Podcasts about Siloam

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 7–9; Luke 13 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible. Today is September 30th, and our readings are Zechariah 7–9 and Luke 13. Zechariah speaks to people trying to rebuild their lives after exile. They have questions about religion, fasting, and what faithfulness should look like now. And God's response is remarkably practical: Judge fairly. Show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. Don't scheme against one another. And then Zechariah gives us a beautiful vision of restoration. Old men and women will once again sit in the streets of Jerusalem. Children will play there. God's people will come home. And their king will come to them, righteous and victorious, yet humble, riding on a donkey. Then in Luke 13, Jesus confronts some of the hardest realities of life. People have been murdered by Pilate. A tower has collapsed and killed eighteen people. A woman has lived bent over for eighteen years. The world is falling down. But Jesus refuses to let tragedy tell us what God is like. Instead, he shows us the kingdom. A gardener tends patiently to a tree. A woman who has been bent over is lifted up. A mustard seed grows. Yeast quietly works through the dough. Something is happening. The kingdom of God is rising up. TODAY'S DEVOTION When the World Is Falling Down The world is falling down. Those are the headlines. They were the headlines in Jesus' day too. Violence. Tragedy. Disaster. Death. People come to Jesus with news that Pilate has killed some Galileans while they were offering sacrifices. It's horrifying. And behind their report seems to be a question. Why? Why did this happen to them? Did they somehow deserve it? Was God judging them? Were they worse than everyone else? Jesus says no. Then he brings up another tragedy. A tower in Siloam collapsed and killed eighteen people. Were they worse sinners than everyone else in Jerusalem? Again, Jesus says no. I think that's important. Because human beings have a long history of trying to make sense of suffering by assigning blame. Something terrible happens, and we want to know whose fault it was. Sometimes religious people take it even further. They tell us that tragedy is God's punishment. That suffering tells us something about the moral worth of the person who suffers. Jesus refuses that explanation. Towers fall. Violence happens. Bodies break. People die. We live in a world that groans. And Jesus doesn't give us an easy explanation for all of it. Instead, he gives us himself. And he announces something new. The kingdom of God is rising up. Look at what happens next. Jesus encounters a woman who has been bent over for eighteen years. Eighteen years. Imagine seeing the world that way for eighteen years. Unable to stand straight. Unable to lift your face. And Jesus sees her. That's important. He sees her. He calls her over. And he says: "Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!" Then he touches her. And immediately she stands up straight. The world has been pushing her down for eighteen years. Jesus raises her up. That's the kingdom. And when the religious leader objects because Jesus has healed her on the Sabbath, Jesus calls her a daughter of Abraham. He restores more than her body. He restores her place. Her dignity. Her belonging. The world bends people down. The kingdom raises them up. The world says some people don't matter. Jesus sees them. The world creates categories of insiders and outsiders. Jesus calls her daughter. The world is falling down. The kingdom is rising up. And Jesus says the kingdom is like a mustard seed. Tiny. Easy to overlook. But alive. Growing. Becoming a place where birds can find shelter. The kingdom is like yeast hidden in flour. You can't always see it working. But slowly, quietly, it changes everything. I need that word. Because sometimes I look at the world and I see everything that's falling down. War. Violence. Fear. Division. Loneliness. Grief. People bent beneath burdens they've carried for years. And it can seem overwhelming. Maybe you feel that too. But Jesus invites us to look again. Look for the mustard seed. Look for the yeast. Look for the woman standing up straight. Look for mercy. Look for healing. Look for forgiveness. Look for people crossing boundaries to love one another. Look for the quiet work of the Spirit. The kingdom is rising. And Zechariah gives us the same hope. He sees a king coming. But this king doesn't arrive on a war horse. He comes humbly. Riding on a donkey. And Zechariah says this king will bring an end to war. That's the king Jesus chooses to be. He doesn't save the world by becoming more violent than the violent. He doesn't conquer the world by becoming a greater version of Caesar. He comes in humility. He comes in peace. He comes in self-giving love. He comes to raise up those who have been bent down. And ultimately, he enters into the world's death and rises from it. That's our hope. The world is falling down. But death doesn't get the last word. Violence doesn't get the last word. Fear doesn't get the last word. The kingdom of God is rising up. And Jesus invites us to participate in it. To show mercy. To pursue justice. To lift up those who have been bent down. To make room for those who have been pushed aside. To become little mustard seeds of hope. To let the life and love of Christ work through us like yeast in the dough. So don't lose heart. The headlines aren't the whole story. There is another story unfolding. The kingdom is rising. Christ is making all things new. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May we see the kingdom rising in the midst of a world that seems to be falling down. And may we join Jesus in his work of healing, mercy, justice, peace, and love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Delivered by Nicole Orlincallysta Yakob and Michelle Jordyn Limanta from Saint Peter's School Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara, in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Daniel 7: 9-10.13-14; Rs psalm 138: 1-2a.2bc-3.4-5; John 1: 47-51.ANGELS ARE SERVANTS The theme for our meditation today is: Angels AreServants. Angels are the inhabitants of heaven who live with the Triune God,who have never experienced a life like all human beings in the world. They arespiritual creatures who have been with God since the existence of the kingdomof Heaven. God reveals His will and power when He is dealing with His creation.In the life of this kingdom, the role of angels is to serve the almighty God. In our celebration of liturgy, the Eucharist anddevotional prayers, we mention angels in connection with their common dutywhich is to sing and to give praise to the Almighty God. They are like asecurity troop that guards and serves all activities in the Kingdom of heaven.There are two special duties of this troop. The first is to protect all humanbeings from any harm and from losing the way in their journey of faith. Theyare called the guardian angels for us the believers. The guardian angels do nothave names  and they are not our patronsaints who actually have names. The second special task is to carry out and to fulfillsome great tasks from the Almighty God. They are called the archangels who havenames, namely Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. With the term"great" attached to them, it means that their role as heavenlyservants are very important. The scriptures as the official sources for divinerevelation, give us an evidence of faith in these three archangels, whose namesand roles are clearly elaborated. They are different from other angels who haveno names and specific works for each of them.  The archangel Michael is mentioned in the scripturesand also explained in the sacred tradition of the Church as a soldier whodefends the people of God and fights against the great enemy of the Church. Forexample, in the book of Daniel (12,1), Michael is depicted as the one whofights the enemy and defends the People of God from the attacks of theAnti-Christs. Michael is always depicted as the one standing great and strongwhile holding a sword. The archangel Gabriel is described in the scripturesas the servant and bearer of joyful and greatest news from God to His people onearth. For example, he came to Daniel and revealed the message of the coming ofthe Messiah (8, 16-26; 9, 21-27). In the Gospel of Luke, he came to bringjoyful news of John the Baptist's birth (Luke 1,11-20), and he brought also thejoyful news to the Virgin Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ. The ArchangelRaphael is known to us in the Church as the minister for healing blindness,disease, and he also the protector for our journeys. He healed Tobit from hisblindness. He is shown in the Gospel of John as a healer for the sick men atthe pool of Siloam. We should be always grateful to God for giving us thesethree archangels.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, make us always faithful to followthe instruction and guidance of Your archangels. Glory to the Father and to theSon and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...

This sermon explores the narrative of the man born blind in John chapter nine, framing his journey as a "strange road to sight" that moves from physical healing to spiritual conviction. The message emphasizes that while human limitations and spiritual blindness are beyond our own power to fix, Jesus sees and acts to bring glory to God through these circumstances. It highlights the necessity of immediate obedience, even when the method seems unusual or the outcome is unclear, using the man's willingness to wash in the pool of Siloam as a model for Christian faith. The text further illustrates how opposition from religious authorities, rather than destroying the man's faith, actually clarified his convictions and deepened his understanding of Jesus as a prophet and ultimately the Son of God. The sermon concludes by contrasting the man's humble worship with the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, urging listeners to recognize their own need for a Savior and to respond with faith and humility.

Sin is not a word people use these days, I even met a teenager who had never heard the word ‘adultery' – and had no idea what it meant – she came into our Bible Education Centre on a rainy morning while waiting for the Internet place next door to open. Today, attitudes are as they were in the days of Hosea who wrote, “ the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants … There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God” [ch. 4 v.1] That is exactly the case with our world today – “the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants” – and soon this will become awesomely evident.   In the days of Jesus, people more widely believed that God was the ultimate arbiter of punishment for their sins.  Our readings in Ezekiel also show this, making the point that God had been merciful toward his people, yet there comes a point when God, seeing that his  people do not change although he keeps showing mercy, ultimately brings awesome destruction – and Jerusalem came to a terrible end because of the abundance of their sins and lack of repentance.  It is significant that only once does Ezekiel use the word ‘mercy' – although Jeremiah uses it frequently. God's people abused his merciful attitude in Jeremiah's time.  The one occasion Ezekiel uses it is in his ch. 39 v.25 “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name”  A latter day prophecy we believe will soon occur.. Now Jesus makes a very interesting point in today's ch. 13 in Luke.  Evidently people had been saying that when a tower collapsed in Siloam and killed 18 people (v.4), those people must have been worse sinners than other people.  How did Jesus respond?  “No” he says, “I tell you they were not, and if you fail to repent you will all likewise perish.” There is less and less belief in God these days, so no spirit of repentance.We must look at ourselves! If we are not on God's side, trying our best to do his will, there is no future for us.  Jesus followed up his warning about Siloam  by telling them a parable about a man who planted a tree (v.6-9) and who came for 3 years, looking for fruit, but found none.  It was given one more year to produce fruit and a special effort was made to fertilise it.  If it did not produce fruit it would be destroyed. Jesus came to the lost sheep of Israel, most would not follow him, 40 years later there was terrible destruction, especially in Jerusalem..The response of Peter on the day of Pentecost when  the people were ‘cut to the heart' in realizing they had killed their Messiah, was to tell them to “Repent and be baptised” [Acts 2 v38]  So we have done that!  Good.  Are we heeding the lessons of God's word – not only with a repentant attitude – we must each ask ourselves, are we producing fruit?   There is no point in having a “knowledge of God” if we do not.

Istoria izvorului Ghihon și a tunelului Siloam din Ierusalim ilustrează dependența omului de sursele de apă, dar și de Dumnezeu. Profeția din Zaharia promite ape vii care nu vor mai curge cu intermitențe - un har constant care nu seacă nici în „vara” binecuvântărilor, nici în „iarna” încercărilor, hrănind viața spirituală neîncetat.

