Podcasts about roman centurion

The record tells us that at Hezekiah's death his son Manasseh began to reign, aged 12. His mother's name was Hephzibah, meaning 'my delight is in her'. What joy must those final years of Hezekiah's have been? But sadly, Manasseh's rule was steeped in idolatry and blood shedding. Read the LORD's summary of that bloodthirsty king's rule in verses 11-15. The streets of Jerusalem flowed with blood under this king. History records that the prophet Isaiah fled from this evil man and hid in a hollow tree. The king gave orders to saw the prophet in half (cp Hebrews 11 verses 37). However, despite 55 years of evil at Manasseh's end God forgave him because he repented and that final turning to God saw him being taken from prison to Jerusalem - see 2 Chronicles 13 verses 10-13. Ezekiel explains why in chapter 18 verses 4-23 read and ponder. But the people of Judah, having revelled in idolatry for so long, could not change their behaviours. Manasseh's son Amon succeeds him ruling for two years before being slain by the king's own servants. In Ezekiel 11 judgment is pronounced upon Judah's wicked counsellors who mistakenly saw themselves as untouchable. The prophet Ezekiel counsels Judah to settle in Babylon for the 70 years. The length of the exile that Jeremiah had prophesied. But the arrogant rulers in Judah said that no destruction could ever come to them. It was essential to totally overthrow these wicked people and to make a new start with the remnant, who were to be the returning exiles. Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion's servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people - most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion's faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This Centurion was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham's kingdom (Romans 4 verses 13; Genesis 12 verses 3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow's son. In this and many like incidents our Lord Jesus was learning how painful it would be for his Father to see His only begotten Son die. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod's prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John's messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness - Jesus and John are both the Father's wise children. Not a greater man than John the Baptist had ever been born of a woman, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus' feet in love - and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Luke is telling us in this chapter of three confrontations our Lord had with the Pharisees occurring in the house of a Pharisee - Luke 7; 11; 14. Simon the Pharisee and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness i.e. love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Title: “Who Commands the Waves and Wind?” Part 1 Text: Acts 27:1-12 FCF: We often struggle enduring in faith when we face circumstances, we know God could spare us from. Prop: Because God's providence often includes opposition from forces of nature, we must look beyond ourselves to endure in faith. Scripture Intro: Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 27. It is even more important for you to turn there today considering that there will be no text on the screen. In a moment, I will read the first 36 verses of Acts 27 from the Legacy Standard bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. As we hasten onward toward the end of this study in the book of Acts, one which has taken us over two years to get to this point, Luke ushers us toward the final episodes of this last Act of his narrative. Luke's purposes have never been to provide a strict history of the early church. Instead, he has written to confirm to a man named Theophilus, and by extension all believers in Jesus Christ, that what we have believed is true and dependable. In this final Act, Luke has not so subtly shown how God is in control of all things and works all things according to the counsel of His will to accomplish His purposes and complete His story of the world which He has already written. Paul has no more criminal trials to face save one. A hearing before Emperor Nero in Rome. A hearing granted to all Roman citizens who appeal to Caesar. And so, in what could have been a short 24 day trip, we will see that God has other things planned for this apostle. Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Most Gracious, Holy, Loving, and Powerful God. You are Alpha and Omega. You are the first and You are the last. From You all of creation has life and by You all of creation consists. There is not one rogue molecule in creation for You control everything for Your glory and for Your purposes. In a day and an age when such doctrines are derided and hated by natural men and even despised by some who claim to be Your people, I pray that we would find comfort and peace in believing that nothing happens without Your plan and consent and without some purpose for which You have established before the foundation of the World. Help us today to see these truths in spite of what our eyes see… we pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text this morning. I.) God's providence often includes opposition from forces of nature, so we must trust the Lord. (1-8) a. 1 - Now when it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2 - And getting aboard an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we set sail accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3 - The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4 - And from there we set sail and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were against us. i. So, after 2 years of waiting for the Lord Jesus' words to come to pass, that Paul would go to Rome to preach the gospel, it seems that Paul is finally on his way. ii. Paul, along with other prisoners, was transferred into the guard of a centurion who would have been stationed in Judea. A centurion of the Augustan cohort. iii. Luke no doubt provides this information to us to establish secular witness to the events that he is about to describe in the next chapter and a half. iv. Many of the events that follow are quite unbelievable. But Luke has provided enough information to track this Roman Centurion down and ask him directly if such things have occurred. v. Julius charts a merchant ship from Adramyttium, a city in a bay across from the island of Lesbos between Troas and Pergamum. vi. Why does he chart a merchant ship? vii. Quite simply, there was no other way to travel by sea in the Roman Empire. There were vessels of commerce and vessels of war. There was no such thing as passenger vessels. viii. This ship's destination was to travel the coast of Asia minor, no doubt heading back to the Adramyttium. ix. Luke also lists two more of Paul's companions who joined him on this trip and would serve as eye witnesses to all that happened. The first is very obvious. 1. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, is probably the same Aristarchus who was dragged into the theater to face the rioting crowds in Ephesus in Acts 19. a. Aristarchus is also said to have accompanied Paul to Jerusalem on his most recent visit that has turned into a 2-year plus endeavor. b. It is impossible to know if Aristarchus has been in Jerusalem or Caesarea since Paul was imprisoned. But he seems to have been in Caesarea in time to join Paul on his trip to Rome. 2. The second companion is harder to spot, but since you all are very perceptive people, I'm sure you have spotted Luke in this text. a. In verse 1 it says “we would sail” meaning of course that Paul's companion Luke would join him on this trip too. b. So, both Luke and Aristarchus would be eye witnesses to the events that would follow. x. They sail 70 nautical miles to the city of Sidon in Syria. xi. The church had spread to Sidon some time ago. xii. Julius allowed Paul to leave the ship, probably with a soldier to escort him as waited for the next departure of the Adramyttium ship. xiii. No doubt these believers gave supplies to Paul and his companions for their journey. xiv. But verse 4 delivers a key theme for us in this entire maritime adventure narrative. xv. The winds were against this journey. We see great opposition to this trip from the winds of the Mediterranean Sea. And that opposition will only intensify. xvi. This Adramyttian ship endeavored to sail along the coast of Syria, but instead headed out to sea to be sheltered from the northwestern and western winds by the island of Cyprus. b. 5 - And when we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 - There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 - And when we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8 - and with difficulty, we sailed past it and came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. i. Sailing between Asia minor and Cyprus along the coast, the Adramyttium ship landed at its next port, Myra of Lycia. ii. No doubt the next stop for this ship would have either been Adramyttium itself or possibly Ephesus. And it probably would not leave for some time… perhaps not even until after winter. iii. Therefore, Julius is forced to chart another ship whose destination would be Italy. iv. We find that Julius charts an Alexandrian ship. These were from the city of Alexandria and would transport grain throughout the Roman Empire, but especially to Rome. v. Having landed in Myra, this ship either came up the coast, past Judea and Syria, and had landed in Myra seeking to head west, or perhaps headed north straight through the Mediterranean toward the easily visible mountainous coast of Asia Minor. vi. We can read between the lines of Luke's record here to understand that the sailing was anything but smooth or predictable. vii. From Cnidus, which was a common port city having two ports, one on the North and one on the South, either they aimed to sail across the Aegean, potentially to Corinth or Athens or perhaps they did intend to sail to the northern edge of Cete to go around the Balkan Peninsula. viii. But because of the dangerous gales, they were forced to once again seek the shelter of the large island of Crete sailing south past the cape of Salmone. ix. Once again, we see the difficulty of the trip and how the forces of nature seem to oppose the will of Jesus and the intention of His apostle. x. With much trouble and very slowly they finally arrive at a southern port on the island of Crete known as Fair Havens near the city of Lasea. c. Summary of the Point: In this maritime adventure which Luke records for us, we could very easily lose the forest for the trees if we are not careful. We could get wrapped up in the adventure of the storm tossed ship and miss the greater message that Luke is revealing to Theophilus and all believers needing assurance that what they have believed is firm and solid. Jesus told Paul 2 years ago that he would go to Rome to preach the gospel… and now the very wind and sea oppose him getting there. But as the sermon title asks… who commands the wind and the sea? John Chrysostom, an early church father said of this passage of scripture, “See how God does not alter or change the order of nature but allows him to sail into unfavorable winds. But even so the miracle happens.” John Chrysostom Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles. In another work he says, “Again trials, again contrary winds. See how the life of the saints is so composed of all these things: he escaped the court, and they fall into a shipwreck and a storm.” John Chrysostom Catena on the Acts of the Apostles. In these two quotes Chrysostom conveys what Luke's aim of this story is. Paul has been shipwrecked before. He has spent much time at sea. Why does Luke record this now? Because Luke, in his final chapter, wishes to convey the absolute sovereignty of God to take His Kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth. But in that sovereignty, it is not merely raw Power that God is displaying… for the purposes of God are not merely to get His apostle to Rome but also to form and shape Paul's faith. As one commentator said, “God could demonstrate His power by stilling the storm (as in Luke 8:24-25) but also by preserving His servant through it...” “Luke's apologetic is not for a legendary divine man; Paul does not still the storm. But the account portrays Paul's character preserving through testing… as well as speaking wisely and rescuing his fellow passengers by God's power.” God commands the winds and the seas… but that doesn't mean He always works miraculously. Indeed, one of the more wonderous miracles God does is providentially sustaining His people through catastrophe. In this the miracle that occurs is our faith and hope, tested and built. Therefore, knowing that God does not always choose to intervene with miracles… but does keep His promises… we must trust the Lord. Transition: But in the midst of trouble and trial, when everything seems to be against us, and when forces that God says He controls seem to be out of His control… it can be very hard for us to trust God and to know what to do next. Although Jesus has gone to the Father to intercede for us, He has both promised to never leave us and to send the comforter. And the comforter is in our hearts and all the hearts of those who believe. Struggling to see where I'm going? Let's look at verse nine. II.) God's providence often includes opposition from forces of nature, so we must heed counsel from wise and godly people. (9-12) a. 9 - And when considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the Fast was already over, Paul began to advise them, 10 - and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” i. Luke does not track for us the departure date of this trip, nor does he give us any indication of exactly when Portius Festus took office. ii. So, we don't know exactly how long the trip has taken thus far – but he seems to indicate that what began as a doable trip to Rome has become less and less likely. iii. Luke tells us that the Fast was already over. Most likely Luke is referring the Day of Atonement which occurs in late September to early October depending on the year. iv. And the best guess for dating this trip is in AD 59 when the Day of Atonement occurred on October 5th. v. At this time, mid-September to mid-November becomes increasingly more and more difficult to travel the Mediterranean as the winter months approach. vi. After this period virtually all sea travel would cease until around February. vii. According to a Stanford Geospatial Network model of the Roman World, it is estimated that under ideal conditions, Paul would have been able to make the journey from Caesarea to Rome in just under 24 days. viii. Which means that they probably left with at least that amount of time before really difficult sailing conditions would arise. ix. But as Luke indicates here, violent winds began earlier than usual this year and kept them from making any significant progress. Now they face only more difficult sailing conditions as they head further into October and November. x. In light of this, Paul advises those in charge of the ship that this journey will end not only in the loss of the ship and all its cargo, but also in the loss of life. xi. Essentially Paul is advising wintering in Fair Havens and waiting until February to reembark to Italy. xii. In this we have a few questions. First, is Paul speaking the words of prophesy or merely of human wisdom? If it is prophesy, does it come true? If it is wisdom, what makes Paul such an expert that he would advise seasoned merchant sailors? 1. As to the first question, is Paul speaking the words of prophesy or merely human wisdom – we must conclude that this is NOT prophesy. Why must we conclude that? a. Paul predicts that the ship, its cargo, and the lives of the passengers on the ship would experience heavy damage and great loss. b. Peeking ahead a little, we see Paul predict a little later that every life on board the ship would be saved. When he predicts this, he attributes that prediction to the Word of God communicated by an Angel. 2. Therefore, we must conclude that in this instance, Paul speaks merely by his own wisdom. But if that is so, what makes Paul qualified to speak to such matters? a. Having written II Corinthians sometime before going to Jerusalem, Paul has already told us that he had been shipwrecked 3 times and left afloat in the open sea for a night and a day. b. Luke didn't record any of these for us – but it proves that Paul is no novice passenger on a sea faring vessel. c. It also communicates to us the very real danger of travel on the Mediterranean d. Paul's concerns here are not just for the ship and the cargo but for the lives of the people on board. e. Since these ships were ships of commerce, lives didn't always factor in to the decision making of the owners, captains, and crews of these vessels. xiii. And that seems to remain true even after Paul gives his advice. b. 11 - But the centurion was being more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12 - And because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to set sail from there, if somehow, they could arrive at Phoenix, a harbor of Crete facing southwest and northwest, to spend the winter there. i. Julius, the pilot, and the captain of the ship disagreed. ii. Their reasons are logical but next to the advice of a man of God, they are ultimately quite foolish. iii. The scriptures declare that the wisdom of men is foolishness to God. iv. So, what is the wisdom of men? Unfortunately, it is always tainted by sin. In this particular case… greed. 1. Fair Havens is not a port that provides adequate shelter for wintering. 2. It was not the kind of living conditions the crew desired to spend the next several months. 3. There was a significant risk to the cargo being spoiled or damaged, the ship being beaten up or broken, or even the prisoners escaping. 4. Ultimately the wisdom and logic of men comes down to dollars and cents. v. Instead of heeding the advice of Paul, they determined to get to Phoenix, a port giving great vision to both the South and the Northwest of the Mediterranean. A port right for wintering and one which they could depart from with relative confidence as to their heading. vi. This is the wisdom of men. But it will all go terribly wrong. More on that next week. c. Summary of the Point: Luke's point will continue to be how God's will includes providentially allowing the forces of nature to oppose His people. He preserves us through this, which is a testament to His grace, mercy and power, and He tests and perfects our faith in it. He does not always perform miracles to spare us pain, but miraculously sustains us through pain and difficulty while allowing us to continue to faithfully believe and follow Him, even when it seems as if He is slack in His promises. But as we face these difficult times and days, Paul provides another application for us aside from trusting the Lord. Not only must we continue to trust God in difficult times – but we must also trust the counsel of biblically wise people. Paul provides wise insight. And even though it is not about a “spiritual” or “theological” matter – he should have been heeded. When we face trouble, trial, testing and storms in life, we must look to spiritually mature counselors… NOT JUST for spiritual problems… but for all problems. Why? Because God's Word is sufficient to help us in all things we face. In all life and godliness the Word is sufficient. So, we must go to those who love and live by the Word for advice and counsel. And we must heed their counsel. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that informs and corrects our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: One common objection raised by skeptics of God is whether or not God can create a boulder so large that He could not lift it. It is not typically a question asked in good faith. For regardless of the answer, they think they've proven that He is not all powerful. Whenever someone asks a question that begins with “Could God…” you know immediately that the question is flawed. Why? Because God can… ALWAYS. There is nothing that is impossible with God. Ability is NEVER the question. The real question is about the will of God. And that is demonstrated right here in this text? Could God have stopped the storms? Could God have calmed the sea? We know He could. Why? Because He already did it. The Spirit of God moved on the face of the chaotic waters when He formed the earth. God the Father parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to walk on dry land. The Son of God stretched His hand out and said, “Peace, be still” And calmed a storm. My friends the question is NEVER “Can God?” it is always “Will God?” For whatever reason… God allows catastrophe to happen to all men… even His own children. Even His own apostles. Even… His own Son. He allows natural forces and even men's sinful nature to do many things to oppose His children. And we can guess at the whys of that… but maybe for today, we don't need to answer the question why. Because why isn't the right question! Paul addresses a similar argument in Romans 9 when some might complain that they were not elected for salvation and wonder why God judges them for something He did not choose for them to have. Paul says, essentially, you are asking the wrong question. How dare you question God. The right question… is what. In the midst of natural forces opposing me in doing what I know the Lord wishes me to do… What do I do? And this text provides two answers for us. One hinted and the other overtly stated. We must continue to trust the Lord's promises and we must heed the counsel of wise and godly people. But let me expand a bit on this. A few applicational groceries for you to make some spiritual meals with as the week unfolds. 1.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that natural forces opposing God's people is a valid reason to question God's Word or character. a. This text alone proves that to question God's promises or God's loving character based on tragic circumstances is absolutely ridiculous. b. God's promises and God's character is not beholden to everything always going right for mankind or even for His chosen people. c. God does work miracles for the sake of His will but He does not ALWAYS do this, nor does He always do miracles in every identical situation that follows that miracle. d. God told Moses to strike the rock and then God told Moses to speak to the Rock. e. Moses struck the Rock twice and both times produced water… but God had OTHER pictures he wished to convey to Moses and to the Israelites by Moses speaking to it instead of striking it. f. Just because God acts differently or allows people to suffer or even die does not mean we are free to begin questioning whether or not God is all good, all powerful, all loving, or all just. g. The creature cannot say such things to the creator. h. His ways are above our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. i. When we think God has done something unjust… it is because our definition of justice is NOT God's. j. When we think God has done something unloving… it is because our definition of love is NOT God's. k. When we think that God has done something that is not good… it is because our definition of good is NOT God's. l. When we wonder why God didn't do something to prevent catastrophe… it is because we have put God in a box and treated Him as if He is like us… We have made an idol, called it Yahweh, and gotten upset when that fake god doesn't do what we think he should. m. We must repent… not Him. n. God is unchangeable. He does not lie. He does not sin. He is the same as He always has been. o. If life stinks, and catastrophe happens… our conclusion CANNOT be… That God has failed, or that God is a liar. p. This is the height of arrogance and idolatry. q. So what must we believe instead? 2.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God providentially allows natural forces to oppose His people. a. God is absolutely free in His will to act according to His counsel. He has full freedom to do as He wishes and as He permits to ALL of His creation – including men. b. In His grace, His mercy, and His love – God does not desire the death of the wicked. c. That is a completely BONKERS statement. Of all the people that we should think God would be hunting down and squashing out of existence it SHOULD BE… the wicked. d. God is just… and He will judge them for their sin… But God does not actively seek out and kill wicked men. Why? Because we'd all be dead already. e. And here is another Bonkers statement in the scriptures… f. God's Son guaranteed that any who would follow Him would experience trouble. Jesus does not qualify that statement by specifying what trouble we experience. i. Is the trouble from those who might hate us and persecute us? ii. Is the trouble in the daily walk in living holy lives and turning from sin? iii. Is the trouble the common aches and pains and problems that all men face? g. Based on the entire cannon of scripture I think we'd have to say… YES! All of those. h. The scriptures say that all of creation groans in anticipation of the return of Jesus, the King of glory. i. Do you think violent storms that destroy property and lives are part of the creation's groans? ii. Do you think that diseases and sicknesses, aches and pains are part of the creation's groans? iii. Do you think that violent and wicked acts of men to snuff out life are part of creation's groans? i. My friends… God allows forces of nature to oppose all men, including His people, as a sign to us that things ARE NOT AS THEY SHOULD BE! j. When we experience heartache and trouble and problems and pain it should confirm upon us the blessed hope of our King's inevitable return to make all this right! k. If God always saved His people from calamity in miraculous ways… how strong would our faith be? l. Let me ask another question… If you always lifted everything for your child, including the spoon to their mouths, how much muscle would be on their arms? m. Were they called to lift a baby off the railroad tracks to save its life… they would struggle and strain and all would be lost. n. God knows we grow through adversity. We grow through struggle and pain. Not because He made us that way… but because sin has corrupted us THAT MUCH. o. The depravity of man is not some soteriological belief that only impacts us prior to conversion. p. My friends… sanctification – our growth to be more like Christ is long, difficult, fraught with pain and setbacks BECAUSE OF DEPRAVITY! q. The reformers believed and the scriptures agree that we are simultaneously WICKED SINNERS who have been declared righteous in Christ. We are all recovering pagans whose hearts continue to be factories forming idols on a daily basis. r. Therefore, we must believe that God sovereignly and providentially uses even natural disaster… to accomplish His will. Because His will is not ours. s. So what do we do with that? 3.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must continue to trust the Lord. a. Our God has promised that He will never leave us. b. He has promised us that He will seal us until the day of redemption with His Spirit. c. He has promised that He will give grace in a time of need to those who seek it. d. He has promised that He will sustain us to the moment that we have been appointed to die. e. He has promised to raise us up in Christ to join Him in the clouds. f. He has promised that when we join Him there we will always be with Him. g. So we face shipwreck. So we face wicked men shooting at us. So we face disease. So we face loss. So we face death. But we do so, knowing, that God will never forsake the promises He has made to us. We have confidence that if we face these things… God has willed it to be so for some purpose that we may never know. h. We trust Him. i. Trusting Christ does not mean trusting in a list of facts about God. j. Trusting Christ means that when tragedy occurs… we praise the Lord and trust that He is faithful. k. What else should we do? 4.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must heed the counsel of wise and godly people. a. Friends, although we have the Spirit of God in us, although Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake us, and although God in three persons is always present everywhere and when… somehow He knew that that would not be enough for our frailty. b. He knows our weakness indeed. c. And He has given us gifts… i. Apostles to form the church 2000 years ago. ii. Prophets to guide the church in its formation iii. Evangelists to expand the kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth iv. And pastors/shepherds/ Elders to spiritually care for and equip the church locally to do the work of the ministry which is the edification of the body of Christ. d. In addition to that he has given generational mandates to older believers to care for younger believers and counsel and admonish them in spiritual things. e. He has given fathers to spiritually grow their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. f. He has given all of God's people His Spirit and promises where two or more are gathered and seeking counsel on some of the most difficult things… He is there. g. My friends… when catastrophe surrounds us. When trouble comes. When hope is fading. When we don't know if we can go on. When we don't know what to do. h. God has given us… the church. i. Not perfect. Flawed. But spiritually maturing and matured people who love and live by God's Word. j. Don't buy into the lie that you must see a specialist in the field of your problems to get help. k. If your problems are medical, financial, relational, emotional… and yes… spiritual… You can rest assured that God's word has something to say about it. And wise and godly believers can help you find it and help you pursue it. 5.) Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Repenting of sin and becoming God's child does not give you a life of peace. In fact, it guarantees you a life of hardship. a. There are gospels going out today that seem to assure you that when you pray a prayer your life will be so much better. b. I just saw that MMA fighter Conner McGreggor recently made some kind of profession of faith in Jesus. He stated Jesus is King and that he has never been so at peace since believing this. c. I don't know his heart. I hope he is God's child. Time will tell. d. But here is what I do know. There is a paradox in the Christian life that all outsiders must see before they seek to enter in. e. Although in one sense being a child of God is the most peaceful, wonderful, glorious, amazing, fulfilling, and satisfying things there is… f. In another sense it is a life full of pain, anguish, struggle, hardship, betrayal, failure, frustration, and rejection. And not just in the sense that it is the normal human experience… but beyond that… being a Christian is directly linked to MORE of these than if you were not a Christian. g. Every single Christian in this room affirms this paradox as true. They have lived it. God's word says it. h. Jesus tells everyone to count the cost. He says that the only way to be His disciple is to take yourself, your desires, your comfort, your plans, your lifestyles, your money, your peace, your hope… and nail it to a cross… kill it brutally. Then follow Him. Then… and only then… can you be His disciple. i. He has paid it all… but make no mistake… it will cost you everything. And to true Christians it is a price… we gladly pay. j. If you have counted the cost and desire to follow Jesus, the Elders in this church would love to talk to you about that. Come see us… and don't dilly dally about it. Let me close with a word of prayer from the Apostolic Constitutions Lord God Almighty and true God, nothing compares to you. You are everywhere, and present in all things, but you are not part of your creation. You are not bound by place, and you do not grow old in time. You are not terminated by the ages. You are not deceived by words, and not created by anything. You require no one to look after you, and you are above all corruption. You are free from change, and by nature you never vary. You inhabit inaccessible light. You are invisible by nature, but are known to all thinking people who seek you with a good mind-your people who truly see and who have believed on Christ. You are the God of Israel. Be gracious to me, and hear me, for the sake of your name. Bless those who bow before you, and grant them the requests of their hearts, for their good. Do not reject any of them from your kingdom. Instead, set them apart for you. Guard, cover, and help them. Deliver them from the adversary, and from every enemy. Keep their houses and families safe, and guard them as they come and go. For to you belongs the glory, praise, majesty, worship, and adoration, and to your Son Jesus, your Christ, our Lord and God and King, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always, forever and ever, amen. Benediction: May the One Who makes the vapors ascend in clouds from earth's remotest end, Whose lightings flash at His commands, Who holds the tempest in His hands. Keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, go in peace.

