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Nina weighs the pros and cons of offering her delicious chocolate Terffles at the local Farmer's Market, while Cori is motivated by lulz. Is it a chocolate thing, or a gender thing? Which wins: love, humor, or domination? Can Cori work on the Sabbath? How can 2 things be true?? Plus: social climate change, Tranndies, just another trans male mass murderer, sex-denying journalists, cats, and the weather.We recorded this over 10 days ago, and since then Nina launched and completed this brief Terffles-by-Mail experiment: https://store.ninapaley.com/product/terffles/(Link password: “yum”)That batch are literally in the mail now, making their way to their USA destinations.Links:Istanbul (Not Constantinople):Too Darn Hot:Art Coop “No TERFs” sign: https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/jim-dey-terf-battle-in-urbana-averted/article_cdf7ecd4-2e0d-5759-84b7-fbbe653de2a5.htmlMen's Pocky: https://candycritic.org/pockyformen.htmCarole Hooven calls out journalists lying about murderer's sex:Pusslims: https://x.com/_Islamicat Get full access to Heterodorx Podcast at heterodorx.substack.com/subscribe
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
Commentary of "Complete in Christ" (February 28–March 6, 2026)Weekly Sabbath School Lesson Commentary and Adventist Fact Check with Colleen TinkerThis weekly feature is dedicated to Adventists who are looking for biblical insights into the topics discussed in the Sabbath School lesson quarterly. We post videos and articles which address each lesson as presented in the Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, including biblical commentary on them. We hope you find this material helpful and that you will come to know Jesus and His revelation of Himself in His word in profound biblical ways.Website, donation link: http://proclamationmagazine.com/Facebook—Former Adventist: https://www.facebook.com/FormerAdventist/Facebook—Life Assurance Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/ProclamationMagazine/#sda #sabbath #sabbathschool © 2023, 2024 Life Assurance Ministries, Inc.
Jesus Tells Us: Follow Me Out of the Darkness Today's Homily contrasts mere compliance with true obedience in the spiritual life, . . . . . . especially during Lent. Compliance is external, minimal, and checklist-driven . . . doing what is required without interior conversion. Obedience, however, is transformative: it allows God's commands to shape the heart, form character, and open a person to charity, generosity, and deeper union with Him. Practices such as prayer, fasting, Sabbath observance, and almsgiving are not ends in themselves. When done only outwardly, they are empty. Their purpose is to redirect the believer away from self-absorption and toward love of God and neighbor, forming a heart capable of mercy. Lent is Thus a Journey Fasting should lead to generosity; prayer should reshape desire; rest should become rest in God, not mere inactivity. This teaching echoes the prophetic call found in the Book of Isaiah. The Gospel image of Jesus calling Levi (Matthew) illustrates this movement vividly. Levi sits enclosed in a tax booth . . . symbolizing the human tendency to cling to security, ambition, resentment, or comfort. Christ's command, “Follow me,” is not a suggestion but a liberating summons to step out of spiritual confinement. Lent is thus a journey of following Christ out of darkness toward the joy of Easter, where He leads His people “home” into communion, celebration, and true rest . . . an invitation also expressed in Gospel of Matthew. Ultimately, salvation may be characterized as entering God's rest: a life no longer ruled by self-will, but transformed into the likeness of Christ through prayer, sacrifice, and charity. Hear more within the Homily. Listen to Jesus Tells Us: Follow Me Out of the Darkness ------------------------------------------------------------------ Art Work The Calling Of Saint Matthew: Dutch painter: Hendrick Ter Brugghen: 1621 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Why was this image selected: Matthew's hesitation and awakening, mirroring the sermon's image of Christ entering the “customs booth” of the human heart to lead it into light.
We come to Luke 5:1-11 in our journey through that gospel and see how Jesus customizes His call on Peter (and his gang) in a way uniquely suited to the fisherman's sensibilities. He does the same with us, just not with fish. To investigate this most important of stories further, go here.
https://nicoleunice.kit.com/Today we’re in Mark chapter 3, and I’m calling this episode “The Secret to Being Yourself,” because this chapter shows us how Jesus moves through intense pressure without losing His center. The crowds are pressing in, the religious leaders are watching Him like hawks, and even His own family shows up thinking He’s out of His mind. And yet—Jesus doesn’t get pulled around by expectations, fear, or public opinion. He stays anchored in one thing: obedience to the Father. We watch Jesus heal on the Sabbath and expose what really matters in the kingdom of God—mercy, restoration, and full life. We also see how quickly opposition escalates, and how willing people are to protect power when Jesus disrupts their system. But the comfort in all of it is this: when following Jesus costs you approval, you’re not alone. Jesus shows us that belonging isn’t just about bloodlines or popularity—it’s about being part of a new family formed around God’s will. And I want us to walk away asking: Am I willing to trust God’s timing and obey Him—even when it disappoints other people? What We Cover: - Understand what Mark 3 reveals about Jesus’ priorities: mercy, restoration, and life—not legalism. - See why Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath becomes a flashpoint and what it teaches about “the higher law” of love. - Notice what makes Jesus righteously angry: stubborn hearts that miss opportunities to love and heal. - Learn why opposition escalates so quickly—and how people will unite across differences to protect power. - Grasp the “Messianic secret” idea (Jesus repeatedly limiting publicity) and how expectations about the Messiah shaped reactions. - Reflect on discernment: the danger of calling good evil (and evil good) when you’re spiritually misaligned. - Be encouraged that Jesus understands relational pressure: even family misunderstanding doesn’t derail Him. - Take away a defining principle: Obedience to the Father is the pathway to your most free, grounded self. - Leave with two heart-questions: Do I trust God’s timing? Am I living from obedience—or from approval? Resources mentioned: Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: https://nicoleunice.kit.com/ Nicole’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Check out this encore show from March 10, 2025 (2:03) Bible Study: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Why is Leviticus such an important book? Father explains Matthew 25:31-46 How does this reading connect with Leviticus? Don’t worry It fits better than you’d think. Luke 4:1-13 Is there importance to the word “if” in this passage? (22:04) Break 1 (25:50) Letters: Does the burnt offering always have to be male in the Old Testament? Do I need to confess a mortal sin if I don’t realize I committed it? Father answers these and other questions. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (39:36) Break 2 (40:09) Word of the Day: Minister (41:25) Phones: Judy – Because there are so many religions, I’m concerned that one of them may be wrong, and what is your opinion on that, and set me straight? Pam – Didn’t Satan know Jesus was the son of God? Angela – My husband died a couple year ago. If he’s in heaven/purgatory, does he hear me when I call out to him/talk to him? Patty – There’s one commandment, about follow the Sabbath. When did we no longer follow the Sabbath. When change and why?
In the face of religious rigidity, Jesus heals a woman long bound by a spirit, showing that the true essence of the Sabbath lies not in strict rules, but in freeing the oppressed and restoring life.Jesus heals a woman bound by a spirit for eighteen years in the synagogue on the Sabbath, freeing her from pain, while the religious leaders protest, accusing Him of violating the Sabbath law. Jesus rebukes them, reminding the crowd that compassion and setting captives free should be at the heart of God’s day of rest.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this message, we will look at one of the most pivotal chapters in Matthew, where Jesus' ministry will experience the peak of its persecution thus far--- all over a controversy surrounding the Sabbath. In doing so, we will consider the dangers of legalism, and beauty of Jesus' ministry of grace and mercy. Scripture: Matthew 12:1-21
Your life moves in the direction of your strongest thoughts. In Week 2 of our "Life on Purpose" series, we dive into Colossians to explore how to "set our minds on things above." We often try to fix our actions without addressing our thinking, but scripture tells us that as a person thinks in their heart, so they are.In this episode, we break down three practical ways to realign your mindset:God Above Me: Choosing God's wisdom over human philosophy and tradition.Rest Above Breaks: Understanding the difference between escaping work and operating in Christ's power through true Sabbath.Rhythm Above Balance: Debunking the "balance lie" and learning to cooperate with the natural seasons of life dictated by God.Stop trying to balance a heavy plate and start living in the rhythm of grace.
Sacred Practices - Sabbath
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.Hebrews 3:12-19BETTER DELIVERERTherefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.Hebrews 3:12-19“They shall not enter my rest.”6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.Hebrews 3:12-19Green Day - American Idiot “Don't want to be an…”Rage Against The Machine - Killing in the Name “I won't do what you tell me”JONATHAN EDWARDS(photo)70 Resolutions by Jonathan EdwardsResolution one: “I will live for God.”Resolution two: “If no one else does, I still will.”Resolution six:“I won't live halfway — I'm going all in while I have time.”Resolution seven: “I'm going to live now the way I'll wish I had at the end of my life.”Deliverance: the action of being rescued or set freeDeliverance is not a transition from something bad to something neutral, it's going from some bad to something good.According to Morris, the ancient Rabbis considered Moses to be the greatest man ever, greater than the angels.The writer to the Hebrews does nothing to criticize Moses.David Guzik7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,“Today, if you hear his voice,8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years.10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.'11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.'”12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:7-12What they did —> What that shows us about God —> The outcomeMoses - (OUT)What Moses did: freed God's people from 400 years of oppressionWhat that shows us about God: God cares deeply about rescuing us from our burdens16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4:16The Outcome: It was not enough for themJoshua - (IN)What Joshua did: Brought God's people into the Promise Land after 40 years of wanderingWhat that shows us about God: God cares deeply about fulfilling our desiresThe Outcome: It was not enough for them19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.Hebrews 3:15-19One can truly believe God, yet be occasionally troubled by doubts. There is a doubt that wants God's promise but is weak in faith at the moment. Unbelief isn't weakness of faith; it sets itself in opposition to faith.David GuzikYour unbelief is your fault, not your misfortune.Charles Spurgeon6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.Hebrews 4:6-10Jesus - (NOW)What Jesus did: Paid for sin with His own life once and for all.What that shows us about God: What God cares most about is our DEEPEST good.“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others do the same.”C.S. LewisThe Outcome: Jesus is enough and can be en...
In this sobering message from Matthew 12:9-14, we witness the moment the Pharisees cross the line from opposition to murderous conspiracy against Jesus—all because He healed a man on the Sabbath. By asking, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?" Jesus exposed their hardness of heart and demonstrated that He is indeed Lord of the Sabbath. But the healing itself isn't the main point; it's a sign of God's love and a confrontation of idolatry. The Pharisees valued their rules over people, their sheep over the sheep of God's flock, and their religious system over the Messiah Himself. In their darkened hearts, they conspired with their enemies—the Herodians, the Sadducees, and eventually Rome—to destroy Jesus. This passage reminds us that we still live in a world of darkness, spiritual attack, and conspiracy. But the answer to darkness is light: Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. Whether you're under spiritual attack or actually partnering with darkness this message calls you back to the Light—the One who overcomes all darkness.
What is the purpose for the season of Lent? Jesus taught that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was made for man, as a gift for us. The Sabbath creates rhythms that allow us to break away from the normal routines of life and work so that we can enter into worship and enter into praise. This rest is a kindness of God to humanity. It's not meant to be a burden.The practice of observing Lent is similar. We are not made for Lent. Lent was made for us - it is a season to be a gift to you and to me.Psalm 32:1-2 tells us, "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." >>Watch on YouTubeDr. Mark Gignilliat is professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, where he teaches courses in Old Testament and Hebrew. Mark also serves as theologian in residence at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Birmingham. Dr. Gignilliat is married to Naomi, and they have four children.
We're Still Learning Pt. 4 | February 22, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Mark 3:1-6 (NLT) Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn't answer him.He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.✓ HARD HEARTS VALUE BEING RIGHT OVER BEING LOVING.I Corinthians 8:1 (TLB) Next is your question about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. On this question everyone feels that only his answer is the right one! But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love.I Corinthians 13:2 (NIV) If I have all knowledge...but do not have love, I am nothing.✓ HARD HEARTS WITHHOLD COMPASSION TO STAY IN CONTROL.Mark 3:4 (NIV) Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.✓ HARD HEARTS ALLOW SILENCE TO TURN INTO SEPARATION.Mark 3:6 (NLT) At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.When compassion is withheld, resentment grows.When conversations are avoided, conclusions are assumed.What goes unspoken eventually becomes destructive.Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS1. OPENNESS: GOD, I ASK YOU TO SEARCH MY HEART.Psalms 139:23–24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Q: Where do I need God to soften me - not fix someone else?2. HUMILITY: GOD, I REPENT HONESTLY AND QUICKLY.James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.Q: Where has pride or defensiveness kept my heart from being open?3. LOVE: GOD, HELP ME LOVE PEOPLE THE WAY YOU LOVE THEM.John 13:34–35 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.Q: What would loving like Jesus look like in my relationships this week?
The Lord of the Sabbath is the Lord of your life. Pastor Lee continues our series through the miracles found in the book of John.Welcome to Heights Baptist Church! Connect with us at heightschurch.org/connect
What if Lent isn't primarily about giving something up… but about accepting an invitation? In The Invitation, Pastor Tom VanAntwerp takes us to Exodus 33 and the powerful image of the Tent of Meeting—a place Moses set up outside the camp where he met with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” It's a stunning picture of intimacy. In a noisy, hurried, performance-driven world, God extends a simple but profound invitation: Come away. Quiet the noise. Slow down. Meet with Me. Lent often feels heavy—ashes, repentance, reflection. But beneath it is something deeply hopeful. God delights in you. He knows you by name. And He longs to fill the canvas of these forty days with His presence, rest, and renewal. In this message, Pastor Tom explores three tensions we all feel: • A quiet spirituality in a noisy world • A slow spirituality in a hurried world • A relational spirituality in a transactional culture Spiritual disciplines like Sabbath, fasting, and prayer are not about proving ourselves to God. They are about posturing ourselves to receive what He is already pouring out. And in the middle of Moses' anxiety and unanswered questions, God makes this promise: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) That promise still stands. This message is an invitation—into nearness, into delight, into relationship. The God of the universe is not asking for better performance. He is inviting you into friendship.
n the Gospel of Luke, chapters 5 and 6, Jesus is not one to tiptoe around controversy. He wades right into the middle of it. He forgives sins, dines with sinners, and heals on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees are consumed with rage. What's there to be angry about with grace?In this sermon, we will examine the healing of the paralytic, the calling of Levi, and the Sabbath incidents, and discover a surprising truth: conflict was not the problem. It was the revelation of the heart. Jesus was not simply rebuking behavior, He was laying bare pride, challenging false security, and offering true grace.If you've ever wondered why following Jesus can be so uncomfortable, why the gospel is so awkward, or why Jesus confronts before He comforts, then this series is for you. The cross is not safe, but it is good. And the conflict of the cross is where restoration begins.Learn more about us:https://www.tulsabible.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tulsabible/TBC - To know God, and make Him known.(Matt. 28. 18-20)
Sabbath is war against anything that would take God's place in your life. This week we take a peek deeper into God's rest. How God is inviting us into His rest. And how rest is an act of worship, not for us, but rather, for God! And how we image God when we give rest to others! To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://pushpay.com/g/redeemerchurchrockwall
At Redeemer, we take seriously Jesus' call to "Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Apprenticeship to Jesus is not a one time decision, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus as our master-teacher. Since the goal of the Christian life is maturity in Jesus, apprenticeship must be deep and holistic, transforming the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and vocational parts of men and women. Apprenticeship to Jesus is learning to practice the way of Jesus in our homes, relationships, neighborhoods, and jobs. We believe Christlikeness is cultivated as we implement spiritual practices, live in community with other believers, and submit to the Word and the Spirit. We agree with Dallas Willard who said, "that the gospel is opposed to earning, not effort." As we move towards cultivating a life of loving God and people, we trust Christ will mature us into his likeness. https://redeemerwichita.church/
The Sabbath was never meant to be a burden. God wove rest into creation as a gift, inviting His people to trust that He is enough. When rest hardens into rigid religion, it loses the life it was meant to give. In this message, Lead Discipleship Pastor Ryan Bramlett preaches on how Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, calls us out of exhausting striving and into real rest.Ryan Bramlett • The Urgent Kingdom • Mark 2:23-3:6CONNECT WITH US! Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messages Visit our website: https://tpcc.org We believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traderspointcc
Today we are going to look into the book of John and see what is called the first sign. John's gospel account is laid out in a really cool structure. It is the first of Seven Signs that point to Jesus being the Son of God. Turning water into wine, Healing the official's son, healing the paralytic, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the blind man, raising Lazarus. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31Here's what I want you to hold onto today:The water into wine is the sign.A sign. Not because it was less than miraculous. It absolutely was miraculous. But John wants you to know: don't stop at the sign. Follow the sign. Let it point you somewhere.But the sign is pointing you toward three things:Who Jesus is. Why Jesus came. What Jesus offers.On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:1-5A sign always points to the greater thing.WHO HE WAS v. 1-5, 11"The sign reveals Jesus' identity."John 2:1-5Wedding feast. Wine runs out. Cultural shame for the family. Mary brings it to Jesus.Notice Jesus' response in v.4: "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come."This sounds cold to modern ears. But "Woman" is a term of respect in that culture—He uses it again at the cross when He entrusts Mary to John (John 19:26).John 2:11APPLICATION:Most of us want Jesus to be a problem-solver, not a Lord.Mary comes to Him with a practical problem: no wine.Jesus responds as Lord: My hour has not yet come.He solves the problem—but He does it on His terms, in His timing, for His purposes.The sign points to this: He's not a genie. He's a King.2. WHY JESUS CAME v. 6-10"The sign reveals Jesus' mission"John 2:6-10Before Passover, before Sabbath, before meals—you wash. It's the system. The ritual. The religion. And it was never enough.You washed your hands and went right back to being the same person.Jesus doesn't add more water to the jars. He transforms them.This is the picture of the gospel:He doesn't just improve the old system. He replaces it with something entirely new.He doesn't make you a better version of who you were. He makes you new.THIS IS A SIGN POINTING TO SOMETHING GREATER:In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah is describing the Messianic Banquet—the end-of-all-things feast when God finally restores everything.Isaiah 25:6-8Isaiah is describing the Messianic Banquet—the end-of-all-things feast when God finally restores everything.Aged wine. The finest. Death swallowed up. Tears wiped away.And Jesus shows up at a wedding in Cana and quietly produces 120-180 gallons of the best wine anyone has ever tasted.He's not just filling jars. He's announcing: I am the fulfillment of Isaiah 25. The banquet has begun. The Messiah is here.Why He came: Not to patch up the old. To inaugurate the new. To launch the feast that never ends.3. WHAT HE OFFERS v10"The sign reveals what's available to us""What he is saying is, 'I come as Lord of the feast. Yes, I come to do self-denial. I come to suffer, and I come to be humbled. If you follow me, you will too. There will be plenty of self-denial and suffering and humbling too, but these are just means to an end. Here's the end. As Master of the banquet, as Lord of the feast, I am come.'" — Timothy Keller
This week’s Torah portion from the annual cycle is a major ‘shift’ from the mainline story of the Exodus. After Moses heads up the mountain, for forty days and forty nights, the focus is now on getting ready to build something. And why? Why now? It’s almost like He knows something, before we get to that part of the story. It turns out, there’s even more to it than that. Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a provocative two-part look at parsha Terumah, Exodus chapter 25 through almost all of 27, which begins with the command from YHVH to “take for Me an OFFERING.” From a specific group of people, of a specific list of items, and for a specific purpose. The Erev Shabbat reading gives the details, of which there are many: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SSM-2-20-Terumah-teaching-podcast-x.mp3 The impressive level of detail is this description is certainly one of the most memorable aspects of this parsha. It’s also at the heart of what might even be called ‘controversy.’ Why so much detail about a mobile tent in the wilderness? After all, it was later replaced by the temple, twice, and destroyed, twice. Some will again even claim that it’s “Old” testament, and therefore ‘done away with’ – like those temples. We may have even heard it called “boring.” And yet, as Mark reminds us in the Sabbath day midrash, there is “no idle word” in His Torah. Teruman: “That ‘boring DETAIL’ is a Big Flashing Red HTML tag – if we see it” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WT-CooH-2-21-Terumah-The-ATBASH-around-Idolatry-and-the-Golden-Calf-then-and-Now-podcast-xxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
God tests the Israelites amidst judgments and the Sabbath is found before the ten commandments.
At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers). Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.". TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Sermons Archive RSS John 5: 1-16 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.' ”12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk'?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.Nehemiah 13:15 In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. Sermon Discussion Questions:What is profound about Jesus' question; Do you want to be made well?How does the man respond?What was wrong with the Pharisee's reaction to the healing?What can we learn from their mistake?
Welcome to week eight of our series, Challenge Accepted.Ryan Reed
Why are we so exhausted—and why does rest feel almost irresponsible?If there is no Sabbath in the Empire, what would it look like to stop striving long enough to trust that you are not the one holding everything together?
Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: In this powerful message, we're reminded of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our Christian faith. The Holy Spirit isn't just a concept, but a divine person - equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ. We learn that the Spirit was active in Jesus' life, from His conception to His resurrection, and continues to work in believers today. The message challenges us to consider: does the Holy Spirit have us? Are we allowing Him to lead our lives? By understanding the Spirit's work in convicting us of sin, regenerating our hearts, and producing spiritual fruit, we're encouraged to yield ourselves more fully to His guidance. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we might be grieving or quenching the Spirit in our lives, urging us to confess our sins and live in alignment with God's will. As we contemplate these truths, we're called to a deeper, more Spirit-filled walk with God. TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 1:2 (alluded to); Psalm 139:7-10; Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Hebrews 9:14 (mentioned but not quoted); John 4:24 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Antioch Norman is a community church located in Norman, OK. We are a spiritual family with a global mission to make disciples, plant churches, and work for the peace and prosperity of our cities. As part of the Antioch Movement of Churches, we all share a passion for Jesus and His purposes in the earth.Website | https://www.antiochnorman.comInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/antiochnorman/1330 E Lindsey St Norman, OK 73071
In this episode of Craft a Fatherhood, Ned talks about finally getting into golf, being surprised to still to get to know his wife more and the importance of dating your wife. He shares about the significance of rest through the concept of Sabbath. He encourages fathers to actively engage in their families' interests and to create meaningful connections with their partners and children.---------This episode is sponsored by Genesis - a Rite of Passage by Rise Up KingsOrder The Adventure of Fatherhood children's book hereCheck out the TEDx----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreateMentioned in this episode:Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young menThis episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.
By Scott McKeon - II Cor. 5:17 says, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. What are the old things that need to pass away?
By Gary Petty - Three ways we can examine ourselves in preparing for Passover.
By Jay Ledbetter - God's kindness, embodied in the appearing of Christ, transforms sinners—making them alive, known to God, and rooted deeply in His love.
By Donald Hooser - To celebrate God's Sabbath day, to make it a joyful day that means a lot to you in your good Sabbath keeping.
By Greg A Baker - The question was asked of 3 AI bots - If AI were the devil, how would you destroy the next generation without them even knowing it? This is a very eye opening video sermon .
By Chuck Smith - Join us as we study depression in the Bible, what depression looks like today and why Satan uses depression as a way to destroy people.
By Daniel Apartian - This second sermon on holiness focuses on how we become holy like God. We cannot manufacture our own holiness. It comes only from one source – God, and it comes through his holy spirit. We are both made holy and are to become holy. This is the difference between justification and sanctification. The
By Don Ward - This sermon explores the faithful characteristics of Peter, the apostle of hope. Jesus gave him the keys to the kingdom. Which Peter gave to the Church. The keys of the kingdom are also equated with the key of David. The sermon also shows how Peter endured many trials while doing the work of God. He
By Thomas Randle - When things go wrong in our life, many tend to ask "why" God allowed it to happen. How can we have joy in our life when we are faced with trials, and what does God want us to learn from them?
By Gregory Sanny - Steadfastness is a good quality in many of our typical activities, but we can say we are steadfast toward God but still be wavering if God is not our first priority in devotion.
By Jorge de Campos - We can really change our mind, physically and spiritually. Furthermore, with the help of God's Power it will lead to the transformation of our human nature to divine nature. As we approach the Passover it is particularly encouraging that God is literally helping us change. We have a responsibility
By John Freeman - Heart and Soul is a Bible phrase that means to do something with all your might. The most familiar example is Dt 6:5 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might". One verse in the Bible says that God Himself is going to do something with His
By Jorge de Campos - We can really change our mind, physically and spiritually. Furthermore, with the help of God's Power it will lead to the transformation of our human nature to divine nature. As we approach the Passover it is particularly encouraging that God is literally helping us change. We have a responsibility
By Stephen Bouchette - We were created as emotive creatures. One emotion we have is shame – an emotion that might be helpful to us, if used properly to motive us for change.
By Jim Hooser - How God in His infinite wisdom, through these Holy Days, has given us a cohesive program that teaches us each year our need to have our sins forgiven. Then how to overcome the sins and finally to have the strength and power to grow and be like our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ.