Podcasts about scripture paul

n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into the final verses of Colossians 4, reflecting on Paul's closing words and the rich theological and practical insights they offer. The discussion begins by addressing the significance of these often-overlooked sections of scripture, emphasizing their God-breathed purpose and the enduring lessons they provide for the church today. Paul's ministry partners, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke, take center stage as Jesse and Tony explore how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. The conversation also highlights the theme of reconciliation, particularly through Onesimus' story, as Paul sends him back to Colossae, urging the church to embody the gospel by welcoming him with grace. This practical application of theology reminds listeners that the gospel transforms relationships and calls believers to live out Christlike love in their communities. Jesse and Tony also unpack the broader implications of Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans, underscoring the importance of scripture's universal application across time and culture. As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the unity and encouragement found in Paul's words, reminding listeners of the value of every member of the body of Christ. They also prepare for their upcoming exploration of Philemon, which continues the story of Onesimus and offers further insight into living out faith in real-world situations. This episode is a rich blend of theology, practical wisdom, and encouragement for believers seeking to grow in their understanding of scripture and community. Key Points: The Significance of Paul's Final Words: Paul's closing remarks in Colossians 4, though seemingly mundane, reveal God's interest in the details of ministry and the importance of community within the church. God Uses Ordinary People: The episode highlights Paul's ministry partners, showing how God works through ordinary individuals like Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke to advance His kingdom. Reconciliation in Action: The story of Onesimus demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, as Paul encourages the Colossian church to welcome him back with grace and forgiveness. Universal Relevance of Scripture: Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans emphasizes the broader application of scripture beyond its immediate audience, affirming its value for all believers. Practical Theology and Community: Jesse and Tony discuss the importance of living out theological truths in everyday life, particularly in fostering unity and encouragement within the church. Questions for Reflection: How does Paul's inclusion of specific names and details in his letters inspire you to see God's work in the “ordinary” aspects of ministry? What lessons can we learn from Onesimus' story about reconciliation and living out the gospel in challenging situations? How can we as believers ensure that our churches reflect the unity and diversity seen in Paul's ministry team? Why is it important to view scripture as universally applicable, and how does this perspective affect how we read and apply the Bible today? In what ways can you, like Paul's ministry partners, support and encourage others in your church or community?

This lecture begins by running through some data regarding the reliability of NT Manuscripts and inerrancy, before considering the use God wants us to put the Bible to. [1 hour 35 minutes]

The main focus of this lecture is what is meant by saying the Bible is "God-breathed" [1 hour 16 minutes]

This lecture runs through the 'Rules of Affinity.' Briefly, they are: C1 formulations are based upon direct statements of Scripture (e.g., salvation is by grace through faith). C2 formulations equate to indirect statements which lead inevitably to a firm conclusion (e.g., Father, Son, & Spirit are God yet God is one). C3's = inferences to the best explanation, which can differ depending on how much relevant detail is included. ALL THEOLOGY SHOULD BE DONE WITH C1's to C3's. [1 hour 40 minutes]

Did you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year? A crowd favorite each year are the many large balloons which fly overhead. But did you notice how windy it was? The handlers had to really hold tight so as not to lose them. As you and I hold firmly to Scripture Paul reminds us that you and I will not be "blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” The wonderful announcement of forgiveness, that comes with our Savior's birth, is too good to let blow away with indifference to God's Word.

In this passage of Scripture Paul describes his frustration of living the Christian life. The things he wants to do, he does not. And the things he does not want to do, he does. Why? It is because he is fleshy, and his fallen humanness does not allow him to do that which he wants.

We examine what is perhaps one of the most succinct and deep discussions on salvation found in the Bible. In this section of Scripture Paul answers the question of how God passed over the sins of the Old Testament saints, how the righteousness of God is imputed apart from the law, and how God's grace extends to all mankind regardless of nationality or pedigree.

In this fascinating portion of Scripture Paul responds to the critics asking, "How can our dead bodies be resurrected?" and "What will they be like?" And from his answer we learn that death is not an obstacle for God, but rather a condition of our eternal life and coming resurrection. 

In this fascinating portion of Scripture Paul responds to the critics asking, "How can our dead bodies be resurrected?" and "What will they be like?" And from his answer we learn that death is not an obstacle for God, but rather a condition of our eternal life and coming resurrection. 

Pastor Richard Myers - Sunday, October 16, 2022We all deal with frustration and anger at times, but we must be careful not to let our anger get the best of us and our relationships! In today's Scripture Paul offers some powerful guidance on how to process our anger and address it in productive ways before it takes root in our hearts and consumes us.  With the help of the Holy Spirit we can choose to become better not bitter!

What does it mean to be a Christian?  Is everyone a Christian who calls himself one?  If they say all the right words, does that make them a Christian?  In this passage of Scripture Paul encounters 12 men who are called disciples and he references when they believed.  On might assume from those two words that these 12 were already Christians when they met Paul.  But as the story unfolds, we discover that they are not.  

Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians Believers, Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21, from our Midweek Bible Study: "Great Prayers in Scripture" - 6.01.22 Presented by McGregor Podcast 2022 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

Paul's been clear that human wisdom; including philosophy, prestige, power, history, and aristocracy, will never save souls or society. So, how can man be saved? In this section of Scripture Paul details the Holy Spirit's role to reveal heavenly saving wisdom, inspire heavenly wisdom, and illuminate people to heavenly wisdom.

Paul's been clear that human wisdom; including philosophy, prestige, power, history, and aristocracy, will never save souls or society. So, how can man be saved? In this section of Scripture Paul details the Holy Spirit's role to reveal heavenly saving wisdom, inspire heavenly wisdom, and illuminate people to heavenly wisdom.

Stewardship is managing what God has blessed us with for His purpose. But how do we learn to live life God's way? Listen again as Pastor Steve, Duane and Ray share life lessons passed down to them by three men in Scripture: Paul, Timothy and Barnabas.

424 That Which Happened Served the Gospel, A Guided Christian Meditation on Philippians 1:12-14 with the Recenter With Christ app I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain. My purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: NRSV 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. KJV 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Meditation on Scripture: Paul experienced hardship. He was placed in jail for his testimony of Christ. He was beaten and stoned. He experienced hardship far beyond what he would have had he not followed Christ. To him this made sense to him. Instead of looking as his persecution as a as curse from God, he saw it as meaningful. He saw purpose in struggle. He saw that even though it was not what he would have chosen for himself, that some good and value came from his struggle. When hard things happen in our life it can be extremely meaningful if we find a Godly purpose. It is also challenging and can take us some time to see that purpose. Think now of the unexpected purposes connected to hard things you have gone through. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: 2 MILLION DOWNLOADS Final Question: What role does the Word have in your life? Final Thought: FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod      

In this message, Matt models how to be a faithful reader as he engages the book of Titus. This is a book filled with theological topics that we could spend time exploring and debating about. Matt stays zoomed out and demonstrates beautifully how the humanity of the book, the historical context of its author and recipient, and the literary genre all point to a deep vision of discipleship that can be easily missed. He argues that while the inspiration of the Holy Spirit's guidance only took a few hours, the inspiration of the Spirit shaping Paul and Tutus' relationship took 20 years.

# Introduction There is a wonderful simplicity in the Christian life and in the worship of the church. It is so simple that in one sense a definition is not needed. What is needed is faith in God through Jesus His Son. The “student” nuance of the word disciple isn't as helpful as the “follower” emphasis. There really is a distinction between knowing God and knowing about God. There is a distinction between going through religious motions and loving the motions because of loving the Lord. It's also true that being alive is fairly simple: breath, eat, drink, sleep. Do you *need* to track your calories and steps and REM cycle minutes? All the generations before us stayed alive (long enough) to see the next generation without collecting any such stats. When you look into it more closely, the body is wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). The body has a lot of moving parts, and especially when something goes wrong, you may be benefited by more specific study than eating a cheeseburger and taking a nap. As we get to know God Himself we do find that He is wonderful. He is full of wonder and He does wondrous works. > Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, > and his greatness is unsearchable. > > One generation shall commend your works to another, > and shall declare your mighty acts. > On the glorious splendor of your majesty, > and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. > (Psalm 145:3–5) He shows you who He *is*, what He cares about (including you), and how all creation and chronology are under His creative control. Should we be surprised that our God, whose thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9), authors a story with some thick characters (thick as in not skinny, and thick as in not so smart) and subtle tensions and plot twists? We *could* be dismissive of these wonders and say we don't care, but we wouldn't do that to a friend, let alone our heavenly Father. We could freak out and say we can't keep track of all these wonders and worry that we'll get it wrong. Or we can say, “This is *our* God. Tell us more!” There is milk and meat in Romans 3:1-8. There are ABC level and 500 level realities. They are given to us so that we might not miss *God*. There is story, there is theology and theology proper. There are Jew/Gentile, sovereignty/responsibility, Covenantal/Dispy, revealed/ordained will matters. There are warnings and encouragements. All are ours if we receive it from God from faith to faith. Romans reveals the righteousness of God in the gospel (Romans 1:17). There are two species of gospel-needers: the *un*righteous and the *self*righteous. The unrighteous refuse to thank God and God gives them over to what they think they wanted which destroys them. The self-righteous may thank God with their lips, and they have been given special privileges, but they think that's enough. Paul addressed the need of the unrighteous first but he writes about the need of the self-righteous *more*. Both need salvation, both need faith. In the last half of Romans 2 the Jew is ultimate example in privilege and pretense and in missing the point. The Gentiles who don't worship God blaspheme Him without good reason on their own, and the Gentiles blaspheme God with good reason due to the hypocritical, sanctimonious people in Israel (2:24). The Jews had God's Word but many didn't follow it. They had the seal (of circumcision) but not the heart for it. The outward only goes so far, even when the outward is God-given. Does that mean all the externals are worthless? Even more, does that mean God's choice of, and promises to, the Jews were worthless? And if He is sovereign, and if all this refusal-of-thanks happens for His glory in the end, then how can He judge and punish with justice all the so-called puppets who are just doing what He predestined? These are questions that Paul raises, questions he probably had heard in response to his previous teaching, questions that the self-righteous might use to defend themselves from actual submission and thanks to God. Verses 1-4 ask and answer if we can trust God's faithfulness. Verses 5-8 ask and answer if we can trust God's righteousness. # Questions about Jewish Advantage (verses 1-2) There was no chapter break in the original letter. Our 3:1 does move into the next step of Paul's warning, but he's still aiming at the self-righteous Jew. Paul just said that the outward (sign) doesn't matter, and that a Jew is one inwardly (2:28-29). Then why are we even bothering to talk about Jews at all? Because the LORD did, and does. > **Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.** (Romans 3:1–2) These questions belong with the outward and physical, the things that distinguished a Jew from a non-Jew, even when those Jews wrongly wanted the praise of men. You were a Jew, in this outward sense, if your dad was a Jew, even if you hated the sacrifices. You were a Jew if you listened to the law and broke it, and you would be judged with stricter judgment because of being a Jew. You were a Jew if you were circumcised and lived as a citizen of Israel even if you didn't love the Lord with all your circumcised heart. So there are two types of Jew, one *only* outwardly and one *not* only outwardly. (There is *not* a third sort, an only inwardly one). Jews are the "children of Israel." This does *not* refer *only* to those who were circumcised in heart. For example, when God said to Moses, "I will bring my hosts, my people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt" (Exodus 7:4), this did not mean that God left some of the nation of Israel behind in Egypt and only delivered the true believers. Is it possible that this example doesn't fit, if all in Israel *believed* at that time (as demonstrated by painting their doorposts with blood)? If each and every person in Israel *did* believe, great, and why can't we look forward to the same thing again in the future in the fulfillment of the New Covenant as Paul refers to in Romans 11:25, "all Israel will be saved"? Yet, based on the old covenant reality that the Spirit did not indwell every man who was part of the covenant, and based on the historical reality that many Jews grumbled even after their deliverance from national slavery, it appears that again, a Jew could be saved by the LORD and not saved *in every way*. As Paul pointed out in Romans 2:17-29, being *that* kind of Jew wasn't enough for sake of true righteousness. A man could be delivered (from enemies, or from Egypt) because he was a Jew outwardly, and also not be delivered (from his sin) because he was not a Jew *inwardly*. Was it an **advantage**? We might expect that after all of this the answer would be no. But Paul says Yes! **Much in every way,** especially in terms of having the **oracles** (see Psalm 147:19-20). That was just **to begin with**, though Paul doesn't add to the list here. Unlike other nations, Israel had “Thus says the LORD,” in the Law and the Prophets (see Matthew 5:17; Acts 24:14, 28:23; Romans 3:21). Did that make Jews *automatically* good before God? “No, not at all” (Romans 3:9). It is advantage to know you have a need. # Questions about Jewish Unfaithfulness (verses 3-4) The next set of questions in verse 3 introduces a subject that will take up three chapters later in the letter (9-11). For now it's enough for Paul to explain that the failure of an outward-only Jew to come into an also-inward Jew's faith does not mean God has been unfaithful. > **What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,** > > **“That you may be justified in your words, > > and prevail when you are judged.”** > > (Romans 3:3–4 ESV) Actually some *have* been unfaithful. There is a question at this point whether a circumcised-in-part Jew would also be a circumcised-in-heart Jew. The gospel is for the Jew *first* (Romans 1:16), and when the Christ came to His own people (the Jews) many of His own people did not receive Him (John 1:11). “If some were unfaithful” is not a rhetorical question it is an historical reality. Does that make God's word, His choice of, and promises to, the Jews, no good? There are a number of ways to answer this. Chapter 9 gives one way, chapter 11 another. For now the answer is, If you really knew God you'd know it's impossible. **By no means!** or “May it never be!” (NASB) or “God forbid!” (KJV) are various ways the Greek phrase *μὴ γένοιτο* has been translated. It is the strongest language Paul used to emphasize how wrong something is, at least in polite Greek. *Of course* God is faithful. He is the definition of faithful, of remaining loyal and steadfast. His faithfulness is untouchable as well as unbreakable. His faithfulness is not up to our scoring, as if we could teach Him how to do it or grade Him on a test. He is the original and ultimate faithful one. We have a taste of faithfulness because He exists in it. Even if every man were to campaign against God, to slander Him and cast shade, He remains true. Trust Him. Praise Him. None can cancel Him. The Scripture Paul references is from Psalm 51:4. It's the song of David's lament and confession of sin with Bathsheba after Nathan rebuked him. The verse begins, > Against you, you only, have I sinned > and done what is evil in your sight, > (Psalm 51:4a) That leads David to acknowledge that God's perspective and punishments, God's “words” and “judgment” are right. David was a Jew, a son of Jesse, circumcised on the eighth day into the covenant of Israel. David went to battle in the name of the LORD for the name of the LORD (1 Samuel 17:45). The Lord chose David to be king over Israel, whom God said to be “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22, from Psalm 89:20 and 1 Samuel 13:14). Who more than David had external gifts, more outward signs of God's faithfulness and blessing? Yet when David sinned David knew it was not God's fault and that God's rebuke was right. He knew that only God's righteousness could cover his blood-guiltiness (Psalm 51:14). God must do the washing, blotting out transgressions according to God's abundant mercy, according to God's steadfast love (Psalm 51:1-2). When it comes to people with God-given privileges, who still are ignorant of the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own (Romans 10:3), God's word of rebuke remains true. # Conclusion This is good practice for us because even though our church's fellowship isn't threatened by Jew and Gentile disagreements, we can learn how to appreciate God-given distinctions, God-given privileges, and God-given good news for *all* in Christ. This is also good to learn that God has no delight in externals *without* a broken heart, and that He totally delights in right eternals/sacrifices when we offer them with the right heart (Psalm 51:16, 19). Now, in Christ, we're not presenting burnt offerings of bulls on His altar, but we do offer our bodies as living sacrifices of worship. And this is *perfect* to remind us that childlike faith is sufficient, and that as we know the Father through His Son and by His Spirit and Word we have great reason to rest in His righteousness (not our own) and to rejoice in His faithfulness as we live from faith to faith. ---------- ## Charge Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Trust Him for today (Matthew 6:25-34). Trust Him when you're tempted to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). Trust Him to forgive you when you confess your sin (1 John 1:9). *God is faithful.* ## Benediction: > Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. > The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, 28, ESV)

Abraham's Three Visitors / Sarah Laughs / Abraham's Plea for Sodom, The Transfiguration / The Power of Faith over a Demon / The Second Prediction of His Death / Paying the Temple Tax, The Exiles Return / Public Reading of the Law, A Short Ministry in Thessalonica / Riot in The City / The Bureans Search the Scripture / Paul in Athens / The Areopagus Address.

I'm Chaplain Jared and I work as a hospice chaplain and an ICU chaplain, my purpose in making this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and to be more open for your heart to be changed by the Spirit of God. By using centuries old form of Christian Meditation named Lectio Divina: Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate. Bible verses for Meditation: 1 Cor 1:4-9 NIV 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Meditation on Scripture: Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians with this frank thanks from His heart. Paul gives gratitude that the people he was writing had come to embrace the grace of Jesus. It is a profound demonstration of his serving heart. Gods grace for others can be a profound blessing. In fact as we come to embrace the love of God the positive feelings we feel at the blessings of others can be enhanced and can lead to some of the deepest joys possible. The challenge is also that it can be very difficult to have such positive experiences with those whom we don’t share easy relationships with. I am extremely aware that even loving people can have complex feelings for some people. This includes their own families. Holiday times can be exceptionally challenging for many people who either are not able to be close to loved ones due to distance or death. Similarly it can be difficult when it is possible to gather and stress and emotion fill the air. In this moment, may we strive to hold compassion for others in our hearts, specifically for those who we struggle with. It is not necessary to embrace the stress and negative emotions of others. The goal should be to pour out positive intention by the way of God’s grace. Spend a moment with this intention. Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Updates: Final Question: What can you do to help keep the waters clean for others? Final Thought: The analogy is not complete. In other words there is nothing that you or I can do to truly muddy Jesus. He has already risen above our sin and carelessness through his Atonement. The metaphor I am applying is that there are things that make it hard for others to follow God and partake of the life giving water. We should be willing to take a look in the mirror and stop those things. FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod        

Today’s Scripture: Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother: 2 To God’s church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours. 3 Grace […] The post 1 Corinthians 1 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Today’s Scripture: Paul, looking intently at the [a]Council, said, “Brethren, I have [b]lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2 The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! […] The post Acts 23:1-11 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Today’s Scripture: Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to [a]go with […] The post Acts 16:1-13 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Today’s Scripture: Paul and Barnabas (shouting): 15 Friends! No! No! Don’t do this! We’re just humans like all of you! We’re not here to be worshiped! We’re here to bring you good news—good news that you should turn from these worthless forms of worship and instead serve the living God, the God who made the heaven […] The post Acts 14:15-18 appeared first on Mary DeMuth.

Follow along with Paul as he talks about the other Paul and his preaching to the Jews as we add more techniques to our toolbox as we study scripture. Recorded at Broken Arrow.

STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF YOUR GOD. These words were spoken by Moses at the Red Sea as Israel marched forward to a new beginning. It was a new beginning of seeing God supernaturally at work in their lives. Every life can have this new beginning of seeing God at work in their lives. It is the life of faith. Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of your God, which He will accomplish for you today.This the story of Israel crossing the red sea after escaping out of Egypt, and with the Egyptian army chariots in pursuit. The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years, two million of them, with no concept of God. They had been without prophets, except for their new leader Moses, and there was yet no priesthood or Commandments or tabernacle. They were glad to be out of there but then they were horribly disappointed and disillusioned by the fact that there was an impassable Red Sea in front of them and they believed that they had been brought out of slavery only to be killed by their pursuers..This was a first for Israel – They had not had to have faith before, and now their faith was a matter of standing still and watching what God would do to save them. This was confusing for them because this is a difficult lesson for anyone to learn. We think we must do something in order to make something happen. But it is always about what God is doing – and then there is always something for us to do in response. Its just a matter of when and how we do what is required of us. The first thing Israel had to do was to stand still and see – then Moses held out the rod over the waters and the waters opened up – they saw the work of God - then Israel had to get moving and cross over. The sea divided with a high wall of water on both sides and a passageway between the walls of water for them to walk through. Moses had to be obedient to what God told him to do, then Israel had to be obedient to what Moses told them to do, and two million people had a head-start and crossed on dry land. When the Egyptians got to the passageway between the walls of water God miraculously removed the wheels off the Egyptian chariots and they became stuck in the sand. Then when Israel were safely across Moses held the rod above the waters again and the sea closed in on the Egyptians. It is a detailed story in the book of Exodus but Paul writes simply in the book of Hebrews;Hebrews 11:29 By faith Israel crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. Another ‘Stand still and see’ from God’s word to King Jehoshaphat came through Jahaziel the prophet. We now look at God’s Word to Jehoshaphat;2Chronicles 20:17. You will not need to fight in this battle for the battle is not yours, but God's. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Do not be afraid nor be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you.”In that battle of Jehoshaphat, the enemy armies of Ammon and Moab and Mt.Seir were about to attack Israel. Israel were told not to attack these three nations when they first came out of Egypt, but now these three nations were about to dispossess Israel from their inheritance. They were mighty armies and the people were in fear and terror. Jehoshaphat cried out to God ‘O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”The Bible goes on to say ‘And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were destroyed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, and destroyed them first, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.’So they all began to ambush one another and by the time Israel appeared on the scene ready for battle there were dead bodies everywhere and the fight was all over, and it took Israel three days to gather up all the spoil from the treasuries of the opposing armies. These two accounts of God’s salvation apply to the nation of Israel, God’s Old Covenant people. But these are examples that apply to us today as God’s people, us as his family in the world, and us as his army. We can learn from these examples that we can be here for God, and for each other, and for our own spiritual edification and growth. We are here to honour God by responding to his love for us through our faith in him, trusting in his goodness to us. We are here together carrying one another’s burdens, praying and blessing one another and receiving blessing and prayer from one another. We are here together for this world, sharing in our prayers together for this world and for those in authority in this world that they will be equipped and blessed by God to serve in a Godly way in our nation. And we can also take these truths of God’s Word and apply them to our personal walk with God, for our own encouragement and spiritual growth and comfort as we make him Lord of our lives. Those stories were about seeing the salvation of God in the Old Covenant way because they saw God win the battle for them in the physical realm. Today we see the salvation of God through the eyes of faith of the new Covenant. Jesus has become our salvation. When Jesus died for us and rose again from the dead he overcame all the powers of darkness on our behalf, and then sent the Holy Spirit to join the life of Jesus to us so that we could experience this salvation and this life of victory over darkness.They did physical warfare – we do spiritual warfare. We can receive peace from God, knowing that he alone can work upon and change the nature of things and the hearts people, and that he is the creator God who alone can brings order out of chaos, and who speaks light into darkness. Our battle is against darkness and disorder. They had their armour on and their weapons ready in the physical realm, and so do we in the spiritual realm. This requires faith - real faith. Paul explains spiritual warfare to us in 2Corinthians 10, saying that ‘the weapons of our warfare are not carnal’. That word carnal means of a natural human order, as opposed to a supernatural spiritual order. He tells us that these spiritual weapons were mighty in God, able to destroy the potential strongholds that darkness would hope to occupy in our minds and in our hearts. Darkness seeks to occupy territory that we have given to God to occupy, as we partake of the life of his Spirit within us, and welcome the residence of Jesus and the Father in our hearts (John 14:23). And Paul knew how put his armour on, which means being protected in his mind and heart by that armour. He says in Ephesians 6:10 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the times of evil, and having done all, to stand.In the same passage of Scripture Paul talks about our spiritual armour and that we wrestle not against people but against dark spirits that influence principalities, which are social demographic regions where the culture of states and cities is expressed. He tells us that we also wrestle against powers that buffet our personal souls. He tells us that we wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this age, that means the darkness that is influencing the collective mindsets and ideologies and attitudes of the global atmosphere that exists in this time of worldwide crisis. By the way, that word wrestle in the original language in Scripture is telling us that we ‘overthrow’, not just struggle, so it is an assertive statement, not a timid one. And we are also told that ‘greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.’Paul mentions some strategic spiritual defensive pieces of armour such as a helmet protecting the mind and thoughts, and he talks about a spiritual breastplate over the heart that protects us from fear. The head and the heart are the two most vulnerable parts of the body in warfare. In spiritual terms the mind is the stronghold to where darkness directs his primary attack. We are directed in the Scripture that I referred to above to overthrow the imaginations of our minds that would block us off from getting our minds on God and his power and his love. These imaginations are the negative emotionally driven regrets or disappointments of the past, or the anxious menace of an uncertain future that we can so easily attach our thoughts to. We are directed to bring our thoughts captive to the present moment that contains the ever present presence of God with us through the indwelling Holy Spirit who reveals the reality of the power of Jesus to reorder our lives.This is being renewed in the spirit of our minds. We magnify the reality of God’s supernatural activity above the unreality of our anxious imaginations about everything that might go wrong. The other vulnerable area of our body that comes under attack is our heart. That is where either fear or faith can dwell. The Bible says that ‘with the heart man believes’. Darkness fires darts of doubt and fear into this stronghold of our relationship with God, and we are given a shield of faith to protect ourselves from this kind of attack.Paul also mentions spiritual weapons, like the sword, which speaks of the word of God, and the bible also says that faith comes by hearing the living Word of Jesus not just in our mind, but in our heart. In the same The people under Jehoshaphat were told to ‘Position yourselves, stand still, and see, and to fear not....’We Position ourselves – Our position is as partners together with God. We are partakers of his nature - Joint Heirs together with Jesus. We do not earn this position – it is a gift of God’s grace. But we dare not neglect it. We stand still – We come into a place of readiness and alertness in our spirit, not passively but actively -mindful of the now moment of God’s ever present presence with us.We See - That is seeing by faith as opposed to seeing things happen the way Israel did at the red sea and the ambushing of the enemies in Jehoshaphat’s battle. We become conscious of the fact that God is at work in the world of the unseen – the outward ‘seen’ will come if you have been ‘seeing’. The seeing by faith is the believing. That is faith and trust and the expectation of God to act and produce his result for us to wonder at and give thanks for. That expectation is our hope - a buoyancy that lifts us into a present moment assurance of the greatness and goodness of God. We then ‘fear not and neither be dismayed’That means we magnify God’s greatness above our own weakness – ‘For The Lord your God is with you’.And with that – all I have left to say is ‘The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on youand be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’  

2 Timothy 3:15-17  A description of the present resource for the man of God The context in which truth must prevail (2 Tim. 3:1 – 4:8) is marked by self-seekers with a form of religion that is counterfeit and opposed to the powerful gospel; they are empty and worldly; so conceited that they cannot put up with sound doctrine; they will not acknowledge the truth (3:7), they will even oppose the truth (3:8). The contrast among these ungodly men is to be Timothy (3:10-11). He is to take a stand in sharp contrast to the ungodly men because he knows the instruction and way of life of his spiritual father (2:1) Paul and to hold on to educational and relational inputs (v.14 – 15). His grandmother Lois, his mother Eunice and now his spiritual father Paul have worked hard to instill in him God's truth (the Holy Scriptures), which stand alone in bringing the salvation message to Timothy because of what the Scriptures are. In the origination of Scripture (v.16a) God superintended the human authors, so that, using their individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error, God's Word to man. It is a wonder that inspiration does not involve mechanical dictation but the accurate recording of God's Word. These Scriptures are Timothy's resources for the way of life Paul is calling him to (v.16-17), because of their usefulness (v.16b) and their accomplishments (v.17).  Given the origin, nature and purpose of Scripture, Timothy is to preach the Word against all odds in his prevailing context, bringing the truth against its haters and scorners. He is to keep his head above the waters, enduring the inevitable challenge, speaking God's powerful Word in this rather unfriendly context. He is to do it dutifully as long as he can still discharge the obligations of ministry, until such a time when he too (after Paul) can celebrate a sense of completion in following the example of his forerunner (4:6-8). 2 Timothy 3:15-17 As the sole resource for Timothy in his difficult ministry context, he has known Holy Scriptures above all things, which stand alone in bringing the salvation to him and to all under his charge.  It is a mystery that God became man (in order to rescue man) without losing his divine nature. It is a mystery too that God's Word came in man's language (for God to communicate with man) without losing it divine origin and nature. Read 2 Peter 1:20–21. The glorious truth of this verse is that in Scripture God has spoken and not merely man, and therefore (as vs. 20 says) our aim must be to hear God's meaning, not merely our own. In what way do you think, the affirmation of Scripture's origin, influences our interpretation of it and observation of it?  By “all Scripture” Paul implies that God's Word as we have it in 66 books is comprehensively inspired. He goes on to imply that it is wholesome in scope, profitable in design, purposeful in effect, productive in influence, wholly adequate and exact in leading us to frugality or fruitfulness (productivity). Describe how the Psalmist affirms the “teaching” aspect of Scripture in Ps. 32:8 and Ps. 119:33-40. Think of your own personal instances when God's Word has instructed you, giving knowledge and light to your mind. How can you improve this?  Describe how the Psalmist avows the “rebuking” aspect of God's Word in Ps. 19:11. What instances in your life has the Word of God convicted, reproofed, warned or admonished you? Describe the feeling and share the action that followed. How profitable do you think, would such an exercise be on a more regular basis?  Discuss the way in which the Psalmist points out the “correcting” aspect of God's Word in Ps. 119:11. What are some of the situations in which God's Word has realigned you to his will, bringing you back to the right way, the right method or right purpose? When has it checked your motives to purge your soul?  Hold a discourse on the way God's Word “trains” God's servants according to 2 Tim 2:15 and 2 Pet. 1:3

What is important to you? What you want determines what brings you joy. In this section of Scripture Paul tells the Philippian believers that he thinks of them often and that their ministry together has cemented them in his heart. His prayers include requests for their spiritual maturity, discernment and for their blessing. The very thought of them brings him joy. Circumstances could not rob his joy, because he was not living for circumstances. Paul was living to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and he loved his fellow servants. These verses remind us that we need to focus on what is important to us. If you are living for ease you will be disappointed. If you are living for perfect circumstances you will be disappointed. If you focus on the fellowship you can have with other believers and allow that relationship to drive your life purpose you can have joy.

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore through Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good (Acts 11:29 euporia) and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.This Scripture combines three powerful spiritual sacrifices, Praise, thanksgiving, and doing good by giving to those in need. Praise is a sacrifice of surrender and of worship. Surrender is the magnifying of God in our hearts instead of the magnifying of self and its problems in our minds. This gives rise to hope and faith, and spiritual authority, as God is greater within us than anything that can overcome us (1John 4:4 1John 3:19).Thanksgiving is the sacrifice of faith and love that is able to praise and magnify God even in difficult circumstances, as God is greater within us than anything that can overcome us..That kind of expansion of heart allows a person to move in the grace of reaching out to share and give to those in need. This word to ’share’ here means to give of what you have to those who do not have. It is first seen in Acts 11:29. Then the disciples (in Antioch), every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the Christians who dwelt in Judaea. In the next Scripture Paul talks of the sacrifice as a fragrant offering. Paul emphasizes the blessing in the doing of this giving as a reward in itself for them from God, as fruit that abounds to their account. That fruit is that a cycle of goodwill and grace gets set in motion. Paul wanted to be assured that they were living and giving of themselves to God, so as to assure them of God’s provision for all of their needs, and for them to expand in their capacity to receive the fulness of God and to give of God. Philippians 4:17 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. With this statement he lifts their gift from the level of human compassion and looks upon it in its relation to God. At the same time he states an important principle, namely, that whatever is done for the servant is in reality done for the Master; that whatever is given to a child of God is given to God himself (Matt 10:40-42) In the world there is an accepted philosophy of the zero sum game. I give so you get and I lose so you win. This is the total opposite to New Testament theology. It is the Good News, the grace that abounds to many. It is a sign or mark of the freedom and faith of a believer (Toronto). 2Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (Deut 15:9). And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.                    

As we begin our series in 1st Thessalonians, we look to the first recorded account of their city in Scripture: Paul's 2nd missionary journey in Acts 17. As we look at their background, we see a location diverse in religion, ethnicity, economics, and culture - something not all that different from our current situation. Join us as we see how the Gospel has the power to transform where we live.

As we begin our series in 1st Thessalonians, we look to the first recorded account of their city in Scripture: Paul's 2nd missionary journey in Acts 17. As we look at their background, we see a location diverse in religion, ethnicity, economics, and culture - something not all that different from our current situation. Join us as we see how the Gospel has the power to transform where we live.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A39-44&version=NRSV (Luke 22:39-44) Have you ever had a door slammed in your face or stood at a closed door that no one would answer? I imagine most of us have literally experienced something like this. We can also, however, experience closed doors in a figurative sense. Perhaps an opportunity presented itself that looked so right and promising, but didn't work out. We say the door closed. Or a relationship with a special person, who you thought God had chosen for you, breaks up. The door slammed in your face. Perhaps you found a job you felt would be a perfect fit, or you felt especially qualified for a spot on an athletic team, but you don't get the position. They wouldn't even let me in the door! Those closed-door experiences can be quite painful, even depressing and maddening. Sometimes heaven's door seems to stay closed on us or we feel like it's been slammed in our face. You are praying for something to happen but it doesn't happen. You are doing the right thing – perhaps it is even for the kingdom of God – but it just peters out and dies. It can be painful and frustrating, especially when we're so sure we were right. People can become very disappointed, depressed, even angry with God and cry out with the psalmist, “How long, O Lord, will you forget me?” Or, Why, Lord?  Or even, Why not, Lord? The truth is, sometimes God allows us to go through His open doors, His divine opportunities, as we've discussed the first few weeks of this series. But sometimes God says no, which is a difficult word for us to swallow. It can cause us to throw a good, old tantrum before God, like a child in the store being denied a bag of candy at the checkout line or a certain toy dad or mom is denying them. If you are encountering one of those closed-door experiences in your life, I'm really sorry. I know they're not fun. I know from personal experience and from walking alongside a lot of people as their pastor. But, when we run into these and attempt to regroup from the experience, some things need to be considered from God's Word. First, God sometimes closes the door because something better is ahead that we don't know about. I think of examples in Scripture: Paul and Silas in the book of Acts. They wanted to go to Asian and Bithnia, but the door to go was shut. Instead, a door opened for them to Macedonia where they established some of their best churches, the Philippian and the Thessalonica churches. I am reminded of our first attempt at relocation as a congregation. We had run out of space in our old building and were growing big. We had no more space on which to build. I was so certain we were to move to a certain acreage I had found. I had it all picked out, and I was sure God was with me on this one. I even convinced my board this was the way to go. What I discovered painfully was I was wearing blinders. We were not ready as a congregation. God closed the door. It was painful, and I was angry. But two years later, in God's good time, we were a united church again and were ready when a beautiful piece of land came up for sale at a bargain-basement price right off of the freeway. We relocated there, and God blessed us with growth beyond what we had ever imagined for ourselves. Looking back on that experience, I learned God knew something better lay ahead for us. A humorous story: Pastor Tim Keller shares with us from his early 20s. He said, “I prayed for an entire year about a girl I was dating and wanted to marry, but she wanted out of the relationship. All year I prayed, ‘Lord, don't let her breakup with me.' (Of course, in hindsight it was the wrong girl.) I actually did what I could to help God with the prayer. One summer near the end of the relationship, I got in a location that made it easier to see her. I was saying, Lord I'm making this as easy as possible for you. I've asked you for this and I've even taken the geographical...

Is it OK for a Christian to send their kids to public school? To vote for a candidate that holds unbiblical positions? To drink alcohol? What about another "gray" area not explicitly endorsed or condemned in Scripture? Paul responds to...

In the middle of the last letter in Scripture Paul would write, we read what almost amounts to a three verse hymn, an early creed for the early church, pointing to simple, but essential, gospel truths. Toward the conclusion Paul curiously writes, -If we are faithless, He remains faithful.- What does that mean, and why are those words of the utmost encouragement to those in the faith- Take a listen and find out.----This message was preached at Red Branch Baptist Church at their midweek service.

In the middle of the last letter in Scripture Paul would write, we read what almost amounts to a three verse hymn, an early creed for the early church, pointing to simple, but essential, gospel truths. Toward the conclusion Paul curiously writes, -If we are faithless, He remains faithful.- What does that mean, and why are those words of the utmost encouragement to those in the faith-- Take a listen and find out.----This message was preached at Red Branch Baptist Church at their midweek service.

Part fourteen of this series on First Corinthians brings us to chapter thirteen and one of the most famous and well-loved passages in Scripture - Paul's definition of love. You can obtain Brian's book that accompanies this series, in paperback or eBook format, here: US: http://amzn.to/2popxGX UK: http://amzn.to/2p1mBhb Canada: http://amzn.to/2qqiRqs

Like no other place in Scripture Paul very succinctly defines and illustrates the gospel and what Jesus has does for us. An appropriate meditation for Good Friday.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul shares with us how being a follower of Christ impacts our lives. But Paul sort of steps on our toes here by letting us know that our relationship with Christ shouldn’t just affect how we spend our Sundays, or how we spend time with the family, but it should also affect our work life!

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul shares with us how being a follower of Christ impacts our lives. But Paul sort of steps on our toes here by letting us know that our relationship with Christ shouldn’t just affect how we spend our Sundays, or how we spend time with the family, but it should also affect our work life!

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul addresses the relationships in the home. And he gives us a picture of what should be seen if outsiders were able to get a glimpse into the homes of followers of Jesus. You might have some of these things in your home that Paul discusses. If you do, wonderful! If you don’t, then at least you’ll have an idea of what you can be striving for.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul addresses the relationships in the home. And he gives us a picture of what should be seen if outsiders were able to get a glimpse into the homes of followers of Jesus. You might have some of these things in your home that Paul discusses. If you do, wonderful! If you don’t, then at least you’ll have an idea of what you can be striving for.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul shares with us a biblical picture of the church. And I really believe if we’re truly going to be a New Testament church, then it’s important for us to focus, to be right for the picture that Christ desires us to present to the world. The good news is that it doesn’t come about by your own power; by your incredible performance that you display thru this life. It simply comes down to you and me trusting Jesus knows what He’s doing and following Him. -In our text Paul will share with us how the church can focus so we can have a good picture to show to the world of what Christ can do in our lives.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul shares with us a biblical picture of the church. And I really believe if we’re truly going to be a New Testament church, then it’s important for us to focus, to be right for the picture that Christ desires us to present to the world. The good news is that it doesn’t come about by your own power; by your incredible performance that you display thru this life. It simply comes down to you and me trusting Jesus knows what He’s doing and following Him. -In our text Paul will share with us how the church can focus so we can have a good picture to show to the world of what Christ can do in our lives.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul used the word “mystery” 4 times. So I want you to put on your Sherlock Holmes cap, and work with me to uncover the great mystery Paul wrote about. The reason why is because this mystery has a profound impact on each and everyone of our lives as well as our church.

Today in our passage of Scripture Paul used the word “mystery” 4 times. So I want you to put on your Sherlock Holmes cap, and work with me to uncover the great mystery Paul wrote about. The reason why is because this mystery has a profound impact on each and everyone of our lives as well as our church.

Acts 9:26-31

Acts 27:1 - 28:31

Acts 14:21-28

Acts 15:36-41

Acts 16:1-15

Acts 17:1-15

Acts 18:1-11

1 Corinthians 7:1-40

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

1 Corinthians 12:1-31

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Acts 21:8 - 22:30

Acts 19:1-20