Podcasts about see matthew

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Best podcasts about see matthew

Latest podcast episodes about see matthew

Fritz Report
Judaism is a rejection of the Faith of the Patriarchs

Fritz Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 33:19


Sins that are not sins at all: Racism, sexism, antisemtism. Satan and his children, the Jews, have created a panoply of sins that are not sins. Judeo-Christianity supports Satan's moral structure, not the morality of the Holy Scriptures. Judeo-Christians (a heretical sect) reject the Holy Scriptures in favor of their own oral traditions, like the Jews. See Matthew 15:1-9 Judeo-Christianity is 100% heresy -- it must be purged from the Church. Fritz Berggren, PhD www.bloodandfaith.com Buy it now on online! (Amazon and other outlets)  

Today Daily Devotional
Seeing Others Correctly

Today Daily Devotional

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025


Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. . . . Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace. . . . — 1 Peter 4:8-10 In the beginning, God created human beings in his image (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth shapes how we view all of humanity. Unlike other creation stories, where only kings or rulers bear the divine image, the Bible teaches that every person carries God's likeness. This truth underpins the entire biblical social ethic: Do we truly recognize the image of God in all people, regardless of their status, background, or differences? We need to see people correctly, as many moral philosophers and ethicists have recognized. In other words, if we fail to see someone as made in God's image, we reduce them to something lesser, even less than human. And if we dehumanize people, that can easily lead to mistreatment, marginalization, inequality, and injustice. In contrast, when we learn to view all people—our neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies—with love and justice, we begin to recognize their inherent worth and dignity. (See Matthew 5:43-48.) As believers in God, we need to see people as God does. May God's Spirit work in us to see correctly all the people we are in community with, wherever we are. Loving God, open our hearts to recognize the dignity and worth in each person. May we treat everyone with love, justice, and the honor they deserve. Amen.

Catholic Daily Reflections
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - The Font of Mercy

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 6:19


Read OnlineBut when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:33–34John's Gospel is filled with deep spiritual imagery and symbolism. It is clear that this imagery and symbolism was divinely inspired so as to give us spiritual food for reflection and meditation. One such image is given to us today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.As Jesus and the two criminals on either side of Him hung upon their crosses, the soldiers came to hasten their deaths by breaking their legs to cause them to more quickly suffocate. But when they came to Jesus, He had already died. So one of the soldiers, traditionally known as Longinus, thrust his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water flowed forth. Some traditions identify Longinus with the centurion who cried out after Jesus' death, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.) Other traditions state that he converted at that moment, making him the first convert to Christianity. And still other traditions state that Longinus could not see well, and the blood and water from Jesus' side poured upon his eyes, healing him. Regardless of whether these traditions are true, we know that Jesus' side was pierced and blood and water flowed forth.The symbolism of this act was more than a mere human symbol. It was an instrument of the profound spiritual reality that was taking place at that moment. As Jesus' Sacred Heart was pierced, the blood and water that poured forth was the new sacramental life of the Church. The Blood was the Most Holy Eucharist and the Water was the gift of Baptism. And when Jesus had previously “breathed His last” and “handed over His Spirit,” the Sacrament of Confirmation was bestowed.When we celebrate those Sacraments today, it is easy to see them as mere symbols of what we partake in. But in our Christian Tradition, the Sacraments are so much more. The symbol is also the reality. It is the instrument of what it symbolizes. Therefore, every time we witness a Baptism or partake in the Holy Eucharist, we are mystically present with Longinus, receiving the grace and mercy of our redemption, pouring forth from Jesus' wounded side, so as to heal us and make us whole.The human heart is, physically speaking, a bodily organ responsible for pumping blood throughout. But from a spiritual perspective, given that we are both body and soul, the human heart is also the source of our life. Without it, we physically and spiritually die. So it is with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was not only a physical heart that was physically pierced by the lance long ago. It is now also the source of our ongoing spiritual life, and, without Jesus' Sacred Heart of Mercy, we will die in our sins.Reflect, today, upon the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. See His Heart as the ongoing source of your new life in grace. Understand that His Heart is more than a symbol of His grace and mercy, it is the spiritual source and the font of that mercy. Prayerfully place yourself before His Cross, this day, and allow the blood and water, flowing from His wounded side, to cover you so that you, too, may believe. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, You poured out upon the world the love and mercy of Your transforming grace through the instrument of the blood and water pouring forth from Your wounded side. Help me to gaze upon this font of mercy and to be covered with it through the gift of the Sacraments. May I always be open to all that You wish to bestow upon me by these precious and transforming instruments of Your love. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Behold the Pierced One! by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

FPC Eldorado Sermons Podcast
What You Hear and See - Matthew 11:1-6

FPC Eldorado Sermons Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025


Matthew 11:1-6 - - May 11, 2025

Catholic Daily Reflections
Wednesday of Holy Week - Rejecting Empty Promises

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 5:17


Read OnlineOne of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14–16The desire for money can become a powerful incentive to betray our Lord. In this Gospel passage, it seems clear that Judas' betrayal was based on his desire for money. He most likely had some level of faith in our Lord, or he wouldn't have become His disciple. But even if Judas did have some level of faith, his desire for money appeared to overshadow the faith he may have had.One of the central lessons we can learn from Judas is that the desire for money is a powerful incentive for the decisions we make. So many of the great saints have taught us that the path to holiness consists, first, in a purification of all our disordered affections. And since one of the most powerful attachments that many struggle with is an attachment to money, this is an important desire to purify in all of our lives.It's true that material possessions are not evil when they are used for the fulfillment of God's will. But the desire for more, for an excess, will always cloud our ability to see clearly the will of God and live for His glory alone.Once Judas had betrayed our Lord and Jesus was arrested, recall that Judas “deeply regretted what he had done.” And during Jesus' trial, Judas went back to the chief priests and said “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood” in an apparent attempt to stop the trial. But Jesus' death was set in motion and could not be stopped. As a result, Judas returned the money and sadly went off to hang himself (See Matthew 27:3–5).The desire Judas had for money clouded his thinking. And his sin did to him what sin always does. As soon as his sin of betrayal was done, Judas saw the consequences of that choice. And the consequences grieved him deeply. He learned that choosing sin ends with an empty promise. He realized that thirty pieces of silver was not worth the value of his soul. But of course, even then Judas could have repented and received the mercy of God. But he didn't. He simply ended his life in ultimate despair. Reflect, today, upon the witness of Judas. Use him as a source of meditation and self-examination this Holy Week. What is it in your life that you desire more than our Lord? What temptation clouds your thinking and leads you to choices that you know will end in emptiness? Strive to eradicate every disordered desire within you this day and choose wisely the will of God instead. Do not let yourself continue to believe the lies that keep you from making Jesus and His holy will the one and only focus of your life. My divine Lord, You and You alone must become the focus of my life. You and You alone are of the greatest value in life. Help me to shed all earthly desires in life so that I will not fall into the temptations that lead to empty promises and so that I will embrace the true and fulfilling promises that come from You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

New Story Podcast
Eyes to See (Matthew Week 12)

New Story Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 34:08


Series: Matthew: On Earth As In HeavenDate: 4-6-25Message Title: Eyes to SeeSpeaker: Pierce GibsonScripture: Matthew 20To learn more about New Story Church, you can do that by visiting NewStory.Church or find us on Instagram and Facebook at @NewStoryKC.

ScriptureStream
Matthew 20:1-28

ScriptureStream

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 42:54


Matthew 20 Matthew 20:1-16 – Laborers in the vineyard Matthew 20:1 – See Matthew 12:24-26. Satan also has a kingdom. God (Jesus) is the…

ScriptureStream
Matthew 13:1-58

ScriptureStream

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 30:00


Matthew 13 Matthew 13:10-17 – See Matthew 3:12. Through Jesus' words, he is separating the wheat from the chaff. Matthew 13:34-35 – Compare…

St. Andrew's Church
Mt Pleasant :: Sam Fornecker: The Journey of the Magi

St. Andrew's Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 22:24


Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Outline Kneel before the King who (i) masters us more gracious, (ii) rivals us more masterfully, and (iii) wounds us more transformingly, than we could dare to imagine. Sermon Questions Who is the other figure in Matthew's Gospel who demands that someone fall down and worship him? (See Matthew 4:9.) Why is this scene significant for the story Matthew tells? The magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh have long been understood to refer, theologically, to almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. How are you doing in offering Christ these gifts? St Augustine said, "Change of way means change of life." As you leave this study, you also go out — like the magi — "by another way." In what immediate ways will your life need to change? Resources Consulted Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on the Epiphany Juan de Maldonado, Commentary on the Holy Gospels (1595) John Boys, Workes (1629), on the Feast of the Epiphany (pp.630–35) Mark Allan Powell, “The Magi as Wise-Men: Re-examining a Basic Supposition,” New Testament Studies 46 (2000), 1–20. University of Notre Dame, "Royal Beauty Bright: Notre Dame Astrophysicist Researches the Christian Star"; George van Kooten et al (eds.), The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi: Interdisciplinary Perspectives from Experts on the Ancient Near East, the Greco-Roman World, and Modern Astronomy (Leiden: Brill, 2015), esp. chs. 2, 4, and 20. T.S. Eliot, "Journey of the Magi" and "East Coker" from Four Quartets Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ( ).

Trinity-by-the-Cove
Be the light for all to see - Matthew 2:1-12 (Marcella Drawdy)

Trinity-by-the-Cove

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 8:33


Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14 | Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a | Matthew 2:1-12 | Psalm 84. Preached for the Second Sunday after Christmas Day (2025-01-05).

Saint of the Day
The Holy Infants Killed for Christ's Sake in Bethlehem

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024


See Matthew ch. 2. Their number is sometimes put at fourteen thousand.   In our own day, the icon of "Rachel weeping for her children" (Matthew 2:18) has come to commemorate also the tens of millions of children who have died through abortion.

Saint of the Day
The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024


See Matthew ch. 2. Though St Matthew's account may leave the impression that the flight into Egypt was almost immediate, it would have been at least forty days after Christ's birth, following His Presentation in the Temple (Luke ch. 2). Christ, his holy Mother and his adoptive father St Joseph probably remained in Egypt for several years, until the death of Herod the Great.   St Nikolai Velimirovic (in the Prologue) relates the following tale: the holy family, fleeing into Egypt, were accosted by robbers, one of whom, seeing the Christ Child, was amazed at his supernatural beauty and said 'If God were to take human flesh Himself, He would not be more beautiful than this child!'. The robber told his companions to take nothing from the family. In gratitude the Mother of God told him 'This Child will reward you richly for having spared Him today.' Thirty years later it was this robber who was crucified at Christ's right hand, and was granted to hear the words 'Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.'

Legacy Reformed Baptist Church Sermon Audio
The Blind See (Matthew 20:29-34)

Legacy Reformed Baptist Church Sermon Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 52:36


As Jesus and His disciples begin the final leg of their journey toward Jerusalem, they come through Jericho among a great crowd of fellow travelers. As they leave the city, they come across a couple of blind men, desperate to get Jesus' attention. Listen as Pastor Caleb contrasts the desperate need of the blind men against the seeming cold-hearted indifference of the crowd. Be reminded of the importance of the title “Son of David.” Consider the only natural response to seeing Jesus and believing in Him. A sermon preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church on 12-8-24. legacyrbc.org

College Park Baptist Church, Cary, NC
[2024/11/17 PM] What Only The Pure Can See (Matthew 5:8)

College Park Baptist Church, Cary, NC

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 29:14


Speaker: Pastor Matthew Walker Scripture: Matthew 5:8

The Vertical Relationship Show: Relationship Goals, Prayer, Biblical Counseling, Dating Advice, Christian Marriage & Healing

As a Christian, it's important to remember that being kind, compassionate, and showing love; does not mean allowing others to walk all over you at their convenience! For that reason, your identity as a follower of Christ should not be based on always saying, "yes" to others. You're not a doormat! First and foremost, it is crucial to pray for discernment and follow God's direction in all situations. By seeking guidance from the Lord, you can make wise decisions about when to say, "no" and when to stand up for yourself or walk away. Scriptures should not be taken out of context; turning the other cheek does not mean allowing others to mistreat you. (See Matthew 5:38-40). Setting healthy boundaries is essential in maintaining your well-being and standing firm in your faith.    Check out my new audiobook: FEAR NOT: A No-Nonsense Guide to Healing Trauma "God's Way" Warfare-Healing-Deliverance for Wounded Souls. (This book is included in Melia's "Heal my Soul Wounds" Trauma Program)

Sfmin
Ephesians 1: Your Identity In Christ September 15, 2024 Session 5

Sfmin

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 34:15


Ephesians 1: Your Identity In Christ September 15, 2024 Session 5 Ephesians 1:1-10 Review: In Christ I am…. Blessed with every spiritual blessing Chosen; holy and blameless; loved and predestined to adoption; accepted in Christ; redeemed; forgiven Ephesians 1:10: God has made Jesus Christ the ultimate, consummate expression of Himself! (See Hebrews 1:1-3) Ephesians 1:11: Jesus has left us an inheritance (See Ephesians 1:1-10; John 16:15) All things that the Father has …. Christ's ultimate work for the Believer Ephesians 1:13, 14 The order: Hear the truth; the Gospel of Salvation; believe it (see also Ephesians 2:8, 9); the Spirit's seal, quarantee! The Prayer The revelation: The Hope The deposit of His Inheritance (John 16:15; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3) His power and authority His Body: His Plan; If His Church Will Act as He Desires, NOTHING and NO ONE can Defeat it! (See Matthew 16:19)

Sermons
The Seeing Blind, and the Blind Who See — Matthew 20:17-34

Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 37:26


September 15, 2024 | Luke Harding

Walk Boldly With Jesus
Witness Wednesday #125 Jim R. (God is Good!)

Walk Boldly With Jesus

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 8:42


Click Here for the Saints Be To God WebsiteGod is Good,All the time.All the time,God is Good.This very popular saying of ‘God is good all the time and All the time God is good' has come up many times recently. Many people have embraced this and taken this thought as their own. And for good reason – God is the ultimate Good and He does it all the time and in every situation. We all know there is evil, and we question where God is when something bad happens. The answer is: He is there helping us in some manner to get through it. Sometimes the “Footprints” story comes to mind. But we know the ultimate evil of Christ being cruelly beaten and even more cruelly killed on the cross was changed from being evil to being our redemption. God has a way of doing this in every evil that happens if we accept the Graces that He wants to give us. Even that grace of Redemption we must accept if we want to go to Heaven. God the Father's answer to evil is that He sent us His Son. His Son lived, suffered, died and rose to replace or remove the effects of what is evil with what is good- He saved us! He saved us from evil.Another way of saying ‘all the time‘ or on all occasions is the word always. So, our God is a God of Holiness and takes every bit of time and any occasion to ultimately make something Holy come from it. And He does. All the time. He makes Holy moments. All the time God is with us. This was his promise. See Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” It is different with everyone because we are all different. God will take an evil; a bad accident or a sickness, and thru His grace for us He somehow makes a Greater Good come from it. Most of the time we do not see this or find out why until we are on the other side of the vail but if we continue in our beliefs and accept Gods graces, we will be as fortunate as Job. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Job and how all of his great blessing were taken away from him and then given back twice as much because of his great belief, please see the Book of Job in the Bible. There is another ‘always'. "All ways" or "all the ways" means every manner possible. What happens when we think the same thing with God with this ‘all ways'. It is now a more complete picture of what God is. God is all the time good and every possible good. Can we say, “God is good all ways and all ways God is good”? God is in every manner possible good and in every manner possible God is good. God constantly is pouring out Graces on us. Does He ever give us something bad? No, He gives us everything we need. This is why we find that the saints had Joy no matter what. They say Saint Francis of Assisi was one of the saints most like Jesus. Not only was St. Francis poor like Jesus but he was Joyful like Jesus to a point of Loving Lady Poverty. He felt this great joy in his state of life because of the Blessings he received from God. In every manner possible God took care of him as he does now with us.Joy is the work of the Holy Spirt. The Holy Spirit has many Fruits. St Francis and Jesus have the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave His Holy Spirit to St Francis and now He gives Him to us. The same Holy Spirit that filled Jesus and the Saints fills us today if we ask Him and accept His graces. Ask for many graces. Ask all the time for Graces for every possible need. Ask for all the graces Jesus wants us to have so we and the others we pray for get all graces always and all ways. We ask for too little. Ask for more. More Jesus, More Jesus. All of Jesus, all of His body, blood, soul and Divinity. It is ours; we receive all of Him in Communion. We receive these graces in Adoration.More Jesus, More Jesus,Shalom  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE FOR RETREAT INFO CLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Missio Dei: Mesa
Miracles: Eyes To See (Matthew 20)

Missio Dei: Mesa

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024


Marathon Fellowship Class
Be Careful Little Tongue What You Say; Be Careful Little Eyes What You See – Matthew 5:21-30

Marathon Fellowship Class

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 50:55


Bob takes us through these convicting verses, showing us we are all murderers and adulterers when you consider our hearts.

Catholic Daily Reflections
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - The Font of Mercy

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 6:19


But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:33–34John's Gospel is filled with deep spiritual imagery and symbolism. It is clear that this imagery and symbolism was divinely inspired so as to give us spiritual food for reflection and meditation. One such image is given to us today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As Jesus and the two criminals on either side of Him hung upon their crosses, the soldiers came to hasten their deaths by breaking their legs to cause them to more quickly suffocate. But when they came to Jesus, He had already died. So one of the soldiers, traditionally known as Longinus, thrust his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water flowed forth. Some traditions identify Longinus with the centurion who cried out after Jesus' death, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.) Other traditions state that he converted at that moment, making him the first convert to Christianity. And still other traditions state that Longinus could not see well, and the blood and water from Jesus' side poured upon his eyes, healing him. Regardless of whether these traditions are true, we know that Jesus' side was pierced and blood and water flowed forth. The symbolism of this act was more than a mere human symbol. It was an instrument of the profound spiritual reality that was taking place at that moment. As Jesus' Sacred Heart was pierced, the blood and water that poured forth was the new sacramental life of the Church. The Blood was the Most Holy Eucharist and the Water was the gift of Baptism. And when Jesus had previously “breathed His last” and “handed over His Spirit,” the Sacrament of Confirmation was bestowed. When we celebrate those Sacraments today, it is easy to see them as mere symbols of what we partake in. But in our Christian Tradition, the Sacraments are so much more. The symbol is also the reality. It is the instrument of what it symbolizes. Therefore, every time we witness a Baptism or partake in the Holy Eucharist, we are mystically present with Longinus, receiving the grace and mercy of our redemption, pouring forth from Jesus' wounded side, so as to heal us and make us whole. The human heart is, physically speaking, a bodily organ responsible for pumping blood throughout. But from a spiritual perspective, given that we are both body and soul, the human heart is also the source of our life. Without it, we physically and spiritually die. So it is with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was not only a physical heart that was physically pierced by the lance long ago. It is now also the source of our ongoing spiritual life, and, without Jesus' Sacred Heart of Mercy, we will die in our sins. Reflect, today, upon the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. See His Heart as the ongoing source of your new life in grace. Understand that His Heart is more than a symbol of His grace and mercy, it is the spiritual source and the font of that mercy. Prayerfully place yourself before His Cross, this day, and allow the blood and water, flowing from His wounded side, to cover you so that you, too, may believe.Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, You poured out upon the world the love and mercy of Your transforming grace through the instrument of the blood and water pouring forth from Your wounded side. Help me to gaze upon this font of mercy and to be covered with it through the gift of the Sacraments. May I always be open to all that You wish to bestow upon me by these precious and transforming instruments of Your love. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: Flickr

Watersprings Church Podcast
The Tipping Point Part 2- 'But God' Changes Everything

Watersprings Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 51:46


Acts 10:17-28 You and I are commanded by God to go into all the world and make disciples. (See Matthew 28:18-20) This assumes we will, in the power of the Holy Spirit, come into contact with all the ethnic cultures of the world. (See Acts 1:8)However, this was not the default thinking of the early church leaders. They were surprised when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Samaritans. Now, after almost a decade, it is time for the good news of Jesus to go beyond ethnic divides. For the promise of a Savior is for the whole of creation. We have a holy responsibility to tell others about the love of God. even if we don't like them much. Jesus teaches us, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven..." (Matthew 5:43–45a) How important is it that we are telling others about the hope of Christ and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God? "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? (Proverbs 24:11–12, also see James 4:17) Also consider, Ezekiel 3:18–19, "When I [YHWH] say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

2Rivers Church Messages
What Happens When I Die?// Asking for a Friend, Part 5

2Rivers Church Messages

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 40:57


It's a question most want to ask, “what happens when I die and where exactly am I going?” A destination is referred to as the place to which a person or thing travels or is sent. There will be a day we all step into a final resting place and in preparation of that moment, we will need to know the truth of where we are headed. The reality is there is life after death.  The truth is our destiny is one with God or one without God. =====“TWO POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS”The Bible makes a clear distinction between those who have eternal life and those who do not.“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. “1 John 5:12How can you tell where you are going to go? In this informative and eye opening message from Pastor Ron Cathcart, we learn there is an answer to this question and though the distinction is clear, the how is really going to all depend. 1. TWO TYPES OF DEATH Physical - A natural question for most, what happens after I leave this earth?  See Hebrews 9:27 and Eccelsiastes 3:1-2Spiritual - Everyone is going to live somewhere forever, physical death is not the end. See Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2: 1-5, John 3:3-7, John 3:16 and Matthew 10:28 2. TWO TYPES OF JUDGMENT As a believer or non-believer, everyone will face judgment. See Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 and 1 Peter 5:43. TWO TYPES OF DESTINATIONS There is Heaven and there is Hell. God sent a savior, will you accept this gift?See Matthew 13:49-50, Revelation 21:8, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 22:1-5, Revelation 21:224. TWO TYPES OF ROADS Broad is the road that is the most popular.  Narrow is the road not making any headlines.  Which place is better?See Matthew 7:13-145. TWO TYPES OF ADVENTS If He showed us once, He will show us twice, Jesus came and will come again!  If you died today or Jesus came back, are you ready?See Thessalonians 4, Ecclesiastes 7:2 and Ecclesiastes 7:42Rivers Church in O'Fallon, MO exists to help people become passionate followers of Jesus. Need prayer? Leave a prayer request here. Our team will pray for you: https://2rivers.churchcenter.com/people/forms/29709Ensure you don't miss out! Don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to stay updated with our content ⏩.LIKE ✔️, SHARE 

Watersprings Church Podcast
Is Something Important Missing From Your Life?

Watersprings Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 54:14


One of the most profound forms of hypocrisy is when our external facade, the image we project to the world, starkly contrasts with our internal reality. We meticulously polish our words and actions to appear as devout Christians, yet our minds are often filled with thoughts that lead to secretive, ungodly behavior. This discrepancy between our public image and our private thoughts is a form of hypocrisy that Jesus Himself warned against.Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. (Matthew 23:25–26)Jesus calls them to an internal transformation, not just a reformation of external behaviors that conflict with the inner man. For example, we say we forgive someone because we know that is what we are called to do, but the reality is that we still have hate in our hearts for them. Jesus calls that murder. (See Matthew 5:21-45)John writes, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15). We need a change of nature that comes from being born again, not just a behavior change. Even though we may do and say all the right things, we may be missing something in our lives: the Lordship of Jesus.References:John 9:28-33Jeremiah 14:11–12Isaiah 59:1–2Hebrews 4:13John 6:28b–29-----Call us: 208.524.4747prayer@watersprings.netOnline Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.phpServe at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size ECCLI Copyright License: 1406906 Size FDISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

MY GOSPEL @ Desmond R Singh
#613 BY MEEKNESS & GENTLENESS

MY GOSPEL @ Desmond R Singh

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 59:30


Rejection was the hallmark of Jesus and the apostles. In this penetrating lesson, Brother Singh helps us understand that serving God in Spirit and truth sets the elect apart from most churchgoers (See Matthew 10:22). In stark contrast to the media-driven ministries of the 21st Century, Jesus and Paul would have been viewed as too humble and mediocre to be regarded as authentic. Pentecostal churches would surely have rejected them for not being in the Spirit.

Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel
Believe and See || Matthew 16:1-12 || Pastor BJ Huether

Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 51:35


Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel
Believe and See || Matthew 16:1-12 || Pastor BJ Huether

Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 51:35


Catholic Daily Reflections
Wednesday of Holy Week - Rejecting Empty Promises

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 5:17


One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14–16The desire for money can become a powerful incentive to betray our Lord. In this Gospel passage, it seems clear that Judas' betrayal was based on his desire for money. He most likely had some level of faith in our Lord, or he wouldn't have become His disciple. But even if Judas did have some level of faith, his desire for money appeared to overshadow the faith he may have had.One of the central lessons we can learn from Judas is that the desire for money is a powerful incentive for the decisions we make. So many of the great saints have taught us that the path to holiness consists, first, in a purification of all our disordered affections. And since one of the most powerful attachments that many struggle with is an attachment to money, this is an important desire to purify in all of our lives.It's true that material possessions are not evil when they are used for the fulfillment of God's will. But the desire for more, for an excess, will always cloud our ability to see clearly the will of God and live for His glory alone.Once Judas had betrayed our Lord and Jesus was arrested, recall that Judas “deeply regretted what he had done.” And during Jesus' trial, Judas went back to the chief priests and said “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood” in an apparent attempt to stop the trial. But Jesus' death was set in motion and could not be stopped. As a result, Judas returned the money and sadly went off to hang himself (See Matthew 27:3–5).The desire Judas had for money clouded his thinking. And his sin did to him what sin always does. As soon as his sin of betrayal was done, Judas saw the consequences of that choice. And the consequences grieved him deeply. He learned that choosing sin ends with an empty promise. He realized that thirty pieces of silver was not worth the value of his soul. But of course, even then Judas could have repented and received the mercy of God. But he didn't. He simply ended his life in ultimate despair. Reflect, today, upon the witness of Judas. Use him as a source of meditation and self-examination this Holy Week. What is it in your life that you desire more than our Lord? What temptation clouds your thinking and leads you to choices that you know will end in emptiness? Strive to eradicate every disordered desire within you this day and choose wisely the will of God instead. Do not let yourself continue to believe the lies that keep you from making Jesus and His holy will the one and only focus of your life. My divine Lord, You and You alone must become the focus of my life. You and You alone are of the greatest value in life. Help me to shed all earthly desires in life so that I will not fall into the temptations that lead to empty promises and so that I will embrace the true and fulfilling promises that come from You. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Judas Receiving Payment for his Betrayal By Giotto di Bondone, via Wikimedia Commons

All Saints Church
You Are The Taste and See (Matthew 5:13-16)

All Saints Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024


MY GOSPEL @ Desmond R Singh
#590 ABOUT FAITHFUL & WISE SERVANTS

MY GOSPEL @ Desmond R Singh

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 59:59


Today, we live in a period of history when the elect of God anticipate the return of Jesus as King of kings. Our Lord warned nearly 2,000 years ago. "Watch, therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." (Matthew 24: 42). In parabolic language, Jesus told his disciples, "Had the house owner known what hour the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and prevented his house from being broken into. (See Matthew 24:43).

Truth Unites
Atheist-Turned-Agnostic Talks with Christian (Gavin Ortlund + Matthew Adelstein)

Truth Unites

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 76:11


In this video I talk with Matthew Adelstein about his journey from atheism to agnosticism as well as various arguments for the existence of God and for Christianity. See Matthew's blog: https://benthams.substack.com/ Matthew's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@deliberationunderidealcond5105 Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunites FOLLOW: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/ Website: https://truthunites.org/

2Rivers Church Messages
Does Consumer Culture Keep You From God's Best? // Passionate Series Part 6

2Rivers Church Messages

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 42:49


Does consumer culture keep you from God's best? Let's learn how consumer culture holds you back, and how the shift from “consumer” to “contributor” can change your life and give more glory to God.=========================As Americans, we're good at being served. That's because our society (and most of the world) has moved from a “producer culture” to a “consumer culture.” Companies keep providing customers with higher and higher levels of service. It's hard not to get too comfortable when you're used to that kind of customer care!But what happens when consumer culture creeps into the church? Will we miss out on some of what God has for us?One of our core values at 2Rivers Church is, “We are spiritual contributors, not just consumers.” And even though being a spiritual consumer isn't wrong in and of itself, God wants more from us—and for us.WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A CONSUMER AND A CONTRIBUTOR?A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use. More broadly speaking, to be a consumer is to receive or be served. On the other hand, a contributor is someone who gives something to help someone else achieve or obtain something. It's not wrong to be a spiritual consumer. We all need to “consume” at some level—the Bible, good teaching, and worship music, for example. The problem is when we consume more than we contribute. God wants us to be both consumers and contributors.WHY SHOULD I BE A CONTRIBUTOR?1. Because the Christian life is not about you.Jesus is our example. He didn't come so people would serve Him—He came to serve! Jesus spent His ministry teaching, healing, and helping people. He even gave His life for us! Let's learn from that kind of humility.See 2 Corinthians 5:15 and Mark 9:35.2. Because it's your created purpose.To be a contributor is to acknowledge that God created us for more than personal gratification. The Apostle Paul writes, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).See also 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14–15, 1 Corinthians 12:18, and 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT).3. Because God uses it to capture the hearts of others.When you become a contributor and not just a consumer, others see God working through you.See Matthew 5:16.HOW DO I BUCK CONSUMER CULTURE AND BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR?1. Lean into the One who first served us.Jesus lived a life of service. His contribution to the world changed everything for us. Even on the last week of His life on Earth, He exemplified service by washing His disciples' dirty, dusty feet. Let's follow His example.See Mark 10:45 and John 13:15.2. Jump in and start using your gifts.How has God blessed you? Find ways to use your time and talents to serve others. That doesn't just mean volunteering at church (which we encourage), but turning your whole life into a life of service.See 1 Peter 4:10.=========================2Rivers Church in O'Fallon, MO, exists to help people become passionate followers of Jesus. LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE so you can get more content to help you live equipped and become a passionate follower of Jesus! RESOURCES FOR YOUFind ways to be a contributor by volunteering at 2Rivers: https://www.2riverschurch.com/serving.html Find out what we believe here: https://www.2riverschurch.com/whatwebelieve.htmlStruggling and need prayer? We'd love to pray for you. Submit a prayer request here:  https://2rivers.churchcenter.com/people/forms/29709

Christian Podcast Community
What Prophets, Righteous Men, and Angels Longed to See, Matthew 1313-17, Season 3, Episode 26

Christian Podcast Community

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024


My Sermon for Vail Valley Baptist Church on February 4, 2024. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wayne-floyd/support

Berean Baptist Church
Vision 2024: Fruitfulness | Berean Baptist Church

Berean Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 40:16


What is God's will for your life in 2024? Healthy plants bear fruit, and healthy Christians and healthy churches bear fruit as well! John 15 challenges us to abide in Christ this year so that we can bear fruit for the glory of His name. Text: John 15:1-11 1. Every branch should produce fruit. John 15:1-2 - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. A. Fruitless branches are removed from the Vine. (See Matthew 7:16-20) C. Some branches DO produce fruit and these branches are pruned so they can produce even more. D. Pruning can be painful, in fact many of life's lessons are very painful. (See Romans 8:28). 2. Bearing fruit doesn't save you – it's possible because you are already saved. John 15:3 - Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. See also Ephesians 2:8-10. 3. Abide in Christ. John 15:4-10 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abidein me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. A. There are 10 “Abides” in this passage! We get the word “Abide” from the Greek “meno” (Minnow), about half the time it is translated as “remain or stay” and the other half “abide, or dwell” B. This text has to do with both proximity and steadfastness. C. Proximity – we must rely on Christ. We must be spending time with Him, be connected to the vine if we are wanting to bear good fruit. D. Steadfastness – we must endure until the end. Don't stop and think “I've got this now”. Abiding in Christ and bearing fruit is a joy-filled endeavor! There is nothing better than being close to Jesus. John 15:11 - These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This year, we will gauge our success as a church by our fruitfulness – and our fruitfulness will come with our enjoying God together. We must abide in Christ if we are to be used by Christ in this world!

Watersprings Church Podcast
Throwing Down with Evil - Part 1

Watersprings Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 49:37


There is real evil in the world. You and I see, hear, and experience the effects of man's depravity all the time. So, how do we answer evil? Before we venture down this road, I would like to point out that evil is irrational. As much as we would like to know or understand all the "whys" of evil done by those who bear the image of God, we can't.There are things that do not make any sense in this world. Many of these atrocities should have no place to exist, yet in this fallen world, they seem to find a place to exist and flourish. Genocide, murder, war, terrorism, torture, rape, slavery, human trafficking, child abuse and molestation, adultery, discrimination, abuse of power, and so many others that reveal man's fallen nature. (See Romans 1:18-32)Genesis tells us, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5). This is why we need the transformation of the heart, soul, and mind that comes through a life loyal to, led by, and filled with the Holy Spirit of God. You and I cannot trust our own hearts; Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?So then, how do we answer evil? We do what Jesus did in the wilderness, and Steven does in Acts 7; we answer with the Word of God. (See Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isiah 55:10-11)Confronting evil in all forms is always challenging, but it must be done. Sometimes, we do not have a choice in the matter. So, when that time comes, be ready with the Word of God. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13)Referances:Lk 6:44–45Ps 119:11Proverbs 22:6Luke 24:27Ro 8:28–30Ps. 91:15Isa. 52:4Ex 4:10–12Mic 7:18–20Je 31:34Ps 103:11–12-----Call us: 208.524.4747prayer@watersprings.netOnline Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.phpServe at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size ECCLI Copyright License: 1406906 Size FDISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Saint of the Day
The Holy Infants Killed for Christ's Sake in Bethlehem

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023


See Matthew ch. 2. Their number is sometimes put at fourteen thousand.   In our own day, the icon of "Rachel weeping for her children" (Matthew 2:18) has come to commemorate also the tens of millions of children who have died through abortion.

Saint of the Day
The Holy Infants Killed for Christ's Sake in Bethlehem

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 1:07


See Matthew ch. 2. Their number is sometimes put at fourteen thousand.   In our own day, the icon of "Rachel weeping for her children" (Matthew 2:18) has come to commemorate also the tens of millions of children who have died through abortion.

Saint of the Day
The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023


See Matthew ch. 2. Though St Matthew's account may leave the impression that the flight into Egypt was almost immediate, it would have been at least forty days after Christ's birth, following His Presentation in the Temple (Luke ch. 2). Christ, his holy Mother and his adoptive father St Joseph probably remained in Egypt for several years, until the death of Herod the Great.   St Nikolai Velimirovic (in the Prologue) relates the following tale: the holy family, fleeing into Egypt, were accosted by robbers, one of whom, seeing the Christ Child, was amazed at his supernatural beauty and said 'If God were to take human flesh Himself, He would not be more beautiful than this child!'. The robber told his companions to take nothing from the family. In gratitude the Mother of God told him 'This Child will reward you richly for having spared Him today.' Thirty years later it was this robber who was crucified at Christ's right hand, and was granted to hear the words 'Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.'

Saint of the Day
The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family

Saint of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 1:25


See Matthew ch. 2. Though St Matthew's account may leave the impression that the flight into Egypt was almost immediate, it would have been at least forty days after Christ's birth, following His Presentation in the Temple (Luke ch. 2). Christ, his holy Mother and his adoptive father St Joseph probably remained in Egypt for several years, until the death of Herod the Great.   St Nikolai Velimirovic (in the Prologue) relates the following tale: the holy family, fleeing into Egypt, were accosted by robbers, one of whom, seeing the Christ Child, was amazed at his supernatural beauty and said 'If God were to take human flesh Himself, He would not be more beautiful than this child!'. The robber told his companions to take nothing from the family. In gratitude the Mother of God told him 'This Child will reward you richly for having spared Him today.' Thirty years later it was this robber who was crucified at Christ's right hand, and was granted to hear the words 'Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.'

Wilkesboro Baptist Church
Ecclesiology: Church Mission | 12.06.23

Wilkesboro Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 46:52


Ecclesiology: Church Mission Chris Hefner Church Mission How are we doing at church? Are we doing church well? Jesus gave the church her mission because Jesus is the Founder, Leader, and Lord of the church. See Matthew 28:18-20 Our mission at WBC is to lead our neighbors and the nations to follow Jesus To follow Jesus according to Mt. 28:18-20 includes: Submitting to his authority Obeying his commands Relying on his presence How do we fulfill Jesus' mission here at WBC? Here are four steps. Worship Learn Serve Replicate Theological Takeaway: While Christians and church members have obligations in the church, only our Lord and Savior has the right to direct and govern the church. So, the church's life and mission must come from the Lord, not us Worship Takeaway: God's people have always been marked by their worship (see Israel in OT and the church in the NT). Christian mission begins and ends with worship Evangelistic Takeaway: It is the responsibility of the church to communicate the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation, but making disciples, not merely converts must be the focus of the church. Effective, church-focused evangelism has making disciples as its goal Relational Takeaway: For the church to fulfill Christ's mandated mission, it must be “our” mission, not merely “mine” or “yours.” We worship together, learn together, serve together, and replicate together Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North
Intentional Faith: A "How To" Guide - How to Get the Most Out of Church

Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023


Introduction: How to Get the Most Out of Church (James 1:19-27) Come ready to Hear God's Word. (Jas 1:19-21) Leave ready to Apply God's Word. (Jas 1:22-27) Deuteronomy 6:24 - And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. John 13:17 - If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Matthew 12:34 - For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead James 1:19-27What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain James' mirror illustration in Jas 1:23-24.Why is the tongue a good indicator on where your faith is (Jas 1:26)? See Matthew 12:34.What do you personally need to do to better prepare yourself for church next Sunday?BreakoutPray for one another.

Christ For The City Podcast
Episode 161: Whose Image Do You See? Matthew 22:15-22

Christ For The City Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2023 41:04


As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we should bear His image.

Catholic Daily Reflections
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - The Font of Mercy

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 6:19


But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:33–34John's Gospel is filled with deep spiritual imagery and symbolism. It is clear that this imagery and symbolism was divinely inspired so as to give us spiritual food for reflection and meditation. One such image is given to us today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.As Jesus and the two criminals on either side of Him hung upon their crosses, the soldiers came to hasten their deaths by breaking their legs to cause them to more quickly suffocate. But when they came to Jesus, He had already died. So one of the soldiers, traditionally known as Longinus, thrust his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water flowed forth. Some traditions identify Longinus with the centurion who cried out after Jesus' death, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.) Other traditions state that he converted at that moment, making him the first convert to Christianity. And still other traditions state that Longinus could not see well, and the blood and water from Jesus' side poured upon his eyes, healing him. Regardless of whether these traditions are true, we know that Jesus' side was pierced and blood and water flowed forth.The symbolism of this act was more than a mere human symbol. It was an instrument of the profound spiritual reality that was taking place at that moment. As Jesus' Sacred Heart was pierced, the blood and water that poured forth was the new sacramental life of the Church. The Blood was the Most Holy Eucharist and the Water was the gift of Baptism. And when Jesus had previously “breathed His last” and “handed over His Spirit,” the Sacrament of Confirmation was bestowed.When we celebrate those Sacraments today, it is easy to see them as mere symbols of what we partake in. But in our Christian Tradition, the Sacraments are so much more. The symbol is also the reality. It is the instrument of what it symbolizes. Therefore, every time we witness a Baptism or partake in the Holy Eucharist, we are mystically present with Longinus, receiving the grace and mercy of our redemption, pouring forth from Jesus' wounded side, so as to heal us and make us whole.The human heart is, physically speaking, a bodily organ responsible for pumping blood throughout. But from a spiritual perspective, given that we are both body and soul, the human heart is also the source of our life. Without it, we physically and spiritually die. So it is with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was not only a physical heart that was physically pierced by the lance long ago. It is now also the source of our ongoing spiritual life, and, without Jesus' Sacred Heart of Mercy, we will die in our sins. Reflect, today, upon the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. See His Heart as the ongoing source of your new life in grace. Understand that His Heart is more than a symbol of His grace and mercy, it is the spiritual source and the font of that mercy. Prayerfully place yourself before His Cross, this day, and allow the blood and water, flowing from His wounded side, to cover you so that you, too, may believe. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, You poured out upon the world the love and mercy of Your transforming grace through the instrument of the blood and water pouring forth from Your wounded side. Help me to gaze upon this font of mercy and to be covered with it through the gift of the Sacraments. May I always be open to all that You wish to bestow upon me by these precious and transforming instruments of Your love. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Christian Podcast Community
MSL: May, 24 2023

Christian Podcast Community

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 47:59


The Matt Slick Live daily radio show broadcast is produced by The Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM.org). During the show, Matt answers questions on the air, and offers insight on topics like The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues!  The show airs live on the Truth Network, Monday through Friday, 6-7 PM, EST (3-4 PM, PST) You can also watch a live stream during the live show on RUMBLE! MSL: May, 24 2023 Topics include: 06- What is evil, and is it part of God's plan or will? 12- Atheism and polytheism. 33- Should we keep the Sabbath? See Matthew 12:8. 40- When is it ok for a Christian to display tough love? 46- Why do celebrities mock Jesus? 51-  If Adam & Eve ate from the Tree of Life, would we live forever? 54- Does Joshua 24:15 describe free will? MSL: May, 24 2023     This show LIVE STREAMS on RUMBLE during the Radio Broadcast! Subscribe to the CARM YouTube Channel Subscribe to the Matt Slick YouTube Channel CARM on Facebook Visit the CARM Website Donate to CARM

Catholic Daily Reflections
Wednesday of Holy Week - Rejecting Empty Promises

Catholic Daily Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 5:17


One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14–16The desire for money can become a powerful incentive to betray our Lord. In this Gospel passage, it seems clear that Judas' betrayal was based on his desire for money. He most likely had some level of faith in our Lord, or he wouldn't have become His disciple. But even if Judas did have some level of faith, his desire for money appeared to overshadow the faith he may have had.One of the central lessons we can learn from Judas is that the desire for money is a powerful incentive for the decisions we make. So many of the great saints have taught us that the path to holiness consists, first, in a purification of all our disordered affections. And since one of the most powerful attachments that many struggle with is an attachment to money, this is an important desire to purify in all of our lives.It's true that material possessions are not evil when they are used for the fulfillment of God's will. But the desire for more, for an excess, will always cloud our ability to see clearly the will of God and live for His glory alone.Once Judas had betrayed our Lord and Jesus was arrested, recall that Judas “deeply regretted what he had done.” And during Jesus' trial, Judas went back to the chief priests and said “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood” in an apparent attempt to stop the trial. But Jesus' death was set in motion and could not be stopped. As a result, Judas returned the money and sadly went off to hang himself (See Matthew 27:3–5).The desire Judas had for money clouded his thinking. And his sin did to him what sin always does. As soon as his sin of betrayal was done, Judas saw the consequences of that choice. And the consequences grieved him deeply. He learned that choosing sin ends with an empty promise. He realized that thirty pieces of silver was not worth the value of his soul. But of course, even then Judas could have repented and received the mercy of God. But he didn't. He simply ended his life in ultimate despair. Reflect, today, upon the witness of Judas. Use him as a source of meditation and self-examination this Holy Week. What is it in your life that you desire more than our Lord? What temptation clouds your thinking and leads you to choices that you know will end in emptiness? Strive to eradicate every disordered desire within you this day and choose wisely the will of God instead. Do not let yourself continue to believe the lies that keep you from making Jesus and His holy will the one and only focus of your life. My divine Lord, You and You alone must become the focus of my life. You and You alone are of the greatest value in life. Help me to shed all earthly desires in life so that I will not fall into the temptations that lead to empty promises and so that I will embrace the true and fulfilling promises that come from You. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.