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Introduction: Hebrews 10:24-25 Acts 10:42, 1 Tim 4:1-2 1 Tim 4:13 1 Tim 2:1,8 , Col 4:2 Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 John 4:23-24 All In On Truth (1 Chronicles 13:3-14) Good intentions and enthusiasm != TRUE WORSHIP. It is PERILOUS to worship God CARELESSLY . We worship God WHO IS WITH US. John 14:16–18 1 Cor 3:16 1 Cor 6:19-20 Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Chronicles 13:3-14What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is at stake in God's command to worship Him in truth? See, for example, another account of careless and irreverent worship in Leviticus 10:1-3.Why are good intentions and enthusiasm insufficient for worshiping God in truth? Are they better, about the same, or worse than dead, emotionless, and unresponsive “worship?”Before this message, what was your understanding of verses describing Christabiding in you? (John 14:16-18, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20)How should the fact that Christ abides in us inspire or change the way weworship?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Good morning, Harvest, and Happy New Year. Open your Bibles, please, to 1 Chronicles,chapter 13. It will be in the Old Testament, 1 Chronicles, chapter 13. If you want, youcan put a little bookmark at chapter 15, because we're going to be looking there briefly aswell. This morning, we're beginning a three-week series on worship. Of course, there are manyways that we worship, prayer, preaching, proclaiming the gospel. I think it's fair to say thatfor everyone who is a believer in Christ, whatever we do is worship. Everything we do shouldbe for the glory of God. There are right ways, and there are wrong ways to worship God. AtHarvest, we follow something known as the regulative principle. That simply means thatif a type of worship is not permitted in Scripture, we don't do it. We don't get to worship Godhowever we want to. We must worship Him in the way that He commands. You may wonder,"Why do we do the things we do here in worship every Sunday? Who makes that up?" Well, it'snot made up. We do what God's word says to. You'll notice that every Sunday, we meettogether. We preach God's word. We read God's word. We pray and we sing. Now, while thoseare ways in which we are commanded to worship, this three-week series is going to focus particularlyon worshiping through music and singing. Our starting point for all three of these messagesis John 4 verses 23 and 24. "But the hour is coming and is now here, when the true worshiperswill worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worshipHim. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Sowe see that from these verses, the right way to worship God is spirit and truth. In twoweeks, Pastor Taylor is going to cover why worshiping in spirit and truth through musicand song is so important. Next week, Pastor Jeff will take us through what it means toworship in spirit. And then this morning's message is about worshiping God in truth.So here's the point of this week's sermon. "The Lord God Almighty delights to be withus, but we must have regard for His holiness and worship Him according to His commands."You see, when we worship God that way, when we worship God in truth, it means the wordswe sing to and about Him are true. By singing true words about God, we're able to rememberlater what is true. And we learn sound doctrine. If you've ever memorized Scripture throughsinging or you've sung the old hymns that are just chock full of biblical truth, youknow what I mean. When we worship God in truth, the truth fills us with awe. We aremoved emotionally. We're moved physically by the truth that we sing. Now at Harvest,we don't use, you know, strobe lights, flashing lights, fog machines, loud music, and othertactics to manipulate you into thinking that you're worshiping just because you're experiencingone sensory overload after another. But if what we sing is true, then truth will fillus and flow out of us. When we worship God in truth, we recognize that singing His praisesis of the utmost importance to Him. He's worthy of our praises. He's worthy of all our songsabout Him. He commands our praises. He expects it. The Book of Psalms is proof of that. Andwe should therefore make every effort to worship Him the right way because that pleases andglorifies Him. Let's pray. Oh, most gracious God, sovereign of the universe, God most high,you are awesome and mighty, and you are worthy of all praise. You are worthy of all of ourattention. You are worthy of every thought. You are worthy of every song we can sing.Because Lord, you are holy and you dwell in the praises of your people. I pray this morningthat we would overflow in worshipful song because we know the truth. We know the tritetruth of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us and that He is in us. And it'sin His great name. We ask it. Amen.Now this morning's passage recounts when David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant,the Ark of God, to Jerusalem to be near him. The passage contrasts the wrong way to worshipGod with the right expression of awe and reverence for God Almighty. Before we dive into thismessage, I need to give you some background. We need to do a brief history lesson. So youprobably all know God chose and called the people of Israel out of Egypt so that he couldbe with them. And the primary way that he demonstrated his presence with the peopleof Israel was through a movable tabernacle. That's simply a large tent and it was surroundedby a big fabric courtyard and poles. But inside the tent there were two separate places. Therewas the holy place and that was furnished with the Ark of Incense and a table in which breadwas placed every week and a lamp, a gold lamp to give light. And then on the eastern sideof this tent was basically a cube-shaped area. It was about 15 by 15 by 15. It was a perfectcube and that was the most holy place, the Holy of Holies. And it contained the Arkof the Covenant. In other places in Scripture it's called the Ark of God or the Ark ofTestimony. Now in Exodus 25 God gave some very specific directions for the Ark's constructionand its significance. It was a wooden box. It was about 45 inches long, 27 inches high,27 inches wide. Not that big. And then the wood was overlaid with gold and then on topwas a solid gold lid. It was all hammered out of one piece of gold and there were twocherubim on the top. So this is just a very simple example of what it might look like.We can't really speak in detail now about what the Ark looked like but we have the descriptionin Scripture. Now this lid with the cherubim was also called the Mercy Seat and it wassignificant for several reasons. One, the Lord was said to be enthroned above the cherubim.And two, the Lord spoke to Moses from between the cherubim. And then a third reason is onthe annual day of atonement the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and he wouldsprinkle blood on the lid to atone for the people's sins. And it's in this way that theLord tabernacled or dwelled between the two cherubim on the lid of the Ark. In this waythe Lord was present with his people and the people knew God was with them because in thedaytime there was a pillar of cloud over the tabernacle and at night it became a pillarof fire and whenever that pillar moved up and forward it was safe for the Levites, thepriests to go in, pack up the Ark, pack up the tabernacle and move it to wherever Godwas leading them. He took them wherever he wanted them to go. Now God also gave veryspecific instructions about how the Ark was to be moved and by whom. Only the Levitesand of the Levites a clan called the Coethites were allowed to carry the holy things includingthe Ark. Now this Ark was meant to be portable. It was carried on poles, passed through goldrings that those rings were attached to the feet of the Ark and in that way the Ark waslifted up over the priests heads when they carried it so all the people could see theArk was with them. Now these poles were never supposed to be removed from the Ark and beforethe Ark was moved it was supposed to be hidden. They put a big goat skin over it and thenthey covered it with a blue cloth and then that's they would pick it up and they wouldmove it. Now let's move ahead in time about 400 years to the end of the period of thejudges in 1 Samuel. At that time there was a man named Eli. He was the high priest andduring this time the Israelites fought a battle against their arch enemies the Philistinesand they were defeated. The Philistines walloped the Israelites and they were like, "Oh whatare we going to do? What are we going to do? Wait no, let's go bring the Ark of the testimonyto us. Let's bring it into the camp with us thinking this will bring us victory." Andthey were instead defeated in a very great slaughter. And Eli's two sons they were killedand the Ark was captured by the Philistines and taken away. When Eli heard his sons weredead and the Ark was captured he fell backwards over on his chair and broke his neck and hedied. This had to be a terribly bleak time for Israel. Their God, their God was captured.They had no priests, they had no prophets and as yet they had no king. Their whole identityas a people has been overthrown in a day. Now the Philistines they took the Ark to thecity of Ashtad and they put it in the temple of their God named Dagon. And the statue ofDagon fell face down in front of the Ark. So they picked him back up and set him upagain. They come in the next day and this time the God Dagon has fallen over again but thistime his head is busted off and his hands are broken off. And something else happens.The Lord begins terrifying the people of Ashtad with plague and tumors and death. So the Philistinesand Ashtad they take the Ark to Gath, another Philistine city. And the people there alsosuffered from plague and tumors and death. So they pick it up and they move it againto the city of Ekron and guess what happens? The people there experience plague, sickness,death. And they go, "Okay, enough of this. Enough of this." They decide to return theArk to Israel after seven months of being afflicted by God. So the Philistines, theysay, "What do we do with this?" They put the Ark on a brand new cart and they hitch it totwo milking cows. And the cows, instead of trying to go back to be with their calves,their babies, they instead they go straight up to a place in Israel called Beth Shemesh.The Israelites at Beth Shemesh, they rejoiced to see the Ark returned. But when some ofthe men of Beth Shemesh apparently looked into the Ark, the Lord struck down 70 of them.So the people of Beth Shemesh asked the people in another town called Keryth Jerem,"Come and get the Ark from us." Which they did. So the men of Keryth Jerem brought the Ark to thehouse of a man named Abinadab. They consecrated his son Eliezer to oversee it. And the Arkremained there, the Bible says, for some 20 years. Now after David becomes king, you know,this is a