You're listening to the Village Kids Podcast: Summer Fun Edition! We're taking a break from our usual chronological Bible format to bring you stories about Peter for one last week. Last time, we heard how Peter visited a Roman Centurion named Cornelius and shared the good news about Jesus. Cornelius and his whole family chose to follow Jesus and were baptized. Today, we have another exciting story about Peter - this time, about a daring escape that only God could make happen! So grab an ice cream sandwich and get ready for a crazy story. Our bite-sized story podcast is a fun way to learn truths from the Bible in a fun story format. Tune in every week for a new episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Who is the enemy in your world, the person or group of people who lives and acts contrary to your value system? In Jesus' day, the enemy of the Jews and the Christians was the Romans. In the story of the Roman Centurion, Jesus finds pure faith in an unexpected place. Understanding the chain of command, the Roman Centurion believes that Jesus can heal his servant even from a distance just by speaking the word—demonstrating a level of faith that Jesus could not find anywhere else among His believers. In a moment, the excluded enemy becomes part of the family. How are you laying down enemy lines? Can you see beyond what you perceive to be true? God values your enemy. Can you? 

This episode is part 16 in a study of the gospel of Luke. More from the sermon on the Plain include a foolish man and a wise man. Also a wise Roman Centurion who understands authority. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textIn this episode, Arnie and Fred begin a look at what the Bible says an individual must do to be saved. We start out by noting what Jesus directed the apostles to do upon His departure. We note Mathew and Mark's account of what Jesus said to them right before He ascended to heaven. We begin in Acts chapter 2 when Peter preached the first gospel sermon. We read the record of that occasion and note that the people asked what they needed to do, and Peter gave them specific instructions that were in line with what Jesus told them. The next occasion is when Philip went to Samaria. There he taught the people things concerning the kingdom of God, and both men and women were baptized. There was a sorcerer there as well who eventually obeyed his preaching. Philip was also sent to a desert area in Gaza by the Holy Spirit where he found an Ethiopian eunuch, the treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia. They had a discussion of Isaiah chapter 53 that he was reading. We read the passages and find out what the Ethiopian eunuch did. We note that it is consistent with what Jesus commanded to be done. Saul, later to be known as Paul the apostle, was contacted by the Lord on the road to Damascus as Saul intended to go there and persecute Christians. We discuss what he was told to do. We begin our discussion of Cornelius the Roman Centurion but run out of time to finish it. We will finish that discussion in the next episode. Take about 30-minutes to listen in on our discussion. Have your Bible handy so you can verify what we are saying. There is a transcript of this Buzzsprout episode provided for your convenience.

A Roman soldier. Unlikely faith. Stunning praise from Jesus. In this message, we explore what it means to trust God without reservation—and how even outsiders are welcomed into His kingdom. Keywords: faith of Roman centurion, Matthew 8 explained, Jesus amazed by faith, great faith in the Bible

In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman Centurion requests Jesus to heal his servant, revealing his great faith in Jesus's power to heal through His word. This episode models three attitudes you need as you approach Jesus in faith.

Bounary-transgressing love and overcoming ableism are at the heart of the very first stories Matthew tells about Jesus after his big Sermon on the Mount. There's oodles of anti-authoritarian mischief and delightful queer energy brimming in these tales.Episode highlights:ableism and leprosy,Jesus' massive shoutout to a queer Centurion,the only person in the Bible outside the holy family to submit to their spouses,whether Brandon Johnson is willing to add a winking emoji to the LIT bible,antisemitic vibes of some texts,problems with the economic convenience of pigs and people tormented by demons.Our guest cohost is Micah Belong (xe/xey). Micah is the founding cohost of the outstanding podcast The Word in Black and Red, where a rotating cast of wise souls are exploring the Hebrew Bible one chapter or so at a time through a liberationist and leftist lens. If you like Found in Translation, you're going to positively adore TWIBAR."The Word in Black and Red" podcast (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)Support TWIBAR on Patreon....Read LIT online: https://www.litbible.net/matthew-8 and https://www.litbible.net/matthew-9More about the Liberation & Inclusion Translation: https://www.litbible.net/translation-commitmentsSupport LIT & FIT: https://donorbox.org/found-in-translation-1...Opportunity Walks by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Luke 7:1-10 records the story of two vastly different approaches to Jesus and records his vastly different reactions to such approaches. There are the Jewish Elders and the Roman Centurion - and a lot in between, including the difference between religion and gospel. Tune in as Jesus continues to amaze.