Whenever lives are lost unexpectedly, the same painful questions rise: Where is God? Why did He allow this? Could He have stopped it? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at how Jesus responded to two tragedies that shook the people of His day.In Luke 13, Jesus refers to Galileans who were killed while worshiping and to eighteen people who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed. The crowd assumed those victims must have been worse sinners than everyone else. Jesus rejected that conclusion outright.Instead, He turned the conversation toward a deeper spiritual reality: tragedy should remind us of the brevity of life and the urgency of repentance. Jesus warned that judgment ultimately comes to all who refuse to turn from sin and receive God's mercy.But this is not a message without hope. God has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ. Through Him, sinners can receive forgiveness, grace, victory over sin, and the promise of eternal life.This episode offers a biblical perspective for moments when suffering feels senseless—calling us away from speculation and toward repentance, faith, and the everlasting hope found in Christ.Pray with me.Father God, thank You for Your lovingkindness toward me. I know goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

291. When Suffering Makes No Sense - In Response to Big Church Festival Tragedy   When suffering strikes suddenly and makes no sense, how do we understand it as Christians? Reflecting on the recent death of a pastor Robert Guance at a Big Church Festival and Jesus' words about the tower of Siloam, we explore what it means to face tragedy without easy answers, while holding on to the goodness of God, the hope of resurrection and the promise that suffering and death will not have the final word.   Support the podcast with a coffee....
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crisrogers  
    To get a copy of Positive Urban Theology here... - https://amzn.eu/d/0hmKe5wU   To get a copy of The Bible Book By Book here...
https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/bible-study/bible-study-reference-books/bible-background/the-bible-book-by-book/ 
    Rev Dr Cris Rogers is a church leader at allhallowsbow.org.uk and Director of Making Disciples. Chair of the Spring Harvest Planning Group. For more information, check out wearemakingdisciples.com #Heart #Hands #Heart    

Jesus and His disciples pass by a blind man, and the question arises about sin and it's effects on the body. Jesus heals the man and the glory is given to God A Blind Man Receives His Sight Dan Jaussen Download Sermons Archive RSS John 9:1-12 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”He said, “I am he.”10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and I received sight.”12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?”He said, “I do not know.”Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book,And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.Ezekiel 18:19-20 “Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?' Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. Sermon Discussion Questions:Upon seeing the blind man, what do the disciples ask Jesus?What was Jesus's response?What does this account tell us about suffering?How should we react to suffering?

In Episode 232, we explore Luke 13:1-9 and Jesus' urgent and tender call to repentance. The crowd comes to Jesus with a horrific story—Pilate has murdered Galileans while they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. And underneath their report is a very human, very understandable unspoken question: Did they deserve it? Were they worse sinners than everyone else? We want tragedy to make sense. We want it to be someone's fault—because if it's their fault, then we're safe. If they suffered because of their sin, then as long as we're not that sinful, we're protected. It's a logic that gives us the illusion of control over our own fate. Through guided meditation, discover how Jesus refuses that logic entirely and completely. "Not at all," He says. Those Galileans were not worse sinners than other Galileans. The eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell were not the worst sinners in Jerusalem. Tragedy is not a report card on someone's sin. Suffering is not always the direct result of specific wrongdoing. And the comfortable assumption that bad things only happen to bad people is a lie that Jesus will not allow to stand. But then Jesus does something unexpected and urgent. He uses these tragedies not to assign blame—but to issue a personal invitation to every person listening: "Unless you repent, you will perish too." He's not saying: they died because they were sinful. He's saying something far more searching: death is coming for all of us. The question isn't whether you'll face the end—it's whether you'll be ready when you do. And the only way to be ready is to repent—to genuinely turn from sin and turn to God—now, while there is still time. Then Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. A man has planted a fig tree in his garden and has come again and again looking for fruit. Three years. Nothing. He's ready to cut it down—it's just taking up space. But the gardener intercedes with a request that should move every one of us: "Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down." That gardener is Jesus. And that extra year—that season of special attention, of fertilizer, of grace and tending and patience—is the time we're living in right now. God is patient. He is tending. He is giving us every opportunity to bear fruit. But the patience of God is not the absence of urgency. The tree that never bears fruit will eventually be cut down. The question is not whether God is patient—He is. The question is what we're doing with that patience. Are we bearing fruit? Or are we taking His patience for granted, assuming the extra year will stretch indefinitely? Learn how to identify the specific area of your life where you've been unfruitful—the pattern, the habit, the relationship, the sin you keep returning to, the calling you keep ignoring—and bring it to Jesus the gardener who intercedes, who tends, who gives special attention and grace. Discover what genuine repentance looks like—not a general sense of unworthiness but a specific turning from a specific sin toward a specific God who is patient and ready to receive you. Experience the freedom and fruit that comes from taking the season of grace seriously and bearing real, lasting fruit that shows you've truly turned.

Sermon Outline: "Redeemed with a Purpose, Released with a Mission" Preacher: Pastor Rhonda Davis I. From Saved to Sent The Foundation: Recapping last week's message, believers must stand firm on the reality that they are chosen, accepted, redeemed, and adopted. Beyond the Waiting Room: The church was never designed to be a waiting room where saved people sit around until heaven comes; it is a sending station where redeemed people are equipped and released into a broken world. Inserting Your Name into the Great Commission: Drawing from John 1:7, Pastor Rhonda emphasized that every believer's name belongs in the blank: "There was a man/woman sent by God, and his/her name was [Your Name]." II. The "Anywhere But Here" Principle Overcoming Resistance: When called to serve, our natural reaction is often to ask God to send us "anywhere but here." The Founding of Church of the Harvest: Pastor Rhonda shared her personal story of resisting starting a church in Cleveland, TN, hoping for opportunities in Phoenix or Yakima instead. While kneeling in the dirt on Atkinson Drive, God gave her a vision of Jesus reaching into the four corners of the earth to pull in the hurting and asked her: "Why are you resisting Me?" Highest Calling: What begins as an "anywhere but here" moment often becomes the very place where God's presence is most powerfully revealed. III. Carrying the Message of Redemption My House Is Full, But My Field Is Empty: Pastor Rhonda shared a memory of her mother singing a classic song about God's heart weeping because His children gather around the table while the harvest fields lay ripe and ungathered. The Ministry of Reconciliation: According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, God has trusted believers with the message of redemption. We do not carry condemnation into the world; we carry forgiveness, grace, and hope. Shifting from Blame to Opportunity (John 9): In the story of the man born blind, the disciples wanted to debate who was to blame ("Who sinned, this man or his parents?"). Jesus rejected the blame game and focused on the opportunity to demonstrate God's works. Religion shames people for having dirty feet; Jesus kneels down to wash them. IV. Using Base Materials for Miracles Spit and Mud into Miracles: Jesus took dirt and spit—the lowest material—to heal the blind man and sent him to the Pool of Siloam (which means "Sent"). God Doesn't Need Better Material: Believers often wish they were smarter, more talented, or more gifted. However, God takes basic "dirt" (2 Corinthians 4:7) and fills it with His Holy Spirit so that the glory belongs entirely to Him. The History of Queen for a Day & The Esther Project: Starting small and using what was available led to growing out of facilities on Atkinson Drive by 2012. In 2014, while Queen for a Day was on hold, God birthed The Esther Project at Women of Hope, where hundreds of women were crowned and reminded that their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. In 2015, following a prophetic dream involving an emblem of the Lion and the Lamb, Queen for a Day was moved to Omega Center International (OCI), expanding its reach to hundreds of women annually. V. Carrying an Atmosphere & Transforming Pain Atmosphere Changers: Fear, division, and hopelessness carry dark atmospheres, but the presence of God inside a believer carries a light that shifts any room. You do not have to absorb the atmosphere of a room; you are sent to transform it. Created for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10): Purpose is pre-ordained by God. There are people only your specific story and personality can reach. Pain as Your Pulpit: Your greatest trials, struggles, and wilderness seasons become the very platform through which you minister compassion and hope to others. Nothing is wasted in God's economy (Romans 8:28). VI. The Unstoppable Cry of Purpose The Supernatural Realm: Purpose cries out before the throne of God long before a physical outcome is seen. Moses: When placed in a basket on the Nile, the cry of his purpose ensured he survived to lead millions out of Egypt. Mary Magdalene: Her purpose delivered her from seven demons to become the first witness to announce the Resurrection. Peter: After denying Christ, the cry of his purpose sustained him to preach the sermon at Pentecost where thousands were saved. Jesus in Gethsemane: Facing the cross, the eternal purpose of redemption carried Him through to secure salvation for all humanity. Scripture Index John 20:21 > "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." Romans 10:14-15 > "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace..." John 1:6-7 > "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." Matthew 9:37-38 > "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." 2 Corinthians 5:18 > "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation..." John 9:3-5, 7 > "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work... And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)" 2 Corinthians 4:7 > "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." Ephesians 2:10 > "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."   Romans 8:28 > "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."   Exodus 2:2-3 (Referenced) – The birth of Moses and his placement in the basket on the Nile River. Luke 8:2 / John 20:18 (Referenced) – Mary Magdalene delivered from seven demons and witnessing the risen Lord. Acts 2:14-17 (Referenced) – Peter standing at Pentecost declaring the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.

Dr. Stan Cook joins Greg for an extended conversation about the upcoming 2027 Holy Land trip and the remarkable archaeological discoveries that are bringing the pages of Scripture to life. Greg and Stan discuss Shiloh, the City of David, the Pool of Siloam, the Southern Steps, Magdala, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, and other biblical locations listeners will have the opportunity to visit.Stan shares firsthand experiences from decades of traveling and participating in archaeological digs in Israel, explaining how seeing these locations in person can transform the way we read the Bible.The conversation then turns to the history of Islam, Christianity, Israel, and the Middle East, including the historical development of Islamic power, the Crusades, the Arab-Persian divide, and Stan's interpretation of biblical prophecy concerning the nations surrounding Israel in Ezekiel 38–39.The episode also includes details about the May 31–June 10, 2027 Holy Land trip with Greg Davis and Dr. Stan Cook, including the Jordan and Israel itinerary, accommodations, meals, transportation, passport requirements, and how listeners can receive more information.To learn more about the trip: Text ISRAEL to 205-941-1011.

In this message, we explore what it means to obey before the miracle arrives. Like Olympic athletes who train for years with no guarantee of a medal, God calls us to commit fully to what He has promised — even when the outcome isn't yet visible. From Abraham on Mount Moriah, to Israel marching around Jericho, to the blind man washing mud from his eyes at the pool of Siloam, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern: the miracle waits at the end of obedience. God doesn't always move at the beginning — sometimes the walls don't fall until the seventh round. This message challenges us to stop waiting for proof before we act, and instead start digging as if it's already done. Don't despise small beginnings. If we will respond with obedience and use what God has already placed in our hands, He will meet us more than halfway — and provide the ram we need.

In this message, we explore what it means to obey before the miracle arrives. Like Olympic athletes who train for years with no guarantee of a medal, God calls us to commit fully to what He has promised — even when the outcome isn't yet visible. From Abraham on Mount Moriah, to Israel marching around Jericho, to the blind man washing mud from his eyes at the pool of Siloam, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern: the miracle waits at the end of obedience. God doesn't always move at the beginning — sometimes the walls don't fall until the seventh round. This message challenges us to stop waiting for proof before we act, and instead start digging as if it's already done. Don't despise small beginnings. If we will respond with obedience and use what God has already placed in our hands, He will meet us more than halfway — and provide the ram we need.

July 12, 2026 - Vacation Bible School Day 1 - Sunday PM Bible Class In this episode Bill leads a lively class-style exploration of the complex relationship between archaeology and the Bible. Bill argues that while archaeology can sometimes corroborate biblical details, it does not "prove" Scripture—the Bible is presented as the ultimate, absolute authority. Listeners are taken through the larger debate over timelines, methodology, and the limits of physical evidence. The program contrasts the modern, roughly 200-year history of archaeology with the Bible's traditional, literal timeline of about 6,000 years, and discusses how those differing chronologies shape interpretations. The speaker highlights that archaeology often raises questions or offers multiple interpretations rather than delivering definitive answers. Concrete case studies are covered in depth: the Exodus narrative, the conquest accounts (Jericho and Ai), debates over the location of Mount Sinai, claims about Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, and sensational finds like alleged remains of Noah's Ark. The episode flags which of these claims are widely debated or lack direct archaeological confirmation. A major portion of the talk focuses on Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam: the tunnel's construction, the ancient inscription describing the stonecutters' rendezvous, and how the feature aligns with Old Testament descriptions and later New Testament references (including Jesus' healing at the Pool of Siloam). This segment is presented as a strong example of where biblical description and physical remains converge. Bill explains "burn layers"—strata of destruction in archaeological sites—and uses examples such as Shiloh and Jericho to show how sudden destruction horizons can match biblical accounts of conquest, while also stressing that later rebuilding can obscure earlier events. The theological dimension is emphasized through the story of Rahab as an example of grace appearing amid judgment. The Dead Sea Scrolls receive special attention as one of the most remarkable finds supporting the preservation and reliability of Scripture: nearly 1,000 manuscripts from Qumran, the languages they contain, and their significance for understanding Jewish belief in the Second Temple period and the textual history of the Hebrew Bible. The episode also reviews a handful of corroborating inscriptions and human remains—such as the Pilate Stone, the first-century heel bone with an embedded nail, and the Gallio inscription—illustrating archaeology's role in confirming historical persons, administrative titles, and cultural details mentioned in the New Testament. Throughout the lecture the speaker warns about overhyped or bogus claims and encourages careful, critical investigation. He references modern popular apologetics researchers and online resources (Jonathan Moore; Apologetics Press contributors Kyle and Jeremy Butt, David and Jeff Miller) and mentions plans for travel groups to Israel for those interested in seeing sites firsthand. Key takeaways: archaeology can illuminate and sometimes corroborate biblical narratives, but many discoveries are debated or ambiguous; careful scholarship and discernment are essential; and for the speaker, the archaeological record ultimately points back to the authority and reliability of Scripture. The episode closes with an encouragement to keep digging—both literally in the field and figuratively in God's Word. Duration 30:11

In Episode 204, we explore John 9:8-12 and the aftermath of one of Scripture's most remarkable healings. Jesus has healed a man who was born blind—a man everyone in the neighborhood knew as the blind beggar who sat and begged. But now he can see. And the neighbors are completely confused. Some don't even recognize him. "Isn't this the blind beggar?" "No, he just looks like him." And the man keeps saying: "Yes. I am the same one." He doesn't have a theology degree. He doesn't have all the answers. When they ask where Jesus is, he simply says: "I don't know." But what he does know—what no one can take from him—is this: "The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.' So I went and washed, and now I can see." That's his testimony. Three sentences. Unpolished. Unashamed. Unstoppable. Through guided meditation, discover what makes this testimony so powerful. He can't explain the theology of how mud and water opened his eyes. He can't tell them where Jesus went. He doesn't have answers to every question they might ask. But he can tell them what happened to him. And nobody can argue with that. This episode explores how your story works the same way. You don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to be a theologian. You don't need to understand every doctrine or be able to defend every argument. You just need to know what Jesus did for you—and be willing to say it. Learn why the most powerful testimony is often the simplest one. The beggar's three-sentence story—what he was, what Jesus did, what is different now—is more compelling than any theological argument because it's personal, specific, and undeniable. No one can argue with your experience. No one can debate what you've lived. Discover your own "now I can see" moment—the thing Jesus has done for you that you could tell someone today, simply and honestly. Find practical steps for identifying one person in your life who needs to hear your story and crafting your testimony in three simple sentences. Learn why you don't need to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect words. The beggar didn't wait. He just kept saying: "Yes, I am the same one—and now I can see." You have a story too. And it's more powerful than you think.

In Episode 203, we explore John 9:1-7 and Jesus' surprising healing of a man born blind. As Jesus walks along, He sees a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples immediately ask a theological question: "Who sinned—this man or his parents?" They want to assign blame. They want to explain the suffering. They want to fit it into a neat theological category. But Jesus doesn't answer their question. He reframes it entirely: "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him." The blindness isn't punishment. It's not the result of sin. It's an opportunity—not for the man's shame, but for God's glory. Through guided meditation, discover what Jesus does next. He spits on the ground, makes mud with His saliva, and spreads it on the man's eyes. Then He gives a simple command: "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam." No explanation. No guarantee. No description of what will happen when he gets there. Just mud on his eyes and a direction to follow. And the man goes. He doesn't argue. He doesn't ask for a sign. He doesn't demand to understand the method. He doesn't wait until it makes sense. He just obeys. And he comes back seeing. This episode explores the profound principle at the heart of this miracle: This is how Jesus often works. Not in the way we expect. Not with a method we would choose. Not with a clear explanation that satisfies our questions. But with a simple invitation to trust and obey—and the sight comes after the step, not before it. Learn what it means to have mud on your eyes—something uncomfortable, something strange, something you don't understand—that Jesus is using to open your sight. Discover why Jesus reframes suffering not as punishment but as opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. Explore how the disciples' question reveals our tendency to explain suffering rather than look for what God might be doing in it. Find practical steps for identifying what Jesus has been asking you to do that you've been hesitating on—the conversation you've been avoiding, the step of generosity you've been putting off, the habit He's been calling you to break, the practice He's been calling you to start. Discover why you don't need to understand the method before you obey. The blind man didn't understand why Jesus used mud. He just went and washed. And he came back seeing. You may not see clearly before you go. But you will come back seeing.

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind 9As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2And his disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? 3Jesus answered, It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7and said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, Is this not the man who used to sit and beg? 9Some said, It is he. Others said, No, but he is like him. He kept saying, I am the man. 10So they said to him, Then how were your eyes opened? 11He answered, The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight.12They said to him, Where is he? He said, I do not know. 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see. 16Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them. 17So they said again to the blind man, What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? 20His parents answered, We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself. 22(His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesusto be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, He is of age; ask him.) 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner. 25He answered, Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. 26They said to him, What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? 27He answered them, I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples? 28And they reviled him, saying, You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from. 30The man answered, Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. 34They answered him, You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us? And they cast him out. 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man?36He answered, And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?37Jesus said to him, You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you. 38He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, Are we also blind? 41Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, We see, your guilt remains.

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're at the Vagabond Coffee Bar in Bella Vista talking with co-owner/operator J.W. Gerike and his awesome story, but before we talk to him?!? FOOD NEWS!! We're heading into the final weekend of Fayetteville Restaurant Week Art of Wine is this Friday and bigger than ever! The Muse is a new cocktail bar in downtown Fayetteville. If you're a good salsa-maker, do I have a competition for you at Brewski's! Longtime Herman's Ribhouse stalwart has opened Possum Creek Bistro food truck There's a new restaurant at Prairie Creek Marina. We'll tell you about Yaya's Waterside! Bella Vista has a new bottle shop! We'll hear from the owner of the Little Bear Café. Dum & Grill is up and rolling in Bentonville. There will be 2 new restaurants in the new Visionaries building in Rogers. Bites & Bowls is downsizing in Springdale. Los Compas Margaritatown is going back to their roots... soon. Kung Fu Tea's location in Rogers is for sale. A pizza place on Dickson Street has shut down. Happy anniversary to La Favorita in Siloam, The Blind Bear in downtown Springdale, and Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson! Speaking of Pizzeria Ruby, in this week's Flavors Flashback, we go back to our podcast with them last October where they talked about getting the doors open 5 years ago. Sidenote for you, there's some salty language in this Flashback, so earmuffs for the kids!!!. Speaking of Covid, that changed the career trajectory for JW Gerike. By trade, he was a physical therapist in Ft. Worth, but Covid hit, and his hours weren't conducive to family life. Hear him talk about why he picked coffee. What were his first steps? Have you seen his 1979 Peugeot Coffee Van? Funny story about how he acquired that. At least he can laugh about it now. Speaking of, once getting established, he got some pretty cool gigs in Texas, including supplying coffee on a movie set. You won't believe which one. And then, the move to Bella Vista. How did they find it, and why did they make the move? And finally, after a very popular trailer at Tanyard Creek, they open a storefront. Some great stories coming your way in this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!

John 7:37-52 Please turn to John chapter 7. We'll be considering verses 37-52 this morning. You can find that on page 1062. The context of chapter 7 has been the Feast of Booths - also called the Feast of Tabernacles. It was one of the three major festivals in the Jewish calendar, so there were lots of people in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus appeared at the temple in the middle of the festival and began teaching. That caused a crowd to gather around him. And most of the crowd was amazed. They had heard of or seen Jesus' signs (or miracles)  but now they witnessed his teaching. In our text this morning, we will hear that it is now the end of the feast. Jesus called for people to come to him but, as you will hear, he received a mixed response. Some were intrigued but others all the more wanted to kill him. Reading of John 7:37-52 Prayer There's no doubt that water is THE foundation to our physical existence. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. Without water, we cannot survive for more than a few days. Without water, crops cannot grow and animals cannot survive. But for us in our day and age, water is readily available. Even in drought situations, we manage pretty well. Farmers can pump water from the underground water table to water their crops. We can clean and store water from storm runoff. We can dam rivers and we can pump water from one region to another. The worst it gets here, is that we're told to only water our lawns on certain days. But if you lived in Jerusalem back in the first century, it was very different. They didn't have all the modern technologies to drill or store significant amounts of water. Given its geography high up in the mountains, Jerusalem didn't have any nearby rivers. The Kidron valley and brook were dry for most of the year. And so, the people really did rely on the seasons. They hoped and prayed for rain at certain times of the year. It's no wonder that Jesus used the concept of water to symbolize spiritual realities. Remember, we saw that first back in chapter 2 when Jesus turned water into wine, symbolizing his cleansing ministry. And again, we saw that in chapter 4, when Jesus told the woman at the well that she needed his living water and that when she drank it, she would never be thirsty again. He was speaking of the eternal life that she would receive through believing in him. Well, this morning we have a new spiritual reality symbolized by water. And that is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He will be like rivers of living water flowing forth from our hearts. So, this morning we'll begin our time with that… with Jesus' teaching about the giving of the Spirit. That's verses 37-39. As we'll see in a minute, his analogy of water directly connects to what was happening at the Feast. And then second, we'll survey the responses to Jesus' teaching. That's verses 40-52. As you heard, out of people's hearts flowed very different responses to Jesus. That's where we are headed. #1 The Holy Spirit - the River of Living Water As we get into the verses about the Holy Spirit, let me first note that the Feast of Tabernacles was at the very end of the dry season. In fact, most years, it had not rained for months in the leadup to the festival. To be sure, Jerusalem did have a source of water. Their main source of water at the time was the Gihon Spring which they diverted into the Pool of Siloam. It was on the south side of the city about a third of a mile down from the temple. It was King Hezekiah about 700 years earlier who had a tunnel dug through the rock to reach the spring and divert the water to inside the city. Just a few years after he finished that, Assyria surrounded Jerusalem and attempted to cut off the supply lines, including water, but they did not know of the hidden water channel. And so, Jerusalem was able to endure. By the way, if you go to Jerusalem today, you can actually walk through Hezekiah's water tunnel. I did that several years ago with a friend. It's about 1/4 mile long and pretty narrow and the water is maybe 1-2 feet deep. At one point my friend snuck ahead, turned off his little flashlight and then, when I rounded a corner, he jumped out at me. I may or may not have been momentarily scared. Anyway, you end up at the Pool of Siloam - or a small portion of what remains. I'm telling you this because at the Feast of Booths, every day one of the priests would make his way down to the Pool of Siloam. Jewish literature records that he would dip a golden vessel into the pool, and he would make his way back to the Temple. The crowds would follow him as he passed through the lower gates into the temple area. Trumpets would sound as he ascended the temple steps. They would read from passages like Isaiah 12:3 which says, "with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." That was our call to worship this morning. And then with great pomp, when the festival branches described in Leviticus 23 were waved, the priest would pour the fresh water onto the altar. A channel was made for that purpose, and it would drain to the base. The purpose of the water was a remembrance of God's provision of water in the wilderness. Remember, the Feast of Booths was about celebrating God's provision in the wilderness. That included water from the rock. God called Moses to strike a rock, and when he did, water flowed forth. Well, on the seventh day of the feast, Jewish literature also records that the water ceremony happened 7 times. 7 times the priest would fill the golden vessel from Siloam and return to the temple, and pour it onto the altar. By the seventh time, the water would have overflowed from the altar onto the temple floor. And while this was happening, the people were rejoicing, waving various branches while the trumpets sounded and the water flowed. It was on this day, the 7th day, called the great day, that Jesus stood up and cried out “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” We don't know what time of day Jesus proclaimed these words, but the people would have had water on their minds. It was hot and dry. Likely it had not rained. Furthermore, they either anticipated the priests carrying the water to the altar or they just witnessed that event. They were thirsty - physically and spiritually. And Jesus cried out to them, calling them to come to him and drink. And not only would their spiritual thirst be quenched, but if they came and drank, rivers of living water, he said, would flow from them. The apostle John then adds a brief commentary that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit. Those who came to him would receive his Spirit, once he was glorified. Now, before we consider what that means for you and me, let me note 4 brief things. #1. Jesus quotes a Scripture which says, "Out of his heart [the one who believes] will flow rivers of living water." There's actually no single Old Testament passage directly matching the quote. However, several Old Testament texts parallel this idea. We read from Isaiah 44 earlier in the service. Verse 3 says, "I will pour water on a thirsty land" and then "I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring." Zechariah 14:8 was another one. It was also read during the Feast of Booths. It speaks of living water flowing out of Jerusalem. There are other passages like Ezekiel 47 and Isaiah 55 which are similar. In other words, the idea of living water connected to the Holy Spirit and salvation is very prevalent in the Old Testament. #2. Some Greek translators believe that the "rivers of living water" referenced here is the Holy Spirit being given out of Jesus' heart, not ours. They argue that phrase "whoever believes in me" is actually part of the invitation to drink and does not describe the one who has a river flowing from his heart. Honestly, there are some good arguments for that. Personally, I lean toward the translation we use. But I also think that even if this alternative is true, those who believe are still the recipients of the Holy Spirit. When we receive the Spirit, then our hearts will display forth the Spirit's ministry in us. So, in the end, I don't think it really changes the impact. #3. The third thing I want to point out. The fact that verse 39 says that the Spirit would be given after Jesus was glorified does not minimize the Holy Spirit's work in the Old Testament. No. From the very beginning in Genesis 1, the Spirit was present. He was hovering over the waters. He was at work in the hearts and minds of the remnant of God's people - true Israel. The Spirit directed people to look forward to the Messiah who would come. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1 tells us that the Spirit of Christ was at work in the prophets who testified beforehand about Christ's sufferings and glory. What is the difference, then? The giving of the Holy Spirit mentioned in verse 39 is the outpouring of the Spirit to all peoples, not just Israel, but every tribe, tongue, and nation. Furthermore, as the Spirit dwells in his people, he now applies the finished work of Christ to us. So, the difference is in the scope of the Holy Spirit's work and the fulness of salvation being applied. I think that's important to understand. #4 - the last brief comment. And this is related. When verse 39 speaks of Jesus' glorification, I'm guessing you have in mind Jesus' ascension to heaven where he now reigns. That's true. However, John's Gospel includes Jesus' death and resurrection as part of his glorification. We're going to see this very clearly when we get to chapter 12. We will see that Jesus finally tells his disciples that his hour HAS come. And what is that hour? Jesus tells them it is the hour of his glorification. He must die in order to be raised. So, as we think of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we need to understand that he is applying Jesus' full ministry including his atonement for our sin through his sacrifice and the hope and new life we have in his resurrection and ascension to glory. It is out of that fulness as the inaugurated King, that Jesus sends his Spirit to continue his ministry to the ends of the earth. Now, I know that's a lot of theology packed into those comments. Let me summarize it this way. Jesus' promise of his Spirit is an amazing promise and reality for you and me. Every single one of us is spiritually thirsty. Every single person in the entire world is spiritually thirsty. Not everyone recognizes it but we all long for meaning and purpose. We all experience pain and suffering. We all know the toil of work as a consequence of the fall. Those thing weigh on us every single day. And Jesus promises that when you come to him in belief, out of your heart will flow rivers of living waters. Through the ministry of the Spirit in you, the abounding grace of God in Christ will flow to you and from you. Your heart will display to others the transforming ministry of the Spirit. And others who likewise are given the Spirit will minister to you through him. To be sure, that does not minimize the impact of our remaining sin, nor does it minimize the realities of our suffering and grief in life. But what it does is give us an unshakeable foundation. Repentance from sin.  Hope in grief. Joy in suffering. Perseverance in trials. Through the Holy Spirit in us, we can live, not only with our eyes fixed on the cross and the redemption we have from our sin, but we can fix our eyes on our resurrected and glorified Lord. Through his Spirit, rivers of living water will flow. His ultimate sender is the Son, but the blessings of his ministry will flow from you to me and from me to you. It will flow between us and overflow to our community around us. An old song came to mind this week. A 1970's children's song. "I've got a river of life flowing out of me." Some of you are old enough to remember it. Do you remember the chorus? "Spring up, O well, within my soul; Spring up, O well, and make me whole; Spring up, O well, and give to me; That life abundantly" May that river of life, God's Spirit, abundantly minister in us and through us as we drink of the living waters of Christ. Amen? Divided Responses Now, we're not done. Here's where we are. Jesus made an astonishing offer. For those who come to him and drink, out of their hearts will flow the living water of God's Spirit. The question now is, how did the people respond? What did flow out of their hearts? Well for some it was curiosity, for another, it was an honest search. But for the priests and Pharisees, it was the exact opposite. Instead of rivers of living water, out of their hearts flowed hatred and bitterness. Let's consider those three categories in verse 40-52. (1) those intrigued by Jesus, (2) those who outright reject him, and (3) those honestly evaluating. That first group, those who are intrigued, find Jesus very interesting. He has interesting things to say. He's some kind of prophet. In verse 40, some said that he is THE prophet. That's a reference to Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy that a Prophet would come after him. Others said, "This is the Christ." That may include some who truly believed. But we get the sense that it's just an external observation. After all, the apostle John does not use his favorite word, believe. He just notes that some "said" he was the Christ. I think we should also put the temple officers into this first category. Last week, we read that the chief priests and Pharisees sent the temple officers to arrest Jesus. These were Levites assigned to temple security. But notice that they did not arrest Jesus. And what was their reason? Verse 46, "No one ever spoke like this man!" They could not do what they were commanded to do because they were amazed by his teaching and authority. This first group is marked by an external recognition that Jesus is unique. He plays some important role in God's purposes. But they had yet to take the next step toward belief. I suspect some will. That brings us to the second group mentioned here - the chief priests and Pharisees. They are not intrigued by Jesus one bit. There is no possibility in their minds that he may truly be the Son of God. Their hearts are hard. Multiple times in these verses they react to even the suggestion that Jesus may be legitimate or the desire to consider his claims. And think about this: these were the very men who presided over the water ceremony at the feast. Some even participated in the water being poured out on the altar day after day, but they could not recognize the living water standing in their own temple courts Look at what they said to the officers that did not arrest Jesus. They said, "Have you also been deceived?" They then appealed to their own authority and they literally cursed the crowd. Verse 49, they said, "this crowd that does not know the law [you know, like they do] is accursed.” Think about the contrast between the hearts of the Pharisees and the hearts of those who would come to Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus are promised rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. Yet, out of the hearts of the Pharisees and chief priests came deceit and anger. And look how they responded to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was one of them. All Nicodemus wanted to do was judge fairly. But the Pharisees responded, "Are you from Galilee, too?" That's a classic ad hominem. They attacked Nicodemus for merely suggesting that Jesus deserved a fair hearing. They just wanted to kill Jesus. Rather than rivers of living water, out of their hearts flowed rivers of hate and self-serving unbelief. Out of some hearts will flow love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those fruits of the Spirit, identified in Galatians 5, will flow forth from those who have been given the Spirit - those who believe. But out of the hearts of these so-called leaders of Israel flow self-idolatry, enmity, strife, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, and envy. Out of one flows fresh, clean water, spiritual water, that is life giving and quenches the soul, yet out of the other, stagnant, poisoned water that accuses and kills. Which brings us to the third response. I've already mentioned Nicodemus, but let's consider his response more thoroughly. In fact, I think Nicodemus was originally in that first category. He was intrigued. Back in chapter 3, as Coleman reminded us last week, Nicodemus had sought Jesus out at night. Something compelled Nicodemus to want to know more. But he didn't understand when Jesus told him he needed to be born again. He had yet to believe. But in these verses Nicodemus has moved from being intrigued to honestly desiring to evaluate Jesus' claims. He even defended Jesus, asking that he be given a fair hearing. We get the clear sense that Nicodemus was a man of integrity. Even though he was a teacher of Israel and part of the Sanhedrin, he wanted to know the truth. In verse 51, look what he says to his fellow Pharisees, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" Do you hear his honest desire to know the truth? I want to remind you that John wrote his Gospel primarily for Jews of the later first century. John has been revealing who Jesus is as the Messiah. And he wants his readers to have an open heart and mind like Nicodemus. John wants his readers to give Jesus a hearing, as verse 51 says. Really, John wants them to believe, but at this point in the book, he just wants them to take a step forward and truly evaluate Jesus for who he is. As Coleman pointed out last week, some of you here are like Nicodemus and have an honest heart and seek to live a life of integrity. But you've yet to respond to Jesus calling to come to him and drink. Will you evaluate Jesus' claims and calling? You know, as we move forward in the Gospel of John, one thing that we'll see is that the two neutral responses to Jesus will go away - both the intrigued by Jesus' response and the honest search response. The temple officers will be forced to choose. And Nicodemus himself will be called to account. What will they decide? We'll find out in chapters 18 and 19. What will you decide? So where does that leave us? Well, Jesus is still standing and calling out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." The water that he gives will never run dry, because it is nothing less than the Holy Spirit, poured out from our risen and glorified Lord, applying all the riches of his death and resurrection to thirsty souls. And so, will you stand at a distance, intrigued but uncommitted? Will you be like Nicodemus, honestly seeking him out, but not yet willing to come to him and drink. Or will you drink of his life-giving stream? For those of you who have, the promise is yours: out of your heart will flow rivers of living water. The Spirit of truth and grace will flow in you and through you, forever. Amen.

TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com  The David Alliance Garth Heckman The New Testament / Messianic Connection In Christian theology, Jesus directly applies this imagery to himself and the Holy Spirit. In John 7:37-38, he stands up at the Feast of Tabernacles—a festival focused heavily on water rituals—and cries out: "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." The ultimate fulfillment is seen as the Gospel and the Holy Spirit starting as a small movement in Jerusalem and swelling to bring spiritual life to the "dead" places of the entire world.     John 7:38 reads: “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” To fully capture the weight of this verse, we have to look at the explosive cultural context in which Jesus said it, the radical imagery of the original Greek, and what it actually looks like when this "living water" breaks out into daily life.   1. The Theological Context: The Water Libation Ritual Jesus doesn't whisper this statement in private; he shouts it on the final, greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles(Sukkot). During this 7-day festival, the High Priest led a massive procession down to the Pool of Siloam, filled a golden pitcher with water, and marched back to the Temple. As the crowds waved palm branches and sang the Hallel (Psalms 113–118), the priest poured the water out onto the altar.   On the eighth day, the water pouring stopped—symbolizing that the desert wanderings were over and they had reached the Promised Land. It is precisely at this moment of silence, when the water ritual ends, that Jesus stands up and shouts that He is the true source of that water. He is claiming to be the rock in the desert, the fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple, and the source of the prophetic river.   2. Deep Dive Into the Greek Text Two specific words in the original Greek completely change how we visualize this verse. Koilia (κοιλία) – "From Within Them" The Literal Meaning: In older translations (like the KJV), this is translated as "out of his belly." Koilia literally refers to the abdomen, the womb, the innermost core, or the seat of human appetite and emotion.   IT WILL CHANGE YOU DEEPLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT… **The man who hit his thumb with a hammer who was filled with joy “I didn't swear… I didn't swear..!    The Theological Depth: Jesus is making a startling anatomical shift. In Ezekiel's vision, the river flowed from the physical threshold of the Temple. Jesus says that for the believer, the river flows from their koilia—their absolute innermost core.     CATCH THIS:  Because the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, you become the mobile temple of God. The cosmic river of life no longer flows from a building in Jerusalem; it flows out of the deepest, most central part of your converted being.

A sobering reminder of the urgency of eternity, Brother Bobby Whitehead's message, “Repent or Perish,” centers on Jesus' warning in Luke 13 that life is uncertain and every person must be prepared to meet God. Drawing from the accounts of the Galileans slain by Pilate and the eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell, Brother Bobby emphasizes that tragedy and death can come unexpectedly. Jesus made it clear that these people were not greater sinners than others, but His warning remains the same: “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Throughout the sermon, Brother Bobby shares personal testimonies, reflections on suffering, and the burdens he carries for lost souls. He speaks candidly about daily repentance, acknowledging that even believers must continually seek God's forgiveness and guidance. He reminds listeners that repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin, but honestly recognizing our need for Christ and turning to Him for mercy. The message highlights the reality of heaven and hell, the certainty of coming judgment, and the danger of putting off salvation. Brother Bobby warns against trusting in good works, religion, family heritage, or following other people instead of following Jesus. Salvation comes only through Christ, who died for sinners and made a way for all who will come to Him. Using the illustration of the falling tower, he urges listeners to consider their own lives. None of us know when our “tower” may fall. Death can come suddenly, and after death comes judgment. Because of that, the call to repentance is not for another day, but for today. The sermon also addresses the distractions of the world, the deception of the enemy, and the importance of staying grounded in God's Word. Brother Bobby encourages believers to remain watchful, prayerful, and ready for the return of Christ, while continuing to share the gospel with those around them. Most importantly, this message points to the hope found in Jesus Christ. No matter a person's past, failures, addictions, or mistakes, God's grace is still available. The same Savior who changed Brother Bobby's life is still saving sinners today. If God is dealing with your heart, don't wait. The message is simple and urgent: Repent or perish.

An Easter Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.These are the final days of our Lenten journey. We've spent these weeks marveling at Jesus' signs. He turned water to wine. What a wonder! He miraculous restored a man's legs lame for 38 years! What awesome power! He took a handful of fish and flatbread and fed 5000! Only God has done anything like this before (Exodus 16). Jesus made mud and anointed the sightless eyes of a man born blind who came back from the waters of Siloam seeing! The man exclaimed with amazement, “Never since the world began has… anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind” (John 9.32). He was saying of his healing, “Only God could do this!”When Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on the foal of a donkey, everyone in the crowded capital—jam packed with pilgrims from across the world—was talking about Jesus' seventh sign. Everybody knew Lazarus was dead. Dead for days. Before their eyes he was wrapped and anointed and grieved into the tomb. Then Jesus proclaimed for all to hear, “I AM the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (11.25-26). Still people didn't understand. How could they!? They asked one another, “Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” (11.37). Then Jesus turned to the tomb, commanded the stone rolled away and “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!'” and from the darkness of the cave, Lazarus stepped out, alive! Only God could do this!Friend, John displays for us the truth of Jesus who is the Word of God! There is no question in his mind these signs prove the divinity of Christ; and the resurrection of Lazarus is just a foretaste of what's to come (John 20). Following Jesus to the Table where He washes our feet, pause to marvel. Only God would do this. Follow Him as He stands judged by the people made in His image and endures mockery at the hands of the soldiers and wonder. Only God would do this. Follow Him to the cross where He dies our death; where He puts death to death. Only God could do this.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) Israel is scattered because they rejected God's statutes and covenants.(09:05) Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire and the Lord was very angry with them for this. These chapters are a warning to us today. We are to take care of the weakest among us. When we do, we show the Lord we desire his presence.(11:48) In 721 BC the Assyrian empire carried away the ten tribes of Israel. The text offers clues as to when this record was written.(13:21) King Hezekiah sends an invitation to all of Israel to return to the temple in order to avoid destruction. Individual families who are obedient are saved.(19:01) The Israelites have divided loyalties to many gods. Being committed to our faith significantly impacts our posterity.(21:33) In Isaiah's day, the kingdom of Judah is ruled by King Hezekiah. He takes a bold stand against the Assyrian army and Rabshakeh's rhetoric. This story is also found in Isaiah 36-37.(26:23) Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises to stop the Assyrian army, defend Jerusalem, and preserve a remnant of Judah. The incredible fulfillment of this prophecy is a pivot point in world history.(36:37) Hezekiah allows Babylon to see all the precious things of his house and he is reprimanded by Isaiah for doing so. Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will carry Judah into exile.(39:09) Hezekiah secures the city of Jerusalem by building a tunnel to divert water from the Spring of Gihon into the pool of Siloam inside Jerusalem's walls. He also covers up the water source so that his enemies cannot access it. God honors our best efforts with blessings.(43:43) Manasseh is an evil king of Judah who shed innocent blood, including sacrificing his own son. According to tradition, he even killed the prophet Isaiah.(46:12) Josiah is 8 years old when he began to reign as king. Hilkiah, the high priest in Josiah's day, discovered “The Book of the Law,” which many believe to be the core text of Deuteronomy. The prophetess Huldah proclaims that God's wrath will come upon the people of Judah.(50:29) Josiah's religious reforms are outlined in 2 Kings 23. Josiah burns the Asherah, takes down the high places, slays many priests, stops child sacrifice, and holds Passover.(55:37) The Book of Mormon and doctrines of the Restoration help bring balance to the reforms of Josiah.(1:04:42) Josiah is killed in battle and is replaced by a series of unrighteous kings. King Zedekiah is the last of the kings of Judah. Many of the people of Judah are carried captive into Babylon during this time. This is where the story of Lehi in the Book of Mormon picks up. He prophesies of the coming destruction and takes his family into the wilderness for safety.(1:09:33) After King Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed by the Babylonians. Gedaliah, a Judean, is appointed to govern the remnant. King Jehoiachin, after over 30 years of captivity in Babylon, is released and allowed to live, sparking hope for the return of the Davidic dynasty.(1:12:05) One son of Zedekiah, Mulek, flees to the Americas and his posterity are the people of Zarahemla, or the “Mulekites” in the Book of Mormon.(1:15:01) Christ is The King. If we put someone or something else on that throne, we will end up lost, captive, and scattered. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

Can archaeology really affirm the historical reliability of the Bible?In this episode of The Bible Sojourner Podcast, Dr. Peter Goeman sits down with Dr. Paul Weaver, author of Faith Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries That Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture, to explore some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to the Bible.Together they discuss discoveries that illuminate the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, and the early church—including evidence connected to Pontius Pilate, the Pool of Siloam, the Politarch Inscription, and many more.Rather than replacing faith, archaeology consistently demonstrates that the Bible is rooted in real history, real people, and real places. These discoveries help answer skeptical claims while strengthening believers' confidence in God's Word.In this episode you'll discover:• Why archaeology continually affirms Scripture's historical reliability• How discoveries have answered long-standing skeptical objections• Evidence supporting the Old Testament, Gospel accounts, and the book of Acts• What archaeology reveals about Jesus, Paul, and the early church• Why Christians can confidently trust the Bible• How archaeology can strengthen your faith and enrich Bible studyWhether you're interested in biblical archaeology, Christian apologetics, or simply want greater confidence in Scripture, this conversation offers both scholarly insight and practical encouragement.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone interested in the historical reliability of the Bible.Featuring The Bible Sojourner Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@thebiblesojourner Featured Resource:Faith Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries That Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripturehttps://a.co/d/0hCAUaTR

Before you ever see the miracle, there is usually one simple instruction from God: GO.In this powerful message, Pastor Eric unpacks how throughout Scripture God has always been a sending God. From Abraham leaving everything familiar, to Moses leading Israel through the Red Sea, to the blind man walking to the Pool of Siloam, every breakthrough began with a step of obedience.Too often we delay God's purpose with excuses disguised as wisdom. "Let me first..." becomes the language of hesitation, while faith calls us to move even before we understand. God's commands were never meant to become suggestions—they were invitations to trust Him.Discover five powerful truths that propel every believer forward:• Grace says GO — Your past no longer has permission to keep you parked.• Presence says GO — God's presence is what sets you apart and gives you rest along the journey.• Faith says GO — Real faith doesn't sit still; it moves while trusting God to fight the battle.• Obedience says GO — Many miracles don't happen before obedience—they happen because of it.• Power says GO — You weren't saved simply to sit. You've been empowered by the Holy Spirit to go and tell others about Jesus.Whether you've been waiting on the perfect moment, held back by fear, or believing you need to have everything figured out before taking your next step, this message will remind you that God's direction often comes one step at a time.The question isn't whether God is calling.The question is: Will you GO?

Before you ever see the miracle, there is usually one simple instruction from God: GO.In this powerful message, Pastor Eric unpacks how throughout Scripture God has always been a sending God. From Abraham leaving everything familiar, to Moses leading Israel through the Red Sea, to the blind man walking to the Pool of Siloam, every breakthrough began with a step of obedience.Too often we delay God's purpose with excuses disguised as wisdom. "Let me first..." becomes the language of hesitation, while faith calls us to move even before we understand. God's commands were never meant to become suggestions—they were invitations to trust Him.Discover five powerful truths that propel every believer forward:• Grace says GO — Your past no longer has permission to keep you parked.• Presence says GO — God's presence is what sets you apart and gives you rest along the journey.• Faith says GO — Real faith doesn't sit still; it moves while trusting God to fight the battle.• Obedience says GO — Many miracles don't happen before obedience—they happen because of it.• Power says GO — You weren't saved simply to sit. You've been empowered by the Holy Spirit to go and tell others about Jesus.Whether you've been waiting on the perfect moment, held back by fear, or believing you need to have everything figured out before taking your next step, this message will remind you that God's direction often comes one step at a time.The question isn't whether God is calling.The question is: Will you GO?

Peter Goeman talks with Paul Weaver about biblical archaeology and his new book, Faith-Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries that Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture. They discuss how archaeology helps illuminate the world of the Bible, strengthens confidence in Scripture, and answers common skeptical claims about figures and events such as David, Sennacherib, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Luke, Paul, and the destruction of Jerusalem.Get Paul Weaver's book here:https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Affirming-Findings-Archaeological-Discoveries-Historicity/dp/0825448859/Watch the accompanying Faith Affirming Findings archaeology playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRLT8RbUb3vSiKplCbL0vYyEFChJnU9kVVisit Paul Weaver's Bible and Theology Matters YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleandTheologyMatters## Timestamps00:00 — Archaeology, Scripture, and why truth does not fear inspection02:01 — Introducing Paul and his work in Bible teaching and archaeology07:22 — What is Faith Affirming Findings?10:48 — Why say archaeology “affirms” the Bible rather than “proves” it?13:10 — Is biblical archaeology mainly for believers or unbelievers?17:26 — What are the benefits and limitations of biblical archaeology?24:25 — How should archaeology relate to biblical interpretation?26:53 — The Tel Dan Stele and evidence for the House of David36:33 — Sennacherib, Lachish, and the failed conquest of Jerusalem42:14 — The Pool of Siloam and archaeology from the time of Jesus47:51 — Archaeological evidence related to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection54:43 — Luke's historical accuracy, Paul, Gallio, and the Arch of Titus01:00:48 — Why were some discoveries left out of the book?01:02:52 — How pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders can use these resources01:05:48 — Final takeawayIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leaving a review on Itunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rating it on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also find ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Sojourner on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠petergoeman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ shepherds.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.

Join Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. in this compelling episode of Who's Who in the Bible as he explores the profound story of the man born blind (John 9). Discover the life-changing lessons hidden within this encounter, where Jesus challenges the common assumptions about suffering and sin.Key highlights include:Divine Generosity: Witness how grace transcends human limitations.The Meaning of Suffering: Understand why Jesus rejects the idea that disability is a punishment.Sacramental Symbolism: Explore the significance of the clay and the pool of Siloam.Are you ready to clear your spiritual vision and see God's works manifested in your own life? Immerse yourself in this series today and deepen your faith journey with us!

Pastor Robert Tisdale continues his “Mud” series from John 9, emphasizing that before the blind man could testify “I was blind, now I see,” he had to walk through the city with mud on his face—showing that miracles often begin messy, embarrassing, and hard to explain. He teaches not to confuse God's method with identity, not to judge the miracle mid-process, and to obey instructions before receiving explanations, because healing is hidden in movement. Tisdale connects the Pool of Siloam (“sent”) and its Feast of Tabernacles symbolism of dependence on God's provision, highlighting that obedience led to cleansing and sight. He warns against shame, rejection, and religious interrogation, noting the man's growing revelation under pressure, his parents' fear of expulsion, and Jesus finding him after he was cast out, culminating in worship and calling Jesus Lord.00:00 Welcome and Resources01:32 Why God Uses Mud06:32 Method Not Identity09:26 Instructions Before Explanations12:04 Touch Versus Obedience14:38 Walk It Out Muddy16:32 Shame Patterns Rewired19:37 Sent Before Ready22:48 Siloam and Living Water26:21 Obedience Brings Sight26:51 Neighbors React to Change28:15 Same Face New Eyes29:31 Breaking Old Labels30:42 Radical Inner Makeover35:32 Free Yet Thinking Bound36:56 Interrogated Breakthroughs40:18 Religion Versus Mercy42:51 Revelation Under Pressure44:41 Fear Of Rejection48:41 Choose Testimony Over Rooms52:58 Cast Out Found By Jesus55:56 Sight Becomes Worship57:00 Wash Off The Mud

THE MIRACULOUS OF HEAVEN: Rub Some Spit On It Jenn Davenport John 9:1-11 TPT: Afterward, as Jesus walked down the street, he noticed a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this guy's blindness, his own, or the sin of his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither. It happened to him so that you could watch him experience God's miracle. While I am with you, it is daytime and we must do the works of God who sent me while the light shines. For there is coming a dark night when no one will be able to work. As long as I am with you my life is the light that pierces the world's darkness.” Then Jesus spat on the ground and made some clay with his saliva. Then he anointed the blind man's eyes with the clay. And he said to the blind man, “Now go and wash the clay from your eyes in the ritual pool of Siloam.” So he went and washed his face and as he came back, he could see for the first time in his life! This caused quite a stir among the people of the neighborhood, for they noticed the blind beggar was now seeing! They began to say to one another, “Isn't this the blind man who once sat and begged?” Some said, “No, it can't be him!” Others said, “But it looks just like him—it has to be him!” All the while the man kept insisting, “I'm the man who was blind!” Finally, they asked him, “What has happened to you?” He replied, “I met the man named Jesus! He rubbed clay on my eyes and said, ‘Go to the pool named Siloam and wash.' So I went and while I was washing the clay from my eyes I began to see for the very first time ever!” 1) JESUS SEES AND CARES FOR HIS CREATIONJohn 9:1 TPT: Afterward, as Jesus walked down the street, he noticed a man blind from birth. Jeremiah 1:5 TPT: “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew you intimately. I had divine plans for you before I gave you life, and I set you apart and chose you to be mine. You are my prophetic gift to the nations.” Psalm 23:5 TPT: You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows. Matthew 10:29-31 TPT: You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren't you worth much more to God than many sparrows? So don't worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life. 2) GROSS/HARD = PROGRESSJohn 9:3 TPT: Jesus answered, “Neither. It happened to him so that you could watch him experience God's miracle. James 1:2-4 TPT: My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.2 Timothy 3:12 TPT: For all who choose to live godly as worshipers of Jesus, the Anointed One, will also experience persecution.Psalm 118:13 TPT: They pushed me right up to the edge, and I was ready to fall, but you helped me to triumph, and together we overcame them all.John 9:16 TPT: Then an argument broke out among the Pharisees over the healing of the blind man on the Sabbath. Some said, “This man who performed this healing is clearly not from God! He doesn't even observe the Sabbath!” Others said, “If Jesus is just an ordinary sinner, how could he perform a miracle like that?”3) OUR OBEDIENCE COMPLETES THE MIRACLEDeuteronomy 28:1-2 ESV: “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. John 3:21-22 TPT: But those who love the truth will come into the Light, for the Light will reveal that it was God who produced their fruitful works.” Then Jesus and his disciples left for a length of time into the Judean countryside where they baptized the people. Psalm 119:4-8 TPT: God has prescribed the right way to live: obeying his laws with all our hearts. How I long for my life to bring you glory as I follow each and every one of your holy precepts! Then I'll never be ashamed, for I take strength from all your commandments. I will give my thanks to you from a heart of love and truth. And every time I learn more of your righteous judgments, I will be faithful to all that your Word reveals— so don't ever give up on me!~ Have a Blessed Week! ~

