Podcasts about righteous one

Send Us Your Questions/CommentsEach week Pastor Mark takes time to go deeper and talk about the week's message!  If you have questions you'd like him to answer or hear more about please send those in by texting us at the link in the show notes!You can also view video of this podcast and our Sunday sermons by visiting our YouTube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@lifehousemot A crippled man asks for spare change and walks away with new legs, a new future, and a crowd demanding answers. That scene from Acts 3 is more than a dramatic miracle story; it's a spotlight on Jesus Christ of Nazareth and a test of what we really believe about him. We talk through why Peter refuses credit, why the healing is immediate and public, and how God often uses ordinary faithfulness like showing up to pray to put us in the right place at the right time. We also pull back the curtain on our week away representing our church at the Southern Baptist Convention and why we see denominational partnership as a voluntary, mission-focused affiliation. From the Cooperative Program to the commissioning of missionaries sent to unreached and even hostile places, we share why “we can do more together” is not a slogan but a practical strategy for global missions, North American church planting, and relief efforts that meet real needs. The heart of the conversation turns to clarity: not every use of the word “Jesus” points to the same Jesus. We unpack Peter's bold claims about Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One and the Author of Life, why adding to Scripture or subtracting from Christ changes the gospel, and why fence-sitting is still a decision. We end with the beauty of repentance, the promise of sins being blotted out, and the deeper hope of salvation that holds steady even when circumstances don't change. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review.New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.comJoin us Sundays at 9 & 11 AMIntro music by Joey Blair

Join us as we dig deeper into last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Randy Duncan "The Gospel in Jerusalem" and hear from Amy Duncan and Nate Zuellig on "God So Loved". Digging Deeper Questions: 1. Who are the people we often pass by without really seeing? Peter did more than notice the lame man. He "fixed his gaze" on him and truly saw him. Who are the overlooked, lonely, hurting, or forgotten people in your daily life? What keeps us from seeing people the way Jesus sees them?   2. What are you expecting from Jesus right now? The lame man asked for money, but Jesus gave him something far greater. Have there been times when God answered a need in a way you did not expect? What might Jesus be offering you that is deeper than what you are currently asking for?   3. What does it mean to live and serve in the power of Jesus' name? Peter did not point to his own abilities, resources, or spirituality. He pointed to Jesus. In a culture that often celebrates self-sufficiency, how can we learn to depend more fully upon Christ and His presence rather than our own strength?   4. Why do compassion and proclamation belong together? The miracle opened the door for Peter to share the Gospel. Why do Christians sometimes separate acts of mercy from sharing the message of Jesus? What are practical ways we can demonstrate Christ's love while also speaking about Him naturally and authentically?   5. Where is Jesus calling you to "give what you have" this week? Peter said, "What I have, I give to you." You may not have all the answers, abundant resources, or extraordinary gifts, but you have Jesus. What opportunities might God be placing before you this week to offer Christ's love, encouragement, hope, or witness to someone else?   Scripture Reading: Acts 3:1-26: 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.   11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.   17 "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness." Intro/Outro Song: "Only One" Nate Zuellig ULC Artist In Residence    "God So Loved" We The Kingdom CCLI Song # 7169675   CCLI License # 11254293

Righteous one will live by faith. [NIV]

Deen Salami | Guest Pastor Standing Firm: A Look at Stephen Check out the weekly sermon here or on our SRBC podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. While you're at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. Like what you hear? We'd love to know.At South Run, we read every message personally. Whether you have a question, want to share how God is moving in your life, or are thinking about visiting in person, this is the place to start. If you click the link below, Pastor Eric will personally reach out to you. Listening online? Let us know. Sermon Transcript Standing Firm: What Stephen's Martyrdom in Acts 6–7 Teaches Us About Faith Under Fire — Sermon TranscriptSouth Run Baptist Church | Springfield, VA Guest Preacher: Deen SalamiActs 6:8–7:60June 7, 2026This is a full sermon transcript from South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, Virginia. In this message, guest preacher Deen Salami preaches on the martyrdom of Stephen from Acts 6–7. This sermon addresses how Stephen — an ordinary believer full of faith and the Holy Spirit — stood firm against hate and persecution before the Sanhedrin, what his conduct, his defense, and his death reveal about the cost of following Jesus, and why the church's first martyr was not a tragic accident but a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. Opening: A Passage That Can Almost Preach ItselfI am a little excited today about the message. We've got a lot of ground to cover. There's a large section of scripture that I want us to go through. I'm going to act as your guide. It's not very often that there are passages of scripture that actually can preach themselves. This passage just might be one of them. So what I'd like to do is just to act as your guide. I'll read through big chunks of scripture and I'll just make a couple of observations for us to consider as we do. To do that, though, I'll only need about another hour. Are you guys good with that? I know better than to get in the way of lunch, so I'll make sure that I'll get through this thing in a reasonable amount of time, and I promise we'll survive the experience, all right? All right, why don't you join me in prayer? Gracious God and Father, behold this time. It is you who have called all these people here. None are here by accident. You have assigned me to this task for this day and this hour, and I just pray, Lord God, that you would act and move. Empower now your servant to be able to bring forth this majesty for your people's benefit and for the glory of your great name. May everything that be said and done would be pleasing to you. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Context: Who Was Stephen, and Why Does He Matter?Now, we've already had the first section of our passage read to us. We're going to look at the first martyr of the early church. If you guys know, that is a follower by the name of Stephen. Before he was crucified, Jesus warned the disciples that the world would hate them because of him, and as a result, they would suffer persecution. So how do we stand firm against the hate and persecution? Well, Stephen is going to help us answer that question because he experienced exactly what Jesus said he would. How he handles the hate is a great example for us to follow. Now, again, we've already read that first section in Acts 6:1–8, but as we go into the commentary of it, I want you to consider three simple things: the charges brought before Stephen, his conduct throughout this whole trial, and what it costs him at the end. Three things — charges, his conduct, and the cost. The gospel was being preached early on. It's the early part of the church's existence. The gospel was being preached, and after an early reception by the masses, opposition began to rise, specifically from the religious leaders. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew, which means that his native tongue was not Aramaic, but it was Greek. He was also a Diaspora Jew, meaning that he was not born and raised inside Israel proper. He was born and raised outside of Israel. He came to Jerusalem, heard the gospel, and became a believer. He was not one of the original 12. He had no special place of prominence. In fact, when we first learn of Stephen a few verses earlier, he was in charge of food distribution for the church. In other words, Stephen was a simple, normal person, just like any one of us. His only desire was to serve and to be used by God. Now look at how he was described in this section. It says that he was full of God's grace and power, and he performed great signs and wonders. Up until this point, that description was only made of the apostles. But he ran into his fellow Diaspora Jews, and they could not withstand him in debate, because the Spirit of God had given him great wisdom. Since they were unable to defeat Stephen in debate, they slandered him, brought him up on trumped-up charges, and dragged him before the Sanhedrin. And this, by the way, is the third time that a follower of Jesus was dragged before the Sanhedrin. The first time it was Peter and John for healing a lame man. But because the crowds were praising God, they let them go. The second time was with all 12 apostles. They were beaten and sternly warned no longer to preach the gospel. This time, the Diaspora Jews were mobilized as a mob against Stephen, and if you were hearing properly and paying attention, you noticed that Stephen is alone. Incidentally, this is the same council that sentenced Jesus to death. The Charges Against Stephen: Disrespecting Moses and the TempleSo let's hear the charges brought against Stephen. It was the disrespect of the law — which is referred to as Moses — and the disrespect of God, the temple, because they believed that God's presence was in the temple. But Stephen is going to take these two charges and turn them on his accusers. But for now, I want to draw your attention to how Luke describes Stephen as he stands before the Sanhedrin. He says that he has the face of an angel. Now, I doubt very much that the Sanhedrin thought Stephen was hot, right? But what is it that made his appearance unmistakable? The question I want us to consider is, how is it possible that a normal person like Stephen — who was not part of the inner circle of Jesus — is able to do the things that Stephen had done and was described the way Luke describes him? Acts 6:5 — Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit: What That Actually MeansAnd I believe that the answer is found in verse 5 of chapter 6. This is the very first description we have of Stephen: he's a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. But the question is, what does that mean exactly? Let me start with full of faith. Because there are three aspects of faith that we see in Stephen. First, there's an intellectual determination. What do I mean by that? It simply means that he's asking himself, is the gospel true, and do I believe it? Am I a sinner, like the gospel says, and do I need a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? Stephen's answer is yes. The second is, do I trust Jesus? Will I submit my life to him and proclaim him as my Lord? Again, Stephen answers, yes. But finally, will I commit everything to him, even if it means my death? And as we will see, Stephen will answer that question yes as well. But let me ask us all a question here. How are we doing in these three aspects? For most Christians, they're okay intellectually up here. Do I need a Savior? Yes. But it's the other two that they stumble at. Is he actually Lord? Am I running my own life? Do I just need Jesus as an advisor — I'll call on him when I need to? Or is he actually Lord? Do we actually commit our lives to him, willing to die? Because Stephen was all in with Jesus, it gave the Holy Spirit free reign to use Stephen any way he wanted. Not like a puppet, but as an active and willing partner in the work of advancing the kingdom. It's like the Fellowship of the Ring. Do you guys remember the Fellowship of the Ring? Remember when Frodo said he was going to go and take the ring to Mordor? Aragorn said to him, if by my life or death I can protect you, I will. Why? Because the fate of Middle Earth hung in the balance, right? But for us today, it's the souls — the eternal souls of people — that hang in the balance. And the only hope for them is Jesus Christ. Amen? If by our life or death, if we have the opportunity to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, will we? Are we all in like Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit? What the Sanhedrin saw in Stephen was the very presence of the divine emanating from him. But let's move on and see what happens next. Acts 7:1–16: Stephen's Defense Begins — Summarizing Genesis 12 Through Exodus 1 from Memory I'm going to read from chapter 7, verse 1. "Then the high priest asked Stephen, are these charges true? To this he replied, brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran. Leave your country and your people, God said, and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no children. God spoke to him in this way, for 400 years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, God said, and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place. Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later, Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. Then a famine struck all of Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was. And Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, 75 in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt where he and our ancestors died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. And as the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die." Now, for those of you who may have picked up on it, Stephen just summarized Genesis 12 all the way through Exodus 1. Genesis 12 is where we have God's promise to bless the world through Abram. Stephen starts there and ends in Exodus chapter 1. That is approximately 39 chapters that he summarized from memory under pressure. Now, if you were on the Sanhedrin, what would you be thinking right now about the charge of disrespecting the law? At least at this point, it looks like that charge is on kind of shaky ground. In fact, some of the Sanhedrin might be looking at Stephen and secretly giving him a thumbs up. Way to go, bro. Good job, all right? Why Stephen Uses Geography and the Stories of Joseph and Moses StrategicallyWhat I don't want you to miss, though, is how Stephen is telling this story. I want you to notice the way Stephen is making use of geography — Mesopotamia, Haran, Israel, Egypt. He is summarizing what God did in those places, but why is he doing this? Also, I want you to keep in mind what he says about Joseph and his brothers. I'm going to develop that here in a minute. Just be patient, okay? Now, before we move on, I want to highlight how Stephen addresses his adversaries. To the mob, he refers to them as brothers. To the Sanhedrin, he refers to them as fathers. This mob who dragged him forcefully before the Sanhedrin, and this council that not only sentenced Jesus to death but beat the 12 apostles — the question on the table is, why is Stephen so cordial? A few observations. First, he does not seem to be taking their behavior toward him personally. The moment is not lost on Stephen. He's acutely aware of the danger he is in, but he remembers his mission, which was the same as Jesus. He does not want to condemn them. He wants them to know the truth. So he speaks to them in a way fitting that purpose. He does not retaliate against them for mistreating him. Second, Stephen understands that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. He knows what the Apostle Paul will later go on to understand and share with Timothy. As we read in 2 Timothy 2:25–26, Paul says this: "Opponents must be gently instructed in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will." Stephen understands that these people have been taken captive by the devil so that they would do his will. But Stephen hopes that they will come to their senses. So he begins by instructing them gently. And in his approach, Stephen is reflecting the very heart of God. Back in Ezekiel 33:11, we hear God say this: "As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways. Why will you die, people of Israel?" Stephen does not clap back at them. Third, he is gentle because he is focused. He knows it's not about him. This encounter is much bigger than Stephen, and he is keenly aware of it, and we can tell by the way he conducts himself. It's a powerful lesson for us today, isn't it? If we're going to stand firm against hate and persecution, we will resist the urge to take people's behavior toward us personally. We remember that their behavior is symptomatic of a bigger issue. They are captives of the devil, and what we want to stay focused on is our mission to be active agents in freeing them through spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now one last point before we move on. We are 19 verses into Stephen's speech and in all his words, Stephen is not trying to defend himself. He has not yet answered the question that was put before him: are these charges true? He hasn't quite answered that question, at least not directly. Acts 7:20–43: Moses, the Burning Bush, and the Pattern of Rejected MessengersBut let's get back to the rest of Stephen's speech, because I think we'll find some more for us to consider. "Now at that time, Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months, he was cared for by his family. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was 40 years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day, Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, men, you are brothers. Why do you want to hurt each other? But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say, I am the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt. This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, who made you ruler and judge. He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for 40 years in the wilderness." Once again, Stephen has done an excellent job in summarizing that next section. He pretty accurately brings the story to the lawgiver himself, the man Moses. But let me begin to tie some pieces of this puzzle together for us. Stephen brings up Joseph and Moses very strategically. Joseph, with his dreams, and Moses, even at his birth, were both marked by God for God's use and for the good of his people. But in both cases, they were originally rejected. In other words, our ancestors, says Stephen, missed God's messengers the first time. Even though the signs were there, they rejected their God-appointed leaders the first time. And Stephen is about to be very clear about the implications of this for them. He mentions God being with Moses in Midian and in Egypt. All the geographical references that Stephen has made is the point he's taking aim at — the misunderstanding of the temple. They refer to the temple as this holy place. But yet Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that when Moses was in Midian on Mount Sinai, Moses was commanded to remove his sandals because where he was standing was holy ground. So which is it? Is it the holy ground that Moses was standing on in Mount Sinai in Midian? Or is it this holy place, the temple in Jerusalem? Wherever the presence of God touches down becomes holy. What Stephen is saying is that God is not bound by any single location. This is what the Sanhedrin failed to see in their attempt to defend the temple. And it is a pattern that Stephen is pointing out for them. In addition, Jesus sternly rebuked the religious leaders when he turned over the tables of the money changers and called the temple a den of thieves, because they were keeping people from God. God had left the building, and they were completely oblivious. Let me highlight the wisdom Stephen is using here. First, he knows the word and how to apply it to the situation he is presently in. Second, he understands the charges brought against him and how to use those same charges to highlight the error of his accusers. And finally, he does not lose focus of his mission. And the question on the table for us is, if we were under this pressure, could we do the same? Acts 7:44–53: Stephen Flips the Script — You Are the Ones Who Violated the LawNow Stephen is about to end his time with the Sanhedrin, and it's going to be a colossal end. Let's finish reading. "This is the Moses who told the Israelites, God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people. He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our ancestors, and he received living words to pass on to us. But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him, and their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him. That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in it in what their own hands had made. But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: did you bring me sacrifices and offerings 40 years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have taken up the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your God Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon. Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says, heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build me, says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked people, your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You were just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. You who have received the law that was given through angels, but have not yet obeyed it." Stephen ends his speech with a powerful rebuke of the Sanhedrin and this mob. The history of the Jewish people had been one of rebellion, culminating in the murder of Jesus, their long-awaited Messiah. Just as they did with Joseph and Moses, they missed Jesus the first time. I want you to underline verse 53. Stephen courageously tells the truth and provides a proper diagnosis of their problem. In so doing, he flips the script. So you accuse me of violating the law and desecrating the temple? I'm not guilty of either one of these, but you are. The evidence he provides is rightly in the law of Moses, and he records the embarrassing incident with the golden calf. This was abject idolatry, which got them exiled, and it's clear that their stubborn rebellion continued to blind them. Making the Means the End: The Sanhedrin's Fatal Error with the Law and the TempleThe inherent problem the Sanhedrin and the mob suffered from was that they made the means the end and did away with the end itself. What do I mean by that? Well, in Galatians 3:24–25, Paul says this: "So the law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." The law was the means by which we would be ready for Christ, who was literally the end of the law — he was what the law was preparing us for. But they made the means, the law, the end, and did away with the end itself, Jesus. Jesus says the same thing about the temple. In Mark 11:17, Jesus says this: "My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." The temple was the means by which all the nations would come to know who God is and pray to him. They turned the temple into a money-making machine, and they did away with God altogether. It's the same pattern. Acts 7:54–60: The Stoning of Stephen — Dying Like His LordLike all who stubbornly live in rebellion and refuse to hear the truth, they go after Stephen. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of the young man named Saul. And while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of their killing." Stephen took a bold stand and it cost him his life. But here's the beauty of this passage. Stephen died in the same way his Lord did. He dies praying for the forgiveness of the people stoning him, just like Jesus. And because Stephen was so faithful to his call, the heavens opened so that Stephen sees the Lord Jesus rise from his throne to welcome his faithful servant home. How to Stand Firm Against Hate and Persecution: Look Up, Not AroundHow do we stand firm in the face of hate and persecution? First and foremost, we look up, not around. We look to Jesus. We need to be focused on Jesus because he is all he's asking us to be, and he has done all he's asking us to do. That includes suffering for his sake. Second, we need to remember one important thing. We're not simply spectators or victims. We are active agents of change. In other words, we do not lose sight of the mission, because this is why we are here. You know, I know some people — I've spoken to some people about this passage — and they seem to think that it's unfair for Stephen to have died. After all, why couldn't God have saved him? He saved the apostles. He saved John and Peter. Why couldn't he have saved Stephen? But if we read Acts 1:8, where Jesus told the disciples that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world, we begin to realize one important thing. Up until this point, guess where the church was localized? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their small groups? Jerusalem. Guess where they had their worship time? Jerusalem. But where were they supposed to go? But after Stephen was killed, we read this: "On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." Stephen's death was the catalyst for the advancement of the gospel outside of Jerusalem. Remember, our faith is not a faith that we simply talk about. Our faith is a full contact sport. If by my life or death I can advance the gospel, I will. Stephen did it by his death. Closing: Active Agents of God's Redemptive WorkLet me read you one quote as I close. It says, "Suffering becomes the ongoing evidence that creation awaits restoration. And believers, bearing God's image and indwelt by the Spirit, participate in that redemptive work. Rather than passive victims of evil, they become agents through whom God's original creative intention progressively reasserts itself against the disorder introduced by sin." Will you be a part of that? Because this is our purpose. And once we understand our purpose and totally embrace it, then we look at the world very differently. We can stop asking why the world is the way it is. Because that's really the wrong question. The right question is, what are we going to do about it? Because we are supposed to be the active and willing participants in God's redemptive work. Is this work dangerous? Yeah. Stephen found that out very clearly. Remember, Jesus died for us first. So it is not like God is asking us to throw away our lives cavalierly. Far from it. Stephen understood the stakes and was keenly aware of the moment. But he determined that his life was worthy of sacrificing for the gospel. He stood firm. Can we? Let me pray. Our gracious God and Father, we thank you for this time that we can be in your word. We are reminded, Lord, that it's you who preserved your word, lo, these 2,000 years for us, this generation of believers, to learn and glean from. I pray, Father, for whatever lessons that may have been brought out here, that those seeds would be scattered in the hearts of your people and that they would grow into folks that would stand firm for the advancement of the gospel. Our only desire, Lord God, is like Stephen. We ask humbly that you would use us as we serve, and that you would be glorified. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. South Run Baptist Church | 8712 Selger Drive, Springfield, VA 22153 | Sunday Worship at 11am Serving Springfield, Burke, West Springfield, Lorton, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Franconia, Virginia. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Covenant with the Righteous OneSeries: Genesis Preacher: Dave BottSunday MorningDate: 24th May 2026Passage: Genesis 18:1-33

