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2 Samuel 12:1-8 NIV Listen to God Secrets make you sick You are the man Remember God's gifts

Live Free | Live Free Week 1 June 7, 2026 Message by Jody Livingston [Next Gen Minister]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 1:1-11   • Remember God's Work • Rest in God's Work • Respond to God's Work  

Sing to the Lord a New Song Marshall Segal Download Psalm 98,Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2 The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.Last fall, my oldest son and I planted a couple hundred tulip bulbs in two front flower beds. My wife's from California, so we love spring and summer in our home. I mean everybody really loves spring and summer here, but some of us hate winter more than others. The Segals express that hatred with gardening. We spring really hard. We plant a couple hundred tulips — red and yellow and white, some white with red stripes, some purple double tulips. We also have about a dozen peonies, each with a dozen blooms. If you've ever seen peonies up close, they don't look real. They look like some fine cloth has been woven together and overstuffed. They're glorious. I love them, and I love them for the same reason Jesus loved them:“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28–30)Consider the lilies. Are you struggling with little faith? Stop and listen to the lilies. They're singing. And they call us to sing with them about God and his glory. That's what we see again at the end of this psalm. Verse 7:Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;the world and those who dwell in it!Let the rivers clap their hands;let the hills sing for joy together. . . .Creation is performing for us. Can you hear it? The seas, wide and deep, are roaring out the bass line. The hills are dancing and breaking into high harmonies. And the rivers are clapping along to all that beautiful music. My wife and I actually got to hear an orchestra on Friday in Downtown Minneapolis, and that's what's happening all around us all the time. And it's happening with even greater precision and purpose than all those violins and cellos and trombones, because God is conducting everything we see and hear and taste and touch. Psalm 98 reminds us that creation is singing for anyone who will listen, and so before we really even get into the psalm, let's go ahead and get to some application for us as a church: Don't squander creation's performance this summer. Don't Squander CreationWhen God's people needed strength to keep believing, keep obeying, keep singing, they deliberately went and looked at rivers and seas and hills. Do you do that? Remember God himself is telling you here that he made all this to help you worship. He knew it was going to be hard to keep going. He knew we'd be prone to wander and doubt. And so he made stuff — all kinds of crazy stuff. He made galaxies and galaxies of crazy stuff, more than we could ever find, much less analyze, so that we'd have all kinds of reminders and reasons to worship him. My kids were studying sperm whales this week. Did you know that sperm whales have the largest brain of any creature on earth? Why would God do that? Why would God make these mammoth whales, with these massive brains, who dive 3,000 miles down to eat giant squid? So that you would see a sperm whale and his big ol' brain, and marvel at the creativity and power and goodness of God — and then do psalm 98:“Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!”I don't care what it looks like for you this summer. The Segals aren't big camping people, but we love flowers and long walks and new parks and the beach. Don't squander creation this summer. Get out there and look and listen and learn and worship. Let something God has made remind you to sing. And then go find something else tomorrow. And then something else the next day.1. Sing to the LordAlright, the main point of the psalm is that very first line:Oh sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done marvelous things!His right hand and his holy armhave worked salvation for him.We don't know who wrote this psalm, but it's one of a series of psalms here highlighting God as king. Verse 6 says,“With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!”This psalm is calling people to sing because their King has saved them again.“His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”We don't know what deliverance they're singing about. It could be the exodus out of Egypt, or the deliverance from the wilderness, or the conquest of Canaan, or victory over the Philistines, or the return from exile. We don't know. God delivered Israel a lot. Whatever deliverance it was, the psalmist saw what God had done and he said, we should sing. And people who have been saved by God should sing, right? Why do we sing? Why would the infinitely creative, infinitely powerful God alter our brains and vocal cords to give us the capacity to make melody and harmony? I think it's because some things in life are just too good to be said. For example, I can say, “I love Jesus.” I can say, “I really love Jesus,” and I do. I can say, “Jesus is my greatest Treasure,” and he is. I can say, “Jesus is the greatest, most trustworthy, most satisfying, most glorious Treasure in the world.” Can I get an amen? Or I could sing, “Hallelujah! All I have is Christ!” I don't even have to sing it well — and it still says more than words can say.God gave us singing because there's a joy greater than words. He didn't make all of this and us so that he could be understood and explained. God gave us singing because we were made to worship — to glorify him by enjoying him forever. It's not enough to know, study, or describe this God. To really know him is to enjoy him, to treasure him, to worship him. So, point one, sing to the Lord for who he is and what he's done for you.To Our MenAnd before I go to point two, I want to take Psalm 98 as an opportunity to rally our men in particular. Now, a lot of our men sing and sing loud. I love you and thank God for you, don't stop, abound all the more — and I'm not talking to you right now. No, I want to plead with the men we don't hear on Sunday morning. This text, and lots of other ones, teach us that a man isn't fully a man if he's not singing. Men, you weren't just made to work and protect and fix stuff. You were made to sing! You were made to sing, andwe need you to sing. I'm going to get to this in a minute, but Psalm 98 teaches us that one way we guard and provide for and build the church is to sing. You have no idea what impact it has when the people around you, especially all the young sons and daughters here, see grown men sing with all their hearts. I really think there are few things more captivating in our society than a man so filled with faith that he freely and enthusiastically sings — even when he can't sing. Especially when he can't sing. I could name some names here. Again, it's not ability. I personally think that's why the psalm says in verse 4:“Make a joyful noise to the LORD.”Sing! Shout! Make some kind of noise! If you can't carry a tune, if God gave you a bucket — then bang on the bucket. It doesn't have to sound good. It just needs to sound like joy. Grab a trumpet, grab a tambourine, grab a lyre (whatever that is). Clap your hands. If you have joy in the Lord, make it a loud joy. Don't cave to social pressure, put it under a basket, and make bad excuses for sitting out of the singing. We need to hear your joy in God. We need a song, and not just any song. We need a new song. 2. Sing a New SongWhen God calls the people to sing, he specifically says, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song!” Don't just keep singing the same songs. No, new deliverance calls for a new song. If God hears our prayers and fights for us, we're going to sing about it. This is one of the great lessons of the psalms, right? I mean we're in the process of walking through 150 songs. This is already our eighth summer in the psalms. We get the point by now, don't we?We were made for worship. Life is hard and confusing and painful, because of sin. But God still reigns (and creation testifies to that). God watches over his people, satisfies them with himself, and delivers them from every kind of enemy and trial. So trust in God, and worship him.Do we really need 150 versions of that? Oh my goodness, yes! Are you kidding me? We need 150 million songs to try and capture the glory of this God. This is why the 150 psalms keep telling us to sing even more new songs.Psalm 33:3,“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” Psalm 96:1,“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!”Psalm 149:1,“Praise the Lord! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!”When God's people experienced his salvation in some new way, they wanted a new song. We need a new way to express all the thanks and faith and joy we feel toward God right now. . . . Notice that there's nothing actually new in the psalm. Again, we can't even tell what event they were singing about. That's not the point of “new” here. New wasn't unveiling new information. No, it's rehearsing the same glorious realities about God with different words and melodies, because he deserves all the lyrics and melodies. We sing a new song because there will always be more to celebrate. I love how Psalm 40:5 unleashes this kind of worship:You have multiplied, O Lord my God,your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;none can compare with you!I will proclaim and tell of them,yet they are more than can be told.Do you hear that? God, I'll tell them everything you've done for me — all your wondrous deeds — yet they are more than can be told. If I tried to say it all, I'm going to run out of ink, breath, time, or all of the above.Our lead pastor is leading us well here. Pastor Jonathan wrote that first song we sang this morning — “I Am Free.” He's not rushing to tell you that, and I admire him for that. But that won't keep me from telling you.No more death, no debt is due,The blood of Christ has made me new!The curse undone, my heart is freeThe risen Son has rescued me!Amen! And may it be the first of dozens of new songs we sing together as a church. Now, we don't have to write every new song (a “new song” might just be new to us), but it's especially sweet when one of us pours their heart into lyrics and melody to say Jesus is real, his mercy met me at the cross, and he set me free. And if God keeps delivering us — and he will keep delivering us until he brings us safely home — then we'll need another song soon. So go ahead and sing a new song, and then another one, and then another one. You're not going to exhaust him and his salvation. And singing a new song will help you see more of him.3. Recruit the ChoirIn verses 1–3, Israel is singing a new song about the salvation God has worked for them. In verses 4–6, though, the psalm turns and invites the whole earth into the choir. Let's start in verse 3:The Lord has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulnessto the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation of our God.Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises! . . .Make a joyful noise,” verse 6, “before the King, the LORD!”All the ends of the earth have seen this salvation — they've seen God love and deliver this people from their enemies — so come and sing with us! You can be saved too, if you'll humble yourself and bow to the true King.Notice that we're not inviting the world with yelling. This feels relevant given what we've been enduring for months now. Lots of yelling. We're not yelling back, no we're inviting all the earth, even that little stretch of green across the street, with singing. And we're singing because we're not just inviting them to acknowledge the truth and bow to the King; we really are inviting them into our joy. World, you have seen and heard what he's done for us — “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Jesus came and died and rose so that you don't have to die for your sins. You don't have to face the wrath of God. You don't have to settle for weak and fleeting pleasure here on earth. You can be saved! Get in on this! Come taste something so good you can't help but sing! He's looking out on all the earth — I'm thinking of the missionaries we prayed for a few weeks ago during global missions Sunday, they're saying to all the nations, billions of lost people, come join this choir. Far As The Curse Is FoundBut the choir doesn't stop there. Verses 4–6 call all the tongues, tribes, peoples, and nations into the choir room — all the earth, praise him. Come and have what we're having. Come and be saved by grace through faith. Look at verses 7–8 again, though. The psalm goes even farther…Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;the world and those who dwell in it!Let the rivers clap their hands;let the hills sing for joy together. . . .He wants the rivers and hills and oceans and whales to get in on this, too. Now, we already saw that they're singing — and they really are. But by verse 7, even creation is singing a new song. And we know that because of verses 9–10. I'll begin in verse 8 again:Let the rivers clap their hands;let the hills sing for joy togetherbefore the LORD, for he comesto judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,and the peoples with equity.Why are the rivers clapping? Because God has come to judge the world. He's finally come to put an end to sin, to pour out justice on all who refuse to receive his mercy, and to make all things right again. This psalm tells us that creation isn't singing at full strength yet. And we know this at the Segal house. I told you about our peonies. Well, a couple days after our first one bloomed — big beautiful white blooms, with yellow inside and a bright red center — the rain came through and ripped all the pedals off. Every single one. It's a big green shrub of ugly little stumps. We had just a few glorious days, and now we're left waiting for another 362 days. What kind of deal is that? I told you we planted 200 tulips last fall. I didn't tell you that we only got to see a dozen or two, because deer came through and ate them all before they bloomed. What's the point? Creation's not singing at full strength yet. Consider the lilies — they're dying. They're getting eaten. They're all going to be buried in snow in six months. Creation is cursed because of sin.Strawberries get moldly before they make it to the fridge. Parasites wipe out crops and other animals. Wildfires break out and destroy communities. It gets brutally cold in Minnesota for half the year. And don't get me started on construction. That's our creation, not his, but man, it's good illustration of the curse under sin. Your normal street's totally dug up, you don't know which way to go, it takes twice as long to get there, and you just want to get home.The creation is beautiful and it is singing, but it's also cursed — for now. And when Christ comes to judge the world, there won't be any more construction (or disease or mold or cold).This is why I've come to love “Joy to the World” even more. Isaac Watts wrote the hymn in 1719, and it's based on this psalm. And while it's a great Christmas hymn, it's not only a Christmas hymn. This isn't only a Christmas hymn, listen:Joy to the world, the Lord is come; [That's Christmas. He has come.]Let earth receive her King!Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing!Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!Let men their songs employWhile fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,Repeat the sounding joy!No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make his blessings flowFar as the curse is found!That's not Christmas! It's not. When Jesus came the first time, and lived and died and rose and ascended, his blessings didn't flow far as the curse is found. If you don't believe me, just step outside and stand with our security guys for a few minutes. You don't even have to step outside, though. There's enough heartache inside this room to tell us this hasn't happened yet. But it will, he's coming again, and that's what Isaac Watts is singing about. Romans 8 says: “The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” (Romans 8:20–22)So, creation is singing, but it's also waiting, groaning, suffering. It's in bondage. This psalm looks back and celebrates past deliverance — his right hand and holy arm rescued us — and it's preparing for a final deliverance, when even the seas and hills and rivers are finally set free. Jesus is going to come again and save us, Cities Church! And that means we can sing even while we're waiting for justice and deliverance here. Can we sing songs like this in hard days? Of course we can. He has already delivered us. What more does he have to do? And he will deliver us again, and soon. And so we can sing right now, wherever we are in between. In fact, we must sing, because singing is one of the ways God delivers his people. That's why songs like Psalm 98 and “How Great Thou Art” and the song we're about to sing exist. Who knows how much God is saving us from while we sing these songs together each Sunday?His Right Hand and Holy ArmSo, sing a new song to the Lord. And how could we not when we have seen an even greater salvation? This brings us to the Table. We say these same words, verse 1:“His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”But when we sing about “his holy arm,” we picture real arms stretched out wide, bloody and straining for air, on the cross. When we sing about “his right hand,” we see the nails in his hands, and the thorns in his head, and the spear in his side. Oh sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done marvelous things! [Hasn't he?]His right hand and his holy armhave worked salvation for him.The LORD has made known his salvation;he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.Yes, he has. That's what we remember with this meal. The King has come and worked salvation for us — he lived without sin, convicted without a crime, put to death without justice, and three days later, he rose from the dead. And he will come again to bring full and final salvation.

Title: “Let No One Deceive You” Part 3 Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 FCF: We often struggle fearing the deception that is to come. Prop: Because all who did not receive the love of the truth will be deceived, we must let no one deceive us. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll read yet again the text starting in verse 3 and going to verse 12. Today I'll be reading from the Legacy Standard Bible but you can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. You'll notice on the screen that this is part 3 of this sermon. If you have not heard parts 1 and 2, I would encourage you to catch up on the teaching Paul has given regarding the man of lawlessness. The previous two sermons are foundational in understanding what is going on here and how we are to think about the end times. However, the sermon today, although relying on some of the conclusions we've made in the last two sermons, is by far the most standalone of the three. The message today is terrifying. It is gut wrenching. Because it speaks of a time when God is truly done with giving mercy to people who have rejected Him. And although God has done similar things in the past – it has never happened like this and only once on this scale. It is also terrifying because it remains in a context which emphasizes that many of the people who are being discussed here who have rejected God, are those who at one point believed in Him. But as terrifying as this message is – there is hope and comfort in holding fast to saving faith. Let's read once more. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Gracious, Merciful, and Holy Father, You have endured the wickedness of men for thousands of years. You are longsuffering, extending mercy to all and allowing men to profane Your name and reject Your Son while You continue to bless them and give them common grace. But one day You will remove Your Restrainer and allow the man of lawlessness to come forth. One day Your mercies will end. One day Your common grace to wicked men will cease. And one day You will judge the world. I pray that even now You would be merciful and gracious to those in this room. Speak now words of comfort to Your people through this text…but Gracious God, send Your Spirit to open the eyes of the blind here and speak words of terror to those who are perishing. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] ”It is the creed of every sound evangelical church that those who do go back to perdition were persons who never really believed in Jesus.” A.A. Bonar “None sink so far into hell as those that come nearest heaven because they fall from the greatest height.” William Gurnall [Slide 3] “To forsake Christ for the world is to leave a treasure for a trifle…eternity for a moment, reality for a shadow, all things for nothing.” William Jenkyn “To see a ship sink in the harbor of profession is more grievous than if it had perished in the open sea of profaneness.” William Secker [Slide 4] “The essence of apostasy is changing sides from that of the crucified to that of the crucifier.” John Stott “Scripture does not need to be denied for apostasy to begin: all that is needed is that scripture takes second place in our calculations.” Iain H. Murray Let these words prepare your heart for the preaching of God's Word today. I.) The Man of Lawlessness will be powered by Satan to deceive all the perishing, so we must not let ourselves be deceived. (9-10) a. [Slide 5] 9 - whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, i. The LSB has put hash marks into the previous verse to set it off from what follows in verse 9. ii. This is incredibly helpful because for we western English readers, this would be quite jarring, since we would assume the “coming” he is talking about now is still the coming of Christ. iii. What we don't see that would make this even more jarring, is that in the Greek the word for “coming” is… parousia. Advent. iv. However, Christ will not come in accord with the working of Satan. v. Paul is going back now to the topic of the man of lawlessness. And Paul intentionally points to the mockery of Satan here by using the same word he has used repeatedly to refer to the return of Christ. Only this time he refers to the coming of the man of lawlessness. vi. That the man of lawlessness comes in accord with the working of Satan, clarifies and affirms that the man of lawlessness is indeed a man. vii. Much like Judas Iscariot was a man who was possessed by Satan Himself, so also this man of lawlessness is a man that will come in accord with the working of Satan. viii. This is probably an idiomatic way to say that this man too will be possessed by Satan. ix. Now just like the scriptures always see Judas as culpable for his own actions… he was not a victim… so also this man of lawlessness is not a victim either. x. This man will do and say things that are so egregious and so infamous that he could not be a mere man. xi. And this man will go along with it, willingly obeying his father the devil. xii. Again, this points to the mockery of Satan. xiii. Jesus did and said things that indicated that He was no mere man too, all in willing obedience to His heavenly Father. But this Anti-Christ figure will have an advent that is similar but will do the opposite. xiv. But that isn't the end to the similarities. b. [Slide 6] with all power and signs and false wonders, i. Part of the working of Satan happening for this man is that he is coming with all Satan's power and influence. ii. He will be able to perform signs and wonders, all of which will be false. iii. How do we determine if a sign or wonder is false? iv. Scripture gives two criteria 1. [Slide 7] In Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Yahweh clearly says that if a prophesy does not come to pass, then they know that what the prophet said was not from Him and that prophet has spoken presumptuously and should be put to death. 2. [Slide 8-9] Let's go to Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and read this together. Because what if the signs and wonders do come true? What if they are effective? a. Notice what God says… b. If a prophet performs signs and wonders that come to pass but they advocate worshipping other gods, they should not listen to that prophet. Why? c. Because Yahweh sent (take note of that. Yahweh sent) that prophet to the people to test their love for Yahweh. d. Then God reinforms them of the command. They should walk after Yahweh, fear Him, obey His commands, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. e. But the prophet should be put to death for His attempt to mislead God's people. v. [Slide 11] The wonders and signs the man of lawlessness commits won't be false because they won't be powerful, effective, or come to pass. They will be false because they will be used to encourage people to worship him instead of Yahweh. Or to worship him as Yahweh or Jesus Himself. vi. We know how our Lord Jesus is coming next. He is coming on the clouds. He will gather us to Himself. That is how we will see Him next. In the air. vii. EVERY ESCHATALOGICAL FRAMEWORK AGREES! viii. Remember that my friends. Remember God's people. We will see Him next in the AIR. ix. No matter what signs or wonders a man does on earth… He isn't Christ if we don't meet Him in the air. He isn't Christ if we must go to Him. The Real Jesus will bring us to Himself. We will be CAUGHT UP. c. [Slide 12] 10 - and with all the deception of unrighteousness i. Another key factor that is hinted at in Deuteronomy 13 was that a person bringing signs and wonders that advocates for the breaking or distorting of God's laws – cannot be sent from God. ii. Jesus Himself said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. How can the real Jesus appear and lead people to conclude that living unrighteous lifestyles is… fine? iii. That disobeying the law of God… is fine? iv. Did Jesus do this at His first advent? v. He fulfilled the law, but He never rejected it or broke it. Nor did He ever advocate His followers do so. vi. As loving as He was to sinners and as much as He healed people what did He say? “Go and sin no more!” vii. He said, “Your righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees.” viii. He said, “You must be holy as my heavenly Father is holy.” ix. When Jesus walks this earth again… x. HE WILL NOT TREAT SIN WITH KID GLOVES. xi. In Isaiah 11, where Paul pulled the reference to Christ consuming the man of lawlessness with His breath, in that same context it says that in that day “they will do no evil nor act corruptly in all My holy mountain. “ xii. The man of lawlessness though, will be a man who advocates a reversal of God's laws. Perhaps emphasizing love and peace over righteousness and blamelessness. xiii. Indeed, his only law is that all must worship… him. xiv. But what Paul says next is absolutely essential for a proper understanding of this time. d. [Slide 13] for those who perish, i. Notice that the power, the lies, the signs, these are all aimed at a specific group. ii. The perishing. iii. The bible gives us warnings and we must absolutely heed them. But just because the warnings exist doesn't mean that there is a chance that God's promises won't be fulfilled. iv. God has promised that He will seal all His people until the day of redemption. v. Just because the bible gives warnings of falling away and believing a lie doesn't somehow make God's promises null and void. vi. Instead, we must look for a way to make both truths of scripture stand with all their strength without contradiction. vii. And the church has, for thousands of years, understood that it is by hearing the word of God that we receive faith. Not just faith to believe on Christ but faith to believe all that God has said. viii. God's word is effective to produce change in the hearts of God's people. His Word will not return void or empty. ix. Warning passages accomplish their purpose to cause true believers to be alert and vigilant. x. This is the means God uses to prevent them from falling away and succumbing to a lie so powerful that if it were possible the elect would be deceived. xi. Paul makes it clear, that the man of lawlessness will be able to deceive ONLY those who are perishing. Why? xii. Because true believers, believers that have genuine faith, will heed these warnings, continue to reject sin and pursue Righteousness, and continue to believe God. xiii. Paul writes this as a comfort to a church whom he is convinced is counted worthy of God's Kingdom, whom he is convinced received the gospel in power. He is not uncertain about their identity as children of God. Therefore, this comment is designed to give them comfort. The perishing are the ones who will be deceived. xiv. So, they must not let themselves be deceived. xv. But why are they perishing? e. [Slide 14] because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. i. The wording here is actually quite important. 1. The expression we might expect is that these people who are perishing would be those who did not believe the gospel. Or perhaps that they did not believe the truth. Or that they did not receive the truth. 2. But that isn't what saves a person and eliminates their possibility of being deceived by this Satanic Superman. 3. Christ Himself said that in the last day there would be many who said to Him, “Have we not prophesied in your name, and performed miracles and cast out demons in your name, but I will say to them depart from me lawbreakers, I never knew you.” 4. Paul says that people who did not receive THE LOVE of the truth are those who are perishing. 5. Only those who cherish the truth will be saved. 6. What does it mean to cherish the truth? We'll get to that, because a little later Paul is going to give us the opposite of this. Just hang tight for now. ii. So, the deception of the man of lawlessness will reach all the perishing because they didn't receive the love of the truth. What does that mean? iii. Right now, the gospel call goes out to all men. All men are given at least natural revelation that there is a Creator God who must be worshipped and obeyed. And all men are called to repent and believe the gospel. iv. But one day that general call will stop. v. At some point – when this man of lawlessness steps on the scene, the general call of the gospel to all men will no longer be available. vi. That isn't to say no more will come to saving faith in Christ at this time… vii. God may still effectually call people to Himself. viii. But those who are perishing, those whom God has not elected, will believe the lies of the man of lawlessness. f. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul has presented who the man of lawlessness is and the blasphemies he will commit. He has discussed when he will come and how he will end. Now, Paul reveals how he will deceive and who will believe him. The perishing, whether they have professed Christ or not, all those who have not received the love of the truth will believe the power, signs, and wonders of the man of lawlessness, and will be deceived into unrighteousness. God's general call to all men to repent and believe the gospel will ultimately go extinct as all the perishing are given over to the lies of this man. If we are truly elect of God, and we have received the love of the truth, we will not succumb to these lies. But how do we know we are elect and have received the love of the truth? We do not let ourselves be deceived. We hold fast to what we have been taught. We trust God no matter what our senses say. [Slide 16 (blank)] Transition: Perhaps you wrestled with that statement regarding the gospel call. Perhaps you were uncomfortable thinking that there will be a time when God is going to stop calling all men to believe the gospel and will only call those who are elect. Well, if you struggled with that. Buckle up. It is about to get very uncomfortable. Paul will now reveal how it will be so that all the perishing believe the lies of the man of lawlessness. II.) In order to judge them, God will actively reprobate the perishing, so we must not let ourselves be deceived. (11-12) a. [Slide 17] 11 - And for this reason, God sends upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, i. For this reason – meaning because the perishing have not received the love of the truth. ii. God is not forcing them to not receive the love of the truth – but as a response to them not receiving it… God will act. iii. Why do I say that the general call of the gospel will cease? iv. Because God will send a different message. He has already sent the gospel call to all men. v. But He has not sent out another message to all men yet. vi. All the lies and deceit and questioning of God's truth today is all generated by the lies of demons and by evil men. vii. But one day they will not be the only voices spreading misinformation. viii. One day, God Himself will send an influence that deceives the perishing. ix. Ok. Stop right there. We all know that God cannot sin. Specifically, we know that God cannot lie. So how can we interpret this differently so God isn't lying. x. Well does this text actually say that God will lie? xi. It doesn't. xii. It says that God will send a deluding influence. The Greek word for “influence” here suggests it is strong and inescapable. xiii. Notice that it does not say “allow” either. The Greek word here, translated “send” cannot mean that God simply is “allowing or permitting” this influence to occur. The Greek word means to cause to go somewhere. xiv. God will cause a deluding influence to go to the perishing. xv. God isn't lying, He is sending someone or something to lie to the perishing. xvi. Why? xvii. So that they will believe what is false. xviii. The general call of the gospel ceases because God sends something to make sure they believe something else. xix. Why would God do this? b. [Slide 18] 12 - in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. i. God wants to make sure that every single person who is perishing, is justly judged. 1. This phrase here is the explanation of what it means to NOT receive the love of the truth. It means to not believe the truth but to take pleasure in unrighteousness. 2. These are not, however, two items. They are one. 3. The New Testament often defines genuine belief as belief unto obedience. To have saving faith is to love righteousness. So, if we see someone taking pleasure in unrighteousness, they cannot believe the truth, no matter what they say they believe. ii. But attentive bible students might wonder why God needs to send a deluding influence at all. iii. If God did nothing, wouldn't they still be judged? iv. [Slide 19] The answer is yes. 1. The doctrine of election is a doctrine of God's intervention. a. In order for anyone to be saved, God must intervene. b. No matter what kind of Christian you are, you must believe that God saves us and must intervene to do this. c. Otherwise, you are a Pelagian and a heretic. d. God's elect are those whom God has chosen, according to the counsel of His will and based on nothing of us, to intervene for and rescue from our sin. e. The others that God has not elected will not inherit salvation, but not because God has intervened to keep them from salvation. Rather they will not inherit salvation because God has chosen to NOT intervene for them. f. God judges them according to THEIR deeds which are evil. 2. In short, all men are deserving of judgment and wrath because of their sin. God intervenes for some by electing them to salvation. v. So, what is different here? vi. God is no longer passive. He intervenes… but in order to assure that the perishing are judged for their rejection of the gospel and their unrighteousness. vii. This is what we would call the doctrine of reprobation. God closes and seals the door actively rather than passively. The outcome is the same, but God's activity in the matter is markedly different and it signals an end to God's mercy and common grace toward the perishing. viii. And the really interesting thing is, although we've only seen God do this on this scale once in the global flood, it was not accompanied by God sending a lie. But we do have smaller cases of this happening. 1. [Slide 20] In I Kings 22, King Ahab had long heard the prophesies of Micaiah. God's prophet. Yet Ahab continued to refuse the counsel of the Lord. He continued to ignore and dismiss what God said. a. God determined that Ahab's time… was up. That it was time for him to be judged. b. To ensure that Ahab would earn His judgement to the fullest, God met in a heavenly council. He and angelic beings took council and God determined the course of action. c. He determined that a spirit must go and deceive Ahab. In that setting a spirit stepped forward and volunteered to be a lying spirit to the prophets of other gods and encourage them to tell King Ahab that he should attack a city because he would be victorious. A lie. d. Of course, God's prophet told Ahab that he would fail and even relayed the story of this heavenly council. e. But Ahab continued to choose to believe these false prophesies rather than believe God's prophet. f. Would Ahab had suddenly changed his mind and listened to Micaiah had God not done this? No. He wouldn't have. g. But that is not what the story is about. h. It isn't about Ahab's rejection of God… it is about God's rejection of Ahab. i. And that is what makes the story so harrowing. j. Ahab rejecting God, is just par for the course. k. But God rejecting a King of Israel to the point that He sends a lying spirit to convince Him to continue to DISOBEY Him? That is what is terrifying. 2. [Slide 21] In 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 we see the same thing. a. We see God being fed up with Israel's disobedience under David's rule. b. The text of Samuel says that God incited David to take a census, and 1 Chronicles says that Satan enticed David to take a census. c. So, which is it? d. The devil is God's devil remember? e. God used Satan to accomplish His will. Which was to incite David to disobey so that God could judge Israel. f. Would they have earned His judgment without His intervention? g. YES!!! h. Again, this says more about God than about man. i. God's mercy does come to an end. At some point, God says, enough. ix. [Slide 22] And that is what is terrifying here friends. x. Wicked people loving their sin and rejecting God's truth? That has happened since Cain killed Abel. That isn't new or scary. xi. God sending a delusion to make sure ALL THE PERISHING reject Him? That is God rejecting, forever, those who are not His people. And that my friends… has never happened before. xii. There will be a day when God says… “I'm done with wicked mankind.” xiii. And it will coincide with a day when another says… “I'm God, I accept you as you are, come and worship me.” xiv. And everyone who hasn't received the love of the truth… will believe and worship that Satan empowered man. c. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: For their comfort, Paul shows the Thessalonians that one day those who are persecuting them will be given over to the worship of the man of lawlessness. One day they will be judged. Paul's thought isn't quite complete. He will continue through the rest of the chapter to encourage them with positive news for them. But it is important that they know the end of the wicked. In order to judge them, God will give over those who did not receive the love of the truth to a reprobate mind so that He may judge them. They will believe and worship the beast and succumb to the pleasure of unrighteousness. So, what are the Thessalonians to do? Keep believing what they were taught. Hold fast and stand firm in the truth and do not let themselves be deceived. Why? Because with this man of lawlessness will come a great apostasy too. They must hear the warning of this passage and not let themselves be deceived, for only those who are truly elect will do so. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and directs our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] In his correction of the lie that the Thessalonians have allowed themselves to believe, Paul has reminded them of all that he had taught them concerning the man of lawlessness. And in these concluding thoughts about him, Paul reveals his influence and who will be deceived by him. There is no doubt that Paul does this to draw a contrast between the Thessalonians and those who will be deceived. He will make that even more apparent with next week's text. But the fact remains, that when the man of lawlessness steps on the scene, he will be empowered by Satan to convince all those who did not receive the love of the truth, that he should be worshipped as Yahweh. God is not passive in this, but rather than intervening to prevent this, God's mercy has reached an end, and God will send along with him a deluding influence to convince all the perishing to believe his lies. God will give them over to reprobation so that He may judge them for their love of unrighteousness. Paul's opening application to the Thessalonians remains the application. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. First must come the apostasy and the man of lawlessness and the deception of the perishing. Then and only then will the Day of the Lord come and the Lord return to gather His people to Himself. Don't believe anything but what we have already taught you. Otherwise, they too will succumb to the lies of this man and the deluding influence of God. But what does this mean for us? How can we be sure that we don't let ourselves be deceived? 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the perishing are those who do not receive the love of the truth. a. Notice once again Paul's wording here. b. They do not receive the love of the truth. c. But wait a second, doesn't the bible simply talk about belief, faith being the way God unites us to Christ? d. It does. e. Isn't this a contradiction? f. Not at all. g. Just as we use the same word to talk about different aspects of the same thing, words like the cup which could mean 8 fluid ounces or just a drinking receptacle, so also the bible uses words differently depending on context. All doesn't always mean all. Call doesn't always mean the same thing. And as John the apostle demonstrates in his gospel, believe doesn't always mean the same thing. h. Here Paul is defining the kind of faith that saves. The kind of faith that unites us to Christ. It is not a faith that merely receives the facts. It is not a faith that merely respects the authority of the name of Jesus. i. The kind of faith that is saving… is a faith that receives the truth… and loves it. j. If salvation is a gift, we've all received gifts that we love. We have also all received gifts that we… do not love. k. We are warned in the gospels, that of the four soils of our hearts, three of them receive the gospel message. But only one produces fruit and is, therefore, useful to the farmer. l. The test of true and genuine saving faith is not in whether or not you believe in God or in Jesus… it is whether or not you love and cherish the truth of the gospel in your daily life. Is it precious to you to reflect on how you were once a sinner, doomed to hell, and Christ died to set you free? It is precious to you that Christ gave you His righteousness so that you could be declared righteous before God's judgment? Is it precious to you that the Lord sends His Spirit to all who are His and He enables us to live in obedience to Christ in an ever-growing way? Is it precious to you that Christ has united you to an assembly of people locally and universally who hold you accountable and encourage you? Is it precious to you to look hopefully toward Christ's coming as you live holy lives in preparation for His Kingdom? m. This is why when Paul later characterizes those who will be deceived, he says both that they did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness. n. In order to be saved by faith – it has to be a God-given kind of faith. What kind is that? One that propels you to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness… first. o. Only those who love the truth… will deny the lie. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the man of lawlessness will deceive the perishing. a. Everyone else. b. No matter what you say you believe. No matter how much time you've spent coming to church, reading your bible, or praying. c. Everyone who does not love the truth and take pleasure in righteousness. Everyone who does not seek God's Kingdom first and His righteousness. d. Everyone else… will worship the man of lawlessness as God and submit to His rule over their lives. e. Fearing that they will lose their jobs, their possessions, their land, their homes, their wealth, they will take his mark and worship him as God. f. And mark my words… a good percentage of them will be those who have claimed to believe on Jesus. Many of them will have said the sinner's prayer. Many of them will have gone to church and come from a Christian family. 3.) [Slide 27] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that in the last days God will give over the perishing to a deluding influence. a. See it doesn't all come down to this man of lawlessness' cunning or his power. b. Paul doesn't give him all that credit. And Paul doesn't want to mislead the Thessalonian church. c. This man of lawlessness will be a Satanic Super Man… but if God wished to oppose Him, this man would not deceive even one. d. The fact of the matter is that when this man steps on the scene, when the restrainer is removed, God will actively send an influence, probably Satan himself, to deceive every single person who has not received the love of the truth. e. He will do this not because they have not already earned their judgment. But because He is done with evil mankind. He is ready to remake the world. His Kingdom is coming in full. f. Why will this man be so successful? The short answer? Because God wants him to be. g. But… 4.) [Slide 28] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that the elect will succumb to the deluding influence. a. In spite of the strength of the lie, based on this text, based on what Paul will say next, and based on the other promises in scripture – we must not conclude that God will allow any of His elect to be deceived by this deluding influence. b. Jesus said that in those days, IF POSSIBLE, the elect might be deceived. Jesus' wording leaves no room for misinterpretation. It isn't possible. c. The question then that must be asked, is how does God preserve us? 5.) [Slide 29] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The Perseverance of the saints is primarily about God preserving us. a. The statement, “Once saved always saved.” Is technically true but oftentimes it communicates something that the bible flatly rejects. Even in this text. b. Just because you have professed Christ doesn't mean that you are saved. And just because you are saved, doesn't mean that you don't need to persevere. c. This doctrine must be primarily about God. d. God gives to all His elect a faith that endures. So much so that if we see our faith fail, it is not because we have lost it or because we did not persevere. It is because we were not given saving faith. We were a soil that received the message of the gospel but it did not produce fruit. e. The apostle John says of people who walked away from the faith, “that left us because they were not of us.” Not, “they left us because they are no longer of us.” f. God is the primary agent in preserving His people and enabling them to persevere… g. But… that doesn't mean we are passive. 6.) [Slide 30] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must not let ourselves be deceived. a. We are not passive in our own perseverance. b. Instead, God's true children will take warning passages such as these and, with fear and trembling, they will cling all the tighter to the gospel of Christ and the pursuit of holiness and righteousness, without which none will see God. c. God's true children will see the coming of this man of lawlessness, his empowering by the Devil, and God's active role here, and they will run back to what the scriptures teach and reject the lies even when all their senses tell them it is truth. And even when it will cost them everything. d. We must hold fast and stand firm in what we believe. e. So when we combine the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints with our role in persevering we realize that though we are certainly not passive in persevering… we are also… Praise the Lord… NOT ALONE. 7.) [Slide 31] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Jesus accepts us as we are. Believing this is a symptom of not receiving the love of the truth. a. There is a teaching alive and well today that insists that Jesus accepts us as we are. b. Now what could be meant by that teaching is that there is no prerequisite to repenting of sin and trusting Christ. c. Meaning you don't have to be perfect in order to believe on Jesus. You don't have to have stopped sinning in order to become a Christ follower. You don't have to join a church, get a tattoo, be circumcised or any other prerequisite. d. If that is what is meant – then this is true. e. However, oftentimes this message ends up being – Jesus accepts you no matter what lifestyle you choose to keep living. Jesus will never ask you to be someone you aren't. Jesus just wants to love you for who you are. f. This… is a lie. g. Jesus died because of who you were. Jesus died because you fall short. You miss the mark. You are not good enough. That is why Jesus died. To pay for your shortcomings and to make you like Him. To change you. He died to make you a NEW CREATURE. Old has died… and new is taking its place. h. Jesus says in order to be His disciple you must crucify yourself… daily… and follow Him. i. He told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give it to the poor and follow Him. j. Christ's message is clear. k. Turn from your sin, follow Him and sin… no… more. l. There is no such thing as a Christian who loves his sin and Jesus too. m. There is no such thing as a Christian who dislikes God's law. n. There is no such thing as a Christian who loves this world. o. They simply… do not exist. p. They may call themselves Christians… but in the last day… they will be deceived, take the mark and worship the Anti-Christ, so that God may justly judge them. q. Jesus is so not satisfied with who you are, that He submitted to death to change you to be like Him. r. If you disagree – its time to really listen hard… 8.) [Slide 32] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” In the last days, many that profess Christ today will take the mark of the beast and worship him as God. a. The tension in the scripture is clear. b. Although God by grace alone unites His people to Christ's sacrifice through giving them faith in His Son, the kind of faith that God ALWAYS gives, is a faith that changes the person to whom it is given. c. When God gives faith, it is like when someone gets hit by a bus. d. Their life is going to be different from that day forward. It will change… because it must. e. The soil of the heart is prepared by the Lord to receive His truth and produce fruit. f. All other soils may look like they have received the truth… but things choke or scorch them to death. g. There will be many in that day who have prayed a prayer and accepted a cheap grace that forgives sin and asks nothing of them. A grace that has less to do with you being a citizen of God's royal family and more to do with keeping you from going to hell. h. But the same grace that keeps you from hell, makes you into a citizen of His family and conforms you to His standard. It's a package deal. You don't get one without the other. i. So how do you avoid being yet another dupe? How do you avoid standing at the judgment seat of Christ wondering why the books containing your works did not prove you were His? j. You must be born again. You must have your heart prepared by God to receive the love of the truth. k. How do you know God has done that for you? l. Well – is He stirring you now? Do you feel the Spirit of God pulling on you now? That is a pretty good sign that your heart is ready to receive the love of the truth. m. So, turn from sin. Turn from your pleasure in unrighteousness. Turn from worshipping and pursuing things on earth. Money, relationships, careers, possessions, lusts, passions… n. Turn from your desires, your pursuits, your will o. Lose your identity so that you can be absorbed into Christ's. p. Trust Him and love Him and what He has done for you. Love Him so much that He becomes your first priority. q. Submit to His rule over your life as your one and only King. r. Trust Him and love Him enough to leave all other things you trust and love behind. s. Then… and only then… will you start to see the Lord change you into His own possession. t. If that is you today… don't wait to tell someone. u. Don't walk out the door and think -I'll just tell them later. I'll just call them later. No. v. If you need to follow Christ. If you are done following you. Tell someone you know is a Christian here. We would like to rejoice with you and help you in the next steps. [Slide 33 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the church father Augustine of Hippo In a vast wilderness full of snares and dangers, look! At your enabling I have cut off many of them, thrusting them out of my heart. And yet so many of these things buzz on all sides about my daily life. Do I dare say that nothing of this sort catches my attention, or causes even the slightest interest? True, I do not spend time in the worst kinds of entertainment, I do not dabble in astrology or the occult. I detest all those sacrilegious mysteries. And I owe you my humble and singlehearted service, O Lord my God. Yet the enemy, with tricks and suggestions, looks for a way in. So I beg you, by our King, even if I am far away from consenting to the enemy, may it ever be farther and farther away. You enable me, and will enable me, to follow you willingly, doing what you want me to do. We ask this for ourselves in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: Now may He who raises the poor from the dust, The needy from the ash heap; And makes them sit with nobles And inherit a seat of honor. Bear you through troubled days, To you who trust in God's unchanging love. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.

1. Refuse the pull of the world. (v.1) 2. Delight daily in God's Word. (v.2) 3. Remember God's purpose for your life. (v.3) 4. Live with eternity in view. (v.6)

Pastor Jing Batac Jr. | 2026 Academy Graduation & Awards Ceremony | Sunday Evening, June 7, 2026

Day 157: Remember God's WorksScripture (Deuteronomy 6:12 NKJV):“Then take heed lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”Reflection: Gratitude for God's works strengthens faith and prevents complacency. Remembering His deeds sustains hope.Prayer: Lord, help me never forget Your mighty works in my life and give thanks continually.AmenUntil next timeStay in the BlessingsI really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!You're important to God, and you're important to us at The Refinery.When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.So whatever you're concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:Join our Telegram Channel https://t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia Sow an offering:Bitcoin: bc1qqh6720t2zagj72dyfj348az698tdut3hlecaj4Online: https://www.refinerylife.org/donate/If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank youSubscribe oniTunes | Spotify  | YouTube | TuneIn | Rumble | Zap.Stream | Fountain |Share The Refinery with your friends and familySubscribe to the newsletter on www.refinerylife.orgFollow The Refinery on Twitter | Nostr | Instagram | Fountain 

Jesus Followers Can Personally Talk to God, the Universe's Creator, About Issues Like His Will for You; but Do You? MESSAGE SUMMARY: As a Jesus Follower, you have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe; and you can talk to God like you talk to your father. Remember God loves you. Imagine climbing up into His lap and imagine Him wrapping His arms around you – He is God your loving father. As God tells you in 2 Samuel 7:14-15: “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.". You need to start talking to Him as the best dad there could ever be. Talk to God, regularly, about your life; your concerns; and your needs. You need to ask Him for His counsel, and you need to ask Him questions regarding His will for your life.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, may the pains I experience in life kill the things that need to die in me — arrogance, pride, and indifference to others. Help me, daily, to see my frailty and how dependent I am on you, the Master of the Universe. In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 72). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will proclaim Him. (Philippians 1:15f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 1:7; Matthew 6:7-15; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Psalms 12:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

05/31/2026 Strong & Courageous | Choose TodayJoshua 23-24Big Idea: Today's devotion shapes tomorrow's direction.God finishes what He starts. People rarely walk away from God all at once They slowly stop choosing Him day by day.Four practical challenges for living that stay devoted to God:1. Remember God's faithfulness. You are standing here because God has been faithful. Forgotten faithfulness weakens present devotion. What past faithfulness of God do you need to revisit to strengthen your present trust?2. Remove what competes for your devotion. Trust god and cling to Him. Beware of internal drift. It takes courage to start following God. It takes greater courage to keep following Hi faithfully over time. What you tolerate today will eventually shape who you become. What is quietly competing with God for first place in your life?3. Choose daily whom you will serve. There is no middle road, follow God or live according to your earthly desires. (Matt 24: 9-13; Joshua 24:5; Rom 5:8; Col 1:13) Following Jesus isn't self-improvement, it's self-surrender. What choice do you need to make today before drift takes you further?4. Build rhythms that reinforce your devotion. What rhythms need to change if you want your devotion to stay strong?Three decisions you need to make to live fully devoted to the Lord:1. Decide what needs to go. What competes for your devotions shapes who you become.2. Decide what faithfulness looks like. Being faithful takes hard work.3. Decide what needs to be reinforced. Choose wisely.

June can feel especially heavy for Christian parents navigating the complexities of loving a child who identifies as LGBTQ while also holding to biblical convictions. In this episode, Melinda Patrick offers compassionate encouragement for parents who feel caught between truth and relationship, conviction and compassion, grief and hope. This conversation is not about fear, outrage, or culture wars. It is about staying anchored in Jesus — emotionally, spiritually, and relationally — while walking a difficult parenting journey with humility, wisdom, and faithfulness. Melinda reminds parents that culture should never disciple our emotions more than Christ disciples our hearts. You will learn 7 ways to stay anchored:  Don't panic. Stay in prayer instead of control. Keep relationship where possible. Stay rooted in Scripture. Watch your tone. Allow yourself to grieve honestly. Remember God loves your child more than you can imagine. Mentioned in This Episode Piercing the Night by Lindsey Kiser Charles Spurgeon Dutch Sheets Still Faithful mini-series Episode 117 of The Bridge Between Us Encouragement for Parents As Pride Month unfolds: stay close to Jesus stay rooted in Scripture stay humble stay faithful The Gospel is still powerful. The Holy Spirit still moves. And Jesus is still drawing people to Himself. You are not alone in this journey. Keep abiding. Keep trusting. Keep re-presenting Jesus. Resources & Next Steps Listen to previous testimonies on The Bridge Between Us Begin the Still Faithful mini-series starting with Episode 117 Subscribe to Melinda's newsletter for ongoing encouragement and equipping Stay tuned for the upcoming mini-series: Walking Wisely, beginning July 1 Restored Hope Network annual HOPE conference - June 12-13 - Colorado Springs, CO

Prosperity is dangerous when it convinces you that you did it all yourself. We open with a hard-edged warning from Deuteronomy that hits like a spotlight: God gives provision, protection, and opportunity, but pride rewrites the story until a people forgets the One who rescued them. I read the passage slowly, then ask what it sounds like when a nation says, “We're great because we're great,” instead of “We're blessed, so we must be faithful.”From there, we turn to marriage and the kind of love you can't replace with money, fame, or comfort. Song of Solomon paints love as fierce, enduring, and priceless, and I connect that to real life, where success never fixes a heart that feels empty. If you care about Christian living, biblical marriage, and keeping your priorities straight in a loud culture, these verses are a needed reset.We also zoom out to American culture and national identity, wrestling with what it means to call the United States a Christian republic and what happens when we trade gratitude for arrogance. To ground the conversation in something tangible, I share the Medal of Honor story of Captain James Montross Burt from World War II, then ask why modern entertainment so rarely celebrates the kind of courage and virtue that used to shape our imagination.If you find value here, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.#AmericanHeritage#WorldWarII#ChristianNationSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribeCountryside Book Serieshttps://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2 

Life moves faster than we realize. One day you blink, and years have passed. So what are we doing with the time God has given us?In this message, Pastor Brandon continues our Chasing Purpose series by looking at Solomon's final reflections in Ecclesiastes. After a life filled with wealth, influence, success, and regret, Solomon gives wisdom for how to live a life that actually matters.Through stories from the Dominican Republic, the Light Bearers Project, a powerful memorial service, and reflections on legacy, Pastor Brandon reminds us of three important truths: invest in the future, enjoy the season you are in, and keep God at the center of everything.If you want your life to leave a lasting impact, this message will encourage you to live with purpose, perspective, and eternity in mind.0:00 – YouTube Welcome from Pastor Brandon0:22 – Memorial Day Weekend Welcome0:44 – Opening Prayer1:11 – Pastor Brandon's Recent Trip Recap1:23 – Dominican Republic Trip + Solar Electricity Project1:46 – Country Music Awards + Travel Week2:10 – Brett Allen's Memorial2:54 – Ecclesiastes as Solomon's Final Speech3:21 – Dominican Republic Photos + Magdalena4:02 – Confronted by Poverty and Injustice4:34 – Why Missions Change Your Perspective4:56 – The Need for Electricity5:18 – Committing to Solar Power5:43 – The Three-Year Process6:10 – Out of Sight, Out of Mind6:54 – Returning to the Dominican Republic7:12 – Interviewing the Pastor7:41 – Why Electricity Matters8:07 – How Electricity Serves the Community8:32 – Praying and Fasting for Venture9:01 – Impact for the Next Two Decades9:11 – Home Visit Story9:47 – A Widow's Story in the Dominican Republic10:20 – How Electricity Helps Her Family10:38 – Compassion Sponsorship Story11:04 – Serving Hot Dogs to the Kids11:23 – Kids Saving Food for Their Parents12:08 – Food Storage and Electricity12:46 – The Weight of Her Story13:15 – Invitation to Give Toward the Project13:51 – Reflecting on Life and Legacy14:23 – Life Is Short14:58 – Solomon's Advice to the Next Generation15:27 – Ecclesiastes 9:1116:19 – Time and Chance Happen to Everyone17:11 – No One Knows Their Hour18:02 – Remembering Brett Allen18:51 – Life Can Be Gone Quickly19:25 – Country Music Awards Reflection20:22 – What Would Your Final Speech Say?20:53 – Three Things Solomon Tells Us to Do21:29 – Invest in the Future22:01 – Decisions Today Affect Tomorrow22:29 – Do Not Wait for Perfect Conditions22:58 – Sow Seeds for the Future23:49 – Brett Allen's Final Words24:56 – “Stay Here. Keep Working.”25:59 – The Value of Long-Term Friendship26:41 – Investing Early in Life27:36 – Investing in Apple Stock29:06 – Investing Your Life, Not Just Finances29:27 – Planting Venture Church29:59 – Airplane Conversation After the CMA Awards31:25 – The Impact of Venture in the Community32:10 – Why Investing in Kids Ministry Matters32:36 – Enjoy the Season You Are In33:07 – Remember God in Every Season33:49 – Advice for Your 20s34:45 – Enjoying the Empty Nest Season36:11 – Have Fun, But Remember God36:39 – Remember Your Creator37:37 – Life Has Meaning When God Is the Center38:09 – Solomon's Final Conclusion38:51 – Fear God and Keep His Commandments39:03 – Response Moment39:50 – Living with God at the Center40:42 – Commissioning Prayer41:30 – Leaving a Legacy42:17 – Closing Prayer43:51 – YouTube Outro

Main Point. The Word of God at work in his people. Driving Question. How does God's Word work in His people? 1. Accepted as God's Word (13) 2. Afflicted for God's Word (14–15) 3. Assured by God's Word (16) Takeaways. 1. Receive God's Word as God's Word. 2. Resolve to suffer for God's Word. 3. Remember God's judgment is coming.

"Remember God by remembering His Promises!"Message Through Senior Pastor, Marvin D. Hightower

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

As Memorial Day approaches, many families begin to reflect on what it truly means to love and honor our country. In this meaningful episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into a timely and sometimes complex conversation: how do we raise daughters who hold both a deep love for God and a healthy, grounded appreciation for their country?  From heartfelt memories of national unity in the days following 9/11 to personal traditions like placing flags on veterans' graves, this episode invites moms to consider how patriotism is formed—not just in grand gestures, but in quiet, intentional discipleship moments at home.  You'll hear wisdom from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, where she reminds us that patriotism and faith are not at odds—they can beautifully coexist when rooted in truth. By guiding our girls through both the triumphs and the trials of our nation's history, we help them develop a deeper, more honest understanding of what it means to be a Godly citizen.  Rachael and Melissa also offer practical encouragement for navigating today's cultural noise—where opinions about patriotism can feel loud and divided. Instead of fear or confusion, this episode points families toward peace, gratitude, and Biblical clarity. You'll be reminded that while conflict has always been part of the human story, God's design is rooted in peace—and our daughters can be active participants in bringing that peace into their communities.  Whether it's through conversations around the dinner table, participating in Memorial Day traditions, or serving those who have sacrificed for our freedom, this episode equips you to disciple your daughter with both conviction and compassion.    Two Things to Remember:  God's design is peace—even in a world where conflict exists, your family can reflect His heart in your home and community.   Honoring the fallen this Memorial Day helps ensure their sacrifice is remembered and valued for generations to come.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:  John 15:13   Galatians 5:22–23   Genesis 1–2    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.        

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away!