Podcasts about Pharisees

Acts 15:1, 2b-4a, 5-12 - [After many Gentiles came to faith in Jesus,] some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And … Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed … But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, and He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

Today's Scripture passages are 2 Samuel 23:8-39 | 1 Chronicles 11:20-47 | Matthew 19:1-12 | Mark 10:1-12.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

758 She Washed His Feet With Her Hair, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:35-38 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization. Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation Luke 7 KJV 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children. 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. NASB 35 And yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” 36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Meditation on Scripture: If we are not careful or thoughtful we can end up with a misunderstanding of what this message teaches. First we must be careful not to mix up the stories of this occurring. There is another one that shows up later. Jesus corrects people regarding their misunderstanding of the action this woman performs. Jesus accepted her tribute from this woman for various reasons. Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of human judgment. There is certainly a value in this lesson but I think for the moment I would like to focus on the woman and her actions. The humility and love represented are so meaningful. Jesus will go on to compare the actions of this woman to His host but the reason he does so is the devotion this woman displays.  There is a deep devotion she shows. So in this situation it can be helpful to consider ourselves in this role. Do we feel the kind of love and devotion that would inspire us to humble ourselves in front of others? Do we worry too much about what other people would think instead of truly lifting our eyes to glorify God? As you read about her act to glorify God you can really connect with how meaningful Jesus was to her. THis was not a passive act of regular gratitude. This was a profound and gut wrenching description of the value this woman placed on Jesus.  So as we reflect on the disinterested perspective she took on her own pride we have something to reflect on. Are we willing to similarly pour out our love for God? How can we demonstrate his same kind of gratitude for the Lord? Put your heart and mind on the things that God calls to you as things to show Him gratitude.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

In Mark 7:1-23, the religious leaders' opposition to Jesus resurfaces. After all the miracles that Jesus has performed, the Scribes and Pharisees are outraged because His disciples didn't wash their hands the “right” way before eating. It sounds trivial, right? But to them, it was a full-blown scandal, a matter of being “defiled” before God. Jesus doesn't respond to their question but instead exposes their obsession with outward traditions and their hypocritical approach to God's law. Then Jesus reveals what truly makes us unclean—our hearts. The Pharisees employed their traditions, such as “Corban,” to circumvent God's commands. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Mark 7:6-7). Instead of answering their question about defiled hands, Jesus rebukes them for their hypocrisy and legalism and reveals that it is our hearts, not outward rituals or actions, that truly defile. How, then, can one be clean before God? Only from the inside. No amount of rule-following can fix the heart. But here's the good news: Jesus can! Through His sacrifice, He offers us a new heart, one that longs to follow God from the inside out. Take some time to read Mark 7:1-23 before Sunday. As you do, ask yourself: Are there ways I'm relying on “doing the right things” to be acceptable to God? What's in my heart that I need to bring to Jesus? Let us prepare ourselves to come and worship Him from the heart on Sunday as we sing and study His word. I. The Clash Over Tradition (v. 1-5) II. The Hypocrisy Of An Only Outward Religion (v. 6-13) III. The True Source Of Defilement (v. 14-23)

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3 We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it's self-evident, even axiomatic. But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit. What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn't a modern political state, but a New Covenant community, gathered around the Risen King? It's not a hot take. It's Bible—every word of it. In this sermon, Pastor Matt walks through the covenantal logic behind Jesus' seven woes on the Scribes and Pharisees, and shows how rightly understanding these judgments delivers a fatal blow to the modern cult of Zionism.

To BELIEVE in Jesus is to BE a Christian. What I mean by believe is not agreeing that the Bible is true and Jesus is who He claimed to be. What I mean by believe is that you are all in on what the Bible teaches and who and what Jesus claimed to be and do. Genuine belief begins with your intellect, but it does not stop there. Genuine belief affects your daily actions and life choices. So, to believe in Jesus is to live in a state of being as a Christian. To BE is to EXIST. You can believe certain things that do not affect your state of existence. An example of this is how I view the reality of math. I believe that math is both real and good, but my belief goes no further than my intellect. It is possible to BELIEVE in Jesus and not BE a Christian. If you are a Christian, your Christianity is more than a religion or something you believe, but who you now are. Think about what the apostle Paul wrote: And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world.... But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ... (Eph. 2:1, 4-5). If you are a Christian, you were once dead, but now you are alive with Jesus. Because you are now alive with Jesus, Paul continued in Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. To go from death to life requires a change in your DNA. By the time Jesus arrived at Lazarus grave, he was dead and in his tomb for four days (John 11:17). What that means is that decomposition had already started, his body was bloated, his bodily fluids were already seeping out of the orifices of his body, his internal organs were already breaking down, and because of the breakdown of the tissues of his body there was already an overwhelming stench that was present in the tomb. When Jesus asked for the stone of the tomb to be removed, Lazarus sister, Martha, said to Jesus: Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead for four days (v. 39). For a dead Lazarus to become a living Lazarus, his body would have to go through a complete DNA change, and that is exactly what happened when Jesus raised him from the dead when He shouted: Lazarus, come out (v. 43)! Lazarus body experienced an immediate DNA change, he then got up, and then he walked out of the tomb. Christian, you experienced spiritually what Lazarus experienced physically the day you heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and believed. This is why Paul was compelled to remind the Ephesian Christians who they were with these words: I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). So, how do you do that? Paul tells us: So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:1516). Okay, but what does that look like in the home? It looks like husbands loving their wives in the same what Jesus loved His church and gave Himself up for her (Eph. 5:25-33). It also looks like wives, subjecting themselves under the headship of their husbands (vv. 5:22-24). Oh... but how does one walk in a manner worthy of our calling in the way we parent our children or in the way we respond to our parents? I struggled if I should address parents and children in the reverse order than how the apostle Paul did it but decided to follow in the same order he chose. Responding to Our Parents in a Manner Worthy of Our Calling Paul addresses children by reminding us of the fifth commandment: Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you (Exod. 20:12). For some parents, this commandment is abused; for some children, this commandment is ignored. For a lot of people in the church, I suspect that the fifth commandment is confusing. Just so you know, the first four commandments concern our relationship with God; the last six commandments concern our relationship with people. The first commandment states: You are to have no other gods before Me (Exod. 20:3). How you yield your mind, life, and heart to the first commandment will affect how your respond to idols, how you use the name of the Lord in what you say and do, and what kind of time you spend with the Lord in worship. Concerning the final six commandments, I suggest to you that how you yield your mind, life, and heart to the fifth commandment will affect how value your neighbors wife/husband, that which does not belong to you, your integrity, and what you think you need or do not need. It all begins with what kind of relationship you have with God. Show me how a young man or woman treats their mother or father, and I will show you what kind of husband or wife that person will most likely be. If you cannot honor the person who is responsible for sheltering you, providing food, clothing, and an education for you... then when it comes to the other people in your life... you probably will not be a very honorable person (unless something changes, such as a spiritual DNA change). Now, for the big question many of you may be asking: At what age does the fifth command expire? When you are eighteen? Twenty? How about when you are on your own? How about after you are married and have a family of your own? The commandment doesnt even indicate an age, but the word the apostle Paul uses is Ephesians 6:1 is children. The Greek word for children is teknon and it means exactly the way every English translation translates the word, and that is children. The point Paul is making is that if you are a child, then you have a command from God to obey, and that is to give your parents honor. Notice the order Paul address regarding the family. He begins with wives, then moves on to husbands, then children before he addresses fathers. Why? Because if you are alive today, then you are a child of someone. Not everyone is a parent, but everyone is a child. In the context of Ephesians 6:1, Paul is speaking to non-adults, and the way they are to honor their parents is by obeying them. However, this does not exempt every person who has a parent from honoring their parent(s). So there are two things going on with Ephesians 6:1-3. First, for every non-adult in the room, if you are unwilling to obey your parents, then you are not walking in a manner worthy of your calling as a Christian. Second, if you are a son or a daughter with a living parent, you are not walking in a manner worthy of your calling if you are not giving them honor. Let me help you understand what exactly is being said in these verses. Walking in a manner worthy of your calling as a Christian as a non-adult means that you honor your parent(s) by obeying them so long as what is asked of you does not violate your primary obligation to obey Christ. If a father or mother askes their Christ-following child to sin, then that child is obligated to respectfully disobey. Honoring your parents by obeying them does not mean that you must endure sexual or physical abuse, nor require you to lie, cheat, or steal because your father or mother told you to do something immoral or wrong. But when it comes to the things your parent(s) ask you do such as the rules of the house you live in, you are to honor your mother and father by obeying and respecting them. Non-adult children, listen to me. Paul states that the fifth commandment has a promise tied to it: Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may turn out well for you, and that you may live long on the earth. Obeying your parents who want you to thrive and succeed will help protect you from the kind of friends and habits that could ruin or shorten your life. The other way it will turn out well for non-adult children who honor their parents through obedience and respect for them, is that you will most likely develop honorable and healthy character traits. So, how old until you do not have to obey all the rules of the home your parents pay for? Until you can pay rent and/or move out on your own. However, when you do move out of the home of your parent(s), to does not mean you are no longer obligated to honor your parents. So, what about those of us who are adults? The fifth command does not state obey although throughout the Bible, non-adult children are expected to be obedient. The fifth commandment is also a principle to live by. Notice what the commandment does not say. It does not say Love, admire, agree with, trust, or drop everything that you are doing for your parents. No, what the fifth commandment states is to Honor your father and mother. The relationship I had with my sons when they were toddlers was very different then, than it is today. How I relate to my 24-year-old son is very different than how I relate to my 14-year-old son. If the day comes that they should ever get married, my relationship with them will be very different than it is today. So what does it mean to honor my father and mother as an adult? I am commanded to honor them no matter where they live, how old they are, what physical condition they are in, or how they feel about me. Tim Keller provides a clear answer that honors the tone of all of scripture when it comes to our parents: Honor is a decision to treat your parents with dignity and with courtesy, and its also a decision to provide long-term loyalty to their best interests.[1] To walk in a manner worthy of my calling as a son or daughter must include seeing my father and mother as individuals created in the image of Almighty God, and that He entrusted my life into their care, and regardless of their sins and faults, I am to honor them by treating them with dignity and to do all that I am able to do to make sure that their best interests are provided for in a way that glorifies God and serves them well. Parenting Children in a Manner Worthy of Our Calling Now to the parents in the room. Paul is addressing dads, but moms are not exempt. The word that Paul uses for discipline is the Greek word, paideia and it also includes instruction, teaching, and training. The other word that is used is instruction which can also mean admonishing, warning, or even counseling. To discipline your children is to enforce boundaries and to provide instruction is to bring your child along guiding and persuading into a person of character because you love them. To be honest with you, parenting is difficult! It is especially difficult in the culture and day that we find ourselves in. To raise your child in a way that protects them from the idols of both our culture and their own hearts is hard work and if it is done poorly or in a way that is heavy on law and light on grace... or heavy on grace and light on law... the consequences can be devastating to watch and experience as a parent. The danger in striving to raise your child well with rules is to be overbearing where truth and the rules of the house leave little room to experience love and grace for your child. This is how you can provoke your children to anger... If you want to raise a resentful, frustrated, and angry child, make sure you leave little to no room for your child to experience the love that you have for him or her. Creating rules and enforcing them is easy and important, but to do that and at the same time making space and time to pay attention to your childs heart, to listen to your child, to be safe enough so that your child feels free to speak to you, to respect the way God put your child together in terms of their personality... takes time and energy. Your children do not only need you be their parent, but they need you be present in their life. However, Paul does not end with his charge to fathers not provoking their children to anger. Our responsibility as parents is to, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. If you want to walk in a manner worthy of the calling in which you have been called, then you must bring up your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. What does it look like to bring up your child, and what does it involve? Check out what God instructed His people to do in order to pass on the faith of the parents to their children: Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. You shall also tie them as a sign to your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead. You shall also write them on the doorpost of your house and on your gates. (Deut. 6:48) This passage in Deuteronomy is known as the Shema, and it was recited often as a prayer. Orthodox Jews take the Shema literally in the sense that they literally tie the word of God onto their arms and their foreheads. The scribes and Pharisees in Jesus time did the same thing, what they wore on their foreheads and arms were called phylacteries, and they made sure they were big enough so that everyone could see how religious they were. Listen to what Jesus said about the scribes and Pharisees: The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on peoples shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. (Matt. 23:35) Some of you grew up in homes with parents like this. The scribes and Pharisees missed the entire point of the Shema! The point is not to look and act religious, but that what you say you believe in and your relationship to God is actually who you really are. If you are really a Christian, then it should be who you really are when no one is looking, and especially in your home with those who know you better than anyone else. So, when you are walking, when you are shopping, when you are mowing the lawn, and when it comes to the culture of your home... you really are who you say you are. When it comes to the rules in your home and the time you share with your child, and how you interact with the members of your family, consider what it means to love: Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor. 13:47) When it comes to the culture of your home, consider what the fruits of the Spirit are in the life of a Christian: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal 5:2223). What does it look like to, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? It is the kind of disciple-making Jesus commanded us to be about, and it must begin in the home out of a love for God and a love for the closest neighbors you will ever have, namely the members of your own family. [1] Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT) As an evangelist, I constantly observe how two people who hear the same message will react in two completely different ways. One person will be profoundly moved, while the other will become harder in their sin. We see the very same thing in the story of Cain and Abel. Both men were sons of Adam and Eve. Both were raised in the same home and exposed to the same spiritual message. When we first read their story in Genesis 4, it seems as though they were both believers. But time revealed that Cain was so jealous and embittered that he murdered his brother Abel. The story of Cain and Abel ought to remind us that there are people just going through the motions, spiritually speaking. They give the appearance of being believers, but they have no real relationship with God. Or, as the apostle Paul put it in 2 Timothy 3:15: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (NLT). That’s the life story of too many people. They are all show and no go. Their faith in God is nothing more than a mere game or act. Paul followed his description with a warning: “Stay away from people like that!” (NLT). Believers, especially young believers, can be led astray by people with an insincere faith. Consider this. You can offer like Cain. You can weep like Esau. You can serve like Gehazi. You can be a disciple like Judas. You can recite long prayers like the Pharisees. You can be a seeking soul like the rich young ruler. You can have lamps like the five foolish bridesmaids. You can do all these things and still be lost. Jesus was referring to God’s words recorded in Isaiah 29:13 when He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). And while spiritual acts may fool many people, they can never fool the Lord. Remember: “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). That’s why it’s such a short-sighted mistake to take a surface-deep approach to the Christian faith. One day, we will all have to answer for the choices we make in this life. And Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (NLT). Jesus offers not just eternal life in heaven but also “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) in this world. But you can’t experience it if your only concern is looking like a Christian. Jesus demands your whole heart. Reflection question: How can you tell the difference between a sincere and insincere faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pharisees created extra laws around God's commands to bring the Messiah and restore Israel as a blessing to the world. But when Jesus comes, he shows that he is the fulfillment, authority, and purpose of the law. In this podcast episode, David walks through three stories in Mark where Jesus demonstrates His lordship over the Sabbath and reveals Himself as the long-awaited bridegroom, King, and God of the new creation.

When Jesus tears into you, He goes right for the heart.

The man we're going to meet today on Bridging the Gap had a withered hand, but after he stepped out in faith, he experienced a wonderful touch from God. Our study of Mark takes us to the last several verses of chapter two and the beginning of chapter three, where the Pharisees are keeping a close eye on Jesus.

Daily Dose of Hope June 20, 2025   Scripture – Matthew 15   Prayer: Almighty God, We come before you with awe and humility.  Help us remember all you have done for us.  We are nothing without you.  We need you desperately, Lord.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts today as we focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us remember that we belong to you.  Help us lay our worries and cares on the throne of your grace...We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  We are unpacking Matthew 15 today.   In today's Scripture, we are talking about handwashing and cleanliness but it has nothing to do with germs. Germ theory wasn't even discovered until the 1800s. So what was the hand-washing ritual discussed in the first half of Matthew 15? To go deeper, we need to talk a little about 1st century Jewish life. We walked through this in Mark as well.  If you recall, certain groups of Jews, such as the Pharisees and the scribes, affirmed two types of law. There was the written law (the first five books of the Bible – the Torah) and the oral law (the traditions of the elders/rabbis). Basically, the written law didn't have specific details so the rabbis, over the years, filled in those details with oral traditions.   There were Pharisees from Jerusalem who sought out Jesus. We don't know why these Pharisees had traveled some eighty miles from Jerusalem (a very long trip in those days) but there is some speculation that they had come to check out this Jesus character, this man who was healing, teaching, and saying things that were questionable in their eyes. They were suspicious and they must have also felt pretty threatened.  Remember the Pharisees were a strict sect of Judaism that believed in following the law in the fullest sense.   The Pharisees noticed that Jesus' disciples were not going through the ceremonial hand-washing rituals that were required before they ate. They asked Jesus about this. This was clearly an insult, it was more like, why aren't you properly teaching your disciples? Jesus has this interesting reply, he quotes Scripture from the prophet Isaiah: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me...”   I should note that there wasn't anything wrong with what the Pharisees were trying to do. They had purity laws which they thought were very important in following God. But Jesus could see past their ritual and into their hearts. He saw their insincerity and hypocrisy; it was all a facade. Thus, he sees this as a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Just as in the times of Isaiah, the Pharisees are giving lip service to following God but their hearts are far from him. They are concerned about the Sabbath being followed to the tee but they cheat people in the marketplace. They are concerned about following specifics of the handwashing but they aren't worried about the widow and the orphan. Something was wrong, truly wrong. They appear to be all about piety but they neglect compassion, justice, and love.   But this issue goes even deeper. Being unclean and being defiled was a big deal in 1st century Judaism. If you couldn't be clean (and a lot of regular people worked jobs or had lives that meant they couldn't meet all the various regulations to stay clean). If you were unclean for whatever reason, then you were ostracized from the temple. You were basically shunned from religious life.   Jesus is making a huge point here. Jesus is saying, “You are shunning people, you are telling them they are unclean, you are ostracizing them from the community, based on the rituals they have done or haven't done to be clean. But what you are missing is this: the things that really matter, the things that pose the greatest danger, are not external. They aren't hand-washing. They aren't meticulously keeping Sabbath. The things that matter most to God are internal.”   What Jesus is saying to them is that God cares most about the heart. I think we will all should admit that, at times, the church has looked a lot like these Pharisees. We've been all about religious activity and less about trying to be like Jesus. We've been about the external and not the internal. We've cared about appearances. We are putting up this great religious front but then being horribly judgmental, angry, or bitter. Friends, God could care less about your religious busyness. He wants your heart. He doesn't care about our ceremonial handwashing---he cares about if we are treating others with the love of Christ. And if we aren't, then all the ceremony, all the church stuff, it's kind of a farce. Why? Because God looks on our hearts.    The chapter says that Jesus withdraws from here to a Gentile region.  Maybe he was trying to get away from the people and the crowds OR maybe he knew that an important interaction was about to occur.  Here, we have this interesting and somewhat disturbing interaction with a Canaanite woman.  This was also in Mark, and it goes pretty much the same way.    When this woman approaches Jesus, she is breaking all the social taboos of that time and place.  Not only is she considered unclean but she is a woman alone trying to get the attention of a Jewish teacher.   The woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter, who has an demonic spirit in her.  Jesus' reaction is not what we would expect, as Matthew writes that Jesus doesn't answer her.  Did he ignore her?  Hard to tell but the disciples are pretty clear about wanting Jesus to send her away.  Jesus finally responds to the woman, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  It's possible he wants to see how she will respond.   Her quick reply is that even dogs get the crumbs dropped from the table.  Basically, there is enough of what Jesus has that he can afford to share it with her and her daughter.  And Jesus agrees, he sees her faith and heals the daughter immediately.  There is enough of what Jesus has for outsiders to be included.  God's Kingdom is more than big enough.  And that's good for us because most of us are Gentiles too.   Finally, we get the feeding of the 4,000.  This is where I just want to shake the disciples.  They just were part of the feeding of 5,000 men and probably 15,000 people in total.  Jesus has already shown what he can do.  Why are they doubting?  Why don't they start from an attitude of abundance, knowing that Jesus can easily feed these people.   But they don't.  They still have a scarcity mindset.  We better send these people away because we just don't have enough food for them.  How in the world will we ever feed them? Yet, Jesus has already demonstrated the abundance of God's Kingdom. And Jesus wants us to operate from the ABUNDANCE mindset.  He wants us to trust that he will provide all our needs and then some.  All our resources – they are a gift from God. Just as Jesus was asking his disciples to do in this miracle, he is asking each of us to do --- look beyond what's in front of you.  Look up from this physical, earthly reality and see that there is so much more.  I've got you.  I'm here for you.  Trust me.  The world tells us to be afraid, hold on tight to whatever you have, send the people away.  But Jesus is saying, “Look beyond the world.  Look beyond what's right in front of you.  Look at my Kingdom.” When you do this, when you trust in the abundance of God's Kingdom, then it frees us to be generous.  It frees us to not hold so tight to things, to allow God to use us to bless others, to care for others.  It's gets us beyond ourselves.  Friends, we are to be a picture of God's Kingdom to an unbelieving, hurting, hungry, anxious, fearful, angry world.  There is no plan B.  We are plan A for demonstrating the Jesus way of life to others.  Just like he said to the disciples, “You do this,” he is saying the same thing to us.  John 20:21, Jesus tells the disciples and he tells us, “Just as the Father sent me, now I am sending you.”  Remember, the Christian life was NEVER supposed to be self-focused, it's about giving ourselves away.   Have a wonderful weekend!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

Send us a textWhere do people see you? This question strikes at the heart of Christian testimony in ways we rarely consider. Beyond our words and actions, the locations where others observe us speak volumes about our faith commitment.In this thought-provoking discussion, we delve into the spiritual significance of being mindful about where we go as believers. The places we frequent—from church to work to social gatherings—all contribute to our witness for Christ. While being seen in church or with family reflects positively on our faith, what about those places we'd rather not be recognized?The conversation takes an unexpected turn when we explore Jesus's own example. The Pharisees criticized Him precisely because of where they saw Him—eating with tax collectors and sinners. This raises profound questions about ministry in uncomfortable places. Is there a difference between being led by the Spirit into challenging environments versus putting ourselves in compromising situations?Joshua 1:9 provides the framework for understanding this tension: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This promise transforms our perspective—knowing God's presence accompanies us everywhere gives us confidence to navigate any environment while maintaining our testimony.Whether you're struggling with decisions about where to go or seeking to strengthen your Christian witness, this episode offers biblical wisdom for living authentically as Christ's representative in every location. Where is He leading you today?Support the show

With His harshest words recorded in the gospels, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Then He laments over Jerusalem and her desolation.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible. Visit the podcast website here. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Read or subscribe to his devotional at simplythebible.blog. Visit the church website. If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!

Why did Jesus call the Pharisees spiritually blind? What about people today? Who wrote the epistle of James? What are your thoughts on it? How do we know if we are the good soil described by Jesus? Fruit-bearing is a natural byproduct after salvation, but what actually saves a person?

IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Between Sundays, Tyler, Maron, and Barry return to the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 8–9) to talk tax collectors, table fellowship, and the transforming power of Jesus' mercy. What does it mean that Jesus called someone like Matthew, a despised collaborator and social outcast, to follow Him? Why did Jesus share a meal with "sinners and scum"? And what do ancient customs like reclining at the table, status symbols, and mercy over sacrifice still teach us about following Jesus today? We're diving deep into Week 9 of the Follow Me series at Grace Church, unpacking: - Jesus' absolute authority and radical inclusion - The cultural and spiritual weight of eating together - Why Matthew's calling is a turning point in God's new kingdom - Hosea 6:6, mercy vs. sacrifice, and what that means for church today - What it looks like to extend mercy even to the people we judge... or just don't want at our table Plus, we tackle a bunch of big questions: - What makes someone open to mercy? - Is mercy optional for Christians? - Can churches be built on mercy instead of sacrifice? - Did tax collectors choose their path—and could they quit? We also answer a few fun mailbag questions, including: - What's your most-used emoji? - Where do you go in Scripture on hard days? - Favorite Between Sundays moment from 300 episodes! Submit your questions for future episodes: https://gracechurch.us/podcast Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who might be sitting in their own tax booth! ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - What's New with the Gang 05:39 - Mayonnaise & Mandarin Oranges 14:32 - Most Used Emojis 21:02 - Favorite Podcast Moments 24:14. Big Idea & Sermon Discussion 25:03 - The Calling of Matthew 27:14 - Tax Collectors in Ancient Israel 31:24 - Matthew's Longing & Readiness 34:52 - Forgiveness vs. Inclusion 39:48 - Reclining at Dinner & Table Fellowship 43:01 - Matthew's Dinner Party: Evangelism or Hospitality? 47:13 - Pharisees, Sinners, and Table Dynamics 50:04 - Mercy vs. Sacrifice 58:13 - Mercy as a Non-Negotiable for Christians 01:02:49 - Receiving Mercy: Humility and Transformation 01:06:58 - Building Churches on Mercy, Not Sacrifice 01:12:02 - Where Do We Go Next? & Podcast Wrap-up

Jesus asks the Pharisees about the Christ. Whose son is he? Then Jesus talks to thecrowd about the scribes and Pharisees.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible. Visit the podcast website here. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Read or subscribe to his devotional at simplythebible.blog. Visit the church website. If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jeff Garwood from Daufuskie Island, SC. Jeff, your partnership with us through Project23 is helping others discover the truth that changes hearts. This study is for you today. Our text today is Mark 7:14-23: And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” — Mark 7:14-23 Jesus makes a powerful point here—but there's more going on beneath the surface. This Gospel account was dictated by Peter to Mark. And you can almost hear Peter's voice behind the detail: “(Thus he declared all foods clean).” Why does that matter? Because years later, Peter would receive a vision in Acts 10—when God dropped a sheet from heaven filled with animals considered unclean. And God said, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” That moment cracked Peter's heart open to the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel. But even then, Peter would struggle. In Galatians 2, Paul rebukes him for pulling away from Gentile believers. So when Peter recounts this scene in Mark 7, it's personal. Jesus didn't just change the rules—he changed Peter's heart. Jesus redefined purity as something internal, not external. And Jesus says the real issue isn't what goes into your mouth—it's what comes out of your heart. Sin doesn't enter through your fork—it flows from within. That list Jesus gives? It's a mirror. Pride. Envy. Deceit. Lust. It's not out there—it's in here. This isn't just convicting. It's freeing. Because you can't clean yourself with religion, rituals, or rules. You need a new heart. A Jesus-transformed heart. One that lives from the inside out. We all tend to clean the outside while ignoring the inside. We act polite but harbor bitterness. We appear holy, but we think impure thoughts. We perform well but never confess pride. Start paying attention to your heart. Don't just look at your actions—listen to your motives. Is your obedience flowing from love or from fear of being seen? Are you generous because you care—or because you want credit? Ask Jesus to do the heart surgery only he can do. Today, stop settling for behavior modification. Start praying for heart transformation. #InsideOutFaith, #HeartOverHabits, #PeterUnderstood ASK THIS: Where am I focused more on appearances than true heart change? What sin on Jesus' list hits closest to home right now? How have I tried to use tradition or morality to cover brokenness? Where do I need to invite Jesus to cleanse me from the inside? DO THIS: Spend five minutes today asking Jesus not just to clean your life—but to cleanse your heart. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I confess my sin isn't out there—it's in me. Cleanse my heart. I want to live from the inside out. PLAY THIS: “Clean” – Natalie Grant.

This episode explores the radical transformation of Saul, who became Paul, emphasizing the power of God's grace to enact profound change in individuals. It discusses Saul's background as a Pharisee, his zealous persecution of Christians, and the pivotal moment of his conversion on the road to Damascus. Pastor highlights the importance of brokenness in true conversion, the necessity of identity transformation, and the call for every believer to witness for Christ, despite the inevitable suffering that may accompany discipleship. In this teaching, Pastor discusses the themes of suffering, legacy, radical conversion, grace, and the importance of surrendering to God's call. He emphasizes that following Jesus involves enduring hardships for a greater purpose, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. The discussion highlights the transformative power of grace and the necessity of a complete commitment to living for God. Pastor encourages listeners to embrace their faith actively and to recognize the significance of their journey in the context of a larger mission.Pastor Steve Perez | June 17, 2025The Fountain Apostolic Churchone_ (2025)Learn more at tfachurch.com/plusChapters:00:00 From Zealot to Apostle: The Radical Conversion of Saul10:40 The Encounter: Grace Interrupts the Path of Destruction18:19 True Conversion: The Call for Brokenness25:09 The Transformation: From Saul to Paul29:40 The Cost of Discipleship: Suffering for the Cause of Christ32:34 Embracing Suffering for a Greater Purpose37:00 The Legacy of Paul: Finishing the Race42:13 Radical Conversion: A 180-Degree Turn47:27 The Power of Grace: Transforming Lives51:44 Surrendering to God's Call56:50 Experiencing God's Glory Through Effort

Listen to the Message from Sunday, June 16, 2025 "Legacy of Love" - Father's Day Message   Summary of "Honor's Reward" by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin Mark 6:1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Bryan Hudson's talk, Honor's Reward, draws from Mark 6:1–6, where Jesus is dishonored in His hometown and thus unable to perform many miracles. Hudson highlights that it wasn't Jesus' unwillingness but the people's lack of honor that restrained His power. He explains that honor means to value, appreciate, and respect, whereas dishonor is treating something or someone as common or ordinary. Because the people saw Jesus only as “Mary's son” and not as the Messiah, they failed to receive the fullness of what He came to offer. Hudson connects this principle to daily life: you can only receive to the extent that you are willing to honor—whether it's God, people, or opportunities. He warns that like the Pharisees, people can honor God with their lips but remain far from Him in heart, missing out on His blessings. The key takeaway: Honor unlocks potential and blessing; dishonor shuts it down. Let honor be both heartfelt and practical to experience God's best.  

Friends of the Rosary,We continue reflecting upon the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:43–48). In today's reading, Christ the Lord invites us to show merciful love to those who offend and attack us, and be perfect, just as our heavenly Father."You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemiesand pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your heavenly Father,for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?Do not the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet your brothers only,what is unusual about that?Do not the pagans do the same?So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." Love is willing the good of the other, and the test of love is when they cannot pay us back.The perfect example is Christ, who was betrayed by everyone (Jews, Romans, Pharisees, Sadducees, his disciples...), and yet these are the very people he loves, giving his life for them.Bishop Barron writes, "To the very people that contributed to his demise, he says, 'Shalom.” This is how we are loved; this is how we must love. Everything else is commentary."Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠June 17, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Tonight we pick up where we left off in Luke 6 and discuss the way Jesus turned our understanding of the law and religion and good living on its head. We talk about how the “Judge not” verse is misused in popular conversation, the faith of the centurion, and more.Follow our new Bible Study Channel - No Wrong Questions on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKcJ8tSzhySkA-QndkmyFPwSupport the show, access all of our episodes ad free, and get bonus OVERDOSE episodes on LOCALS - https://conspiracypilled.locals.com/MERCH - https://conspiracypilled.com/collections/allJoin the DISCORD - https://discord.gg/c8Acuz7vC9Give this podcast a 5 Star Review -https://ratethispodcast.com/conspiracypilledNORTH ARROW COFFEE - https://northarrowcoffee.coUse code CONSPIRACY10 to get 10% off your order!Abby — @abbythelibb_ on X and InstagramLiz —- @adelethelaptop on XJon —- @Kn0tfersail on XMusic by : Tyler Daniels#Luke #Beattitudes #Pharisees #Sabbath #Miracles #Faith #JudgeNotBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/alternatively-formerly-conspiracy-pilled--6248227/support.

The blind man who was healed by Jesus faced scrutiny and hostility as the Pharisees tried to maintain their power. The cost of this life-change was great, but the gain was greater. Join us as Pastor Caleb DeJesus examines this topic in our series, "Behold the Lamb of God." 

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Ken Dunwoody from Atlanta, GA. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. You're helping us call hearts back to the Word. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 7:6-8: And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” — Mark 7:6-8 This is a mic-drop moment from Jesus. He's not just correcting the Pharisees—he's exposing them. He quotes Isaiah, calling out their hypocrisy: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” That's a hardcore call-out. These religious leaders sounded godly. They looked godly. But their hearts weren't close to God—they were far off, buried beneath the weight of practice, performance, and pride. Their worship was hollow. Their obedience, performative. Their leadership, off course. And their doctrine? Built more on man-made rules than God's revealed Word. And here's the warning for us: it's easy to drift into lip-service faith. We say the right words, but our hearts are disengaged. We quote Scripture, but don't surrender to it. We sing worship songs, but don't live worshipful lives. We know all the Christian lingo, but we don't love like Christ. It's possible to build a whole spiritual life that looks right—while being far from God. So ask yourself: — Am I more loyal to tradition than to truth? — Am I teaching others to do things God never commanded? — Do I sound faithful but live faithless? God doesn't want your performance—he wants your presence. He doesn't need spiritual noise—he wants spiritual nearness. He's after your heart. Not just your habits. #HeartBeforeHabit, #JesusNotJustWords, #FaithThatFeels ASK THIS: What spiritual practices have I been doing out of routine, not relationship? Have I substituted God's Word with man-made rules or traditions? Where is my heart far from God, even if my words sound close? How can I move from lip-service to true-hearted obedience? DO THIS: Pause today and examine your heart. Pray Psalm 139:23–24—ask God to reveal where you've drifted into routine and return to genuine worship. PRAY THIS: God, I don't want to honor you with words but deny you with my heart. Pull me close. Break down my traditions. Rekindle authentic worship. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Give Me Jesus” – Jeremy Camp

This Sunday, we will explore what the book of Proverbs teaches us about our emotions. Emotions are a gift from God, but without wisdom, they can lead us astray. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard the heart because everything we do flows from it. Throughout Scripture, we see how emotions like anger, envy, and anxiety can destroy, while self-control, patience, and joy bring life and peace. Our goal is not to suppress emotions but to guide them through the wisdom of God's Word so that they serve His purposes rather than control us. The life of Jesus provides the perfect example—his emotions were always righteous, whether it was compassion for the lost, grief over sin, or righteous anger at hypocrisy. Jesus and the apostle Paul show us how to properly steward our emotions. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and the death of Lazarus, showing his deep sorrow, yet he also expressed righteous anger at the Pharisees' hardness of heart and the corruption in the temple. Paul, too, displayed intense concern for the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:29. However, both did not allow their emotions to lead them into sin; instead, they were guided by truth and love. Today, we face similar challenges—our emotions can either drive us closer to God or lead us astray. For example, Proverbs warns us that anger can be destructive if unchecked, jealousy is more dangerous than wrath, and the fear of man leads to folly. Instead of following the world's advice to "follow your heart," we are called to align our emotions with God's wisdom. So how do we cultivate Godly emotions? It begins with the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of wisdom. When we fear God more than we fear the opinions of others, we are freed from the emotional turmoil of seeking human approval. We learn to control our anger, replacing it with patience and discernment. We overcome jealousy by finding our worth in Christ rather than comparison. We move from anxiety to peace by trusting in God's sovereignty. Above all, we look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2), showing us that true joy is found in living for God's purposes. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and transform our emotions so that we reflect Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Across the Great DivideLuke 16:14-31The Village Chapel - 06/15/2025Luke 16 begins with a conversation Jesus has with his disciples about faithfulness with money and righteous stewardship in the kingdom. He continues that conversation with the Pharisees, who are lovers of money and need to be reminded of the sanctity and reverence of God's Law. Jesus tells them a fascinating story of two men and five brothers, separated by a great chasm, both in this life and the next. Join us as we look at how the Law and the kingdom of God intersect, and how the love of Christ carries us across the great divide.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Daily Dose of Hope June 16, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 12:38-50   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Mighty God, Holy One...We come to you this morning with humility and gratefulness.  Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you that you continue to love and guide us, even though we mess up again and again.  Thank you for your patience and your never-ending care.  Lord, we are so very grateful.  Help us, on this Monday, to start our week with the right attitude.  We belong to you and we are under your authority.  Help us see others the way you see them.  Help us produce fruit in our lives.  Oh, Lord, how we need your help.  Please, Jesus, may we hear your voice today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Happy Monday!   Our Scripture reading for today is the last half of Matthew 12.  We start with the discussion about the sign of Jonah.  The Pharisees have asked Jesus for a sign to demonstrate that he is the Messiah.  Apparently, all the miracles he has done thus far aren't enough for these guys.  Remember, the Pharisees were even attributing some of his miracles to Satan.  Understandably, this request doesn't go over too well with Jesus.    On the surface, there isn't anything wrong with their request.  There are times in the Old Testament in which people asked God for a sign.  But Jesus can see right through their request.  Nothing he does will make these guys believe in him.  In fact, they are looking for more ammunition to use against Jesus.  There is nothing sincere about the request.  Matthew Henry writes in his commentary, "Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet he will not gratify corrupt lusts and humors."   Jesus does promise the sign of Jonah.  The Jews believed that the Ninevites repented when Jonah preached because they knew it was the God of all who spoke through him.  And they knew this because God kept him from dying in the belly of the big fish.  In the same way, Jesus' resurrection will signify God's vindication of him and affirm the truth of what he says and his divinity.  But Jesus knows that even the resurrection won't be enough to make most of these Jewish leaders believe.  Their hearts are hard.    Now, let's take a look at the text about Jesus' mother and brothers.  I'll be honest, growing up I used to really struggle with this passage. It seemed so harsh! But deeper reflection yields a different perspective.   Can you imagine what it must have been like for Jesus' immediate family? We know that Mary knew that Jesus was special but did she really understand the significance of his life at this point? What must his siblings have thought?   We see in this text that his mother and brothers are wanting to talk to him, interrupting a teaching session. Are they chatting about Sunday dinner or do they want him to stop making such a ruckus around town? Again, we don't have details but it's clear they don't really know him as the Son of God (yet).   Jesus' reaction is a bit off-putting. As a mom, I might have gotten my feelings hurt more than a little bit. But he is making a point. Jesus' family has become much wider than Mary, Joseph, and the boys. There are no bounds to who may be part of it. Anyone who does the will of my Father is my brother and sister and mother.  Jesus is redefining family for those who profess faith in him.  Yes, biological family relationships are important but spiritual family relationships (and this might be hard to hear) are even more important.    Given the strong emphasis on family ties in first century Palestine, Jesus' words here would have been shocking.  But what he is saying is that believers should consider themselves family and care for one another like they are family members.  In the words of Sister Sledge, we are family.   The apostle Paul in his New Testament letters expanded on this idea of believers being a family of faith:  In Galatians 6:10, Paul speaks of our need to care for those in the household of God, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Family was a big deal at the time.  People lived with extended family.  Who you were related to mattered.  You were under social and moral obligation to care for your extended family.  And Paul is saying who you are related to in Christ is also a big deal.  Those people in your church family, those other believers that worship with you, those other people who profess faith in Jesus --- these are your brothers and sisters as well.  These people are family. In Ephesians 2:19, Paul writes, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household…  We are members of God's household.  We are members of God's family.  If you have said yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior, then God is your father.  You are a child of God.  And you have many siblings.  We are brothers and sisters.  We are family.  We are no longer strangers.  Think about those people at church, at New Hope.  Some you know and some you don't know.  Some you like and others you might not like.  But we are family and we will spend eternity together. And the early church clearly behaved in the way biological families behaved.  They ate together, they spent time together, they sacrificed and worked together.  Acts 2:44-47, All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.   They behaved like a family.  They loved each other like a family.  They sacrificed together like a family.  There was nothing fakey about this.  Notice it doesn't say they came together on Sunday morning, shook hands, and then went their own way.  No, they did life together.  It was real.  It was genuine.  And guess what?  God added to their numbers. Because people see that and they want that. It's no different today.  We have an epidemic of loneliness.  People are disconnected.  People are struggling.  Even those who aren't struggling are always looking for sincere, genuine places of love and acceptance.  The family of faith is intended to be a place in which you are loved, accepted, cared for, held accountable, belong, where you know people have your back, where you can learn and grow…. It's far from perfect because it involves human beings.  Over the years, the church has too often been exclusive, cliquey, fake, and judgmental.  Sometimes, we have been more dysfunctional family than healthy family.  We have done harm.  I think we need to repent of that.  If we at New Hope have ever been part of putting walls up, then we need to repent of that.  If I have ever been part of mistreating my brother or sister, if you have been part of excluding or hurting your brother and sister, then you need to repent of that.  Period. We are a family.  And families are funny.  Families are not polished and pulled together.  Families love each other, they are loyal to one another, but they sometimes get annoyed with one another.  They sometimes hurt one another (I am thinking of my own three kids – they love each other fiercely and yet, they can really push each other's buttons).  It's no difference with our siblings in Christ.  Family is a place where we do a lot of forgiving, a lot of extending grace, but it's also a place where we know that we belong no matter what.  Strong families are places where when you come together, you can just take a deep breath and say, “I'm home.”  It isn't the building but it's the people.  This is the thing.  When a church family loves like Jesus, people get a glimpse of Jesus.  When we care for one another sacrificially, people see Jesus.  When the family of faith sacrifices for one another, then people get to see Jesus in action.  Lives are transformed.  Hearts are changed.  Our faith grows stronger.  Jesus Christ is glorified. And the Lord added to their numbers those who were being saved.  Think about the relationships you have made within the faith family. Are they strong? Why or why not? What holds you back from creating strong, meaningful connections to your brothers and sisters in Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

As Jesus continues to pronounce woes on Scribes and Pharisees, He exposes them as “blind guides” who obsess over trivial ritual details yet ignore the weightier demands of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.In this sermon on Matthew 23:16-22 we will consider how we can must not make a show of attending to small details while neglecting the weightier matters of God's law.This sermon was preached at Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks, MN. For more information visit LegacyRBC.org.

Today,as we look at Luke chapter 22, we need to remember the setting behind thischapter, focusing on what was happening in Jerusalem during the week ofPassover, what we call Passion Week. Therewas tremendous excitement this week in Jerusalem as the Passover was takingplace. Over 100,000, perhaps 300,000 or more, Jewish pilgrims had come to thecity. They had been looking for the Messiah for centuries and were expectingthat Jesus, who performed miracles and proclaimed Himself to be the Messiah,might be the one. John the Baptist had proclaimed that He was the Messiah, andmany had repented and followed John. After John the Baptist was killed, Jesuscontinued His ministry of teaching the people, proclaiming the message of theKingdom, healing people and doing miracles, for a total period of three and ahalf years. Jesus Christ was now back in Jerusalem during this week forPassover Week knowing He would be sacrificed as the Lamb of God to take awayour sins. TheJews were excited, but the Romans were scared and worried, thinking this mightbe a time for an uprising. This is likely why Pilate and Herod were both inJerusalem, though Herod would normally be at Caesarea in his palace, and Pilatewould be relaxing in Tiberias. As Roman rulers over Jerusalem and the Jews atthe time, they were present, knowing there could be a riot or uprising. Theywere responsible to Rome to keep peace in the land. As you can imagine, it wasa very electric time. Inthe first six verses, Judas went to the chief priest, elders, scribes,Pharisees, and religious leaders, making a deal to betray Jesus secretly. Theywere afraid that an open betrayal would cause issues with the people, and theyknew the Romans needed to be involved to make it appear as though the Romans,not the religious leaders, were responsible for putting Christ to death. Thereligious leaders were already struggling with their integrity andaccountability, especially since Jesus had publicly called them hypocrites. “Thencame the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb must be killed” (v 7). We believe this day wasThursday, as the Jewish day begins in the evening. (The evening of this daywould have been considered Friday, the day the Passover Lamb would be killed,and the same day Jesus would be crucified.) Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Goand prepare the Passover for us that we may eat." Jesus already knewwho Judas was. He knew from the beginning that Judas was a thief and wouldbetray Him. Jesus knew Judas had already gone to the chief priest and betrayedHim, and He knew a plot was underway to have Him crucified. He knew becausethat's why He came to Jerusalem; He knew what awaited Him there. So,He sent Peter and John secretly, because if Judas knew, he might have hadpeople come to arrest Jesus in the upper room. Only Peter and John knew theplan. When they asked Him where to prepare, He said, "Behold, whenyou've entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water;follow him into the house where he enters." This was unusual becausemen typically didn't carry pitchers of water; women did. Seeing a man with apitcher would stand out, signaling, "That's the guy." He must havebeen a believer. They were to say to the master of the house, "TheTeacher says to you, 'Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover withMy disciples?'" This man, likely a believer already preparing for thePassover, would show them a large, furnished upper room. They went and found itjust as He had said and prepared the Passover. Peterand John purchased the Passover lamb, took it to the chief priests, had itsacrificed and roasted, and waited in the upper room on Thursday evening forJesus and the rest of the disciples to come. Jesus knew what was going on, yetHe still gave His life as a ransom for you and me. Oh, what a Savior! What aSavior!Godbless!

KJV 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Mark 2:23–28 (ESV): 23 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Corey Dill from Auburn, ME. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your faithfulness is helping others find truth in God's Word. This study is for you. Our text today is Mark 7:1-5: Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” — Mark 7:1-5 Jesus is about to challenge a deeply embedded cultural and religious practice—and the collision is unavoidable. The Pharisees come down from Jerusalem, the religious epicenter. But instead of focusing on Jesus' message or miracles, they fixate on something petty: his disciples didn't wash their hands before eating. Now, this wasn't about hygiene—it was about ceremonial cleanliness. Over time, religious leaders added layer upon layer of rules—man-made rituals meant to “guard” God's law. But in guarding it, they buried it. They replaced heartfelt obedience with outward performance. That's the danger. Religion becomes a show. Tradition becomes a substitute for transformation. And here's where it hits home. We do this, too. — We go to church but don't listen. — We pray before meals but don't pray from the heart. — We read a verse a day but don't seek to apply it. — We volunteer, tithe, serve—but resist surrender. Why? Because those things are easier to manage than dealing with our motives, bitterness, pride, or hidden sin. They're visible. Comfortable. Controllable. But Jesus didn't die to give us clean habits—he died to give us clean hearts. So, what traditions are you clinging to while avoiding true obedience? Are there places where you've mistaken the routine for the relationship? God never asked for clean hands at the table—he asked for clean hearts before his throne. #HeartOverHabit, #JesusOverTradition, #CleanHeartsNotJustHands ASK THIS: Where am I relying on tradition instead of real relationship with Jesus? What habits have become heartless rituals in my life? Do I obey God from the heart—or just to be seen? When was the last time I confessed a hidden motive to God? DO THIS: Identify one spiritual routine this week you've been doing on autopilot—and ask God to reawaken your heart through it. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't want empty religion. Wake up my heart. Make my obedience real. Strip away what looks good but lacks love. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Heart of Worship” – Matt Redman.

The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.

The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.

The Pharisee's foolish question and the Lord's wise response giving a biblical example, a theological principle and an authoritative claim.

This week Coleton guided the congregation through Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce, helping listeners understand not just the law, but God's heart. 1. The Context Behind the Question (vv. 1–4) The Pharisees weren't genuinely interested in truth—they were trying to trap Jesus, either in conflict with Moses' law or in political danger (like John the Baptist, who spoke against Herod's divorce).
 Their question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
Jesus' counter: “What did Moses command you?” They referenced Deuteronomy 24, where Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce due to “uncleanness.” But that term was debated. Rabbi Shammai: interpreted it as sexual immorality. Rabbi Hillel: made it overly broad—even burning dinner qualified. Rabbi Akiba: said divorce was valid if a man simply found someone more attractive. The takeaway: People were more focused on when they could exit a marriage than how they could honor it. 2. Jesus' First Hard Truth: There Is No Godly Reason for Divorce (vv. 5–9) Jesus said divorce was never God's idea—it was permitted due to the hardness of people's hearts. God doesn't celebrate divorce; He allows it in certain circumstances (sexual immorality – Matt. 19; abandonment – 1 Cor. 7). But no one is being godly by divorcing. God remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Tim. 2:13). Jesus is calling us to a higher view of marriage: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” 3. Jesus' Second Hard Truth: Marriage Was Designed to Be Permanent (vv. 6–9) Jesus brings it back to Genesis: marriage is one man and one woman, united by God to become one flesh. Not just a legal contract or emotional connection—it's a covenant. Jesus says: If you're not ready for that kind of permanence, don't get married. Coleton used a powerful analogy: If you could only live in one house forever, you'd be incredibly picky. You'd inspect it. You'd ask questions. You'd think about the future.
That's how we should approach marriage—slowly, wisely, and with deep respect for the lifelong nature of the covenant. Key Insight for Singles:
Go slow. Be picky. Don't marry because of pressure, fear, or impatience. Culture says marriage is everything—Jesus says it's weighty and sacred. 4. How the Disciples Responded (Matthew 19 parallel) The disciples said, “If this is how serious marriage is, maybe it's better not to marry.”
Jesus agreed: singleness can be a gift. Some are called to it. Others choose it for the sake of the Kingdom. Either way: marriage isn't the only path to purpose and joy. 5. What This Means for Married People (vv. 10–12) Jesus challenges the popular belief that divorce was fine as long as you remarried “legally.”
But He says plainly: Divorcing and remarrying without biblical cause is adultery. Jesus was confronting a culture of easy outs. Instead of working on marriages, people were walking away. Instead of staying faithful, they found loopholes. Coleton gave a stinging but important critique: People say they don't have money or time for counseling—but they find the money and time for lawyers and mediation in their divorce.
If the same effort and energy put into divorce was invested in the marriage, many could thrive. Just like we care for our own permanent bodies—seeking healing, not amputation—we should treat marriage the same. You don't discard your body when it's weak. You work on it. That's how we treat our “one flesh” partner. Final Word: Hope for the Broken (Romans 3:22–25) Coleton closed by acknowledging the reality: many in the room have been through divorce, some in ways Scripture would call sin.
But he declared the good news of the gospel: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.”
Jesus calls sin what it is, but He also took our punishment on the cross for our sin.
For those who believe, we are judged not by our brokenness, but by Christ's faithfulness.
He will never divorce His bride. He is always faithful. Discussion Questions for Personal or Group Reflection Understanding the Message Why do you think Jesus pointed the Pharisees back to the creation account rather than simply debating Mosaic law? What are some common ways our culture treats marriage more like a contract than a covenant? Reflecting Personally If you are single, how does Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage shape the way you view dating or engagement? If you're married, what is one way you can invest in your marriage this week—time, money, energy, or attention? Living It Out Are you currently placing more effort into avoiding marital difficulty or addressing it? What step can you take—counseling, prayer, a conversation—to move toward healing and strength in your marriage? Quoted Authors and Sources Søren Kierkegaard:
“Everything essentially Christian needs to be presented in a way similar to the way a physician speaks to someone on their sickbed.”
 David Guzik on Deuteronomy 24:1:
“Rabbi Shammai said that uncleanness meant sexual immorality… Rabbi Hillel understood uncleanness to mean any sort of discretion, even burning breakfast.”
 William Barclay:
“Rabbi Akiba said uncleanness meant ‘if a man found a woman who was fairer in his eyes than his wife was.'” Verses: The Apostle Paul (Romans 3:22–25):
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.”
 The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 2:13):
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful.”  

The Tongue Conquers Enemies  (Audio) David Eells 9/22/24   A shaking is on the way. War appears to be breaking out on the surface.  The Covert war between the Alliance and the DS is likely to break out in larger overt operations. The DS has invaded the cities with terrorists and military-aged men and CCP Chinese along with others that are expanding the voter rolls within, in order to overthrow President Trump and the Alliance. They are preparing for terrorist acts because of the Brunson case has gone to the Supreme Court which will overthrow the DS government.  This from Operation Disclosure: The Brunson Brothers Voter Fraud Case before the Supreme Court asked a simple question: Did Congress investigate 50 formally filed allegations of voter fraud before certifying the 2020 Election? Obviously not, and rumor was that the Supreme Court had already ruled such on the case. We awaited an announcement likely in favor of Brunson that would dissolve the Biden Administration and all of Congress, plus bring in Martial Law until a new election was held.  Five separate assassination teams actively targeting President Trump. Three are foreign, two domestic. Three Assassination Attempts have come in the last few weeks. Your prayers and faith have cast down all five of these teams. President Trump is insulated.  Congressman Tim Burchett exposed the CIA's Sinister MK ULTRA plot to assassinate Trump! amg-news.com.  As we will see below your prayers and confession will cast most of the lawlessness down.  The DS anarchists plan on mass anarchy and destruction of cities and the Alliance military is being spread coast to coast before the announcement of the Supreme Court ruling in order to defend the cities and liberty from the lawless left who will not accept democracy. We cast down their weapons of warfare.     A New War Is Coming   Michael Boldea Jr. - 04/06/2007   Jeremiah 50:22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.   I dreamt I was hearing what were at first faint hoof beats, but the closer they got, the louder they grew, until it was a thundering roar of not one or two horses but what seemed like hundreds. I felt as though the ground beneath me was shaking from the onrushing horses, and the sound of them became so loud, that I suddenly awoke in my bed. As I blinked a few times, adjusting to the darkness in my room, I noticed a shadow at the foot of my bed. I blinked again, and there stood the same man I have seen on previous occasions, dressed in battle armor, his hands resting atop each other before him, on the hilt of his sword.   “What is the meaning of what I just dreamt?” I asked, somehow knowing he had come to give me the interpretation.   “What you heard”, he began, “were the chariots of war, and they are swiftly approaching. A new war is coming, but it will be unlike this present one. Speak as you have spoken, pray as you have prayed, and walk as you have walked for dark days will soon come upon the land to which you are returning. Even now their enemies plot, even now their enemies unite under one banner, and soon they will make their intentions known to the world. There is no refuge but in the Father, and He will guide and protect those who know His voice”. (And confess His promises.)  I blinked again, and the man was gone, and I was left to ponder the words I had heard. I struggled with whether I should make this dream public, for I know the reaction that some will have to it, and the last thing I desire is to stir fear in the heart of any man. After much prayer I felt I was supposed to publish the dream, and though some may receive it as a reason to fear, the true children of God will receive it for what it was, the forewarning of a loving Father, preparing His children for what is to come. God's desire for us is not ignorance, but rather knowledge, that we may prepare our hearts, in prayer and fasting, that we may draw closer to Him, that we make Him our place of refuge long before hardship forces us to seek one. The wise man prepares, while the foolhardy is caught unaware.   Jeremiah 19:15 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.       Terrorists Hiding in the States   Michael Boldea Jr. - May 5, 2003  I dreamt I was on a very high ridge, with a great valley spanning out beneath me. The night was calm, the moon and stars shining brightly in the sky. As I looked around trying to get my bearings, I was stunned to see my grandfather (Dumitru Duduman) standing next to me. He looked young and vibrant, his hands in his pockets, and a smile on his face.   “Interesting times ahead my boy, interesting times ahead”, he said. For a minute I was so shocked I couldn't say anything. Finally I blurted out the only thing that came to mind, “They have been interesting ever since you left. Trial after trial, hardship after hardship”.   “Now you know how Jesus felt when He walked the earth”, he answered, “always doing good, always in the Father's will, yet always mocked and rejected, always misunderstood and despised. Besides, it was all a test anyway”.  “A test of what?” I asked.   “For you personally, God wanted to see if you would stay true to your calling even when all seemed lost. He was preparing you and purging you, refining you, for the time when He will use you, and speak to you as He spoke to me”.   Before I could say anything, he lifted his hand to stop me. His fingers were no longer crooked from his arthritis, they were straight, and normal.   “I know what you're going to say my boy, it's not what you want, it's not what you asked for. But you should know by now it is the task you were chosen for. In this you have no choice, besides where can you hide from the face of God? Men have tried before, look how it turned out in the end. To reject what God has planned for you is to deny God. You know what the consequences are”. Unable to find the words to answer, I simply nodded my understanding and allowed him to continue speaking.   “As for why the ministry had to go through what it went through, God has already spoken that to your heart. You already know the answer. God wants all that know of this work, to be certain of one thing. It is He who sustains it; it is He who blesses it, and not the hands of men or their gimmicks. Do you think any of it would still be here after all that has happened if not for God? Never doubt Gods promises concerning this work, or His ability to fulfill them. Hope in God never disappoints; hope in man always leads to disillusionment.” (Amen. God has been preparing and sanctifying His Reformers to be leaders for the soon coming tribulation.)   “Now for the reason I am here. I was sent to show you something. Look and see”, he said, pointing down to the valley below. As I looked, I saw the outline of a map of America then the outlines of states began taking shape. As I continued to watch this map solidify, small lights began to flicker on and off in some of the states. I recognized California, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Washington State, Florida, and New York, among the states that lit up. The light was rhythmic, almost like a homing beacon, constant in its progression. I continued watching the lights go on and off, waiting for something else to happen, but nothing did. Finally I said, “I don't understand. What does this mean?”   “These are the places where those who were sent here long ago, to bring fear and cause chaos, have situated themselves. They lay in waiting, planning and plotting destruction. They are as coiled serpents, looking forward to the hour when they will be loosed upon this nation. If God's children pray, once more will He delay the season of sorrow that is yet to come”. (I believe He has done this.)   We stood on the ridge in silence for a long time. After a while the lights stopped flickering in the valley below, and the map began to fade away. Suddenly my grandfather turned his head toward the east, and began to sniff the air as he used to do. “Storms coming my boy, and it's a bad one”, he said. “Now give an old man a hug and let me be on my way. Be vigilant and work while you still can, it's all God asks of any of His servants. If the Father wills it, we will speak again”.   As I hugged my grandfather, I began to hear the rumbling of a great storm. The sky darkened overhead, and the booming of thunder was now audible. In my dream I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I was in my bed, awake. I wiped at my cheeks with the back of my hand, and realized I had been crying. As my eyes began to adjust to the dark, I saw that my wife was sitting up in bed, staring at me. When I asked her why she wasn't sleeping, she said I'd been talking in my sleep for over thirty minutes. I tried going back to sleep but sleep would not come. Finally I gave up trying, went into the kitchen and prayed until morning.   Over the past few days, I have spent much time in prayer as to whether I should share this dream or not. I believe that I am supposed to. My prayer is that no one would perceive it as a reason for fear, but rather a reason to hope. God hears the prayers of His children, and as long as He encourages us to pray, we must do so without reservation. The day will come, a day I anticipate with great dread, when God will speak to His children as He spoke to Jeremiah, and say do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry for them any longer. For now, while we still can, may we ceaselessly bring our petitions before the Lord.       Our Secret Place of Safety   David Eells   Everyone is looking for the place of safety in the tribulations to come. One man says the safe place is to be with the Ark of the Covenant, which is said to be in a Chapel next to St Mary of Zion, Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Axum, Ethiopia. I believe that Solomon gave a copy of the Ark to the Queen of Sheba who carried it there.   Be that as it may; God no longer dwells in houses made by men, so the ark is a relic. (Acts 7:47) But Solomon built him (God) a house. (48) Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in [houses] made with hands. That just tells us that the ark in the temple was just a type and shadow of Jesus in His body. As He said, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one” (Jn.17:23). God now dwells in the ark of Christ and Christ now dwells in the Body of Christ. In us He is the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] a golden pot holding the manna (of the Word in us), and Aaron's rod that budded (a sign of the authority of the High Priest in us), and the tables of the covenant (of the law written on our heart) (Heb.9:4).   The presence of the Ark ensured Israel of victory and protection. When the Philistines captured the Ark it brought a curse on them so terrible that they sent it home with an offering. On the other hand Jesus said in (Mat.5:13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.   Another brother asked me if I thought the Christians will flee for safety to the city of Petra in Jordan. I told him that I thought Petra would be far too small to accommodate them and it would be a natural trap where they could be wiped out. I do believe that some natural Jews will find shelter in Petra, which is the Greek word for “rock”. However, spiritual Jews who are circumcised in heart, have the spiritual Rock of Jesus as a place of safety. Jesus said that standing on Him was the place where Hell had no power over us. (Mat.16:18) And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter (Gr: “Petros”, meaning a piece of the rock), and upon this rock (Greek: Petra) I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Jesus is our rock of safety.   Peter himself said that Jesus was the Rock that we are to be founded on. (1Pet.2:5) ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (6) Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. (7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; (8) and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. The disobedient stumble through unbelief in the Word and so are not founded on the Rock. Judgment will take them away wherever they hide.   Those who are obedient to the Word through faith are on the safety of the Rock. (Mat.7:24) Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: (25) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. (26) And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: (27) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. The apostate churches belittle obedience to the Word because of their unbelief.  We don't stand on the Rock in our own strength but our faith gives us God's strength. My wife had a dream of me after we first became Christians. She saw me standing on a Rock in the middle of the ocean. I had leg braces on like crippled people wear to strengthen their legs. I perceived that the Rock was Christ or the Word and the ocean was the curse as was the flood. In our own strength we are crippled and not able to stand on the Word, but the filling of His Spirit and faith in His promises empowers us to be what we normally are not.   It has come to me that only the rich in a time of economic collapse and wrath would be able to fly to the city of Petra, but salvation is for the poor. No amount of money can buy us safety, because it is not a place but a state of being. (Pr.11:4) Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death. (6) The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.   Faith in the Lord makes Him our secret refuge. (Psa.91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Notice the confession that puts us on the Rock. (2) I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. The secret place of safety will be hidden to many who are only called “Christian” but the righteous are safe right in the middle of judgment. (7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; [But] it shall not come nigh thee. (8) Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked. (The good confession that puts us in safety.)  9 For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; 10  There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. God's angels will protect the righteous wherever they are. (11) For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways. (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. They do this for the righteous who believe. (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus.   A friend of mine had a very clear dream about the coming invasion of America. He said everyone in the Gulf States was fleeing toward the north to get as far away from the invading army as possible. He was going to get on a shuttle and go too, but the Lord told him to give his place to someone else and sent him and his family into a local city that had been nuked. He had no fear of the radiation or the enemy. It is obvious that God's people will not need to follow the world's example. Paul was not hiding but sharing the Gospel in the most effective time to do so. He said, “[in] journeyings often, [in] perils of rivers, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils from [my] countrymen, [in] perils from the Gentiles, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren” (2 Cor.11:26).   The Lord told me that this time represented the second 3½ years of the tribulation period. Paul also said, “what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2Tim.3:11). He also said, “But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2Tim.4:17,18).   If one is called to be a martyr, they will have the protection of God until their testimony is finished and even then only their flesh will be given up for a sacrifice. (Rev.11:7) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that cometh up out of the abyss shall make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.      Agree with the Blessed Provisions   David  We are in a battle which can be won by those who will speak the Word of the Lord and confess His promises for safety and provision. The Bible tells us that Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Pro.18:21). Let's look at how we can cooperate with God in the process of sanctification so that we are those who speak life and partake of the benefits of the Kingdom and able to give them to others. (Jas.3:8) But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] a restless evil, [it is] full of deadly poison. (9) Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: (10) out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (11) Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening [sweet water] and bitter? (12) can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither [can] salt water yield sweet. We want to learn by the grace of God to bring forth those “sweet waters” so that we will not suffer with the wicked.  When Moses and the children of Israel came up to Marah, meaning “bitterness” (Exo 15:22-25), they couldn't drink the water. God commanded that a tree be cast into the waters so that they would be made sweet. Marah represents the bitter waters of the fountain, or mouth, which were cured by the tree, representing the Cross. The Cross has conquered our tongue and has given us this gift of the sweet waters so we can bring forth blessings, instead of the cursings, out of this spring of our mouth. Believe this.  The Bible also tells us, The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips (Pro.16:23). So we want to educate ourselves to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath (Jas.1:19). We need to think about what we are saying and disagree with the devil because he tempts us to speak the things under the curse and not the things of the Kingdom. The Lord is helping us and He has already conquered the tongue, which no man can tame, but the Lord can through His Word and promises. Jesus was the sacrifice Who gave us a new tongue through the reconciliation.   It says in (Jos.1:6) Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their father to give them. (7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. Notice that God said that Joshua (Hebrew: “Jesus”) was going to cause His people to be brought into their inherited Promised Land. This land belongs to us, not every Pagen alien they can invade us with and we will win this battle with them.  We know that the Promised Land is also us. Heb 6:7-8 For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: 8 but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. Jesus bore this curse let us confess Him before men.  The Son of God is being manifested in His people. (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is a product of the Word of God being assimilated in our life and mouth; Christ is the Word of God (John 1:14). He saved us from our enemies. (Luk.1:70-74) (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; ...74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,  You crucify the spiritual man when you walk and talk in the flesh and for those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit and enlightened, who have tasted of the heavenly gift, this will become a curse unto them. (Heb.6:7) For the land which hath drunk the rain (Those who have partaken of the Word from heaven.) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. The word “rejected” is adokimos, meaning, specifically, “reprobated.” The apostle Paul said that he kept his body under control if, perhaps, after he had preached to others, he himself would be “rejected” or “reprobated” (1Co 9:27). This has been demonstrated to us.   God doesn't reprobate land; He reprobates people. The Bible is very plain; in the original Greek, we are God's “tilled land” (1Co.3:9). God wants to plow this earth, our natural life, and plant His seed in the midst of it, bringing forth the fruit of Jesus Christ in us. The land that Joshua wants to cause us to inherit is referring to our new fruit and life. Part of that is our bold faith. The spiritual man, the Israelite, is to conquer this land with the edge of the Sword, the Word of God. The spiritual man is to take the land from the enemy, the Canaanite and live in his house, our body, and plant his crop and bear the fruit of the spiritual man.   (Jos.1:7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. Notice that turning to the right or left would cause failure to take our Promised Land from the enemies.   I had a dream many years ago where I was standing on a mountain, looking down into a valley and a road that went down the side of this mountain. The road had a ditch or trench down the middle of it. I was in a car, with one set of tires on one side of the trench and the other set on the other side, going down this road to the bottom of the mountain. I realized I couldn't turn to the right or the left because, if I did, two wheels would fall into the trench and that would be the end of any progress; I wouldn't go any farther. I steered very carefully, not to the right and not to the left, as I went down this mountain. Let us speak what the Word says about us.  The Lord gave me the understanding afterward that this mountain represented the kingdom of the world – man, self or the old life. I was to navigate this road and not turn to the right or left, until I got off of this mountain. As soon as I was at the bottom, I immediately realized that there were enemies everywhere. To the extent that we humble ourselves to the Word of God, going down the mountain of “self,” the more enemies we will have, even religious enemies or so-called “Christian” enemies. (2Ti.3:12) … All that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But as we hold fast to the confession of our hope the enemies will be conquered as our faction was and the political faction shall be. (Luk10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.  Most of the persecution toward Jesus and the disciples came from the people who called themselves the “people of God” but were not. When I got to the bottom and knew that the enemy was everywhere, I went under a bush and there I found tools that I picked up, and treated them as if they were treasure. These tools were hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and so on. The Lord later revealed to me that these tools represented the authority to bind and loose (Mat 18:18), as all of these tools do. The Lord made me to know I was coming to a time, when under the bush, I was going to manifest more of this authority. Let us bind our enemies in the name of Jesus.   At the time of the burning bush, Moses was given authority to go into Egypt to act for the Lord. I've been binding and loosing for many years but I believe that we're coming to a time of real power from God. It's only going to come to those who humble themselves and don't turn to the right or to the left, but stay on God's road, a self-crucifying path of obedience to the Word of God. When I picked up these tools, I went up another mountain, which represented Mount Zion. I went through the front doors of a great temple, which I believe represented the New Jerusalem on Mount Zion and I saw Jesus sitting on His throne. I went over and sat down next to Him, as He said that overcomers would do. (Rev.3:21) He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. This is the throne of dominion over our enemies.  As I was speaking with Jesus, I heard people trying to come into the throne room by a back way and not through the door that I had come through. Jesus is the door in John 10:1. Jesus saw these people and said, “Don't worry about them; they can't come in here.” So these were people looking for “throne room” authority but they wouldn't humble themselves to the Word of God personally. The Pharisees only had physical authority as in our day. God will give authority only to those who overcome according to Rev 2:26. Back to (Jos.1:8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. The spiritual man speaks the Word so that as you walk, it will bring good success when conquering our Promised Land for the Lord. The first fruits are approaching this point. We must speak according to God's promises, even in the midst of the fiery trial. As Christians, we “calleth the things that are not, as though they were” (Rom.4:17). We speak the things we have according to promise and not according to what we see in the world. This is how we change the things around us. This is God's plan. We let the Word, or our agreement with the Word in what we say, come from our mouth so that we may have good success in conquering our Promised Land.   Further on in Joshua, we see that he is still leading the people of God to conquer their Promised Land in order to put to death their enemies there. In this particular case, the head of God's people, Joshua, is conquering the Amorites. (Jos.10:12) Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon. I believe God is showing us here to what extent He would go to give our enemy into our hands, if we would speak the Word with boldness.   (Jos.10:8) And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thy hands; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. On a personal and spiritual level that “man” He was referring to was the old man who lived in the Promised Land of our life before the new man took possession. He represented the lusts of the flesh, which would not be able to stand. On a physical and political level it would be the DS and their invading army. Joshua and the children of Israel were having victory over the Amorites but they were running out of time. Remember, the Lord said that if we confess Him before men, He shall confess us before the Father in Mat 10:32.   Likewise, Joshua confessed in the sight of Israel. He was bold and full of faith and he spoke it right in front of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon (Jos.10:12). (13) And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stayed in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.   Now at first, I thought God just stopped Earth from spinning, but I later realized that the moon stayed in the same relative position as the sun and Earth didn't spin. It's possible the whole solar system had stopped. This is a very dangerous thing to do, unless you also control the rest of the universe. Things would tend toward collision down the road somewhere. Can you imagine that God stopped the solar system and more, just so Israel could conquer their enemy? What kind of other big miracle can you imagine that God would do for us to give us victory over our enemy? God gave the Israelites an awesome victory over their enemies! Of course, they needed the time and, for a whole day, the system was frozen. We have all heard of NASA finding the missing day so they could calculate where things would be at a certain time.  People claim that God only did that back then and does not do that today, simply because of the verse right after it. (Jos.10:14) And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel. Well, the Lord still hearkens unto our voice, for many people speak miracles today and they come to pass as they did in the Bible long after Joshua. The key here is “voice of a man” The creation now hearkens to the voice of God through man.  Jesus said, the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life (Joh.6:63), meaning they are His Spirit and His life. In other words, it's the life of God living in us; it's the spiritual man who speaks in agreement with the Word of God. Also, it is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph.6:17). Therefore, it's not as if God is hearkening unto the voice of a man, but He is hearkening unto the voice of His sons. That spiritual man in us is not man, but God. The Son of God is manifesting in His people speaking His Words out of us. When we come into agreement with the Word, we can be trusted. The Lord said, If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you (Joh.15:7). Why? The Word in you is trustworthy to God. If you fill yourself up with the Word and you desire earnestly to walk in agreement with it, God says you're trustworthy.   A long time after Joshua, the Lord wrote this: (Isa.45:11) Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me. Does God really do that? When you command something to be done, like when His disciples commanded healings, deliverances, provision and so on, God fulfilled it. God gave them the authority, which is the right to use power and it's what we do when we speak in agreement with the Word of God. In effect, what we are doing is commanding God, since He said that if we do, He will do it and Jesus said the same.   Psalm 8 was spoken concerning the natural Adam and his seed, but also in type to spiritual Adam, Jesus Christ, and His seed. (Psa.8:6) Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet. This was said of man and the Son of man. Jesus said that God had given Him authority because He is son of man (Joh.5:27). Man was given authority on the earth but when Adam sinned, he lost that authority to Satan. However, we gained it back through Jesus Christ because He was faithful. We now have this authority over the works of God's hands when we speak in agreement with the Word of God and He fulfills it. (Lam.3:37) Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?   The next thing we see in Joshua is that they went after the five kings who were ruling the Promised Land. (Jos.10:16) And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. (17) And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah. (18) And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them: (19) but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand. The first thing they did was trap the five kings in the cave and then they rolled great stones over the mouth of the cave.   Adam was created from the dust of the earth and this old man is earthly, but as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (1Co.15:49). We are both earthly and heavenly, a spiritual man of the heavens and the carnal man of the earth represented by this cave in the earth. The carnal man of the earth has a mouth and here it's called “the mouth of the cave.” The Lord made the spiritual men roll these great stones over the mouth of the cave. The five kings represent the five senses and the spiritual man put stones, which represent the Word, over the mouth so the carnal senses are not permitted to speak and bring a curse.   The Bible says that senses must be exercised by the Word of God so that we understand the difference between good and evil. (Heb.5:13) For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. (14) But solid food is for fullgrown men, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Born-again people have born-again senses. As spiritual men, we must have spiritual senses. Our carnal senses trap and rule over us and our land when we live according to what we see, hear and feel as the old man and the world does.   God teaches us how to spiritually see in (2Pe.1:3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. We see that God has already provided us everything that pertains unto life and godliness! Now you have the eyes of a dove (Son 1:15). You have the eyes of the Spirit when you begin to see that the promises are true, but the world is transitory. (2Pe.1:4) Whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises (the stones at the mouth of the cave); that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.   Having eyes to see, we can partake of God's nature. We will have spiritual eyes, ears, touch, spiritual smell (or discernment), spiritual taste and words. We've been given these spiritual gifts that enable the spiritual man to take over. The Israelites had captured the five kings who ruled the Promised Land in a cave and they closed up the mouth with great stones. And we know, Jesus is the Stone; He's the Rock which is the Word of God. These great stones represent the great promises of the Word of God. We're adding learning to our lips, which are the “mouth of the cave.”   When we study the Word of God, we learn and see what we are supposed to say and what we're not supposed to say. It gives us restraint to not say things that would permit a curse upon our life. The Israelites had to conquer the Promised Land, and conquer these kings that ruled over the carnal man and bring the curse upon him. And this is what the parable points to – rolling out those stones in front of the mouth. (Eph.4:29) Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying (building-up) as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.   We can see that we can apply many verses when speaking of conquering the DS with all their invaders who are getting ready to overthrow this land we live in. Just a couple come quickly to mind. (Mat.18:18-19) Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. And (Mar.11:23-24) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. These will come in useful when the invaders rise up.  If we see and walk in the Spirit, then we speak in agreement with the Spirit. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Our nature is changed by the Word of God when …we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (2Co 3:18) When we see a need, such as someone living under the curse, we should speak truth with grace to them to overcome, grace to meet that need, whatever it may be. When we speak according to the Kingdom, we are meeting someone's need for God and His benefits. Saving this country from the invaders to whatever extent God permits is a need.  They will be permitted to persecute the apostate Church for it is in rebellion to the Word of our covenant. (Col.3:17) And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name (Greek: “nature, character and authority”) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Do everything as if you are representing Him because you are an ambassador of Christ (2Co 5:20), so speak His words to this world and His enemies. We're called to confess Him before men always and to speak in His name.   (1Pe.4:11) If any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, [ministering] as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. When we speak as an oracle of God, that is His Word coming out of us, we're letting the spiritual man, who is in communication with God through our spirit, do the speaking. We don't let the carnal man, the flesh, do the speaking.   To walk holy is to walk separate. The Greek word for “holy” is the same word for “sanctified” and it means “separate”; that is, separated from the world, from sin, separated unto God. We speak His words, think His thoughts and we do His works because He lives in us. The more we do that, the more we grow in holiness. It's the place of Holiness, preservation and provision. Without holiness, no man can see the Lord (Heb 12:14). Holiness is what we grow in when we bear the fruit of Jesus Christ. It is separation from the old man, who is moved and ruled by the carnal senses, unto the new man, who is ruled according to the spiritual senses.   Now let's go to (Isa.11:2) And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (3) And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; (4) but with righteousness shall he judge the poor (This is poor in the things of the Kingdom), and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (5) And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.   He's talking about Christ in His first-fruits Man-child in the end-time who will not walk according to the carnal senses because he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears (Isa.11:3). Instead, we are to have our senses exercised to discern good from evil (Heb 5:14) by the Word of God, which is the washing of water with the word (Eph.5:26). As our senses are exercised, we begin to see and hear spiritually; we begin to hear and speak the Voice of the Spirit.   It's similar to when David went to slay Goliath, the giant in the land. He went to the brook and pulled out those five smooth stones that were exercised by the washing of the water, which represents the Word. He took only one of those stones and he felled Goliath (1Sa 17). David spoke it to him ahead of time, declaring that he would take off Goliath's head and feed him to the birds. That's very bold! And because David spoke it, that's exactly what he did. The stone, or sense, that David was using was the tongue. The tongue senses tastes but it also speaks the Word. David conquered Goliath because he had spiritual senses.   Now we can return to Joshua. He told the Israelites to go after their enemies, since the five kings were already trapped in the cave and closed off with the stones. Now they were able to conquer those whom the kings had ruled over. (Jos.10:20) And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities, (21) that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.   (22) Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings unto me out of the cave. (23) And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon. (24) And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.   They let them out of the cave and they had to keep them from speaking, so they put their feet on their necks. It reminds me of the dream I've shared before about being in a war with a giant and not letting the old man speak. When he did, he said, “Bigger, bigger, bigger!” We have a lot of giants around us – a lot of big problems and a lot of big enemies. But we can't let the old man, whom I captured in the dream and who was in bondage to me, speak out of our mouth. I didn't want to let him speak because the old man has the authority to make the situation worse and make the enemy stronger and bigger. I refused him and demanded that the giant be reduced, saying, “No! Smaller, smaller, smaller.”   Similarly, the Israelites put their feet on the kings' necks, causing the five senses to not speak or to rule over the body. (Jos.10:25) And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. (Notice, you speak the Word and the Lord will do it. In Rev.12:11, the devil and his angels were cast down by the “word of their testimony” of the saints.)  (26) And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. Notice that all of our enemies, firstly our old man, will be conquered in this way. Father said against Babylon in Jer.51:3 …Utterly destroy all her army. We are not permitted to wrestle with flesh nor use fleshly weapons but to “resist not” and if opportunity arises we are to preach Christ to them.  But we have authority over all their power and that includes the principalities and powers. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. As an example to us, before Jesus' time of crucifixion, when the Jews sought to throw him off a cliff, he just passed through their midst unharmed. I was shot at by an assassin from close range and my angel made the bullet disappear. A tractor back blade was thrown straight at my head by a demon, while Michael watched, but all I felt was a finger on my nose pushing me to the ground with zero pain. That was just ahead of the blade. Michael was sure it had hit and killed me.  My tractor wheel fell into a hole and the tractor was flipping into a gully. I was looking straight down at the ground when the tractor uprighted with me stuck in the seat. It was a work of our satanists. Several other times I escaped them. (Luk.1:68) ...For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people... 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us...74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear.  Jesus Christ was hanged upon a tree, or cross, and they wanted to take Him down before evening, too. Jesus also was buried in a cave. So why is God applying this to the senses of the old man? (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. That includes our five senses. The Lord has already taken care of this problem when He was crucified on that tree and you were crucified with Him. You have been given this gift of the new man, for by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (Heb.10:14).  We walk in the spirit according to these divine senses that are attuned to the Kingdom of Heaven. These senses see how to walk in the Kingdom. It comes quite naturally to us to walk in the world but it comes supernaturally to us to walk in the Kingdom; that is, to have our senses exercised by the Word of God to see and hear the way God sees and hears, and to smell, or discern, the way God does. It is also to have our emotions in communication with God.   We have the victory over the old man and his senses because he's dead and the new man, Who is Jesus Christ, lives in you. Because of your faith and speaking that faith, God will bring it to pass. He will do it through our faith and not by our works. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory.   Father, we pray that You will (Psa.141:3) Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips. Amen.  So we know that in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is singing, praise, worship and thanksgiving to the Lord our King. When we do this, we are bringing more of His Kingdom down here to earth. (Mat.6:10)  We have ‘authority over all the power of the enemy' (Luk.10:19). We have power in praise. When we praise the Lord, He gives us the victory!       Worship and Praise   Vines Expository Dictionary on the Greek word Worship: “to make obeisance, do reverence to” (from pros, “towards”, and kuneo, “to kiss”), is the most frequent word rendered “to worship”. It is used of an act of homage or reverence. In other words, worship is an act of love toward God.   Father is looking for those who worship Him with their all: (Joh.4:21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. (22) Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. (23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. There is much fake worship -- words without heart and spirit.   Worship is the way to bring God's presence: (Psa.100:1) Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all ye lands. (2) Serve Jehovah with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. (3) Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Give thanks unto him, and bless his name. (5) For Jehovah is good; His lovingkindness endureth forever, And his faithfulness unto all generations.   Worship reveals our love and admiration for God and He knows it: (1Ch.29:11) Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all.   Praise Him everywhere, with a new song that comes from your heart, and dancing and with all instruments and enemies will be conquered: (Psa.149:1) Praise ye Jehovah. Sing unto Jehovah a new song, And his praise in the assembly of the saints. (2) Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (3) Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp. (4) For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. (5) Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. (This will bind our enemies works against us.)  (7)  To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples;  (8)  To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;  (9)  To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah. (Children can conquer enemies in worship.) Psa 8:2  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. (150:1) Praise ye Jehovah. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power. (2) Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness. (3) Praise him with trumpet sound: Praise him with psaltery and harp. (4) Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe. (5) Praise him with loud cymbals: Praise him with high sounding cymbals. (6) Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah. It is the will of the Lord to worship in songs and hymns: (Eph.5:17) Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (20) giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; We give thanks to God; this is a secret of power because we believe we have already received what we asked, right?   Praise (meaning “brag on”) Him to everyone: (1Ch.16:23) Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth; Show forth his salvation from day to day. (24) Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. (25) For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the peoples are idols: But Jehovah made the heavens. (27) Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength; (29) Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come before him: Worship Jehovah in holy array. (30) Tremble before him, all the earth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved. (31) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth.   We are taught to worship, praise and pray with hands lifted up to the Lord: (1Ti.2:8) I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. (Psa.63:4) So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. (Lam.3:41) Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. (Neh.8:6) and Ezra blessed Jehovah, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped Jehovah with their faces to the ground.   Why lifting up hands? Offering our hands to the Lord for His works and to conquer His enemies: (Exo.17:9) And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. (10) So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.   Worship and praise will conquer overwhelming enemies: (2Ch.20:17) Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: to-morrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you. (18) And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah. (19) And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.   (20) And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (21) And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed them that should sing unto Jehovah, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks unto Jehovah; for his lovingkindness endureth forever. (22) And when they began to sing and to praise, Jehovah set liers-in-wait against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, that were come against Judah; and they were smitten. (The angels will smite the enemies in the land.)  Worship to bind the enemy and their kings: (Psa.149:6) Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; (7) To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; (The Lord is doing this.) (8) To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; (9) To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.   Because judgment and enemies are near, fear God and worship Him: (Rev.14:7) and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters. (Dan.3:16) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter. (17) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. (18) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.   (2Ki.17:38) and the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods: (39) but Jehovah your God shall ye fear; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.   We can clap and shout our triumph over our enemies. Triumph is celebrating the victory before we see it: (Psa.47:1) Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Jos.6:20) So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.   Praise in Hebrew is “Hallal”, meaning brag on the Lord. Give credit or ascribe to the Lord: (Psa.29:1) Ascribe unto Jehovah, O ye sons of the mighty, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength. (2) Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name; Worship Jehovah in holy array. (3) The voice of Jehovah is upon the waters: The God of glory thundereth, Even Jehovah upon many waters. (4) The voice of Jehovah is powerful; The voice of Jehovah is full of majesty. (5) The voice of Jehovah breaketh the cedars; Yea, Jehovah breaketh in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. When we speak in agreement with the Word of God, we are giving “voice” to the Word and the angels hearken to His voice. (Psa.103:20) Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. Amen! 

The repentance required of the Jewish people was to embrace Jesus as their Messiah and spiritual teacher and break away from the teaching and example of spiritual externalism modeled by the scribes and Pharisees.

Todaywe're looking at Luke chapter 22. We believe this chapter describes the eventsthat took place on Thursday of Passover Week and what we also call PassionWeek. This is the day that Jesus would prepare for the Passover with Hisdisciples because He knew He was the Passover Lamb. Remember the story of theExodus when the Passover lamb was killed, the blood was sprinkled on thedoorpost and lintel, and the firstborn would be spared. The death angel would “passover” that house because the blood had been applied. Whata beautiful picture when Jesus shows up three and a half years earlier and Johnthe Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of theworld." The next day John sees Jesus coming again and simply says, "Beholdthe Lamb of God." (John 1:29-35). Today I pray that you and I willbehold Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, submissive and obedient to His Father andis led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7 - “He was oppressed and Hewas afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to theslaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not Hismouth”). And Who takes away our sin, gives us forgiveness, heals us, andgrants us eternal life.  ThenI pray that you will behold Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, in His beauty,courage, strength, death, burial, and resurrection. What a beautiful picture wehave of Jesus in His great love for us, fulfilling John 3:16: "For God soloved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Himwould not perish but have everlasting life." My friend, that word"whosoever" includes you and me.  I'mconvinced Jesus Christ and God love every person on planet Earth with aneternal love, and He sent His only Son so that “whosoever—anyone”—can be saved.No one is predestined to be saved or lost; we are all called to salvation. Thedifference is we must choose whether we will believe in Jesus as the Son ofGod, the Lamb of God who alone can take away our sin. When we repent, believeand receive Jesus as our only hope, we discover we are the chosen ones who believed,chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, according to Ephesianschapter 1. We have an eternal choice that everyone has: to trust Christ orreject Him. He is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Jesusknows all this. He knows why He came into the world—"not to condemn theworld but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-21). We knowmen love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. ThePharisees, scribes, and chief priests rejected Christ because of hypocrisy, andas Pilate points out, because of envy and jealousy. They loved the darkness of theirreligion and sin. And Jesus was infringing on their religious business. Jesusalways challenges religion and religious business. He came to seek and savethat which was lost. Today, trust Him. Duringthis time of Passover, some 100,000 to 300,000 Jewish pilgrims would flood intoJerusalem. Historian Josephus said 250,000 lambs would be slaughtered for apopulation of 500,000 to a million Jewish people. On this Thursday, Jesus ispreparing for the Passover while the scribes, Pharisees, and chief priests areplotting to kill Him. Judas, filled with Satan's animosity and hatred forChrist and God, is led to betray Jesus. This is all taking place as Jesusprepares to be that Passover Lamb. We see the preparation for the supper takeplace in verses 7 through 13 as they prepare for this special commemorative meal!Today,let us remember to get rid of the leaven of sin and bitterness in our heartsand come cleanly to the feast of the Passover with our hearts open, rememberingthe death of Jesus Christ till He comes.Godbless!

Introduction: Watch Out... (Matthew 6:1–4) Because your MOTIVES MATTER. (Matt 6:1a) Wrong Motive – TO GLORIFY YOURSELF. Right Motive – TO GLORIFY GOD. Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Because your REWARD IS AT RISK. (Matt 6:1b–4) Worldly Reward – THE RECOGNITION OF OTHERS. James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction… James 2:15–16 – If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 – The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart... Eternal Reward – THE RECOGNITION OF GOD. Matthew 25:23 – “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 6:1-4What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do your motives matter so much to the Lord?In what ways do you see yourself struggling with self-glorification? How can you fight against this sinful trend?Why isn't the worldly reward of human praise worth pursuing after?Why does the Lord want you to be motivated by eternal rewards? Explain why this motivation isn't legalistic or self-centered.BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open your Bibles to Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 4. Matthew chapter 6verses 1 through 4. You know 12 years ago my friends and I took a road trip downto the middle of nowhere Tennessee. My one friend promised us a free stay in aspacious cabin that his dad built right next to a scenic lake. Only one of thoseguarantees end up being true. This day was free but it was free for a reason. Itwas not a spacious cabin it was a glorified shack. It turns out we weren'teven allowed to sleep in the beds we had to sleep on the floor because his daddidn't want us to mess up the beds. We were also not right next to the lake itwas a mile walk through hilly woods and once you got to the beach this is thesite that greeted you. Warning dangerous water because nothing says come on in thewater is fine like a do not swim here sign in the foreground and a nuclearpower plant in the background. You can't really see it but there was a fenced offarea where dozens and dozens of people were swimming and splish plashingaround without a care in the world. I kept thinking to myself what are youpeople doing don't you see the sign I mean can you even miss this sign is thateven possible? It is unmissable. I guess people saw this sign but they justdidn't care. They thought it was a harmless joke and not a serious warning.You know how you respond to warnings says a lot about who you are as a person.The waitress brings you your food and says hey be careful the plate is hot. Whatdo you do in that moment? Do you believe your nice waitress or do you touch it tosee if she's telling the truth? I don't know what's in it for her to lie to youabout the hot plate or you pass by a wet paint sign and you think to yourself isthis actually wet? You decide to touch it right? Or here's a new one I learnedthis week. Did you know in bold letters on the Q-tip box it says do not insertinto ear canal. I was blown away. I've been doing it wrong for all these years.Now that you know are you gonna keep exploring your ear like it's a cave orare you gonna stop doing it? Or you come to a red light at the top of the redlight says no turn on red. But you look both ways and there's no one coming soyou go anyway. Let's move beyond these somewhat funny examples of somethingmuch more important. God's Word is filled with hundreds and hundreds ofwarnings that you can either ignore or take very seriously. This is the firstweek in a new section of our study of the Sermon on the Mount, the heart ofreligion. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus gives a three-part warning of how youshould and should not approach the spiritual disciplines of giving, praying,and fasting. According to Jesus these disciplines are not just external thingsthat you can check off your to-do list. They are internal indicators of who youreally are and who you are really worshiping. Because Jesus cares how yougive. Jesus cares how you pray. Jesus cares how you fast. The how of thesedisciplines reveal if you are a religious phony or a religious follower ofChrist who is faithful from the heart. This morning we're gonna dig intoMatthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 4 and focus on the warning of our Lord whenit comes to giving of our time, talents, and treasures. Before we get started Iwant to plead with you to not ignore this warning from Christ. Take it veryseriously. Be on guard. Watch out for what he is cautioning you against. Do notclose your eyes to your own sin. Do not think you have it all figured outbecause Jesus has a not-so-secret secret to share with you this morning that youoften lose sight of. The secret to giving is giving in secret. So before wecontinue any further let's go to the Lord and ask for His help. Please pray for meand I will pray for you.Father we come to once again a very challenging and convicting passage inyour word. We're once again we are being exposed not just on the outside but onthe inside. I pray for every single person in this room including myself Lord maywe truly listen to what your word has to say and take this warning with the utmostseriousness. We thank you in advance what you are going to do and we ask allthese things in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Alright so watch outnumber one because your motives matter. Watch out because your motives matter.Let's read the first half of chapter 6 verse 1. Jesus says beware watch out ofpracticing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.It's important to note that Jesus doesn't say it's bad for other people tonotice you practicing your righteousness or doing the right thing in public. Whatdoes he say? Watch out for practicing your righteousness and doing the rightthing in public in order to be seen by others. In the original Greek that phrasein order to be seen it comes from the word for theater. You're putting on ashow. You're pretending to be someone that you are not. You are putting on aninsincere performance. So once again Jesus zeros in on the on the internal. Hefocuses on your heart's greatest desire. It's all about your motive. So let's checkout the wrong motive first. So what is the wrong motive? To glorify yourself. Toglorify yourself. I'm not proud of this but in the past I've done chores aroundthe house in the hopes that my wife will notice my hard work. Is anyone elseguilty of this kind of behavior? Jonathan Trent thank you so much. I am soappreciative. It's just you and me buddy. To be fair all the guys should have theirhands raised as high as humanly possible whenever asked that kind of question.This is so lame to admit but I've done the dishes. Taken out the garbage. Laydown mulch. Cut the grass. Done long past due house projects hoping that mywife will see it and award me husband points. And husband points are a formof currency in marriage that aren't worth as much as you would hope and go asbad as quickly as unrefrigerated fish. All the husbands in the room knowexactly what I'm talking about. In those moments my motive was not to honor mywife but to glorify myself. To show off how great of a husband I am. And whenKate didn't notice what I had done I began to pout and feel disappointed.I only felt that way because I had a bad motive. I wouldn't have felt that way ifI had the right motive which is to be a loving husband who tookresponsibility for his own home. And this proves an important principle.Self-interest and self-glory always lead to self-deception and self-defeat. Withoutfail the most miserable person in every room is the most selfish person in thatroom. The more you make life about you the more unhappy you will find yourself.Maybe that is why you feel so depressed this morning. Maybe that's why you feelso empty right now. You want to be the son at the center of your solar systembut the problem is nobody else cares about your desired position. No one wantsto orbit around your preferences. And you may be wondering how can I tell if I amthis kind of self-glorifying person or not. Well first of all you are this kindof person to some degree and so am I. This problem does exist within your heartat some level. You have to figure out how serious and far-reaching the problemactually is. Here are some things to be on watch for. Do you check out what otherpeople share about their problems? Do you have a hard time being happy for someoneelse when they achieve a goal that you've always wanted to accomplish? When theyreceive a blessing that you've always wanted? Do you always try to one uppeople and have a better story than someone else? Do you always bring thetopic of conversation back to you? What you've done in the past? What you're doingright now? And what you plan to do in the future? Do you get annoyed and evensulky when you don't get your way? Do you push away opportunities to serve andhelp if you don't see what's in it for you? Even though there are tell-talesigns it can be extremely difficult to spot your own narcissism because you areoften blind to it. But other people around you are not. It would be a goodexercise to check in with your family and your friends after church today to askif they see any of these tendencies and how you speak and how you talk and howyou act. And if you ask that question please shut your mouth and open yourears. Stop inserting your opinion. Stop justifying yourself. You will not grow ifyou are more interested in defending yourself than dying to yourself. Startdealing with your problem because I guarantee you that you do have a problem.Stop glorifying yourself because you are not worthy of this act of self-worship.So that's the wrong motive. To glorify yourself. What's the right motive? Toglorify God. To glorify God. So Jesus provides the right motive for doing theright thing earlier in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen to what he has to say inMatthew 5.16. "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good worksand give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Compare that to chapter 6 verse1. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen bythem." Do you see the difference? Instead of shining the spotlight onto yourselfyou shine on to the only one who is actually worthy of it, the Lord and Himalone. Because this is the reason for which you were created. You exist tohonor God and show a watching world how awesome He truly is. This must be the goalof your marriage. This must be the goal of your parenting. This must be the goal ofyour job. This must be the goal of everything that you do. In 1 Corinthians1031 Paul says this, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to theglory of God. Because any worldly glory that you collect for yourself will besnuffed out when you pass on from this life. But the glory of God is an unendingfire that can never ever be put out." In 100 to 200 years from now you're gonna belong forgotten. No one is gonna be thinking about you. But the name of JesusChrist will stand the test of time. His name will be forever high and lifted up.I'm not a betting man but I can guarantee you with a hundred percentcertainty that you will be rewarded for throwing your chips in with the victoryof God's name and reputation. That is the only motivation that will truly fuelyou. That is the only motivation that will get you across the finish line oflife. So watch out because your motives matter. Secondly, watch out because yourreward is at risk. Because your reward is at risk.Jesus lays out the consequence for doing the right thing for the wrong reasonat the end of verse 1. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before otherpeople in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from yourFather who is in heaven." If you were dominated by the desire to rob God ofhis glory as you do good deeds, you will receive a loud and clear message fromGod. It is the same message that Willy Wonka gave the Charlie and his grandpa atthe end of the Chocolate Factory tour. You get nothing. You lose. Good day, sir.That may seem extreme, but that's what the text says. That may seem harsh, but it'seven better than what you deserve. With that in mind, Jesus continues on with hiswarning in verse 2, "By revealing the emptiness of the worldly reward that youoften settle for. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you,as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, that they may be praisedby others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. The worldly rewardthat is most tempting to seek after is the recognition of others. Therecognition of others. And notice that Jesus doesn't say, "If you give to theneedy," he says, "when you give the needy." And he says that again in verse 3,"which means that you are expected to help those in need with your time, withyour talents, and your treasures. You are expected by God to care for the orphanand the widow." James 1.27, "A religion that is pure and undefiled before God isthis, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. You are expected by Godto not ignore the poor, especially those within the body of Christ." Once again,let's read what James has to say. James 2.15 through 16, "If a brother or sisteris poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go inpeace, be warmed and filled without giving them the things needed for the body,what good is that? It is worthless.'" You're expected by God to be generous withthe money in your account, and not hoard it for yourself. 2nd Corinthians 9 verses 6through 7, the point is this, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, andwhoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he hasdecided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves acheerful giver." Harvest, you are expected to make these kinds of sacrifices. But asyou make these expected sacrifices, you are also expected to not sound a trumpetbefore you, like the scribes and Pharisees did 2,000 years ago. Now, theydidn't literally sound a physical trumpet. They didn't pull a Miles Davis andblast a physical trumpet whenever they did a nice thing or made a donation.Jesus is using an over-the-top and funny illustration to prove a simple point. Donot be an obnoxious jerk who draws attention to himself or herself wheneveryou do the right thing. You know, while you were doing whatever you were doingover the past week, I was racking my brain to think of a modern-day example ofsounding a trumpet before you. And I came up short. So I'm going to ask you guys tosilently brainstorm, because I actually have something I need to do in the meantime,okay? So just be using your brains to think about an example.Alright, don't mind me guys.[laughter]You know what? I don't want to interrupt your brainstorming time, but you know what?This sermon is going really well. And you guys are all just laughing at mystories. I guess really tell that you're dialed into my spot on teaching. I reallythink Facebook needs to know about this. Oh, by the way, have you guys had any luckwith your brainstorming? Wait a minute. Maybe I did stumble upon the 21st centuryversion of sounding a trumpet before you. What do you guys think? Alright, I guessI'll put this away then. You know, seeking after the affirmation and praise ofothers is the heartbeat of the virtual world. People put on a manufacturedversion of themselves. They put their best foot forward. You can post about yourbest day to accumulate the affirmation and adulation of others. Maybe you post astatus on Facebook, a picture on Instagram or real on the TikToks as Pastor Jeffcalls it, that highlights a mission strip, a service project or a charitableevent that you took part in. Now, you can certainly do this in a godly way withgodly intentions, but you can also do it in an ungodly way with ungodlyintentions. You just bask in the glory of the likes and the comments and the heartemojis as human praise begins to pour in. You make a sizable contribution to aGoFundMe page. And instead of remaining anonymous, you put your name right nextto the amount that you donated. And you don't do that to show support. You do itto show off. You want others to be amazed by your big hearted generosity. Some ofyou are feeling pretty safe and sound right now because you don't leave muchof a digital footprint. You don't post anything anywhere. Well, let's movebeyond the bounds of social media because I don't want to leave you out of all thefun. Maybe you can seal a prideful remark of something kind you did as a praiseat a prayer service or at small group. Maybe you accidentally slip in orreference something nice you did while in conversation with someone else. Andyou inwardly hope that they'll take the bait. They'll ask a follow-up question soyou can get the at a boy or at a girl that you are so desperate for. Maybe youlike to brag about your family's accomplishments in the yearly Christmasletter. That's right. I went there. Because some of you may do that. You say that youwant to keep everyone informed about your life, but you actually want to keepeveryone impressed with your life. All of these examples are sounding a trumpet,pulling out the selfie stick so that everyone will notice you because youwant to be the recipient of admiration. You know, whenever I was a full-timeyouth pastor for eight years, I went to a countless number of musicals, trackmeets, games, graduation ceremonies, graduation parties, and before, during, orafter the event, I would track down my student and their parents to let themknow that I was there. Because how could I bless them with my presence if theywere totally unaware of my presence? It's kind of weird to admit, but if Ididn't make myself known or receive credit, it didn't really seem to count.Does that make sense? Does that seem reasonable? But you often feel a verysimilar way when it comes to your acts of good works. To your acts of service. Ifothers don't recognize what you did, it doesn't really seem to count, right? Itmay even seem like a complete waste of time if you do not receive immediatepraise. Jesus says you can blow that trumpet, you can pull out that selfiestick if you want to, knock yourself out. If you do, you will receive the reward ofhuman praise, but that's all you'll get and nothing more. You will get nothingfrom your Father in heaven because you know what? You don't really care aboutwhat He has to give you. What other mere human beings have to offer seems muchmore appealing. But that is so short-sighted because compliments, thank-yous, and awardsfeel good for about 15 minutes. And then you're just jones in for the next dose,right? Praise leaves almost as quickly as it arrives. And you so quickly forgethow little it satisfies you the next time you desire it. In verses 3 through 4,Jesus warns you to long for that which truly lasts. He cautions you to walk thepath of delayed gratification so that you can receive the eternal reward of therecognition of God Himself. So that is the eternal reward, the recognition of God.Let's read verses 3 through 4. "But when you give to the needy," there it is again,"not if, when, when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know whatyour right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret, and your Fatherwho sees you in secret will reward you." As I said earlier, the secret to givingis giving in secret. Jesus says, "not even let your left hand know what your righthand is doing." I just want to give a warning up front. I don't want to offendall the left-handed people in the room with this explanation of theillustration. I love all of you just as much as the normal people in the room.Okay, so don't be offended.Moving on, about 90% of Americans are right-handed, not left-handed. Again, don'thate me, it's just the facts, which means that the majority of people use theirright hand way more than their left hand. So just go with this over-the-top funnyillustration from Jesus. Imagine that your hands can actually speak to eachother. In that scenario, your right hand shouldn't constantly brag about all thethings that it was used to do over the course of the day to the left hand.Instead, it should be quiet. It should be satisfied that it was used instead ofbroadcasting how it was used. Jesus is calling us to a very serious type ofself-denial here. He is saying, "serve me, serve others, and then do your best toforget all about it." Don't keep track. Don't keep score. Don't manage your ownpersonal scoreboard. Don't comb through your mental file of successes and think,"Yeah, I'm doing pretty good compared to most people at church, compared to mostpeople in my small group." That is a complete waste of time and energy. It isnot your job to keep score because you cannot accurately evaluate yourself.Only God can do that. But this kind of self-forgetfulness is so counterintuitiveto us because we all live in a culture that tries to ram self-worth down ourthroats every single chance that it gets. Oh, your self-esteem matters more thananything else. If you don't put yourself first, other people will put you last.Don't forget to love yourself. Give yourself pep talks and tell yourselfhow awesome you are. Is any of that biblical? Why do we often fall for it? TheBible doesn't teach you to have high self-esteem. The Bible also doesn'tteach you to have low self-esteem either. The Bible says to have noesteem, which means that you're not focused on your self-image. You're notobsessed with what other people think and say about you. Instead, you focus onwhat God thinks and says about you because his authoritative opinion mattersthe most. Listen, it does not matter if other people recognize and acknowledgeyour faithfulness. Let me say that again because I really need to hear it. It doesnot matter if other people recognize and acknowledge your faithfulness. Whatmatters is you hear these words from the Lord when you stand before Him one day.Well done, good, and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master. That isthe reward you should long and live for. Jesus says that if you give in secret,your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Jesus isn't saying that youcan earn right standing before God or work your way to heaven. That's notpossible. Salvation is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ andnowhere else. Forgiveness of sin and eternal life are gifts to be receivedby faith, not earned by works. Scripture is so clear on that. But scripture isequally clear that rewards in heaven are diligently earned, not automaticallyreceived. If you honor God in this life, He will honor you in eternity. If youreject temporary rewards that you cannot take out of this world, you will be giveneternal rewards that can never be stolen away from you in heaven. What a promise.That is a heavenly check that will never bounce and it will clear every singletime. So let God keep score because He will reward you. What are these heavenlyrewards? I wish I could tell you but the Bible doesn't give us specificdetails. But I can tell you this, God has never given you a lame gift in the pastand He will not give you a lame gift in the future. If God promises it,trust me, you want it and you will love it. Right now you may be thinking, okay,what do I do when someone else does praise me? This is going to happen at somepoint. Do you just shut them down and say, whoa, whoa, I didn't do this to bepraised by you. You're going to make me lose my eternal reward. Is that what youshould do? That'd be super weird and awkward for the other person. So pleasedon't do that. You should humbly accept this person's compliment and thenredirect their praise to the source and supply of your good works. The love ofChrist and the power of the Holy Spirit. Point the complimenter to God Himself.And this kind of redirect will not lead to a forfeiture of heavenly reward. Ifanything, it will lead to even greater reward because you have rightly handledpraise and you have put it in the place where it truly belongs, which is thehands of Almighty God. You know, compared to some of the weighty topics we'vecovered during the Sermon on the Mount, this passage may seem kind of light andinconsequential to you. But I can assure you that it's not because you're givingand serving in public speaks volumes of who you are in private. This is seriousbusiness. You have received a personal warning from Jesus Himself. He has warnedyou to watch out for the motive of glorifying yourself. To watch out forthe worldly desire to receive worldly rewards. And there are only two responsesto this kind of warning. Indifference or humility. Maybe you don't see any problemwith your motives right now. You don't see any issue for the reward you're livingfor. So you just want to move on with your day. Well, you're free to make thatchoice if you want to, but it is the wrong choice. Because until the day you dieand are in the presence of Christ, your motives will always be tinged withselfishness. Even as I stand before you to preach this sermon, there is selfishnessin my heart. Your motives will never be 100% pure. And you will desire the wrongreward. So please do not choose ignorance because too much is at stake. And maybe youdo see major problems with your motives and the reward you are living for. Youknow that you have to make a change, but you don't know how to make that change.Well, I have good news and bad news for you. Let's start with the bad news. Youcannot change your motives and desires. Are you ready for the good news? God canchange your motives and desires, but this will only happen if you humbleyourself before Him. Admit that you need His help. Submit to the master motivatorand the richest rewarder in the entire universe. Go to the Lord in prayer and dothat right now. Spend some time in prayer.Father, we come to you to lay our motives before you. To lay down the worldlyrewards that we are living for. What help us to remember the only thing that willtruly last is your glory and your name. What help us to live for these rewardsthat last forever and not these worldly rewards that fade away so quickly. AndLord, there's anyone in this room who is not a follower of you and is just stuckin this cycle of glorifying themselves and living for themselves. May they forthe first time submit to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That they canfulfill the purpose for which you've given them, which is to make much of you.And for the rest of us Lord, help us to remember that biblical goal. To rememberwho we are living for. To remember why we exist. And we ask all these things inJesus' name. Amen.

Why Sabbath isn't about doing less but trusting more. 05/15/25 Sabbath became a gift to His people— a weekly rhythm of rest, renewal and the unhurried enjoyment of God. 23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees […]

Sermon Title: Jesus HealsSermon Series: The Miracles of Jesus (Part 20)Speaker: Pastor Verna DeHartDate: June 1, 2025In this week's message from Soul Harvest Worship Center, Pastor Verna DeHart dives into Luke 14 where Jesus heals a man suffering from dropsy—right in front of the Pharisees, on the Sabbath. This bold act of compassion is followed by deep teachings on humility, true hospitality, and the high cost of being a disciple.As Jesus tells parables about wedding feasts and banquets, we're reminded that the Kingdom of God is for those who are hungry, humble, and willing to respond to His call. The invitation is open, but the excuses are many. Will you say yes?

Saturday, 14 June 2025   And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38   “And who not, he receives his cross and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that those who love son or daughter more than Him are not worthy of Him. He now elevates the thought further, saying, “And who not, he receives his cross.”   In His words, the stauros, cross, is introduced. The word is derived from the base of the verb histémi, to stand, set, establish, place, etc. Of the word, Strongs says, “a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. Self-denial.” A lengthier explanation is provided by HELPS Word Studies –   ...the crosspiece of a Roman cross; the cross-beam (Latin, patibulum) placed at the top of the vertical member to form a capital "T." "This transverse beam was the one carried by the criminal" (Souter). Christ was crucified on a literal Roman cross ... ("cross") is also used figuratively for the cross (sacrifice) each believer bears to be a true follower-of-Christ (Mt 10:38, 16:24, etc.). The cross represents unspeakable pain, humiliation and suffering – and ironically is also the symbol of infinite love! At the cross, Jesus won our salvation – which is free but certainly not cheap! For more discussion on the untold suffering of Christ on the cross see ... /stauróō ("to crucify on a cross"). [The "cross" (Mk 8:34) is not a symbol for suffering in general. Rather it refers to withstanding persecution (difficult times), by the Lord's power, as He directs the circumstances of life. As Christ's disciples, believers are to hold true – even when attacked by the ungodly.]   As this is the first mention of the cross, something Jesus knew He would eventually have to suffer the torture of, His thoughts probably went forward to that moment and contemplated what He would endure for those gathered around Him. Of this, however, Vincent's Word Studies probably takes that point too far, saying –   “This was no Jewish proverb, crucifixion not being a Jewish punishment; so that Jesus uses the phrase anticipatively, in view of the death which he himself was to die.”   Though not a traditional Jewish punishment, it was a common one within the empire. As Israel was ruled by the Romans, everyone would know full well the meaning of the saying. In essence, it had by default become a Jewish saying as much as a Roman saying.   As noted in the explanation by HELPS Word Studies, those with Him would have understood this as a metaphor for withstanding persecution. Saying “his cross” makes the situation personal. Each person hearing the gospel could expect to face his own personal cross when accepting the message. Understanding this, He continues with, “and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me.”   Jesus was essentially bearing a cross, a state of persecution. The apostles would have seen this with each city they visited as He received blowback from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others who constantly came against Him and His teaching. His words are telling them that they, too, would face this type of persecution as they went out.   This is the point of the instruction He is giving to them. They are being commissioned to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. When they speak, they will be persecuted for it. And more, those who hear and accept should expect this as well. There will be a cost to accepting the message that Jesus is the Messiah. He is telling them this in advance.   Life application: There are various views on what Jesus' cross was like. Some say it was an upright pole with a beam on top like a capital T. Some have it as an upright pole with a cross beam somewhere in the midst of the pole, like a small t.   The Jehovah's Witnesses call it a “torture stake” and say that it was a single upright pole with one's arms affixed above the head and the body hanging down below that. The Hallelujah Scriptures say Jesus was impaled on a stake. There are other forms of crucifixion, but these are the ones generally provided. Is there a way to tell which is correct? The answer is, “Yes. There is a way to tell. Check Scripture.”   Jesus was not impaled. Twice, the notion of Him being nailed to the cross is stated –   “Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.' So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'” John 20:24, 25   “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15   Did Jesus die on a “torture stake?” No. He did not. It says in Matthew –   “And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew 27:37   If Jesus was crucified on a stake, Matthew would have said “over His hands,” not “over His head.” That leaves the big T and the little t. Which is it? The answer is a little t. If Jesus were crucified on a big T, the sign could not be over His head. Therefore, the standard little t is what Jesus died on after being nailed to it.   In Israel, there are Christian baptismal fonts (Jewish mikvehs) that have been found in the shape of this cross. The standard cross has been accepted since the earliest days as the one on which Jesus died. The main question is whether He carried only the lintel or the entire cross to His death. That can be argued over, but the shape of the cross, once erected, is clearly identifiable from Scripture.   But this should be no surprise. The shape of the cross is actually seen in Old Testament types and pictures as well. Though too long to include such a study here, it was clearly identified long before.   The question that should arise in our minds is, “Why do people try to change what has always been accepted as Jesus' type of crucifixion into something else?” The reason seems obvious when considering the source. People like the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Hebrew Root Movement adherents are heretics.   In order to draw people away from traditional Christianity and set orthodoxy, they introduce destructive heresies to confuse those who do not check things out, pulling them away from sound doctrine while drawing them to their own perverse instruction.   “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14   Lord God, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to be "born again"? In this exploration of Jesus's midnight conversation with Nicodemus, we unpack one of the foundations of the Word of God.When Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and Jewish leader, approached Jesus acknowledging Him as a teacher from God, Jesus responded with a statement that completely reframed their interaction: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This declaration left Nicodemus confused, trapped in a literal interpretation of rebirth that seemed biologically impossible.Jesus wasn't speaking of physical impossibilities but spiritual necessities. The Greek term for "born again" carries dual meaning – both "a second time" and "from above" – revealing that this spiritual transformation cannot originate from human effort but must come from God Himself. As Jesus explained, "That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit."This message strikes at the heart of our human condition. We cannot manufacture spiritual rebirth through religious devotion, education, behavioral modification, or any human achievement. It requires divine intervention – a miracle that transforms us at our core. Yet this isn't cause for despair but hope, for the God who requires this rebirth is the same God who delights in making it possible. Through Christ's sacrificial work on the cross, what is impossible for humanity becomes possible through God.Have you known this in your own life? Not just knowledge about God, but the life-changing miracle of being born from above? Join us as we explore what it means to trust the God who loves to save and who stands ready to perform this miracle in every heart that turns to Him in faith.Support the showNEW BOOK! I'm pleased to say that we have completed a new book that has been years in the making. The Ten Shirot: Songs of Redemption looks at ten songs that were sung through pivotal times in Scripture. It's an examination of the redemption of Jesus, of worship, and of Scripture in a way that we believe you probably haven't seen before. Check it out at https://a.co/d/0a4KIooL .The Redeeming Love Bible Broadcast is a ministry of Grace Baptist Tabernacle. We're located at 121 Arborside Lane in King, NC and we can be reached at welcome@gracebaptisttabernacle.org. Please continue to share these episodes, and please consider coming to visit our church. We are excited and expectant for you to come!

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 26 Paul defends himself before King Agrippa by recalling his life, his conversion to Christ, and his mission for God. He begins with his strict upbringing as a Pharisee and his zealous persecution of Christians. Paul then describes his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded and chosen to become a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. He explains how Jesus commissioned him to open the eyes of others, converting them from darkness to light and from Satan to God. Paul's message from Jesus emphasizes the forgiveness of sins for those who repent and turn to God. Festus interrupts, accusing Paul of madness, but Paul remains composed and appeals to Agrippa's understanding of the prophets. Agrippa is impressed but chooses not to respond to the gospel.  Paul's defense starts with a recounting of his past before Christ redirected him. This illustrates his humility, as he acknowledges that he believed he knew what was right but was mistaken and needed to repent. We should share aspects of our journey before coming to Christ when possible. This is a wonderful way to give all glory to the grace of Christ, who redirects and redeems us. Paul further explains that Jesus has given him a mission, which is why he risks his life and remains tireless in his teaching. Like Paul, we should be honest and bold about our mission of service to Christ, living with integrity, and challenging others with scripture in a wise and hopeful manner.  Great God of kindness and grace, thank You for bringing us through our sinful past and to a place of hope and faith. Please help us to always give glory to You for who we are in Christ Jesus. Open doors today to share our story with others, to praise the name of Jesus, and invite others to repent and turn to the Lord so that times of refreshing will come. Will You please soften the hearts of people like Agrippa, who are so close to committing their lives to Christ? How can we help? Use us for Your redemptive work today. Thought Questions: -       How was God patient with you in the years before you became a Christian? Is that a story that can help someone believe in God's grace? -       Do you believe God has a mission for your life? From what you know today, what is that mission? Are you passionately engaged in it? -       Agrippa was almost persuaded, but something held him back. Who can you pray for today who has that mindset and needs encouragement?

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 5:20-26 - Jesus said to His disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven." You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Father Juan Gutierrez on a miraculous healing that occurred to him 4) Leftist violence planned for the 14 June 2025 anti-ICE "We Don't Do Kings protests"

Gospel Matthew 5:20-26 Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” Reflection One of the ways in which I love to talk about the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, is that it is a kind of resonance, a kind of energy that flows out of us. And nothing is more clear in terms of the intention of Jesus that we enter into a kingdom called the kingdom of understanding and compassion and forgiveness. That we recognize one another as partners in this work, and that we all fail. And how wrong it is to start picking at each other and blaming each other for mistakes that are made and not understanding we all share the same human nature and the same struggles. Why call a brother a fool when all of us are at times foolish? Closing Prayer Father, you tell us over and over again that you can awaken in us an intention. And it overrides the common experience we have with one another when we are critical and judgmental and demeaning to one another because of weaknesses. Just give us the strength we need to be more honest and more real. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reading Luke 14:12-24 where Jesus, still as a guest in the house of a Pharisee, tells them a parable about a great banquet at which the most unexpected people will be invited. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 23 Paul defends himself before the Jewish Council after his arrest. He proclaims his clear conscience and sparks a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees when he mentions his belief in the resurrection. The argument escalates, leading Roman soldiers to remove Paul for his safety. That night, the Lord appears to Paul, encouraging him to take heart and assuring him that he will testify in Rome. Meanwhile, a group of over forty Jews plot to kill him, vowing to fast until they succeed. Paul's nephew learns of the scheme and informs the Roman commander, who arranges for Paul to be escorted to Caesarea under heavy guard. This chapter emphasizes God's protection, His sovereign plan for Paul, and the courage required to stand for the gospel in the face of opposition.  God's sovereign power and protection are ever-present, even in the face of faithless opposition. Trusting in God's presence is crucial for standing up for the truth about Jesus. Just as Paul faced the Council, even religious people and parties can be aggressive and threatening. But the resurrection of the dead transforms us, offering hope and promises that transcend this world. While Paul's journey was not always pleasant, the challenges he faced led him to share Jesus with unexpected people, such as Felix, the Governor. We should seek ways to discern how God is guiding us into new environments and unplanned places, creating significant opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and the impact He has on our lives.  Wonderful Father, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory over death has completely transformed our lives, hopes, and purpose. We live for eternal life, which guides everything we do. Help us to live by faith and maintain a good conscience in all our actions. We have so much to learn, but You call us to live with conviction to the best of our knowledge and ability. Use us to demonstrate the peace that comes from giving our hearts to You. Lead us to new and necessary places where we can testify to the love of Christ.  Thought Questions: -       What does it mean to live with a good conscience? How important is it to continue shaping your conscience with the word of God? -       Has God protected and spared you at times in your life? For what spiritual purpose has God preserved you up to this present time? -       The plot of the forty men failed. Do you believe God stops evil plans as He wills? How does that belief seed peace within your heart?

Reading Luke 14:1-11 when Jesus visits a Pharisees home and heals a man on the Sabbath, then He teaches the guests a lesson in humility, before God and others. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!