Podcasts about syrophoenician

Did you know the excruciating suffering Jesus endured secured your ETERNAL redemption? Many misunderstand the depth of God's grace and the complete forgiveness available through Christ.We explore the powerful story of the Syrophoenician woman, who, like us, was "outside the covenant" until Jesus. Discover how Christ's ultimate sacrifice — detailed, in part, by the horrifying reality of the Roman whip He endured — forever changed our standing with God.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kay-and-olu-taiwo-vision-guided-life--1709267/support.

What if healing isn't a reward, but a right? In this message, Pastor Mark takes us deep into the heart of God's healing mercy—reminding us that healing isn't just possible, it's promised. Through the stories of the Syrophoenician woman and the Roman centurion, Pastor Mark shows how faith, humility, and persistence move the heart of Jesus—even when you don't feel worthy. This message will stir your faith, challenge your perspective, and invite you to take your place at the table. Healing belongs to the children of God—not because we've earned it, but because Jesus paid for it. Whether you're standing for a miracle or simply needing to believe again, this word is your invitation to come boldly and receive what's already been given.

Read Online“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21–22Chorazin and Bethsaida were Jewish towns that Jesus visited frequently to preach and to perform many “mighty deeds.” They were located just north of His city of residence, Capernaum. Tyre and Sidon were pagan coastal cities northeast of Chorazin and Bethsaida, in modern-day Lebanon, and were towns known for their immoral living. Though Jesus did not spend much time in those cities, He did visit them at times. During Jesus' first recorded visit there, recall His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman who begged Him to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21–28). The Gospel passage quoted above took place prior to Jesus making that journey.Why was Jesus so harsh toward the towns He spent so much of His time in. Why did He rebuke Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? To answer this, it's important to remember that Jesus spent most of His time preaching to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” In other words, His primary mission during His public ministry was to share the Gospel with those who were descendants of Abraham and had been entrusted with the Law of Moses, the teachings of the prophets and the liturgical rites. For that reason, Jesus not only preached with perfection to these people, He also did miracle after miracle. And though there were many who did believe in Him and became His disciples, there were many others who were indifferent or who flatly refused to believe in Him. Today, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum could be seen as symbols of those Catholics who were born and raised in the faith and were given good formation by their parents and others. Many parents whose children have gone astray from the faith wonder what they did wrong. But the truth is that even Jesus Himself was rejected, despite His perfect preaching, perfect charity and undeniable miracles. And the same happens today. There are many who, despite being raised within the holy faith given to us by Christ Himself, reject that faith and turn a blind eye to the Gospel and the Church.Jesus' rebuke of those towns should echo today in the minds of those who, despite being given so much in regard to a good upbringing, have rejected God. Of course, that rejection is not always absolute and total. More often, it is a rejection in degrees. First, the rejection comes in the form of missing Mass. Then moral compromises. Then a lack of faith. And eventually confusion, doubt and a complete loss of faith sets in.If you are one who has started down the road of becoming more and more lukewarm in your faith, then the rebuke of these towns by Jesus should be understood to also be directed at you in love. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required…” (Luke 12:48). Therefore, to those who have been taught the faith well, much is expected. And when we fail to live up to that which is demanded of us by God out of love, a holy rebuke is exactly what we need. Reflect, today, upon whether the rebuke Jesus issues toward these towns is also issued toward you. Have you been blessed with a good formation in the faith? If so, have you done all you can to help nourish that faith and grow in your love of God? Or have you allowed your faith to dim, to become lukewarm and to begin to wither and die? If you have been given much, have been raised in the faith and have been privileged with good examples in your life, then know God expects much of you. Answer that high calling that is given to you and respond to God with all your heart. My passionate Jesus, You poured out Your heart and soul through Your preaching to the people of Israel. Although many accepted You, many others rejected You. I thank You for the privilege I have been given to hear Your holy Word preached to me. Help me to respond to You with all my heart so that I will be counted among those who listen and believe. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Day of Judgement by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

I. The History II. Her Humility III. Her Persistence

In this episode, we'll watch a Gentile woman come to Jesus and ask Him to do the unthinkable; share His miraculous power with a Gentile. Danny and Kurt consider the many challenges that she faces and highlight her persistence to get the help she needs.

Last week, we explored Mark 7 as the religious leaders challenged Jesus about their traditions of ritual washing. To the religious leaders, being clean before God was about outward actions and religious rituals. Jesus called them hypocrites, referencing Isaiah 29 to describe their outward religion but hearts that are far from God. Jesus then explained that what defiles a person before God is a fallen heart, and only Jesus can transform our hearts to make us right with God. In the rest of Chapter 7, Jesus demonstrates that the clean/unclean distinction also applies to the nations. He travels outside of Israel and gives the same preview of covenant blessings to Gentiles. In Tyre and Sidon, Gentile regions considered impure by the Pharisees, a Syrophoenician woman (referred to as a Canaanite woman in Matthew's account) pleads with Jesus to cast out the unclean spirit that afflicts her daughter. Jesus's immediate response to her request is unexpected. Instead of granting her request, Jesus says it is not yet time for the "dogs" to be fed. First, the children (the Jews) must be fed. However, despite her status as an outsider, her humble and persistent faith leads Jesus to fulfill her request. (Matthew 15 highlights her faith.) Furthermore, this unclean Gentile woman is the first in Mark's gospel to recognize Jesus' kingdom ministry and mission. (In Matthew's account, she even calls Him the Son of David.) Her heart is laid bare before us that we might see her humble and persistent faith, which leads her to see clearer than the disciples and the Jewish religious leaders. Then, in the Gentile region of Decapolis, Jesus heals a deaf-mute man by touching his ears and tongue—acts that would have horrified the Pharisees. His touch and word bring healing, which is also a preview of the kingdom where the effects of sin will be abolished. The Gentiles who witness this miracle say, "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak" (v. 37). Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells that this is exactly what the Messiah will do when he comes to His people. And here He is—doing so among the Gentiles. These two Gentile healings follow Jesus' teaching about what constitutes clean and unclean before God. Previously, Jesus taught that the heart is humanity's problem; now, we see how that problem is solved for both Jew and Gentile. By grace through faith, sinners enter the kingdom of God and are heirs to the promise of Abraham. (See Gal. 3:7-9; 29). The woman and the deaf-mute man show us that Jesus' grace is for all nations, no matter how unworthy we feel. By grace, all may come to Him in humble faith and be adopted into God's family. Regardless of our sins or past, Jesus "has done (has made) all things well." Setting v. 24 I. The Persistent Faith Of A Gentile Woman (v. 25-30) II. Jesus' Powerful Touch Of Grace (v. 31-35) III. The Proclamation Of God's Messiah (v. 36-37)

In this episode of Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran, dive into the transformative teachings of Mark 7-8, where Jesus challenges religious norms and emphasizes purity of heart over tradition. Witness how the interaction with the Syrophoenician woman redefines faith beyond cultural boundaries, unveiling the power of belief and openness to God's grace. Explore the profound symbolism of the 'crumb' as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and the inclusion of all in the divine promise. Sharon offers insights into scripture that invite you to deepen your understanding and application of God's Word in your daily life.

Welcome to the latest episode of Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran. Join Sharon as she dives into the depths of Scripture, delivering a passionate and insightful examination of Part 2 of the Gospel of Mark, covering Chapter 7, Verse 24 through Chapter 8, Verse 21. This episode uncovers the profound significance of Holy Communion, emphasizing the transformative power of the Eucharist as the eternal bread that heals and unites believers into a single body in Christ. Sharon takes us on a journey through miraculous narratives, including the inspiring story of the Syrophoenician woman's faith and the remarkable healing of the deaf mute. These accounts exemplify the opening of hearts and the breaking down of barriers to reveal the true presence of God among us. Explore the symbolic gestures and sacred traditions of the Mass while learning about the historical and theological contexts behind these Gospel accounts. Listen as Sharon illuminates the importance of openness and belief, urging us to receive the transformative grace offered by Christ through the Eucharist. Discover the universal invitation to partake in the divine banquet, where even the smallest crumb holds the full, living presence of God. Join us for this enriching exploration of faith, revelation, and the promise of eternal life.

Jesus Delivered Us (2) (audio) David Eells – 6/25/25 I'm going to continue speaking about how Jesus has delivered us. When the Syrophoenician woman asked Jesus to deliver her daughter in (Matthew 15:21-28), who was “grievously vexed with a demon” (Mat.15:26) … He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs. Deliverance is for God's people; deliverance is “the children's bread.” Those who think they can go and just cast demons out of any lost person do not know anything about deliverance. In the first place, it's a very dangerous thing to do. We are the ones who are in covenant with God, the covenant being deliverance from the curse of sin and of death (Rom.8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.). This is our covenant. We have a right to total deliverance from bondage of the flesh and from bondage to demon spirits. We have the right, but that does not mean we will attain it. The right to deliverance comes when we receive knowledge and understanding of the promises, and then we enter into those covenant promises by faith. The Bible says in (Heb.4:3) …the works were finished from the foundation of the world. So the only thing remaining is for us to enter into those works through faith. It also says in (Heb.4:2) …but the word of hearing did not profit them (the Jews), because it was not united by faith with them that heard. When the Israelites were supposed to conquer their Promised Land, all they needed to do was what Joshua and Caleb did; they believed the Word of God. Ten of the twelve spies who came back did not believe the Word of God. They believed only what they saw, felt, and heard, and those were the things they confessed. They did not enter into the Promised Land because they brought back a bad report. Let's read that. (Num.13:25) And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. (26) And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. (27) And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us; and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. (28) Howbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. (29) Amalek dwelleth in the land of the South: and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, dwell in the hill-country; and the Canaanite dwelleth by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan. (30) And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. (31) But the men that went up with him said, We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. (32) And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature.  (33) And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (Num.14:1) And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. This is also a type and shadow. There are ministers today who do not believe that we can be holy. They do not believe we can overcome sin and the devil. God wants to lead us through our Promised Land or Land of Promise to come against our enemies and conquer them all. But you have no authority to cast a demon out of a person who is full of bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, and resentment. You'll waste a lot of breath trying to deliver these people because, without true repentance, they can come back. And you do not know the tormentors; you just know that they are demons. They could be demons of spiritual infirmities or they could be unclean spirits. Anyone wanting to help in the ministry of deliverance should first be filled with the Holy Spirit. We need this gift, and a person who is not filled with the Holy Spirit has no business in any deliverance ministry. In the days of the first disciples, all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they would make sure other disciples were also filled with the Holy Spirit. (Act.19:1) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples: (2) and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they [said] unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was [given]. (3) And he said, Into what then were ye baptized? And they said, Into John's baptism. (4) And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus. (5) And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God's authority to know what is going on in people. We are to live under the law of the Spirit (Romans 7:6,8:2,4; etc.). The Old Testament Law, all those rules and regulations, was given to Israel because they did not have the Spirit of God, and so they didn't know what to do when they got into such-and-such a situation. It does not work that way in the New Testament because we have the Holy Spirit to lead us. (Gal.5:18) But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. He guides us in the ministry of deliverance from lusts of the flesh and demons that rule over the lusts of the flesh. The most common reason why people don't get delivered from demons is because they are not right with their brother, and what often happens is that not being right with their brother does not get revealed. Jesus tells us to make things right with our brother before we bring our gift before the altar; otherwise, He will turn you over to the jailer and the jailer will throw you into prison. That “jailer” is the devil. (Mat.5:23) If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, (24) leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (25) Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Jesus came to set the captives free. That is what we were, but that is not what we are now supposed to be. We were captive to the lusts of the flesh, representing the old man of the land, who seems like a giant to us, and were captive to the devil. We were in prison, having no hope without God. In Luke 4, Jesus was quoting from Isaiah, (Isa.61:1) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound… Liberty to the captives has been proclaimed, but not everybody is entering into this liberty being cowards before their giant flesh. Our job as ministers of reconciliation is to minister the same thing that Jesus ministered. (2Co.5:18) But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation. Our job is to proclaim the liberty that was given to us at the Cross. This liberty is deliverance from bondage to the flesh man, and deliverance from the demons that rule over the him. Then Jesus went on in (Luk.4:18) … to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of the sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (19) to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. He did not quote the second part of the sentence in (Isa.61:2) To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God… He only quoted the first half of this verse because the day He was ministering in was the day of the Lord's favor, but in these days we're coming to the second half, “the day of vengeance of our God.” While grace and liberty to the captives are being offered, to the extent that we will humble ourselves to the Word is the extent we can enter into it. The Bible says in (Rev.22:18) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. Even though we have authority to cast out demons, there won't be anything lasting you can do for a person who is adding to or taking away from the Word. If you think you are going to deliver them from that curse, then you're deceived, and you haven't read Deuteronomy 28 for yourself. So that person should fill themselves with the Word to keep their gift. It was not the devil who put the curse on this earth; it was God. He sent the curse because of man's rebellion. The curse is designed to motivate us to run to the Cross and to make us run to Jesus Christ, Who has the only antidote for the curse. The world likes to deceive us into thinking they can solve our curses for us, but it's not possible. All the world can do is just shove the curse around without solving a thing, and they're about to see the truth of that now. For example, diseases they thought they had wiped out are coming back, and they're coming back stronger than ever because of man's intervention. And mans so called cure is killing a lot of people.  You see, it's not possible to destroy a curse that God has put out there, but He also sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from that curse when we repent. God is so merciful that He sent the curse to turn us away from the wrath of hell. The devil will laugh at you when you want to deliver somebody who has not repented. It's a waste of breath and time, and I know because I've tried to do it. When you have people who have not repented, it doesn't matter that they call themselves “Christians.” It makes no difference, lasting deliverance from the curse comes by repentance, faith, and obedience. There's no way we can get around that.  Jesus said, (Mat.28:18)… All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. This does not leave anything for the devil if it is not given to him, since Jesus delegated His authority to us when He said, (Mat.18:18) 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. That was delegating authority to us; so how is it then that the devil gets his authority? He gets it from us. When we walk out from under the Blood and walk in the flesh, submitting to demon spirits, we give the devil authority. The only way to take away his authority in that case is through repentance and faith that Christ delivered us. The apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, turned a man over to Satan (1Co.5:5) to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Again, you cannot get around this. If you had come to that man after Paul had turned him over to the devil, thinking to cast out all of the demons from him, you would have been deceived because those demons will literally play with you. Sometimes they'll act as if they are gone, and sometimes they will even come out, but they will not be gone for long. When you turn your head, they're right back, and if you ask them, “Hey, what are you doing? I thought I cast you out of there!” They'll tell you, “No, we have a right to be here. They want us to be here.” Or, “They invited us to be here.” I've actually heard demons say that. The demons know when they have a right, and you'll be wasting your time because they'll just deceive you. What does the Bible say will happen if you cast demons out of a person who does not repent? They may come back seven times worse. (Mat.12:43) But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. (44) Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. (45) Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation. These were apostate covenant people. Mere flesh can be dealt with by repentance and faith, but sometimes you find that even when you exercise repentance and faith, you are still not having success. That's because demonic oppression or possession is a compelling bondage that goes beyond just mere flesh. It is still repentance and faith that gets rid of the bondage of a demon spirit, but first you have to take away the “stink” that brings them. The “stink” arises when someone is giving in to the flesh or sin. “Flies” represent demons, and the “flies” come to the stink. Beelzebub, the devil, is known as the “Lord of the Flies.” Scripture calls him “Beelzebub the prince of the demons.” (Mat.12:24) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons. As long as you have the stink, the flies will come because they have a right to come. If you repent of the stink and get rid of the stink, that will cast out the demon or demons, and they won't be able to come back. Most deliverance happens when people do not have the foggiest idea that they have ever been delivered of anything. A lot of deliverance happens when people get saved. By the depth of their commitment to Christ, they are delivered of many demon spirits. I, and others close to me, have had demons from which we were delivered. We mentioned a man whom Paul turned over to Satan in 1 Corinthians 5:5. Did you know this man was a Christian? So what was it that caused him to be delivered over to Satan? It was the lusts of his flesh. You are protected if you walk under the Blood of Jesus Christ, but willful disobedience is not under the Blood. The Bible warns in (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. Willful disobedience brings judgment by the “tormentors,” who are demons. (Matthew 18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. Demons can bring forth sickness and corruption of all kinds. When Jesus cast out demons, who was receiving that deliverance? Well, what did Jesus say? (Mat.15:24) … I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It was not the Canaanites who lived around them; it was the Israelites, the people who had God's Covenant promise. Jesus said that casting out demons is for God's children. He did not cast demons out of the world, because deliverance is the “children's bread” (Mark 7:27). This makes it clear that the Covenant people were the only people out of whom Jesus was casting demons. Deliverance is what God has provided for His children. The world is not in covenant with God, and they have no right to deliverance, healing, or any of the promises of the New Covenant, nor the blessings of the New Testament. If it is the “children's bread,” then it is not to be given to the world; however, Jesus had to have been awed at the Syrophoenician woman's great faith. Since He was right on the edge of a new covenant, He counted her as a believer and He gave her what she asked. (Mar.7:26) Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. And she besought him that he would cast forth the demon out of her daughter. (27) And he said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs. (28) But she answered and saith unto him, Yea, Lord; even the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. (29) And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the demon is gone out of thy daughter. The Bible says, (Rom.1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. You see, there's a condition in the Gospel that has to be met in order to receive deliverance, healing, soul salvation, and so forth, and that condition is believing what the Gospel says. You may ask, “Does God ever cast a demon out of somebody who does not believe or even think because they are totally possessed?” Yes, He does, but it's usually because they are among the elect and will later believe, like with the demoniac of the tombs (Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39). Sometimes they are oppressing others who have a right to peace. In most cases it takes repentance and belief in order to get deliverance. (Mat.8:16) And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick: (17) that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases. This word “our” is talking about us. Christians spoke and wrote these words. Jesus took the curse from us. Did He bear the curse for the world? Yes, but it is ultimately to “whosoever will” (Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:34; Revelation 22:17; etc.) Who is “whosoever will?” The Bible says, (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him… The elect will; this is absolutely clear. The elect are those who bear fruit and were chosen before the foundation of the world, as the Bible says. (Eph.1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: (7) in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (8) which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him (10) unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, [I say,] (11) in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; (12) to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: (13) in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,-- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) which is an earnest (down payment) of our inheritance, unto the redemption of [God's] own possession, unto the praise of his glory. The “elect” are the overcomers who will be standing at the end of their time of testing (Romans 12:21; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26-28; 3:5,12,21; etc.). Many of the called will not, but the elect will have gotten what Jesus was talking about here because the elect are those who bear fruit. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. The Greek word here for “chosen” is the same word for “elect,” eklektos. Many are the called, as we see from when God called the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10; Hosea 11:1-7). He said in (Mat.2:15) … Out of Egypt did I call my son. He also said in (Jud.1:5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. You see, “calling” is not “election”; “calling” is on the way to election. “Calling” just means “an invitation,” from the Greek word klētos, “to invite.” Jesus has invited us to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. If we do this, we will not have any problem bearing fruit. 2Pe 1:10  Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:  The Bible says, (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. So you may be wondering how a Christian can have a demon and the Holy Spirit at the same time. It's simple; let me explain. The body is a temple. (1Co.6:19) Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; (20) for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. The ancient manuscripts say, “a temple of the Holy Spirit” because the Temple was threefold (Exodus chapters 25-27). It had an outer court, a holy place, and the Holy of Holies, and the outer court was called the “Court of the Gentiles” (Revelation 11:2). Were Gentiles holy? No, and we have proof from Old Testament examples that evil people did come into the outer court. They even laid hands on the horns of the altar to receive mercy (1 Kings 1:50; 2 Chronicles 23:12;15; Matthew 23:35), and sometimes they found mercy and other times they did not. So we see that evil could come into the outer court, but it could not come into the Holy of Holies. Some people like to say that the Spirit of God will not dwell in an unclean temple. If you're talking about the flesh, the flesh is unclean and it's also the enemy of God. (Rom.8:6) For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: (7) because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: (8) and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. In fact, when the Bible talks about the lusts of the flesh, those lusts have the same nature as the demons do because the flesh is unclean and it's not going to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. (1Co.15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Only the “High Priest” Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, dwells in your “Holy of Holies,” your spirit. The demons do not enter into the spirit. Except for the High Priest, anybody who came into the Holy of Holies was struck dead. (Lev.16:2) And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. No evil could go into the Holy of Holies because that was the place of only the High Priest. The Holy Spirit is not dwelling in an unclean temple when He dwells in your spirit. Your spirit is clean. He has to give you a new spirit before He can even come and dwell there. You need to be born again before He can come and dwell in that spirit. (Gal.4:6) And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Demons come into the flesh with the desire to possess your soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. The Lord comes into your spirit with the desire to possess your soul. The warfare is between spirit and flesh; God and demons seek to possess the soul. (Act.10:38) Even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. We've been lied to about the supposed difference between “possession” and “oppression.” “Possession” is when the demon is reaching out of the flesh and into the soul, taking control of the mind, the actions, and the character of the person. If you've ever seen a schizophrenic, where one moment they are given over to the lusts of the flesh, and the next minute they seem to straighten right back up. Is that person possessed or not? They are possessed when that happens and they are not possessed when the demon backs off. The demon is still in them; he hasn't gone anywhere. All he's done is just back out of the soul into the flesh, becoming dormant, and he remains there until the next time he wants to take control. The Holy Spirit is the same way. Just because you have the Holy Spirit does not mean you are being led by the Holy Spirit. Having the Holy Spirit is not even going to save you! (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. You can have the Holy Spirit, but not be led by Him, and it's the same with demons. You can have demons, without the demons being in control. We should desire to give possession of this “land” to the spiritual man (Hebrews 6:4-8). God, through the Spirit, gives our spiritual man the power to possess our soul. When you walk after the flesh, the Bible says you must die. (Rom.8:13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. When you walk after the flesh, you permit the demon's power to reach into your soul to take control of your thinking, actions, and character, your very nature. In the world they call this “schizophrenia,” but it's demon possession. There is only one nature that is the “real you”. The demons like to come into Christians and impart their own thoughts to deceive them into thinking that this is their nature. The demons give themselves up to the lusts of the flesh and then rule the Christians by speaking in their minds and blending into their characters so that they do not even know that it is them. Christians think it's themselves, but those demons can be forced to manifest by the Authority of God. Some of you may have heard or seen the Gospel being preached and demons manifesting in Christians. They are forced to manifest because they hate the Gospel. They hate tongues and they hate the Blood of Jesus. They hate all things that are Godly. If you learn the things that they hate, those are your best weapons against them. Some of you have already found out that these demons can hide in you very tactfully, convincing you that their thinking is your thinking. Thoughts coming through your mind might seem to be yours, but when forced to manifest by the Word of God, you realize they're coming from a demon. Where the Word of God is tormenting these demons, they will manifest, and this is exactly what happened in Jesus' Presence. The Word of God forced them to manifest. (Mat.8:28) And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two possessed with demons, coming forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way. (29) And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? If you have a repentant person and you command these demons to give their name and to manifest in some way, they will do it. If they have never been commanded to manifest, you may have never actually felt their presence. When they are commanded to do so, they will literally speak out of a person and give their name, but they'll also argue with you and lie to you. They will do all the things that demons like to do. Now it's helpful to have other people alongside, but you can deliver yourself because we have that authority. (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. If you suspect something is more than just flesh, then exercise your authority and command those demons to go. Sometimes they will speak in your mind, or you'll get their name in your mind. Sometimes their names will come right out of the person's mouth. Many times, a strong, compelling desire turns out to be a demon, not the flesh, but the devil wants you to think that it is only flesh. We are in the process, called “sanctification,” of being delivered of two things: defilement of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). But is your spirit defiled? If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in a new, clean spirit Who is called the Spirit of Christ in you. (Gal.4:6) And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. This is a Christian. God says, (Eze.36:26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes… Notice, a “new spirit” and then “My Spirit” or the Holy Spirit. You do not have a defiled spirit, so why does Scripture say to Christians, “let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit”? It's because this defilement of spirit is talking about the defilement of you by demon spirits. This is not talking about the defilement of your spirit because your spirit is the only part of you that is totally white and clean. If it is not, you are not a Christian. The defilement that we have the authority to get rid of is the defilement of our souls by the flesh and evil spirits. Do you know what “self” is in the Bible? It is a synonymous term for the word “soul.” One Gospel will say “self” and another Gospel will say “soul” in a same text in another Gospel. “Self” and “soul” are the same. We want to be delivered of all defilement of our soul by both flesh and spirits. (Col.3:5) Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; (6) for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: (7) wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; (8) but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: (9) lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, (10) and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him. The Bible tells us in (Eph.4:27) Neither give place to the devil. The Greek word “place” there is a geographic term meaning “region” or “area.” This is the exact thing God talked about when He was cleansing the Promised Land from the pagan tribes that controlled it. (Deu.7:1) When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and shall cast out many nations before thee, the Hittite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than thou… All these “ites” had their demonic “gods” (Deuteronomy 32:17). If you leave a place for the lusts of the flesh to live in your land, you are going to sin because they will make you sin, so we are not to leave them any place in our land. (Deu.7:2) And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them; (3) neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. (4) For he will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and he will destroy thee quickly. When Jesus delivered the woman with a “spirit of infirmity” in (Luke 13:11), He said in (Luk.13:16) And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, [these] eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath? Jesus called this woman a “daughter of Abraham,” and you might think, “Well, He's just talking about Jews,” yet Jesus never called the literal, physical Jews “daughters and sons of Abraham.” These Jewish leaders and their followers were professing Abraham to be their father, but Jesus totally disagreed with them because a daughter or son of Abraham, like the woman He loosed, is someone who is truly in covenant with God. (Joh.8:38) I speak the things which I have seen with [my] Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from [your] father. (39) They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. Here's the point: “Ye would do the works of Abraham.” (Joh.8:40) But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham. (41) Ye do the works of your father. They said unto him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God. (42) Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. (43) Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word. (44) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. Paul said the same thing; he said that people who walk by faith are the sons of Abraham. (Gal.3:7) Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. Jesus never disagreed with this. This woman who was loosed, got her deliverance because she was a daughter of Abraham. The people who were coming to Jesus were Covenant people, just as we are Covenant people. They had the right of the Covenant and therefore they got healing and deliverance from God. We are proving ourselves through this “trial in the wilderness,” through the things that we're going through, to be either sons of Abraham or sons of the devil. The Bible says in (1Jn.2:6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. Sons of the devil in the world have no Covenant rights, and you're just casting the children's bread to the dogs when you try to deliver an unrepentant person (Mark 7:27). You'll have the same problem, too, if you're trying to give deliverance to a Christian who is unrepentant. We are proving who are overcomers, those who truly belong to Christ. They are going to be the ones who are proven to be the Elect of God (Philippians 2:12; 2 Peter 1:10). We can prove ourselves just as much sons of the devil by our actions as these people proved themselves sons of the devil by their actions. Jesus pointed out to them, “No, if you were of your father Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham!” Amen.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Ted Tulibaski from Perham, MN. Ted, your partnership with us through Project23 is helping open ears and loosen tongues with the truth of the gospel. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 7:24-30: And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.— Mark 7:24-30 Jesus enters Gentile territory—Tyre and Sidon—away from the Jewish crowds. He tries to lay low. But one woman finds him. A woman with no status in Jewish society. She was a Gentile. A Syrophoenician. An outsider by birth. According to every religious and social system—she didn't belong. She had no reason to approach a Jewish rabbi. No social footing. No spiritual leverage. But she had a desperate need—and a bold faith. And Jesus seems to test that faith with a hard statement: “It's not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs (Gentiles).” But instead of recoiling, she leans in. “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs (Gentiles) eat the crumbs under the table.” It's not a demand. It's a confession. She knows she doesn't deserve anything—but she still believes Jesus has more than enough to meet her needs. And that humility moves Jesus. Her faith—not her status—is what leads to healing. This is a challenge for all of us—especially in a culture obsessed with status, labels, platforms, and recognition. Jesus isn't impressed by credentials. He's not persuaded by accomplishments. He doesn't bend to social influence. He's moved by our faith—humble, honest, surrendered faith. So don't let your status—high or low—define your approach to God. Come like this woman. Come as you are. Come boldly, and believe that even the crumbs from Jesus are enough to change everything. #FaithOverStatus, #JesusRespondsToFaith, #SurrenderedFaith ASK THIS: Do I rely on status more than faith when approaching God? Where do I feel like an outsider spiritually or socially? How does this story challenge my pride? What “crumb” from Jesus am I afraid to ask for today? DO THIS: Come to Jesus today without pretense. Drop your credentials, your insecurities, and your excuses. Just come in faith. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I lay aside everything I think makes me worthy. I come in faith, believing You're more than enough for my deepest need. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Run to the Father” – Cody Carnes.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Aaron Knox from Cartersville, GA. Aaron, your partnership with us through Project23 is helping take the Word across cultural lines and into hearts that need hope. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 7:24-30: And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.— Mark 7:24-30 This encounter feels uncomfortable—at least at first. Jesus is in Gentile territory, far from Jewish crowds. And a Syrophoenician woman interrupts his rest. Her daughter is possessed. She's desperate. And Jesus' initial response sounds harsh: “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” Dogs being a derogatory word for "Gentiles." But this isn't rejection. It's a test. Jesus often used parables and tension to expose faith—and this woman steps into that tension. Her reply is both humble and bold: “Even the dogs (the Gentiles) eat the crumbs.” She doesn't deny her unworthiness. She just believes Jesus has enough power for people like her. And that's the moment everything shifts. Jesus heals her daughter from a distance. No touch. No spectacle. Just a word. This moment isn't about geography—it's about grace. It's not about heritage—it's about heart. This woman broke every cultural rule to get to Jesus. She didn't belong by lineage, but she belonged by faith. Sometimes, we feel like outsiders, too. Too broken. Too far gone. Not spiritual enough. But Jesus responds to desperate faith, not spiritual credentials. So, what barriers have you let stand between you and Jesus? Pride? Past shame? A sense that you're not worthy? This woman didn't let cultural boundaries, religious expectations, or social discomfort hold her back. And Jesus didn't just heal her daughter—he honored her faith. Don't let that thing, or anything, keep you from falling at Jesus' feet. Jesus, I know I don't deserve anything—but even your crumbs are enough for me. Give me the boldness to bring you my full need. Amen. #DesperateFaith, #JesusCrossesLines, #EvenTheCrumbs ASK THIS: What has stopped me from pursuing Jesus with desperate faith? Do I believe Jesus has enough power for my need? Where have I let shame, culture, or fear keep me distant from him? What would it look like to throw myself at Jesus' feet today? DO THIS: Push through the discomfort and pray boldly for what you need. Don't let man-made lines keep you from Jesus. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I know I don't deserve anything—but even your crumbs are enough for me. Give me the boldness to bring you my full need. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Come to the Altar” – Elevation Worship.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒Check out all of Carey's books - for adults and kids, fiction and nonfiction : https://CareyGreen.com/books ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate. To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒Check out all of Carey's books - for adults and kids, fiction and nonfiction : https://CareyGreen.com/books ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:24–30 - [24] And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. [25] But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. [26] Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. [27] And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” [28] But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” [29] And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

Thursday May 22, 2025 Main idea: Christ will make any sinner seeking Him into a child who sits at the Father's table and that relationship will overcome all problems. for full notes: https://www.cgtruth.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=3155

Christ is again followed by a large hungry crowd, this time consisting of primarily gentiles. After showing compassion on the gentile Syrophoenician woman (7:24–30) and the healing of the gentile man (vv. 31–37), not Jesus shows that He is the compassionate shepherd who feeds (spiritually and physically) those who would come to Him from any nation (8:1–9). This faithful reception is not mirrored by the religious leaders in Israel who instead of receiving His teaching ask for signs to prove His identity (vv. 10–13). Jesus refuses to allow them to “put the Lord to the test” and refuses with emotive compassion. The question left to the reader is: Will I scrutinize and put the Lord to the test, or will I receive His word with humility?

Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi AdekunleSunday 18th May How Faith Comes 7How does faith come? How do we move through different levels of faith in our walk with God? Mark. 4:40 (MKJV) And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?Matt. 14:31 GWT, Immediately, Jesus reached out, caught hold of him, and said, "You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?" Matt. 15:28 MKJV Then Jesus answered and said to her, O woman, great is your faith! So be it to you even as you wish. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.Peter had stepped out of the boat and was walking on water toward Jesus. At that moment, he was operating in faith. But as soon as he looked at the wind and waves, his physical circumstances he began to sink. Jesus saved him and pointed out his little faith. The lesson here is - when we take our eyes off God's word and focus on circumstances, doubt creeps in, and faith weakens.When we give attention to physical evidence over God's Word, it weakens faith. The Syrophoenician woman in Matthew 15, on the other hand was commended for having great faith. Why? When Jesus told her He wasn't sent to her and gave all the reasons He couldn't heal her daughter, she did not back down. The circumstances didn't discouragement her faith and she got what she wanted from Jesus.• No faith: Disregards God's Word.• Little faith: Believing but considers physical evidence, so there's doubt.• Great faith: Disregards every physical or contrary evidence as it hold on to God's Word.Abraham demonstrated great faith by not considering his or Sarah's old age but believing God's promise fully. Great faith is staying locked into God's Word alone.My prayer for you is that, as you go through this series, your faith will grow continually as you trust God's Word above all else in Jesus' Name.God bless you, enjoy your day!

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Most people want to relate to Jesus on their own terms, but a “fake Jesus” that we create to meet our needs can't really change or challenge us. If you want a Jesus that can actually transform you, you have to search for the real Jesus. In the earliest gospel account in existence, a writer named Mark introduces us to “The Real Jesus.”  #MoRealJesus  

I think we all would agree that mothers hold a special place in most of our hearts. They give birth to us, they nurture us, and they guide us as we grow, mature, and move throughout life. And one of the things that many mothers are known for is showing us the power of prayer. Prayer is how we access the supernatural for help in the natural. It is a timeless rhythm that harmonizes our lives and connects us to our Heavenly Father. In Scripture, we see powerful mothers like Elizabeth, the Syrophoenician woman, and Hannah—whose story reminds us of the importance of prayer and the tremendous impact a praying mother can have on a child's future. Today, we look at Hannah's story to discover what it teaches us about prayer.

What does a desperate mother's encounter with Jesus teach us about approaching God when we're overwhelmed? This powerful message explores the remarkable story of the Syrophoenician woman—the only person in scripture who seemingly "won" a debate with Jesus.On Mother's Day, we examine this unnamed mother who crossed every cultural and religious barrier to seek help for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite Jesus initially seeming to rebuff her with silence and a challenging parable about children and dogs at the table, she persisted with extraordinary faith. Her response—"Yes Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs"—reveals profound theological understanding and unwavering trust.From her example, we discover three crucial principles for when life's burdens become too heavy: First, approach Jesus with genuine humility, acknowledging our unworthiness. Second, pray persistently without giving up, even when heaven seems silent. Third, fully trust Jesus enough to leave our burdens with him completely. This mother didn't just have a good argument—she demonstrated unwavering faith that impressed Jesus himself.Whether you're a mother carrying concerns for your children or anyone feeling crushed by life's overwhelming circumstances, this message offers hope. Jesus invites all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him. Unlike his temporary retreat to Tyre, Jesus never takes vacations from our needs. Right now, He intercedes in heaven for you, with inexhaustible resources of grace and mercy for everyone who approaches in faith.What burden feels too heavy for you today? Bring it to Jesus, not because of who you are, but because of who He is—mighty to save and generous beyond measure.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-5u5KBgs8k

Pastor Michael Brunzo brought the message The Syrophoenician Woman on this Sunday morning to the congregation at Faith Fellowship Church. Be blessed as you listen.

Today's Scripture passages are Numbers 32 - Numbers 33:28 | Mark 7:1-30.Read by Christina Edmondson.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.

”You're Getting Set Up” Week 5 of Just Jesus  “Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn't want anyone to know that he had entered a house, but he couldn't hide. In fact, a woman whose young daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard about him right away. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was Greek, Syrophoenician by birth. She begged Jesus to throw the demon out of her daughter. He responded, “The children have to be fed first. It isn't right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” But she answered, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” “Good answer!” he said. “Go on home. The demon has already left your daughter.” When she returned to her house, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭30‬ ‭CEB‬‬ God is setting you up in the very things that are tearing you apart. 

What truly makes us unclean before God? Is it what we eat, drink, watch, or listen to? Or is there something deeper at work? In this eye-opening exploration in Mark chapter 7, we uncover Jesus' revolutionary teaching about what actually defiles a person."From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts..." With these words, Jesus locates the true source of our sin problem. Our challenge isn't managing external temptations but addressing our internal desires. This teaching cuts straight through both legalism (setting up rules to prevent sin) and license (letting ourselves sin freely). The solution isn't more rules or fewer rules—it's transformed hearts.What might change in our lives if we stopped focusing on external behaviors and instead sought heart transformation? How would our relationships, churches, and communities look different if we approached Jesus with the persistent humility of the Syrophoenician woman? Listen now and discover the liberating truth that what we need isn't more rules but new hearts.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into Mark 7:24-30, exploring the challenging story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman. This passage has often confused and even offended readers, but when understood in its proper context, it reveals a beautiful picture of Jesus' ministry to outcasts and foreigners.

Pastor Jack R. passionately unpacks the significance of biblical numbers, highlighting the connections between Jairus' daughter, the woman with the issue of blood, and the number 12. He also explores how the feeding of the multitudes and the faith of the Syrophoenician woman reveal Jesus' plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in God's kingdom.

A female reverend at an episcopal church says that Jesus is cringe! She says that Jesus calling the SyroPhoenician woman a dog was a really bad look. What is she talking about? What does the Scripture REALLY say?? We are about to get into all of that!Link to original video: https://youtu.be/RxNFdfwo_zE?si=Acwm7Vq0OLuRrNQ3Check out my second channel for deep Bible study: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryWord_WD Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WiseDiscipleGet my 5 Day Bible Reading Plan here: https://www.patreon.com/collection/565289?view=expandedGet your Wise Disciple merch here: https://bit.ly/wisediscipleWant a BETTER way to communicate your Christian faith? Check out my website: www.wisedisciple.orgOR Book me as a speaker at your next event: https://wisedisciple.org/reserveCheck out my full series on debate reactions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqS-yZRrvBFEzHQrJH5GOTb9-NWUBOO_f

Today God has heard Adam's cry and “crowned” creation with Eve. Woman is the being that holds the greatest dignity in creation. In the gospel, Jesus is conquered by the trusting confidence the Syrophoenician woman places in Him.

Message from Matt Sweetman on February 16, 2025

Gospel Mark 7:24-30 Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied and said to him, "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps." Then he said to her, "For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. Reflection This story underscores the confusion, and in a way, the anger of the Pharisees and scribes, because everything was only for the Jews. And here we see Jesus open and receptive to someone who was not a part of the community. And so he makes a clear statement that his major role is to save the Jewish people. But at the same time, this story foreshadows the fact that ultimately he will say to every man, to every woman, he longs for their healing. He longs for their transformation. There is nothing in Jesus that limits his ability to heal and to save those who come to him. Closing Prayer Father, we sometimes always focus on the inner circle we have, the friends that we have. We feel an obligation to be with them, but we sometimes don't show the same love for the stranger, the outcast. Help us to do better. Help us to see in every man and every woman the goodness that you've created there. Help us to always be ready to offer the gifts of your Kingdom to anyone and everyone we meet. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus went to the district of Tyre.He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it,but he could not escape notice.Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him.She came and fell at his feet.The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.He said to her, "Let the children be fed first.For it is not right to take the food of the childrenand throw it to the dogs."She replied and said to him,"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps."Then he said to her, "For saying this, you may go.The demon has gone out of your daughter."When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bedand the demon gone.

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary TimeMk 7:24-30She came and fell at his feet.The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.He said to her, "Let the children be fed first.For it is not right to take the food of the childrenand throw it to the dogs."She replied and said to him,"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps."

Read OnlineSoon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. Mark 7:25–26A parent's love is powerful. And the woman in this story clearly loves her daughter. It is that love that drives this mother to seek out Jesus in the hope that He will free her daughter from the demon who possessed her. Interestingly, this woman was not of the Jewish faith. She was a Gentile, a foreigner, but her faith was very real and very deep.When Jesus first encountered this woman, she begged Him to free her daughter from the demon. Jesus' response was at first surprising. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” In other words, Jesus was saying that His mission was first to the people of Israel, the chosen people of the Jewish faith. They were the “children” of whom Jesus was speaking, and the Gentiles, such as this woman, were the ones referred to as “the dogs.” Jesus spoke this way to this woman not out of rudeness but because He could see her deep faith, and He wanted to give her an opportunity to manifest that faith for all to see. And so she did.The woman responded to Jesus, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps.” Her words were not only exceptionally humble but were also based on deep faith and a deep love for her daughter. As a result, Jesus responds with generosity and immediately frees her daughter from the demon.In our own lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we deserve the mercy of God. We can think that we have a right to God's grace. And even though Jesus deeply desires to pour forth His grace and mercy in superabundance on our lives, it is essential that we fully understand our unworthiness before Him. The disposition of this woman's heart sets for us a perfect example of how we must come to our Lord. Reflect, today, upon the beautiful example of this woman of deep faith. Prayerfully read her words over and over. Try to understand her humility, her hope, and her love for her daughter. As you do, pray that you will be able to imitate her goodness so as to share in the blessings she and her daughter received. My merciful Lord, I trust in Your perfect love for me and for all peoples. I pray especially for those who carry heavy burdens and for those whose lives are deeply intertwined with evil. Please set them free, dear Lord, and welcome them into Your family so that they become true children of Your Father. May I have the humility and faith I need to help bring forth this abundance of grace for others. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Image via Web Gallery of Art

From the responsorial psalm: "Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Blessed are those who fear the Lord."A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 7:31-37,today's readings)The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied and said to him, "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps." Then he said to her, "For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter."Wherever he goes, Jesus cannot escape notice, even among the Gentiles. People come to him from all sides, as the woman in today's Gospel does for the sake of her daughter. In responding to the woman, Jesus refers to the claim of the Jews that they first receive his ministry as God's chosen ones. But for the mother who sees the suffering of her daughter, that claim does nothing to hold her back. Jesus gives her the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of her faith expressed in desperate need. Similarly, in the first reading from Genesis, we see the dignity of Adam and Eve standing before God in complete reliance on him, both naked yet feeling no shame. Jesus invites us to come to him with the same dignity, in complete recognition of all he can do for us in his mercy as our Lord and creator.God, just as the woman approached Jesus, aware of her otherness but in great need, I ask for the grace to do the same. In willing to do anything to restore her daughter's health, the mother had heard of Jesus and simply fell at his feet on meeting him. Help me today put to work the exemplary persistent faith of the woman and her holy fear and reverence as she knelt before you. At creation, "The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame." In humility and childlike trust, let me remember to come to you throughout the day, to come with persistence, and to plead that your will—which is love—be done for me and others. Blessed are those who fear the Lord!Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Episode NotesFor Daily Prayers and more become a Member on PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com  Opening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.Isaiah 49:6b Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia. Psalm 95:1-7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God,and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 56Have mercy on me, O God,for my enemies are hounding me; *all day long they assault and oppress me.They hound me all the day long; *truly there are many who fight against me, O Most High.Whenever I am afraid, *I will put my trust in you.In God, whose word I praise,in God I trust and will not be afraid, *for what can flesh do to me?All day long they damage my cause; *their only thought is to do me evil.They band together; they lie in wait; *they spy upon my footsteps;because they seek my life.Shall they escape despite their wickedness? *O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples.You have noted my lamentation;put my tears into your bottle; *are they not recorded in your book?Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; *this I know, for God is on my side.In God the Lord, whose word I praise,in God I trust and will not be afraid, *for what can mortals do to me?I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; *I will present to you thank-offerings;For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, *that I may walk before God in the light of the living. Psalm 57Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful,for I have taken refuge in you; *in the shadow of your wings will I take refugeuntil this time of trouble has gone by.I will call upon the Most High God, *the God who maintains my cause.He will send from heaven and save me;he will confound those who trample upon me; *God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.I lie in the midst of lions that devour the people; *their teeth are spears and arrows,their tongue a sharp sword.They have laid a net for my feet,and I am bowed low; *they have dug a pit before me,but have fallen into it themselves.Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, *and your glory over all the earth.My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *I will sing and make melody.Wake up, my spirit;awake, lute and harp; *I myself will waken the dawn.I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; *I will sing praise to you among the nations.For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, *and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, *and your glory over all the earth. Psalm 58Do you indeed decree righteousness, you rulers? *do you judge the peoples with equity?No; you devise evil in your hearts, *and your hands deal out violence in the land.The wicked are perverse from the womb; *liars go astray from their birth.They are as venomous as a serpent, *they are like the deaf adder which stops its ears,Which does not heed the voice of the charmer, *no matter how skillful his charming.O God, break their teeth in their mouths; *pull the fangs of the young lions, O Lord.Let them vanish like water that runs off; *let them wither like trodden grass.Let them be like the snail that melts away, *like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.Before they bear fruit, let them be cut down like a brier; *like thorns and thistles let them be swept away.The righteous will be glad when they see the vengeance; *they will bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.And they will say,“Surely, there is a reward for the righteous; *surely, there is a God who rules in the earth.” Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsIsa. 51:17-23Rouse yourself, rouse yourself! Stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl of staggering. There is no one to guide her among all the children she has borne; there is no one to take her by the hand among all the children she has brought up. These two things have befallen you-- who will grieve with you?-- devastation and destruction, famine and sword-- who will comfort you? Your children have fainted, they lie at the head of every street like an antelope in a net; they are full of the wrath of the Lord, the rebuke of your God. Therefore hear this, you who are wounded, who are drunk, but not with wine: Thus says your Sovereign, the Lord, your God who pleads the cause of his people: See, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering; you shall drink no more from the bowl of my wrath. And I will put it into the hand of your tormentors, who have said to you, "Bow down, that we may walk on you" and you have made your back like the ground and like the street for them to walk on.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting. Gal. 4:1-11My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again? You are observing special days, and months, and seasons, and years. I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Mark 7:24-37From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go-- the demon has left your daughter." So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages BV. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.V. Day by day we bless you;R. We praise your name for ever.V. Lord, keep us from all sin today;R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;R. For we put our trust in you.V. In you, Lord, is our hope;R. And we shall never hope in vain. The CollectsCollect of the DayAlmighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God!The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the nature of faith that is both tried and triumphant. The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7 serves as our guide, revealing profound truths about tenacious belief. We learn that faith is not a spiritual game, a magic formula, or a blind leap, but rather a confident trust in Jesus Christ. As we journey through life, our faith will be tested, much like this woman's was. But her persistence teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast, even when faced with apparent rejection. The message challenges us to cultivate a faith that refuses to give up, believing that anything Jesus offers is better than what the world can provide. As we navigate our own spiritual battles, we're reminded that Jesus has power over darkness and that our tenacious faith can lead to triumphant outcomes, whether in this life or the next. This lesson encourages us to persevere in our faith journey, knowing that God honors those who trust Him wholeheartedly.

Greg talks about how to understand what Jesus says to the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7, answers a question about when to shake the dust off your feet when it comes to sharing the gospel with family, and responds to a request for clarity on the second coming of Christ.   Topics: Commentary: Jesus feeds the dogs. (00:00) Is it ever appropriate to shake the dust off your feet when it comes to sharing the gospel with family? (25:00) Can you help me clarify my understanding of the second coming of Christ? (35:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 21–22 in Dallas, TX; March 21–22, in Philadelphia, PA; April 25–26 in Dayton, OH The Rap on the Rapture by Greg Koukl The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture by George Eldon Ladd The Church and the Tribulation: A Biblical Examination of Posttribulationism by Robert Gundry

Fierce, witty, and unapologetically bold—the Syrophoenician woman didn't submit or resign to passivity. She was persistent and courageous in challenging the status quo, refusing to take "no" as an answer, and in so doing she partnered with God in creating a more just world. Join us this Sunday as we explore her powerful story, and discover how her example (among others) invites us to challenge our assumptions, reimagining our own role in partnering with God in our journeys of transformation and the pursuit of justice and healing of our world.

Why does Jesus seemingly reject (at first) this Gentile woman's request for healing simply because she is a Gentile? Why does Jesus call her a "dog"? After wrestling with these problems, Zack spends the bulk of the sermon discussing this Syrophoenician woman's audacious faith. Like Abraham and King Hezekiah before her, this woman argues with God. Believing that God is greater than even He lets on or will do even what He claims He will not is laudable "audacious faith" for which we should strive. The sermons ends with two applications.

In part 2 of 2 reflecting on the story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30, Zack turns from (audacious) human faith to (audacious) divine love. In light of repeated woes to the rich and blessings for the poor, does God love the rich? What about those who gain their riches from oppression? Zack examines the biblical and historical background of Tyre, the biographies of John Newton and Saint Patrick, and Scripture more broadly to answer with a resounding and scandalous Yes.

Justified By Faith (Audio) David Eells 12/11/24 Saints, I know you know this but it is often forgotten because the devil fights against it with all he has. Listen carefully to (Rom 4:2-8)  2  For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God.  3  For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.  4  Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt.  5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.  6  Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works,  7  saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.  8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin. Do you believe in the midst of your failures that Jesus took away your sins and nailed them to the cross and you have them no more? Then you are accounted righteous before you are manifestly delivered from them. (Rom.1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel (the “Good News”): for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.... The Good News is a powerful revelation and when we exercise faith in it, God imparts His power to us, to save us in all things. We know “salvation” in the New Testament is the Greek noun soteria and the verb of that is sozo. It has a wonderful meaning in scripture of deliverance, salvation, preservation, healing and provision. God has already provided our every need, according to Scripture. (Php.4:19) And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I remember when we once asked a local man, who was Greek, what soteria meant to him and he said, “It means, all of my needs supplied, like a little baby.” I've never forgotten that and as I researched the Scriptures, I found out that's exactly what it means – “all of our needs supplied” and it's to the believers. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. (Rom.1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is revealed a righteousness.... This is because we are “counted righteous” by our faith. People who walk by faith are the ones who are justified because “counted righteous” means “justified.” (Rom.1:17) For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live from faith. The literal translation there is “from faith” and not “by faith.” God puts a high premium on people who believe and act upon His Word. (Jas.2:17) Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. (18) Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from [thy] works, and I by my works will show thee [my] faith. People who act on what the Word says will see results. They will receive power from God. (Heb.10:38) But my righteous one shall live from faith: And if he shrink back (Through unbelief), my soul hath no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition.... “Perdition” is “destruction” and everyone who shrinks back from the walk of faith is being destroyed. They're under the curse; they're subject to all the things that faith delivers us from. (Heb.10:39) But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul. When you first receive salvation, it's not your soul that gets saved; it's your spirit that is saved and as you continue to walk after the Spirit, you bear fruit in your soul. Walking by faith brings us the manifestation of God's salvation in our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions. And having our mind, will and emotions in tune with Jesus Christ is what this salvation is all about. (Heb.11:1) Now faith is assurance of [things] hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. Some translations say, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for while the evidence is not seen.” The power of God to save you in every circumstance and every situation, which is the Gospel, comes because of faith. It comes when you believe that you have already received these things, which you do not yet see. I want to prove to you and encourage you that you don't have to talk God into anything. He has already made provision for you. It's a free gift that He puts into your hand. He gave it to you 2000 years ago and He will not take it back. You can give it up by not walking by faith, but He won't take it back. Our faith stands in as the “substance” of the thing that we need and the thing that we need in every circumstance is salvation in all its forms. (Heb.11:2) For therein the elders had witness borne to them. (3) By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. Science has proved this is quantum faith. The smallest unseen particles become what we want because we believe before we see as Jesus said, Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Numeric) them, and ye shall have them..   The Word of God has framed the world by the faith of God. God Himself creates through faith and, if we are going to be a son of God, we have to do the same thing. Our words will bring forth the creating power of God through us into every situation and every circumstance. But we need to give God the “substance” of the thing hoped for and that's our faith (Heb.11:6) ... without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. Jesus also said, (Mat.9:29) ... According to your faith be it done unto you, and (Mat.8:13) ... As thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. He constantly made faith the requirement. We, like God, learn to (Rom.4:17) ... calleth the things that are not, as though they were, and our faith has the power to create all of our needs. (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. We know that grace is unmerited and unearned. It's a free gift, so you can't work for it. It can only come by faith. This is past tense, it says, “have you been saved” because salvation was accomplished at the cross. And it also includes your soul, your body and your circumstances, so that all your needs are met, completely. (Eph.2:9) Not of works, that no man should glory. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (And that's the works of the Lord, not the works of the flesh.), which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Again in (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved… Remember that this word “saved” used in other places in the Bible, has already been done and it's only going to manifest through faith. “By grace have ye been saved.” God wants us to believe the promises in order for us to have the manifestation of that salvation in our life. There are also “catch-all” verses, such as Mark 11:24. When you receive this revelation and start acting upon it, you have a miraculous life. It is basically saying that salvation covers everything you need. Salvation has already been done and all of it has been provided, as Jesus said. (Mar.11:24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received (Numeric pattern. Even the Received Text has this as a Greek note.) them.... Note that you are supposed to believe you have received it in the physical realm. Because Ephesians 2:8 says, “by grace have ye been saved,” and “saved” covers everything that we need, through faith. We have a complete agreement here. So “all things whatsoever” have been provided because He tells you, no matter what it is, believe you received. And He tells you that because it was all provided at the cross, turn around and look behind you. This is what faith is. (Rom.4:16) For this cause [it is] of faith, that [it may be] according to grace... (17) [even] God who ... calleth the things that are not, as though they were. It's past tense. It has already been done. Everything about salvation has been completed. If you're waiting for God to do it, you have no faith, or you're not exercising faith and you're not claiming the promise. That's why many people are not growing up in the Lord. If you really believed that you have received it all back there at the cross, what do you think you would say? What do you think you would do? What do you think your imagination would be like? This is a really good exercise. Practice meditating on what you would say and do if you have already received a healing, a deliverance, a provision, a protection, or so on. In other words, practice believing that it's already yours! Faith without works is dead it says in (Jas.2:26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. Many people say, “I believe I received,” but everything else about them is totally backward to what they would be doing if they really believed. Their imagination is only imagining the things of this world, which is the curse and everything negative, and yet they are trying to believe they have received. But a whole part of their being is warring with them because we are kind of a schizophrenic being. We're flesh and we're spirit. However, because we are born-again, we have the power to cast down these vain imaginations. (2Co.10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We cast down these vain imaginations, we begin to speak in agreement with the fact that we have received, we act as if we have received, we imagine we have received. We have been made in the image of our Father and our imagination is very powerful when mixed with our faith to do miracles. Believing you have received should take over your whole being from your mouth to your eyes to your feet. Everything that you do should be in agreement with the fact that you have already received. Now if you need a healing for instance, we have this scripture (1Pe.2:24) Who his own self bare (past tense) our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed (past tense). So, we believe we were already healed at the cross. (Col.1:12) Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet (or “able”).... We can thank the Father that He made us able through His gift of faith that He has given to us. (2Th.3:2) ... For all have not faith, but He has given to each one of us, that is, to God's elect, the measure of faith. (Rom.12:3) … God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. So He made us able. (Col.1:12) Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. “The saints in light” means the saints who walk in light. We are able to partake of everything that the saints who walk in light are capable of partaking in. (Col.1:13) Who delivered (it's past tense again) us out of the power of darkness.... He has already delivered us, it's already been accomplished. When the devil tells you he has you in bondage, just remember you were already delivered so don't buy the lie. Accept the Good News that sets free and is the power of God to save you. If you do not agree with the Good News, God cannot bring it to pass. People live under the curse all their life, but the Lord delivered us. You're not under the power of the devil. The devil has deceived many people into believing that he has legal power over them, but he doesn't have any power because Jesus told us in (Mat.28:18) All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. (19) Go ye therefore.... So He sent out His disciples to exercise that same authority over the devil's kingdom. (Col.1:13) Who delivered (past tense) us out of the power of darkness, and translated (past tense) us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (14) in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. We already have our redemption. “Redemption” is the Greek word apolutrosis and it means “a release on payment of a ransom.” A ransom is paid when a person is being held captive because of sin and the ransom sets them free. The price has already been paid by our Lord Jesus Christ for us to be set free from bondage to the devil, set free from bondage to the flesh, and set free from bondage to the curse. You can't earn your redemption. Our redemption, our release from bondage, and the forgiveness of our sins have already been accomplished at the cross. Praise be to God! Now, something even greater that we should know about is in (2Co.5:16) Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know [him so] no more. And why is that? It's because “after the flesh” is like walking by sight. Now, instead, we know people by faith; we know ourselves by faith; we know the people for whom we have prayed by faith. (2Co.5:17) Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away.... They are gone; everything that we have known ourselves as, in the flesh, is gone. All that we have known about ourselves in the flesh is over. We know no man after the flesh anymore. (2Co.5:17) Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. (18) But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself.... So everything has become new because of what Jesus did at the cross. That was when He provided everything new for us. He provided our life, our deliverance, our healing, our provision, our protection, and on and on. We should see ourselves in the light of what the Bible says about us, which is that all things are new. Going on in (2Co.5:18) But all things are of God, who reconciled us.... Now “reconciled” there is the Greek word katallasso and it means Jesus made an exchange at the cross. He took all of our curse and gave us all of His blessings. He took all of our lack and gave us all of His provision. (Php.4:19) My God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He has already given us all of our needs because He made an exchange at the cross. And what He took from us is everything we don't want and that we can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven with. Everything has already been accomplished! (2Co.5:19) ... That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. The Lord is not reckoning to us, not attributing our trespasses to us, and He has given us the opportunity to share with other people that God has reconciled them, too. When we give them this Good News of reconciliation and when they become believers in what God has already accomplished, then they can start having miracles, also! That's our ministry that the Lord has called us to. Here's another awesome revelation: (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth 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. You don't have to worry about your “old man” anymore. But think more like this: You have already been crucified. The old you doesn't live anymore. (Rom.6:11) Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. This is because it was accomplished at the cross. If you exercise faith in that, the Lord will bring your crucifixion to pass. If you try to do it yourself, you'll be trying to pick yourself up by your bootstraps and you will constantly fail. You will fall short of the glory of God. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me ...” Since you're dead and He lives, the reconciliation, the exchange, was accomplished at the cross. You were crucified and Christ is now given to you as the gift of God. Christ is manifesting in you and you are entering into the rest, by resting from your own works through your faith in the promises. (Heb.4:3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest.... You are entering into that rest; God is giving you the promise. The Land of Rest was also called the Promised Land because that's where all the promises are fulfilled. So we've been crucified with Christ and we don't live anymore. He lives in us and we're justified by faith in this promise. (Gal.2:16) Yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ.... “Justified” means “accounted righteous.” When you believe these promises that are contrary to your senses, contrary to your eyes, contrary to the things around you, that is when God says you're righteous. …that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. And in (Gal.3:6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Abraham was justified because he believed God and he was reckoned righteous. So when we believe the Good News, we are reckoned righteous and we receive these benefits because we are righteous. It's the unearned favor of God. (Gal.3:11) Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by (literally, “from”) faith.... Our life is going to proceed from the gift of faith which God has given to us. But we need to remember how to exercise our faith because this is very important. (Gal.3:12) And the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. In other words, if you're going to try to obtain righteousness by your own works, by doing the works of the Law, then have at it, but God is not going to be in it. Remember in (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us .... “Redeemed” is again past tense. It's the Greek word exagorazo and it means “to buy out” or “to purchase a slave with a mind to set him free.” We were slaves of the curse, of the devil, of the flesh and slaves of our circumstances, but the Lord redeemed us. He set us free from that. Do you really believe it? Well, if you do, you're accounted righteous. And if you believe, then that's the power of God unto salvation and God will bring it to pass for you. (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; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Glory be to God! I especially like, (Rom.3:4) ... Let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. We know that the judgment of this world is the curse and we want to prevail every time we come under the judgment of a curse, no matter what the cause. Whether it comes as a trial to build our faith, whether it comes as a chastening for sin, or whatever, we want to prevail when we come under the curse. And God says that there's only one way to prevail: we have to “Let God be found true, but every man a liar.” God is birthing sons of God, the spiritual, born-again man on the inside who is being created in the likeness of Jesus Christ. This is the man who speaks the words and believes the thoughts of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the righteous man before God. It's very important that we are justified in our words. Without being accounted righteous, we are not able to partake of the benefits of the Kingdom. Jesus said, (Mat.12:37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. If we claim to be Christians but we let that old man speak, he can bring us into an awful lot of judgment and wrath because we are not justified. We have to be careful that we are agreeing with God's Word and trusting in what He says so that we can be justified in our words. When our words agree with God's Words and we confess our faith in every situation, then we're coming into the renewed mind of Jesus Christ, and we are being transformed by that renewed mind. We are coming into His image and we're prevailing when we come into judgment. (Rom.5:1) Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; (2) through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace (unmerited favor) wherein we stand.... Now that's very clear. Our words of faith and actions of faith give us access to the grace and favor of God. We stand in the favor, benefits and blessings all because our faith gives us access. (Rom.5:2) Through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and let us rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but let us also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness.... The word here for “stedfastness” is also translated as “patience.” Many times we don't want to wait and trust in God or we don't want to endure the struggle or the pain in order to see the manifestation. This is an “instant gratification” society. We want to believe and then see something happen immediately. But if we stand in faith, we have access to His grace, His grace enables us to stand and we eventually receive the thing we are believing for. (Rom.5:3) And not only so, but let us also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) and patience, approvedness.... The word “approvedness” is a word for “character.” This is the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are called to come into His Image. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. If we want His character, we have to walk patiently in our faith. Don't give up! Many people do and it's sad that this is such a major problem among Christians. They don't keep the Word of God before their eyes and the Word of God in their thoughts; they do not pray to God for mercy to write this Word upon their hearts. They are just useless in their faith. We're called to be warriors for the Lord Jesus Christ and warriors for our brethren around us who need the benefits of God's Kingdom. In order to do that, we have to be like Jesus and His disciples were and that is a warrior through faith. We have to be someone who walks justified before God because we speak faith in agreement with the Word of God. (Rom.5:4) And patience, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: (5) and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. How do we know we have the love of God in our hearts? According to this, those who are patient in their faith have hope and that hope does not put them to shame. Some people think that “the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts” means “the love that God has for people,” but also I think it's talking about “the love that we have for God.” A person who wants to please God walks by faith because we know (Heb.11:6) without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]. So the people who want to please God are the people who love God. These are the people who are struggling to be patient in their faith. They are justified because it is important to them to endure the trial of their faith. We have proof about the meaning of “the love of God” in verse 5 because it's also found here: (Jas.1:12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation....  This is spoken of in Deuteronomy 28, where the one who is blessed is the one who “hearkens unto” the voice of the Lord, the one who hears and acts upon the voice of the Lord. The people of faith hear His voice and they act upon it, they speak in agreement with it and their feet prove it. (Jas.1:12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved (There's that “approvedness” again; we endure temptation in order to be approved of the Lord.), he shall receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] promised to them that love him. Notice that the people who endure temptation are the people who love Him and want to be well-pleasing to Him. They want to be called “righteous” because they walk by faith and faith is submitting humbly to the Word of God, agreeing with the Word of God, speaking the Word of God. These are learning to walk as sons of God in the Kingdom of God. And we read in (Jas.1:2) Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations (or “trials”); (3) knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. (4) And let patience (which is so well-pleasing to God) have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. The person who patiently endures the trial of their faith lacks nothing. Most people will not endure to the end. They endure to somewhere down the trial and then they decide that God's not quite right about this, that He really hasn't answered their prayers. They decide that they can't believe that they have received because their eyes tell them the truth and that God's Word has not told them the truth. They're proving themselves to be unbelievers. They have an “evil heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12) which we all must war against. The person who is patient in their faith will be perfect in their entirety, lacking nothing, so you see how important it is to endure the trial of our faith. (Jas.1:5) But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. You can feel the Lord's feelings about people who are double-minded, those who cannot ask without doubting. Now we all have thoughts that come through our mind that are of doubt, although those are not necessarily our thoughts, but if we give into them and act upon them, then we have doubted. (Heb.10:36) For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. Everyone starts out asking God and believing, but they don't all endure in their patience to receive the promise. The people who have learned patience are people who have lived miracles. They see answers from God and they awe everybody with their faith. It's not necessarily that their faith is any stronger, but it's that they don't give in to doubts or unbelief. They cast these imaginations down when they come into their mind. They're well-pleasing to God and accounted righteous because they are patient in their faith and they will receive the reward. (Heb.6:11) And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope (The word “hope” here means “firm expectation.”) even to the end: (12) that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Obviously, if God speaks so much about this, it must be what is dear to His heart because it is His joy to see His people receive the benefits of the Kingdom. I've had many trials of my faith that I can share with others and I know that the Lord brought me through these things so that I, myself, would learn patience and faith. Some of these were enduring trials that took a while and a lot of wrestling to receive answers. They were a warfare of casting down reasonings, imaginations, dreams and revelations, and these things that are contrary to God's promises. Now, something else that we need to do consistently is, (Jas.5:16) Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.... Now we know that Jesus said, (Mar.11:24) All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them, and that's exactly right, but we also know that if our sins are against us, then we're not going to be bold toward God. (1Jn.3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; (22) and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. Confession is a way to get rid of your unbelief because your conscience is right with God. It's not that God wouldn't heal you. In the Scriptures Jesus healed every single one of those Jews who came to Him because it was a benefit; Jesus called it “the children's bread” in Matthew 15:26. In cases where He wasn't sure if the people had faith, He tried to draw faith out of them, such as with the Syrophoenician woman and with the centurion. Jesus said things to make them speak words of faith because He knew that this person had to agree with Him. In His own hometown, (Mat.13:58) ... He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief, so we know that Jesus didn't heal because of people's unbelief. Confessing our sins is very important. It's humbling before God and it's necessary in order to get rid of double-mindedness, which is caused by a conscience that's not right before God. We don't know how much we suffer in our faith because of our conscience. (Psa.32:1) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. (2) Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile. (3) When I kept silence, my bones wasted away (I believe they knew back then that a person's blood which, according to Leviticus 17:11, is “the life of the flesh,” is created in your bones.) Through my groaning all the day long. (Psa.32:4) For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me (Notice it was God Who sent the curse in order to motivate man to repentance, as it says in Deuteronomy 28.): My moisture was changed [as] with the drought of summer. (Psa.32:5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. (6) For this let every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found (That is, before it's too late. Confessing your sin quickly will keep you out of a lot of the curse.): Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him. The waters, which represent the curse of the world, will not reach unto this person because he has confessed his sin and so he is accounted righteous and entitled to the benefits of the Kingdom. (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Here is a person who has confessed his sin and is entitled to the benefits of the Kingdom. Now we can partake of the benefits of God because we have faith. The devil tries to sidetrack us from that faith because we are justified by our faith. He is always accusing us of something, but if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; (1Jn.3:21). The Lord knows that you have to have faith to overcome. He does not want you to waste any time with condemnation when it's not necessary. He doesn't want you to condemn yourself because you cannot have condemnation and faith at the same time, and faith (1Jn.5:4) Is the victory that hath overcome the world. Condemnation does come because of willful disobedience, but not for ignorance or for failure. Through the commandments of God in the New Testament, we come to a revelation of what sin is and now we start being held accountable for it. It says in (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. The Bible says in, (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. So a person does not have a blood covering for wilful sin and judgement comes.

Pastor Jeff discusses Jesus' ministry in Gentile regions as highlighted in Mark 7, emphasizing the persistent faith of a Syrophoenician woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter. He reflects on the attitude of Jesus towards people, noting how compassion drives him to heal individuals, encouraging listeners to see others through Jesus' perspective. Pastor Jeff urges us to take opportunities to love and serve those around them, just as Jesus did, and to be persistent in prayer. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to loving not only friends and church members but also the wider community, embodying the compassion of Christ.

Find the accompanying PowerPoint Here. The Syro-Phoenician Woman, by Donnie V. Rader. 10/27/2024 Sunday AM Sermon.

Love Anyway…Don't Be A Jerk, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: A Braver Way A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Mark 7.24-30.Join us this Sunday to hear a thought-provoking message on loving others, even those we disagree with. Whether online or in-person, come with an open mind and heart as we explore what it means to love alike, not just think alike. All are welcome!About the Series, A Braver Way: Finding Calm, Wisdom and Courage in these Anxious DaysJoin us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend.  Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:love despite differences, Christian faith test, finding God, open mind, open heart, Syrophoenician woman, Jesus's transformation, cultural conditioning, broader mission, open to learning, be opened, political sign, neighbor reconciliation, don't be a jerk, love one another, presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show

Dive into the heart of the Christian tradition with us on "Coffee to Go." This week, we're in Mark's Gospel, witnessing Jesus' encounters with a Syrophoenician woman and a deaf man. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they unpack the complexity of Jesus' actions, the coexistence of our best intentions and flaws, and the assertiveness of faith.

Mark 7:24-37   Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Enjoy this podcast? Your support on Patreon helps us in so many ways... Patreon: patreon.com/commonprayerdaily_________________________________________________________________OpeningBlessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.Come, let us worship God our King.Come, let us worship Christ, our King and our God.Come, let us worship Christ among us, our King and our God.Holy God,holy and mighty,holy immortal one,have mercy upon us. (3x)Glory be to the + Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen. From Psalm 51Open my lips, O Lord, *and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.Create in me a clean heart, O God, *and renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from your presence *and take not your holy Spirit from me.Give me the joy of your saving help again *and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.Glory be to the + Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen. A PsalmPsalm 77Voce mea ad DominumI will cry aloud to God; I will cry aloud, and he will hear me.In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire; I refused to be comforted.I think of God, I am restless, I ponder, and my spirit faints.You will not let my eyelids close; I am troubled and I cannot speak.I consider the days of old; I remember the years long past;I commune with my heart in the night; I ponder and search my mind.Will the Lord cast me off for ever? will he no more show his favor?Has his loving-kindness come to an end for ever? has his promise failed for evermore?Has God forgotten to be gracious? has he, in his anger, withheld his compassion?And I said, "My grief is this: the right hand of the Most High has lost its power."I will remember the works of the Lord, and call to mind your wonders of old time.I will meditate on all your acts and ponder your mighty deeds.Your way, O God, is holy; who is so great a god as our God?You are the God who works wonders and have declared your power among the peoples.By your strength you have redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.The waters saw you, O God; the waters saw you and trembled; the very depths were shaken.The clouds poured out water; the skies thundered; your arrows flashed to and fro;The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.Your way was in the sea, and your paths in the great waters, yet your footsteps were not seen.You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Glory be to the + Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen. The ReadingsEphesians 1:1–9Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in ChristThe Word of the LordThanks Be to God Mark 7:24–30And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.The Word of the LordThanks Be to GodThe Apostles' CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. ExamenIn God's presence, think through the day ahead:the work you will do, the people you will encounter, the dangers or uncertainties you face, the possibilities for joy and acts of kindness, any particular resolutions you need to renew, consider what might draw you from the love of God and neighbor, the opportunities you will have to know and serve God and to grow in virtue, remember those closest to you and all for whom you have agreed to pray, ask God's blessings, guidance, and strength in all that lies before you. Gather up these thoughts and reflections in the wordsOur Savior taught us to say: The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Collects of the DayLord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Closing PrayersA Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. Glory be to the + Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen.Lord, have mercy! (3x)God, be gracious to us and bless us and shine Your countenance upon us and have mercy on us.This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!The Father+ is my hope; the Son, my refuge; the Holy Spirit, my protection: All-Holy Trinity, glory to You!Amen!

Jesus goes deeper into the land of the Gentiles and encounters a woman who begs Jesus to cast out a demon possessing her daughter. He gives a curious answer: it wouldn't be fair for Him to heal her. But as you'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teach, faith is what you put your trust in. This woman trusted that a crumb from Jesus could do anything because she had heard about Jesus' mercy. If faith comes by hearing, how does Jesus deliver to a deaf man? When you're feeling the full weight of the law bearing down on you, you'll experience Jesus proclaim: open your ears, get up, the resurrection is here.CONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. GOSPEL - Mark 7:24-37 24 From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, 25 but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." 28 But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go -- the demon has left your daughter." 30 So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. 31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."Support the Show.Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode of Radical Radiance, Rebecca George sits down with Sharon Jaynes to discuss her latest book, Mama Moments with God. Sharon, an accomplished author with 26 books under her belt, shares her insights and wisdom gathered over years of ministry and motherhood. The conversation offers valuable encouragement to moms navigating the joys and challenges of parenting. Sharon Jaynes is an international speaker and the bestselling author of twenty-six books including Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe. Formerly the vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and cohost of their radio program, Sharon loves engaging with readers on her blog and weekly devotions at www.sharonjaynes.com. Rebecca and Sharon chat about: Sharon's extensive work and background, including her role at Proverbs 31 Ministries and her new book, Mama Moments with God. Sharon talks about her motivation for writing a book specifically for moms, addressing the emotional and spiritual nourishment mothers need. How the publishing landscape has drastically changed over her 29-year career, including the rise of social media and self-promotion. Biblical stories illustrating Jesus's compassion and care for mothers, highlighting His interactions with the widow at Nain and the Syrophoenician woman. Practical advice for mothers feeling disappointed or inadequate, stressing that struggles and bad choices are part of growth. How parents are not responsible for their children's decisions and the importance of allowing kids to learn from their struggles. The necessity of mothers taking time for personal devotion and spiritual refreshment to gain perspective on their daily challenges. Links: ⁠⁠⁠Order Do the Thing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the Book Insiders Club⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠FREE 90-Second “Why are you stuck?” Quiz⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors: The Radical Radiance podcast is brought to you this month by Christian Standard Bible. Headed back to school? Treat your students to the most important book they'll read all year! The Christian Standard Bible has options for every student—and parents too! Start the school year off right with a new Bible. With a Bible for every age and stage, they have you covered: For ages 4-8, there's the Easy for Me Bible. For ages 6-12, the Explorer Bible for Kids. For ages 8-12, Defend Your Faith. For ages 12-17, the Essential Teen Study Bible. And for ages 13-22, the Student Study Bible. And for parents and adults, they have many more! Browse their full back-to-school gift guide ⁠HERE⁠ and get your whole family in the Word this school year! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Crunchi Beauty⁠⁠

Read Online“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21–22Chorazin and Bethsaida were Jewish towns that Jesus visited frequently to preach and to perform many “mighty deeds.” They were located just north of His city of residence, Capernaum. Tyre and Sidon were pagan coastal cities northeast of Chorazin and Bethsaida, in modern-day Lebanon, and were towns known for their immoral living. Though Jesus did not spend much time in those cities, He did visit them at times. During Jesus' first recorded visit there, recall His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman who begged Him to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21–28). The Gospel passage quoted above took place prior to Jesus making that journey.Why was Jesus so harsh toward the towns He spent so much of His time in. Why did He rebuke Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? To answer this, it's important to remember that Jesus spent most of His time preaching to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” In other words, His primary mission during His public ministry was to share the Gospel with those who were descendants of Abraham and had been entrusted with the Law of Moses, the teachings of the prophets and the liturgical rites. For that reason, Jesus not only preached with perfection to these people, He also did miracle after miracle. And though there were many who did believe in Him and became His disciples, there were many others who were indifferent or who flatly refused to believe in Him.Today, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum could be seen as symbols of those Catholics who were born and raised in the faith and were given good formation by their parents and others. Many parents whose children have gone astray from the faith wonder what they did wrong. But the truth is that even Jesus Himself was rejected, despite His perfect preaching, perfect charity and undeniable miracles. And the same happens today. There are many who, despite being raised within the holy faith given to us by Christ Himself, reject that faith and turn a blind eye to the Gospel and the Church.Jesus' rebuke of those towns should echo today in the minds of those who, despite being given so much in regard to a good upbringing, have rejected God. Of course, that rejection is not always absolute and total. More often, it is a rejection in degrees. First, the rejection comes in the form of missing Mass. Then moral compromises. Then a lack of faith. And eventually confusion, doubt and a complete loss of faith sets in.If you are one who has started down the road of becoming more and more lukewarm in your faith, then the rebuke of these towns by Jesus should be understood to also be directed at you in love. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required…” (Luke 28:48). Therefore, to those who have been taught the faith well, much is expected. And when we fail to live up to that which is demanded of us by God out of love, a holy rebuke is exactly what we need. Reflect, today, upon whether the rebuke Jesus issues toward these towns is also issued toward you. Have you been blessed with a good formation in the faith? If so, have you done all you can to help nourish that faith and grow in your love of God? Or have you allowed your faith to dim, to become lukewarm and to begin to wither and die? If you have been given much, have been raised in the faith and have been privileged with good examples in your life, then know God expects much of you. Answer that high calling that is given to you and respond to God with all your heart. My passionate Jesus, You poured out Your heart and soul through Your preaching to the people of Israel. Although many accepted You, many others rejected You. I thank You for the privilege I have been given to hear Your holy Word preached to me. Help me to respond to You with all my heart so that I will be counted among those who listen and believe. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Day of Judgement via flickr

“If you lift up a prism, depending on how you slightly turn it, the light will hit different facets, refracting and coming out in different ways. That's how I like to approach the scriptures,” explains Cynthia, “Turning them just ever so slightly to see what different meanings there could be.” In Episode 188, she turns her personal prism on the story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman, exploring some interpretations of the unique dialog between them. It's a short story touching on big themes including vulnerability, growth, faith, persistence, and inclusiveness. Then Susan joins and together they dive a little deeper into Cynthia's insights and discuss a few possible takeaways.