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In this powerful message, Pastor Guy breaks down:

May 1, 2025Today's Reading: John 14:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 25:1-22; Exodus 25:23-30:38; Luke 5:17-39“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There are many things that can trouble our hearts these days. It doesn't take much: a quick check of the news, which is designed to trouble you; a quick scroll through social media that evolves into “doom-scrolling”; a recent diagnosis; a falling out with a friend or family member; or even just general concern about what the future holds. Mental health statistics suggest that in 2023, somewhere around 20% of high school students experienced serious bouts of depression. That is a lot of fear, stress, anxiety, and doubt, and is reflective of the world we live in. This is not the place to address the nation's mental health struggles or to answer all the fears that may surround us; this is just a spot to sit and rest in the One who sees our troubled hearts, who knows our fears and sadness and is with us in these struggles. Looking at our troubled hearts, Jesus answers our fears and doubts, but maybe not in the way we wish He would. Instead of telling us not to worry because He's just going to fix everything up as if it never happened, or will get back at the bully for us, or will at least make it all make sense, He invites us to believe, that is, trust, in Him. What does it mean to trust in Him? It means to know that He loves and cares for us, that He desires our salvation from sin, death, and the devil, and that He will never leave nor forsake you. He goes from asking us to trust in Him to telling us that He is preparing a place for us and that He is the way, the truth, and the life; he is showing us the way, even when the road is steep and rocky. Worry can be suffocating, looming large in our brains as we try to move forward in our lives, but by looking at Jesus, we see that there is a path for us that leads us in truth and life. We need not suffocate on fear and doubt; instead, we can be guided by the light of His word, fixing our eyes on Him, in the knowledge that even if things are not okay today or tomorrow, they are under the eye of the One who makes all things new, and who is leading us through the valley of the shadow of death; we need not fear evil, regardless of what should trouble us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yet even though I suffer The world's unpleasantness, And though the days grow rougher And bring me great distress, That day of bliss divine, Which knows no end or measure, And Christ, who is my pleasure, Forever shall be mine. (LSB 713:6)- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Reading: John 13:21-30Speaker: Clint JenkinSeries: "One Hit Wonders"     

April 27, 2025Today's Reading: John 20:19-31Daily Lectionary: Exodus 20:1-24; Luke 4:1-15“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.'” (John 20:24-25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Thomas gets a lot of grief for not really believing that the Lord has risen, so he's still referred to as “Doubting Thomas” and depicted in art exploring Jesus's wounds with his fingers. It seems he will always be remembered as the one who didn't believe. Yet, is it all that strange to be a little wary of claims that your teacher, who was very publicly executed a few days before, is walking around amongst his disciples? People don't generally rise from the dead. Ancient people are frequently regarded as scientifically ignorant, but they knew for sure that people who died stayed dead. They knew what death was. Thomas is saying something very rational here—I'll believe it when I see it. But he says something more. He says he won't believe until he can see the wounds in Jesus's hands and put his finger in the wound in his side. Thomas was one of the Twelve; this means he was one of the apostles who was closest to Jesus throughout his ministry, so he surely knew what Jesus looked like and would recognize him if he walked into the room. Why does he proclaim that he will not believe without the verification of his wounds? Thomas, for all the grief he receives, is declaring something central to our faith. He wants to know that it is our crucified Lord who is also our risen Lord because this tells him that Jesus truly has overcome the wages of sin and death, paying the penalty on our behalf. Thomas doesn't just want to know if his teacher and friend is still alive; he wants to know that his redemption (and ours) is secured by Him. How does Jesus respond to Thomas's declaration? He comes to Thomas and shows him his wounds, grants his request, and declares peace to him. Jesus isn't angry at Thomas for his doubt but rather calms his fears by showing him his body. This same body is given for you at his altar. He reminds us all that though Thomas is blessed in seeing and believing, we who only hear and believe are likewise blessed. Receive the same peace spoken to Thomas, and “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord's resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary ServicesAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 23, 2025Today's Reading: John 21:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 16:13-35; Hebrews 10:19-39“Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21:13-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Jesus gives them bread and fish to eat. The first time that John records the use of fish and bread to feed the people, the local people wanted to make Him the Bread King. In John chapter 6, Christ reminds them that the purpose of the miracle was not so that their bellies could be filled and that they would never go hungry but that He is God incarnate right there in their midst. Standing before them was the creator of all things. Unfortunately, the people did not want to hear this message. The people were more interested in this man because He could feed them forever. We want signs and wonders to know God's will for us. In sin, we see Jesus as the handyman who has come to fix our lives. He will feed our bellies. He will explicitly show us what decisions we are to make about life choices. We look for the mysterious and the unexplained events in our lives as God speaking to us. We want God to speak clearly to us about His will for us and His desires for us. We search for His voice in places where He has not promised to speak. We cry out, “Show me a sign!” when we want to know what He wants us to do in our lives. He does speak to us. He speaks to us through the means that He has already promised to work. He reveals Himself to us through His word and sacraments. He speaks His words of Absolution upon us. He gives to us His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. He takes water and His word and marks us as His children. He takes ink and paper and gives to us a living, breathing document that reveals His son as our Savior. In His word is the true testament of our Savior, who has paid the price for our sins and given to us the resurrection from the dead. No longer does death prevail. It is conquered. The war is won. Christ is victorious. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Grant that we who have been raised with Him may abide in His presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Wednesday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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April 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 19:17-30Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16; Lamentations 5:1-22, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 22“he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” (John 19:26b-27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dying is very deadly. Dead is dark. The light of the world is no longer shining. Darkness has covered the world. The curtain in the temple is torn. The clothes of Christ have been divided up between the pagan Roman soldiers. The disciples have all fled but one. Peter has denied knowing the savior. Jesus hangs naked between two thieves in the local landfill with only one disciple and His mother nearby. He entrusts His mother to John and declares that His father has forsaken Him. He drinks and breathes His last. Dying is very deadly.His final words on the cross are comforting. His final words on the cross are words that draw our attention to the garden of Eden when God gave us the gift of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, God gives us the fundamental premise of marriage when He says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” From the cross, Christ separates himself from His earthly mother in John 19:26-27: “…he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!...” Christ has left His mother. In Matthew 27:46, Christ calls from the cross, “...My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ is separated from His Father. The son leaves His father and mother and holds fast to his wife. In the death of Christ, a marriage vow is fulfilled. The groom has loved His bride to the point that He dies for her. Scripture is fulfilled in the final sacrifice. When His side is pierced, blood and water pour from His side. In the first Adam, his wife comes from his side. Adam stands by as she eats from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Death is ushered in through their disobedience. The marks of the church in word and sacrament come from the side of the second Adam, Jesus, as water and blood pour out. He is bound to His bride, the church, in the fulfillment of Scripture. Where Adam failed to die for his bride, Christ has fulfilled the debt owed by us in His death on the cross.All our sins went to the cross on Good Friday. All our sins went to the tomb when He was buried. He who knew no sin became sin for us. Sin is buried. All your sins are covered in the blood of Christ. All your sins are atoned for in His deadly dying on the cross. All your sins went to the grave on Good Friday and were buried. The covenant is complete; the atonement for the sins of the world is finished.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Good Friday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 16, 2025Today's Reading: John 13:16-38Daily Lectionary: Exodus 10:21-11:10; Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 4:1-16“So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.” (John 13:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The time is drawing near for the Son of Man to be lifted up. His betrayal is imminent. The betrayer has dipped his hand with Christ. He has put on a facade of friendship and loyalty, but underneath, the “cha-ching” of the 30 pieces of silver is echoing in the background. He sold the savior of the world, the Son of God, the Son of Man, for 30 pieces of silver. John writes, “And it was night.”As we approach the beginning of the Passion of Christ, John draws us back to the tension between day and night. When Judas left the disciples and Jesus, night was setting in. Darkness was coming in the form of a crucifixion. The Son of God was going to be handed over and killed. Darkness was going to prevail. Night was going to cover the world, and mankind's hatred of his creator was going to come to fruition in the death of Christ.Sin loves the night. Throughout the scriptures, and especially in John, we hear repeatedly the use of night. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night in John 3, and in the opening chapter of John, darkness is used to show the condition of the world on account of sin. Our lives are filled with darkness, and we live in the night each day. We struggle with chaos all around us. We desire order, but uncertainty prevails. Families are in chaos. Friendships are unpredictable. Finances are tumultuous. We may feel that our church life and walk with Christ is even in want.  Christ sends Judas out to do what needs to be done at night. In the darkness of the pending crucifixion, there is light. The light of the world will be lifted up. Darkness will come, but it will not prevail. Satan's work of bringing death into this world is going to be overcome. Christ is going to the cross as the final sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is going to the cross for your darkness. He turns night into day. In the Revelation to St. John, the New Jerusalem is described as having no sun as the Glory of God and the Lamb of God are its light (Revelation 20:23). Now, we live in the light of Christ, waiting for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 15, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:23-50Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:29-10:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; Hebrews 3:1-19“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“If you are going to love someone, you first must love yourself.” The saying is popular among relationship gurus in our world today. The focus on yourself must be first if you are to give love. It is a profound thought to think of yourself first, but in the world of humanism, that is exactly what is advocated. The first-person personal pronouns reign supreme. The “I,” the “me,” the “my,” the “myself” all take precedence over everyone else. It is how we are taught and even wired on account of sin. Love yourself first.Jesus' words to those in His midst were certainly contrary to their way of thought. We must hate our lives in order to keep it. Those words certainly did not make sense to the audience listening to Jesus. Christ's words were counter-cultural. No one is to hate their life and, in doing so, gain eternal life. The Jews in His midst have reminded Him that they are children of Abraham and that they are set apart as God's people. They are the chosen people of God. Hating our lives would be a ridiculous thought. On account of their hardness of heart, they did not hear the true meaning behind Christ's words.Our own sin deafens our ears to the Good News of Christ. We hear over and over the words of the world and how we are to place ourselves first and pursue our own desires. Christ's words address our own pride and self-centeredness by taking the focus off of the things of this world and pointing them to God's work in Christ. Every day, we are encouraged in this world to pursue the desires of the flesh. In the Scriptures, we are pointed to the works of Christ. It is Christ who gave His life so that we have life eternal in His name.  In your Baptism, you have been separated from the world. You are in the world, but you are not of the world. You are in Christ and of Christ through the washing and renewal in the waters of Holy Baptism. As you arise each day, the sign of the cross is made, reminding you of your Baptism. No longer does the world prevail in your life. It is Christ who has delivered you out of this world and into life everlasting.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord's passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 14, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:1-23Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:1-28; Lamentations 1:1-22; Hebrews 2:1-18“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,” (John 12:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Amen!” is a common response that we proclaim regarding the resurrection of Christ. Usually, this response is reserved for Easter Sunday and the seasons following Easter, and when the Sunday of Transfiguration arrives, we bury the Alleluias until Easter Sunday.  The Monday of Easter draws our attention to another resurrection—the resurrection of Lazarus. Three times in John 12:1-23 Lazarus' resurrection is mentioned. Lazarus' resurrection was problematic. Everyone knew Lazarus had died and had been dead for four days in the tomb. He was not just dead but dead, dead, dead, dead. He was four days dead. Now, Lazarus is alive. He is alive and eating, and speaking, and living! The local church leaders had a problem with the resurrection of Lazarus. The chief priests need to kill Lazarus, too. He needed to die again.  Our world around us does not want the resurrection. In sin, the world pursues the desires of the flesh. Philosophies advocate that we have one life and only one life, so we had better get out of it all we can before we die. The world teaches us to pursue the desires of the flesh. The world teaches you to serve yourself. The world teaches you that you are your own god. The Old Adam in us relishes those temptations and wages war with the New Man in Christ daily.You, too, have already died and will die. The old Adam is drowned daily in the waters of Baptism, and you will breathe your last breath of air at some point. You, too, have already been resurrected and will be resurrected from the dead. In Your Baptism, the New Man in Christ is resurrected. When Christ returns in all of His glory, you will be resurrected from the dead just as Christ came out of the tomb. We live in that tension of being dead and resurrected each day. On the Last Day, we know that just as Lazarus was called from the tomb, we, too, will rise from the dead. We will rise from the dead like Lazarus because Christ conquered death in His resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weaknesses we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Monday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In this sermon, Rebecca Packer breaks down the story in John 12.1-9, where Mary anoints Jesus' feet. What becomes possible when we sit at Jesus' feet?Reading:John 12.1-11

The details of Jesus before the Roman Governor, Pilate, and Jesus crucified, died and buried.

Reading: John 12:20-33 Speaker: Paul McCabe The post Lent 4 – A Seed Dies and Life Begins first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

Reading: John 3:14-21 Speaker: Paul McCabe The post Lent 3 – Condemnation or Salvation first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

Reading: John 2:13-25 Speaker: Tommy Pratt The post Lent 2 – Our priorities, Money or Prayer first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2025 quarter 1, lesson 11 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “What More Could I Have Done?” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “God's Love and Justice”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 18:37, Rom. 3:23–26, Rom. 5:8, Isa. 5:1–4, Matt. 21:33–39, Isa. 53:4, Rom. 3:1–4. Memory Text: “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?' Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice' ” (John 18:37, NKJV). March 8 – March 14 Sunday (Daniel Perrin) - “Christ the Victor”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “The Just and Justifier” Tuesday (John Dinzey) - “The Song of My Beloved”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Christ's Parable of the Vineyard”Thursday (John Lomacang) - “The Vindication of God's Name” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Reading: John 16:25-33- I have overcome the worldJohn 16:33- “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.' നിങ്ങൾക്കു എന്നിൽ സമാധാനം ഉണ്ടാകേണ്ടതിന്നുഇതു നിങ്ങളോടു സംസാരിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു; ലോകത്തിൽ നിങ്ങൾക്കു കഷ്ടം ഉണ്ടു; എങ്കിലും ധൈര്യപ്പെടുവിൻ; ഞാൻലോകത്തെ ജയിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു എന്നു പറഞ്ഞു.Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam starting at 14:40 mark.Before His crucifixion takes place, Jesus encourages His disciples by telling them about the things they may have to face.  When tribulations occur in our lives, peace can be found nowhere or in no one else other than in Jesus because Jesus is the only person who has overcome the world. I have not heard from many people that their life is very easy going and smooth, especially from people who give priority to God in their life.  There are moments when a frustrated person prefers death to living any more, finds hard even to smile in front of others, wants the life to end somehow, wants to isolate from others,  and feels terrible in many ways.  Outwardly everyone seems OK and happy, but in their private life they may be facing mountains of problems.  If we feel that we cannot bear the mental pain any more, understand that God is able to give us courage and strength if we call upon Him.  I have experienced that.  During any kind of hardship, the best and only physician to reach out for strength, comfort and divine healing is Jesus Christ. How Jesus overcame the world and how we can overcome the world are discussed.My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.com

February 21, 2025Today's Reading: John 7:1-13Daily Lectionary: Job 16:1-22; John 7:1-13For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” (John 7:5–8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Are you more comfortable with the truth or with what is popular? Tough question, isn't it? You want to say the truth, but you're often more likely to stick with what is popular; it is easier, after all.People fret over what Jesus will do for the Feast of Tabernacles. Its ceremonies of light and water clearly point to Jesus as the Light of the world and the One from whom living water truly comes. Will Jesus be baited into going to the place of sacrifice (the temple) early by his enemies? What is the Messiah to do? Be rash, or wait until his time fully comes?Satan tempted Jesus for forty days in the wilderness, but that wasn't the end of his work. He never stops. He always wants to disrupt and harm, you know this. Which is what he does here through these “brothers” of Jesus. He is trying to get Jesus to act rashly and get himself in trouble.That is why I asked about truth or popularity. No one spoke openly of Jesus during the feast because they were afraid of the religious authorities. It was almost as if they could believe in Jesus secretly, as long as it didn't impact their lives.But that is where they are wrong. Confessing Christ is always a finger in the eye to this sinful world. That is what most of the New Testament is about; proclaiming Christ crucified gets you into trouble! But does that really matter? Is that the end of it?Of course not! Jesus eventually does go to Jerusalem openly on Palm Sunday. He dies for the sin of the world, is raised to life again, and sends his disciples out to proclaim his salvation for you. This truth may not be popular, but as Jesus says a bit later in St. John's gospel, this truth sets you free.It will always be a struggle to be faithful in this sinful world. But because Jesus has washed that sin away in his death for you, you have the promise that he forgives your failures even when they hide the truth. So be bold; Jesus has your back.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What is the world to me! My Jesus is my treasure, My life, my health, my wealth, My friend, my love, my pleasure, My joy my crown my all, My bliss eternally. Once more then I declare: What is the world to me! (LSB 730:4)-Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 19, 2025Today's Reading: John 6:41-59Daily Lectionary:Job 14:1-22; John 6:41-59“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:48–51)In the Name + of Jesus. AmenBread that brings life to the world. That's what Jesus is, the source of life and sustenance for people who hunger, for people in need. These days, with our suspicions about gluten and refined carbohydrates, it can be hard to see simple bread as something so important for life. But that is exactly who and what Jesus is: the foundation of life itself.Elijah ate bread brought by the angel and went forth in that strength for forty days. The Israelites lived on manna all throughout their wilderness wandering, bread also given by God.Even though this miraculous Old Testament bread fed and sustained them, it didn't last. The Israelites died, and Elijah eventually found food elsewhere. For us, though, that bread pointed to the importance of Jesus as the living bread from heaven. Our ears are already tuned to the sound of God's Gift of bread being given to feed us.And the fantastic thing about this bread is that it doesn't come in only one form. You don't only find it upon the altar in the Sacrament. Jesus gives us a bread that we eat with our mouths and with our ears. He doesn't restrict his life, your life, to one source only, but he gives it in many ways. Baptism, Holy Absolution, Holy Scripture, the preached Word, the Supper. Christ Jesus never wants you to go hungry, so he gives his bread, his life, his Gifts, in many ways so that you will never be hungry for a lack of it, and so that it is always available in your time of need.This bread is given to you in faith, the living faith created in you by the work of the Holy Spirit. You receive it in faith as well, knowing that the good and gracious Gifts of God, especially the Gift of his Son Jesus for you, will keep and strengthen you throughout all your days.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise the Father, who from heaven To His own this food has given, Who, to mend what we have done, Gave into death His only Son…Let this food your faith so nourish That its fruit of love may flourish And your neighbor learn from you How much God's wondrous love can do. (LSB 627:4, 10)-Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 14, 2025 Today's Reading: John 5:1-18Daily Lectionary: Job 10:1-22; John 5:1-18When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. (John 5:6–9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There is a lot going on here. If you keep reading, you see that this healing took place on the Sabbath, which led to a huge discussion a bit later. What is the nature of the day of rest? What is the nature of this healing? Can something so strange really be done with God's approval on a holy day?We can easily look back and say that of course it was good and right for Jesus to do this. But, in the moment, it was a strange thing for faithful Jews to try and understand. How could someone sent by God violate God's own law about working on the Sabbath?But look closely at what Jesus both says and does. There is much more happening here than ‘just' a healing miracle. He speaks words of creation and resurrection. He asks if the man wishes to become “whole.” He tells him to “rise” and walk. And all of this happens near water.What Jesus essentially does is raise this man from the dead and restore him fully to the people of God. This is why the authorities were so angry; to them, Jesus, who they saw as only a man, had done something with evil intent to destroy God's holy law because there was no way God would allow this.On the other hand, the man healed saw the whole promise of God fulfilled in Jesus's words and work for him. Only God could work such a miraculous thing, so of course, Jesus was from God. Creation came forth from water, and our rebirth and resurrection is done through Baptism, but Jesus' words also remind you that “Let there be” came even before that. Here again is the promise that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh, that everything he does is for the love and salvation of his people.It may not always make sense, and it may sometimes be hard to understand, but everything Jesus does, even if it upsets the religious authorities, is a promise that his work is for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Ev'ry wound that pains or grieves me By your wounds, Lord, is made whole; When I'm faint, Your cross revives me, Granting new life to my soul. Yes, Your comfort renders sweet Ev'ry bitter cup I meet; For Your all atoning passion Has procured my soul's salvation. (LSB 421:4)-Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 12, 2025 Today's Reading: John 4:27-45Daily Lectionary: Job 8:1-22; John 4:27-45“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” (John 4:35–38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It might seem strange that there is talk about a harvest in the middle of Jesus talking to his disciples following his chat with the Samaritan woman. But Jesus has a point.The harvest isn't wheat, but souls. The Samaritan woman had returned to Sychar and told everyone she met about Jesus and what he said to her. Now, they are on their way to the well to see for themselves.They are the harvest, the ones who have heard the Word of God. Jesus uses the idea of the harvest several times when he talks about gathering in the faithful at the end of time, so it shouldn't be a big surprise here.Jesus is laying out not only the past history of the work of the prophets but also the future work of the disciples and those who follow them, all the way down to your own pastor. The disciples will talk about Jesus to those who have heard the prophets' proclamations, and they will trust in Jesus for their salvation and “be harvested” for eternity.The disciples will also go into the world to establish the church, and it continues to this very day, sowing the seed of God's Word by proclaiming it to those gathered and those who will hear it. Ever since their time, there has been a continued harvest.The disciples may never have seen most of the seed they planted come to its fullness, but someone did. And it has been that way in every generation, all the way to the present. You, and the faithful gathered around you, are those ripe for harvest. Thanks be to God that he has given us this seed, this Word, that produces the fruit of faith, and that it preserves us to the Last Day when all the faithful will enter into his glory!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Some take up His task in morning, To their Lord responding soon; Some are called in heat of midday, Others late in afternoon; Even as the sun is setting, some are sent into the fields, There to gather in the bounty That God's Word so richly yields. (LSB 827:2)-Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 7, 2025Today's Reading: John 2:1-12Daily Lectionary: Job 4:1-21; John 2:1-12“Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:10-11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This situation was awful! We're not just looking at a wedding reception that happened to run out of food a bit early. This act of running out of wine would have been a massive hit against their marriage and social standing in the Jewish community. And in a spiritual sense, lack of wine was the sign of a lack of God's favor; that perhaps you were cursed and condemned. So the dear and blessed mother, Mary, that most highly favored lady, sought to intervene by the power of her Son, Jesus. But his response to His mother was, “My hour has not yet come.” The hour in John's Gospel is a phrase that will appear again and again (John 7:30; 8:20; 12:23; 12:27; 17:1), and ultimately, the hour is shown to be the hour of His death when He was exalted on the cross to pour streams of living water out. But in grace, for this married couple, He preemptively brings forth in advance the blessings of His hour. Just like running out of wine was more than a minor social goof, the abundance of wine is more than just festivities being able to continue. Wine is the symbol of God's favor and joy, and an abundance is the sign of the age of the Messiah. Amos 9:13-15 says, “Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I'll make everything right again for my people Israel: ‘They'll rebuild their ruined cities. They'll plant vineyards and drink good wine.'” And Joel 3:18 says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters…” This act of abundantly fine wine from water is the sign that God's grace flows freely and richly for us because the Christ has come, and His name is Jesus. That's why we celebrate Holy Communion; we drink of the finest of wine, the very blood of our Savior. And we take into ourselves the Christ and the blessings of what is to come. That first married couple received a foretaste; now, so do we.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Feast after feast thus comes and passes by, Yet, passing, points to that glad feast above, Giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy, The Lamb's great marriage feast of bliss and love. (LSB 631:7)-Rev. Matthew Synnott, associate pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order”. We talk about the joys of reading an author’s work from start to finish, the connection between author and reader as well as The Looking Glass War as The Bad […]

In his 4th year at University in Halifax, NS, Canada, Bernie Flinn saw death close up in his family. He had grown up as a religious Roman Catholic, but was shaken in the face of life's ultimate reality. Later, while pursuing graduate studies in chemistry in London, Ontario, Bernie met a young lady who spoke to him about the only way to be ready for death – to be saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Reading: John 3.16, The post A Chemistry Student Faces the Ultimate Reality (22 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

Rev Ewen Matheson Sermon from Cross Free Church of Scotland in Ness freely available to listen to and download. Date: 19/01/25 Day/Time: Sunday 11am Preacher: Rev Ewen Matheson Title: Is This The Christ? Reading John 7 Text John 7 v 31 Psalm 24 v 6-10 Scottish Psalter    

January 19, 2025 Today's Reading: John 2:1-11Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 44:1-16, 23-29; Romans 9:1-18The master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people had drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:9b-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This whole darn account is a weird one. What's the number one rule at a wedding? Don't upstage the wedding couple…  Well, here is this magnificent wedding without a single mention of the happy couple. The only thing that we know about them is that their wedding is about to be the talk of the town because they have run out of wine and none of the guests have run out of party. So here comes Jesus… And I know, I know, Jesus wants to keep things on the down low. He asks His mother why she is trying to get Him involved in their problems, but she doesn't listen.“Do whatever He says,” she tells the attendants, “because whatever He says is going to be good.”And so jugs and jugs of wine are made, miraculously, water transformed. And it's the good stuff, too. The top shelf stuff: a 1945 Romanee-Conti, but not just one bottle, a whole vat of the stuff! Jesus is a “save the best for last” sort of guy, coming in at the end to save the day and keep the wedding party happy.But is this all there is to it? If so, it seems a little bit shallow. One would think that His first miracle would be one with a little more substance. Maybe He is just warming up, making sure that He has all the kinks out before He goes on the road… Or maybe there is something more…Perhaps Jesus' first miracle says less about the actual wedding, and even the miracle, and more about Him and who He is. Maybe this water into wine thing is a sign of something greater, pointing to a wedding feast that has no end, that the Church gets a foretaste of every week in fleshy bread and bloody wine from here until the Last Day. Maybe, just maybe, Jesus is making it known to the entire world that He is the Bridegroom, that He has taken a Bride for Himself, you and me, the Church. And He is going to provide for Her everything that she could ever need.Yeah… that's probably it…In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Rev Ewen Matheson Sermon from Cross Free Church of Scotland in Ness freely available to listen to and download. Date: 19/01/25 Day/Time: Sunday 11am Preacher: Rev Ewen Matheson Title: Is This The Christ? Reading John 7 Text John 7 v 31 Psalm 24 v 6-10 Scottish Psalter    

December 27, 2024 Today's Reading: John 21:20-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12“So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'” (John 21:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. John died of old age, exiled on Patmos. I wonder if it flavors the way he wrote his gospel. He calls himself the apostle whom Jesus loved. He's clearly brilliant. Especially compared to Peter. He runs faster, too. I used to think John thought a lot of himself. The more I get to know him, the more I wonder if it was the opposite. John was spared the martyrdom that the other eleven received. At one point, I would have assumed John counted it as a mark of favor. Maybe, though, to John, it wasn't. It's great faith that stands steadfast in the face of torture. Unwavering in the face of death. We all like to think we'd do the same, but pray we'd never have to. We all pledged to remain steadfast in this faith and face all, even death, rather than fall away from it, but enough kids stop going to church the week after they make this promise with the help of God at their confirmation that it's a trope. As John grew old on Patmos, I wonder if the apostle whom Jesus loved was the apostle who was afraid he wouldn't.  Bravado often masks insecurity. And sometimes, it's even more terrifying to disappoint someone than to die horribly. Do the subtle boasts John makes really just show how afraid he really is? But he's a fast runner. Way faster than Peter. And he's wicked smart, too. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. There are marks of John throughout his book, but motive is a tricky thing. We don't even understand ourselves sometimes. Today, the church remembers St. John, who had a personality I can't help but speculate about. But the thing he clings to is clear. Christ. His letters are not remembered for his wit or his spats with Peter but for confessing the crucified and risen Lord. This Jesus died and rose not only to cover over John's sins, but to give him courage in the face of his fears. John died of old age but already conquered death in his Baptism. That Baptism gives us the freedom to see him in joy as someone who gives us permission to maybe be afraid, but someone holy nonetheless because of the Christ who washes us clean. One day, you'll die, too. I'm not sure how people will remember you or what credit they'll give to your motives and actions. But you'll go into the grave Baptized, covered. And you'll rise, too.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 25, 2024Today's Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There's a curated charm about Christmas Eve that just doesn't transfer over to the morning. Christmas Eve is prettier, but it's fragile. If you speak, you can break the moment. Christmas Eve will always be the bigger deal, but Christmas Day dares to ask, what if it all actually meant something after the candles are blown out? What does it mean for you who sing about stables you've never knelt in outside of towns you've never visited? On Christmas Eve, we make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem but find no nativity. Just words. On Christmas Day, we find out that's how it's supposed to be. On Christmas Eve, the words describe shepherds and angels and a baby Christ child in years past. On Christmas Day, the words take shape in the now.  We like baby Jesus more because He doesn't do anything obnoxious. Like talk. So, when Jesus is introduced as the Word and not the infant, it makes us nervous He'll open His mouth and break the charm of last night, even though we know it's well on its way to fading already. It's why we need the word. It's what gives the shepherds in the field meaning. It's what connects the miracle of then to the quiet desperation of now. A religion divorced from meaning is quaint, like turning off LEDs and lighting candles, but doesn't combat the darkness. It doesn't save. It just lets us pretend for a little while, which is our go-to solution to problems we can't actually fix. But it's dark today. So today, we are given the Word. You don't have a God of charming moments. You have a God who speaks. You have a Word made flesh. The living, breathing promise made to you. It tells you, “You have the right to become children of God, born of His will.” It means He saved us, not by works done by us in righteousness, but by incarnation. By making the promise real. With the infant Christ, Words don't stay words. They become flesh. They don't just call us to try harder, be more, love. They wrap themselves in weakness that cannot. It's what real light looks like. Not a time free from problems or a world free from darkness, but a God bearing them to their end for us. A light that even the darkness cannot overcome. The Word made flesh can bleed. God made man can die. And He promises it's for you. Christ crucified is the light that darkness cannot overcome. We celebrate the birth of a savior; we sing of the God made flesh to be light even when all we can see is darkness, because the darkness cannot win. It has already lost. Merry Christmas. May you have the peace of Christ Who became like us that we would be like Him. And indeed, we already are.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. -Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 13 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 21 | John 11:9, 10 | John 8:42–44 | John 4:46–54 | 2 Tim. 3:16 | John 15:1–11. Memory Text: “‘You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me' ” (John 5:39, NKJV). December 21–December 27 Sunday (Jill Morikone) - “Meeting in Galilee”Monday (Ryan Day) - “Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus”Tuesday (Daniel Perrin) - “Light and Darkness”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Theology From "Above" or From "Below"”Thursday (Shelley Quinn) - “Abiding in Jesus” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

December 21, 2024Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We call Thomas by his nickname even though it's never in the Bible at all. This story isn't walking-through-a-wall-risen-from-the-dead-peace-giving-Jesus. This is doubting Thomas. Except it's not just Christian shorthand that describes the Bible story. We say more than we really mean to. We say Thomas' sins were died for on the cross. Forgiven… but not forgotten. Forgiven… but he should be remembered for all eternity by his sin of wanting to boop the Lord. Forgiven… but… not really. Then we take this fun new idea out with us and talk about each other the same way because talking about forgiveness is all well and good, but we still remember. Whatever else happens for the rest of their life, we know them by their weakest moment. That is an interesting take from the text that literally gives us the Absolution of sins.  What if this story isn't about one guy who expresses doubt in his weakness and is marked for the rest of us as a warning of what happens when we accidentally confess to being sinners, too? What if it's about Jesus? What if it's about a God who loves us so much that after dying for all of these sins we carry around, all of the labels we wear, all of the scars we bear, He rises from the dead to show that they really are brought to nothing? What if this same Jesus actually loved sinners enough to show up not for the worthy but for sinners and doubters? What if He said stuff like, “Peace be with you?” Jesus didn't show up to guilt trip Thomas but to give the peace Thomas was so desperate for.The marks on Christ's hands are not just the proof of His love and forgiveness and peace. They are Christ's burdens to bear. Those scars Jesus bears for you are the scars of all of your sins that He bled for, paid for, and died for. He still has those scars because He doesn't just take your sins from you to die on the cross and then give them back to you afterward for you to deal with. They aren't your scars to carry. He doesn't give them back. So be at peace. Stop trying to wrestle your old scars out of Jesus' hands. Jesus won't let go of them. All you get instead is peace.  This is why we speak confession. God wants you to have the very same peace He gave in that room. He sends pastors bearing it, speaking forgiveness, pointing to He who forgives sin by bearing Himself. We confess because now we hear Absolution. Peace be with you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.That night the_apostles met in fear; Among them came their master dear And said, "My peace be with you here." Alleluia! (LSB 471:4)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 12 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 18:33–19:5; John 19:17–22; John 19:25–27; Luke 2:34, 35; John 20:1–18; 1 Cor. 15:12–20. Memory Text: “Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?' Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice' ” (John 18:37, ESV). December 14–December 19 Sunday - James Rafferty - What Is Truth?Monday - John Dinzey - Behold the Man!Tuesday - Shelley Quinn - “ ‘It Is Finished' “Wednesday - Daniel Perrin - The Empty TombThursday - Jill Morikone - Jesus and Mary Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 11 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Father, the Son, and the Spirit”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 14:10, 24; Gen. 3:7–9; John 16:27, 28; John 16:7–11; John 17:1–26. Memory Text: “ ‘The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you' ” (John 14:26, NKJV). December 7–December 13 Sunday - Ryan Day - The Heavenly FatherMonday - Daniel Perrin - Jesus and the FatherTuesday - James Rafferty - Knowing the Son Is Knowing the FatherWednesday - Shelley Quinn - The Holy SpiritThursday - John Dinzey - The Prayer of Jesus Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 10 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Way, the Truth, and the Life”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 13:1–20; John 14:1–3; Dan. 7:27; John 14:5–11; John 1:14; Col. 1:16, 17; John 5:38–40. Memory Text: “No one has seen God at any time.The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18, NKJV). November 30–December 6 Sunday - Daniel Perrin - I Have Given You an ExampleMonday - Ryan Day - I Will Certainly Come AgainTuesday - Shelley Quinn - I Am the Way, the Truth, and the LifeWednesday - Jill Morikone - I AM the TruthThursday - James Rafferty - The Scriptures and the Truth Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

November 30, 2024Today's Reading: John 1:35-42aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. (John 1:41-42a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever seen something so exciting that you had to tell someone about it as soon as possible? Maybe you saw a meteor dart across the sky or the northern lights for the first time, or maybe it was simply seeing someone you have been waiting for, like a child waiting for dad to come home from work. The first thing the child does when they see their dad drive up the driveway is run to the others and yell out, “Dad's home!” This is good news, so it is news that must be shared.  Upon hearing that Jesus had come, Andrew couldn't help but tell others about what he had seen and heard. This is the proper response to following Jesus, the Messiah. It is such good news that Jesus has come that it must be shared. Others must know. This is how the church works. Jesus sends His disciples to tell others about what they have seen and heard, and then those who hear tell others, and then those who hear tell others. There is a good chance that you are reading this because someone at some point in your life told you about Jesus. Maybe they invited you to church to see and hear. Maybe they simply told you of Jesus' love for you. This is the most effective evangelism program ever, telling people about Jesus.  But Andrew didn't stop there; he then brought them to Jesus. So, we continue this tradition of telling people about the Messiah, about Jesus who died for the sin of the world, for your sin and mine. This is remarkable news, and it must be shared. So, as people who believe in what we have heard, we, too, go and tell people, just as Andrew told Peter, but we do not simply stop there. We bring people to Jesus, to where He has promised to meet us, to His church, where He meets all of us in the preaching of His Word, in Holy Absolution, in Baptism, and in the Lord's Supper. Jesus died for you. Isn't that Good News? Go and tell it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the Good News of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the Gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. -Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 9 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Source of Life”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 1:4; John 10:10; John 1:12, 13; John 6:61–68; Num.13:23–33; Matt. 4:1–4 Memory Text: “ ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' ” (John 14:6, NKJV). November 23–November 29 Sunday - John Dinzey - In Him Was LifeMonday - James Rafferty - The Words of Eternal LifeTuesday - Jill Morikone - Believing and New BirthWednesday - Shelley Quinn - Rejecting the Source of LifeThursday - Daniel Perrin - CondemnationWant the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 8 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 5:17, 20, 36–40, 46, 47; John 13:18; John 17:12; Jer. 2:13; Zech. 9:9; John 8:12–30. Memory Text: “ ‘But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me' ” (John 5:36, NKJV). November 16–November 22 Sunday - James Rafferty - Signs, Works, and WondersMonday - Jill Morikone - The Authoritative Role of ScriptureTuesday - Daniel Perrin - Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus: Part 1Wednesday - John Dinzey - Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus: Part 2Thursday - Ryan Day - From Beneath Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 7 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Blessed are Those Who Believe”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 8:54–58, Gen. 12:3, Rom. 4:1–5, John 12:1–8, John 19:4–22, John 20:19–31, Daniel 2, Daniel 7. Memory Text: “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed' ” (John 20:29, NKJV). November 9 – November 15 Sunday - Shelley Quinn- Harking Back to AbrahamMonday - Ryan Day - The Witness of MaryTuesday - Daniel Perrin - The Unwitting Witness of PilateWednesday - John Dinzey - The Witness of ThomasThursday - James Rafferty - Our Witness of Jesus Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 6 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “More Testimonies About Jesus”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 3:25–36, John 1:32– 36, Dan. 7:18, John 6:51–71, John 5:36–38, John 7:37–53. Memory Text: “ ‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself' ” (John 12:32, NKJV). November 2–November 8 Sunday - Jill Morikone - Humility of Soul: John the Baptist Testifies AgainMonday - Shelley Quinn - A New Understanding of the MessiahTuesday - James Rafferty - Acceptance and RejectionWednesday - Daniel Perrin - The Witness of the FatherThursday - John Dinzey - The Witness of the Crowd Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew8:19–22;Luke9:51–62;John7:1–52[additionalreading:John7:53–8:11] ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 5 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Testimony of the Samaritans”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 4:1–42, John 3:26–30, Jer. 2:13, Zech. 14:8, Ezek. 36:25–27. Memory Text: “Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world' ” (John 4:42, NKJV). October 26–November 01 Sunday - Ryan Day - The Setting of the EncounterMonday - Jill Morikone - The Woman at the WellTuesday - Shelley Quinn - The Two Disciples of JohnWednesday - James Rafferty - The Revelation of JesusThursday - John Dinzey - The Testimony of the Samaritans Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 4 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 1:19–23, Isa. 40:1–5, John 1:29–37, Rom. 5:6, John 1:35–39, John 1:43–51, John 3:1–21. Memory Text: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God' ” (John 3:3, NKJV). October 19–October 25 Sunday - Daniel Perrin - The Testimony of John the BaptistMonday - Shelley Quinn - The Lamb of GodTuesday - Ryan Day - The Two Disciples of JohnWednesday - John Dinzey - Philip and NathanielThursday - Jill Morikone - The Witness of Nicodemus Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 3 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Backstory: The Prologue”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 1:1–5, Gen. 1:1, John 1:9–13, John 3:16–21, John 9:35–41, Matt. 7:21–23, John 17:1–5. Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). October 12 – October 18 Sunday (John Dinzey) - “In the Beginning— The Divine Logos”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “The Word Made Flesh” Tuesday (James Rafferty) - “Hearing or Not Hearing the Word”Wednesday (Jill Morikone) - “Reappearing Themes— Belief and Unbelief”Thursday (Daniel Perrin) - “Reappearing Themes— Glory” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 4, lesson 2 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Signs of Divinity”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 6:1–15, Isa. 53:4–6, 1 Cor. 5:7, John 6:26–36, John 9:1–41, 1 Cor. 1:26–29, John 11. Memory Text: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?' ” (John 11:25, 26, NKJV). October 05 – October 11 Sunday (James Rafferty) - “The Feeding of the Five Thousand”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “Surely, He is the Prophet” Tuesday (Daniel Perrin) - “The Healing of the Blind Man: Part 1”Wednesday (John Dinzey) - “The Healing of the Blind Man: Part 2”Thursday (Jill Morikone) - “The Resurrection of Lazarus” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2024 quarter 3, lesson 1 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Themes in the Book of John” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Signs That Point the Way”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: John 2:1–11 | John 4:46–54 | John 5:1–16 | Mark 3:22, 23 | Matt. 12:9–14 | John 5:16–47. Memory Text: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30, 31, NKJV). September 28 – October 4 Sunday (Jill Morikone) - “The Wedding at Cana”Monday (Ryan Day) - “The Second Sign in Galilee” Tuesday (Daniel Perrin) - “The Miracle at the Pool of Bethesda”Wednesday (Shelley Quinn) - “Hard Hearts”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Jesus' Claims” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

3pm: Biden makes a case for his legacy — and for Harris to continue it — in his Oval Office address // Reading John’s Hate Mail After Biden’s Speech // Interim SPD Chief addresses gun violence, drug ordinance enforcement amid staffing crisis // Many more kids are being shot and killed in King County in 2024 // Southwest Airlines Is Ditching Open Seating on Flights // WA ferry workers bear brunt of delayed, angry passengers // A 15-minute flight to the San Juans? This startup wants to make it happen // Exclusive: Joe Biden’s Leaked Voicemail

6pm: Biden makes a case for his legacy — and for Harris to continue it — in his Oval Office address // Reading John’s Hate Mail After Biden’s Speech // Interim SPD Chief addresses gun violence, drug ordinance enforcement amid staffing crisis // Many more kids are being shot and killed in King County in 2024 // Southwest Airlines Is Ditching Open Seating on Flights // WA ferry workers bear brunt of delayed, angry passengers // A 15-minute flight to the San Juans? This startup wants to make it happen // Exclusive: Joe Biden’s Leaked Voicemail