Podcasts about sovereign king

Sermon Notes - John 13:1-30 - Jesus: The Servant King Main Point: As Jesus has served us, so we are to serve one another.-Jesus the King is the Humble Servant (1-17)-Jesus the Servant is the Sovereign King (18-30)  -Sin can linger  -Sin can hide  -Sin can grow  -Sin will kill

Title: Chosen To Obtain Glory Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 FCF: We often struggle with fear at the thought of falling away from our faith. Prop: Because those whom God has chosen for Himself will obtain the glory of Christ, we must hold fast to the truth with thanksgiving to God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll read from the New King James Version starting in verse 13 and reading through verse 15. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. As a reminder to you, I always make sermon notes for each sermon, so if you looking for a way to follow along or if notes typically help you attend better to what is being said, I'd encourage you to grab a set each week. There is also an outline of the book of 2 Thessalonians out there too, which should provide a nice snap shot of where we are, where we've been, and where we are going. Paul has, more or less, finished his discussion about the coming of the Day of the Lord which must be preceded by the apostasy, or the falling away of many professing believers, and then the coming of the Satanic Superman, the man of lawlessness. Certainly, it is comforting to the Thessalonians to know that they have not missed the Day of the Lord because something must happen first that hasn't happened. Most of Christendom understands that this has not yet ultimately come to pass. So, Paul's words are also a comfort to us… the Day of the Lord has not come, we are not living in the eternal state. Jesus has not yet judged the world. And that is good – because the world kinda stinks. But as comforting as it is that we have not missed His coming, it is terrifying to think that a great apostasy is still on the horizon and the man of lawlessness, the beast, the Anti-Christ, is still yet to come and be given power to overcome the saints. What Paul will say next, is designed to give full comfort to the Thessalonian church and by application, will also give all those who are truly God's people, comfort too. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: All powerful, Good, Gracious, and Sovereign King. We are thankful that You are in control of all things, including the redemption of Your people. We recognize that we do not see all that You have planned. Your story has been written, but we as characters in your book do not know what our destiny is or even what our next moments will be. But it is enough to know that You are the author of it all. It is enough to know that You have written all things. It is enough to know that nothing and no one can keep You from accomplishing what You have purposed. Although we wrestle with Your absolute control while we seem to have freedom of will, and that may be something we continue to wrestle with for the rest of our lives, we must believe that You are Sovereign over all if we are to trust You and Your promises. So, Sovereign Lord, we ask that you would be with us today and help us. Give us comfort with Your Word, we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We do believe in eternal security, but we do not believe in eternal presumption. Let a man examine himself.” Donald Grey Barnhouse “Glory for the Christian is more certain than the grave.” John Blanchard [Slide 3] “The ultimate answer to the insecurity or security of the believer rests on the question of who does the work of salvation.” Lewis Sperry Chafer “The perseverance of the saints reminds us very forcefully that only those who persevere to the end are truly saints.” John Murray [Slide 4] “Though Christians be not kept altogether from falling, yet they are kept from falling altogether.” William Secker “It is a glorious truth that God will keep His people, but it is an abominable falsehood that sin will do them no harm.” C.H. Spurgeon [Slide 5] “God never repents of His electing love.” Thomas Watson “The question is not one of the retention of salvation based upon a persistence of faith, but of the possession of salvation as evidenced by a continuation of faith.” Kenneth Wuest Let these words prepare our hearts for the exposition of the text this morning. I.) Those whom God has chosen for Himself will obtain the glory of Christ, so we must give thanks to God. (13-14) a. [Slide 6] 13 - But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, i. Greek conjunctions are always somewhat of an interpretational issue. ii. The Greek conjunction here is typically translated either “but” “and” or “now.” iii. As far as coordinating conjunctions go, there isn't much difference in their role for the sentence. But as far as meaning, “and” is simply connecting two thoughts together, “now” progresses the thought, whereas “but” is providing an adversarial or contrasting meaning. iv. What helps us is that in almost every single major translation of this verse favors the adversarial “but” suggesting a contrasting point to that of the previous thought. v. Contextually we can see that quite well since before Paul was discussing the judgment of the perishing who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness, and what follows is clearly in contrast to the fate of the perishing. vi. This signals for us a distinct shift in Paul's intention. vii. While he was being comforting to the Thessalonians before, it was comfort with teeth. viii. While telling them the Day of the Lord had not come, he was also warning of a coming apostasy and the man of lawlessness who will deceive the perishing. ix. Paul shifts his topic to turn to their destiny, their future, which stands in stark contrast to that of the perishing. x. It also, as we will see, shows a distinct contrast in the activity of God. God actively sends a deluding influence to the perishing. God has also been active toward the Thessalonians too, but in an incredibly gracious way. xi. So much so, that Paul is yet again, BOUND or obligated to give thanks to God always for them. xii. And he even calls them, beloved by the Lord by which he certainly means the Lord Jesus. xiii. Paul is obliged to give thanks to God for these folks whom he knows are loved by Jesus Himself. xiv. But why does Paul feel that he must thank God for them? b. [Slide 7] because God from the beginning chose you for salvation i. There is a textual problem here that leaves the modern translations divided. ii. This is expected because the manuscript evidence is divided about evenly over both time and textual family. iii. There are two options, 1. Because God as first fruits chose you for salvation 2. Or 3. Because God from the beginning chose you for salvation 4. The difference between “as first fruits” and “from the beginning” is 1 Greek letter. iv. I won't go into too much detail but those who favor first fruits make a grammatical case and those who favor from the beginning make a contextual and theological case. v. I personally do not find the grammatical case compelling nor do they answer the theological and contextual issues with it. vi. If you want the full breakdown of one over the other, I'll be able to provide that this Thursday at prayer group and bible study. vii. But for me, “from the beginning”, seems like the most likely to be what Paul originally wrote. viii. With the threat of a great apostasy looming on the horizon, Paul comforts the Thessalonians by reminding them that even though the perishing will believe a lie and be judged in the END… they were chosen for salvation from the BEGINNING. ix. The word chosen here is also quite interesting. Paul uses a middle form of the verb meaning that God is doing the choosing as an action to or for Himself. It would be entirely appropriate to translate this “God has chosen you for Himself from the beginning for salvation” x. This highlights God's selection of a people for Himself as His own possession, whereas before we see His rejection of another people. xi. We should also note that this salvation is no doubt referring to their final salvation. Not simply their conversion, but eventually being caught up together with Christ. xii. So once again we note the time association. The perishing will be judged in the end. But they were chosen from the beginning to be saved in the end. xiii. But how? How does God go about getting them from His choosing them from the beginning to saving them in the end? c. [Slide 8] through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, i. Though Paul starts at the beginning with God choosing them, and jumps to the end with their salvation… now he moves backward from their salvation to outline exactly how God does this. ii. First, it is through sanctification by the Spirit. iii. There is a necessary component of salvation that evangelical pastors and churches avoid talking about. It isn't popular and if you don't explain it correctly it makes it sound like works-based salvation. iv. The bible makes it clear that only the righteous inherit the Kingdom of God. Only those who are holy will see God. Now we cannot go too far with this to suggest that somehow, we will be perfected in this life. That is an error other Christians make that the bible simply doesn't teach. v. We also cannot pendulum swing the other way and suggest that we must add to our trust in Christ our own works in order to be saved. vi. But we must understand, as Paul does here, that a NECESSARY component of a faith that leads to our eventual and final salvation, is a setting apart, a holifying of those being saved by the Spirit of God. vii. All those who will be saved on that Day… will continue their whole lives in a process of becoming more and more holy by the power of the Spirit of God. Not as a prerequisite for being declared righteous, but as a result of it. viii. The Holy Spirit is given to those who are declared righteous by faith, and as a necessary result of the Spirit indwelling God's people, they are made more holy. ix. But lest we think we can start that process on our own and simply try to be as good as possible, Paul goes another step back from our final salvation to speak of the belief of the truth. x. We receive the truth with faith. We depend on it. We surrender to it. True faith is rejection of everything else to grab hold of the gospel alone. xi. Notice how this is the opposite of the perishing. They did not receive the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness. xii. Those chosen from the beginning for salvation, become more and more holy by the Spirit's power and have believed the truth. xiii. But how did they come to believe the truth? d. [Slide 9] 14 to which He called you by our gospel, i. God calls His people to this truth through the good news of Jesus Christ preached since the apostles' ministry. ii. The Word of God, the gospel, Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again, is the foundation of the truth we believe. iii. That call is how God gives repentance and faith to those to whom He has chosen for salvation from the beginning. iv. But what is the goal of this salvation? Why would God do all this for us? e. [Slide 10] for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. i. Paul mentioned this earlier in chapter 1. ii. The purpose of God calling us is to bring glory to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and also that we might be glorified in that same name. iii. God's purpose in choosing the Thessalonians and all believers is so that they might obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus. iv. We… We are the reward of His suffering. f. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: In contrast to the perishing who have not received the love of the truth and upon whom God will send a deluding influence to believe a lie unto their just judgment, God has actively chosen for Himself a people from before the world began for salvation. He will accomplish this by giving them His Spirit to make them more holy. And He will accomplish THIS by sending them truth through the gospel. And He will do all this in order that they might be honored with His Son. So that they might be a people accepted as part of His family by the righteousness of Jesus. In this the Thessalonians must take great comfort to know that if they are chosen by God, their fate has been determined since before the world began. So, what must those who are truly elect of God do according to this passage? Well first, they should give thanks to God for His choosing them. Transition: [Slide 12 (blank)] But unfortunately, many Christians stop here when they speak of their salvation or election. They conclude that since they are chosen by God and declared righteous by God, that they can kick back and wait for Him to save them. Paul absolutely obliterates that idea with verse 15. II.) Those whom God has chosen for Himself will obtain the glory of Christ, so we must hold fast to what we've been taught. (15) a. [Slide 13] 15 Therefore, brethren, i. A good tip that many have often repeated when you are reading or studying the Word of God, is that when you see the word “therefore” you need to stop and find out what it is there for. ii. One of the benefits of studying the bible verse by verse, is that when we come to the word therefore, we don't need to struggle to understand what it is referencing. We simply need to think back to what we just studied. iii. God has chosen the Thessalonians to obtain the glory of Christ. iv. He has done this from the beginning to call them with the gospel so that they might believe the truth and grow in sanctification and be saved to that glory. v. So, since God has done it all… they just sit tight and wait? Right? vi. Uh… NO! b. [Slide 14] stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. i. Here we see that tension that is alive and well in the scriptures. ii. God's absolute control of everything doesn't negate human agency or responsibility. 1. Just because God is in complete control doesn't mean we don't pray. 2. Just because God chooses all those whom He will save, doesn't mean we don't repent and believe the gospel. 3. Just because God elects and predestines those who will be saved, doesn't mean we don't evangelize. 4. Just because God has revealed His will, doesn't mean we don't pray for it. iii. And so here… iv. Just because God has done all to save us, and won't let His own be swept away by the apostasy and believe a lie... doesn't mean we do nothing. v. God has given us responsibility and agency to stand fast and hold on. vi. To stand fast means to hold your ground. It means to maintain a position or remain upright. vii. To hold to means to seize or to arrest or to remain firmly committed to something. viii. But what does Paul mean by traditions? 1. In our context we have somewhat of a bad taste in our mouth when we speak of traditions. 2. Traditions, at least in our mind, are things that are man-made, that are culturally accepted as things we do, but should be discarded if they lose their meaning or purpose. 3. Is Paul telling them to stand their ground and remain committed to man-made traditions? This seems antithetical to things Paul has written before. 4. But the word tradition doesn't necessarily carry that meaning. In fact, in Greek the word typically refers to something that has been passed down from God Himself. 5. So, we should interpret traditions here primarily to refer to what Paul taught them about God, Jesus, the gospel, the End Times, and righteous living. 6. In short, it is the Christian tradition that he and all the apostles preached. ix. And Paul alludes again to the various sources from which they have received this teaching. x. Before Paul suggested that they might have heard by prophesy, by a letter, or by preaching that the Day of the Lord had come. xi. Here he says that they should stand their ground and remain committed to everything they had already received from Paul and his companions. Whether it was something they said in their presence or wrote to them in a letter. xii. Because God has chosen them for glory… they must stand firm and hold fast to what they have believed. c. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul comforts the Thessalonians further by reminding them that God has chosen them for Himself from the beginning to be saved. He has done this so they might obtain the honor and glory of Christ. He gave them the truth through the gospel. He has given His Spirit to make them progressively more holy. He will keep them from the lie because He has chosen them to receive the truth. Not only should they give thanks to God for this, but as Paul says here, as a response of God's work, they must stand firm and hold fast in what they have been taught. Because it is the truth that God gave to them to save them. They must stand firm and hold fast because that is part of the sanctifying work of the Spirit on them. They cannot be passive agents. They must actively cling to what they have received. For that is part of God's preservation of them to that glory. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 16] Though Paul certainly speaks to the Thessalonians, we know from the rest of the New Testament scriptures that all those who will obtain the glory of Christ are those whom God has chosen for Himself from the beginning. They are those whom the Holy Spirit is progressively making more holy. They are those who have believed the truth which was given to them in the call of the gospel. In this, God's sovereign initiative in salvation is highlighted and set in contrast to His sovereign response in reprobation of those who are perishing. God acts in both, but in salvation He acts to bring truth to His people and in reprobation He acts as a response to the rejection of truth by those who are not His people. Paul gives two responses to this truth of God's sovereign activity, that we must observe. He demonstrates thanksgiving, that God would save His people this way. And He commands perseverance. That BECAUSE God has chosen us from the beginning, we must hold fast to the truth we have received. God's choosing us to receive the truth should prompt our adherence to that truth, since God gave it to us in the gospel so that we might obtain the glory of Christ. But what does this mean for us in our daily walk? What should we do as a result of all this? 1.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God has chosen for Himself from the beginning a people for salvation to obtain the glory of Christ. a. This is perhaps one of the most divisive and controversial teachings in the scriptures. b. Although most believers would readily admit that salvation is all of God and none of us, when they discover passages such as these, they cannot help but attempt to put all kinds of caveats and exceptions in to make room for man's free will to have some say in who is saved. c. Entire systems are built to try to soften the contradiction of a belief that affirms that salvation is all of God but must be appropriated by man's choice. d. All that is accomplished is damage to the clear teaching of the scripture. e. This doctrine of election or predestination is not in conflict with the command for and even the need for us to repent and believe the gospel. f. But in order to give man's agency and responsibility their proper place, we must put them where Paul does here. g. As Paul says here, the belief of the person chosen is part of the means by which God carries out the intention of His choosing. h. Thus, God uses the agency and responsibility of man in His process of bringing those He has chosen to salvation to obtain the glory of Christ. i. In this, God remains absolutely sovereign over salvation while man is still responsible to respond. j. In the Old Testament we see a similar idea surrounding the selection of Israel as God's portion from the nations. He says that they were chosen because He chose to choose them. k. We also see this develop later in the Old Testament to God talking about a remnant. There were many Israelites who were ungodly and worshipped other gods. But God continues to keep and preserve a remnant for Himself. l. Meaning of course that what Paul says later was true… Not all Israel was Israel. But the Remnant that God preserved… that was His true people. m. In short, the idea that God selects and preserves His own people, is a universal biblical truth. It was not invented in the classical Geek era but was instead part of God's redemptive process since the beginning. n. And interestingly enough… whenever this doctrine is brought up in the New Testament it is brought up, not to start a debate… but to give God's people comfort. Not pride… but comfort. To know that God called and chose them. o. Therefore, we must confess it to be doctrinally true that God chose for Himself from the beginning, a people for salvation to obtain the glory of Christ. p. God chose, even before the fall of man into sin, a people whom He would rescue from their sin and preserve them to be given honor and reign with His Son in a new Kingdom. q. He has selected a family. A bride for His Son, selected from among the harlots and purified through marriage to the King. Children whom He has adopted out of another family with an abusive father named Satan. r. And God wants us to KNOW, to be assured that He did call us and chose us for His family. s. It is not humility or some added measure of piety to say that you are not sure whether you are chosen or elect of God. t. Peter commands in 2 Peter 1, that people who profess Christ should make their calling and election sure. u. But how do we know if we have been chosen by God? How do we make our calling and election sure? 2.) [Slide 18] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that all who have been chosen will receive the truth of the gospel and grow in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. a. The truth is that we don't have some physical and sure sign to know who is in God's family and who isn't. b. But He has told us how someone He has chosen is saved to obtain the glory of Christ. c. They believe the truth of the gospel, and they take pleasure in growing in holiness by the power of the Spirit. d. So long as a person believes and continues to believe the truth of the gospel and continues to grow in holiness by the Spirit's power, then they have assurance that they are chosen by God to obtain glory in Christ. e. This is true not just for assuring ourselves that we are elect of God, but also to give us assurance of the election of others who have professed Christ. f. A person who keeps turning from sin, agreeing with God that it is detestable and a person who loves, obeys, worships, and serves God, Father, Son, and Spirit– that is a person who can rest assured that they are His. g. A person who continues to see growth in their life as they become more and more like Jesus and continue to follow His teachings and commands. That is a person who is assured that they have been chosen before the foundation of the world. h. Because God does this, because God is active in literally every part of bringing His choice to its intention, and because every chosen one follows this path, we can rest assured that every person who is chosen of God will believe the truth and grow in holiness. i. So, what must we do with these two truths? 3.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must give thanks to God for His sovereign choice in salvation. a. The Jews of the first century had completely misunderstood the nature of God's choosing Israel as His portion. They assumed that since they were children of Abraham, by his blood alone, that they would be accepted by God. b. But they crucified their own Messiah. They hunted down Christians and put them to death. Why? Because the Christian message was that their bloodline to Abraham was not enough to save them from their sin. That God would NOT accept them simply on this basis. They must believe the truth of the gospel and submit to the Lordship of Jesus as their King and Messiah. c. Sadly, some Christians gain a similar arrogance at being chosen of God. They see themselves as superior to unbelievers and wicked people. They are pious and arrogant. d. While God certainly wants us to gain assurance of our calling and election, pride in that calling is well beyond what He means by assurance. e. Now… if we believe that we choose God, and it is our choosing God that saves us – we should be proud. We should be vaulting ourselves over and above the wicked. After all – We chose God. We saw the truth. They were too evil to see it. But we saw it… f. But my friends… if God chose us… then it is absolutely illogical to boast. g. Some say, “well maybe He chose us because He saw we would choose Him? Maybe He saw something special in us.” h. Well, we don't actually have to guess at the reason that God chose His elect. i. Paul, in another letter, relays exactly why God chose us. It is not an answer that satisfies our curiosity but it is an answer. j. God says, I chose you according to the counsel of my will. k. Well, what does that mean? l. I consulted what I willed and chose based on that. Well, what does that mean? m. I chose you because I chose you. That is what it means. n. He didn't choose us because we'd choose Him. He didn't choose us because we were special. He didn't choose us because we were strong. He didn't choose us because we had great potential. o. He chose us… because He chose us. p. There is only one response that should come from God's people when they are assured that God has chosen them… q. Humble praise. r. We should cry out WHY ME! I am NOTHING! Praise You God for choosing me! Me! Of all people?! s. That should be our response. We must, we are obligated to both be assured of our calling and election, but also to humbly give thanks to God for choosing us… t. And if that wasn't comforting enough let me bring a little more… 4.) [Slide 20] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” All who have been chosen by God for salvation will obtain the glory of Christ and will not fall away. a. The flow of this passage and the context leads to an inescapable conclusion that is made even more plain in other passages of scripture. b. Unlike the perishing who God sends a deluding influence upon as a response to their rejection of the truth and their pleasure in wickedness – God's chosen will not be deceived. c. All those whom God has chosen for salvation will obtain the glory of Christ. They won't fall away. Why? d. Because God is IN every single aspect of their preservation. God won't fail… indeed God cannot fail. e. Who is going to slap God's hand away and tell Him no? f. God will preserve those whom He has chosen. They will not fall away. They will not abandon their faith. g. But three things come into this that bring us to our final exhortation. i. Remember first that those who are chosen are not revealed. They must seek assurance of their own calling and election. ii. Secondly, their assurance is bound up in their ongoing belief in the truth and growth in holiness by the power of the Spirit. iii. And finally, we must remember that Paul has told the Thessalonians. They must not let themselves be deceived. h. So even though we know that it is impossible for those truly chosen by God to fall away… that can't lead to passivity or arrogance. i. Instead… 5.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must stand firm and hold fast to what we have received from Christ through the apostles. a. This is how God's chosen people will obtain the glory of Christ. b. This is part of the means God uses to preserve His chosen people from falling away and believing lies. c. He gives us His word. He gives us warnings and commands. d. Just like Paul gave to the Thessalonians. He gives them also to us. e. We must stand firm in what we have been taught. We must cling to the Scriptures and the faithful transmission of Christ's words to His church through the apostles and their inspired books. f. We must not put the scriptures secondary and doubt what they have taught about anything – especially what they have taught about God, the gospel, and the sinfulness of humanity. g. We must hold fast to the truth and the godly lifestyles that the scriptures teach. We must not seek ways to reinterpret the text in order to allow for us to break God's clear laws. h. We must pursue holiness – not lustful passions. We must pursue Christ not money. We must keep our eyes fixed on following Jesus and serving and obeying all that He has said. i. That is, in part, how God preserves His chosen people. He has given them a faith… that they cannot walk away from. A faith that continues to work. A faith they love holding on to. j. So, hold fast and stand firm. k. It is a command that those who are truly elect of God desire and will have the power of the Holy Spirit to obey. 6.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” All who have been chosen continue to turn from sin and believe the truth of the gospel while growing in holiness. a. With all this talk about being chosen of God, you might think that since it isn't up to you, you might as well just sit and wait for the end and let God sort it out. b. My friend… God is calling you to respond… today. c. His story is written but you, are merely a character in the story. You don't know how it ends. You don't know your destiny. d. But you do know something about those whose destiny it is to obtain the glory of Christ. e. What do you know about them? f. They believe the truth of the gospel. That Christ died to save sinners and that He rose and has been given a name above all names and is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and that He will come again one day to judge all men. g. You also know that they believe this so much… that they are continually becoming more and more devoted to God and serving Him and obeying Him and loving Him. h. You also know how those who will believe a lie and be judged live. They don't believe the gospel and they take pleasure in sinful lifestyles. i. What will YOU do with Jesus Christ? j. Will you trust Him or not? k. Will you serve Him or not? l. Will you follow Him or not? m. Your choice today won't CHANGE your destiny… n. But if you choose to turn from sin and follow Christ today, and continue to choose this for the rest of your days… it will CONFIRM your destiny. o. As a preacher of the gospel, as a minister of God's Word, as an instrument playing God's Message – I command you to turn from your sin and believe on and submit to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [Slide 23] Let me close with a prayer by the reformer Lancelot Andrews O Lord, my Lord, I give you thanks for my being, for my life. Thank you for nurturing, protecting, and guiding me. Thank you for teaching me, for freedom, and for faith. For your gifts of grace, for my redemption and regeneration. For calling me and recalling me—yes, for recalling me again and again. For your patience and longsuffering to me, many times, many years, up to this day. For success you've granted me, and all the good things you've done for me. For things present, for your promise, and for hope of the enjoyment of good things to come. For my family and teachers, and for those who have blessed me. (I will never forget them.) For brothers and sisters in faith, thoughtful listeners, true friends, faithful co-workers. For all who have helped me by what they have written and preached, for conversations, prayers, examples, rebukes, injuries. ... For all these, and all others which I know, which I know not, for things open and hidden, for that which I've remembered and forgotten, or done when I wished-and even when I did not wish, I bless you, Lord. And I will bless. I give thanks to you, Lord. And I will give thanks, all the days of my life. Who am I that you should look on someone like me? How could I ever pay you back, Lord, for all the benefits you have given me? What thanks could I ever give you for sparing me, and bearing with me? Holy, holy, holy! You are worthy, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive glory and honor and power. For you have made all things. And for your pleasure they are-and were-created. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May you be blessed whose strength is in the Lord You who have set your hearts in pilgrimage, Who go from strength to strength, Til you appear before God in the heavenly Zion. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.

In a world that often seems out of control, we can place our faith in a God who is in control. In this sermon, we explore what the Bible means when it declares that God reigns and why that truth becomes the foundation for trust in every season of life.   Pastor Dylan Johnston

Welcome to Day 2857 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2857 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 123:1-4– Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2857 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2857 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2857 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Wisdom-Trek: The Song of Ascent – The Upward Gaze of the Exhausted Exile In our previous episode on this grand expedition, we experienced the profound, overwhelming joy of arrival. We explored Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Two, the third Song of Ascent. We stepped off the dangerous, contested trails of the wilderness, and we finally passed through the massive, seamless gates of Jerusalem. We marveled at the unity of the tribes, the beauty of the walls, and the reassuring presence of the thrones of David, which represent the ultimate, restorative justice of the Creator. We prayed fiercely for the Shalom of the cosmic center, asking for peace within its walls, and prosperity within its palaces, for the sake of our families, and for the magnificent reputation of the house of our God. Today, as we settle into the holy city, the adrenaline of the journey begins to fade. The pilgrim is safe within the walls, but a deep, lingering exhaustion settles into his bones. We are exploring the fourth song in this pilgrim collection: Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Three, verses one through four, in the New Living Translation. This is a short, but intensely emotional, psalm. It captures the reality that, even when we are safe in God's presence, the scars of the world's hostility still ache. It is a profound transition from the outward celebration of the city, to the inward, desperate, upward gaze of the soul. Let us step onto this quiet, reflective section of the trail, and learn where to look when we have had our fill of the world's mockery. The Upward Gaze to the Cosmic Throne (Reads Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Three: verse one NLT) I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. The psalm opens with a singular, deliberate physical and spiritual motion: “I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.” If you remember back to Psalm One Hundred Twenty-One, the weary traveler looked up to the mountains, acknowledging the intimidating, pagan high places, and immediately declared that his help came not from the hills, but from the Maker of the hills. Now, in Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Three, the pilgrim is physically standing on the holy mountain of Zion. He is surrounded by the magnificent architecture of Jerusalem, and he is likely looking directly at the impressive structure of the temple itself. Yet, even with the earthly temple right in front of him, he lifts his eyes higher. He looks past the physical stones, past the earthly priesthood, and past the walls of the city. He directs his gaze straight into the unseen realm, to the ultimate, unshakeable reality: “O God, enthroned in heaven.” This is a massive declaration of cosmic geography, deeply rooted in the Ancient Israelite worldview. The surrounding pagan nations believed that their gods were localized, limited to specific geographic territories, or physically housed within their handmade, wooden idols. But the psalmist knows that Yahweh cannot be contained by human architecture. Yahweh is the Supreme Commander of the Divine Council. He is enthroned above the heavens, ruling over the lesser spiritual beings, the rebel principalities, and the chaotic forces of the universe. When the psalmist lifts his eyes to the One enthroned in heaven, he is bypassing all the middle-management of the world. He is not looking to earthly politicians, he is not looking to human armies, and he is not even relying on the physical safety of Jerusalem's walls. He is anchoring his soul directly to the highest authority in existence. When your earthly circumstances are exhausting, you must lift your eyes above the horizon of your pain, and fix them upon the Sovereign King who oversees it all. The Posture of the Hyper-Vigilant Servant (Reads Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Three: verse two NLT) We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Having directed his gaze to the heavens, the psalmist explains the exact nature of this upward look. It is not a casual, passing glance. It is a posture of intense, sustained, and hyper-vigilant dependence. He compares our relationship with God to the dynamic of a household servant in the ancient Near East. “We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” To fully understand the weight of this metaphor, we must step into the culture of the ancient world. In a wealthy or royal household, the master and mistress did not typically shout orders across a crowded banquet hall. They communicated with subtle, almost imperceptible, physical cues. A slight nod of the head, a subtle wave of the hand, or a quick glance of the eye, would instantly command a servant to pour more wine, remove a plate, or defend the door. Therefore, a good servant could never afford to be distracted. They could not look down at their feet, or stare out the window. They had to keep their eyes absolutely locked onto the hands and the face of their master, waiting for the “slightest signal.” Furthermore, in the ancient world, a servant was entirely dependent upon the master for their very survival. The master provided their food, their shelter, their clothing, and their legal protection against the outside world. To look to the master's hand was to look to the source of your life. The psalmist is saying, “This is exactly how we must look at Yahweh.” In a world ruled by the chaotic, rebellious forces of darkness, we have absolutely no independent capacity to survive. We are completely dependent upon the hand of the Creator. We must watch His hand for provision, when we are starving in the wilderness. We must watch His hand for protection, when the enemies are closing in. And we must watch His hand for guidance, ensuring that we are stepping exactly where the cosmic blueprint dictates. Notice what specific thing the servant is looking for: “We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy.” He is not demanding a paycheck. He is not claiming that he deserves a reward based on his own flawless performance. He is looking for grace. The Hebrew concept here is tied to favor, and deep, unmerited compassion. We stare at the throne of the universe, knowing that our only hope for survival in this hostile exile, is the compassionate, merciful movement of the Master's hand. The Suffocating Weight of Cultural Contempt (Reads Psalm One Hundred Twenty-Three: verses three and four NLT) Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant. The quiet, disciplined vigilance of the servant suddenly breaks into a raw, desperate, and exhausted plea. “Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt.” The repetition of the phrase “have mercy” reveals the intensity of the pain. The psalmist is spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically worn out. Why? Because he, and the covenant community of Israel, have “had our fill of contempt.” The Hebrew idiom for “had our fill” literally means to be absolutely glutted, saturated, or stuffed to the point of nausea. Imagine eating until you are physically sick, and then being forced to consume even more. That is how the psalmist feels about the mockery of the world. He is up to his neck in it. He cannot swallow another drop of their hostility. He clarifies the exact source of this nausea in verse four: “We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.” We must view the “proud” and the “arrogant” through the lens of the Divine Council worldview. These are not just people who are a little bit conceited. These are the human proxies, the avatars, of the rebel spiritual principalities. The fallen elohim rebelled against God out of sheer pride, demanding worship for themselves. Therefore, the human cultures that worship these false gods are characterized by a profound, aggressive arrogance. These pagan nations looked at Israel, and they scoffed....

Pastor Eric Mounts Revelation 5

Are we worshipping God, or a version of ourselves we've labeled “God”?In the powerful finale of our "Flawed" series, Pastor Charlie Grimes dives into one of the messiest and most revealing stories in the Book of Judges: Micah and his personal shrine in Judges 17.This ancient tale holds a compelling mirror to our modern, consumerist approach to faith. We all have that one area of our lives where we subtly say, “I've got this under control,” and start building a 'Designer Deity' that never challenges, never corrects, and always agrees with us.Join us as we explore the danger of "DIY Religion" and identify the subtle ways we "cherry-pick" our faith—embracing the comfort but avoiding the cost, seeking a divine therapist rather than a Sovereign King.In this final message, we cover:The Micah Moment: The chaos of "Doing what is right in your own eyes."** Transactional vs. Covenantal Faith**: Why we bargain when we don't trust God's character.Tearing down the shrines: How to move from self-rule to true rest in the King who is more than enough.You were never meant to carry the crown. This message is a final invitation to resign from the throne of your own life and find the grace and peace that comes only through whole-hearted surrender to the only King we need.

On Palm Sunday, Chad Kincer continues our Lenten series teaching that Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Sovereign King, worthy of worship, who comes not to bring political deliverance but peace with God — a peace that will cost him everything on the cross.

On Palm Sunday, Chad Kincer continues our Lenten series teaching that Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Sovereign King, worthy of worship, who comes not to bring political deliverance but peace with God — a peace that will cost him everything on the cross.

On Palm Sunday, Chad Puckett continues our Lenten series teaching that Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Sovereign King, worthy of worship, who comes not to bring political deliverance but peace with God — a peace that will cost him everything on the cross.

Are You Creating Your Own Religion? | The King We Need (Judges 17)Description:Are we worshipping God, or a version of ourselves we've labeled “God”?In the powerful finale of our "Flawed" series, we dive into one of the messiest and most revealing stories in the Book of Judges: Micah and his personal shrine in Judges 17.This ancient tale holds a compelling mirror to our modern, consumerist approach to faith. We all have that one area of our lives where we subtly say, “I've got this under control,” and start building a 'Designer Deity' that never challenges, never corrects, and always agrees with us.Join us as we explore the danger of "DIY Religion" and identify the subtle ways we "cherry-pick" our faith—embracing the comfort but avoiding the cost, seeking a divine therapist rather than a Sovereign King.In this final message, we cover:The Micah Moment: The chaos of "Doing what is right in your own eyes."** transactional vs. Covenantal Faith**: Why we bargain when we don't trust His character.The Cost of the Bargain: Lessons from the tragic vow of Jephthah (from image_16.png).Tearing up the Contracts: How to move from self-rule to true rest in the King who is more than enough.You were never meant to carry the crown. This message is a final invitation to resign from the throne of your own life and find the true peace that comes only through whole-hearted surrender to the King we need.Intro music:Cantina Blues Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music promoted by https://freemusicbg.comand https://www.chosic.com

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --The King and His Kingdom are a treasure that is simply worth more than everything! How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade. Mark 4:30-32 NLTGod's Kingdom is a miraculous force that works in you and is meant to exponentially multiply through you. Anyone who has accepted Jesus as Sovereign King and Savior, has a part to play in building His Kingdom.And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30 ESVAnd I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV Don't give up your birthright for a bowl of porridge. Invest everything you are and have with God and watch Him unfold a life of meaning and purpose beyond measure. The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come. Mark 4:26-29 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --The King and His Kingdom are a treasure that is simply worth more than everything! How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade. Mark 4:30-32 NLTGod's Kingdom is a miraculous force that works in you and is meant to exponentially multiply through you. Anyone who has accepted Jesus as Sovereign King and Savior, has a part to play in building His Kingdom.And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30 ESVAnd I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV Don't give up your birthright for a bowl of porridge. Invest everything you are and have with God and watch Him unfold a life of meaning and purpose beyond measure. The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come. Mark 4:26-29 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Welcome to Day 2815 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2815 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 119:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2815 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand eight hundred fifteen of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Aleph of Obedience – Walking in the Cosmic Order In our previous trek, we concluded the magnificent Egyptian Hallel with Psalm One Hundred Eighteen. We marched in a triumphant, royal procession. We saw the stone that the builders rejected become the glorious cornerstone. We shouted, "Hosanna!" and stepped through the gates of righteousness, moving out of the chaotic, hostile world and into the sacred presence of Yahweh. We bound the festival sacrifice to the horns of the altar, and we celebrated the unfailing, eternal love of God. But now that we are inside those gates, a profound question arises. How are we supposed to live? How do the citizens of God's Kingdom conduct themselves in a world that is still contested by rebel spiritual forces? To answer this, we turn to the Mount Everest of the Psalter: Psalm One Hundred Nineteen. Psalm One Hundred Nineteen is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a masterpiece of Hebrew poetry, constructed as an intricate acrostic. It contains twenty-two stanzas, matching the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has eight verses, and every single verse within a stanza begins with that specific Hebrew letter. Today, we are exploring the very first stanza, the "Aleph" section, covering verses one through eight, in the New Living Translation. This entire, massive psalm is dedicated to one singular theme: the beauty, authority, and life-giving power of God's Word—His Torah. In the Ancient Israelite worldview, the Torah was not merely a list of restrictive rules. It was the architectural blueprint of the cosmos. While the surrounding pagan nations stumbled in the dark, manipulated by the deceptive, rebel gods of the Divine Council, Israel was given the ultimate gift. They were given the very mind of the Creator. To follow God's instructions was to align oneself with the grain of the universe, stepping out of chaos and into cosmic order. Let us begin our ascent up this great mountain of wisdom. Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses one through three. Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. The psalm opens with a double declaration of blessing. "Joyful are people of integrity... Joyful are those who obey his laws." The Hebrew word translated here as "joyful" is Ashrei. It can also be translated as "blessed," "happy," or "flourishing." It describes a life that is deeply rooted, stable, and completely satisfied, regardless of external circumstances. It is the exact same word that opens the entire book of Psalms in Psalm Chapter One. But who gets to experience this profound, flourishing joy? The psalmist tells us it is the "people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord." The word for "instructions" is Torah. For the ancient Israelite, the Torah was the loving, fatherly guidance of Yahweh. It was the boundary line that kept them safe from the destructive, degrading practices of the surrounding nations. To follow these instructions requires a specific posture of the heart. The psalmist says that these joyful people "search for him with all their hearts." Obedience to God is never meant to be mindless, robotic compliance. It is a passionate pursuit. You cannot accidentally stumble into a life of integrity; you must hunt for it. You must desire the presence of the Lawgiver even more than you desire the law itself. This wholehearted pursuit leads to a radical separation from the ways of the world. "They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths." When we consider the Divine Council worldview, this idea of walking "only in his paths" is a statement of fierce, exclusive loyalty. The pagan world was filled with alternative paths. The rebel spiritual principalities constantly offered shortcuts to power, wealth, and pleasure through idolatry and compromise. But the person of integrity refuses to negotiate with chaos. They will not mix the holy with the profane. They recognize that any path other than Yahweh's path inevitably leads to the realm of death. Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verse four. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. The psalmist shifts his focus directly toward God, acknowledging the divine mandate. "You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully." God did not offer His Word as a series of helpful suggestions or optional lifestyle upgrades. He "charged" us. He commanded it. Why? Because He is the Sovereign King, and we are His earthly representatives. We are His imagers. If we are going to accurately reflect His character to a dark, rebellious world, we must handle His instructions with extreme care and diligence. The word "carefully" implies diligence, vigilance, and strict attention. Imagine you are carrying a priceless, fragile vessel through a crowded, dangerous marketplace. You would not swing it around carelessly; you would hold it tightly to your chest, watching every step you take. That is how the believer is commanded to handle the Word of God. The instructions of Yahweh are the most valuable possession humanity has ever received, and they must be guarded and obeyed with absolute vigilance. Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses five through six. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Here, the tone of the psalm suddenly changes. We move from the objective, lofty heights of the divine mandate, down to the gritty, frustrating reality of human weakness. The psalmist lets out a deep, heartfelt sigh: "Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!" This is the great, agonizing tension of the spiritual life. The psalmist knows what the law says. He knows that the Torah is beautiful, perfect, and life-giving. He wants to obey it with all his heart. But he is painfully aware of his own inconsistency. He knows how prone his feet are to wander off the path, and how easily his heart can be distracted by the compromises of the world. We all feel this tension. We read the Scriptures, and we are inspired by the standard of holiness. We want to be patient, generous, pure, and courageous. But then the pressure of daily life hits, and we find ourselves reacting with anger, selfishness, or fear. Like the Apostle Paul in Romans Chapter Seven, we cry out, "I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." The psalmist's sigh is the universal groan of the redeemed soul, longing for complete transformation. And why does he want this consistency so desperately? "Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands." In the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were the primary forces that drove human behavior. Shame was not just a private feeling of guilt; it was a public loss of face, a devastating failure to live up to the standards of your community and your God. When we hold our lives up to the perfect, unyielding mirror of God's Word, the cracks and blemishes become glaringly obvious. The Word of God exposes our mixed motives and our hidden sins. But the psalmist realizes that the antidote to this shame is not to throw away the mirror, or to lower the standard. The antidote is to align his life so closely with the decrees of God, through the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit, that when the comparison is made, there is harmony, rather than hypocrisy. Psalm One Hundred Nineteen: verses seven through eight. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! The Aleph stanza concludes with a beautiful promise of gratitude, followed by a desperate plea for grace. "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!" Notice the order of operations here. First comes the learning. We have to immerse ourselves in the Word of God to understand His character and His expectations. We have to study the rulebook of the cosmos. But the learning is never meant to stay trapped in our intellect. The ultimate expression of gratitude to God is not merely singing a song, or offering a verbal prayer. The highest form of thanksgiving is an obedient life. "I will thank...

Do you find yourself treating God as a common accessory to your life rather than the Sovereign King of the universe? In this series premiere of "Underestimated," Pastor Ernest Almond of Higher Definition Church in Jacksonville explores why we often shrink God down to fit our own desires and limitations. Drawing from the powerful imagery of Isaiah 40:10-17 and the promise of Psalm 37:3-4, this message challenges the "low definition" faith that treats God like a genie or a transactional peer.Learn the dangers of misapplied scripture and how to cultivate a heart that truly delights in the Lord. Whether you are navigating personal struggles or feeling overwhelmed by global events, this teaching refocuses your perspective on God's matchless reach, wisdom, and longevity. Join us at HD Church as we resist the urge to underestimate the One who holds the heavens in the span of His hand and learn to live with a Kingdom identity in Jacksonville.

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --After this manner therefore pray: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJVWe are not created to be subjects to the kingdom of this world but to the Kingdom of our God.From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESVGod's word is literally a revelation of His Kingdom priorities and yet those priorities are rarely ever ours.God's Kingdom is His sovereign rule and reign in heaven and on earth, presently accomplishing His will in and through the hearts and lives of those who faithfully follow Him. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 CSBHe is a compassionate King.Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 ESV For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ESVJesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world. John 18:37 NKJVJesus came for a Revolution of Redemption and Restoration!He is the Conquering King!Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19 ESVDeath, the previously undefeated foe, was no match for our conquering savior and King.They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 ESV The more pertinent question is, who was on that cross? - John LennoxNow after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen. Matthew 28:1-6 ESV3) He is the Sovereign King Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 ESVTherefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NLTMuch of the chaos is in our lives stems from the fact that we don't rightly respond to Christ's sovereign rule as King.For God is the King over all the earth. He reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.. Psalm 47:7–8 NLTWe must see Jesus as both our merciful Savior and our sovereign Lord.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --After this manner therefore pray: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJVWe are not created to be subjects to the kingdom of this world but to the Kingdom of our God.From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESVGod's word is literally a revelation of His Kingdom priorities and yet those priorities are rarely ever ours.God's Kingdom is His sovereign rule and reign in heaven and on earth, presently accomplishing His will in and through the hearts and lives of those who faithfully follow Him. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 CSBHe is a compassionate King.Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 ESV For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ESVJesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world. John 18:37 NKJVJesus came for a Revolution of Redemption and Restoration!He is the Conquering King!Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19 ESVDeath, the previously undefeated foe, was no match for our conquering savior and King.They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 ESV The more pertinent question is, who was on that cross? - John LennoxNow after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen. Matthew 28:1-6 ESV3) He is the Sovereign King Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 ESVTherefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NLTMuch of the chaos is in our lives stems from the fact that we don't rightly respond to Christ's sovereign rule as King.For God is the King over all the earth. He reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.. Psalm 47:7–8 NLTWe must see Jesus as both our merciful Savior and our sovereign Lord.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Call/WhatsApp: +91 9480585039 Email: info@febaonline.org

The term "flying blind" comes from the early days of aviation, when pilots couldn't fly safely in fog, clouds, or darkness—they had to see the ground or risk crashing. In our text, we see the Sovereign King of the universe flying blind for us. Blindfolded, mocked, beaten, taunted, Jesus could have drawn on His divine power to see, know, and strike back. But He refused. He entrusted Himself to the Father's plan, laying down His life willingly. When you're flying blind in the fog of evil and injustice, take heart: the Sovereign King sees, reverses, and redeems. (Luke 22:63–71)

Adam BowersIn this message, Pastor Adam begins a new series exploring four aspects of who God is: the Holy Architect, the Loving Community, the Sovereign King, and the Gracious Finisher. This teaching introduces God as the Holy Architect, emphasizing that while many spiritual beings exist, there is only one true, supreme Creator: Yahweh, the God of gods. Drawing from Scripture, Pastor Adam explains how the Bible uses the word “elohim,” why God is utterly unique among all spiritual beings, and how creation itself reveals intentional design, order, and purpose.Pastor Adam also unpacks what it means to believe in one God who is Creator of all things, holy, and infinitely perfect. Through biblical theology, illustrations from science and history, and Moses' final words to Israel, this message challenges us to recognize God as the ultimate standard of truth and morality, and to respond with wholehearted love, obedience, and faithfulness to the one true God.

The Providence of a Sovereign King _ Nehemiah 2_1-20 by Cypress Bible Church

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit as the King's Representative This teaching explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit, described here as the "Viceroy" or Governor of the Kingdom of God. Pastor Omar Ellison takes us back to Genesis to understand the original intent for mankind—to have dominion over the earth as God's representatives. Through this message, you will discover that when Adam and Eve fell, they didn't just lose their home; they lost the Spirit of God that empowered their dominion. However, Jesus came to restore this connection, moving the Spirit from merely being "with" us to dwelling "in" us. Key Takeaways: -- The definition of a Viceroy is a governor who rules a province as the representative of a Sovereign King, implementing the King's culture and perspective. -- In Creation, God gave mankind dominion over the earth, animals, and plants, but notably, never gave us dominion over other people. -- The Holy Spirit (the Viceroy) requires a holy temple; when Adam and Eve sinned, the Spirit had to depart, leaving man to rely on mere intellect rather than revelation. -- God's Kingdom is an "absolute monarchy," meaning His word is final, powerful, and does not change based on modern opinions or votes. -- Jesus promised in John 14 to send "another Comforter" just like Him, ensuring that believers are never alone and have the Governor residing within them again. -- The Holy Spirit brings conviction in three specific areas: sin (specifically unbelief), righteousness (our standing in Christ), and judgment (the defeat of the enemy). -- True prosperity and provision come not from striving and overworking, but from resting in God's presence and allowing Him to add things to your life. Scriptures for Further Study: -- Genesis 1:26 – Dominion over the earth. -- Genesis 2:7 – The breath of life making man a living soul. -- Isaiah 9:6-7 – The prophecy of the government upon His shoulder. -- John 14:16-18 – The promise of the Comforter dwelling in us. -- John 16:7-11 – The expediency of Jesus departing and the Spirit's role in conviction. -- Colossians 1:12-14 – Being delivered from darkness and translated into the Kingdom. ******* Find more information on our website: https://www.saltandlightcovenant.com/

In this powerful scene from John 13, Jesus—fully aware that the Father had given all things into His hands—rises from supper, lays aside His garments, and kneels to wash His disciples' feet. In this single, scandalous act of humility, the Sovereign King of creation becomes the servant of sinners.This sermon invites us to marvel at the love of Christ—“having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end”—and to see how His love redefines greatness, power, and joy. As we watch Him stoop low to serve, we're confronted with the question: If the Master has done this for us, how can we not serve one another?John's Gospel shifts here from the “Book of Signs” to the “Book of Glory,” and in this moment, the glory of Christ shines brightest—not in splendor, but in humility. Through His love, His example, and His charge to His disciples, Jesus shows us that the way of blessing is the way of the servant.

Are you following the Suggestion Box Jesus — the one who turns His commands into friendly advice — or the Sovereign King who rules, loves, and truly sets you free? In today's episode of The Kirk Cameron Show, Kirk dives deep into what it really means to follow Christ in obedience, not convenience. From Psalm 19's “poetry of freedom” to the modern-day temptation to redefine Jesus, Kirk unpacks how God's law isn't a cage but a roadmap to true liberty. Plus, Kirk and James answer audience questions about faith, politics, wealth, marijuana, the “mark of the beast,” and whether the world is getting better or worse. #KirkCameron #TheKirkCameronShow #FaithAndFreedom #SuggestionBoxJesus #ChristianPodcast #ObedienceAndGrace #SovereignKing #BiblicalTruth #Psalm19 #ChristianLiving #GodsLaw #FreedomInChrist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good 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)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Timothy 6Paul concludes with various instructions for Timothy to share with the church. He urges that slaves show respect to their masters so that God's name and teaching will not be discredited. Paul warns against those who teach false doctrines and are motivated by pride and greed. He reminds Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain, and that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Paul charges Timothy to flee from these worldly desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. He is called to fight the good fight of faith and hold tightly to eternal life, for the Sovereign King is coming in glory! Paul closes by warning the wealthy to be humble, generous, and focused on eternal treasure rather than earthly riches. We are reminded that real gain is not found in possessions or status, but in godliness and contentment. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to want more, yet God calls us to be satisfied in Him. We must be careful not to let money or pride guide our choices. Instead, we should pursue what lasts: righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We are in a spiritual fight, and we must hold tightly to what is true. If we have been given much, we are called to be generous and humble. Our hope must rest not in what we can earn or own, but in a life awaiting the Lord Jesus Christ, who will rule for all eternity.   Kind Father, we come to You with hearts that want to be content in You alone. Teach us to let go of our need for more and to rest in the riches of Your grace. Help us to flee from selfish desires and chase after qualities that imitate the holiness of Your Son. Strengthen us to fight the good fight and hold tightly to the eternal life You have promised. Remind us that everything we have comes from You. Make us generous, humble, and focused on what truly matters. May our hope be anchored in You, and in nothing else.  Thought Questions: How far will you go to honor God's name and doctrine? Why must you accept the challenge to treat people well, no matter who they are? Why is the love of money the root of all sorts of evil? How do you protect your heart and life against discontentment, selfishness, and greed? What does it mean to “take hold of eternal life” even as you live on earth? How will you live and give if you expect Christ's return at any time?

Last week, we learned how to fight the good fight of faith, but this Sunday we’re diving into why we fight—unpacking the powerful motivations in 1 Timothy 6:13-16 that fuel our passion to stand firm for Christ. From the Giver of Life to the Sovereign King, discover what drives us to live boldly and faithfully until He returns!

Foundations 7.20.25 Dr. Jeff Dowdy Romans 8:28-39

A Sunday morning sermon by Pastor Brett Deal. Have you ever heard a great song or watched an incredible movie then afterwards learned the inspiration for it, and it made it all the more powerful? Years ago, Elise and I were in a little art shop in a mall. Among all the large and impressive art for sale, there was a fairly small oil replica of Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers. So simple. Flowers in a vase. I walked out with that little framed painting for my office. Later I learned Van Gogh painted the original to display in a room to show his gratefulness for his friend, Paul Gauguin, who was moving in with him. The painting was more than just vibrant impasto colors of liberal oil paint. The paint was more than just a still life of top-heavy sunflowers. The painting was friendship, closeness, gratitude. Psalm 102 is a powerful song we can sing in the valley. It is a song of suffering held deeply in the heart of the singer. Not wanting this to be missed, the compilers of Israel's song book kept a short superscript before the lyrics. It is one of a kind. The superscript of 102 is the only one in Psalms which, according to Rolf Jacobson “describes a psalm as intended for a particular instance in a person's life.” Psalm 102 is Van Gogh's sunflower with the backstory of gratitude. This fifth penitential psalm is at first glance a moving song of sorrow and shadow. It is does not hide its suffering. But holding gently the superscript at the beginning brings a deeper resonance: “A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.” There is a backstory. There is an affliction that has left the voice parched and in pain. This lament is sung from the little remaining, the last drops of oil in the widow's jar, the rasping voice of the thirsty soul. Like the sunflowers, it is a song for someone…and that someone is divine. He is enthroned on high. He is God Almighty. He is the eternal Father, merciful and compassionate. He is the Sovereign King, who builds and rebuilds. He is the Lord who hears our prayers sung in the darkness and responds with the radiance of hope.

We are used to kings who use their power to their advantage, see their position as a way to get what is best for them, and whose power is limited. But Jesus is not like other kings. Jesus uses His power and position to serve and sacrifice, and even death cannot stop His reign. Jesus is more than just a savior, He is a king like no other. No other ruler has ever proven themselves to be sovereign over death. Plenty have tried, but no one is like King Jesus. His power over death is your hope, because His victory over death means death doesn't have to be the end of your story—if you will submit to Him as king. Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:21-26 Speaker: Kevin Stiles  

We are used to kings who use their power to their advantage, see their position as a way to get what is best for them, and whose power is limited. But Jesus is not like other kings. Jesus uses His power and position to serve and sacrifice, and even death cannot stop His reign. Jesus is more than just a savior, He is a king like no other. No other ruler has ever proven themselves to be sovereign over death. Plenty have tried, but no one is like King Jesus. His power over death is your hope, because His victory over death means death doesn't have to be the end of your story—if you will submit to Him as king. Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:21-26 Speaker: Bob Kadlecik

We are used to kings who use their power to their advantage, see their position as a way to get what is best for them, and whose power is limited. But Jesus is not like other kings. Jesus uses His power and position to serve and sacrifice, and even death cannot stop His reign. Jesus is more than just a savior, He is a king like no other. No other ruler has ever proven themselves to be sovereign over death. Plenty have tried, but no one is like King Jesus. His power over death is your hope, because His victory over death means death doesn't have to be the end of your story—if you will submit to Him as king. Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:21-26 Speaker: Kevin Ozolins

Pastor Will presents a special Palm Sunday message entitled "The Sovereign King" - Mark 11:1-19.Other Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 118, Psalm 24.VideoAudioApr 13th am - "The Sovereign King" - Mark 11:1-19.mp3File Size:20019 kbFile Type:mp3Download File [...]

Scripture – Psalm 47 Sermon Summary:  Because He is sovereign over every creature and everything that happens in His creation, all peoples should joyfully worship God.

Join us as we wrap up our powerful series, "The Arrival of God," focusing on the truly extraordinary birth of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Gospel of Luke. In this episode, "The Sovereign King," we delve into the profound message that Jesus is the true King of the nations, overshadowing the arrogance of worldly powers like Caesar Augustus. Explore how Luke's narrative masterfully highlights the humble yet sovereign arrival of Jesus—born in a simple Bethlehem stable, yet fulfilling divine prophecy amidst a Roman backdrop.We discuss the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over human history, emphasizing that trials and opposition often serve His greater purpose. Be encouraged as we see how God's deliberate plan triumphs over human power and wickedness, transforming trials into testimony.Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Gospel and find strength in God's sovereign plan, this episode will inspire you to trust in Christ's ultimate victory, even in the face of worldly challenges.Tune in and discover how the birth of Christ continues to be the greatest news ever told, offering us not only eternal hope but also a blueprint for how to live our lives in awe of Jesus. Remember, Christ is King—not only over nations but over all eternity.

Hi Friends,Today in our series we explore what Estes refers to as “The Harrowing of the Soul.” This is the phase in our journey when we begin to look with great discernment at our inner masculine and feminine. Our purpose is to ultimately embody our Sovereign King and Queen, but we must learn how to alchemize the attending fear and doubt, as represented by the Devil's toxic messages in our tale. Join us as we navigate this very important stage.Musical selection: Voices by Patrick Patrikios.Donations: http://paypal.com/paypalme/LoriGreenPodcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lori-green2/support

Today, our Senior Pastor, Pastor Femi Paul, brought us God's Word in a message he entitled "All, by the Leading of God." Taking reference from Matthew 2:1-12 (NKJV), he highlighted the journey of the wise men who followed God's leading: "They were led as they went! They were led as they left!" Matthew 2:9b-10 (MSG) beautifully illustrates this: "Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!" Pastor Femi emphasised that under God's leading, the wise men were directed to the right place and arrived at the right time. Their obedience and guidance turned them into "stars" themselves, led by the ultimate Star, the Sovereign King born in a manger.

Psalm 110

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the hopeful news that the world is ultimately in the hands of a Sovereign King who is good, has no rival, proven His love for us by laying down His life, and who calls us even now to help transform authority until He returns and makes all things new. Daniel 4:13-14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204&version=NABRE) EXAMEN FOR LEADERS: - Would people say that I am a leader for their sakes? - Do I surround myself with strong complementary people? - Am I raising up good followers or great leaders? - Do I develop plans on my own, or do I seek to discern the Lord's plan and vision with others? - Do I clearly and consistently cast that vision to those whom we serve? - Do I desire to be magnanimous? - How do I speak of and see those with whom I serve? Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

As we continue our exposition of the book of Acts, we explore in this sermon Christ's final in-person words to His disciples followed by His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Through these 6 verses, it is made very clear who we are in this world. The church is a people defined wholly by Christ. We are a people with: A Present Focus, A Divine Empowerment, A Clear Identity, A Sovereign King, and A Certain Hope.

We often forget how transcendent God is, and try to think of him and related him as if he was on our level. We need to see God as high and lifted up and our hopelessness before him, unless he makes a way for our salvation. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7

Pastor Parsley celebrates God's holiest day – the great Day of Atonement that foreshadowed our Savior's sacrifice on Calvary's cross – and shares the glorious implications of  God's celestial calendar.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 32-33 Teacher: Josh Armstrong Scripture Reading: Revelation 19:11-16

A Life That's Blessed: Living Under the Rule of the Sovereign King (Psalm 2) | Women's Bible Study | Stephanie Schwartz

God is in control of all earthly kingdoms and entrusts His everlasting kingdom to His people that trust in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Parsley celebrates God's holiest day – the great Day of Atonement that foreshadowed our Savior's sacrifice on Calvary's cross – and shares the glorious implications of the new year 5784 on God's celestial calendar.