period of time Saul was king, he is dead, Jonathan is dead, David has become king,he is now established in Jerusalem as his capital. And David's got this idea, he wants to bring theArk of God from Keryth Jerem to Jerusalem. So David gets all the commanders, all the priests,and the Levites together to get their concurrence with his idea. And now we pick up at our accountin Chronicles chapter 13. "Then let us bring again the Ark of our God to us," David says."For we did not seek it in the days of Saul. All the people agreed to do so, for the thing wasright in the eyes of all the people." So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt toLebohamed to bring the Ark of God from Keryth Jerem. And David and all Israel went up to Bala,that is Keryth Jerem, that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the Ark of God, which iscalled by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. And they carried the Ark ofGod on a new cart from the house of Abinadab. And Uzzah and Ohio were driving the cart. And Davidand all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and liars and harpsand tambourines and symbols and trumpets. So this is quite a procession, quite a big celebration.It brings us to our first point. Good intentions and enthusiasm don't equal true worship.There are some huge red flags in this account. As king, actually David's a prince really,because the Lord is still the true king. You know the Bible calls David King David?He's really a prince of the true king. But as King David wants God's presence near him.The Lord has established David and Jerusalem over Israel and to have the Ark of the Covenantnearby would really cement the relationship between God and the house of David.It was a shrewd religious and political move on David's part.But notice in this account David doesn't seek God's counsel about moving the Ark.David knew what he wanted. And he apparently expected God to bless this plan. It's a goodthing, right? Bring the Ark up to Jerusalem. I mean, after all God had blessed David up to this point.So David just gathers counselors around him to agree with him and they go off and they do justwhatever it is they want to do. And you notice the phrase, "The thing was right in the eyes of allthe people." If you're familiar with the book of Judges, you know there's flashing red lights andwarning sirens going off all over the place. The leaders of Israel may have all agreed,but if something is wrong, widespread agreement doesn't make it right.Not one of the priests, Sir Levite, seemed to have suggested consulting the Lordor the Law of Moses before doing this thing. And then to move the Ark, what do they do?They put it on a cart. "Oh, but it was a new cart," you say. "Well, let's should please the Lord,right? Look, Lord, Lord, Lord, look at this fancy set of wheels we got for you. Aren't you impressed?Finest Cedar from Lebanon. The problem is they're copying the Philistinesrather than consulting God or the Law of Moses." So they got the Ark all loaded up.They got a big procession, almost 30,000 people. Can you imagine? 30,000 people. That's 12,000 morepeople than fit in PPG Paints Arena, just for perspective. 30,000 people with David,and they're celebrating with all their might, and they're singing and praising with lots ofinstruments, the liars, the harps, castanets, cymbals, trumpets. They have every intentionof worshiping the Lord, and they're super enthused. And this is just all quite a spectacle. It looksimpressive. It sounds good, but they're more interested in putting it on a show than worshipingGod. It was more about their worship experience. It was more about what David wanted than worshipingthe Lord. It was more about what they perceived God would approve without confirming than it wasabout worshiping God as he commanded. And that's the core problem here. They're not worshiping theLord the way he commanded. They're not worshiping in truth. They don't even seem to have the slightestinterest in truth. Where? Where was the counsel of the high priest in the Levites? Where was prayerin the simple request, Lord, what do you want? Where are the coethites and the poles to carry theark above the heads of the people? Where is the reverence and the awe due to the Lord?Now, you can manufacture enthusiasm while singing. You know, that's why so many churches, they usethe lights and the fog and the beautiful moving images and the sonic walls of ear-popping soundsand drums and squealing singers gesturing wildly. It looks worshipy. It sounds worshipy. It probablyeven feels worshipy. Therefore, I must be worshiping God. Have you ever heard people say, "Oh, worshiptoday was great." I had a great worship experience. Have you ever said that? Who was it that made itthe worship great? The sonic boom or the truth of God? Did you sing songs about yourself or songsthat praise God's character, mercy, grace, and love? Were you pleased with yourself or did youplease your God by worshiping Him in truth? Now, some of you hearing this are probably congratulatingyourself right now. That's right, Sprunk. That's right. I agree with everything you've said.All that exuberance, it's all fake. It's all performance. I just don't see what all the fussis about. Why? That's why when they're singing going on, I just keep my cool. I keep my reserve.Well, good. If you're thinking along those lines, that's good because this next point is just for youbecause just as good intentions and enthusiasm don't equal true worship, it is perilous to worshipGod carelessly. Look at verse 9. "And when they came to the threshing floor of Chaitan, Azza put outhis hand to take hold of the ark for the oxen stumbled, and the anger of the Lord was kindledagainst Azza, and he struck him down because he put his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Azza, and that place is called ParisAzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, 'How can I bring the ark of Godhome to me?' So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to thehouse of Obed Edom the Getite. And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed Edom in hishouse three months, and the Lord blessed the household of Obed Edom and all that he had.And we may be shocked that God struck down Azza for touching the ark.I mean, can you imagine this procession of 30,000 people and boom, Azza's dead?Well, that would take the wind out of the celebration, wouldn't it?Try to think what that might have looked like. Well, if you were in Butler on July 18, 2024,and there was an assassination attempt, you probably know what it felt like.If you saw Charlie Kirk murdered, that's what it was like.But God struck Azza down, and you may think, 'Well, what's the big deal? Why did he do that?They were worshiping.' Well, we've seen there were multiple things wrong with the way Davidand the Israelites treated the ark of God. Number one, they copied the Philistines.They're worshiping like pagans, and pagans don't know the truth. They treated the Holy Lord, GodMost High, the Holy Lord of Israel, shabbily. They treated God like baggage in a wooden cart.They were careless and unconcerned whether their worship obeyed the truth or expressed the truth.And we know Israel had a history of careless, half-hearted worship.We saw that in the Book of Judges, the people after they were settled in the land,they became idolatrous and careless in their worship. They served other gods, and they treated the arkas if it was some sort of good luck charm, a lucky rabbit's foot.They had no qualms about taking the ark from the Holy of Holies and carrying it around whereverthey liked. 'Take it down to the battle,' they said. 'God will fight for us,' they said.'You've got another thing coming,' God said. And everything was lost because of their insolence.The Philistines, they thought they had completely defeated the Israelites.'We've captured Israel's God,' they said.'We'll put him in the temple of our God, Dagon, and he'll worship our God,' they said.'You've got another thing coming,' God said. For their insolence, God busted up Dagon andafflicted the Philistines with sickness and death until they sent the ark back to Israelite territory.And after the ark returned to Israel's territory, the people of Beth Shemeshwanted to get a look at the most holy thing in the nation.They treated the ark like a curiosity, as something that they were consecrated and qualifiedto look at. 'Oh, God has returned to us,' they said. 'Let's sacrifice the cows and worship,' they said.'Let's look inside,' they said. 'You've got another thing coming,' God said.And seventy men of Beth Shemesh were struck down for their insolence.And then twenty years after the ark was moved to Curious Gerum, David proposes to bring the arkto Jerusalem. 'God's established me as king over Israel,' he said. 'It's right in our own eyes tobring the ark to Jerusalem,' they said. 'Let's put it on a new cart,' like the Philistines did,they said. 'Let's worship and celebrate with all our might and loud instruments,' they said.'You've got another thing coming,' God said. And as it was struck down for the people's insolence,you see, David and the priests and the Israelites treated God with contempt, and God said, 'Enough.'And David was rightly afraid of God, but no, he was also angry. But it was a self-pityinganger. David was angry because he didn't get his way. He was angry like Cain when God rejectedCain's act of self-centered worship. Angry like someone who knows he hasn't done his best,he hasn't done something right, but he wants approval anyway. But God is not mocked. God wasnot going to allow David and the priests to disobey his commands and still claim that they wereworshiping him properly. We should see that it is perilous to worship God carelessly.David had to learn, and although the text doesn't say, perhaps he repented of his irreverent worship.He was, after all, a man after God's own heart. And when he heard that Obed Edom was blessedby God, he realized it was possible to bring the ark to Jerusalem. But he had to do it the right way.So turn your head to 1 Chronicles 15. We're going to look at verses 11 through 15.Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abayathar and the Levites, Uriel, Asiah, Joel,Shamiah, Eliel and Abinadab, and said to them, "You are the heads of the Father's houses of the Levites.Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord,the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. Because you did not carry it the first timethe Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule."So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord,the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles,as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.This time David does it the right way. The priests consecrate themselves. They preparethrough sacrifice and washing and abstaining from anything that would make them ritually unclean.Each one got himself ready for worship. They follow the Lord's command when they carry the ark.They lift up the ark and they revere the Lord as holy in the sight of all the people.In short, they now worship according to the word of the Lord. And the Lord showed he was pleasedwith their reverence by allowing David to finally bring the ark to Jerusalem.Likewise, when we worship the Lord in truth and according to his command, he is pleased.All right, so you've been listening intently to all of this. You've been maybe taking some notesand you understand good intentions and enthusiasm don't necessarily equal true worship.You recognize it's perilous to worship God carelessly. You may even be persuaded that you needto worship the Lord in truth. But how? How do we do this? And what does that even look like?Well, we worship in truth when we worship God who is with us.When I was preparing this sermon, I recall seeing a series of memes a few years ago thatcontrasted an event or thing that was brutal with another thing or event that was epic.So I asked some folks familiar with cutting edge technology, cutting edge social media,you know, like MySpace and Vine and Friendster. Did you guys remember those memes?And they're like, no, we I don't remember that at all. And I'm like, well, aren't you people onparlor? Well, anyway, anyway, I know, I know I did not imagine those memes that juxtapose brutaland epic themes. Now, have you have you ever encountered a brutal or brute factthat has set or altered your plans, perhaps altered the trajectory of your life?You know, brute facts are hard, unalterable truths and incurable illness being laid offand debilitating injury. Now, not all brute facts are so dramatic, but we have to reckonwith them. We must adapt and come to terms with them.When I was in 10th grade, I had the ambition to row in college. And one day, the University ofWashington's head coach visited our school. The University of Washington has one of the premierrowing programs, collegiate programs in the country. And their head coach came to our school afterour men's heavyweight four won the American Schoolboy Championship. Now, I wasn't in that boat,but I was pretty excited about this coach's visit. And I was standing in the hallway and he shook myhand and they nice to meet you. And the brute fact was brought home to me that his interest was inOrsman, who were five foot 10 and taller. I had to face the brute fact that I was too short to rowfor any college program. I still am. Now, now that might seem like a silly example, but our livesare filled with inalterable facts. They are the truths we must face. Our intellectual and physicalcharacteristics can only be changed so much. Some of our earlier poor choices in life may have hadconsequences for the rest of our life. Choices or decisions made by others may affect our careers,our health, our relationships. All of us must face a variety of inconsequential to life alteringbrutal facts. But there is one glorious fact so enormous in its scope, so epic in its immeasurableproportions that all the brute facts of our lives pale in comparison. There is an epic truth thatought to completely transform how we think, how we live, and yes, how we worship. It is quite simplythis. If you have trusted Jesus Christ for salvation, he abides in you. Christ in you is your hope ofglory. It is very simple. I repent, I believe in Jesus, and now I possess Jesus. Now, recall fromthe introduction of this message that when God wanted to dwell with his chosen people, he did sothrough the Ark of the Covenant. That simple box containing two tablets of the law and placed inthe most holy place was how God chose to tabernacle with and dwell with and be with his people.John chapter one verse 14 tells us the word became flesh and dwelt among us.The word translated dwelt there is literally tabernacle. Jesus tabernacled among us. Jesuswas the most holy place, the holy of holies in the flesh walking among his people.The world's religious systems have nothing like this. We understand God is absolute power,but yet he's personal. Islam has an absolute God in Allah, but he is in no way personal to his people.Zeus and the variety of Greek and Roman gods, they were personal. They looked very human,but not a single one of them had absolute power.Christianity is unique in the fact that the absolute sovereign of the universehumbly dwells with us in a personal way. There is no other religion, no other systemthat compares with, comes close to the way of Christ.Now you might say, well, he's not tabernacling or dwelling with us now, is he?I mean, even the most ardent followers of Christ can get a bit muddled in their thinking aboutJesus' present location. I mean, I thought he ascended to heaven. He's at the right hand ofGod the Father. Well, he did. He is there. But if you stop there, you may tend to think that Jesusis far away from us. You might think he's like a regional supervisor in a big corporation.He's given us a list of commands to follow. We got to check off our list to make sure we're good.And, you know, he checks in occasionally to see how we're doing. And, you know, he approves orcritiques our performance. We have weekly meetings, right? Every Sunday we have weekly meetings.We get a message from headquarters. We have a musical pep rally. And then we get on with our week.Well, if you think in any way like that about Jesus, you are mistaken. Jesus is not limitedby time or space or location. When you think that way about worshiping Jesus, you neglect this greattruth from John chapter 14 verses 16 through 18. Jesus told his disciples, "I will ask the Father,and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, even the spirit of truth whom the worldcannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with youand will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you."So, where is Jesus? Yes, at the right hand of the Father and present in everyone who believes inhim through the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians reinforces this truth. Look at verse 16 inchapter 3. "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you?"And then chapter 6 verses 19 and 20. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spiritwithin you whom you have from God? You are not your own. You were bought with a price,so glorify God in your body." The Greek word translated as temple in these verses is naos,and AOS, naos. And it refers to the most holy place, the holy of holies, where the ark was kept.You see, beloved, we are living, breathing portable tabernacles, holy places in whom Christabides. And the law is now written on our hearts instead of stone tablets. We must embrace thistruth and worship in it and out of it and through it. The Spirit of Christ in youought to be calling out to the Father and worshiping him in truth. This awesome, glorious,almighty, inipotent Creator and Master of the heavens and earth humbly dwells with youand makes you his friend. Jesus promises to abide in us and he calls us to come and abide in him.What is your response? Maybe you're hearing this truth for the first time and you're overjoyedby this jaw-dropping reality and you're ready to praise him in song right now.Or maybe you've just considered this in passing, but you think that holy spirit stuff,isn't that for the charismatic? And I don't feel, I don't feel the Spirit of God dwelling in me.It's not about feeling. The Spirit of God in dwelling all believers is presented as a statementof fact. It is true of all believers. Look again at 1 Corinthians chapter 6, 19 and 20.Do you not know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, not outside of you?We don't have to ask him to come and visit us in this place. We don't have to ask him to fall onus or anything like that. He is always with us in us. You're not your own. You were bought with a price.So glorify God in your body. This is not some charismatic mumbo jumbo. You don't need a secondbaptism. You don't need an infilling of the Holy Spirit because when you heard the word of truth,the gospel of your salvation and you believed in Jesus, you were sealed with the promised HolySpirit. You have all the fullness of Christ in you right now. You have all of him that you couldever need. All of us together being built up into a holy temple have all the fullness of Christ in us.Everything that is his, his ours already, you don't need more of him. He simply wants more of you.Every day he calls you to abide more deeply in him. Here's the problem.Some, maybe many of you don't live in this truth and you don't worship out of it.Maybe it's because you're just learning about it. Maybe it's because you don't understand the scopeof this epic truth yet. But it would be really, really bad if you understood this truth.And up to this point in time, you've been careless about it.You know, it's okay if I'm habitually late to worship. I don't feel like singing anyway, you say.You hang out in the kitchen area and you chit chat with friends because fellowship is more importantthan singing, you say. When you are present, your hands are in your pockets, your arms are crossed,you won't open your mouth to sing. God knows I can't sing. He doesn't expect it, you say.It's my choice whether I sing, even if the Lord commands it, you say.You, you may have another thing coming. You treat God shabbily and carelessly. You don'tvalue or appreciate the truth that he dwells in you. Instead, you act like he's remote anddisinterested. Instead of deep calling out to deep, you quench the spirit and you instantlybehave in a way that's right in your own eyes with such worship. God is not pleased and you aretesting his patience. Repent, repent right now and every day this week for treating the Lord JesusChrist with contempt, repent and earnestly seek his face. Here is your assignment this week. Readand reread John 14 verses 15 through 23 and then get flat on your face and ask him to reveal bothin your heart and your mind the truth that he dwells with you. Ask him to help you to liveand praise out of the truth that you are his tabernacle. He delights to dwell with youand he delights to hear you sing his praises. Now the worship team is going to come back upand help us to worship the Lord in truth. Singing his praise is of the utmost importance to him.Right now, you have the opportunity to praise the Lord in truth. Right now, make every effort toget yourself to the throne of grace with your brothers and sisters and glorify your father andyour savior in truth. Because if you didn't know it before today, you do now. You were redeemedto worship and glorify him. It is your purpose and privilege to worship God who is with us.Our closing prayer this morning is from Psalm 98. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he has donemarvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has madeknown his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has rememberedhis steadfast love and faithfulness to 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 joya song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody,with trumpets and the sound of the horn. Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. Amen.

Homily by Father Peter Zwaans Mount Gambier Catholic ParishGospel according to Matthew 3:1-12In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea, and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.' This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said: A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. This man John wore agarment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan, they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into thebarn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.'The Gospel of the Lord.R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

How to Active Spiritual AuthorityScripture: Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”And let me tell you, the enemy's greatest fear is not your talent…* not your knowledge…* not your emotions…* not your title… It's your authority.Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the most high. John 1:12 says, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:

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In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character.Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".

A closed door changed everything. On Christmas Eve, we pause with gratitude and face a hard question: which side of the threshold are we living on—comfort, compromise, or courageous surrender? We reflect on self-examination, walk through Jesus' invitation to ask, seek, and knock, and reframe it as a path to spiritual good rather than a vending machine for our wishes. That frame opens space for an honest, compassionate call to three groups: those still undecided about Jesus, those who drifted and feel too tired or ashamed to return, and believers who perform publicly but compromise privately.We share real stories of struggle and turning, and we sit with scripture that refuses to flatter us: Revelation 3's warning to lukewarm hearts and Luke 13's narrow gate that requires endurance, not just a great start. Romans 1 becomes a mirror, not a weapon, exposing any habitual sin we defend or normalize. The throughline is relationship over legalism: in love, there are things we won't do, not just things we can't. The Holy Spirit doesn't demand pre-cleaned lives; he asks for access. Surrender is not behavior modification—it's opening the door and letting God do the deep work in our motives, habits, and loyalties.This is a warm yet urgent episode for anyone standing at a threshold. Whether you are weighing faith for the first time, longing to return from a backslidden season, or ready to end the split between public devotion and private compromise, the invitation is clear: stop vacillating and step through. We close with a prayer of salvation and a welcome home for anyone who responds, trusting that grace meets us at the door and leads us forward.If this speaks to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Subscribe for more Christ-centered reflections, leave a review to help others find the show, and email your testimony so we can celebrate and support you.Send us a textSupport the showPlease feel free to leave us your prayer request, comments, and feedback at our website at https://anotherlookpodcast.buzzsprout.com or https://podpage.com/another-look-podcast/. You are precious and loved beloved. Keep pressing forward towards Jesus.

How to Recognize When You're Under A Spiritual AttackScripture: 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”If you don't know you're in a battle… you won't fight back. If you don't recognize the attack, you may end up blaming the wrong things. You'll think it's people. You'll think it's your emotions. You'll think it's just “life.” But Scripture reveals that behind many natural pressures are spiritual strategies.Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the most high. John 1:12 says, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:

In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character. Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".

What Are Strongholds?Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:4 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”If you don't understand what a stronghold is, you won't recognize when one is forming. And if you can't recognize it, you can't break it. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that our spiritual weapons are mighty—strong enough to tear down strongholds.Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the most high. John 1:12 says, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:

All Praises to the Most High A'HÂYÂH!!!And YASHAYA!!!Yashana in the Highest!!!Call or Text the Prayer, Praise, Testimony and Discussion line!!! 24 hours a day 7 days a week!!!(407)476-7163 !!!We are a Husband and Wife Team!!!Evangelists James and Louise Eads!!!We are Street Evangelists and Online Ministers too. Preaching the Gospel of Christ Yashaya and our Heavenly Father A'HÂYÂH!!!Repent and Follow Yashaya!!! And be Baptized for the Remission of Sins and for the sins of your forefathers!!!Thank you everyone that gives to this Ministry to get the Gosple of Yashaya across the World.We have Pay Pal and Cash App PayPal:Email address is watchmanstreetministry@gmail.com Thank you for your prayers and support https://www.paypal.me/JamesEadsCash App: $Evangelists7

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series, John the Baptist While Walking with Purpose founder Lisa takes time to write our next women's Bible study, Laura is keeping the Hope for Right Now podcast going strong with a four-week series: Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series. Advent is meant to be a time of interior reflection—the weeks we prepare our hearts and homes to receive the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But with the secular world's demands and distractions, keeping our eyes on what matters can be challenging, and the season of quiet we dream about feels impossible. What if this Advent, we said no to the overwhelm of the secular world and yes to the overshadowing of the Spirit? Each week, Laura introduces a Biblical figure from the gospel of Luke, whose story reveals the secret to a simple, peace-filled Advent—one where we yield to God's will, respond in faith, and trust in the impossible.   Today's Biblical figure: John The Baptist. If you tend to neglect John the Baptist during Advent, be sure to tune in and discover why he is significant to the gospel, but also to us right now, in these last days before the birth of Christ. Open your Heart to our key Scripture. Luke 1:57-66 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode. Luke 11:28: Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! Isaiah 40:3–5: A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Matthew 3:1–3: In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Luke 1:41–44: Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry … For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. Invite Him in with this episode's questions for reflection. Using the list of internal/external obstacles provided in our show mentions, allow yourself to be guided by the Spirit. Ask Him to reveal the primary obstacle in your way.  Show mentions. Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Seven Priorities That Make Life Work. Sign up for our winter book club that begins January 12, 2026. Father Chris Alar, Divine Mercy: John the Baptist: His Real Role Internal obstacles Pride and arrogance: Overconfidence in our own ability can lead to a rejection of God's guidance. Fear: Fear of failure, humiliation, what others will think, or not being worthy or able to fulfill a calling. Doubt and unbelief: The lack of faith that makes trusting in God's plan and power challenging. Sin: Unconfessed sin creates a barrier to a close relationship with God. Self-sufficiency: The belief that we can get by without divine help. Lack of forgiveness: A huge hinderance to your spiritual progress.  External/circumstantial obstacles Worldly distractions and desires: Focusing on material possessions or the cares of this life more than God. Distractions and being too busy: A busy schedule can leave little time or energy for spiritual devotion. External pressure and societal expectations: The world can be tough, and it may not understand or support your faith.  Lack of clarity or understanding: Misinformation, wrong teachings, or a failure to understand God's will can create confusion. Listening to others instead of God: Over-reliance on human advice rather than seeking God's direction is a common problem. Let's stay connected. Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Sign Up for Mostly Dry January--The DailyIn this episode of the Alcohol Minimalist podcast, Molly tackles a common end-of-year mindset trap: the “sin and repent” cycle. It's the idea that December is for overindulgence and January is for repentance—a pattern that often reinforces all-or-nothing thinking and keeps us stuck in old drinking habits.Through personal reflections and practical coaching, Molly unpacks the power of permission-giving thoughts like “It's the holidays, I deserve this” or “I'll get back on track in January.” These seemingly harmless ideas delay change, undermine self-trust, and reinforce avoidance patterns.But there's a better way—and it starts by practicing mindful thought shifts right now, not later. With her See, Soothe, Separate, Shift method and a science-backed approach to building new thought habits, Molly shows listeners how to move through the holiday season with more clarity, agency, and peace.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the “I'll be good in January” mindset is not harmless—and how it reinforces habits you're trying to breakWhat permission-giving thoughts sound like and why they feel so rationalHow delaying behavior change until January trains your brain to avoid discomfortThe difference between self-compassion and excuse-makingHow to use the See, Soothe, Separate, Shift framework to rewire your thinking in real timeKey Quote“It's not a willpower problem—it's a pattern problem. The thoughts you choose now are training your brain for what you'll do next month and next year.”Mentioned in This EpisodeBehavior Map – Results CycleSee, Soothe, Separate, Shift framework for thought changeGet InvolvedJoin Mostly Dry January: The Daily Go beyond white-knuckling Dry January. Molly's new daily experience gives you:Real-time behind-the-scenes video check-insA private podcast feed for bite-sized daily mindset coachingWeekly science-backed brain lessonsLive group coachingAccess to a private Facebook community Sign up here: [Insert Link] or visit mollywatts.com/dryjanuaryTake Action This WeekYou don't need to “start over” in January. You can begin noticing and shifting thoughts right now—before the year ends.Ask yourself:Is this a self-compassionate thought?Or is it a permission-giving excuse?What's one small choice I can make today that aligns with who I'm becoming?Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:Healthy men under 65:No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.Abstinence from alcoholAbstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.Benefits of “low-risk” drinkingFollowing these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work. ★ Support this podcast ★

Pastor Alex reminded us the abundant life Jesus promised isn't about comfort, money, or an easy road, it's an abundant, spiritual life. Scripture calls it zoe: life that comes from the Spirit, and perissos: an extraordinary, overflowing life that lacks nothing spiritually. Jesus is the river of life, and the Holy Spirit is the One who brings that life to us and through us. We are called to be a fountain of living water for others. When we experience a blockage of the Spirit flowing in our lives, we can restore it with believing all that Jesus said, not just part of it. Repent, ask, and come back to His presence. He is ready to fill you again. Let the river flow. Scriptures: John 10:10 John 6:63 John 7:37–39 Psalm 1:3 Jeremiah 17:8 Isaiah 44:3; 66:12 Isaiah 59:2 Proverbs 28:13 Mark 11:25 Hebrews 12:15 James 4:6 John 15:4 Acts 5:32 Revelation 22:17 Acts 3:19 Luke 11:13 Ephesians 5:18

"How do we make sure we are prepared for the Messiah's arrival?"1. Repent - "We live lives of repentance when we humble ourselves and surrender everything to God and go His way instead of our own."2. Remember - Deuteronomy 16:12, Esther 9:28, 1 Corinthians 11:24-26Scriptures:Matthew 3:1-3Philippians 2:5-6Hebrews 1:2-3Deuteronomy 4:12Numbers 23:19Ezekiel 14:13-14Hebrews 4:15Luke 1:32-33Genesis 15:9-15, 171 Samual 8:4-7Acts 14:11-12Acts 28:61 Thessalonians 4:16-17Romans 15:4

Matthew 2:13-18Rev. Matt RiceGod's love is perfect in its plan, in Jesus, and in us.Repent, believe, and receive God's love.

Pastor Dru Rodriguez emphasizes Jesus' message that the kingdom of heaven is present here and now, encouraging believers to recognize and live in this reality through a relationship with Jesus.

The God we serve is a gift-giver. He loves to give gifts to His children, but not just any gifts. He always gives good gifts. He will never give you a gift you don't need and can't use.  In fact, he knows what we need better than we do.Main Points:1. In Several places in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is called a gift.  To be filled with the presence and power of God is an incredible gift.  2. I've seen people be hesitant and even afraid of the Holy Spirit. Let's trust the character of our good Heavenly Father. He knows what we need and has wonderful gifts to give us, including the gift of the Holy Spirit.3. The Spirit is given to empower believers to be a witness for Christ. The task of evangelism we are called to cannot be accomplished in our strength alone. We need a power greater than our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Scripture Verses:James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”Acts 2:38 - “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Acts 10:45 - “And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”Joel 2:28-29 - “ I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Was Jesus an accident of history or was His life, death, and resurrection foretold centuries in advance? In this Radiant Midweek Christmas Special of Escaping Babylon, we go deep into Daniel 9:24–27, one of the most significant prophetic passages in the Bible. Written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Daniel's vision outlines a divinely determined timeline that points directly to the arrival and death of the Messiah. This episode is designed for those who want to go deeper in Scripture, while still being accessible to seekers exploring faith. In this episode, we explore: Daniel's prayer in exile and God's immediate response The meaning of the “seventy sevens” and why the Hebrew word ḥāṯak (“decreed”) matters How biblical prophecy unfolds in stages The six redemptive purposes of Daniel 9:24 Why the prophetic clock begins with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, not the temple How the prophetic timeline aligns with the historical period of Jesus' ministry Why scholars focus on AD 30 and AD 33 for the crucifixion The significance of Passover, the Day of Preparation, and the “high Sabbath” How dozens of Old Testament prophecies converge on Jesus Why fulfilled prophecy should lead us to awe, worship, and trust in God's faithfulness The power of Daniel 9 is not that it gives us a modern calendar date. The power is that it places the Messiah's arrival and death exactly where history says Jesus lived and died. Jesus was not an accident. The cross was not a backup plan. God was unfolding His plan of salvation at precisely the right time. This Christmas message reminds us that our greatest problem is not circumstances or suffering — it's a broken relationship with God. And God, in His love, sent His Son to reconcile us back to Himself. Salvation is not found in effort or religion. It is found in a person... Jesus Christ. Key Scriptures Daniel 9:24–27 • Jeremiah 25; 29 • Nehemiah 2 • Isaiah 53 • Micah 5:2 • Zechariah 9:9 • Matthew 1–2; 21; 27 • Luke 3 • John 2; 6; 11; 19 • Romans 5; 11 • 2 Corinthians 5 • Galatians 4 • Hebrews 9–10 • Revelation 11–12; 22 About Radiant Midweek Radiant Midweek exists to go deeper than Sunday mornings — slowing down, asking harder questions, and letting Scripture stretch us while always pointing back to the gospel. Invitation Is Jesus your Savior and your King? “Repent and believe, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mark 1:15) Merry Christmas. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

In Part 4 of Catholic Theology in Protestant Clothing, we confront the tension that has driven the entire series. Scripture commands, "Repent and believe"—but if repentance and faith are treated as human actions that secure justification, the Gospel collapses back into Law.

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

In this episode of Theology Central, we examine a theological article that challenges "faith alone" and argues that certain works of obedience are necessary for salvation. While the argument initially sounds balanced and biblical, a closer look reveals something deeper

We all know the sting of a broken relationship or the awkwardness of a lingering offense. In this week's sermon, ... Read More

A public library in Caleb and Stephen's area has been providing pornographic content to children. What is happening, why, and what should be done about it?Caleb and Stephen's Letter to the Sioux Center Public Library:To the Sioux Center Public Library, together with its director, board, staff, and all else who pertains:May the Lord convict you to read this letter in its entirety. Do not shrink from its words. Be discomforted, but receive the admonishment in humility. Remove Icebreaker, Identical, and every other wicked, ungodly, and perverse “literature” which you make available for public distribution. To be clear: not only should children be protected from depraved content, but also adults.Repent and do what is right — not from fear of man, not out of a duty to the community, but in the sight of God — that you may be forgiven. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 Jn. 18-10). As will be explained further below, this is no matter of simply saying something to the effect of, “We don't personally like the book, but it's hard to decide what should or shouldn't be stocked,” or to “let the parents decide.”First, a brief note on the First Amendment and libraries. We would like to draw your attention to this week's conclusion of Little v. Llano County, in which the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal against the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the county's removal of 17 books from their public libraries. Specifically, they had ruled that there is no inherent right protected under the First Amendment for someone to receive information via taxpayer-funded books from a public library. This decision now applies to the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. If this is the case elsewhere, can—even, ought it not be applied here? Your board has been quoted as stating its “commitment” to “protect access to information.” Should the reception of any and all information or content be protected? There is no true necessity in providing erotica to anyone. Indeed, as your director has said, “Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge and strengthen our community.” How does pornographic, erotic literature inspire learning and advance knowledge? And — given the backlash you have thus far received — how does this strengthen the community?Second, your opinions on the first amendment, the Iowa constitution, and ALA policies aside: We call upon you to realize you are accountable to a Higher Authority (Acts 5:29; Westminster Larger Catechism QA 99, 128-130; Heidelberg Catechism, QA 104; Belgic Confession 36). You are under a law greater than your own policies. This law, God's law, applies to all peoples, unbelievers and believers alike. All mankind will be judged under the same law. If there are any on the board who do not profess Christ, you must hear the gospel and turn from your sins so that you may be saved. If you would hear this message of salvation while there is yet time, please contact us at pastor.rvurc@gmail.com.However, being aware of the demographics of our county, it is far more likely that this board and the library staff are full of churchgoers. If so, what grief you bring upon Christ's name! “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal. 3:1)What does the Word of God say of your actions?By providing in your catalog any material with perverse content, you promote peoples' minds to dwell upon that which is prohibited by the holy law. You train peoples' hearts to store up that which defiles the temple of our body (1 Cor. 6:18-20).“Fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not fitting…For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph. 5:3-5).” Sexual immorality is not limited to only an outward action, but also when the mind itself is lured to entertain temptation. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”We are instead positively commanded to give our minds to holy, good things: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).Perhaps you object. Perhaps you think, “I'm not responsible for what others do. If they want to read these things, that's for them to decide.” You may as well like Cain (Gen. 4:9) ask the Lord, “Am I my brother's keeper?” Yes, you are. “Do not be deceived,” says Paul, for “Evil company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33), and “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).Concerning sexual immorality and the 7th commandment, Q. 109 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks, Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery? Note its answer well: “We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and Godwants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires, and whatever may incite someone to them” (see also WLC QA 139). It is clear: you shall certainly be held responsible for your part in distributing that which may lead someone to sin, whether they be adult or child; regardless of the government's position on its permissibility. However, know that your guilt is magnified for involving a child. Indeed, by permitting a child to check out such filth, you pose a stumbling block before them that they trip into sin. To you Jesus says, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:1-2; WLC QA 151).We pray you will heed these warnings with all sobriety, especially if you profess Christ, for “You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17). “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).Consider this rebuke as a mercy from the Lord, shining light to expose devilish works. And now being exposed, understand that “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17), “for if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Heb. 10:26-27). Can the stakes be any more clear than that? What ought you do?Well, if you would truly be called public servants:* Serve the parents by informing them if a child is seeking adult content (Prov. 17:25; 29:15)* Serve the child by declining to check out any material that would be destructive to their soul, even if it would cost you your job. (Lev. 19:7; Prov. 27:5; James 5:19-20)* Serve the community by refusing to stock wicked books in the first place (Ps. 101:3); by not squandering tax dollars on smut (Prov. 21:20; Lk. 16:10-13). * Discard from your shelves all depraved materials, pornographic writings, even any work which might “shake the hand against God, in defiance against the Almighty” (Job 15:25; Ezek. 20:7; Acts 19:19). * Refuse to contribute to the deformation and denigration of godliness in this area and in this land (Deut. 28:47-48; Dan. 12:10; Matt. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; Jude 18-19).And finally, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7-10).May God have mercy.Rev. Caleb CastroMr. Stephen EvertseRock Valley United Reformed ChurchDecember 03, 2025Iowa Standard interview with Teri Hubbard, the lone dissenting member of the SCPL boardAmerican Library Association “Freedom to Read” statementSioux Center Public Library Circulation Policy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 17:5-6: "And the man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and household gods and ordained one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." — Judges 17:5-6 Micah's home has now turned into a shrine. What began as a sentimental blessing has become a full-blown counterfeit religion. He makes an ephod, sets up household gods, and ordains his own son as priest. He's no longer just bending the rules—he's building a new religion entirely. This is what happens when personal compromise becomes public culture. Verse 6 gives us the diagnosis for an entire generation: "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." When you remove God's authority, all you're left with is opinion. And opinion, when elevated to truth, becomes clutter. Micah's story is ancient, but it sounds painfully modern. We live in an age of "Build-A-God" spirituality. People pick and choose beliefs like toppings on a pizza—keep the love, lose the wrath; keep the grace, ditch the repentance. We want a faith that feels personal but never confronts. We call it authenticity, but it's really autonomy in disguise. We see it everywhere. "I'm spiritual, not religious." "My truth is my truth." "God just wants me to be happy." These are the slogans of a society that has traded holiness for self-help and discipleship for self-discovery. And here's the danger: customized faith always leads to counterfeit worship. When you decide what's right for you instead of what's true before God, you stop worshiping Him—you start worshiping you. Micah built a religion that worked for him, but it couldn't save him. The same is true for us. A God who always agrees with you can't change you. A faith that never offends you will never transform you. The real God draws lines because He loves us. He sets boundaries because He knows what sin destroys. Micah's shrine wasn't just a problem of misplaced silver—it was a problem of misplaced worship. He didn't stop worshiping; he just switched the object. And that's what happens to us when we treat faith like a mirror instead of a window—we stop seeing God and start seeing ourselves. We don't need a God who works for us—we need a God who works on us. The gospel isn't about making God fit our preferences; it's about letting Him reshape our hearts. ASK THIS: Have you ever tried to build a version of faith that "fits" your lifestyle? Where have you made peace with sin by calling it "personal conviction"? How does Micah's example warn us about the dangers of self-made religion? What truth have you been tempted to rewrite to make life easier? DO THIS: Read Romans 1:25: "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator." Repent of any area where you've been "editing" God's authority to fit your comfort. PRAY THIS: Father, I don't want a faith that fits my comfort—I want a faith that changes my character. Save me from the kind of religion that worships me instead of You. Tear down every idol I've built in my own image and bring me back under Your truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Christ Be Magnified."

Read Online“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in reply, ‘I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?” Matthew 21:28–31Jesus addressed this question to the chief priests and elders of the people. As the passage continues, Jesus humbles them by saying, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” He explains that the chief priests and elders of the people were like the second son. They gave lip service to God's commands but failed to humbly repent and obey.The fact that “tax collectors and prostitutes” were entering the Kingdom of God should give us great hope. No one is beyond God's mercy if they humbly listen to Him, repent, and begin to obey. Though neither son's response is ideal, hopefully we are more like the first son.When we hear God's Word and understand His continuously deepening call to holiness, we will find it challenging. Often, our first reaction to a deeper revelation of the Gospel is “No!” Our sinful habits are hard to break, and our fallen human nature is difficult to align with God's will. Don't be surprised if you find God's will initially challenging.As God's voice and His will become clearer, our first response must always be repentance. This should not surprise us. We must learn to build a habit of repentance if we want to grow closer to God and live His will. Initially, we often react to repentance in a negative way, but we shouldn't. Though we might be like the first son and say “no” when God calls us to obedience, if we build a habit of repentance, then we will eventually find great joy in that act. Over time, we will find that our response becomes “Yes, I will go,” and then we go, having discovered the value in obedience.Reflect today on whether you often pay lip service to God, pretending to do His will, or if you regularly experience God's call to repentance on a deepening level. Identify yourself with the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, and imitate their humility when they were confronted with their sins. Know that repentance is the beginning of freedom and is the first step toward greater unity with God. My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love. Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Andrei Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Episode Overview-Josiah's faith in an ungodly time-One person can ignite change-Commit fully to God-Repent and be a clean vessel-Endure—results take time-Seek God for the long haulShow notes & Resources

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 17:3-4: "And he restored the 1,100 pieces of silver to his mother. And his mother said, 'I dedicate the silver to the Lord from my hand for my son, to make a carved image and a metal image. Now therefore I will restore it to you.' So when he restored the money to his mother, his mother took 200 pieces of silver and gave it to the silversmith, who made it into a carved image and a metal image. And it was in the house of Micah." — Judges 17:3-4 Micah's mother meant well—but meaning well doesn't make something right. She takes stolen silver, dedicates it "to the Lord," and then uses it to fund an idol. It's one of the strangest contradictions in Scripture: a mom trying to honor God by disobeying Him. But this is where sentimental faith always leads. Yesterday, she blessed what God condemned. Today, she's building what God forbade. When we refuse to confront sin, it doesn't just sit quietly—it grows bold. You can almost hear her logic: "I'm doing this for God. It's my way of worship." But the moment we start serving God our way, we stop serving Him His way. Micah's mother didn't reject the Lord; she redefined Him. She wanted God's presence and blessing without God's authority. And that's the same deception shaping modern faith. We've learned to baptize disobedience in religious language. Parents fund their kids' sinful choices and call it love. Churches adopt the world's ideologies and call it outreach. Politicians quote Bible verses while endorsing laws that mock God's design. It's all the same move—blessing what God condemns and calling it righteousness. But God is not impressed by sincerity when it's married to sin. Good intentions don't turn rebellion into righteousness. When we fund what He forbids, we don't build faith—we build idols. We see it in the culture of "progressive Christianity." We want inclusion without repentance, affirmation without transformation, and spirituality without submission. We think God should evolve with our culture, when in truth, we are the ones called to conform to His holiness. The tragedy of Micah's home is that it looked religious but lived rebellious. It had silver crosses and carved idols, blessings and blasphemy side by side. And that's what happens when love loses its spine—sentimentality becomes sin, and truth is replaced by tolerance. ASK THIS: Where are you tempted to justify sin with "good intentions"? How does your home reflect what you really believe about God's boundaries? Have you ever supported something "for love's sake" that you knew dishonored God? What would it look like to love your family with conviction instead of compromise? DO THIS: Ask God to reveal one area where you've been "blessing" what He condemns. Repent by naming it for what it is—not "progress," not "love," but sin. Have one honest conversation this week with someone who needs truth spoken in love. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for blessing what You've already called sin. Give me courage to love with conviction, to call truth what You call truth, and to stop confusing kindness with compromise. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Holy (Song of the Ages)."

Recognize, Repent, Receive. Enjoy this week's homily.

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11 NASB “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21 NASB These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11 NASB How Do We Pursue And Experience Joy In A Broken World? Repent and believe Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14,15 NASB Practice gratitude Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV Pray about everything Discipline your mind Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

The post Matthew 3: 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Hungarian Evangelical 12-14-25 appeared first on WWDB-AM.

By Caleb Janicich - Jesus Christ taught powerfully the importance of repentance, belief and action relating to our faith. Let's explore these concepts to see what Christ instructs.

This is the time of year when parents are trying to figure out what to buy their children for Christmas. That is, of course, a noble endeavor. In the midst of wanting to provide valuable worldly possessions for your family, please remember the most important gift has already been purchased, and yet you can still give it.No shortage of “stuff” exists in our culture. Video games. Designer clothes. Big-screen televisions. You name it. For those who have the money to readily spend or have the money to save so they can spend during this time of year exists a plethora of opportunities to bring smiles of delight. Those who don't have a ton of money for the latest gadget or expensive items find plenty of reasonably priced gifts that bring happiness to their children.But there's a gift that means more than anything money can buy your child, and it's one we don't always value as we should not just on Christmas, but every day of every year.Parents, the greatest gift you can ever give your child is a relationship with Jesus. Life without Christ is not the life your children—or you—was intended to have. Give them Jesus. Do it by having your own relationship with Him. Do it by teaching them about Him yourself. Do it by taking them to a Bible-believing church who will further teach them. Do it by modeling what it looks like to trust your life with Him by being obedient to Him. Let them hear you talk about Him. Let them hear you talk to Him. Let them realize He wants to talk, too, to those who want to listen. Let them see that the greatest gift of all is the gift of life with Him on earth and eternal life with Him in Heaven. Let them see what it looks like to stand in faith when struggles come. Many young people have no idea how to handle stress or defeat or even questions that arise as they navigate life. What's in a person comes out in the most difficult of times and the best of times also, actually. Much of the mayhem we see around us results from people unprepared for what they will face simply because they exist. God has entrusted mankind as vessels through which children learn what matters, and what matters is to love Jesus and to know they are loved by Jesus, to honor Him. Nothing is more important and more long-lasting.The bottom line is if you've given them everything their hearts desire but haven't shaped their hearts to desire Jesus more than anything, what have you actually given them? Sure, if you can, give them the latest Jordan sneakers, the most powerful electronics, the Louis Vuitton bag (Oh, wait! That's my wish!

Send us a text297. Repent of Sin | Impact TodayPurchase HERE!https://globalimpactmi...Subscribe to our channel to hear the latest messages  https://www.youtube.co....If you accepted Jesus, received a miraculous healing, or need prayer, contact Mark and Victoria at https://globalimpactmi....Impact Today is a ministry of Mark and Victoria Bowling.  To learn more about the various outreaches of Mark and Victoria visit https://globalimpactmi....Give Online: https://globalimpactmi....……Stay ConnectedFacebook:   / globalimpact​​​.  .Twitter:   / mvb_global​​​  Instagram:   / global.impa​​​.  .If you accepted Jesus, received a miraculous healing, or need prayer, contact Mark and Victoria at https://globalimpactmi....Impact Today is a ministry of Mark and Victoria Bowling.  To learn more about the various outreaches of Mark and Victoria visit https://globalimpactmi...Support the show (http://impacttoday.tv)Support the show

In this story, we learn that God forgives even big-time sins when we repent. ✧ Check out more resources in The Biggest Story Curriculum ✧ Follow The Biggest Story on Instagram ✧ Watch The Biggest Story Animated Videos! ✧ Sign up to receive weekly emails about the new story each week!

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251209dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” Matthew 3:1-3 Ready Your Heart for Jesus! When I was a kid, I remember that we got the word that the President of the United States was coming to town. And, somehow or another, we even heard that his motorcade was going to be driving down the street right by my house. We were so excited! Our family waited by the sidewalk, looking down the road with anticipation, and then, sure enough, a procession of vehicles came whizzing by, with the president’s hand (or some unlucky staffer’s) waving to us! When a president or, in ancient times, a king, comes to town, you need to make preparations. You must get the road ready for his arrival. That is the picture we see in the message of God’s Word we’re looking at for our devotion. A great king is coming to town, and the road needs to be cleared. “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” John’s whole purpose in life was to prepare the world for Jesus. He was the opening act who came onto the scene just before the headliner. And the way he got everyone ready was by preaching to them. He preached God’s Word to them. With that Word of God, he shook them with his call to prepare their hearts. That call is still applicable to you and me. Our hearts are often filled with things that don’t please God. We prioritize things that don’t really matter. We go our own way rather than listening to God’s Word. But John calls us to repent, to prepare our hearts! Turn away from that sin which so often entices your heart and turn to Jesus who has paid for it with death. Turn your heart to God with joy and see the forgiveness so freely given in our Savior. Ready your heart for Jesus! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away my sins. Help me to turn away from my sin each day and turn to you to find forgiveness and peace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

John the Baptist and the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A 2025 Gospel Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

In this raw and urgent episode, Ryan and Selena respond directly to a viral clip from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (Love & Respect) where he calls out wives who “continually mock their husbands,” put them down mentally, and secretly make fun of their opinions.If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “He's just not the man I thought I married” … this episode is for you.We dive deep into:The devastating long-term fruit of a disrespectful speech and a critical spirit (Prov 21:19, Prov 27:15)Why even “small” condescending comments, eye-rolls, and corrections are spiritual poisonGenesis 1–2 and Ephesians 5:22–33 – God's original design for husbands to WORK and wives to RESPECTThe moment a wife stops seeing her husband “in his element,” her view of him becomes dangerously incompleteThe 4 C's every wife must confront: What are you Consuming? Who are you Consulting? Who are you Complaining to? It's time to CUT it out.The 200-year plan: How today's sarcasm and discontent become tomorrow's bitterness, affairs, or divorcePractical steps to break the cycle: Repent to God → Repent to your husband → Replace criticism with gratitude → Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2)Husbands: this isn't permission to be passive. A wife's biblical respect flows most naturally when her husband loves her as Christ loves the church. We talk about that too.Whether you're the wife struggling with disrespect or the husband feeling crushed under constant criticism—this episode will challenge and encourage you toward the fierce, gospel-centered marriage you both long for.Scriptures covered: Genesis 1–2, Ephesians 5:22–33, Proverbs 21:19, Proverbs 27:15–16, Romans 12:1–2Resources mentioned: → Join the Fierce Men brotherhood (YouTube + private community)→ Fierce Fellows on Patreon – exclusive marriage content→ Partner with Fierce Marriage: https://fiercemarriage.com/partnerIf this episode hit home, text it to a friend who needs it. Leave a rating/review—it truly helps more couples find biblical hope.Have a question? Call or text 971-333-1120 — we may answer it on the air!#ChristianMarriage #RespectYourHusband #Ephesians5 #LoveAndRespect #StopNagging #BiblicalWife #FierceMarriage