Can archaeology really confirm what the Bible records? In this episode of inContext, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with archaeologist and Dallas Theological Seminary professor Dr. Paul Weaver to discuss his new book, Faith Affirming Findings: 50 Archaeological Discoveries That Validate the Historicity and Reliability of Scripture. From the fallen walls of Jericho to Hezekiah's Tunnel, the Pool of Siloam, Peter's house in Capernaum, and the famous Lachish Reliefs, Dr. Weaver explores some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to the biblical world. Together, they discuss how these findings continue to challenge skepticism and strengthen confidence in the Bible's historical reliability. Whether you're interested in biblical archaeology, apologetics, Israel, or defending your faith, this conversation offers fascinating insights into how archaeology helps illuminate Scripture and its historical context. If you've ever wondered whether the Bible can be trusted, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Archaeology and the Bible: Critics Proven Wrong 00:40 Introduction to Dr. Paul Weaver 03:23 Can Archaeology Validate Scripture? 03:51 Minimalists vs. Maximalists Explained 07:56 Jericho and the Fallen Walls 12:14 The Lachish Reliefs and Assyrian Evidence 17:10 Hezekiah's Tunnel and Jerusalem's Defense 21:10 The Discovery of the Pool of Siloam 22:33 Peter's House in Capernaum 26:33 The Magdala Synagogue Discovery 33:30 Caesarea Philippi and Peter's Confession 38:13 Why Archaeology Strengthens Faith 39:16 Final Encouragement for Bible Students Key Topics Covered Biblical archaeology and Christian faith Archaeological evidence for Scripture David, Belshazzar, and historical verification Jericho and Joshua's conquest The Lachish Reliefs and King Sennacherib Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem The Pool of Siloam discovery Peter's house in Capernaum The Magdala Synagogue Caesarea Philippi and Jesus' ministry Bible reliability and apologetics Israel and archaeological discoveries How archaeology responds to skepticism Faith-affirming evidence from the ancient world Links Mentioned Faith Affirming Findings by Dr. Paul Weaver More of Dr. Weaver's books Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Pastor Robert Tisdale preaches a message titled “Mud” from John 9:6, focusing on how Jesus healed a man blind from birth by making mud and putting it on his eyes before sending him to wash in the pool of Siloam. He emphasizes that before restoration is visible, people may look messier, feel heavier, and face embarrassment while the miracle is still in process, but faith keeps moving toward obedience. He warns against people who analyze pain, assign blame, and turn suffering into debate, noting Jesus refused the disciples' blame question and instead pointed to God's works being manifested. He teaches that God does creative miracles with “dirt,” reframes pain into purpose, and calls the church to pray and believe for spiritual, physical, mental, and natural miracles.00:00 Prayer and Setup00:44 Mud Miracle Theme03:14 Creator Meets Creation04:18 Born Blind and Labeled05:54 Blame Game Warning11:54 From Explanation to Glory16:36 God Works in Dirt19:16 Messy Miracle Process24:04 Life Mud vs Jesus Mud26:55 Obedience to Siloam30:30 Altar Call and Prayer

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 19  John 9   John 8:58-59 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.    John 9:1-3 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.     John 9:4-5 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”     John 9:6-7 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.     John 9:8-9 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.”     John 9:10-12 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”     John 9:13-14 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.     John 9:15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”     John 9:16-17 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”     John 9:18-19 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”     John 9:20-21 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.”     John 9:22-23 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”)    John 9:24-25 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”     John 9:26-27 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”     John 9:28-29 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”     John 9:30-33 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”     John 9:34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.    John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.     John 9:39-41 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,' your guilt remains.    The reality of spiritual blindness.    Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.    Romans 3:10b-12a “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside”    Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.    Jesus came to bring sight to the blind.    Isaiah 42:6-7 “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.    Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”    Luke 13:3-5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”    When God's grace becomes our testimony.    Romans 8:28-29 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.    Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”    Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.  Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post John: That You May Believe appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.

Father Philip unpacks the story of Christ's miraculous healing at the Pool of Siloam, and how it demonstrates that each of us can respond to the hardships of life in a way that opens us to receive the light of Christ.

The book of Acts has so much to say not only about our past but also about today and how followers of Jesus are called to live.  This book also speaks to those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior, those on the fence, seekers, doubters and those questioning or interested.   Chapter 2 Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a soundalike the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." This chapter starts out with the Jewish Festival of Shavuot or Pentecost. And the disciples and others gathered in a house. There would have been 10's of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem and at the Temple for this festival.    Acts 2:3-4 "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them."  Rushing wind! Tongues of fire!    Acts 2:5ff The group has moved into the streets and Jews from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, heard the sound of the wind and gathered in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken by those with the tongues of fire. The crowds were amazed to hear the disciples with the tongues of fire declaring the wonders of God in their own languages.    In verse 13 we hear the disciples being made fun of as they speak in tongues. Some people saying they are drunk. But in the following verses Peter speaks to the crowd.    Then   and   Now   Holy Spirit is Predicted by Joel (Acts 16-21) Then: Peter speaks the prophetic words from God given to Joel "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Peter ends with "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They were witnessing what was predicted/prophesied hundreds of years earlier. This book (often referred to as The Acts of the Holy Spirit) shows us the remarkable ways God was moving. Now: Pentecost ushered in a new era in human history. In our day God's spirit is still moving. The gospel of Jesus is spreading around the world like never before. It is everywhere. God continues to move and pour out His spirit and change people's lives. The Risen Christ is Proven by God (Acts 2:22-24) Then: Jesus' miracles and teachings were seen and witnessed. Jesus was crucified on a cross but God raised Him from the dead.  They had living proof. Now: No human life has ever made so powerful an impact than did the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It has changed the world. And we have the recorded history of those who did witness Jesus works, death and resurrection. Messiah was Predicted by David (Acts 2:25-31) Then: Peter quotes David who believed that there was One who would come and not see decay and would be One who would save.  Peter continues by saying this One David talked about was none other than Jesus Christ. Now: God continues to be at work today and the things that Jesus spoke of that would come and those things He predicted are being fulfilled today. Jesus Ascended and was Exalted by God (Acts 2:32-35) Then: Peter tells them how God raised Jesus from the grave and has poured out the Holy Spirit and that they were witnesses to that. Peter tells them that Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Now: this is true for us today. Jesus is risen! He continues to pour out His Holy Spirit! Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Accountability because You crucified Him (Acts 2:36-37) Then: Peter gets personal, telling them that "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." And "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The message of Jesus demands a response.  We are collectively guilty of crucifying Jesus. We all have sinned. Now: The message of Jesus still demands a response. It is our sin that put Jesus on the cross. And still today, when people hear and internalize the message of Jesus Christ it changes them. Forgiveness brings New Life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41) Then: Peter called them to repentance and baptism Now: have you heeded the call to come to faith in Jesus. This is still the desire of God, that we come to Him through faith in Jesus, that we repent, are baptized and give our lives to Him.   Pastor closes with a look at the recently discovered Pool of Siloam and its archeological impact on what the Bible says.   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 2 (if you want to read ahead, read chapter 3 as well)     Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com 

Gospel Reading: John 9:1-38At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

Jesus, when things feel dark, you are my Light.Scripture: John 8:12Keywords: Festivals; light; Siloam; I Am; illuminate.Best of Summer Edition

What did the world of Jesus actually look like? Not the sanitized version from paintings and Hollywood films, but the real, physical, tangible reality of first century Jewish life. Dr. Jodi Magness has spent decades digging through the soil of the Holy Land, and what she's uncovered reshapes how we understand the Gospels. From the foods Jesus likely ate to the massive ritual baths where pilgrims purified themselves before entering the Temple, archaeology opens a window into a world most of us have never truly seen.In this conversation, Dr. Magness takes us from the villages of Galilee to the fortress of Masada, from the caves of Qumran to the newly excavated Pool of Siloam. She explains why we'll probably never find an artifact directly connected to Jesus, and why that doesn't matter, because what archaeology can do is reconstruct the entire world He walked through with stunning accuracy. And then she drops a bombshell: the discovery of Herod's mausoleum at Herodium may be the most important archaeological find since the Dead Sea Scrolls, and it has massive implications for how we understand both Herod and the story of Jesus' birth.In this episode, you will learn:- Why archaeology and literary sources give us different kinds of information about the past- What everyday Jewish life looked like in the time of Jesus, including food, purity practices, and dining customs- The surprising evidence that Jesus probably ate quiche- What the Pool of Siloam and other Gospel sites reveal about the accuracy of Scripture- The real story of Masada and why it became a symbol of modern Israel- What Dr. Magness's excavations at Huqoq have uncovered about Jewish life under Christian rule- Why Herod's tomb may reshape our understanding of both his reign and the infancy narratives in MatthewGuest:Dr. Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 seasons of excavation experience in Israel. She currently directs excavations at Huqoq and is the author of several books:Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus- https://a.co/d/02jeSFwTJerusalem through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades- https://a.co/d/0hfOJi5wLearn more about the Huqoq excavations: huqoq.orgStay Connected:Website: https://johnnyova.comSubscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@thejohnnyovaGet The Revelation Reset on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCMTZYQL

Why do bad things happen to people? In Luke 13, some people told Jesus about bad events. Roman soldiers had killed some Galileans while they were worshiping. Another time, a tower in Siloam fell and killed 18 people. The crowd wondered if these people were worse sinners and were being punished by God. Jesus said no. Bad things can happen to anyone in our broken world. We never know when our life might end. His clear message was: “Unless you repent and turn back to God, you will all perish too.” He wants us to be right with God every day. Jesus then told a story about a fig tree that grew for three years but never produced fruit. The owner wanted to cut it down, but the worker asked for one more chance to care for it and help it grow. This shows God's mercy — He gives us many chances to change and bear good fruit in our lives. Next, Jesus healed a woman who had been bent over and suffering for 18 years. She praised God right away. But the leader of the synagogue got angry because Jesus healed her on the Sabbath day. Jesus called him a hypocrite for caring more about animals than about a suffering person. The message for us today is simple: Examine your own life. Where do you need to repent? Even if things feel like a mess, God offers you another chance right now to turn to Him and live differently.

Welcome this this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast! I adore everything about today's podcast. The company, the product, the owner and her story as we're talking today with Angela Bolt from Siloam Syrups... but before we get to her?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Two local spots made the James Beard Awards Final 5 in two categories, and they're both in the same building in Rogers! A No Kid Hungry dinner was announced for Springdale. We have the details. More news about the Kilroy Public House in Rogers! Chuo Izakaya is officially open! Taqueria El Cuervo has officially moved. There will be multiple food options in the new development going up by Gully Park in Fayetteville. 7Brew is coming to the UofA We have the results of the Black Howler Beer Chili Cookoff from the weekend! Happy anniversary to Crisis Brewing and Terracotta. Both are partying on Saturday. We have the deets. Another Dining in the Dark at Mockingbird Kitchen. We'll tell you where it originated from and how it started in NWA! What a story Angela Bolt has. Born and raised on the west coast, you'll love the story about how she learned how to cook. You'll also hear about the familial influences in her life and are with her today. How did she get into the food and beverage business? That's a good story and has to do with family. Speaking of which, how does one go from Oakland to Siloam Springs? It'll make sense, I promise. Also, a scary health situation and the story of Angela having to put her life on pause and the village that got her through it. Finally, those yummy syrups... Delish. We talk to Angela Bolt from Siloam Syrups next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas!

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas Podcast, we're in Bentonville with Luke Wetzel and Mollie Mullis talking Townie Burgers, Oven & Tap and Superfine Sweets, but before we do?!?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Chuo Izakaya finally opens in Rogers THIS WEEK! Owner Darwin Beyer talks about getting the doors open. The HUB in Bentonville re-opens THIS WEEK! General Manager Shawn Curtis gives us the schedule! My new crush Taqueria El Cuervo is moving THIS WEEK! Jaclyn's Kitchen at Prairie Creek officially opened LAST WEEK! Down the Bayou has announced when they're opening. Not THIS WEEK. Moffs Pizza wants to move into a brick-and-mortar building, and you can help! Angelino's Italian Restaurant in Siloam will be closing. We'll tell you when. Big anniversaries this week with Guess Who, Feed and Folly, and Handel's Ice Cream in Rogers. I've been following an Arkansas Pastry Chef who had a big week last week at a big competition! The Black Howler Beer Company Beer Chili Cookoff is this Saturday! Luke Wetzel and Mollie Mullis have been business partners for about a decade now, and the story of how they met is hilarious. It started with a job interview and a phone call – also, persistence paid off. When Luke decided that he wanted to open Oven and Tap, there was never a question about who would be a part of it with him. They both talk about the lessons learned when opening their first place.  I've always wondered this about ice cream shops –how do they pick out their ice cream flavors for Superfine Sweets Shop? Finally, what led to Townie Burgers and what's next? We hear from Luke Wetzel and Mollie Mullis next, on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas. Please like and subscribe! Available on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts!

John 9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"   3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.    4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes.      7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.   8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."   10 "How then were your eyes opened?" they asked. 11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." 12 "Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.   13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath.  15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner perform such signs?" So they were divided.     17 Then they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet." 18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19 "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" 20 "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself."  22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."   24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God by telling the truth," they said. "We know this man is a sinner." 25 He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" 26 Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?" 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from." 30 The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." 34 To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"     36 "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." 37 Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." 38 Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.     39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 41 Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260321dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. …” Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:1-7 Why? Often, when we see someone struggling or suffering, we wonder: Why? Why is that man homeless? Why is that woman sick? Why does that family fight so much? Whenever we see unpleasant situations—whatever they might be—we wonder why. Jesus speaks about sin’s connection to struggles and suffering in the case of the man who was born blind: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” he said. Not every hardship is caused by a particular sin. The struggles and sufferings that many people experience are beyond their control. So why was he blind? That man was blind for two reasons. The first reason was because he was born in a sinful and cruel world. The impact of sin is terrible and enormous. It can be sickening and distressing. Suffering is the result of living in this sinful world, but Jesus teaches that not every experience of suffering in our lives is due to a particular sin we have committed. The second reason this man was blind is far more beautiful. He was born blind so that God could work through him. Jesus saw him and had mercy on him. He reached out to the man and healed his physical malady. Through this miracle Jesus revealed his power as the Son of God to give sight and heal. This is why God sent his Son. Sin destroys but Jesus restores. Prayer: Jesus, I know that, by nature, I am blinded by sin. Thank you for reaching out and healing me from my blindness through your Son and your Word. Open my eyes that I might see Jesus as the light of the world. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Read OnlineSome in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David's family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. John 7:40–43Today's Gospel takes place on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths. This annual celebration was one of three major feasts when many Jews made a pilgrimage to the Temple. For seven days, they lived in temporary shelters—booths—as a reminder of God's providence and protection during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. It was also a time to give thanks for the year's harvest, recognizing God's ongoing provision.The eighth day, following the seven days of Sukkot, was known as Shemini Atzeret, a solemn assembly focused on prayers, especially for rain for the coming year's crops—another acknowledgment of dependence on God. It was likely during this festival that “Jesus stood up and exclaimed, ‘Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink'” (John 7:37). That exclamation comes just prior to today's Gospel, which shows the varied responses of the people who heard Jesus' words.The context of the Feast of Tabernacles and its religious meaning are crucial to understanding the significance of Jesus' declaration. One of the central rituals of Sukkot was the daily water-drawing ceremony in which water from the Pool of Siloam was carried to the Temple and poured out before the altar. This act symbolized thanksgiving for God's provision of water during the Israelites' time in the wilderness and a prayer for rain for the crops. It also evoked messianic hope, recalling prophetic visions of spiritual renewal when living water would flow from the Temple: “I saw water flowing out from under the threshold of the temple” (cf. Ezekiel 47:1–12) and “fresh water will flow from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:8).By this time, many scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders were already plotting against Jesus. They condemned Him for performing miracles on the Sabbath, speaking with divine authority, and making claims that suggested equality with God. There was much speculation about whether Jesus would attend the festival, and He did, initially in secret (John 7:10). By the middle of the feast, He appeared publicly in the Temple, boldly preaching and teaching. On the final day, He identified Himself as the source of the living water that would quench the spiritual thirst of God's people, fulfilling the ancient prophecies. This caused an uproar, leading to divided reactions.Some believed He was “the Prophet” or “the Christ.” Others doubted, knowing Jesus was from Nazareth, and the Messiah was expected to come from Bethlehem. This shows that many were unaware that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and was a descendant of David's line.This Feast of Tabernacles occurred about six months before the Feast of Passover, when Jesus would be arrested and crucified. In the intervening months, the controversy surrounding Him deepened as the religious leaders continued plotting, while Jesus performed more miracles and delivered urgent teachings about the need to believe in Him as the Messiah. In some ways, the Feast of Tabernacles marked the beginning of the end.Reflect today on the controversy Jesus sparked at the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of us must choose a side. There is no room for middle ground. Either Jesus is the Messiah, and we must follow Him wholeheartedly, or He is not. There is no place for complacency or mediocrity. Jesus is the Living Water, the one and only source of divine provision. Stand with Him and be counted among those who boldly proclaim Him as the Christ of God, so that He may provide for you, just as He sustained the Israelites during their forty years in the desert.My providential Lord, You and You alone are the source of Living Water that refreshes and renews my soul. Only in You do I find eternal salvation, for You are the Messiah and Christ of God. Please give me courage and wisdom so that I will trust You and rely upon Your ongoing providence in my life. Jesus, I do trust in You.Image: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260318dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. John 9:13-16 A Rulebreaker The Third Commandment could not be clearer: “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.” But to avoid all confusion, God went on to explain, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work” (Exodus 20:9-10). So, Jesus is a rulebreaker, right? He worked on the Sabbath! He made mud, put it on a blind man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, all of which led to this man seeing for the first time in his life. Some of the Pharisees could not help but conclude, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” This wasn’t the first time Jesus had generated a heated debate by healing someone on the Sabbath. From the earliest days of his earthly ministry, Jesus was causing his opponents to have serious bouts of consternation as they tried to square Jesus’ claims of being the Son of God and the promised Messiah with his apparent refusal to obey God’s holy law. But was it a refusal? Hardly. It was a fulfillment! Jesus once explained, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). His point was simple: of course, God wants us to honor him by resting from our labor at some point every week to hear and ponder his saving Word. But he also calls us to put his Word into practice by regularly demonstrating love for our neighbors in need. The Christian life is not an either/or proposition. It’s an everyday both/and way of life! Our Savior never overturns God’s Word. Instead, he fulfills it. Perfectly. Prayer: Jesus, empower me to be like you more and more every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260317dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:6-7 Even Jesus Uses Tools My wife will tell you. I’m not handy. Putting a tool in my hands can be a dangerous prospect, because I'm more likely to make the problem worse, not better. Tools are just not my thing. With some household projects, it might be wiser to give me a magic wand to wave than a hammer to swing, since the best chance for success would have to involve some miracle. Jesus doesn’t need tools to fix things. The Bible makes that abundantly clear. He’s God, so he can do what he wants and can fix every problem without lifting a finger or batting an eye. But here’s the thing: often, Jesus uses tools to accomplish his saving will. We see that truth plainly illustrated in John, chapter nine. When Jesus encountered a man born blind, he could have given him sight without saying a word or moving a muscle. But he didn’t. Instead, “he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.” Then he said, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” What happened? John tells us that “the man went and washed, and came home seeing.” In other words, Jesus used tools—spit, mud, words, and washing—to accomplish the glorious task of giving sight to the blind. And he does the same for us! No, Jesus may never need to give or restore our physical sight to us. But he longs to bless us with the spiritual sight of saving faith and to sharpen it daily. But he doesn’t do either of those things without using tools. Instead, he uses the water of Holy Baptism and the wheat and wine of Holy Communion, combined with his powerful Word, to create and sustain faith in his people. He could have decided to do it differently, but he doesn't. He uses tools. Which means what? That he would have us use those same tools. Through them alone, Jesus gives saving sight to the blind! Prayer: Jesus, inspire me to use your Word and sacraments faithfully and to share your saving Word with others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

March 15, 2026. Fr. Tyler's homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.    Gospel John 9:1-41 As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,  that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned;  it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him,  “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—. So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,  “Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is, “ but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went there and washed and was able to see.” And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don't know.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again,  “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” Now the Jews did not believe  that he had been blind and gained his sight  until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight. They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?” His parents answered and said,  “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed  that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ, he would be expelled from the synagogue. For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; question him.” So a second time they called the man who had been blind  and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” They ridiculed him and said,  “You are that man's disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses,  but we do not know where this one is from.” The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing,  that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners,  but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out. When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said,  “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment,  so that those who do not see might see,  and those who do see might become blind.” Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this  and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin;  but now you are saying, ‘We see,' so your sin remains.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOLent, Week 4Theme: LIGHTSaint: St. John Gabriel Perboyre, C.M.GOSPEL: JOHN 9: 1-38As he passed by Jesus saw a man blind from birth. he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go wash[c] in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see.So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” 16 So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” [But] others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.35 When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.” 38 He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.

In this episode we watch Jesus do what Luther says Christ always does: use the law to uncover real sin, then speak a promise that creates faith, revealing himself as the great “I am” who gives living water as pure grace. As the Samaritan woman leaves her jar behind and confesses him Savior of the world, we see that true worship isn't about the right mountain but about the Spirit delivering Christ through his Word—salvation from the Jews, and for the nations.GOSPEL John 9:1-411 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, 7 saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." 10 But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." 12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." He said, "He is a prophet."18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 20 His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." 25 He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." 26 They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" 28 Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate