“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter's first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next. While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT SUMMARY SO FAR1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”Let's live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we're wrong, they'll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…They'll see who we are and that's we're different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)ChosenExiles/Holy people in the wildernessNew people New covenant with GodNew temple/a peopleKingdom of priestsWhat else?They'll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)They'll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)From Schreiner:“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsFrom Helms:“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.THE BIBLE PROJECTI. Greeting (1:1-2)II. Song of praise (1:3-12)III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.HELMSLife is hard even for Christians.3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:Our status in Christ ANDOur sufferings on earth.”Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.Be holy (1:15)live out (1:17)Way of life (1:18)Live such good lives (2:12)Behavior (3:1)Your lives (3:2)Behavior (3:16)“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”Turning point 2:11-12Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.He appeals specifically to elders before the community.“God has Established our salvation,Given us our identity,Conformed our present-day calling,Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”Subtitle? How to live as God's fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”As God's chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.Elect = chosen, those whom God lovesIsrael was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin. Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn't mean it wrt Israel's ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”CS Lewis quote, p. 26SchreinerOUTLINE OF 1 PETER1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)SECTION OUTLINE2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsThey suffered both in:Every day lifeFrom imperial authority”IDENTITY“People of God” “The Lord's new temple” “priests”“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Obedient children”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”“God's chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”PURPOSE“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

should you and I be terrified of Satan? No. His power is limited and will end. We never need to be deceived by or give in to the Devil's temptations. God is always ready to provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).   But When you ask what power satan has its tricky to understand because he actually has very little, but he does have authority over the world right now, and he also knows we live in a sinful world… so the fact that he has authority over the world, and we live in a sinful world (death, decay, sickness and disease work in his favor) and he is a master liar… makes this world hard to navigate… However we do have power over the enemy… hold on I thought you said he had authority over the earth… he has limited authority for a limited time…but we still have power over him to rule and reign… even while here on earth.  Think of it this way… Jesus was the first example of what a “born again” believer should be like. He came as a man, led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit… he lived victoriously and with power over sin and satan… so what exactly is satans powers while he has authority over the earth… limited? yes, but what power does he actually have during this time?  I like the way RC Sproul puts it…. Satan's authority and power are limited and subordinate to the authority that is vested in Christ. Christ right now is the king of this earth. His kingdom is invisible, and not everybody acknowledges it. People are giving more allegiance to the prince of darkness than to the Prince of Peace, but that is an act of usurpation on the part of Satan. His power is restricted, limited, and temporal. What has happened briefly is this: The power and authority of Satan has been dealt a fatal blow by Christ. The Cross, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and the Ascension tremendously weakened any power or authority that Satan enjoyed, but it didn't annihilate him. That will come later, when Christ completes his work of redemption with the consummation of his kingdom. All things will be brought into captivity to him, and every knee will bow to him, including the fallen angels, who will bow in submission to his authority. Are you confused yet? Well here is the biggest power satan has… he is a liar!    Satan is a liar. The apostle John calls Satan the one “who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).  THAT MEANS WE ALL FALLL TO HIS DECEPTIONS AT TIMES…  The devil and his demons tell two main lies to unbelievers and two primary lies to believers. Here's the lie to unbelievers: “God doesn't care about sin. In fact, there might not even be a God. Live your life and do as you please.” “You are too bad for God to ever love and forgive you. You are doomed. Just accept it. - in fact he doesn't even really care about you… he's too busy, he is out of range out of touch.  But to believers, the devil and his demons say: “You've been saved, so it doesn't matter how much you sin. You can do what you want. Don't worry, because God will forgive you.”… and its true, but not true… yes you are forgiven… but does that mean you are untouched and unjudgable? And do you think you can't lose your salvation… I don't think you can lose it, but I do think you can walk away from it.  “You just thought you were saved. Do you really think God can forgive all the bad things you've done?” Satan lies to us regarding Gods ability to forgive, and redeem… as if his work on the cross was limited… Do you see the similarities between these two sets of lies? The devil may be deceptive and sinister, but he's not that creative. His essential motive is to get you to believe that God is not the answer to your problem with sin.   Satan is not dumb, but he is stupid. He's not powerful but he is authoritative, he is not creative - he cannot create, but he can copy and mimic to perfection… but its still a copy… it is still a fake and a forgery.  So what is our defense… well if his true power or strategy is to lie… then our best defense is to know the truth… what does scripture say in John 8:31 and 32  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We are to be in his word and know it, and we are to know Jesus who is the truth… and the truth will set you free… This is not talking about salvation, but rather about freedom from satans lies. Know him, know it and be free from the liar and his lies.  

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to discuss a topic of utmost importance: the power of spiritual warfare. As followers of Christ, we are constantly engaged in a battle against the forces of darkness. Our Scripture reading from Luke 11:17-23 reminds us of the ongoing spiritual warfare we face and the ultimate triumph we have in Christ. Main Point 1: Recognizing the Reality of Spiritual Warfare Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:12 (NRSV) "For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Subpoint 1: Understanding the Battlefront: Explores the spiritual realm and the influence of evil forces. - Subpoint 2: The Deceptiveness of Our Enemy: Discusses how Satan deceives and tempts us. - Subpoint 3: The Impact on Our Daily Lives: Explores how spiritual warfare affects our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and decisions. RC Sproul quote: "We don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. There are spiritual powers of darkness who wage war against God and seek to destroy His people." Main Point 2: The Authority and Power of Jesus Scripture Reference: Luke 11:20 (NRSV) "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you." - Subpoint 1: Jesus' Authority over the Demonic Forces: Explores Jesus' power to cast out demons and His victory over them. - Subpoint 2: The Kingdom of God in Our Lives: Discusses how through Jesus' authority, we can experience the victorious reign of God in our lives. - Subpoint 3: The Role of Faith: Emphasizes the importance of faith in accessing the power of Jesus. RC Sproul quote: "Our confidence in spiritual warfare rests not upon our own abilities but upon the perfect victory of Jesus Christ." Main Point 3: Joining the Battle in Christ Scripture Reference: Luke 11:23 (NRSV) "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Subpoint 1: Active Participation: Encourages believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare rather than being passive spectators. - Subpoint 2: Equipped for Battle: Discusses the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6 and the importance of prayer and Scripture in preparation for warfare. - Subpoint 3: Unity in Christ: Emphasizes the need for unity and cooperation among believers in fighting the spiritual battle together. RC Sproul quote: "The book of Ephesians tells us that we are engaged in a cosmic war. We must fight daily to mortify our flesh, tear down strongholds, and proclaim the powerful gospel of Jesus Christ." Application: Considering our discussion, let us apply these truths to our lives. Firstly, let us acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare and seek to discern the enemy's tactics. Secondly, let us turn to Jesus, acknowledging His authority and seeking His power to overcome the enemy. Lastly, let us actively engage in the battle, equipping ourselves with the spiritual armor and standing united in Christ. Call to Action Walking in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ I challenge each one of us to examine our lives and ask ourselves: Are we actively participating in the spiritual warfare? Are we wearing the full armor of God? Are we standing united with our fellow believers? Let us not be passive spectators but active warriors, ready to unleash the power of Christ against the forces of evil. A. Recognize the battle 1. Opening our eyes to the spiritual battle around us 2. Seeking God's guidance daily B. Equip ourselves 1. Being rooted in God's Word 2. Wearing the armor of God C. Pray fervently 1. The power of our prayers 2. Committing to daily prayer for spiritual warfare Conclusion: A. Understanding the necessity of spiritual warfare prayer B. Tapping into the true power of God through prayer C. Closing prayer Dear friends, the power of spiritual warfare is real, but we have hope and victory in Jesus. Through His authority, we can triumph over the forces of darkness. Let us go forth, strengthened by His power, equipped with His armor, and united in His love. As we engage in spiritual warfare, may we never forget the words of Jesus: "In me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NRSV). Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You today humbled by the revelation of the power of spiritual warfare. We acknowledge that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Grant us wisdom and discernment to recognize the enemy's tactics and to resist his deceptions. We thank You for the authority and power You have given us in Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and equip us with Your armor to stand firm in the battle. Help us to unite as a body of believers, fighting together against the forces of darkness. May Your victory be our confidence, and may Your glory be manifested through our lives. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Michael Horton, John MacArthur, and R.C. Sproul answer questions about the church. Will Big Ben be the quarterback for the Steelers this year, and can they win without him? How do you see assurance of salvation in light of Calvin saying "all Christians doubt" and view of the ordo salutis? Abraham is going to slay his son. How is that a good thing? If Samson was never to touch a dead body, how come he killed a thousand men with the jaw bone of a donkey? Comment on the concept of seeker-sensitive, who seeks whom in the process of salvation, and how does American contemporary evangelicalism get it right or wrong? You mentioned the names of some well-known persons in our society that were born and raised evangelical, fundamentalist homes and now don't believe in God. What are the reasons this happens and why does it happen so often? Why hasn't anything been said about the spiritual formation movement? Millions are dying apart from Christ and we must therefore urgently reach them, but doesn't this conflict with John 6? Conservative Bible-teaching churches taking the good from secular movements without compromising the message. How does that work? Can God regret and wish? If God has a general love for all people, when does God start hating people? When is it okay and/or necessary to leave a church? How does Matthew 17:20 and John 14:13 fit into prosperity Christianity? This Q&A session is from a conference in 2010 called “Christless Christianity: 2010 West Coast Conference.” For more information, please visit Ligonier Ministries. And all rights for this episode belongs to Ligonier Minsitries. Praying that this sermon would help you in your walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. © Ligonier Ministries [2010]. Deepen your study in the word: ESV MacArthur Study Bible: ⁠https://amzn.to/47Go6H7⁠ CSB Study Bible: ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3PhEln3⁠ NASB MacArthur Study Bible: ⁠https://amzn.to/3sreyzO⁠ ESV Study Bible: ⁠https://amzn.to/3P6Kd23⁠ ESV MacArthur Study Bible with Premium Leather: ⁠https://amzn.to/45lpwVN⁠⁠⁠ CSB Spurgeon Study Bible with Genuine Leather: ⁠https://amzn.to/47LX7dp Check out our Socials: Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://t.ly/Tw5tt⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.com/@Expositorysermons⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch YouTube Shorts: ⁠⁠Y⁠⁠ouTube.com/@expositorysermons/shorts⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe our YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ExpositorySermons⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠expositorysermons@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorysermons/support

In this sermon, Pastor John MacArthur exegetes the passage from Mark 13 where Jesus warns His disciples about the end times. He discusses the wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution of Christians, and the rise of false Christs and false prophets. He also talks about the time of tribulation that will come before Jesus returns. MacArthur challenges Christians to be prepared for the end times and to be on the alert for His return. Date Preached: Oct 17, 2013 Passage: Mark 13:1–13 All the rights for this sermon belongs to ⁠Grace To You Ministries⁠. Follow our podcast on other platforms as well. We are on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at expositorysermons@gmail.com. Check out these Study Bibles for less than $50: ESV MacArthur Study Bible: https://amzn.to/44dH0lS CSB Study Bible: https://amzn.to/3P19gUd NASB MacArthur Study Bible: https://amzn.to/44lDJRf ESV Study Bible: https://amzn.to/45cI0HX ESV MacArthur Study Bible with Premium Leather: https://amzn.to/3qsvpla CSB Spurgeon Study Bible with Genuine Leather: https://amzn.to/3OJblTq MUST READ BOOKS: Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur: https://amzn.to/3sooauP The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur: https://amzn.to/3OIkfk1 The Holiness of God by RC Sproul: https://amzn.to/3qvdElc Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation: https://amzn.to/3OHJsLz Books For Pastors and Elders: Called To Lead by John MacArthur: https://amzn.to/3sn4ozS Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically by John MacArthur: https://amzn.to/3E0LHVd Preaching: How to Preach Biblically by John MacArthur: https://amzn.to/3OOe1PY Books for Evangelism: Scientific Facts in The Bible by Ray Comfort: https://amzn.to/3DYrAHv Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort: https://amzn.to/44flhK3 Check out our Socials: Facebook: https://t.ly/Tw5tt Instagram: Instagram.com/@Expositorysermons Watch YouTube Shorts: YouTube.com/@expositorysermons/shorts Subscribe our YouTube: YouTube.com/@ExpositorySermons --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorysermons/support

Date Preached: January 24th, 2017 Passage: 1 Peter 5:10-11 This sermon was recorded at Spiritual Life Conference in Dallas Theological Seminary. For more information about this sermon, please visit ⁠⁠DTS's website⁠⁠. Praying that this sermon would help you in your walk with our Lord Jesus Christ! Check out these Study Bibles for less than $50: ESV MacArthur Study Bible: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/44dH0lS⁠⁠ CSB Study Bible: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3P19gUd⁠⁠ NASB MacArthur Study Bible: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/44lDJRf⁠⁠ ESV Study Bible: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/45cI0HX⁠⁠ ESV MacArthur Study Bible with Premium Leather: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qsvpla⁠⁠ CSB Spurgeon Study Bible with Genuine Leather: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OJblTq⁠⁠ MUST READ BOOKS: Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3sooauP⁠⁠ The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OIkfk1⁠⁠ The Holiness of God by RC Sproul: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qvdElc⁠⁠ Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OHJsLz⁠⁠ Books For Pastors and Elders: Called To Lead by John MacArthur: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3sn4ozS⁠⁠ Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically by John MacArthur: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3E0LHVd⁠⁠ Preaching: How to Preach Biblically by John MacArthur: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3OOe1PY⁠⁠ Books for Evangelism: Scientific Facts in The Bible by Ray Comfort: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3DYrAHv⁠⁠ Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/44flhK3⁠⁠ Check out our Socials: Facebook: ⁠⁠https://t.ly/Tw5tt⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠Instagram.com/@Expositorysermons⁠⁠ Watch YouTube Shorts: Y⁠⁠ouTube.com/@expositorysermons/shorts⁠⁠ Subscribe our YouTube: ⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ExpositorySermons⁠⁠ If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at ⁠⁠expositorysermons@gmail.com⁠⁠. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/expositorysermons/support

Jordan Hatfield (non-Calvinist) talks with David Vandervelde (Calvinist) about Calvinism and whether or not it is biblical and true.   Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/5AOmdqvOY-Y Calvinism's Critical Error Part 1: https://youtu.be/ygePIgd7DJU Calvinism's Critical Error Part 2: https://youtu.be/A23Mc_eqWu8   The topic of Calvinism is something that I have personally spent a lot of time studying and thinking about for the past decade. In recent years this theology has grown a lot in popularity, being propagated by popular and prominent pastors and christian leaders like John Piper, John Macarthur, RC Sproul and ministry organizations like the Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ligonier Ministries and Apologia Studios.    This theology is based on a particular understanding of passages like Romans 9, John 6 and Ephesians 1, which are interpreted by Calvinists in a way that results in the conclusion that God has determined before the foundation of the world which individuals he will save and has ultimately created a countless mass of humanity throughout history for the purpose of condemning them to eternal torment in hell for committing sins that he himself determined that they commit. This may be a bit more of an abrasive and pointed way of putting it, but I think if you come to understand the claims and beliefs of the theologians mentioned above who teach these doctrines, you will see that this is an accurate and honest representation of their ultimate conclusions. I personally find the view of God that is communicated in Calvinism to be immoral and a gross misrepresentation of what the bible actually describes God to be like.    Although I do have moral and emotional apprehensions toward this theology, that is not ultimately the reason why I came to reject it. I came to reject it on biblical grounds. After examining the many Calvinistic proof texts like Romans 9 and Ephesians 1, I became convinced that Calvinists are simply misunderstanding and misinterpreting these texts. I make videos about this topic because I believe that bad theology is harmful to people - emotionally, mentally and spiritually.    My goal in making videos like this is not to demonize Calvinists who teach these things or to say they are evil heretics or anything of the sort, but to simply explain why I strongly disagree with their conclusions and offer what I consider to be a better way of understanding the many biblical texts that are often used to support these views. Watch more of my videos on Calvinism: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEq2FhrqzT-coMx-7nbls9Vw Watch my films here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEp7tApoCOPhEw4F0BBQg-Gr Seek First: Freedom From Worry And Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-33) https://youtu.be/Cjbj1qOIzk8 Get early access to videos and content when you support Great Light Studios by becoming a monthly patron here: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios or become a member on the GLS YouTube channel.  You can also make a one-time or recurring donation to Jordan and GLS through PayPal here: https://bit.ly/3nN2nYD – If you would like to mail a check, you can send to: Great Light Studios (Burns Cornerstone Church) 143 South Washington Burns, KS 66840   PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi2w6gJGj1jHdEk-e_b7pA TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JordanMHatfield INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/greatlightstudios FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GreatLightStudios TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatlightstudios CONTACT US: contact@greatlightstudios.com

In this episode, Courtney reviews the Christian children's book “The Barber Who Wanted to Pray” by R.C. Sproul.

In this episode Jordan gives an explanation of Romans 9, and utilizes some of Paul's arguments, language and analogies in Galatians to unpack its meaning and to explain why this controversial chapter is not teaching Calvinism.   Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/3NMA-8PFkCE Calvinism's Critical Error Part 1: https://youtu.be/ygePIgd7DJU Calvinism's Critical Error Part 2: https://youtu.be/A23Mc_eqWu8   The topic of Calvinism is something that I have personally spent a lot of time studying and thinking about for the past decade. In recent years this theology has grown a lot in popularity, being propagated by popular and prominent pastors and christian leaders like John Piper, John Macarthur, RC Sproul and ministry organizations like the Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ligonier Ministries and Apologia Studios.    This theology is based on a particular understanding of passages like Romans 9, John 6 and Ephesians 1, which are interpreted by Calvinists in a way that results in the conclusion that God has determined before the foundation of the world which individuals he will save and has ultimately created a countless mass of humanity throughout history for the purpose of condemning them to eternal torment in hell for committing sins that he himself determined that they commit. This may be a bit more of an abrasive and pointed way of putting it, but I think if you come to understand the claims and beliefs of the theologians mentioned above who teach these doctrines, you will see that this is an accurate and honest representation of their ultimate conclusions. I personally find the view of God that is communicated in Calvinism to be immoral and a gross misrepresentation of what the bible actually describes God to be like.    Although I do have moral and emotional apprehensions toward this theology, that is not ultimately the reason why I came to reject it. I came to reject it on biblical grounds. After examining the many Calvinistic proof texts like Romans 9 and Ephesians 1, I became convinced that Calvinists are simply misunderstanding and misinterpreting these texts. I make videos about this topic because I believe that bad theology is harmful to people - emotionally, mentally and spiritually.    My goal in making videos like this is not to demonize Calvinists who teach these things or to say they are evil heretics or anything of the sort, but to simply explain why I strongly disagree with their conclusions and offer what I consider to be a better way of understanding the many biblical texts that are often used to support these views. Watch more of my videos on Calvinism: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEq2FhrqzT-coMx-7nbls9Vw Watch my films here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEp7tApoCOPhEw4F0BBQg-Gr Seek First: Freedom From Worry And Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-33) https://youtu.be/Cjbj1qOIzk8 Get early access to videos and content when you support Great Light Studios by becoming a monthly patron here: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios or become a member on the GLS YouTube channel.  You can also make a one-time or recurring donation to Jordan and GLS through PayPal here: https://bit.ly/3nN2nYD – If you would like to mail a check, you can send to: Great Light Studios (Burns Cornerstone Church) 143 South Washington Burns, KS 66840   PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi2w6gJGj1jHdEk-e_b7pA TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JordanMHatfield INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/greatlightstudios FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GreatLightStudios TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatlightstudios CONTACT US: contact@greatlightstudios.com

Jordan talks with popular Christian YouTuber Alana L about why she left Calvinism after 19 years.   Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/FQJW70tsJws Calvinism's Critical Error Part 1: https://youtu.be/ygePIgd7DJU Calvinism's Critical Error Part 2: https://youtu.be/A23Mc_eqWu8   The topic of Calvinism is something that I have personally spent a lot of time studying and thinking about for the past decade. In recent years this theology has grown a lot in popularity, being propagated by popular and prominent pastors and christian leaders like John Piper, John Macarthur, RC Sproul and ministry organizations like the Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ligonier Ministries and Apologia Studios.    This theology is based on a particular understanding of passages like Romans 9, John 6 and Ephesians 1, which are interpreted by Calvinists in a way that results in the conclusion that God has determined before the foundation of the world which individuals he will save and has ultimately created a countless mass of humanity throughout history for the purpose of condemning them to eternal torment in hell for committing sins that he himself determined that they commit. This may be a bit more of an abrasive and pointed way of putting it, but I think if you come to understand the claims and beliefs of the theologians mentioned above who teach these doctrines, you will see that this is an accurate and honest representation of their ultimate conclusions. I personally find the view of God that is communicated in Calvinism to be immoral and a gross misrepresentation of what the bible actually describes God to be like.    Although I do have moral and emotional apprehensions toward this theology, that is not ultimately the reason why I came to reject it. I came to reject it on biblical grounds. After examining the many Calvinistic proof texts like Romans 9 and Ephesians 1, I became convinced that Calvinists are simply misunderstanding and misinterpreting these texts. I make videos about this topic because I believe that bad theology is harmful to people - emotionally, mentally and spiritually.    My goal in making videos like this is not to demonize Calvinists who teach these things or to say they are evil heretics or anything of the sort, but to simply explain why I strongly disagree with their conclusions and offer what I consider to be a better way of understanding the many biblical texts that are often used to support these views. Watch more of my videos on Calvinism: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEq2FhrqzT-coMx-7nbls9Vw Watch my films here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlJNUrjZLBEp7tApoCOPhEw4F0BBQg-Gr Seek First: Freedom From Worry And Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-33) https://youtu.be/Cjbj1qOIzk8 Get early access to videos and content when you support Great Light Studios by becoming a monthly patron here: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios or become a member on the GLS YouTube channel.  You can also make a one-time or recurring donation to Jordan and GLS through PayPal here: https://bit.ly/3nN2nYD – If you would like to mail a check, you can send to: Great Light Studios (Burns Cornerstone Church) 143 South Washington Burns, KS 66840   PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/greatlightstudios YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi2w6gJGj1jHdEk-e_b7pA TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JordanMHatfield INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/greatlightstudios FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GreatLightStudios TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatlightstudios CONTACT US: contact@greatlightstudios.com

The battle continues! Welcome to round #2 of the presup- classical apologetics debate. Which method will come out on top and why? The debate between presuppositional and classical apologetics continues on even after Greg Bahnsen and RC Sproul battled it out several years ago. Join Eli Ayala as he discusses the problems Dr. Sproul had with the presuppositional method and how presuppositionalism compares to the classical method. The video of this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/JFbC17nb4QA Web: www.ReformedRookie.com Podcast: https://anchor.fm/reformedrookie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReformedRookie Semper Reformanda!

Welcome to round #1 of the presup- classical apologetics debate. Which method will come out on top and why? The debate between presuppositional and classical apologetics continues on even after Greg Bahnsen and RC Sproul battled it out several years ago. Join Eli Ayala as he discusses the problems Dr. Sproul had with the presuppositional method and how presuppositionalism compares to the classical method. The video of this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/dg51bZcXFMU Web: www.ReformedRookie.com Podcast: https://anchor.fm/reformedrookie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReformedRookie Semper Reformanda!

Welcome fellow adventurers! The discussion on miracles, continues right here on the Masculine Journey After Hours Podcast. The clips are from "Summer Breeze," by Seals and Crofts, and a clip of RC Sproul."  There's no advertising or commercials, just men of God, talking and getting to the truth of the matter. The conversation and Journey continues.

In this episode Pastor Raef digs into one of the core divisions between Catholics and Protestants, the doctrine of Justification.This episode correlates to a blog post that Pastor Raef wrote on this topic that can be found here: https://raefchenery.com/2023/05/24/justification-the-great-division-between-protestant-catholics/RESOURCESAre We Together?: A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by RC Sproul https://www.amazon.com/Together-Protestant-Analyzes-Roman-Catholicism/dp/1567692826/

In today's age, we are looking for wisdom in many different places—online, from parents, maybe even from professors—but what if we decided to look at a specific Living in today's age as a Christian isn't always easy. We know our lives should look different, but in what ways? How are we supposed to be set apart? What does wisdom look as a Christ follower in this modern world?In this episode, we look at how to read James—the Proverbs of the New Testament—and discuss how it points us to living wise lives as Christians in the modern world.To listen to our Old Testament episode over Wisdom Literature, click here.

I was listening to Dr. RC Sproul explain the Doctrine of Concurrence in a 2004 sermon. He opened with an explanation of it, and after a short while of preaching, mentioned "The Fickle Finger of Fate". The audience, ones of a certain age, lol, laughed. What IS fate? Are there random events? What about lotteries and casting lots? Tune in to hear more. John Murray Behind a Frowning Providence Sproul There is not one maverick molecule in the universe By Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian's Reasonable Service

If all of Hebrews could be summed up into one sentence, it would be this: JESUS IS BETTER than our trials, circumstances, religious figures, and anything else that we'd look to rather than Him.As you read Hebrews, ask yourself, "What spiritual leaders do I look to? What ways do I try and make up for my sin?" Take note how many times the author says “do this so that you don't fall away.” We don't want you to be scared of falling away, but we want you to see that those things are the means of how God keeps us with Him. Reading scripture, gathering with Christians, praying, etc. are means that God uses to keep us. God has them there so that we can grow in faith and continue to cling to Jesus.Keep your eyes on Jesus—He will hold you fast!

Is your student looking to continue their classical education after high school? The classical Christian curriculum at Reformation Bible College may be just the place to start their undergraduate studies! Today we chat with Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, historian and President of RBC. Plus, learn a little about the person and ministry of the late R.C. Sproul and get some behind-the-scenes stories from Dr. Nichol's journey in writing the biography of this renowned theologian.

THE THESIS: Hunter and Ashley Biden have been broken and we must pray for them. The Biden siblings share some serious problems, apparent sex addiction (which Ashley appears to have discussed in therapy) and the strange habit of leaving their darkest life secrets laying around where people can find them. That Hunter Biden has been selling White House access to fuel his twin addictions is a clear and vital national security crisis, that these two humans have these twin set of issues is the sign of a deeply sick family life that is also a national security concern, but also a call for us to pray for them. THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES:  Matthew 5:43-48 Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Acts 9: 1-19 Saul's Conversion 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. THE NEWS & COMMENT: Some good news, perhaps?  EXCLUSIVE: Judge rules to unseal dozens of documents about Ghislaine Maxwell's personal affairs, including those that reveal her and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with the Clinton. But, what about Hunter Biden?  [AUDIO] - Senator Ron Johnson: Hunter Biden's laptop is a treasure trove of info that must be investigated. But unfortunately we don't have equal justice in our country. Instead, we have a two-tiered justice system – one for Democrats and their powerful friends (and family) and one for the rest of America. It's not just the laptop (well, maybe not . . . ) Hunter Biden's iPhone backup data allegedly hacked by 4chan users; Members of the 4chan online community have allegedly hacked Hunter Biden's iCloud by cracking his iPhone's password on Saturday. It's sad and fitting that Hunter Biden is being destroyed by the same drugs and sex addiction that The Party has allowed to run through America's cities . . .  [AUDIO] -  In San Francisco's Tenderloin District, you can smoke meth on the sidewalk and deal fentanyl openly on a street corner, but if you're a mom like @GMcDee2  trying to get your addicted kid off the street and into a car, *then* the cops might intervene. This is just so horrific to read. We must pray for Hunter and Ashlely Biden--that God will call them to Himself--and we need to understand the pure Hell that is in the White House.  Bidens are as dysfunctional as the Kennedys — and protected by the press Hunter Biden reportedly called Jill an ‘entitled c–t' in texts [AUDIO] -  Poor Biden: Morning Joe Crew Whines That Dems Are Not Touting Biden Enough Doesn't it make sense, then, that a Party who chooses that man is Figurehead, has groups like this threatening Supreme Court justices everywhere they go? Leftist SCOTUS Stalker Group ‘ShutDownDC' Offers Bounties For Conservative Justice Sightings; ShutDownDC: “We'll venmo you $50 for a confirmed sighting and $200 if they're still there 30 mins after your message,” as targeting encouraged throughout leftist Twitterverse. [AUDIO] - Doocy Battles KJP as She Okays Hounding Kavanaugh in Public: Part of ‘Democracy' So, naturally, this is what panics the NY Times: The Far-Right Christian Quest for Power: ‘We Are Seeing Them Emboldened'; Political candidates on the fringe mix religious fervor with conspiracy theories, even calling for the end of the separation of church and state. And, in a related story, this is also causing the NY Times staff to seek their safe spaces The Rise of the Far-Right Latina; Representative Mayra Flores is one of three Republican Latinas vying to transform South Texas politics by shunning moderates and often embracing the extreme. . . . The Times, of course, ignores this catastrophe, tied inexorably to the same type of rugs that have so ruined Hunter Biden and millions of Americans, like the son of the woman in San Francisco  [AUDIO] - So this is Human Trafficking at the Border, Probably Happening every day. Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Democrats are allowing this catastrophe to happen! Guess who has to pay for this mess? THE LISTENERS CHRIS: Todd Love you bro but God does not love everyone unconditionally. This was a pet peeve of RC Sproul. We have to stop saying this as Christian's. God loves His creation but loves His children with a fatherly eternal love. Remember Jesus owns words to Nicodemus…. Jesus loves us but only if we repent and believe upon Him. John 3:18-21 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.