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe:Proverbs Daily PodcastPsalms Daily Podcast

Who Killed Jesus? We Did! But He Loves Us Still. Acts 3:13-15 13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

Peter's sermon in Acts 3, delivered after healing a lifelong cripple at the Beautiful Gate, centers on the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Messiah, whose name alone brings healing and salvation. He confronts the crowd with their guilt in rejecting and killing the Holy and Righteous One—the Author of Life—while affirming that their sin was part of God's sovereign plan, foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in Christ. Though they acted in ignorance, Peter calls them to repent, emphasizing that faith in Jesus' name brings not only physical restoration but spiritual renewal, with sins blotted out and the promise of divine refreshment. The sermon underscores the necessity of turning from sin and embracing Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, presenting Christianity not as a mere ethical system but as a living encounter with the risen Lord, transforming lives and calling all to faith and repentance. Pub May 10, 2026, 04:50 pm

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/i-will-not-leave-you-as-orphans/Watch this sermon directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAI6y89fS_EAn 11-year-old girl is living in a run-down orphanage. She carries with her a locket and a note from her biological parents -- hoping that someday they will return for her. She and the other girls in the orphanage are living in harsh conditions and endure the cruelty of their alcoholic matron.Life changes for the little orphan girl when a cold-hearted billionaire decides to host an orphan at his mansion for a week to improve his public image. The little girl quickly charms the staff and breaks through the billionaire's tough exterior. Seeing how much she longs for her parents; the billionaire offers a $50,000 reward to find them. A corrupt couple plots to claim the reward by posing as the long-lost parents.After a tense chase and rescue, the villains are caught. The orphan learns her real parents passed away years ago, but she finds a new family when the billionaire officially adopts her.What is the name of this red-headed little orphan girl? Annie! She's adopted by Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks.The plot and songs of the movie are seared into my memory. It's a fine movie. The songs are memorable. But this is why I remember it so well. We didn't go to the movies too often as children. One time my mother took us to the movie theater, my sisters and I got to pick the movie. It was either "Annie" or "Star Wars" -- which was being replayed in the theater that May of 1982. I was outvoted by my two sisters. It's been 44 years. ... I'm almost over it!Today, Jesus talks to us about being "Little Orphan Annies." He's not going to leave us in a dumpy orphanage. He knows we'll feel alone and afraid. He understands that we'll be confused. He is aware that unscrupulous people will try to take advantage of us. He appreciates that we need human and divine relationships. That's why Jesus teaches, "I will not leave you as orphans" (John 14:18).The disciples are gathered in the Upper Room. It's Thursday of Holy Week. The past few weeks, Jesus has been talking about being betrayed, arrested, and put to death. Now he reminds them that we won't be with them much longer. "Dear children, I am going to be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come" (John 13:33). Jesus will soon leave to return to his heavenly Father.The disciples must be filled with all kinds of feelings -- confusion, fear, and anxiety. Much like an orphan. The orphan feels like she is alone. Her parents are gone. There's no one to care for her. Those who are around are untrustworthy and dishonest.We may feel like orphans at times, too. We discussed in our recent Bible study on Artificial Intelligence about how social media connects people instantly and from around the world. Yet, people feel more lonely than almost any time in human history. Roughly 57% of Americans reported feeling lonely in 2024 -- an increase of 46% since 2018. The elderly and middle-aged adults can certainly feel lonely. But it is the young adults ages 18-34 who report the highest-levels of loneliness. Some surveys show up to 79% of Gen Z experiencing these feelings of loneliness.That's because relationships are hard work. Young women have bought into the feminist lie that they are equal to men in every way, so they don't need a man in their life. The women say they want a man who agrees with their thinking. But when they find these men, they are disgusted by them because they're weak, soy boys. Young men have encountered these feminist women and don't want anything to do with them. So, they stay in their parents' basements playing video games and watching porn. Women turn to AI to create a "man" who agrees and affirms them. Men turn to AI to create a "woman" to meet their needs.I told both the teens and adults when we studied AI that I wonder if AI is used in these ways by people who are in stable, healthy relationships with their spouse, children, friends, church, etc. God created humans to be social people. He desires that we desire relationships with others. It's not good for us to be alone -- even if we're introverts who like to be alone.I also wonder if AI is used by people who are in a stable, healthy relationship with their divine God. Jesus promises that his disciples of all ages will not be orphans because he's going to send them the Holy Spirit. Jesus teaches, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see him or know him. You know him because he stays with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17).Jesus says he will send the Holy Spirit as "another Counselor." The Greek word translated as "Helper" or "Counselor" is the word "Paraclete." "Paraclete" literally means "someone called to a person's side to help." Up to this point Jesus had been the disciples' counselor/helper. Now the Holy Spirit will assume that role.A Paraclete refers to someone who is needed for admonition, comfort, guidance, and so on. The title was sometimes used for an advocate or defender in court. In my role as pastor, I've served as a Paraclete as both a counselor and an advocate. After a couple had their children removed by Social Services, I counseled the couple on their biblical roles as husband, wife, and parents. Then I served as the advocate in the courtroom. I also spoke with the judge in his private chamber on behalf of the parents to get their children back.John records Jesus' words about the Holy Spirit being our Paraclete in the Upper Room. John later uses that word Paraclete in his Epistle. John writes, "My children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate before the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1). In this verse, Jesus is our Paraclete. He is our Advocate before the Father, pleading our case for forgiveness by his blood before the throne of God. In John's Gospel, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor or Advocate, pleading God's case to human hearts, bringing them to faith. Here Jesus is promising to send the Holy Spirit. This was fulfilled in a special way on Pentecost in Acts 2. We'll hear about the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in two weeks.The Holy Spirit comes to create a relationship with us and our heavenly Father. By nature, we are separated from God. The Holy Spirit reunites and reconciles us through the waters of Baptism. John's fellow disciple, Peter, writes in today's Epistle lesson, "In this ark a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water. And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you―not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:20-21). When we are feeling like orphans, we remember that the Holy Spirit has brought us into God's holy family through Baptism. We are now children of God through water and the Word.Being a part of this divine family means that the people around you are your brothers and sisters in Christ. You are never alone because you have others who are just like you -- people who are at times lost, alone, confused, and afraid -- that you are called on to love, comfort, console, and counsel. At other times, you are the one who feels like an orphan. Your Christian brothers and sisters can be the ones fulfilling Christ's command, "If you love me, hold on to my commands" (John 14:15).Jesus sends the Holy Spirit, so you don't feel like orphans. Jesus also gives you himself to keep you out of the spiritual orphanage. He teaches, "I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will see me no longer, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. The one who has my commands and holds on to them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I too will love him and show myself to him" (John 14:18-21).Orphans are left alone. Like Little Orphan Annie until Daddy Warbucks comes to adopt her. Jesus promises that although the unbelieving world will not see him again, his disciples will see him when he comes to them. He will come visibly and physically on the Last Day. But as Lutherans, we also believe that he comes to us invisibly and humbly through the Means of Grace of Word and Sacraments.We are confused by a world that doesn't know what a woman is. We hear Jesus' voice speaking clearly, "From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female" (Mark 10:6). We are angered by a culture of death that celebrates the slaughter of the unborn. We hear Jesus' voice speak clearly through his psalmist, "For you created my inner organs. You wove me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:13-14). We are disheartened by a society that discards the elderly and dying. We hear Jesus' voice speak clearly in his Levitical laws, "You must rise in the presence of gray hair and show respect in the presence of an elder, so that you fear your God. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:32).Because we oppose fundamental cultural doctrines like transgenderism, abortion, and euthanasia, the world will oppose us. This will make us even lonelier and more afraid. But Jesus says the world will always oppose us, "He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see him or know him. You know him because he stays with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). The unbelieving world will not -- and cannot -- receive the Spirit. The world will not see Jesus after he leaves, so they will oppose Jesus, his followers, and his teachings. Jesus' disciples of all ages will continue to see and hear Jesus with the eyes and ears of faith. The disciples will know that Jesus and the Father are one; they will keep Jesus' commands; and live. The world will not enjoy any of these blessings.Not only does Jesus promise that he will come to be with us so we are not alone as orphans. He also promises to take us to be with him in heaven for eternity, so we will never be alone. He promises, "Because I live, you also will live."What a blessing last week to witness the baptisms of Maggie and her dad, Austin. Maggie was so excited to be baptized that she couldn't stand still. She and her dad were given the gift of faith and life in Baptism.A few days ago, Doris Miller was called to her eternal life with Jesus. As a baptized child of God for over nine decades, she has received the promised inheritance given to her through Jesus' Jordan River Baptism, his perfect substitutionary life, his redeeming sacrifice on the cross, and his return to life from the grave. Doris is not alone! She was surrounded by her family as she died. She is now surrounded by her husband, Bob, and all God's baptized and believing saints as she lives. Together, they are all gathered around Christ's heavenly throne.Jesus promises, "Because I live, you also will live." Jesus is life, that state of blessed holiness and perfect righteousness that is communion with God. Humanity had lost that life in Adam's fall. Sin and death rushed into the vacuum left behind. The Son of God, the Lord of Life, came to bring it back. Because he is alive, we, too, will live in blessedness and holiness forever. Because Jesus lives, we will also live.We are children who will never be orphaned. No one is going to be making a musical movie about our lives in the orphanage and being adopted by a billionaire. Rather, God has created the real-life event of him rescuing us from the orphanage of this world and being adopted by the King of Creation. He sends his Son and his Son sends the Holy Spirit as our Paraclete, Advocate, and Counselor. By God's grace, we have been adopted into God's divine family, surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Holy Christian Church and right here at Lord of Lords. Amen.

Speaker: Pastor Giles LitznerJesus is the Righteous One who rescues us to be witnesses of him.

In episode 17 of season four of the Hope Church Sunday Extra podcast, Pastors Jeremy, Brian, Luke, and Jake gather to discuss Luke's sermon from Acts 3–5. The big idea of the sermon is that the Spirit-filled church is bold in both its mission and its commitment to holiness. Luke walks through five scenes from the text: Peter healing a lame man and pointing the crowd to God's glory, Peter and John modeling obedience before the Sanhedrin, the church responding to opposition with prayer and unity, God exposing the hidden sin of Ananias and Sapphira, and the church pressing forward with rejoicing. The sermon closes with two pointed questions for every listener: "Are you willing to take God seriously?" and "Whose name are you living for?" Though away on a ministry trip, Pastor Matt chimes in via a recorded segment to expand on the communal sharing described in Acts 2:42–47. He is careful to address a common misreading of the passage, explaining that what we see in Acts 2 is not a Biblical case for communism or socialism, but rather Spirit-produced, voluntary generosity flowing out of transformed hearts. He draws a helpful contrast: communism is forced by the state and driven by an external system, while what happens in Acts 2 is a spiritual movement — people filled with the Holy Spirit loosening their grip on possessions because they understand that Jesus gave everything for them. Matt also draws from his Old Testament reading, reflecting on the life of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 13–16, whose early faithfulness to God gradually gave way to self-reliance — a sobering reminder that starting well does not guarantee finishing well. Luke then adds what he didn't have time to cover on Sunday, diving into the significance of Solomon's Colonnade — the very place where Jesus declared "I and the Father are one" in John 10:23–39 — as the location where Peter preaches his second sermon. He also unpacks the rich names Peter uses for Jesus in Acts 3–5, including Servant, Holy and Righteous One, Author of Life, the Prophet Moses spoke of, and the Christ of Nazareth, showing how Peter is making the unmistakable case to his Jewish audience: don't miss Jesus again. The episode wraps up with a candid conversation about the three battlefields of spiritual warfare — the world, the flesh, and the devil — and a personal, honest discussion around what it really looks like to take God seriously and live for His name in everyday life.

Although David's enemies seek his harm, he cries out to the LORD as his refuge. The LORD is the Righteous One who arises to judge all people. While He brings the wicked to their end, He establishes the righteous through faith in Him. Those who refuse to repent encounter the LORD as the Divine Warrior who allows their wickedness to fall upon them. For these just judgments, David and all Christians give thanks to the LORD.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 7.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit holycrosswarda.com. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.   Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sometimes we keep count—of wrongs, of hurts, of how many chances someone deserves. Peter did the same, asking Jesus if seven times was enough. But Jesus points us somewhere deeper: not just to more forgiveness, but to a completely different way of living. A way shaped by grace that doesn't run out. In Him, the story is completed—not with limits, but with a sacrifice that covers the whole world. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // 1 John 2:1-2, 9-11 (NIV) // My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

Because the Righteous One was forsaken on our behalf, we can always count on God's presence in our life 1. That changes our conduct 2. That changes our legacy

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe:Proverbs Daily PodcastPsalms Daily Podcast

As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. – Isaiah 53:11

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—"Scoffer" is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 25–27, Galatians 5 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites you to join him on March 14th, day 74 of our journey through the Bible. Together, we'll warm our hearts by the fire of God's love as we explore Deuteronomy chapters 25–27 and Galatians 5. Hunter guides us through laws of ancient Israel, the heart of worship, and the call to justice and honesty, then pivots to the powerful message of freedom in Christ—a freedom not to indulge in selfishness, but to walk by the Spirit, expressing faith through love. With thoughtful prayer and reflection, Hunter reminds us that we are invited, not to strive for perfection through law-keeping, but to participate in Christ's life through the Spirit. This episode closes with prayers for peace, guidance, and the encouragement to take next steps in faith, always grounded in the unwavering truth: you are deeply loved. So, grab your Bible and join Hunter for today's walk in the Word. TODAY'S DEVOTION: We often think of the sinful nature as all those rebellious, lawless acts—the things we know are out of bounds. And yes, Paul lists those behaviors, those outward acts that are clearly not of God. But let's not miss something subtle yet significant: sometimes, our sinful nature shows up not in lawlessness—but in how we try to justify ourselves through religious law-keeping. The church in Galatia was tempted to trust their own obedience as the measure of their righteousness before God, to rely on their ability to check every religious box. But Paul's message is unequivocal: keeping the law cannot make us righteous, because none of us can fulfill it perfectly. We all fall short. Even the most devout and well-intentioned efforts cannot bridge the gap that separates us from God's holiness. Instead of pointing us to ourselves and our striving, Paul points us to Jesus. He reminds us that our righteousness is found in Christ and in Christ alone. By the Spirit, we are drawn into the very life of Jesus—the truly Righteous One. In his life, death, and resurrection, Christ has done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. As we yield to his Spirit, we begin to walk in newness of life, not striving by our own strength, but participating in the goodness of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the fruit of the Spirit. We lay down both our rebelliousness AND our pious attempts to justify ourselves. Instead, we fix our eyes on what God has done in Christ: how we are included, embraced, and equipped to walk in his ways, not by might, but by the Spirit. The Christian life is not a ladder of perfection we climb, but a life we receive by grace, step by step, trusting the Spirit to bring forth God's purposes in us. Let us hold to this freedom and refuse every yoke of self-made righteousness. Let's stop striving to earn what Christ has already given. May our lives be expressions of faith working through love, freed from the trap of performance, anchored instead in the love of God that claims us—full stop. This is the prayer for my soul. This is the prayer for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And this is the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

John 15:26-16:15,But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.This morning we continue our walk through this amazing farewell discourse that Jesus has with his disciples. In just a matter of hours, Jesus will be betrayed, falsely accused, tortured, abandoned, and crucified. But before all these things take place, Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come. He wants them to be ready. And so the big question of our text this morning is…What does Jesus say to prepare his disciples?If we were to summarize Jesus's message to them in a sentence, I think it would be this: Hard times are ahead, but the Helper will come.So following that main idea, this sermon will have two parts: first, we will cover the hard times that are ahead for the disciples and what that means for us… and then we will spend the rest of our time considering that second part… the Helper to come.Part one: hard times are ahead.Part two: The Helper will come.1. Hard times are ahead.Last week we studied the end of John 15 where Jesus tells his disciples that the world will hate them because they hated him. And now Jesus tells his disciples how that hatred from the world will play out in their lives.First, in John 16:2, Jesus says,“they will put you out of the synagogues.”This means they will be outcasts among their Jewish kinsmen. They will be scorned and shamed for the sake of being associated with Jesus.And second, they will be killed for their faith in him. Again in verse 2, he says,“Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.”We read in Acts 12 that the Apostle James was killed by the sword. And though we can't be certain about the details, it is believed that all of the apostles, except perhaps John, were killed for their faith. Why does Jesus tell them these things?Jesus gives two reasons here.First, in John 16:1, he says,“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away…”And then again, in verse 4,“I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”Jesus wants his followers to faithfully endure the hard times when they come.The Lord only knows what trials are before each of us… But Scripture makes clear that all followers of Christ will face persecution of some form or another… 2 Timothy 3:12,“all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”And in Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas say to the disciples,“through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”I've heard it said that everyone is either in a hard time, coming out of a hard time, or about to go into a hard time. And whether it's overt persecution, or some other trial of various sorts, Jesus wants you to be ready to endure!So how do we endure the hard times?We remember his words. In verse 4, Jesus says,“I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”What a gift this book is to us! That we can read the words of Jesus to us! That we can cherish and store God's thoughts and God's words in our hearts! So that we can remember his words to us when the hard times come!When our son Daniel was just a few months old, he went through what the experts call a “sleep regression.” I didn't know what this was before becoming a dad… but it's essentially when your baby starts sleeping well through the night and then one day decides, “that's not my thing anymore.”And I remember several nights being so angry at our baby as he would get us up or not go back to sleep. And… he's just a baby, doing what babies do!And one morning I read these words from Psalm 119,“I remember your name in the night O LORD, and keep your law.”And this verse hit me like a truck… I was not remembering the LORD in the night as I was angry with our helpless baby. And so I committed it to memory. And oh how precious has that verse been to me during the rough nights! And while my nighttime frustrations have still not completely vanished… I now have a weapon for that fight.Our Cities Church Leader Affirmation of Faith has such a helpful paragraph about this … In Article 11 titled ‘Living God's Word by Meditation and Prayer' it says this, “We believe that faith is awakened and sustained by God's Spirit through His Word and prayer. The good fight of faith is fought mainly by meditating on the Scriptures and praying that God would apply them to our souls…”We can remember the story of Charles Spurgeon from last week… who was comforted in his depression as he applied the word of God to his soul… That's the Christian life! It is a daily fight of faith! And our weapons are the Word of God and prayer.So… When a tempting image pops up on your phone:“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways!” (Ps. 119:37).Or when a tension arises in your marriage or with your kids:“Put on then as God's chosen ones holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” (Col. 3:12).Or when that wave of anxiety or depression sets in:“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you…” (Isa. 26:3)As I mention scripture memory, don't hear this as simply another burden to add or a box to check in the Christian life, but consider this question:Am I making good use of the treasure of God's word? For he has given this gift to us that we may remember his words in the hard times.God has given us his word, and he has also given us His Spirit. And this leads us into part two of the sermon, which is where we will spend the rest of our time. In part one, Jesus tells his disciples of the hard times that are ahead, and now part 2…2. The Helper will come.Jesus tells them that the Helper will come.Look with me, starting at the second half of verse 4. Jesus says,“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. Surely this was the most pressing hard time for the disciples, because their Master was leaving. And Jesus says “it is to your advantage that I go away.”We can imagine the disciples saying, “how is it possibly better for you to leave us?!”The answer is the Holy Spirit.As Pastor Jonathan told us a few weeks ago from John 14, the Holy Spirit is the presence of Jesus in our lives. While Jesus is God who dwells with us… the Holy Spirit is God who dwells inside us believers! What a gift He is to us! God dwelling in us! Christ dwelling with us by His Spirit!He is the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Lord and giver of life, who eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son and is worshipped and glorified together with the Father and the Son and who spoke through the prophets.That's who the Holy Spirit is. And in this most anxious hour for the disciples, amazingly, Jesus comforts them with this promise of the Holy Spirit. We've looked briefly at who the Holy Spirit is, and in the rest of our time we will look at two things the Holy Spirit does…or the work of the Holy Spirit.Kevin DeYoung gives this great image to describe the Spirit. He says “the Holy Spirit is a spotlight.” He shines a spotlight on sin, and He shines a spotlight on Christ. So that's how we'll approach the rest of our text.The Holy Spirit shines a spotlight on sin.Look at verses 8-11,8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”Jesus says the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning three things: sin, righteousness, and judgment. What does he mean here?The Holy Spirit convicts concerning sin. This is fairly straightforward: To not believe in Jesus is to reject God Himself and thus not believing in Jesus is at the root of all sin.What about verse 10? Jesus says, the Holy Spirit convicts “concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father.” As Jesus goes to the Father, The Holy Spirit will make plain that the world has committed the greatest act of unrighteousness of all time by murdering Jesus, the Righteous One. And lastly, verse 11, he will convict “concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” 1 John 3:8 tells us that the “reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” And on that last day Jesus will do that finally and climactically as He casts Satan, his minions, and all who follow him into hell.I have been praying that the Holy Spirit would do his convicting work in this sermon. If you do not believe in Jesus this morning I pray that the Holy Spirit would make the realities of sin, righteousness, and judgment plain to you: That you are a sinner in desperate need of salvation and that apart from Christ you will die in your sins and be separated from God in hell forever.And if you are a Christian, my prayer is that we would have a fresh gratitude for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Because it is good when the Holy Spirit shines a light on our sin. And when he does, he also shines a light on our Savior.The Holy Spirit shines a spotlight on Christ.Look with me at verses 12-15,12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.Like any good teacher, Jesus knows the capacity of his students… I have plans to teach my son many things: how to read his bible, how to drive a car… We'll get there, but right now it's Don't throw your food. Don't hit other kids in the face!Jesus has taught his disciples many things and as he ascends back to the Father, the Holy Spirit descends to continue that work of teaching in his disciples and “to guide them into all the truth.” What does it mean that the Spirit will guide them into all the truth?First, this means the Spirit will guide them to understand the teachings of Christ. He will cause them to remember his teachings, and to understand them fully after Jesus is raised from the dead.And second, the Spirit will guide them to the Teacher himself… He is the Spirit of Truth who will guide them to the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.Look again at verse 14, Jesus says,“He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”The main job of the Holy Spirit is to point to another. To glorify another.To shine a spotlight on Jesus Himself.Theologian Fred Sanders says that studying the Holy Spirit can be slippery, meaning, when we try to focus in on just the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves inevitably being pointed back to Jesus. Because his job is to glorify Him!Sanders says this,“…even when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see and understand his work, what he primarily directs our attention to is not himself but Jesus Christ.”So when we consider the work of the Holy Spirit: He is a spotlight shining a light on sin and shining a light on Jesus himself.What does this mean for us today? If you are here and you're not a follower of Jesus… Scripture speaks of those who resist the Holy Spirit. I would urge you today… don't do that. Let the Holy Spirit shine a light on your sin and let him guide you to Jesus.Jesus who lived the perfect life that we all owe to God and who died on the cross as a substitute for his people. And who rose on the third day conquering sin and death for all who trust him. Believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved. Commit yourself to Him, and receive the Holy Spirit into your life!And if you are a follower of Christ, the end of chapter 15 says that the Holy Spirit bears witness to Christ, and He empowers us to do the same. This is what we see in the book of Acts…Disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they boldly bear witness to Jesus. They can't stop talking about Him! And as we seek to be welcoming witnesses as a church, as we seek to invite others into this joy of knowing Jesus with us, oh how we need the Holy Spirit's help!And amazingly, in Luke 11 Jesus says,“if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Let's do that as a church! Let's ask for more of the Holy Spirit. More of his fruit in our lives, that we may be powerful witnesses to Christ in our homes, workplaces, and everywhere else we go. For the glory of Christ and our great joy in Him!

More Than He Asked For: The Miracle and Message of Acts 3Acts 3Teacher: Pastor Jim ThomasDate: March 8, 2026What might change in our lives if we truly believed that Jesus is able to do far more than we ever ask or imagine? I'm not just talking about God as a Divine Sugar Daddy but what if God is actually so gracious and so generous that even the struggles and limitations in our lives have the potential to become the very places where the glory of Christ can be most luminously revealed?For over 40 years a paralyzed man sat daily at one of the Jewish Temple gates begging for whatever small coins he could get from the passersby. He didn't know it but all that time God had something great in mind for him. In Acts chapter 3 we read of the stunning miracle that opens the door to a powerful display of who Jesus truly is: the Deliverer and Servant King, the Holy and Righteous One, the Author of Life, and the Savior God has sent for us.Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this passage and reminds us that while we often come to God only asking for vague generalities and less important gifts, He is often eager to give us something far greater—new life, living hope, and often, a grand display of His glory and generosity. Come and see how this miracle points beyond itself to the grace, mercy, compassion, generosity and saving power of Jesus—and why the Lord continues to give more than we even ask for.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Explore the powerful and convicting final sermon of Stephen from Acts 7, a message that traces Israel's history through the lens of repeated rejection and God's relentless grace. Discover how Jesus stands as the ultimate "Righteous One" and the centerpiece of our own stories of salvation.

In Week Two of our Jesus Is King series, Pastor Dustin unpacks a powerful message titled “The Truth About Temptation.” We begin where we left off last week — at the baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3:17, the Father declares, “This is My beloved Son…” Before Jesus performed miracles or preached to crowds, His identity was affirmed. But immediately after that moment of public declaration, Matthew 4:1 tells us that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Identity is often declared in public, but it is proven in private. In the wilderness, the enemy did not begin by attacking Jesus' strength. He attacked His identity. In Matthew 4:3, Satan says, “If you are the Son of God…” If the enemy can shake your identity, he can shape your behavior. Temptation often starts with questioning who you are and whose you are. Pastor Dustin reminds us that desire itself is real, but it does not define you. After forty days of fasting, Matthew 4:2 says Jesus was hungry. The desire was legitimate. Yet Hebrews 4:15 tells us He was tempted in every way, just as we are, and yet without sin. Desire makes a great servant but a terrible master. The battle of temptation is ultimately decided by the voice you believe. Jesus shows us how to defeat temptation: Fight from identity, not for it. Romans 8:1 declares there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When you are trying to earn God's love, temptation will always feel stronger than you. But when you stand secure in who you are in Christ, you fight from victory, not for it. Prepare before the battle. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Jesus did not prepare in the wilderness. He prepared before it. You do not rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your formation. Name the lie. In John 8:44, Jesus calls Satan the father of lies. When you can identify the lie, you can break its power over your life. Choose obedience over relief. In the wilderness, bread represented immediate relief, but obedience produced lasting freedom. Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ has set us free. Freedom comes not from satisfying every desire, but from trusting God in the middle of it. And here is the hope: Hebrews 2:18 tells us that because Jesus suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. He shared in our humanity, broke the power of the enemy, and freed us from slavery to fear. And 1 John 2:1 reminds us that even when we fall, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Temptation is real. The battle is intense. But Jesus is King — even in the wilderness.

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—"Scoffer" is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

God doesn't just want to fix your habits, he wants to heal your heart. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered.” ‭‭Acts ‭7‬:‭51‬-‭52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Watch the Devotion Based on Luke 7:1-10 Under Authority: The Word That Saves A Soldier needed a chaplain, so he sent for a Jewish rabbi. This might have made sense if the Soldier was Jewish, but he was not. When the officer's messengers reached the rabbi they pleaded with him, “This man deserves to have you come immediately. One of his subordinates is very sick and about to die. You need to come with us now!” The Jewish rabbi went with them. While he was on his way the rabbi was met by friends of the Soldier. They said, “Rabbi, the captain wanted us to share this message, ‘I am not worthy to have you set foot in my home. But I am a man of authority, and I understand the chain of command. I give a Soldier an order and he gets after it. I know who you are. I know your authority supersedes my authority. All you need to do is say a word and my subordinate will be saved.” The rabbi was speechless. He said to those around him, “I have not found faith like this in all of the places I have traveled.” The friends rushed back to the home of the Roman centurion and found his servant completely restored to full strength. A Soldier needed a chaplain and he sent for a Jewish rabbi. This Roman centurion knew and believed that this rabbi was not just a rabbi, but the Son of God, Jesus, who came to save him. Jesus came not just to restore the servant's health, but to save his life for eternity. This is what Jesus does. He saves through his words. This week we observe Four Chaplains Day, to honor the service and sacrifice of four US Army chaplains who gave up their own lifejackets to fellow Soldiers as the Dorchester sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic on February 3rd, 1943. In a similar way, Jesus saves. He still carries out his work of saving. He does this by wearing the mask of chaplains. When chaplains open their mouths to speak a word from Jesus to you, Jesus saves through that word. When water was poured and Jesus words were spoken over your head, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, Jesus saved you with those words and that water. In baptism he put his name on you, adopted you into his family, saved you from sin, guilt, and the grave. He saved you for a life eternal in heaven after a resurrection from the dead. Jesus opens his mouth to speak: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus saves you from fear and anxiety and despair with those words. Jesus opens his mouth to speak through his Apostle John and says to you, “. . . If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). You are part of the world. You are someone for whom Jesus sacrificed himself to save. Take a moment today to pause and thank God for chaplains – those who serve in our nation's military, but also those who serve first responders, EMS, firefighters, police, in hospice care facilities, in hospitals, in schools and corporations, and those who serve the incarcerated. Chaplains serves as faithful masks of God. When they open their mouths to speak the words of Jesus, Jesus saves through his words. His words save you. Prayer: All-holy, all-loving God, provide workers for your harvest field, both inside and outside the walls of the church, so that more may hear the story of your everlasting love and your desire that all sinners be saved; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. 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. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Matthew 22:1 ESV   And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,       Jeremiah 6:10a ESV   To whom shall I speak and give warning,   that they may hear?   Behold, their ears are uncircumcised,   they cannot listen;       Isaiah 56:7b ESV for my house shall be called a house of prayer   for all peoples."       Jeremiah 7:9-11 ESV   9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations? 11 Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.       Acts 7:51-53 ESV   51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."       Matthew 21:43 ESV   Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.       Matthew 22:2-14 ESV   2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."' 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."       Revelation 19:6-9 ESV   6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,   "Hallelujah!   For the Lord our God   the Almighty reigns.   7 Let us rejoice and exult   and give him the glory,   for the marriage of the Lamb has come,   and his Bride has made herself ready;   8 it was granted her to clothe herself   with fine linen, bright and pure"—   for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.   9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."       Galatians 3:26-27 NASB   26 For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.       Matthew 13:29a ESV   29 "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest.                              

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—"Scoffer" is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

In this episode, David Wollen walks through Genesis 39, showing how Joseph’s faithfulness under trial points us to Jesus, the perfectly righteous One who suffered unjustly and remained faithful for ou

Acts 21:37-22:21  As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: 22 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you." 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' 17 "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.' 21 And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"   Key Words: Defense, Persecute, Light, Lord, Sight, Witness, Righteous One, Baptize, Sins Keystone Verses: For you will be a witness for Him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name. (Acts 22:15-16) Download Bulletin

Acts 21:37-22:24 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they be- came even more quiet. And he said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and deliver- ing to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed to- ward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' 917 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.' 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'” 22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Dylan Johnston Acts 22:12-16 12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away,calling on his name.'" 1. JESUS CAN INTERRUPT YOUR LIFE AT ANY TIME “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?' I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied." Acts 22:6–9 2. GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOU — NOW 10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. “ ‘Get up,' the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.'" Acts 22:10–15 3. STOP DELAYING — START FOLLOWING “What are you waiting for? Get up. Be baptized. Wash your sins away. Call on His name.” Acts 22:16

Color: Blue Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–19 Psalm: Psalm 111; antiphon: v. 9 Epistle: Philippians 4:4–7 Gospel: John 1:19–28 Gospel: Luke 1:39–56 Introit: Psalm 19:1, 4–6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a Gradual: Psalm 145:18, 21 Verse: Psalm 40:17b John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah   The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses—the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—"Scoffer" is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Stephen in the climax of his sermon to his accusers tells them that they killed “The Righteous One.” (Vs. 52) And they were not happy about it. What does it mean to be righteous? And what does it have to do with Advent and the necessity of the Righteous One to die for us? This morning as we look at Advent through the eyes of Stephen we want to understand the Righteous One and receive His gift to us.

"At the heart of Paul's gospel is one great truth: our justification by faith rests on our union with Christ.In Galatians 2:20–21, Paul reveals the foundation beneath his uncompromising defense of justification by faith alone. Why does he refuse to yield an inch to any teaching that adds works to faith? Because such teaching undermines the very heart of salvation—our union with Christ.In this sermon, we explore how every aspect of the Christian life flows from this glorious union:We are justified because we are united to the Righteous One.We are sanctified because Christ lives in us by His Spirit.We are adopted because we share in the Son's own relationship with the Father.We will be raised because we are joined to the risen Lord.For Paul, Christ is salvation. To add works to faith is not merely to misunderstand justification—it is to deny the sufficiency of Christ Himself. If righteousness could come by the law, then Christ died for nothing.May this message deepen your love for Christ, strengthen your assurance in His finished work, and help you see that the life of faith is nothing less than the life of Christ in you.

Safe by Association | Genesis 18 What does it mean to be spared by God's mercy, not because of our own righteousness, but because of who we're connected to? In this message, Pastor Zach Terry walks us through Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom, Lot's tragic compromise, and the sobering destruction that followed. We'll see how: - Laws give instruction, but consequences bring conviction.  - Lot "drafted" behind Abraham's faith without making it his own. - God's judgment is just—but His mercy is greater still. At the heart of the story is a powerful truth: only by being Safe by Association with the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, can we stand on the day of judgment. 

1 The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice. 4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. 11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the departed spirits. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won't be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and arrogant man—"Scoffer" is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness will perish. A man who listens speaks to eternity. 29 A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

As Stephen stood before the council accused of speaking against the holy things of God, he spoke for Jesus of Nazareth who is the Righteous One sent by God and announced by the prophets. He then brought a charge against the members of the council. It is they who have resisted the Holy Spirit by rejecting Jesus. The word of Christ comes to us with the same force of conviction of sin, then with the same call to repent and receive the gift of God in Jesus. Today is a day of grace to hear and to heed the word of Christ. Today Stephen's message goes forth from the church in the power of the Holy Spirit. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

Safe by Association | Genesis 18 What does it mean to be spared by God's mercy, not because of our own righteousness, but because of who we're connected to? In this message, Pastor Zach Terry walks us through Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom, Lot's tragic compromise, and the sobering destruction that followed. We'll see how: - Laws give instruction, but consequences bring conviction.  - Lot "drafted" behind Abraham's faith without making it his own. - God's judgment is just—but His mercy is greater still. At the heart of the story is a powerful truth: only by being Safe by Association with the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, can we stand on the day of judgment. 

Disobedient Generations and Lost Opportunities - Matthew 21:33-465 G Living – Do everything you do…For the Glory of GodFor the Good of your fellow manTo get the Gospel to non-believers For the Growth of your fellow ChristiansWith a Grateful heartToday we are going to see Jesus tell another parable story that rebuked the unrepentant generation that failed to give Jesus the glory due His name.Matthew 21:33-46 They would have instantly recognized the vineyard as a reference to Israel, and the Master of the house as God Himself (Isaiah 5:1-7).God has every right to expect all of us to give Him the glory He deserves, and be both faithful and fruitful stewards of what He Has entrusted to us.In Jesus' story the servants are obviously the prophets that God had sent to His people, many of whom were mistreated by people who didn't want to hear and obey the messages God sent through the prophets.Long ago at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the Heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. - Hebrews 1:1-3Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush (daka-H1792) Him; He has put Him to grief; When His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities. - Isaiah 53:10-11It is so sad that that generation missed Jesus their cornerstone. It is sadder still that for 2,000 years Jews have still been looking for the Messiah who has already come. It will be equally sad if today you despise Jesus and build on another foundation (Acts 4:5-12; 1 Peter 2:4-10)That generation lost the opportunity for national Israel, but the day will come when they Israel will turn to Jesus in mass and be fully restored. In the meantime the gospel goes forth to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 1:6-8).For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite (daka-H1792) and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite (daka-H1792). - Isa. 57:15The religious leaders were supposed to bring God glory through their work in Israel. We are to bring God glory through our work in the church and in the world's “seven mountains of cultural influence” – family, church, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business.Jesus has delegated to us His power of attorney to represent Him while He is gone! How do you know you are doing it well? If you are doing what Jesus would do it if He was here, you are being faithful and fruitful!

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

Acts 3:1-5One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets."

Welcome to Day 2699 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2699 – “A Clean Life – Wise Words From a Family Meeting.” - 1 John 2:1-11 Putnam Church Message – 08/17/2025 Sermon Series: 1, 2, & 3 John “A Clean Life – Wise Words From a Family Meeting.”   Last week, we explored 1 John 1:5-10 with the focus of “God's Light and Our Blight.” This week, we continue through the letter of 1 John, and we will cover 1 John 2:1-11 as we explore how to live a ‘Clean Life' with “Wise Words from a Family Meeting.” Let's read 1 John 2:1-11 from the NIV, which is found on page 1899 of your Pew Bibles. 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word,/love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. Opening Prayer Books of the Bible are a little like museums. Some are large, focused on several themes treated in a logical, linear manner. Others are small, narrowing in on one particular topic. The book of 1 John is a moderately long letter and follows a meandering path around several themes that are on...

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