Acts 27 tells of Paul's journey to Rome for his case to be heard by the Emperor Nero. The ship sets sail in fine weather with only Luke accompanying the Apostle Paul on his voyage. The ship soon finds sailing difficult because of the opposing winds. When the ship reaches Crete it has now become too dangerous for sailing; and Paul advises that they should stay in Crete until the winter passes. But, the owner of the ship was determined to reach Rome as quickly as possible to receive his profit. The Roman Centurion decides to accept the ship owners' position and to continue on their journey. The ship is now beset with a hurricane-like wind called Euroclydon. The crew takes many measures to try to save the ship and its precious cargo. Nothing works and their lives are entirely at the mercy of this horrible storm. All on board the ship become depressed and for fourteen days eat nothing. Then Paul, after receiving a vision from an angel of God, takes control and encourages everyone. The Apostle gives thanks to God and they all eat. After that the ship is lightened by throwing overboard the wheat from the hold. There are 276 people on the ship. Some of the sailors pretend to let down anchors under the ship, but their intentions are to flee in the life boats. Paul says to the Roman Centurion (Julius) that unless the sailors stay on the ship all lives are in danger. Julius stops the sailors from escaping. When daylight comes the crew run the ship into a creek which sees the rough sea smash the ship to pieces. All escape safely to shore – some swimming and others being carried by the current on planks of wood from the broken ship. Acts 27:31 makes the nice point that unless we abide or remain in the Christ ship we cannot be saved: compare John 15 our fruitfulness and salvation is dependent on us abiding in the Vine of God – His precious Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

This week, Pastor Alvin continues our Submitted Leaders series with a powerful message about yielding our influence to the authority of Christ. Drawing from the stories of King Saul, David, and the Roman Centurion, this message challenges us to reframe leadership through the lens of submission. “You can't have faith without understanding authority”—a truth that unlocks real freedom, influence, and impact in the Kingdom. Scriptures references: 1 Samuel 15:8 1 Samuel 16:7 2 Chronicles 16:9 Matthew 8:5-13 Matthew 20:16 James 4:7-10 ABOUT US At Nashville Life Church, our vision is dedicated to following Jesus & building leaders. We are here to point every person to Jesus Christ. CONNECT To get connected, text BELONG to 77411. GIVE To support this ministry & help us continue to reach people all around the world: http://www.chrch.es/3a843 PRAYER REQUESTS If you have a prayer request or need, we'd love to pray with you. Click this link to let us know how we can pray with you: https://bit.ly/3fVDSDh 

Last week we talked about Paul the Apostle as he boarded the boat to Rome. And we talked about Paul's health and how he was in bad shape. We said that the Roman Centurion, Julius, looked at Paul and saw that he needed medical care...and he allowed Paul to go to his friends in Sidon. Now if Paul made a run for it...Julius would have been executed! But somewhere along the journey...the Holy Spirit had made Julius' heart tender. Paul had most likely spent time talking with him. And the Lord grew a trust and respect for Paul in Julius' heart. Tonight...we pick back up where we left off. Paul is about to board the boat again...but this time... a storm's coming.

These days so many strive to convince themselves there is no God. We pondered the fact that God does not make it abundantly evident that he exists. If he did there would be no need for faith, no need to search out what is the real cause of human existence. These thoughts arose as we read of the conversion of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, in Acts ch. 10, a man whose prayers show he was genuinely seeking to have a relationship with God.First, Peter had to learn that the hope of salvation was no longer primarily for the Jews; the death and resurrection of Jesus had changed that. One of the reasons for the conversion of Saul/Paul we read about yesterday, was that the time soon came when Jesus said to him, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” [ch.22 v,21]As Peter starts to talk to Cornelius and the Gentiles (non-Jews) with him, he first states that God has shown him that he is no longer to think that any person, apart from a Jew “as common or unclean” [10 v.28]. He says his hearers are aware how Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed … for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree” [v.38,39] Peter is stating widely known facts.What happened after that was not so publicly known – that “God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”[v.41,42] Because Cornelius was such a God fearing man, his remarkable conversion and baptism is a lesson as to the kind of people Jesus, now at the ‘right hand of God' (Acts 2 v.33), is calling to his service.The challenging principles Jesus stated still apply, “ Many are called but few are chosen” [Matt.22 v.14] and Cornelius was among the chosen. This causes us to contemplate what really matters in the sight of God as to the basic factors which will lead to one being among the chosen. For this reason we are wise to read and reflect on his word every day and make every effort to put into practice the principles we find there.. More than this, to reflect on another saying of Jesus, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him (or her) much will be required …” [Luke 12 v.48]

Following the crucifixion story of Mark 15, Pastor Chad shows how the Cross made the difference in Joseph of Arimathea, the Roman Centurion, Barabbas and more. In this powerful Good Friday sermon Pastor Chad asks the question: "Has The Cross made the difference for you?" To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29

Remember Jesus’ trial before Pilate? Who were the people in that mob shouting, “Crucify!?” And what do we know about the Roman Centurion? What should we learn from the women who braved that crucifixion crowd? This week on The Land and the Book, we’ll meet more of the “The Cast of Characters at the Cross.” Plus--what’s really happening in the Middle East right now? We’ll bring you all the headlines—from a biblical perspective—on The Land and the Book with Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can the darkest day in history be called good? Because it was the day love chose sacrifice, and hope broke through despair. An innocent man's death changed everything—and it's still changing lives today.

Great Oaks Community Church Weekly Sermon Podcast.

1 Corinthians 1:18:  John 10:14-18:  Luke 23   What would you list as the Top 5 dates in history?   - The Day Jesus was crucified on the cross.    "For the word (message) of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."  (1 Corinthians 1:18)   - What did Jesus say about that day?               "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me              and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.  I have other sheep, which are not of this              fold; I must bring also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.              For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.  No one has              taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have              authority to take it up again.  This commandment I received from My Father."  (John 10:14-18)   - What events took place in Jerusalem on that day?  (Luke 22:66-Luke 23)      - Jesus is questioned by the Council of Elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes.  (Luke 22:66-71)      - Jesus is questioned by Pilate.  (Luke 23:1-7)      - Jesus is questioned by Herod.  (Luke 23:8-12)      - Jesus is sentenced to be crucified and Barabbas is released.  (Luke 23:13-25)      - Jesus has his cross carried by Simon of Cyrene.  (Luke 23:26-31)      - Jesus is crucified between two criminals.  (Luke 23:32-43)      - Jesus died in such a way the Roman Centurion began praising God.  (Luke 23:47)      - Jesus has his body removed from the cross and buried by Joseph of Arimathea.  (Luke 23:50-56)

XVIII. Jesus Deals with Us

XVIII. Jesus Deals with Us

Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion's servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people – most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion's faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This man was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham's kingdom (Romans 4:13; Genesis 12:3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow's son. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod's prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John's messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness – Jesus and John are both the Father's wise children. Not a greater man among had ever been born of a woman than John, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus' feet in love – and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Simon and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness ie love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this.

We've been doing a lot of newer, shinier, well polished game shows lately. Now depending on who you ask, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Sure, modern day streaming services offer a sort of quality guarantee with the programs they include - but only on YouTube will you be able to find a VHS quality recording of Ahmad Rashad and a Roman Centurion hosting a word jumble themed game show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. So now that we know that that existed, there's nothing left for us to do but rob them blind. Zach does a live word jumble, Jared rekindles our old obsession, and Adam is marveled by slot machine themes. Talking Points Include: Big Dog Fever, Pine Wood Derby, Iditarod Wishes, Centurion of the Week, Ziggy Game Show, Jurassic Park Slots, Dino Racing, Rejected Addams Family Names, Casino Martial Law

Matthew 8 Jeff Kennedy

Throughout the Gospel accounts of Jesus, we see Him perform so many incredible miracles. These moments separate Jesus from comparison to any other religious figure throughout human history. We have to wrestle with why so many are collected and shared when they are beyond our comprehension. The miracles in the Gospel of Luke are more than moments of wonder but invitations to learn from and worship our Lord. This week, we engage Luke 7:1-10 ESV and the daring faith found with a Roman Centurion. Speaker: Michael Bayne Text: Luke 7:1-10 ESV

In this sermon, Pastor Casey continues our sermon series The Cross by taking a look at a Roman centurion's encounter with Jesus at the crucifixion. Something about what the man encountered would lead him to recognize Jesus' identity and innocence. Subscribe to stay updated with the latest content from Grace City! CONNECT WITH GRACE CITY EUGENE HERE AT: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracecityeugene/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceCityEugene - Website: https://www.gracecityeugene.com

The Cross- Roman Centurion - Skeptic to Believer - Jesse Webb by Every Nation Rosebank

The Cross- Roman Centurion - Skeptic to Believer - CJ Sainsbury by Every Nation Rosebank

In our final Sunday in our series "The Cross", we see how a Roman Centurion turned from skeptic, to believer. In times where the truth is ever under attack, our prayer is that this guard's revelation can be the same revelation you to have when you are met with The Gospel. Sermon Guide: https://kingspark.org/guide/jan2625

What Happens in This Episode? In this episode of Jesus Stories, Jesus begins showing his disciples how his new Kingdom should look. We meet two remarkable people who have faith that is commended by Jesus. A Roman Centurion is sure that Jesus can hear a deathly ill slave just by speaking. And a prostitute honors Jesus at the home of a Pharisee exercising a faith that Jesus says saves her. In between, Jesus raises the son of a widow and shows John's disciples that he is the one for whom they have been waiting. Meet Our New Sponsor I've partnered with Hero Care Packages to bring you an exclusive offer. When you use my discount code STORIESDEAL, you will receive 10% off of your purchase of a special care package for one of our service members – soldier, sailor, or airman – protecting our freedoms. You'll help the service member out, save money, and help out Jesus Stories, too. Use the link below to get your savings: https://herocarepackages.com/discount/STORIESDEAL Scriptures Referenced in This Episode  Luke 7:1-50 Matthew 8:11-12 Malachi 3:1 We're On Social Media Facebook Instagram X/Twitter YouTube Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Bulletin: Epiphany 3 Bulletin 2025   Congregation at Prayer: Congregation at Prayer, 1/26/25

In this series, we're taking a dive into The Cross and what it means for a fallen humanity. 

Pastor Morgan Stephens

Over the next four weeks, we'll look into the stories of four Bible characters who encountered the cross.Each character and story of encounter is unique. Yet, they all share one thing in common: a significant change in their lives.

Over the next four weeks, we'll look into the stories of four Bible characters who encountered the cross.Each character and story of encounter is unique. Yet, they all share one thing in common: a significant change in their lives.

Over the next four weeks, we'll look into the stories of four Bible characters who encountered the cross.Each character and story of encounter is unique. Yet, they all share one thing in common: a significant change in their lives.

Send us a textThis week we jump forward in the book of Luke to Chapter 7, verses 1-10,the story of the Roman Centurion's faith in Jesus. They discuss the importance of understanding the life and ministry of Jesus verse by verse, contrasting this with the lectionary approach of jumping between scriptures. The episode delves into the Centurion's background, his high status, and his respectful request for Jesus to heal his precious slave without entering his home, demonstrating his understanding of Jewish purity laws and his immense faith in Jesus' authority over death, even at a distance. The hosts emphasize the significance of a Gentile displaying such faith and conclude with a reminder for listeners to love God and be kind to others, followed by Pastor Rocky's sermon titled "Authority."The sermon for this episode is titled "Authority" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermonsNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock

Whether it's personal doubts, allegiances to something else, or our own religious filters, we often stand in the way of genuine belief. But the cross confronts and overcomes these barriers by revealing God's character, power, and faithfulness through Christ at the cross.

Whether it's personal doubts, allegiances to something else, or our own religious filters, we often stand in the way of genuine belief. But the cross confronts and overcomes these barriers by revealing God's character, power, and faithfulness through Christ at the cross.

If Jesus Said It, We Can Trust It. Today, Pastor Michael is giving us a lesson remotely, as the snow and ice forced us not to hold a service at the church.  Today's lesson is about faith.  Jesus expressed sorrow that His followers didn't have great faith.  But Jesus did have a believer who trusted Him in His word. Here, Jesus had just finished a powerful message, returning to Capernaum.  A delegation of Jewish elders came out to meet Jesus, asking Him to help a Roman Centurion.   This Centurion had a servant who was sick.  The Centurion had heard about Jesus and his miracles, so he asked the Jewish elders to ask Jesus for help.  Jesus agreed to see the Centurion's servant, and when He got there, another group of folks came out to meet Him. The Centurion knew Jesus only had to say the word, and his servant would be healed.  This Centurion did not even feel worthy of Jesus coming to him, but he knew Jesus had the authority to heal.  He knew the authority Jesus had and recognized Jesus as the Messiah.  This Centurion even had more faith than many followers of Jesus did at the time!  Jesus marveled at the Centurion, telling the crowd He had not seen such great faith, even in Israel.  And the servant was healed!  The Centurion saw the truth in Jesus that even Jesus's followers did not see.  “If Jesus said it, we can trust it” is our central theme today.  Full Authority In Those Hands = FAITH. (CSB Bible Notes) 7:2-3 A centurion was a commander of a hundred men in the Roman army. This centurion was apparently a compassionate man, deeply concerned about the illness of his servant. He reached out to Jesus through some local Jewish elders (either recognized leaders in the community or respected older men). In the parallel passage in Mt 8:5-10, the centurion approached Jesus directly. Today's verses can be found in Luke 7: 1-10. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Whether it's personal doubts, allegiances to something else, or our own religious filters, we often stand in the way of genuine belief. But the cross confronts and overcomes these barriers by revealing God's character, power, and faithfulness through Christ at the cross.

Whether it's personal doubts, allegiances to something else, or our own religious filters, we often stand in the way of genuine belief. But the cross confronts and overcomes these barriers by revealing God's character, power, and faithfulness through Christ at the cross.

How does someone become a follower of Christ? Does it begin by becoming curious about this Jesus person and all of the world-changing influence he has? Perhaps we are living in fear and are searching for a kind of security that is different and higher than anything else we know. Maybe we're overwhelmed with despair in our lives, and we're searching for powerful hope and encouragement. Or maybe we've been awakened to the realization that there is more to life than what this world has to offer - much more. While any and all of these things can play a role in coming to Christ, the one common factor in all cases of true discipleship is beyond us. It is God drawing us to Him through Jesus. So, how does that work? How can we identify the drawing of God and differentiate it from our own emotions? By invitation only During his ministry on earth, Jesus plainly stated that no one comes to him unless God has drawn them. The context of this statement was Jesus talking about what it takes to become a true disciple of his. He was indicating to those listening that there was more to becoming one of his followers than they may have thought. True discipleship would always begin with God's providence in someone's life. An individual's decision to truly follow would be an outgrowth of that invitation. So, what does that drawing from God actually look like? The answer to this is best understood by looking at actual biblical examples of some who were called to follow Jesus from widely diverse backgrounds. Observing someone's actual life circumstances coupled with what we are told was their heart attitude helps us see the process of how God calls. Take Cornelius the Roman Centurion for example Cornelius loved God, even though his life was far outside of God's favor as a Roman Gentile. In spite of that lack of favor, he remained devoted to honoring what he knew of God's ways. When God's timing arrived, the Apostle Peter was sent to him to witness about Jesus. Cornelius was ready, and the despair of his previous lack of favor was transformed into fulfilled contentment as a follower of Jesus. This is just one example of how God may call us. Check out our December 9, 2024 podcast, “How Do You Know If God Is Calling You?” for more. We also dig into the lives of the Apostle Paul before his conversion, Zaccheus the tax collector, and the Apostle Peter at the time he was drawn by God to Jesus. All four examples show us differing life circumstances through which God would draw individuals to Him as they came to Jesus. The lessons here are eye-opening as we learn how varied and unique God calling people can be. Join us as we walk through the lives of these faithful disciples of Jesus and appreciate their responses to God's drawing.

While in Capernaum, Jesus marveled at the example of a Roman centurion. What specifically impressed Jesus about this man during their unusual encounter?Written and presented by Erik Jones: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/authors/erik-jones/Read Online: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/who-is-jesus/jesus-and-the-roman-centurion/

Joseph Rudyard Kipling (30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936) was an English journalist, novelist, poet, and short-story writer. He was born in British India, which inspired much of his work.Kipling's works of fiction include the Jungle Book duology (The Jungle Book, 1894; The Second Jungle Book, 1895), Kim (1901), the Just So Stories (1902) and many short stories, including "The Man Who Would Be King" (1888). His poems include "Mandalay" (1890), "Gunga Din" (1890), "The Gods of the Copybook Headings" (1919), and "If—" (1910). He is seen as an innovator in the art of the short story. His children's books are classics; one critic noted "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".Kipling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was among the United Kingdom's most popular writers. Henry James said "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius, as distinct from fine intelligence, that I have ever known." In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, as the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and at 41, its youngest recipient to date. He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and several times for a knighthood, but declined both. Following his death in 1936, his ashes were interred at Poets' Corner, part of the South Transept of Westminster Abbey.-bio via Wikipedia Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe