Podcasts about tabernacles

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

In this message, William explores Jesus' staggering claim—"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)—made during the Festival of Tabernacles whilst standing before towering 86-foot-high menorahs, connecting it to both the pillar of fire that guided Israel through the wilderness and Isaiah's prophecy of light for all nations. Through the vivid image of complete darkness in a limestone cave, William reveals that Jesus isn't offering better lighting for the path you're already walking; He's claiming to be the only solution to absolute darkness, and there are only two possible responses to this claim: belief or rejection. As you listen, ask yourself: Where am I actually standing in relation to Jesus—am I walking towards Him, or have I quietly positioned myself where His light cannot reach me?

This message will briefly discuss social anxiety using the framework of today's popular psychological theories, then explore the same themes through the light of scripture. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb

Rand Millich | Recorded May 16, 2026

Rand Millich | Recorded May 16, 2026

In this episode, Jesus stands up on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles and offers all those listening living water.

By Lewis VanAusdle - The message encourages believers to trust God fully as they prepare to keep His feasts, especially the Feast of Tabernacles. Through the story of a farmer who chose to stay home from the feast because he feared losing his harvest, the speaker illustrates the lesson that God is able to provide

Douglas S. Winnail | Recorded April 25, 2026

Douglas S. Winnail | Recorded April 25, 2026

Episode 4170 │ July 5, 2026 You are an heir and owner of everything. The entire Babylonian system depends on you never believing it. Brad Cummings explains why it's true. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS Scott Kesterson and Brad Cummings open the day after the 250th with the question underneath everything the founding week examined — not whether the republic can be saved, but whether the people of God understand who they actually are — tracing the pathway to sonship through the three feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles as a life process rather than a checklist, and connecting Galatians 4's legal concept of adoption — not orphan rescue but a son come of legal age to operate the estate — to the founding generation's own self-understanding as spiritual Israel appealing to the courts of heaven in the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Brad maps the Quaker thread through William Penn, Thomas Paine, and the first abolitionist movement in Pennsylvania as the seed of the nation's deepest virtues — a people who would not speak until they heard God's voice, who saw peacemaking not as pacifism but as the sword of love wielded by sons of God — and closes with the covenant framework from Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 that explains exactly why God allows tyranny over His people when they forsake the covenant, and the only path back: not political rebellion without repentance, but national humiliation before God — prayer, fasting, and the acknowledgment that we have given away our birthright. The episode closes with Brad's prayer that God would open the ear of every disciple pursuing Him — and that the nation would be restored to its original assigned purpose. KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED  What is the legal meaning of adoption in Galatians 4 — and why does understanding yourself as a son come of legal age to operate the Father's estate, rather than an orphan rescued by God, completely reframe your identity, your authority, and your relationship to the systems trying to convince you that you own nothing? What is the Quaker thread running through William Penn, Thomas Paine, Pennsylvania's first abolitionist movement, and the founding of the republic — and why did the nation that practiced the most voluntary, Spirit-led self-government produce more fruit than every European monarchy watching it fail? What is the covenant framework from Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 — and why does Brad argue that political rebellion without national repentance and humiliation before God not only fails, but makes the tyranny worse? ABOUT BARDSFM BardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,100 episodes and 50 million lifetime downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fm This episode was researched and produced under the Sentinel Framework v3 — the analytical methodology built by Scott Kesterson — with AI-assisted research synthesis at a 70/30 human/AI authorship ratio, fully disclosed. All analysis, conclusions, and editorial judgments are those of Scott Kesterson. AFFILIATE LINKS Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here DONATIONS: If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here MAILING ADDRESS: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

Come and Believe Chase Upchurch Download Sermons Archive RSS John 7:1-24 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” 12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”16 [c]Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?”20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Sermon Discussion Questions:If a stranger asked you on the street “Who is Jesus” how would you respond?When was a time that God's timing was a blessing in your life?What specifically are you struggling with concerning unbelif or confusion on your faith walk?Examine when the Holy Spirit has convicted you of sin. How did you respond to His voice?How do you guard your heart from living a life of obligation unto the Lord?

Paul Shumway | Recorded November 14, 2025

Paul Shumway | Recorded November 14, 2025

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 2nd of July, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Old Testament in the Book of Deuteronomy 16:1. The Lord says: “Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in the month of Abib the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night.” Then we go to John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Then we go down a little bit further to verse 7, Jesus says again: “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.” A conscious decision to make the greatest decision of your entire life, and we cannot afford to forget that time. I know some of you listening to this message can honestly say, “I don't remember the exact day. I don't remember the exact month, but I know that God has changed my life. That is wonderful and I rejoice with you but there must be a time in your life where you have drawn a line in the sand and said, “Devil, this far and no further.” I did it on the 18th of February, 1979, in the little Methodist Church in the Main Street of our town, Greytown, and I will never ever forget it. No, I didn't see any bolts of lightning, I didn't hear any thunder - no, I made a conscious decision that I was going to follow Jesus Christ and Him, alone. That is why the Jewish people are so strong in their roots, because they do not forget the time that the Lord took them out of Egypt, 400 years of slavery, took them out by night - miraculous - and they will not forget that. I have been to Israel many, many times. I have had the privilege of speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles, where they rejoice in the Lord and tell their children about what happened and how they came out of slavery in Egypt. I want to tell you now, even today, I want to pray with you if you have never, ever made a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ with all of your heart. Please pray this prayer after me, and I am going to pray it slowly:Dear Lord Jesus,I repent of my sin, and I ask you to be the Saviour of my life today, on the 2nd of July, Thursday morning, 2026. I will serve no other gods but You. Thank You for dying for me, a sinner, on the Cross at Calvary, but Lord, through Your death I have been set free from the slavery of the system in this world.In Jesus' name, amen.Wonderful! Congratulations! Go and tell 3 people what you have just done. Until next time, Jesus bless you! Goodbye.

Sunday Service - June 28, 2026 - Gary Stebbins

Wallace G. Smith | Recorded March 14, 2026

Wallace G. Smith | Recorded March 14, 2026

  Jesus began laying the groundwork for a new type of governance; the rule of God (kingdom of God) on earth. It will be a new type of governance not because of a particular organizational structure... it will be a new type of governance in that it will be driven by a new type of thinking.

…or did only His body die? Was Jesus… actually alive during the three days and three nights His body was in the tomb?

There is raw energy and power, that energy is organized [information], expression of God's personal will. This is the power of the universe… this is the holy spirit which God wants to put in you.

Pentecost is not a picture of the final victory over sin and death which we will experience upon resurrection. Pentecost is a picture of the beginning of the long march to victory that is promised to us. We know that promise is good, it will come to pass, because the power of God's holy spirit has been given to us. Victory will be ours because He is in us and we are in Him. We have been placed within His Church, a body filled it with His holy spirit... so we may grow in grace, and knowledge, and love.

In this message we'll explore God's guidance on how attitude, character, and ethics drive governance. We'll review governing systems at work among the people of God... from the earliest times right up to [but not including] the inauguration of the Church at that first Pentecost.

Some Old Covenant practices of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (like sacrifices and the wave sheaf offering) are fulfilled and no longer required through Christ, key elements—such as removing leaven and eating unleavened bread—remain as spiritually meaningful practices for New Covenant believers. We need to remove sin and pride (“leaven”) from our life and replace them with sincerity and truth through Christ. This understanding comes from directly from Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 5 and the direct teaching of Jesus.

 The first (and essential) step in God's program of salvation for humanity is atonement for sin

Is belief in the bodily resurrection of the dead a leap into irrational thinking?

Gerald E. Weston | Recorded May 31, 2025

Gerald E. Weston | Recorded May 31, 2025

What does Jesus mean when he says, "I am the Light of the World"?In this episode of Behind the Scenes, Rev. Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to explore John 8:12-20 and the next message in our "I Am" sermon series. Together they unpack the rich symbolism behind Jesus' words, the Festival of Tabernacles, and the dramatic exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees.Why does John present Jesus differently than the other Gospels? What does it mean to walk in the light rather than the darkness? And how are Christians called to reflect Christ's light into the world today?Along the way, Laura shares the historical setting of Jesus' teaching in the Temple, the significance of the great festival lamps that illuminated Jerusalem, and how Jesus' claim to be the Light of the World points to God's guidance, truth, hope, and presence.Join us as we dig deeper into this week's scripture and prepare for Sunday worship.Scripture: John 8:12-20Series: I AmSpeaker: Rev. Laura Johnson#NorthRaleighUMC #BehindTheScenesPodcast #GospelOfJohn #LightOfTheWorld #Jesus #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #UnitedMethodist #FaithJourney #John8 #SermonPrep #ChurchPodcast

Jonathan McNair | Recorded October 18, 2025

Jonathan McNair | Recorded October 18, 2025

(Key Question: Who decides that something is good or less than good in our lives? God!)Psalm 84 especially verse 11, Romans 8:28.My short imperfect answer before expounding Psalm 84 is a complex combination of primarily God, His Word and us in conversation, but God ultimately decides.(e.g. Jesus' dialogue with the Father on the Mount of OlivesLuke 22:39–44 “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”) At other situations Scripture seems to imply that we participate in how He answers, to what would be “good” (or beneficial for us); for example, Matthew 7:7–12, especially verse 11, but always in the context of the larger request to remain within God's will (Matthew 6:11); but God honors our part in the prayer dialogue.Also, what is deemed “good” (beneficial) to the Psalmist and us sometimes does not feel “so good,” there exists a journey factor in Psalm 84:5–7 “a Valley of Baka” (a waterless area) to be a traversed. But God by His presence with them all through their journey to the Holy Place (probably the autumn feast of Tabernacles) promising to give them extraordinary strengths (three times, in verses 5–7). And even though the travel is rough, doesn't feel very good, His water continuously refreshes the traveler's person. (84:6 pools, springs, autumn rains). Mysteriously and miraculously restores their strength. In the New Testament, according to Romans 8:28, Paul states a similar truth about the “good” that God wants to administer to Christ's disciple on his/her journey: “And we know (experientially) that in everything (or situation) God works only for the good of those who loves Him, who are called and (stay) within His purpose.”Like Psalm 84:11, God is both “Our Sun and shield” and is able to transform even what seems not so good into good (in all situations He works for our good); but we must stay in our calling to do His purpose. And He invites us to ask, seek, knock and communicate our need and discuss them with Him (Matthew 7:7-12, along with Matthew 6:32, 33)Back to Psalm 84, what are some truths we can learn from it?God's ultimate purpose in our journey with and to Him is that we succeed in reaching Him. In New Testament, His dwelling place is within us (1 Corinthians 6:19) or our persons (both now and forever in our glorified bodies. (1 Corinthians 15). And He is concerned and committed to help us to fulfill His purpose and provide all He knows we need (Matthew 6:32-33). Only keep our desire for Him our utmost goal (Psalm 84:2-4).We cannot avoid this sometimes-painful journey: it's part of our course. “The valley of Baka” (Psalm 84:6) was a waterless area where all God's pilgrims will traverse (this fallen world) but God promises strength, strength, strength (84:5-7) and in New Testament language the refreshing waters of the Spirit will refresh and restore us in our journey out of our belly will flow rivers of living water = the activity of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38). We need a continual refilling (Ephesians 5:18). And again, according to Romans 8:28, He is able to transform all things for “our good,” because we love and belong to Him.God wants our values to change to match His kingdom values: note 84:10 “So much better to be aligned with God and His purposes for our lives than earthly, worldly, prestige. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.” (needy for God and receiving from God); Luke 6:20-26 states, blessed are the poor for they have to depend on the God of Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:5-7; see also again Matthew 6:32-33.Our ultimate dependence must continue to be in the Lord as we develop the values of the Kingdom or the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11). Thereby we grow and fit in to God's kingdom as to our values and receive from God His transforming power, until we fully dwell with Him (Revelation 22:1-5).Finally, God wants to be our “sun and shield” throughout our lives (84:11) as He provides all good things both now and forever.

Jesus teaches during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.  So much of Jesus' ministry revolved around Israel's weekly sabbath and annual festival celebrations.  It's a reminder that regular rhythms of remembering God's provision are important to experiencing Jesus in everyday life.   Taught by Jose Zayas.

Gerald E. Weston | Recorded April 18, 2026

Gerald E. Weston | Recorded April 18, 2026

Stan Johnson – Atonement & Tabernacles

Stan Johnson – Atonement & Tabernacles

At the Feast of Tabernacles, surrounded by reminders of God's guiding presence, Jesus made a bold declaration: "I am the light of the world." In this message, Pastor Sean shows how Jesus doesn't just point us toward the light—He is the light, leading us out of darkness and into life.

Dexter B. Wakefield | Recorded April 11, 2026

Dexter B. Wakefield | Recorded April 11, 2026

Acts 2 – Ruah, Rebellion, Towers and Tabernacles | Acts | John Emmert by First Christian Church

Rod McNair | Recorded April 15, 2026

Mike DeSimone | Recorded June 1, 2025

Mike DeSimone | Recorded June 1, 2025

Rod McNair | Recorded April 15, 2026

Jeffrey Fall | Recorded November 14, 2025

Jeffrey Fall | Recorded November 14, 2025

Questions about why people are using the Old Testament laws to condemn people if we're not under those laws, thoughts on Christians celebrating the feasts of the Law out of obedience to the Lord, and whether we should keep the feasts so we'll recognize Christ at his second coming.    If the Old Testament laws were not even meant for us, then why are so many using the old laws to condemn people now? What do you think about my friends insisting that Christians celebrate and honor the various feasts of the Mosaic Law—not out of a spirit of legalism, but merely out of obedience to the Lord who saved them? Just as part of the purpose of the Mosaic Law and sacrificial system was to teach God's people how to recognize Jesus when he came, should Christians be keeping the Feast of Tabernacles and other commands so we can recognize Christ at his second coming?

Dexter B. Wakefield | Recorded March 28, 2026

Dexter B. Wakefield | Recorded March 28, 2026

Brad Cummings and I continue our discussion of the Day of Atonement. This then sets the conditions for the discussion to move onto Tabernacles. God has a strategic plan. We too often spend our time mucking out the trenches and lose focus on the bigger picture God has offered. Understanding the strategic framework helps clarify the daily walk that we make. #BardsFM_DiggingIntoTheWord #Tabernacles #StrategicFramework Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479