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Today we will be taking a look at 25 chapters that are both exciting and complex. The 25 chapters: 1 Kings 15 - 22 2 Kings 1 - 11 2 Chronicles 17 - 22 A period of approximately 33 years. As our study begins we see Ahab (874-853 BC) - is the ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Jehoshaphat (870-848 BC) - is ruler of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. There's good news and bad news from this period of 33 years… There was an alliance made between Israel and Judah. Bad news: 2 Chronicles 18:1 tells us, "Now Jehoshaphat (Judah) had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab  (Israel) by marriage." As we dig into this we see Ahab (Israel's worst King) was married to Jezebel, they had a daughter named Athaliah.  We also see that Jehoshaphat had a son named Jehoram. Athaliah and Jehoram marry. This is the alliance between Israel and Judah, but the marriage brought great tragedy. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to Samaria in Israel. Ahab tells him he wants land back that had taken from him and he wants Jehoshaphat to help him fight to get it back. Ahab has 400 false prophets that say he should attack Judah because he will be victorious. Jehoshaphat listens but requests a 2nd opinion. That 2nd opinion comes from a prophecy of Micaiah son of Imlah a prophet of the Living God. Micaiah tells them, "I saw all Israel was scattered on the hillside because the shepherd was gone." And what happens is that he is thrown in jail. Judah and Israel go to battle and attack Remoth Gilead and the bettle ends in great defeat for Israel and Judah. King Ahab is killed and one of his sons takes over his throne.  About 5 years later we read in 2 Chronicles 21:1 that Jehoshaphat dies and his son Jehoram succeeds him as king of Judah. Additionally, in 2 Chronicles 21:4-5 we see Jehoram puts all his brothers to death in order to protect his throne. And now we see Elijah stepping in with a letter to King Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 21:12-13 we see Elijah tell Jehoram that he has not followed the way of his father and grandfather in following God and instead follows the worship and practices of idolatry of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoram has turned away from the God of David. Vs 13-14 he holds Jehoram accountable for killing his brothers, and tells him that he will become sick and die of disease.  This is a warning to the way Jehoram is headed and it's God's call to stop and to come back to Him. But Jehoram continues to do what he had always done. So he dies and his son, Ahaziah, becomes King of Judah.   Reminder: Athaliah is King Ahab and Jezebel's daughter. Ahab and his wife led Israel away from God. Their daughter Athaliah is married to Jehoram (King of Judah) and when Jehoram dies their son Ahaziah becomes King of Judah. The spiritual pollution of Israel has not only come down to Judah, it has taken the throne. The line of Ahab is on the throne in both Israel and in Judah. In Israel Ahaziah's uncle, Joram, is King.  There is a second Battle of Remoth Gilead at this time. Ahaziah (King of Judah) and his uncle Joram (King of Israel) decide to do the battle again, expecting to win this time. Joram, King of Israel is severely injured in the battle, Ahaziah, King of Judah, goes to check on his uncle. 2 Kings 9:1-3 Elisha has a man go to Remoth Gilead and anoint Jehu as King over Israel. The result is found in 2 Kings 9:22-23, Jehu confronts the Joram King of Israel and Ahaziah King of Judah at the bedside of Joram, Ahaziah's uncle, where he and Ahaziah are talking. Jehu says there can be no peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of Ahaziah;s mother Jezabel abounds. Joram flees and Jehu pulls out his bow and arrow and hits Joram in the back killing him.  Jehu then chases Ahaziah wounding him. Ahaziah dies, too, and now both the King of Israel and the King of Judah are dead. I Kings 11:1 tells us that when Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah saw he son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of Judah. She desired to eliminate the whole line of David through which the Messiah was to come.  2 Kings 11:2 but the Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered.  She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. And as a result a godly king will ultimately come to the throne against the desire of Ahaziah. Join us next week as our story continues! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pastor opens by sharing that he is convinced the New Testament is genuine and true. Having read the Bible over 90 times in the last 15 years and having read original sources and the writings of scholars over the centuries, he is convinced the New Testament is trustworthy. To answer today's question, Pastor takes us on a journey through other common questions regarding the New Testament:     ⁃    Who wrote the New Testament and when? This is a controversial subject. Modern skepticism says it has late dating and anonymous authorship. But this view ignores the latest scholarship which shows in recent research that the New Testament books have early dating before 70A.D. and that it was written by eyewitness authors who knew Jesus and were willing to risk their lives to proclaim Jesus and His resurrection.     ⁃    How do I know it wasn't tampered with?  There is manuscript evidence with over 5,800 Greek manuscripts showing the accuracy of the transcripts plus there are over 20,000 Latin, Coptic, Syriac and other translations that are also accurate when compared to each other. The variants are textual having only minor variation in spelling and word order but all with no doctrinal deviations.     ⁃    Is there any evidence supporting its claims?  Non-Christian sources like references to persons in Acts and the local cultural peculiarities show that the Book of Acts matches up with what is said in the non-christian writings and sources from that time. Acts jives with what is written in the other non-christian sources. Archaeological discovers support the truth of the New Testament and Acts in particular. Excavations match the details found in Acts with some amazing artifacts showing that what we find buried in the ground bears new testimony to the very things we read in Acts. Pastor shares many of the recent artifacts and discoveries. What we see is that the New Testament is not just made up but the words of eyewitness who were there and saw what took place.     ⁃    Isn't it just pious "feel good" religious fiction?  Truthfully, the New Testament is not a "feel good" book. The New Testament is and has been culturally and morally unpopular - it says things people do not want to hear., things that make them uncomfortable. At the heart of the New Testament is a scandal - a crucified Messiah, humiliated before the eyes of all. Why write such a not "feel good" story…. Plus the New Testament calls people to radical discipleship with self denial as a lifestyle. It calls people to have love for their enemies. It is not feel good religious fiction - it is a powerful testimony to the very plan and character of God and the actions of God in history.     ⁃    Is it too old to be relevant for modern times? In answer Pastor shares a personal story exemplifying the relevancy of the New Testament's effect on his life and he shares how the New Testament continues to impact his life and the lives of others because it is relevant for all. Pastor shares that there is nothing more important than surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ. Just because the New Testament is old doesn't mean it doesn't speak to our day. It is still valuable and essential.  Old things are not worthless.  Pastor continues with a challenge to read the New Testament and to see for ourselves, because to ignore the New Testament is to make the most serious mistake we can make. He passionately encourages us to read the New Testament allowing God to speak into our hearts and to mold and shape our lives, destinies, families, communities and the culture. Pastor closes with:      ⁃    What do you think are the consequences of ignoring reading the New Testament if it is true?      ⁃    Will you act on what you sense the Holy Spirit is telling you? Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Today we continue our study of Elijah's ministry. Elijah's Ministry     ⁃    Prediction and Provision - no rain or dew     ⁃    Contest at Mount Carmel the time of drought ends in a contest     ⁃    Encounter at Mount Horeb     ⁃    Word at Naboth's Vineyard     ⁃    Elijah taken to heaven We pick up the story from last week, at the contest at Mount Carmel where we learn that Jezebel has promised to kill Elijah. After the threat, Elijah, fearful for his life, travels forty days to Mt. Horeb (Mt. Sinai). Pastor shares several possibilities for the location of this mount leaning towards today's Jabal al Maqla.  Elijah makes it to Mt. Horeb and he is discouraged and fearful and exhausted and we read of his depression in 1 Kings 19:9-10. He ends this verse saying, "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."  God's response is, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord for the Lord is about to pass by." Divine Encounter     ⁃    Wind comes - but the Lord was not in the wind     ⁃    Earthquake comes - but the Lord was not in the earthquake     ⁃    Fire comes - but the Lord was not in the fire     ⁃    Gentle whisper comes - the Lord speaks of Elijah's assignment.  Elijah thinks of himself as a failure and wants to give up, but God tells him He has more for him to do, that he is not to give up. Mission: Anointing     ⁃    Elijah is told to anoint Hazael as king over Aram     ⁃    He is told to anoint Jehu over Israel     ⁃    He is told to anoint Elisha as his successor Then God assures Elijah that he is not alone and tells him that there are 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed down to Baal. Elijah obeys God's commands and leaves Mt. Horeb and he comes to Elisha working in the field and Elijah anoints him. Elijah now has a partner for the rest of his ministry time on earth. This may have been as long as 10 years together. God gives Elijah a word of judgement to give to King Ahab. Ahab's response was to tear his clothes, put on sackcloth and fast. And because Ahab humbled himself in repentance, God withheld the judgement saying, "I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son" God relents, because He is gracious and He desires all people come to Him.  God responds when we repent. At the end of Elijah's ministry Elijah is one of two people mentioned in the Bible who were taken alive to heaven. We read in 2 Kings 2:11-12 "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, 'My father, My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!' And Elisha saw Elijah no more." Elijah's Legacy     ⁃    Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 4:5-6)      ⁃    Gabriel and Zechariah (Luke 1:17)     ⁃    Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11;13-14)     ⁃    Transfiguration of Jess (Matthew 17:2-3)     ⁃    Prayer life of Elijah (James 5:17-18) A big takeaway from Elijah's story is that we are to follow God no matter what comes our way, no matter what may be happening in our lives or in the world around us because God is faithful and He knows how to defend and take care His own. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

"If someone dies, will they live again?" Three Basic Views     1.    Oblivion - there's nothing more after this life. But Near Death Experiences (NDE's) are challenging this view.     2.    Reincarnation - a view held mainly in the eastern world.      3.    Afterlife - there is something beyond the grave, that our lives do not end when our bodies die. This is also at the heart of the biblical message. Will All People Die? The answer is "No!" The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 that there will be one generation that does not, the one alive when Jesus returns. The Bible teaches a resurrection.   What happens when I die? A personal look using the Bible's Testimony:      1.    Life - God is the author of life. Genesis 2:7, Ecclesiastes 3:11     2.    Death - is a reality because of sin. Genesis 3:19, Romans 5:12     3.    Paradise - with Christ when we die. Luke 23:43, Philippians 1:23. But this is not our destiny.       4.    Raised - The dead will be raised. Our destiny and future is to be bodily raised with new bodies that are glorified.  1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:16     5.    Judgement - For unbelievers it is a time of judgement, for believers their sins were judged at the Christ so that we do not need to suffer the punishment for our sins.  For believers the judgement is a time of reward. 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrew 9:27 A believer's life is to be lived as a thank you note to God.     6.    Forever - believers will live forever in a new heaven and a new earth in new bodies with no pain, death or suffering. 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:4.  Our destiny is to live forever! That is why it is so important that we receive what God offers us: salvation, life, forgiveness, and assurance through faith in Jesus who died for us, rose from the grave and will return at the end of time. For believers, death is not to be feared with dread, it is instead an assurance that there is more and that the best is yet to come. John 11:25 "Jesus said to her, 'I'm the resurrection and the life. The one who believe in me will live, even through they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" Do you believe what Jesus said to Martha?  Will you respond to the gift God desires to bring to everyone, life forever with Him? He desires all to be saved through knowledge in the Lord Jesus Christ.     1.    Sin - all have sinned and need a Savior and need to repent     2.    Sorrow - realize we have sinned against a holy God, our Creator, and desire to repent. God is good and gracious and desires all repent and admit we are sinners responding with sorrow and trusting our Savior     3.    Savior - the only One who can deliver us from death and the grave and a horrible future. He is the only who can give meaning to life today and meaning forever. We have a future beyond the grave. What happens when I die? Jesus' response to that question is, "I am the resurrection and the life, do you believe this?"  Follow up questions to consider:     ⁃    How would you answer the question; "What happens when I die?"     ⁃    Do you believe the Bible's testimony about life beyond the grave? Why or why not     ⁃    Are you trusting the Lord Jesus for your eternal destiny? Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pastor opens today's class with the words from Psalm 135:15-18 "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." We will see the truth of these words in today's study. Elijah' Days: Most of this prophet's ministry was during the height of King Ahab in the north in Israel and King Jehoshaphat in the south in Judah. His name, Elijah, is even prophetic. In Hebrew it literally means, my God is Jehovah. ⁃ A time of great apostasy - under Ahab and Jezebel there was an attempt to get rid of any semblance of worship of the Living God and to supplant God with the worship of Baal. ⁃ A prophet of great faith (Elijah) ⁃ A man of insignificance (very little is know about him, was he even an Israelite?) ⁃ A time of great danger for believers. Ahab and Jezebel sought to destroy God's prophets. ⁃ A ministry of great impact Elijah's ministry is recorded in 1 Kings 17-19, 21 2 Kings 1-2 2 Chronicles 21 Elijah's Ministry: ⁃ Prediction and Provision (1 Kings 17) Elijah speaks that there will not be rain or dew for the next few years. This is a direct attack on King Ahab's gods. And the drought begins. Elijah goes into hiding. There are some great stories of God's miraculous provision for Elijah during the famine. ⁃ Contest at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18-19) God tells Elijah 3 years after the drought started that he was to go to Ahab and tell him that God would send rain. Elijah confronts Ahab about abandoning God and says for Ahab and his people and 850 prophets of Baal to meet him, a prophet of God, at Mt. Carmel and offers them the choice to follow God or Baal. Elijah is severely outnumbered against 850 false prophets, but the contest begins. ⁃ The Contest - those prophets worshiping Baal were told to pray to Baal for Baal to bring fire onto their altar, but it never comes. Elijah then builds his altar of 12 stones (1 for each tribe of Israel), slaughters the bull and then covers the altar in water and at 3pm he prays to God and the fire of the Lord falls on Elijah's altar. When the people see this they fall and cry out, "The Lord, He is God, the Lord, He is God!" They destroy the false prophets, and the rains start falling. ⁃ The Aftermath - Elijah runs to Jezreel (the summer palace) where Jezebel threatens him saying she is going to ensure he is killed. Elijah becomes fearful and runs for his life. He hides in the wilderness and becomes very discouraged and depressed. He tells God that he's had enough, and to take his life. Then an angel of the Lord comes and tells him to head to Mt. Sinai where the Lord will appear to him. Join us next week as we continue our study of Elijah! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Did Jesus exist?  Is Jesus a myth?  Is there any evidence that Jesus actually lived?  Is there any evidence outside the Bible?  The answer is absolutely, there's a great deal of evidence. Many are unaware of some of the very profound and powerful evidences for the existences of Jesus.  Today we will take a look at the evidence for Jesus' existence, coming at it from three different vantage points: Ancient Hostile Witnesses: (Pastor goes into detail regarding each of the following hostile testifiers to Jesus and His followers)     •    Tacitus - Annals XV, 44 (ca 55-120A.D)      •    Suetonius - Claudius, 25 and Nero, 18 (ca 117-138 A.D.)     •    Pliny the Younger - Letter to Roman Emperor Trajan (ca 112 A.D.)     •    Sanhedrin 43a (part of the Talmud)     •    Josephus - “Testimonium Flavianum”  Antiquities, 18:3 (ca 37-97 A.D.) Earliest Witnesses     •    Doctor Luke and John Mark     •    Jesus' best friend, John     •    Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul) Accepted historical Facts: Acknowledged by Scholars, Liberals, Conservatives, Christians, Jews and Agnostics:     •    Jesus died by Roman Crucifixion     •    His tomb was discovered to be empty     •    His disciples said they saw the risen Jesus     •    His disciples lives were radically changed     •    Resurrection proclaimed early in Jerusalem     •    James and Paul became believers Pastor concludes the teaching time telling us that God changed his heart and the direction of his career. Then Pastor changes the question to "Does Jesus really exist?" and continues with the following: “If Jesus is alive, if He has risen from the grave, that changes everything. It means that God has broken into our world. It means that there is life and forgiveness in Him, and that apart from Him, you have nothing. Today's question is not simply a question about the historical past, this is a question about eternal destiny!” Jesus is alive! And we pray that He will be, if He's not already, the Lord of your life! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pastor opens with Psalm 33:12  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”  Our class starts and ends with the story of the kings of Judah. But in between Asa's 40 year reign as a king of Judah and his son, Jehoshaphat's 22 year reign, we see the turmoil and chaos that is transpiring in Israel the northern kingdom. Major events of Asa's Reign:      ⁃    Zera the Cushite attacks (2 Chr. 14:8-15)     ⁃    Azariah and Covenant Renewal (2 Chr. 15:1-19)     ⁃    Treaty with Ben-Hadad of Aram (2 Chr. 16:1-6)     ⁃    Hanani the Seer rebukes Asa (2 Chr. 16:7-10) In 1 Kings 15:16-17 we read about the tension between Baasha, King of Israel and Asa, King of Judah, and how there was war between Asa and Baasha. Baasha fortifies Ramah on the main road to Jerusalem close to the border between to Israel and Judah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah's territory. Asa retaliates but instead of calling on God as he has in the past, he calls on a foreign power and gives temple adornments, silver and gold to the King of Aram and asks him to attack Baasha. Ben-Hadad of Aram does attack Israel, the northern kingdom and wins.  Hanani, a prophet comes to Asa following his treaty with Aram and says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” Asa was so angry at the prophet that he put him in prison. Asa was a good king and had sought to follow the Lord when he first ruled, but in the later years of his reign he did not call on the Lord, instead he relies on himself and others and not God. The scriptures say, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Asa started out that way, but he did not finish that way. A lesson for us today. Meanwhile, up north… (in Israel) we read in 1 Kings 15-16.  910-870 BC during the 40 year reign of Asa in Judah, this is how it was going in Israel. Jeroboam's son Nadab is on the throne and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord following the ways of his father Jeroboam. Nadab rules for only 2 years. Baasha kills Nadab and rules Israel for 24 years. Baasha battles Israel because of King Asa of Judah's request. Baasha defeats Israel and kills off all of Jeroboam's family, ending the rule of Jeroboam's family and fulfilling the prophetic word given to Jeroboam.  Ahijah's prophetic word had said that Jeroboam was to follow God, and if he did his family would continue to reign but if he did not it would end.  We begin to see that when a nation abandons God it invites disaster. The kingdom  of Israel is in chaos. We can see it in the list of rulers of Israel over the next years: Nadab - 2 years (son of Jeroboam) Baasha - 24 years (kills Nadab and Jeroboam's family) Elah - 2 years (son of Baasha killed by Zimri) Zimri - 7 days (killed by Baasha's family) Omri - 12 years (build new capital: Samaria) Ahab - 22 years (Omri's son - he was the worst king of all. Marries Jezebel and establishes Baal worship) 1 Kings 16-22. God's anger is aroused with this succession of evil kings of Israel…. …But in the southern kingdom of Judah, Jehoshaphat is king. 1 chronicles 17 870-848 BC - he was a man who sought the Lord his God. Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of David instead of the practices that we see goin on in Israel. Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor. He removed asheriah poles, he sent teachers out to the people of Judah to teach them about the law in the Torah and revival breaks out.   Join us next week as we meet Elijah! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Questions about the Trinity are often asked this way:     •    Is the word “Trinity” in the Bible?     •    Do Christians worship three Gods?     •    Was “Trinity” invented by the Church?     •    Isn't the notion of “Trinity” irrational?     •    Don't you think this is a minor issue? Pastor digs into the question of the Trinity by starting at the beginning, in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In Hebrew the word for God that is used in this verse is Elohim. Elohim is a plural noun. God is being described in plural terms! Genesis 1:2 “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” In Hebrew the Spirit of God is “Ruah Elohim”. This is describing God as the Holy Spirit.  Genesis 1:3 “And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” The word that stands out here is “said”.  Observation: Genesis 1     1.    Plural noun for God the Creator     2.    Spirit of God involved in Creation     3.    God's Word brings forth the Creation This three-fold pattern continues throughout the Hebrew Scriptures:     1.    Father - Deuteronomy 32:6 “Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?”     2.    Spirit - Job 33:4 “The Spirit of God has made me, the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”     3.    Word - Psalm 33:6 “By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”     But the Old Testament also says there is but ONE God. Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”   And yet one God is describe in a multiplicity of terms. One God and three very distinct Persons. This pattern continues in the New Testament:     1.    Father - 1 Peter 1:2 “…chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.”     2.    Spirit - Acts 5:3-4 “…you have lied to the Holy Spirit…you have not lied just to human beings but to God.”     3.    Word - John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  In John 1:14 we read more about the Word, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  THE WORD is none other than Jesus, Himself. The Bible sets forth clearly that the One God has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Jesus says in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”    The word that stands out in this verse is the word NAME - singular - yet THREE are named. 2 Corinthians 13:14 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”   This is clear Biblical teaching that the One true God has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is complex!!! His ways are higher than ours! God who created us….     •    Planned to Save us (God knew we would wander away from Him, but His plan from the beginning was save us)     •    Came to Save us (we cannot save ourselves, we need a divine rescue. Our Divine Rescuer is Jesus who came to earth taking on human flesh and enduring the cross)     •    Dwells in us to Save us (the God who created us dwells in us, brings us to faith, changes hearts, gives power and testifies to Jesus the Savior) God works as a unity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each unique and distinct but also uniquely ONE.   Is the word “Trinity” in the Bible? The word is not but “the Trinity” is found: Father, Son and Holy Spirit in both Old and New Testaments. Do Christians worship three Gods? No, there is but ONE God, but has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We do not need to comprehend this to know God's power and presence and truth.  Was “Trinity” invented by the Church?  The term is invented but The TRUTH of THE TRINITY has been there since the beginning. Isn't the notion of “Trinity” irrational? This is a profound mystery, but not irrational. Pastor shares a lesson from Dr. Walter Martin and the Triple Point of Water where water is solid, gas and liquid all at one time. Three yet one. Is it irrational that the God of the universe can “three yet one.” Don't you think this is a minor issue? No because when we start ignoring what God says about Himself and what the Bible teaches we go into false teaching and false testimony. This is where false religions come in. We're living in a culture that has walked from God and it is disastrous. This is NOT a minor issue - God is above ALL things and He is worthy of our worship and praise. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This class will focus on Rehoboam the king of Judah, the southern kingdom, and  his son Abijah as found in 1 Kings 14-15 and 2 Chronicles 11-13. They reigned 931-910 BC. In 2 Chronicles 12:1-5 we read that 5 years into Rehoboam's reign that he and his kingdom have abandoned the law of the Lord. Rehoboam rules from Jerusalem and is attacked by the king of Egypt who has a huge army and captures the cities along the way to Jerusalem. Then the prophet Shemaiah comes and tells Rehoboam, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore I now abandon you to Shishak (Egyptian king).'” In verse 6 we read that after hearing the prophets words, Rehoboam humbled himself and his people humbled themselves and they understand that the Lord is just. Their humility is an example for us today. We too must be humble before God. Verse 7, we see that when they humbled themselves the mercy of God was displayed as He says that He will not destroy them but will give them deliverance and will not pour out His wrath on Jerusalem through the Egyptian king, Shishak. But that there would still be a consequence to having abandoned God's law. Rehoboam reigned 17 years and what we learn is: There is nothing more important than knowing the living God and walking with Him. Rehoboam's son Abijah succeeds him as king and reigns 3 years. The war between Jeroboam (Northern kingdom) and Rehoboam continues while Abijah is king as well. In 2 Chronicle 13:3 we see Abijah battling with 400,000 and that Jeroboam had a troop total of 800,000.  Abijah announces to Jeroboam and his men, “God is with us; he is our leader. The priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed.” Abijah recognizes it's important to follow God and at the sound of Judah's priests' trumpets the men of Judah raised the battle cry and God gave them victory over Jeroboam and his men. Though Abijah and his men were outnumbered 2 to 1, we read in verse 18 that the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord. This is a truth not just for back then, but it is a truth for us today. This story is a reminder to rely on the Lord no matter how bleak the outlook appears, no matter how difficult things look, we can rely on the Lord! Abijah's son, Asa, succeeded Abijah. Asa does rule for 40 years, ruling Judah from 910-870 BC. His story is found in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.   In 2 Chronicles 14:2 we read that Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord.  Asa was the 1st of 8 “good” kings of Judah. Judah had 19 kings, 8 were “good.” Israel also had 19 kings - none of them are described as “good”. While Asa ruled, he removed the foreign altars, cut down the Asherah poles and commanded Judah to seek the Lord and to obey the Lord's laws and commands. The kingdom was at peace under him. He got rid of the false worship, wanting His “people to worship God alone.” Near the end of Asa's reign they are under several major attacks. Asa calls on the Lord to help them and outnumbered they win because they relied on the Lord.  Azariah, the prophet, then speaks to Asa, 2 Chronicles 15:1-2, and tells Asa that the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And revival brakes out across Judah. They turned their hearts back to God. May we too seek the Lord, humble ourselves and turn our hearts to Him, for in God alone is Salvation, in God alone is strength and in God alone is victory! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This series looks for answers to some of the most common, pressing and most difficult questions that are heard today. The question for this video: “Is Jesus the only way to God?” This question comes from supporters of Jesus, from seekers looking for truth, and from skeptics.   Pastor will approach this question with the desire to be:     ⁃    Biblically Accurate: tell what the Bible actually says     ⁃    Rationally Defensible: and why what the Bible says makes sense Many times our question, “Is Jesus the only way to God? Starts with this question, “Didn't Christians invent the claim that Jesus is the only way to God?”  So let's address this first. No, we didn't invent this - Jesus did, He's the one that made the claim.  John 14:6 we read: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one come to the Father except through me.'”  Luke 19:10 - He came to save the lost Matthew 20 - He came to give His life for us Mark 10 - He is the ransom payment Biblical Narrative     - Creation - The story of creation - God made all things by His Word and God gave man 1 choice….     - The Fall into sin - man broke the relationship with God, others, nature and self.     - Promise of a deliverer, the Messiah, Jesus.     - Provision through God's Grace - We are saved by the mercy of God not by our actions. God provided His Son as the Sacrifice for the sin, the shedding of blood and death on the cross      - Fulfillment was found in the coming of Jesus into the world, who lived the perfect life, willingly went to the cross for the sins of all. For my sins and your sins, it's personal. See John 3:16. Our sin has separated us from God and what we need is a sacrificial victim who lays down his life for all and Jesus, the Son of God, gives His life for all. He pays the price for our sin. Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” 1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may now that you have eternal life.” Eternal life is a gift offered through the shed blood, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. That is the clear teaching of the Bible.  It is biblical accurate and rationally defensible. The final question: “Whom will YOU believe?” When one looks at other religions outside Christianity, our to other leaders that people follow, they were and are mortal. There is only one who is immortal. Only one has conquered death through His resurrection. There's only one who is alive. And that is Jesus. This is the fork in the road…  Who will you listen to.  The dead ones or The Living One?  Jesus is alive forever more and He will return.  Without Him there is no hope. With Him we have everlasting life and that is the Gospel truth! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pastor begins with a brief overview of Solomon's divided kingdom. Judah was in the south with two tribes ruled by a descendant of David, Reheboam. Israel in the north with ten tribes was ruled by Jeroboam (1 Kings 11-14) 931-910 BC.  God had said that Jeroboam's kingship would be blessed if he followed the Lord, but he chose the exact opposite path. In today's class we will look closely at three incidents with Jeroboam. In 1 Kings 12:31-33 we read some of the first things he did that were against God, everything Jeroboam did was counterfeit, just like what the enemy always tries to do - the enemy counterfeits what God desires.  We read; “Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. This he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made. And at Bethel he also installed priests at the high places he had made. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.”  Jeroboam puts forth a fake tabernacle celebration as he acts as both king and priest. So what happens when God sees this fake festival, one that He has not instituted and one in which King Jeroboam choose his own way of things instead of God's. Confrontation: Next comes a confrontation (1 Kings 13:1-10). Jeroboam has gone against God's plan. A man of God speaks to Jeroboam saying that the altar would split apart. And as Jeroboam says for the man to be arrested the altar splits and Jeroboam's hand is shriveled up. The man of God prays for Jeroboam's hand to be restored and it is healed. So the man of God is invited to Jeroboam's house but the man of God does not go because it was not part of God's plan. Betrayal: Next comes betrayal (1 Kings 13:11-32). An old prophet's sons tell him what had happened during the story of confrontation. The old prophet lies to the man of God and the old prophet was able to convince the man of God to not do as the Lord had said. The man of God goes to the old prophet's house - disobeying God's plan and God speaks through the old prophet saying to the man of God, “You have defied the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” And then the old prophet sent the man of God on his way and down the road the man of God and his donkey are killed by a lion.  God is communicating to the wayward people of Israel and specifically to Jeroboam that He is to be obeyed. Jeroboam goes to see the dead man of God which was not eaten by the lion and Jeroboam has the man buried in his own grave because of the truth the man of God had spoken earlier in the day at the altar.  What is the lesson in this story? God is doing this to encourage us to do ONLY what He says.  And yet we read that Jeroboam did not change. 1 Kings 13:33-34 “Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.”   Deception: Lastly we see an act of deception (1 Kings 14:1-18). Abijah, Jeroboam's son, becomes ill and Jeroboam has his wife disguise herself and go to Ahijah the prophet with 10 loaves of bread, 1 for each tribe Jeroboam has in his kingdom, so tells his wife to have the prophet tell her what will happen to their son Abijah.  Ahijah the prophet knows who she is - her disguise did not work. He shares the words God gives him, telling of the evils of Jeroboam and that God says judgement will come. Ahijah tells her that her son Abijah will die on her way home and all of Israel mourned for their son. Jeroboam reigned for 22 years and continued to be wayward from listening to God.  Such a sad story of Jeroboam but one that teaches us to follow God's Word and to do what He says. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Our study opens with a look at Civil War between Rehoboam and Judah vs. Jeroboam and Israel (931-910 BC). 1 Kings 12:1 We read that Rehoboam went to Shechem, “for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” Shechem was an historic site for the nation from about 500 years early when Levitical priests recited the blessings and the curses from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Shechem is the city near these two mountains.  In verses 3 and 4 we read that Jeroboam challenges Rehoboam. Reheboam goes to 2 advisory boards. One was the elders that had served under his father, Solomon.  They gave him wise direction. 1 Kings 12:7 - they said that if you serve the people and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants. (Wise advise - to be a servant leader. It is also a prophetic view of who Jesus would be - Jesus is our Servant King - our suffering servant) The second group of advisors was Rehoboam's young friends. 1 Kings 12:13-14 says they tell him to be tougher with the people. Reheboam decided to take the advise of his young friends, but when he tells the people he will be even tougher on them than his father was, the result is that the Israelites - the entire northern part of the kingdom rebels against Reheboam and he had to escape to Jerusalem.  Will there be civil war or will there be an uneasy peace? We read in 1 Kings 12:21 that when Rehoboam arrives in Jerusalem, he gathers Judah together and the tribe of Benjamin to go to war against Jeroboam and the rest of Israel so that he can regain the entire kingdom of his father Solomon. But then God intercedes giving a word to Shemaiah a man of God: 1 Kings 12:23-24 “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.'” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered.” Reheboam listens to the words from the prophet Shemaiah and there is an uneasy peace established between the splintered nation. However, we read in verses 26-27 that Jeroboam's response to the peace was fear that his people - the northern part of the kingdom - would again give their allegiance to Reheboam King of Judah, Solomon's son.  So Jeroboam has two golden calves made - one is put in the northern part of his kingdom and the other calf is placed in the southern part of Israel and he tells the people that it's too much to go up to Jerusalem to worship, so here instead are your gods. And the people did worship these golden calves and it says in 1 Kings 12:29-30 that it became a sin. And the nation begins to turn away from God. Jeroboam led them astray and did not do as God had requested of him when he was given the prophetic word of his kingship over Israel.  Pastor shares the archeological discovery of the Altar of Dan where one of the golden calves had been set up. A sad testimony to how the nation was led astray and away from God. We learn the importance of following God and listening to His voice. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: David's Psalms. This is the final teaching in the “David…and the Heart of God” series. We will explore David's Psalms today. In 2 Samuel 23:1 we read that David is described as the sweet psalmist of Israel.  David's psalms have influence and spoke to the hearts of people for millennia.   C.S. Lewis said, “The most valuable thing the psalms do for me is to express that small delight in God which made David dance.”  And Billy Graham said, “I used to read five psalms every day - that teaches me how to get along with God. Then I read a chapter of Proverbs every day and that teaches me how to get along with my fellow man.” 75 of the 150 Psalms were written by David. Some themes in David's Psalms with a few examples: Praise - Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 57:9-11, Psalm 103:1-3. We are encouraged to begin everything with praise, it honors God and brings refreshment to our souls. Praise takes our eyes off ourselves and putts them on God. True meaning for life is found only in God our Savior. David teaches us to praise the Lord from the heart even when we feel like we're at the bottom of the pit, because God heals and His name is to be praised. Penitence - Psalm 32:1-2 & 5, Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 51:1-2. David's psalms help us recognize we are spiritually poor and needy and we are to be humble before God because we are all sinners. David shows us words of confession for transgression because we can be confident that through faith in Christ, God forgives. Our sins are paid for through Jesus' sacrificial death.  The Lord is merciful, He washes away our sin. Presence - Psalm 32:7, Psalm 145:18.  God is near, He is present, we cannot flee from Him. His presence gives hope and healing. He is near to all who call Him. He is unfailingly present in our lives. Prayer - Psalm 25:4-5, Psalm 141, 2-4.  Psalms are used for prayer, and are a good way to begin our day. They guide us in how to pray honestly before God and we see that through David's prayerful words we can draw near to the Lord. David's Psalms are filled with words asking the Lord for guidance, direction, strength against sin, power for the spiritual battle, and prayers seeking God and His face. Protection - Psalm:1 & 3, Psalm 18:1-2, Psalm 55:18 7 22. The Lord is our Protector and the One who defends us and we are to call upon Him.  He is the Stronghold of our lives.  God is our Rock, Shield, our Strength, our place of Refuge, our Fortress, our Deliverer. The Lord sustains us and He cares for us. Prophecy - Psalm 110:1, Psalm 22:1 & 16018 & 29-31. David spoke much prophecy about the coming Messiah. David shared prophetic words even about the day that Jesus would be on the cross a thousand years before Jesus' death. David understood prophetically the love of Jesus who would say, “It is finished.” And through prophetic understanding David saw the finished work of Christ. Pastor ends by encouraging us to read through David's Psalms this week: 2-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 95, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145 Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-aynd-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Solomon: Builder     ⁃    Temple construction - 1 Kings 6 (took 7 years to build)     ⁃    Temple dedication - 1 Kings 8     ⁃    God appears to Solomon - 1 Kings 9     ⁃    Solomon's palace - 1 Kings 7 (took 13 years to build) Pastor shares archeological discoveries around Solomon in recent years including a massive stone wall and gate and more. Solomon: Reputation     ⁃    Fleet at Ezion Geber - 1 Kings (for the first time Israel had its own navy - 1 Kings 9:26-28 - we read that they brought gold from Ophir. Pastor shares ideas of where Ophir may have been.)      ⁃    Solomon's wealth - 1 King 10 (1 Kings 10:14-15 we read he received 25 tons of gold yearly. Solomon brought financial wealth to the nation.)     ⁃    Queen of Sheba - 1 Kings 10 (Pastor shared the ideas of where this queen came from to visit Solomon. She's overwhelmed by Solomon's wisdom and by the wealth that she sees in her visit. Yet we know there is a wisdom and wealth greater than gold and that is our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 12:42 tells us  … Jesus says, “for the Queen at the South ….came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.” That something is a Someone and that Someone is Jesus, Himself.  It is easy to fall into the trap of wanting stuff and being financially secure. And we can have everything the world has to offer and still be bankrupt if we don't have a relationship with the living God through faith in Jesus.)     ⁃    Solomon's Wisdom - 1 Kings 10 (1 Kings 10:23-24 we read he was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. He wrote Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon and also some Psalms as well.)     ⁃    Labor Policies - 1 King 5 (Soloon had labor practices that caused difficulties with his people - 1 Kings 5:13-14 we read that 30,000 men were under forced labor.) Solomon: Decline & Fall     ⁃    Solomon's Wives - 1 Kings 11 (One man and one wife for life, that has always been God's plan. But in 1 Kings 11:3-4 we read that Solomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines and his wives led him astray.  As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his father had been. This incredibly gifted king who started so well descended into idolatry in his last days. Solomon even built a high place for Chemosh and Molek for his foreign wives who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. He was led away from God.)     ⁃    Solomon's enemies - 1 Kings 11 (As Solomon wandered further from God, God raised up enemies against Solomon.)         Three main adversaries:     ⁃    Haded the Edomite     ⁃    Rezon in Damascus     ⁃    Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Israelite (a prophetic word come to Jeroboam - God would give him 10 tribes. And Solomon's successor, his son Reheboam, would have 2 of the tribes. God told Jeroboam that he was to obey Him and follow Him.) Conclusion Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

**CONTENT WARNING: contains references to suicide** HELPFUL LINKS BELOW!! ***Fay and Nigel join Owen to discuss:- RIP MATT BEARD- The Merseyside Derby- Being 5 points clear of everyone!RIPPLE suicide prevention websiteRipple Tool Chrome extensionIf you or anyone you know is in immediate danger of suicide, please call emergency services right away.For Ireland:Samaritans (Ireland): Offers a free, confidential, 24/7 service.Phone: 116 123Website: samaritans.iePieta: Provides a 24/7 freephone crisis helpline and text service for anyone who is in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.Phone: 1800 247 247Text: HELP to 51444Website: pieta.ieYourMentalHealth.ie (HSE): An information line run by the Health Service Executive that can direct you to mental health supports in your area.Phone: 1800 111 888Website: yourmentalhealth.ieText About It: A free, 24/7 text service for anyone going through a mental health or emotional crisis.Text: HELLO to 50808Mental Health and Suicide Prevention ServicesFor the UK:Samaritans: Offers a free, confidential, 24/7 service.Phone: 116 123Website: samaritans.orgShout: A free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service.Text: SHOUT to 85258Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Provides a helpline and webchat for anyone who needs to talk.Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight every day)Website: thecalmzone.netPapyrus: Dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.Phone: 0800 068 41 41Text: 07860 039967Email: pat@papyrus-uk.orgFor the US:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A free, confidential, 24/7 service for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call or text the number.Phone/Text: 988Website: 988lifeline.orgThe Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people.Phone: 1-866-488-7386Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 text service.Text: HOME to 741741For Europe:International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): While not a direct hotline, they are a global organization that provides a directory of country-specific helplines. This can be a very helpful resource for a general European audience.Website: iasp.infoEuropean-specific hotlines: Many countries have their own services, and some are part of a larger network. Here are a few examples:Austria: Telefonseelsorge (Samaritan Telephone) - 142Belgium: Stichting Zelfmoordlijn (Dutch) - 1813 or Stichting Centre de Prévention du Suicide (French) - 0800 32123Ireland: Samaritans - 116 123Finland: MIELI Mental Health Finland - 09 2525 0111 (Finnish, 24/7)Lithuania: Vilties Linija (Hope Line) - 116 123For Africa:Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA): A pan-African network that can provide a directory of country-specific helplines and resources.Website: aspaafrica.orgSouth African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Offers a 24/7 crisis line and other resources.Phone: 0800 567 567Website: sadag.orgFor Asia:Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): Provides a 24-hour hotline and other services.Phone: 1767Website: sos.org.sgAsian LifeNet Hotline (US-based, serving Asian communities): A 24-hour hotline that offers support in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Fujianese.Phone: 1-877-990-8585OpenCounseling: Provides an international directory of suicide hotlines, which can be useful for finding country-specific resources across Asia.Website: blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 2 Samuel 7:16, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:13-14, Daniel 9:26, Acts 2:29-32.  We will take a look at David's legacy.  1 Kings 2:1-4, “When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son, “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.'” Prosper - by obedience to God, faithful to God. Promise - He wants to know there will continue to be godly men on the throne. (Our next questions are: What do we know and what happened? Find out more about the descendants of David in our weekly Bible class “Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah” on Tuesdays at 9:30am CT watch here:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class ) Back to today's story….  In 2 Samuel 7:16 we read a promise God gave David, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” FOREVER!  Two times!  So the question is, “Did God break His word?” We know David's line did end… Zedekiah, was the last descendant of David on the throne at Jerusalem. 586 BC.  The answer - “But Daniel…” Pastor shares the story of Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's  dream. Daniel 2:44, ““In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.”   There's the “forever” word again. In Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel has a vision, ““In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”  The book of Daniel, through the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and some recent discoveries, has theologians, linguists and historians reexamining and taking a fresh look at the ancient past - they are discovering that what Daniel shared was actually true. David's prophetic statements challenge world-views. Daniel 9:26 “The Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the rule who will come sill destroy the city and the sanctuary.”  (When the 4th kingdom comes the Messiah will be killed, the temple and the city will be destroyed.) Daniel predicted 100's of years in advance:     ⁃    Four great empires will arise (Daniel 2:44)     ⁃    Son of Man given all authority (Daniel 7:13)     ⁃    All nations will worship him (Daniel 7:14)     ⁃    His kingdom will be forever (Daniel 7:14)     ⁃    Anointed One will be killed (Daniel 9:26)     ⁃    Second Temple will be destroyed (Daniel 9:26) Daniel predicted 100's of years in advance that the Messiah would come at the time of the Romans (4th empire) an empire that had not yet risen at the time of the prophecy, that the second temple which had not yet been built would be destroyed by the 4th empire (the Romans - who actually did destroy the temple and the city of Jerusalem), that the Messiah would be killed (He was crucified and died on the Roman cross) and the Messiah's death would happen before the second temple was destroyed.  The Messiah is Jesus who is also a descendant of David! And Jesus the Messiah will reign FOREVER! It is a remarkable prophecy - As believers this reinforces our faith and if you are not a believer, our prayer is that this causes you to seek Jesus out because you will find Him!  Pastor closes with Peter's testimony in Acts 2:29-32 where we read that David's greatest legacy is Jesus the Messiah. The scriptures - recorded and preserved things going back hundreds and thousands of years, and continue to show itself to be reliable, trustworthy and true. They call us back to Jesus, they call us to come back to Him and respond to Him, to repentant and receive Jesus as our Savior, Lord and King.  God does keep His word and may He bring the legacy of David - our Lord Jesus Christ - to the very heart and center of all of our lives. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture:  1 Kings 3:1, 1 Kings 3:4ff, 1 Kings 3:16ff, 1 Kings 6, 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5-7, 2 Chronicles 3:1, Genesis 22, 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Kings 9:4-5 This study helps us dig deeper into Solomon: Wise Leader     ⁃    Pharaoh's Daughter - 1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon secures a peace treaty with Egypt and a strategic marriage to one of the Pharaoh's daughter's.     ⁃    Sacrifices at Gibeon - 1 Kings 3:4ff - shortly after taking the throne we see Him following his father David's advice. We see Solomon going to Gibeon to offer sacrifices to God and commits his life to God. The Lord appears to Solomon in a dream saying “ask for whatever you want.”  Solomon replies in humility, and asks to be given a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong so that he can govern the nation justly and well. He sought God's wisdom and guidance so that he could bless and nurture the children of Israel. The Lord was pleased with Solomon's reply and gave him what he asked for, plus God told him He would give him even more than what he had asked for: wealth and honor.      ⁃    2 Prostitutes - 1 Kings 3:16ff - Two prostitutes come to Solomon. Both have birthed boys but one had rolled over on her son and the child died. But they each claimed the living son as their own. Solomon says, “bring me a sword and cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” But at that point the real mother says, “oh please don't do that.” And the other woman says, “yes, do it.” Solomon then gives the living child to the one who had asked for the child to be spared because she was the real mother. King Solomon was admired greatly by his people for his wisdom from God in administering justice.  He is recognized as very wise. Solomon: Builder     ⁃    Temple Construction - 1 Kings 6 - in the 4th year of his reign Solomon begins building the Temple of the Lord. ca. 966 BC. It will take 7 years to build this incredible temple. Temple was only for priests, but people would gather in the courtyards around the temple. The temple has 3 sections: The Porch, The Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The interior was covered in gold. The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Holy of Holies where the High Priest went once per year on the Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur. A place of shed blood pointing to the One who is the Lamb of God/The Mercy Seat/The Messiah/Jesus our Savior. In 2 Chronicles 3:1 we read that the Temple was build on Mount Moriah. The place of the story where Abraham had taken his only son Isaac. Pastor shares prophetic likeness to Jesus in this story of Genesis 22. (This will also be the location of the Second Temple).     ⁃    Temple Dedication - 1 Kings 8 & 2 Chronicles 5-7. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Holy of Holies, the glory of the Lord filled the temple!  Solomon shares a sermonette and a powerful prayer. Solomon's heart is to win people to the Living God - that they walk in faith and obedience to God. And when he finished praying a fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnet offering and the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The people began shouting praises and thanks to God. And a multiple sacrifices were given to God.     ⁃    God appears to Solomon a second time - 1 Kings 9 & 2 Chronicles 7:14 - God speaks to Solomon and tells him that He wants to bring blessing saying, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  This too is our prayer  -  it is a prayer for us still today - a prayer for our nations, that we would seek God, turn from our wickedness, because He will hear from heaven and heal our land. God closes His time with Solomon with these words: (1 Kings 9:4-5) “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness….and do all I command …. I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David…”.  God calls Solomon to Himself and God calls each one of us to Himself! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13-19. Father Wounds - are wounds brought into our lives through family members. Deep wounds with lasting consequences.  Father's wounds - are wounds to parents by their children. It is grieving because their children turned their backs on the things they were taught from the time they were little.  Both are deep and painful wounds. How to deal with the pain and how to go beyond it. Our study covers: Amnon rapes Tamar (2 Sam 13) Absalom hates Amnon (2 Sam 13) Absalom murders Amnon (2 Sam 13) Absalom flees to thalami (2 Sam 13) Absalom conspires against David (2 Sam 15) Absalom revolts against David (2 Sam 15-17) Joab executes Absalom (2 Sam 18) In our study we see that wounds eliminate the spiritual strength of King David. We also see wounds that bring about rebellion and hatred, anger and murder. We see wounds experienced by a father who feels he has failed his son. A tragic horrible story. Yet God desires to speak to us through it. This story is in the Bible for a reason and purpose. The purpose is not just to inform but to transform. God desires to bring healing, hope and strength and to reverse the painful trajectory of what we have experienced. Divine Prescriptions     ⁃    Sow and Reap - Galatians 6:7-8 Consequences of our behavior can be negative or positive. “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Also, as seen in David's story, God forgives, but the consequences of sin are still there.     ⁃    Nurture or Anger - Ephesians 6:4  encourages fathers to teach their children to live uprightly and faithfully before God and for fathers to model an upright life to their children.     ⁃    Truth and Love - Ephesians 4:15 We are to speak truth to our kids but speak that with love.     ⁃    Forgive and Release - Whether we have father wounds or father's wounds we are to forgive and letting go. Colossians 3:13 We are to forgive as the Lord forgives us - even those who have disappointed us, hurt us deeply, and in that forgiveness and releasing there is healing and there is hope.     ⁃    Father and Son - 1 John 2:1-2 Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sin and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. God loves us and His love goes beyond the love of any father. Our Heavenly Father offers each of us healing, hope and life-transforming power. If you have been the victim of a father wound or if you are experiencing a father's wounds, you need to know there is a Father who loves you more than you could imagine. Who understands the wounds because those wounds were placed in the very body of His Son and He offers to us forgiveness, eternal life, and the ability to start all over. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles 28-29, 2 Chronicles 1-9, 2 Samuel12:24-25, 1 kings 1, 1 Kings 2:2-3, 1 Kings 2:13ff. This study will take us on an adventure through a period of approximately 400 years, a highly significant time when God was moving in a mighty way among His people, Israel. It will cover from around 970 BC when Solomon took the throne until 586 BC when Solomon's Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. It is a time filled with incredible stories, amazing truths, especially applicable truths and lessons for us in our lives today. There is an amazing cast of characters, people like you and me, sinners, all, but individuals whom God used in a wide variety of ways. And it all ultimately points to the Hope of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and King of Kings. Background: Moses & Exodus - ca. 1446 BC Joshua's Conquest - ca. 1406 BC Judges rule - ca. 1390-1050 BC King Saul - ca. 1050-1010 BC King David - ca. 1010-970 BC We begin our study with Pastor encouraging us to read about the reign of Solomon from around 970 - 931 BC in the following books of the Bible:  1 Kings 1-11 1 Chronicles 28-29 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon is believed to be the author of: Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs David and Solomon each reigned for 40 years and their combined 80 year reign ushered in Israel's Golden Age. David known for being a warrior, a worshiper of God, musician and writer, he was also devout - while not perfect, he did follow the Lord. A man who followed God's heart. Solomon was known as a man of peace, a man wisdom - authoring hundreds of proverbs, a man with literary gifts, but Solomon was divided - starting well but not finishing well. Solomon: Early Years     ⁃    Birth - 2 Samuel 12:24-25 - the son of David and Bathsheba.       ⁃    Adonijah's Conspiracy - 1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's the oldest living son of David and attempts to take the throne so that Solomon could not.      ⁃    Solomon's Coronation - 1 Kings 1 - Solomon is anointed while Adonijah's party is going on. Solomon was crowned king while David is still alive.     ⁃    David's Words - 1 Kings 2:2-3 - David encourages his son, Solomon, to be strong, observe the commands and decrees of the Lord, and the laws and regulations as written in the Law of Moses.     ⁃    Adonijah's Appeal - 1 Kings 2:13ff - works to undermine Solomon's throne.but Solomon ordered Adonijah's execution thereby preserving his throne and reign. Israel grew in size under David so Solomon receives a very powerful, large kingdom. Next week we will take a look Solomon as a Wise Leader. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Psalm 51, Matthew 21:9. This message deals with the difficult topic of moral collapse, specifically in David's life. Painful as it is, it can teach us much about the importance of walking faithfully before the Lord and resisting temptation. David fell into temptation after seeing Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam (a trusted soldier) and the wife of Uriah (one of David's elite soldiers). David had her brought to the palace and he slept with her resulting in her pregnancy. Instead of coming clean, David goes deeper into a dark place with more plans. After trying multiple times to cover his actions, David arranges for Uriah's death and has him killed. 2 Samuel 11:27 tells us that what David had done displeased the Lord. What does the Lord do? 2 Samuel 12:1, God sends Nathan to David. Nathan, in great wisdom, tells David a story and when David hears the story he was incensed saying that the man must die. At this point, Nathan looks at David and confronts him eye to eye, and says, “YOU are the man!” David is confronted with the horror of what he has done. He had committed a huge moral failure, but David was also a man who understood the heart of God. His response to Nathan is, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Here's what we can learn from David.  LESSONS     ⁃    Awareness - recognizing that we are all vulnerable and we are all sinners. Be aware of the temptations.     ⁃    Consequences - come when we go against God's purpose and plan in our lives. Consequences can be horrific. There are consequence to disobedience.     ⁃    Repentance -  after his sin was exposed David freely admitted he had sinned, he did not try to make excuses, he repented. Repentance brings about a change of direction, a turning away. David understood he had fallen. We all sin, but God calls His people to repentance, to not only admit our sin, but to turn away from it and begin anew all over again.     ⁃    Forgiveness - The Lord takes away our sin through the death of His Son and we see how good and gracious God really is. He loves us and offered up His own son for us all.  **Pastor shares divinely given wisdom around the loss of David's son, be sure to listen to this message so you don't miss out on some profound revelation.**     ⁃    Restoration - comes from our Father who restores us to relationship with Him through His Son. God restores to us the joy of our salvation and sustains us with the Holy Spirit. David is described as a man after God's own heart, yet he made some horrible decisions in his life. David's story compels us to take seriously the danger of going against God's plan and purposes for our lives. But this story also shows us the grace and mercy of God. These truths powerfully impact and transform us all. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture:  2 Samuel 6, Psalm 30:4-5, Hebrews 9:5, Romans 3:25. Today's story of David is one that is an oft time ignored account from David's life, but we will see ways it dramatically impacts and applies to our lives. We open with 2 Samuel 6:2 “David and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark.”  Pastor shares the history of the Ark from the Book of Exodus during the time of Moses, its description, and rules and regulations from God to the Israelites about the Ark. Pastor also goes into the annual Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, and what the practice was with the Ark.  But by the time of David the Ark was mostly forgotten.  The Ark has a fascinating history and Pastor shares a chronology based on what we know from the Bible: ARK OF THE COVENANT     ⁃    Mount Sinai - 1445 BC     ⁃    Promised Land 1406 BC     ⁃    Shiloh - ca. 1399-1075 BC     ⁃    Kiribati Jearim - ca. 1074-1003 BC     ⁃    Jerusalem - ca. 1003-586 BC  And then the Ark disappears.  While we do not know where or what happened to the Ark, we do know that during the time of David, he sought to restore bring the Ark back and to bring worship of God in Israel. 2 Samuel 6:3-5 “They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets,[d] harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.”  However, we see that they are not doing this as the Torah instructed. It was to be moved only by priests, and by holding onto the Ark's handles with the ark completely covered from view. Ahia and Uzzah were priests but were not moving the Ark as God had instructed. On the walk, Uzzah reaches out and touches the Ark because the oxen stumbled and God's anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverent act and God struck him down and he died beside the Ark of God. God desires to be taken seriously.  Their intentions were good but the directions in the scripture were clear and straightforward and they had ignored them. Next we read that David ask the Lord, “how can the Ark of the Lord ever come to me?” God is capricious. God is holy and He's not to be trifled with. We are not to ignore what He says.   Today, many live in fear of God. But what He desires to communicate to us today is that He is holy. But He's more than that, we will find He is merciful AND He is Salvation! David wouldn't take the Ark into his city, after Uzzah died, instead he left it with Obed-Edom to see what would happen to him. And over the next three months Obed-Edom and his entire household were blessed, so David then moves the Ark the City of David with great rejoicing. They understood that God is merciful, that He is a generous and forgiving God. This time they follow what God has prescribed. The priests carry it, it's covered and no cart is used. David wrote Psalm 30 during this time and it expresses what he learned: Psalm 30:4-5 “Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” It was an incredible celebration, a joyous time, because David and the rest understood that God is good, that God is merciful and that God can be trusted. They placed the Ark in the Tent that David had prepared and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. David organized the ongoing care of the Ark which we can read in 1 Chronicles 23 - 26 setting it up so that the priests would do what they were supposed to do. It also helped the children of Israel worship God the way they were supposed to. David wanted to ensure things were done God's way, just as God had directed in the Book of Exodus to Moses. Pastor closes today with, “God is Salvation.” God desires all to be saved. He is calling His children back to Himself. Pastor shares great insight to the “Mercy Seat” using Romans 3:25 “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” Sacrifice of atonement or sometimes stated as “propitiation” are English translations of the Greek word for “mercy seat.”  What this verse literally means is that God presented Christ as a mercy seat through the shedding of his blood to be received by faith. David and people of the Old Testament era had their sins removed once a year on the Day of Atonement, which finds its ultimate fulfillment once and for all, not once a year, but once forever in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He is the mercy seat of God. It's His blood that covers our sin. And so what we have seen in 2 Samuel 6 gets its fulfillment in the One who is the Son of God.  God is holy.  God is merciful.  GOD IS SALVATION. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture:  2 Samuel 5, Ephesians 2:14, 16, Luke 21:24, Revelation 21:1-2. Why is Jerusalem important not only to the Jewish people, but to Christian people? Let's see what we will discover in today's study of 2 Samuel 5. King Saul has died and civil war has broken out in Israel. David is the reigning King of Judea but the Israelites in the northern kingdom are at war amongst each other and realize David is their only hope for unity and for bringing the kingdom back together. A delegation comes to David saying that it is clear the Lord has anointed him as His king and that it is now time for all Israel to come together and acknowledge his kingship. And that is precisely what happened. But what follows is incredibly significant, not just for David's lifetime, but your ours as well. After being anointed and accepted as king of all Israel, David proceeds to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites who lived there. But the question is why Jerusalem for his city and not a different city? Herschel Shanks puts it this way, “In non-Israelite hands, Jerusalem separated Israel's territory in two.” David taking Jerusalem would mean unity of the country because of Jerusalem's location. It's also an easily defended city as it is on top of a hill with valleys on all sides except the north which was highly fortified. The Jebusites claimed that there was no way for David to defeat them and take the city.  David realized there was a way in. It was through the water shaft. Pastor shares the history and archeology of this water shaft and the location of Jerusalem bringing fascinating evidence and clarity to this story of David conquering the Jebusites. Pastor shares the discovery by Charles Warren in the late 1800's and also more on the archeological work that has been done recently  in which we have learned there is an ancient shaft and a spring in the southern end of the City of David, when Jerusalem was located more on the eastern side of Old Jerusalem. The Gihon Spring lies in the Kidron Valley and the spring has a tunnel area and it is this tunnel area that ends inside the walls of Jerusalem that the Jebusite never dreamed would be what was used to enter the city and defeat them. David then takes up residence and calls it the City of David and in verse 9 we read that David became more and more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with him. And that is when Jerusalem became part of the heart of the ancient Jewish people, but also where it becomes an incredibly important part of the entire Bible story about God's deliverance of not only Israel but of all nations through “David's greater son”, the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor digs deep into what we see about Jerusalem and why it has such significance not only in David's day but in our day: Jerusalem     •    Peace - called a City of Peace but has much blood shed over it, the greatest blood being that which was shed by the Messiah, Jesus, for all people, the Prince of Peace.     •    Proof - the ancient City of David is one of the largest archeological sites in the world. Solomon's Wall and David's palace have been recent discoveries along with others like the Pool of Siloam and the road to Temple Mount that show the stones are crying out that these things really happened!     •    Prophecy - Luke 21:24 of Jesus predicting how Jerusalem would be destroyed and trampled on by the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled. This was reality in the 70 AD when Romans leveled Jerusalem and then in 1967 for the first time in almost 2000 Jerusalem was no longer trodden down by Gentiles. It was occupied by the Israelis.  This is prophetic fulfillment.     •    Perfection - the Book of Revelations ends by talking about the Holy City, a New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. A city where God will reign and live with His people. Jerusalem is an historic city, but it is also at the heart of the message of the Gospel of Jesus, and it is at the very heart of the character of God where we will all be gathered together in the the New Jerusalem, the City of Our God! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1-7, 1 Samuel 30 1-6, Psalm 23. This teaching dives into Psalm 23, a Psalm written by David, and the evidence we see in his life of the heart of God. We will see insights into David's faith that will provide incredible encouragement to our faith lives as well. Have you ever been in a situation where everything seemed hopeless? Or have you ever come to a point where you feel that you're all alone? No one to turn to, no one to help you? There is much to learn from David's life that reveals where genuine strength comes from. David again is in need of escaping Saul and returns to the Philistine territory. The king of Gath, Achish, gives David the town of Ziklag, along the southern portion of the Philistine Empire along the coast of the Mediterranean. About a year and four months into living in Ziklag, David returns from a meeting with Achish, to find his town of Ziklag destroyed by fire and his and his men's wives, sons and daughters taken captive. They were devastated and their grief was so great they wept until they had no strength left to weep. David faces a Life-Threatening Situation:     ⁃    His men blame him for their loss and talk of stoning him; but David finds strength in the Lord his God.     ⁃    David is abandoned, his men have turned on him, everything appears to be collapsing around him. He found strength in the Lord.     ⁃    How did David find strength when there was no one else to turn to? David found strength because he knew the One we can always turn to. We move into studying Psalm 23, written by David. Pastor shares a personal testimony of finding strength in this psalm during a difficult time in his life. PSALM 23 - David knew the Messiah was coming, the One in whom we find strength! Verse 1 - God is the ultimate shepherd, the Good Shepherd, the One who can always be relied upon and  in this psalm, David realizes he is not alone. And the Shepherd provides us with anything and everything we need (John 10:11). Verse 2 - David understood that sheep need a shepherd to guide and lead them (John 7:37). Verse 3 - Our Shepherd gives us hope, a future, assurance and righteousness (received by God's grace). We receive strength to face difficulty, to leave the past behind, walk in a way that gives glory to God (John 14:27). Verse 4 - Even in the darkest day, we do not need to be afraid. We are to rely on our Shepherd who guides and protects us (John 14:6). Verse 5 - David knew that even in the face of the most persistent and evil enemies, God provides and God strengthens and restores us and gives us all that is needed (John 6:35). Verse 6 - David understood that life is short, and he knew that eternity is forever. He knew that what God promises His own, is that we will be raised on the last day and will live forever with Him. Our troubles are momentary and God IS faithful, He will deliver His own, and He will restore His people and that day is coming when evil will be defeated and righteousness will reign forever (John 11:25). We can rely on our Good shepherd with absolute confidence. David understood that, David found his strength in the Lord, his God, in the One who will fulfill everything He has promised in our lives. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25. Pastor's teaching is on “Anger” today and a particular incident in David's life before he became king. David and his men were in a desert area and nearby a man named Nabal from Maon is at his property in Carmel for shearing his 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. David, having at one time protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks, sends 10 of his men to Nabal to greet Nabal speaking good health to him, his household and to all that was Nabal's. They recounted when David and his men protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks and then ask for Nabal's favor in sharing with them whatever Nabal thought was fair or appropriate. David's words were gracious, but Nabal a surly, mean man responds saying, “Who's this David? Why should I take my bread and water and meat and give any to his men who come from who knows where?” David's men report this rejection back to David who responds in anger with, “Strap on your swords.” He and 400 of his men head back Nabal. David has revenge in mind but then Abigail, Nabal's wife, hears how Nabal responded to David and she comes up with a plan to stop David's intended revenge. Abigail's chooses to act and her response is not only dramatic it is instructional.  Abigail's Response     ⁃    Clear thinking     ⁃    Decisive action     ⁃    Calculated risk Abigail packs bread, wine, meat, grain, raisin cakes, figs and loads it on donkeys and goes where David and his men were without telling her husband Nabal. She comes to an angry David and his men on their way to find Nabal. Abigail falls at David's feet. David has 400 men with him, his temper is on edge, and now this lady comes to him. Abigail asks David not to pay any attention to what Nabal had said. And she says, “let this gift your servant has brought to my Lord, be given to the men who follow you.” Then she asks for forgiveness and goes on to talk about all the Lord must have in store for David, that he is a man who has not sought revenge, but rather did things God's way. She proceeds with a curse for all who pursue David and a blessing of security in the Living Lord God for David. She ends with a request for David to remember her when the Lord fulfills His promises to him. She says he would not want to have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and then she closes with a request for him to remember her. Abigail's response was issued with grace and spirit-guided wisdom with an emphasis on the things of God and it changes David's heart in an instant. He responds, “Praise be to God who has sent you to meet me. May you be blessed for keeping me from bloodshed and from avenging myself.”  David is convicted. David is a man who has God's heart, and even when he has gone astray, he is willing to take correction.  Dealing with Anger     ⁃    Recognize the danger     ⁃    Practice self-control     ⁃    Deal with the cause     ⁃    Respond graciously Only the Lord God can give us the strength and resources to truly control our anger. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24, Matthew 7:20, Numbers 15:37-39, Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35, Leviticus 19:18, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:20, Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:21. Today's class is entitled, “Revenge” and Pastor will compare worldly wisdom with biblical wisdom on the topic of revenge.  As we read chapter 24 of 1 Samuel, we read that David is now in en Gedi and Saul has found out and is headed along with 3000 men to en Gedi to find David. En Gedi is a wilderness area but it has several springs and many caves for hiding. As the story continues, Saul went into one of these caves to relieve himself. Unbeknownst to Saul, David and his men were further back into the cave hiding. David's men prompted David that this was his chance, his opportunity to put an end to the hiding by killing Saul. But instead David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. This is action is prophetic. The Hebrew word that is used for “corner” is kanaf. It refers the corners of a Hebrew robe or prayer shawl. The scriptures were particular about what was to be on the corners of those robes. Numbers 15:37-39 “…make tassels on the corners of your garments….you will have these tassels to look at… to remember all the commands of the Lord that you may obey them …”  And David cuts off a corner tassel. The tassel, was to remind Saul to walk in God's path rather than his own path, to walk in God's will and not his own will. The tassel was to say pursue peace, be honorable, be faithful, walk by faith. Saul had abandoned those things and when David cut it off it was a prophetic act showing Saul's wandering from God's will. Next we read that David's conscience convicted him for cutting off the corner of Saul's robe. He tells his men that he shouldn't have done that to the Lord's anointed king, Saul. David's men encourage revenge but David stands strong saying that it would be contrary to God's plan and will. David rebukes the men and doesn't allow them to attack Saul. Instead David exits the cave calling to Saul and bowing down he says, “Why do you listen when they say David is bent on harming you. This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I will not lay my hand on my Lord because you are the Lord's anointed. See this tassel of your robe in my hand, yet I did not kill you, but you hunt me down to take my life.” David holds Saul accountable even as he shows the heart and grace of God to Saul. We see that the activities of a person are a window into his heart and if we seek revenge we are going contrary to the heart of God. We can deal with unjust treatment and  still refuse revenge while still holding the individual accountable. Saul wept at David's words saying, “You are more righteous than I. You have treated me well but I have treated you badly.” What does God say about revenge?         -         Romans 12:19 - revenge is the Lord's - God is the righteous judge and he will judge in the end Resisting Revenge         -         Love your enemy Leviticus 19:18         -         Forgive your enemy Mark 11:25 (this doesn't mean we approve of what they have done, it does mean we let go of the bitterness, anger and desire for revenge.)         -         Pray for your enemy Luke 6:28         -         Feed your enemy Romans 12:20 as this can draw them into repentance before God. Pastor ends with Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is how we are called to act. That's what we see in David and that is what we see in the heart of God. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 34. Today's class is entitled ,“Crippling Fear.” Crippling Fear describes the kind of fear that can easily cripple us. But Crippling Fear also describes how God can cripple our fear.      1.    Fear can easily cripple us     2.    God can cripple our fear As our story opens we see Saul trying in every way possible to get rid of David, to kill him through any method he can find. Then Saul shares with Jonathan (his son and David's best friend) that he is determined to kill David and that he won't relent. And so David has to flee from Saul and he heads to Gath - Philistine territory. David left behind his position as one of the leaders of the Israelite army, his wife, his best friend, his home, his friends, and more.  David gets to Gath and is recognized. He had thought he could live there in anonymity, but being recognized, he became fearful.  Not just a little fearful but a lot fearful and so he decides to pretend to be insane in order to protect himself. This man who had been so courageous, is now paralyzed by overwhelming fear. So then David leaves Gath and goes back into Israelite territory to the caves of Abdullah.  David's father's family and his brorhers' families and others come to the cave with David.  It's at this time that David writes Psalm 34. There are four timeless truths in Psalm 34 that tell us how God can conquer our fear, something David knew but needed to be reminded of. And like David, that God conquers our fears is something we need to be reminded of too. Psalm 34 Truths     1.     PRAISE GOD (even in the darkest of times)  David didn't start out this poem with, “Woe, is me.” He started out with, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Praising God is to be our natural response of faith and transforms us from within because when we praise God we are looking to him not to our condition.  It's looking heavenward versus looking inward.     2.    GOD DELIVERS - strength is found in God's inner presence and not in our own strength. It is God alone who delivers us.  As David turns to God in praise he finds God ministering to his very soul, delivering him from fear. David is no longer crippled by fear but sees that God cripples fear!  As we praise God and He delivers us, the Lord Jesus encamps around us. Hi is the One who says, “I'll never leave you, don't be afraid, I am with you.”     3.    FEAR GOD - not in the sense of being afraid of Him - but in holy awe through repentance and in faith and in obedience.  Fear God alone and no one else.     4.    GOD SAVES - “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18  David reminds us that the Lord is close to us. He saves and restores us. He rescues us. How de we deal with the fear that cripples? The answer is we turn to God who cripples fear.  We turn to God, praising Him even in the fearful, hard, difficult, dark times. We praise Him because we know He is where we find deliverance from our fear. He conquers our fear. We come to Him in holy awe, in faith, in repentance and in obedience because we know He saves us. He rescues us   IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD! What will it be in our lives? Are we going to allow fear to cripple us or will we turn to the One who cripples fear for us?  It's a simple but profound and important choice. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18. Today we look at the cost of fame, the discouragement of injustice, and we will see what we can learn from David on how to navigate through them. In our text we read of David's progression of fame. He was a natural leader, a brilliant tactician, and widely acclaimed for his accomplishments. While David increased in popularity, Saul became very angry and he began to keep his eyes on David.  Saul saw David as a threat to his throne and begins to want David killed, even throwing his own spear at him several times - but David escapes. David is an honorable man and refuses to retaliate by attacking Saul because he knows that Saul is the currently anointed King. (David has been anointed to be the next king, but he knows God is in charge of that timing so honors God's current choice of king by not retaliating against him.)  Saul sends David away on warrior campaigns hoping David might be killed, yet David continues to be successful. With David's continued success in leading the Israelites so skillfully in battle and his acclaim continuing to grow, Saul becomes afraid of David. What we see is David's fame increases as he navigates the perils of fame. How did God enable David to cope, thrive and survive the fame with people and the injustice from Saul? A look at David's Character:     ⁃    David trusted in the Lord above all else. He trusted in the Lord and not in himself, not in his own abilities or his own insights. David did what Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”     ⁃    David was courageous because his courage came from God. David knew what the scriptures say, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”     ⁃    David was patient and did not act rashly or try to take matters into his own hands. He knew he was the Lord's newly anointed king but he did not usurp that authority. Rather he remained patient in waiting for God's timing. Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”     ⁃    HOWEVER! David WAS a sinner like all of us. Jesus is our Savior. We are not saved because of anything we've done, but rather we are saved because of everything that Jesus has done!! Philippians 5:8 tells us that Jesus, “being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” David is a great hero, but Jesus is our Savior!! We not only have forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus, but we have the strength to live our lives each day with purpose and with profound impact by relying on Him alone! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17-51, Ephesians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57. Today's story is the most familiar, famous and well-known battle in the Old Testament - David and Goliath - but is there still something we can learn from a story we know so well? This is a battle between Goliath and the Philistines and the Israelite army. Goliath challenges them every day for 40 days: “send a man to battle me, if I kill him you become our slaves and if your man kills me we will become your slaves.” 40 days are significant in the Bible - it is a time of preparation and renewal that at its end brings forth mighty things from God. On the 41st day of the challenge - David arrives with food for his brothers and others in the army and he learns of Goliath's challenge. David is in his teens - younger than age 20 and he arrives at a critical moment. He is concerned for God's honor. Seeing this challenge as a spiritual battle, he speaks bravely.  His brothers ridicule him - yet he says he will take Goliath on.  To King Saul, David shares stories of past bravery and says the Lord will rescue him from the hand of Goliath. David is Spirit-filled, knows his strength is in God alone, is confident and bold and recognized it is God who saves. David trusts the Lord who delivered him in the past to deliver him again. So Saul tells David to fight Goliath and he outfits David in his armor but David takes it all off as he's never worn anything like that before. Comparisons:     ⁃    David a young teen and untrained in battle vs Goliath a well trained warrior     ⁃    David is of small stature vs Goliath who stood at 9 feet 9 inches tall     ⁃    David is dressed in a shepherd's simple clothing vs Goliath with a bronze helmet wearing 125 pounds of body armor      ⁃    David's weapons were his shepherd's staff, a slingshot and 5 smooth stones vs Goliath carrying a 15 pound spear plus a javelin. And David goes out to meet Goliath and says, ‘you come against us with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Armies of Israel and this day the Lord will deliver you into my hands - I will strike you down and cut off your head for the battle is the Lord's and He will give all of you into our hands.” David runs toward Goliath and slings a stone hitting Goliath in the head and Goliath falls down dead. This is not simply an historic battle record - it is clear insight into what the New Testament describes as spiritual realities. Spiritual Realities     ⁃    Spiritual warfare - life is a battle but we know God wins.     ⁃    Spiritual weapons - we put on the armor of God: prayer, the Name of Jesus, God's word, daily filling of the Holy Spirit     ⁃    Spiritual victory - is in Christ Jesus. From this familiar story we are to learn we are to be familiar with the lessons that     ⁃    We are in the midst of a battle     ⁃    The Lord provides strength to triumph through faith in Jesus Christ. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16. There are many Biblical characters of faith in the Bible, but none with as many Old Testament chapters devoted to them as David. Abraham - 14 Chapters Joseph - 14 chapters Jacob - 11 chapters Elijah - 10 chapters David - 66 chapters (and this does NOT include the Psalms written by him!) Our story takes place around the year 1025 BC. We read in 1 Samuel 13:14 that God is going to replace the Israelite's first king, King Saul.  In 1 Samuel 13:14 we read about Elijah telling Saul the following, “But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command.”  In 1 Samuel 16:1 “The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” So Samuel sets out for Jesse's home with oil to anoint the next king of Israel.  Samuel arrives at Jesse's home and sees Eliab, Jesse's oldest son, and this is the one he thinks is to be anointed but God has other plans.  We read in this verse, one of the most important verses about God's heart, 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” The world looks at a person's job, wealth, good looks, accomplishments, status, possessions, BUT God looks at the heart of a person. Seven of Jesse's sons come to Samuel but he tells each that they have not been chosen.  Then Samuel asks Jesse if there are any other sons - Jesse says there's one left in the fields with the sheep.  The smallest, least likely of choices, but Samuel has him sent for.  David is found, tending sheep and is then brought before Samuel ho acknowledges him as the Lord's choice, and Samuel anoints David to be the next king of Israel. Today's verses tell us that from that time on, the Spirit of the Lord was upon David.  What is it about David's heart that stands out? How did David reflect God's heart? David's Heart     ⁃    Faith-filled heart - had a heart filled with faith in God. David wrote Psalm 23 - this psalm opens with :The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.” David knew he could depend on God, that God cared for him and so David trusted God. David walked by faith.     ⁃    Humble heart - David wrote Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David realized he needed God, relied on the grace of God, wanted God to mold and shape him, wanted God to draw him ever closer to Himself. David not only lived by faith, he walked in humility.     ⁃    Honest heart - In Psalm 78:72 we read the following, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Not that he was sinless, he was not, but he was honest and had integrity and lead his people that way. We too are called  To walk by faith To be humble before God To be honest and to have integrity Like David we are to have a heart after God's own heart. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 2:41-42. What we see in today's Scripture is that believers “practiced” living out their faith by doing. Not with head knowledge of “HOW to do things,” but by simply “DOING things.” Today's verses tell us they devoted themselves NOT to the “How,” but rather to the “Doing.” Today verses say: Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They not only DID these things, they “devoted” themselves to doing them. They practiced them. Practice definition - noun:     1.    The actual application of use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it.     2.    The customary, habitual or expected procedure of way of doing of something. Pastor shares a great basketball example to help us understand the difference between “how to do things” and “doing things.” And in his example we will see that doing requires practice! Let's examine verse 42.     1.    Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching - the Greek word used for “devoting” actually is more accurately translated as “continually devoting” themselves to what they had been taught about the Gospel message of Jesus. We are to hold onto the right teachings and truth and practice living them. The application for us for “being devoted to the apostles teaching” is through:     ⁃    Regular study of God's Word     ⁃    Solid biblical teaching     ⁃    Christ-centered, Spirit-lead     2.    Devoted themselves to fellowship - time with others that believed. Fellowship has several meanings, all which apply. It can mean communion both in having communion with the Holy Spirit and communion with the body and blood of Jesus. It can also refer to participation in sharing with others, being generous. The application for us for “being devoted to fellowship” is through:     ⁃    Large and small groups     ⁃    Christian friends and mentors     ⁃    Generous life style     3.    Devoted themselves to the breaking of bread which is they had meals together for sharing their faith both privately and publicly. They went to temple (large groups) and to small home groups along with doing the Lord's Supper together. The application for us for “being devoted to breaking of bread” is by:     ⁃    Christian fellowship at mealtime     ⁃    Faith talk at meals     ⁃    Lord's Supper     4.    Devoted themselves to prayer by following the morning and evening prayer times, formal times of prayer, but also informal prayer times in home gatherings and other places both public and private. The application for us for “being devoted to prayer” is by:     5.    Having a personal prayer life - God desires we talk to Him     6.    Prayer partners - people we pray with     7.    Public prayer and worship  We too are called to practice, not just understand what the Bible says about the Christian faith but DOING what the Bible says about the Christian faith Questions - Am I aware of what God is saying? Am I growing in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer? Am I putting these into practice?  Do I understand AND apply this verse? Do I understand what I am to do and do I do it? God is calling us to act on - to practice - the application of what we saw in today's verse. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 2;22-41 Pastor continues our study of Pentecost with a look at part two of Peter's sermon as shared in Acts 2 on that first Pentecost. The Bible account of this story tells us that “Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” So let's dig into what Peter said that pierced their hearts, into what the Holy Spirit was doing and into their response.  Then, let's see what we can learn. In part one of Peter's sermon in Acts 2, he shared the story of Jesus' incarnation - of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. As we pick up with the rest of this sermon, Peter is talking about how Jesus is the Promised One that fulfills God's promises made in the Old Testament. Then Peter tells them of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion and states that they are the ones who crucified Jesus. As we consider this accusation, we ask who did put Jesus on the cross? Was it the Roman rulers who ran the Jesus trial? The soldiers that beat, whipped and nail Him to the cross? Was it the religious zealots that wanted Jesus stopped? Who put Jesus on the cross.  The Bible tells us that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.” Meaning we all need a Savior Jesus died for our sins.  WHO put Him on the cross? WE put Him on the cross.  Peter goes on with the good news of Jesus' resurrection from the grave and that death could not hold Him quoting King David, “‘…My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave….'” Acts 2:26b-27. Peter shares that this prophetic word from David was about Jesus who is the Messiah they have been awaiting. Peter tells them that after Jesus' resurrection He ascended to God's right hand and that the Holy Spirit was released just as Jesus had promised and tells them that is what they are witnessing this very day. Then the high point of the message is reached in verse 36, “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Jesus is the Chosen One, the Savior! In the next verse we see their response to hearing Peter's words.  It is the verse we started with today, “Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”  Their response was their hearts are pierced, cut to the heart by what Peter said, heart-broken, filled with sorrow, convicted. Having their hearts pierced, led them to see Jesus' story as personal and made them want to change so they say, “What shall we do?” Accepting Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, our Messiah requires a response. What He's done for each of us is personal and it requires a personal response. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Peter's message is one of the most important ever taught.      ⁃    Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesied Messiah     ⁃    Repentance is recognizing that, “I'm a sinner. I need a Savior.” It is a change of heart and a change of mind.     ⁃    Baptism in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sin.     ⁃    Holy Spirit - Jesus desires to pour the Holy Spirit out into us today and everyday! Peter's sermon brought thousands of people to faith in who Jesus is, to repentance, and to baptism. If you have walked away from Jesus or if you have not come to faith in Jesus, our prayer is that Peter's message pierces your heart and brings you to faith in Jesus your Savior and Messiah! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 2;1-21, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Peter 3. Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, but it's even more than that.  Join us as we explore the story of the first Pentecost and specifically focus in on Acts 2;17 “‘In the LAST DAYS,' God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'” The New Testament makes it clear that these are the last days - with the coming of Jesus in the flesh, His ministry, His death and resurrection, His ascension and Pentecost a new era has begun. Beginning then we have entered into the Last Days of what we know of planet earth.  Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” 2 Timothy 3:1 says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God“  2 Peter 3:3 “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” The “last days” are also in the Old Testament and they were: Israel's Hope (The day they were longing for) Numbers 11:23 Ezekiel 36:26 Hosea 3;5 Micah 4:1 Jeremiah 31:31-34 What the Old Testament pointed to is now being fulfilled in the New Testament.  God's intent and plan has been there all along! Applications     ⁃    These are the Last Days! God is fulfilling his plan - not a cause of panic - God is faithful - we are to take Him seriously - these are exciting times - dangerous many times - difficult, yes - these last days are days that change our world view.     ⁃    Holy Spirit is outpoured and that outpouring continues. Holy Spirit yearns to fill us to overflowing so that we walk and pray in the Spirit - Holy Spirit points us to Jesus, the Spirit convicts, guides, leads and directs our lives.     ⁃    The New Covenant is here. The law shows us God's will but it doesn't save because we are all sinners. The New Covenant is about the grace of God in Jesus Christ - God paid the price of the penalty for our sin at the cross.     ⁃    Heed God's Holy Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit - do what He says - Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit - we need the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and to grow in faith.     ⁃    Be Prepared - Be Awake!  We are to be ready, on guard and awake!     ⁃    Awake to:     ⁃    What God has done     ⁃    What God's word has declared     ⁃    The truth that the Last Days are here     ⁃    The reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling     ⁃    Awake and prepared for what is ahead. We need what only God can provide:     ⁃    Divine Wisdom     ⁃    Divine understanding     ⁃    His truth     ⁃    Strength for today     ⁃    Power for tomorrow     ⁃    Assurance of life forever through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Everything we do is to revolve around the goodness, grace, mercy, presence, love and forgiveness of God because He changes everything! Pentecost is not just the birth day of the Christian church it is the culmination of all God had promised His Old Covenant people for centuries and that is fulfilled in Christ Jesus and His return. We are in the Last Days - but THE Last Day is coming - as is the age to come that is forever with Him! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Psalm 145:13b, Acts 1:3, Acts 1:4-12, Ephesians 5:18, Matthew 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 How many promises are in the Bible? The number given by many different individuals and groups ranges from many hundreds to many thousands.  We will settle on saying there are “lots and lots!” Today, we take a look at several more of Jesus' appearances after His resurrection and explore three specific promises found in Acts 1 that are applicable to any believer's life. Promise #1: Holy Spirit Promise #2: Witnesses Promise #3: Second Coming Applications     ⁃    Holy Spirit - given to all who believe. Ephesians 5:18 says, “keep on being filled with the Spirit of God.”  Listen to Him and seek His guidance.     ⁃    Witnesses - disciples of Christ. Matthew 5:16 tells us to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our witness flows from our faith in Jesus. We bear witness to Jesus with our actions and words (not to earn salvation, as it is a free gift through faith, but rather it flows from us in thanks for the gift of salvation.) We are called to be His witnesses in the world today     ⁃    Jesus' second coming - a source of comfort and peace in the midst of a crazy world. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 assures of we will be raised to life forever with Christ. Our salvation was won at the cross Our salvation was guaranteed at the empty tomb Our salvation is secured because Jesus is coming back! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:6-8, Acts 1:15, Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:11 During the forty days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension, Jesus saw many individuals and small groups, but He also saw over five hundred people at one time.  Where was it, and when did Jesus see this large group of people? Jesus kept showing up…     ⁃    Jerusalem     ⁃    Emmaus     ⁃    Mount of Olives     ⁃    Galilee (Pastor shares why he thinks that Jesus may have been in Galilee when He saw the 500. Pastor shares several pictures of the area around Galilee.)   Those Jesus appeared to had a heart to share the amazing news after seeing Jesus truly was alive.  Because Jesus is alive - because there are convincing proofs - what does that mean for our lives?     ⁃    sharing the Gospel message     ⁃    Obeying what Jesus had commanded  APPLICATIONS     ⁃    Purpose: Testimony - The One who rose, changes our lives and He is coming back! Peter's testimony - 1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts revere Christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  When God has changed our lives through Jesus Christ, that gives us a testimony, it gives us purpose to share our personal testimony with friends, family, strangers. Our testimony isn't just what we say, it's how we live, too.     ⁃    Purpose: Maturity - We are to grow in our faith, in our witness, in our knowledge of the living God,  and not remain baby believers. 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  We are not saved because we are mature, but rather it is because we're saved, we want to mature. We don't; want to remain baby believers, we want to grow up in Christ. And that gives Him glory, Our purpose is anchored and centered in the Lord Jesus Christ, our risen King. And we are to keep on maturing.     ⁃    Purpose: Service - We are called to service Him with the gifts He has given us, with the time He has given us, with the opportunities and settings He has given us,  1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”  Speak the words of God and bring joy and hope, conviction and power into the lives of others. And serve them in God's strength so that He is praised through the witness we share of Jesus and who He is. Be encouraged to serve Him with the gifts you've been given., to serve Him with your lives, your talents, your examples and in the opportunities He provides. Our purpose is to live for Him - Not for ourselves - but for HIM! Today, people are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus like never before, faith in Christ is exploding. And we are called to be part of that!!  Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Galatians 1:18-19, 1 Timothy 1:13-17. In today's study we take a look at a Credal Statement. What is a Credal Statement?      ⁃    It is a fundamental of faith     ⁃    It enable people to talk about what they know and believe     ⁃    It is easily memorized     ⁃    It is easily understood     ⁃    It is easily shared Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be. He appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the 12 apostles.” (The Credal Statement in bold.) Then Paul continues with verses 6-8, “After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time. Most of them are still living. But some have died. He appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles. Last of all, he also appeared to me. I was like someone who wasn't born at the right time.” Paul mentions three men in these verses: Peter, James (Jesus' 1/2 brother) and himself. 2000 years later we have evidences of authenticity: There is convincing physical evidence of Peter's home in Jerusalem.  Pastor shares pictures.  There is a bone box, The James Ossuary, which has also been discovered and has an inscription, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” The basic consensus of scholarly opinion is that this is very likely authentic.   Who were these men?  Peter: denied Jesus publicly three times James: his brother, was an unbeliever - did not believe Jesus was who He was, and James ridiculed his brother Jesus Paul: persecuted and killed believers and denounced Jesus Who did they become?     ⁃    Peter became an apostle of Christ and bold preacher of God's Word. Even arrest, beatings, and threats didn't lessen Peter's determination to preach the risen Christ.     ⁃    James, after seeing Jesus risen from the grave, became a believer and also became the leader of the early Christian church in Jerusalem.     ⁃    Paul was born Saul and he persecuted believers, but after meeting Jesus on a walk to Damascus Saul became Paul the Apostle and defender of the Gospel. What did these three have in common?     ⁃    They had all failed Jesus     ⁃    A denier     ⁃    A radical     ⁃    A persecutor     ⁃    All come to faith in the Risen Lord      ⁃    Their lives are changed     ⁃    They give powerful testimonies to Christ's love  for all sinners What else do they have in common?     ⁃    The PARDON of Christ - Forgiveness in full.     ⁃    Each of their stories is a story of redemption in Jesus and a testimony that not a single one of us is beyond the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.     ⁃    In these three men we see that God saved the worst of us so that He might save all of us. Their changed lives are a testimony to the heart of God wanting us all. How do their stories speak to us today? Applications of the Pardon of God     ⁃    Christ's mercy and grace is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:13-14 “I used to speak evil things against Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers. I really pushed them around. But God showed me mercy anyway. I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn't a believer. Our Lord poured out more and more of his grace on me. Along with it came faith and love from Christ Jesus.”     ⁃    Christ's saving power is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:15 “Here is a saying that you can trust. It should be accepted completely. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner of all.”     ⁃    Nothing we have done can cause Jesus not to want to win us over to Himself     ⁃    Nothing that would cause Him to say He's done with us     ⁃    God wants ALL to be saved.     ⁃    Christ's patient renewal is for us too- 1 Timothy 1:16 “But for that very reason, God showed me mercy. And I am the worst of sinners. He showed me mercy so that Christ Jesus could show that he is very patient. I was an example for those who would come to believe in him. Then they would receive eternal life.” Incredible Love - Incredible Grace - Incredible Pardon And Jesus' mercy and grace, saving power, patient renewal and incredible love are for us, too! Paul, Peter and James were living examples of God's incredible grace - we too are living examples of His incredible grace. Pardon - God offers pardon, forgiveness to all who will repent and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we become the children of God…. FOREVER!! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 1:3, Luke 24:36-47, John 14:27, Philippians 4:7. What does the sermon series "Forty Pus Ten" mean? There were forty days from Jesus' resurrection to His ascension. Pastor will focus on the convincing proofs of Jesus resurrection demonstrated in what Jesus' final words and actions during the forty days and will show us how they still speak to our lives today. There were ten days from Jesus' ascension to the Day of Pentecost. Pastor will focus on what happened on Pentecost and what that means for our Christian walk and daily lives. Jesus lives!  This is the most important event of the planet since creation! Join us and see why! Our study for today is on the evening of Jesus' resurrection. They are experiencing fear, confusion and uncertainty. They've heard some of the stories going around that Jesus was alive and risen from the grave but just days earlier they had seen Him arrested, crucified, put to death and placed in a tomb. They were not expecting a resurrection! On Resurrection Sunday morning the tomb had been found empty. As they gathered together in fear in a locked room, there was also confusion. They had heard the reports of people seeing and talking to Jesus.  There was uncertainty - how could this be true? And then, “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.'” Luke 24:36 How is this story relevant for us today? All of us has encountered fear and Jesus speaks to us, just as He spoke to His followers that day: “Peace” Shalom. He spoke into their fears, confusion and uncertainties and He speaks Peace to each of us into our lives to our fear, confusions and uncertainties. Jesus goes on and says why are you troubled? Why do doubts rise in your minds and then He shows them His hands and feet. In effect saying that it really is Him!  He tells them to touch Him and then He eats food - He's in the flesh, He is alive. He goes on to tell them how all that is written about Him in the Old Testament must be fulfilled and as He continues it begins to become clear to their minds - Jesus opens their mind explaining the what the Scripture declared all along has been about Him. Then He goes on to say what's ahead, “He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47 What this means for us today - because Jesus is alive it changes everything and it changes each one of us! It changes:     ⁃    How we look at life     ⁃    The way we handle difficulties, fears, uncertainty, doubts and troubles     ⁃    The way we look at the future     ⁃    What matters in life It gives us:     ⁃    A reason for living     ⁃    True living - forever! Application     ⁃    The call is personal to encounter Jesus Christ. To encounter Him and His Peace     ⁃    We are called to heed the scriptures and to listen to them. As we listen - He comes into our hearts     ⁃    We are called to experience a new mind - the Holy Spirit changes us from within. Jesus is ALIVE!  His resurrection is not only the most significant event in the history of the world, it is the most important thing in each of our lives.  No matter what we are going through - the fact that He is alive and that we by faith receive what He offers: forgiveness, hope, assurance and life forever —- that changes everything! Pastor closes with the words from the chorus of a song from Bill and Gloria Gaither. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
 Because He lives, all fear is gone;
 Because I know He holds the future,
 And life is worth the living,
 Just because He lives! Life is worth living, just because He lives!!! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

We all know the feeling: life should be good. From the outside, everything looks fine—even enviable. But inside? It's a different story. In this deeply moving episode, Brytani shares her journey as an active duty Marine who quietly carries the weight of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the ache of loneliness. Despite the strength she shows on the outside, Brytani's story reveals the hidden cracks beneath the surface—the loss of meaningful relationships, the struggle to find purpose in a career that no longer feels aligned, and the painful fight to access the mental health care she desperately needs. Her honesty will stop you in your tracks. Because her story is our story—the story of holding it all together while falling apart. Of smiling in photos, but crying alone. Of feeling despair even when the world sees a beautiful life. If you've ever felt the disconnect between what your life looks like and how it actually feels, this conversation will make you feel seen. Brytani reminds us that healing begins with honesty. That doing the basics is sometimes the bravest thing we can do. And that reaching out—whether you're the one hurting or the one who wants to help—matters more than we know. Listen in for a conversation that's raw, real, and achingly relatable. You are not alone. Brytani Musick   Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Help, US and Canada: Canada: Crisis Services Canada: Provides a national helpline, available 24/7, for individuals in crisis or distress. Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/ Helpline: 1-833-456-4566 Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA offers a range of mental health resources, support, and information, including resources specifically for depression. Website: https://cmha.ca/ Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 helpline for young people in Canada to reach out for support and information. Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Helpline: 1-800-668-6868 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH provides resources, treatment options, and education on mental health and addiction. Website: https://www.camh.ca/ United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 text messaging service providing support to people in crisis. Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Text line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 Mental Health America (MHA): MHA offers resources, information, and online screening tools to assess mental health concerns. Website: https://www.mhanational.org/ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH provides information on mental health conditions, including depression, and conducts research to advance the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Scripture: Luke 24:1-11, Mark 15:42-45, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53. Doubts about Jesus' resurrection? Are you a skeptic? Is it nonsense that can't be true or if you know a skeptic or one who doubts the resurrection story, everyone is invited to come along with us today as we take a look at the skeptics and doubters in the Bible and explore if they remained skeptics and unbelievers! Pastor explores several examples of doubters regarding Jesus' resurrection in the New Testament. He shares a list of individuals who did not believe in the resurrection at first. Then Pastor explores Alternative Explanations that have been suggested for what took place that morning:     ⁃    Multiple conspiracies     ⁃    Women went to the wrong tomb     ⁃    “Christ myth”     ⁃    Disciples lied        But all these alternative explanations fall by the wayside when carefully examined which leads us to the: Evidences     ⁃    Empty tomb     ⁃    Eyewitnesses     ⁃    Prophecies     ⁃    Bold martyrs The heart of the story of the resurrection of Jesus is the: Good News     ⁃    Consequences of sin = death     ⁃    Death is not the end     ⁃    God's gift is Christ     ⁃    Saving Faith - in the One who has risen from the grave, is alive and will return Being “good” doesn't save us Trying hard doesn't save us It's not that we're better than others IT'S PURELY A GIFT FROM GOD! Pastor shares a call to come to Jesus as your Savior. He leads us through a prayer of recommitment to Christ for believers and a prayer of commitment to Christ for first time believers. Happy Resurrection Sunday!  He IS risen!  He is risen, INDEED! HALLELUJAH! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

We all know the feeling: life should be good. From the outside, everything looks fine—even enviable. But inside? It's a different story. In this deeply moving episode, Brytani shares her journey as an active duty Marine who quietly carries the weight of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the ache of loneliness. Despite the strength she shows on the outside, Brytani's story reveals the hidden cracks beneath the surface—the loss of meaningful relationships, the struggle to find purpose in a career that no longer feels aligned, and the painful fight to access the mental health care she desperately needs. Her honesty will stop you in your tracks. Because her story is our story—the story of holding it all together while falling apart. Of smiling in photos, but crying alone. Of feeling despair even when the world sees a beautiful life. If you've ever felt the disconnect between what your life looks like and how it actually feels, this conversation will make you feel seen. Brytani reminds us that healing begins with honesty. That doing the basics is sometimes the bravest thing we can do. And that reaching out—whether you're the one hurting or the one who wants to help—matters more than we know. Listen in for a conversation that's raw, real, and achingly relatable. You are not alone. Brytani Musick   Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Help, US and Canada: Canada: Crisis Services Canada: Provides a national helpline, available 24/7, for individuals in crisis or distress. Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/ Helpline: 1-833-456-4566 Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA offers a range of mental health resources, support, and information, including resources specifically for depression. Website: https://cmha.ca/ Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 helpline for young people in Canada to reach out for support and information. Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Helpline: 1-800-668-6868 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH provides resources, treatment options, and education on mental health and addiction. Website: https://www.camh.ca/ United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 text messaging service providing support to people in crisis. Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Text line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 Mental Health America (MHA): MHA offers resources, information, and online screening tools to assess mental health concerns. Website: https://www.mhanational.org/ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH provides information on mental health conditions, including depression, and conducts research to advance the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19, Romans 11:25-26, Exodus 12:3. The Palm Sunday story is a familiar story with detail that is not well known. This event was a prophetic declaration not only to the first century but also to the twenty-first century! Palm Sunday - Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of “Hosanna” the weekend before his crucifixion death and resurrection. All four Gospels record this event - each one offers a unique perspective. Pastor puts the four author's writings together in a way that shows a host of detail about what it meant then and what it means now. Pastor Dodge takes a deeper look into the following topics, sharing the New Testament coverage of the event with the prophetic words of this very event from the Old Testament in Zechariah, Psalms, Exodus, Deuteronomy and others. We will see this event as fulfillment of what had been biblically predicted: Setting Timing Donkey Hosanna Opposition Weeping Return Jesus shares prophetically in these words: “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'” And we read this in Romans 11:25 “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” The day is coming when the Jewish people will receive Jesus as their Messiah. We can see this now: 23 - in 1948 the nation of Israel was established in a single day, a nation that had not existed for almost 19 full centuries. In 1948 there were 23 Jewish believers in the Messiah. 2000- and in 1948 there were 2000 Jewish believers in the whole world 30,000 - today there are 30,000 Jewish believers in Messiah in Israel 1,000,000 - and Jewish believers around the world and growing. Something dramatic has happened - the Jewish people are coming to recognize Jesus as their Messiah and Savior. It mean the very thing Jesus predicted is taking place in our day and the King is coming back!! This account from the New Testament is an historic account. One that summons us to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, one that calls us to recognize that God is in control, one that helps us understand that the Lord's desire is that we know Him, that we be filled with His Holy Spirit and that we be part of the great assembly of believers who will ultimately welcome our King - because THE KING IS COMING BACK! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-9, Luke 9:28-36, Psalm 104:2, John 14:8-9 Pastor's teaching on Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain top with Jesus, Peter, James, John, Elijah, Moses and the Voice of God brings this series of God's Ten Words to a conclusion.  It's a surprise ending, because how could Jesus' transfiguration be remarkably connected to God's Ten Commandments, while also having a tremendous application to what we have been studying these past weeks? When Jesus was transfigured his face glowed like the sun. The three disciples Jesus brought along are in awe and amazed. Psalm 104:2 says, “The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;” The disciples knew the psalms well, did this verse come to mind as they saw Jesus shining so bright?  They are witnessing the true revelation of who Jesus is.  True God and true man - God-man who has come to deliver us all.  Then suddenly Moses and Elijah appear with them as a cloud (the presence of God) comes over the entire group and they hear the Voice of God, “This is My Son who I love.  With Him I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.” Jesus is revealed as the Son of the Living God. God in the flesh who has come to earth to deliver us all. Why do Moses and Elijah appear?     1.    Both were devout followers of God     2.    Both had unique ends to their lives on earth     3.    Both went to Mt. Sinai     4.    Both heard God speak at Mt. Sinai     5.    But neither of them saw God's face.   But today, at Jesus' transfiguration Moses, Elijah, John, Peter and James all saw the face of God as revealed in the face of Jesus, the Living God. John 14: 8-9 tells us, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'?” Jesus revealed Himself to them. He is the Living God, the Deliverer and He alone saves and He is our only Hope because apart from Him we have nothing. And then suddenly it is just Jesus and the 3 disciples. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about what they have just witnessed until after His is risen from the dead.. (but they didn't understand what He was talking about or what He meant.) In summary, The Ten Commandments are brilliant, powerful and profound instructions from God, but they can't save us - they are like a curb, a mirror and a guide but they don't save us. In Jesus, the Messiah, are revealed grace and truth and He alone can save. He willingly went to the cross to bring us righteousness as He bore our sin on Himself.. A. W. Tozer says, “The only sin Jesus ever had was ours.  The only righteousness we can ever have is His.” We are encouraged to follow the Ten Commandments, but that will never save us.  There's only Jesus, the Living God, The Living Word of God, The Word that became flesh who can do that! Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture:  Exodus 20:17, Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17 Covet - to yearn to possess or have what belongs to another. Covet - insatiable desire for more at the expense of others. Today's tenth word is unique as it regulates thought. The other ten words all regulate behavior (e.g. have no other gods, remember the Sabbath Day, honor your parents, don't steal, don't murder). We see in scripture how our thought-life has a huge influence on our behavior: Cain - Genesis 4 Joseph's brothers - Genesis 37 Korah - Numbers 16 David - 2 Samuel 11 Ghazi - 2 Kings 5 We see in the Bible that our thought-life greatly controls our behavior, actions and even our futures.  As the mind thinks - so we behave.  Pathology Envy Jealousy Dishonesty Relationships Dissatisfaction Focus Mental health Financial issues Where does coveting come from?  Mark 7:21-23 tells us, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (ESV)  Jesus is calling us to realize our thought-life matters! How do we stop coveting?     1.    Christ - we need to look to Jesus and remember that He died on the cross and rose for us. Matthew 6:33 tells us to rely on Him and 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”     2.    Contentment - while in this fallen world, we still know what the future holds: life forever with God. This is where our containment is found - in the promise of our future with Him. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”     3.    Celebration - celebrate what we have. In Philippians 4:4-7 we are told, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Celebrate the good things of God and have a thankful hearts. God's 10 Words are still powerful words today. He gives them to us to:     1.    Protect us - keep us on His path     2.    Reveal our sin - so that we come to Him     3.    Give us direction - that guides our lives and shows us how to live When we take to heart God's Ten Words - that brings blessings to us as believers AND blessings to the world. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture:  Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 19:5, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 26:20, Romans 1:28ff, Philippians 2:5, John 8:31-32 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16 The Bible tells us that there is One who is only truth. One who is total and absolute in His Truthfulness and that is our Living God. God values truth and judges lies. Proverbs 19:5 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.” Pastor shares two examples from scripture.      1.    From the Old Testament in 1 Kings 21 about Naboth     2.    From the New Testament in Acts 6-7 about Stephen These stories encourage us to take seriously the importance of truth. Lying is an issue in our culture today. Lying is seen in some of the highest places and some of the most common parts of our daily lives. What does it mean “you shall not give false testimony”     ⁃    REJECT THE LIE - Recognize where lies come from. John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”  Lies come from the enemy - He's a liar and his lies are destructive to our culture and to ourselves.  We are to turn our backs on the father of lies.     ⁃    SPEAK THE TRUTH - we are to speak only truth. Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” God only speaks truths and we are to speak truthfully, too.     ⁃    SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE - do not be spiritually haughty - that attitude tears people down. We are to speak what is best for people who we know Jesus died for. (Because he died for ALL) We are not to lie in order to seek to get even, or to lie in order to hurt others or to lie to make ourselves look good.  Ephesians 4:15 “ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Our words are to give glory to God and blessing to others.     ⁃    RENOUNCE GOSSIP - Gossip destroys reputations, it destroys relationship with God. Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”  God detests gossiping - so live like children of God.     ⁃    BE CHRIST-LIKE -  have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” Jesus is Truth and Truth sets us FREE!  John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”  God's truth changes us, changes families, changes communities and changes countries, God is calling us to embrace the truth and to live the truth.  He is The Way, The Truth and The Life.  (John 14:6).  And we are to reflect His goodness in this darkened world. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 28:1-20, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Corinthians 15:6 Today we finish up the Gospel of Matthew. Pastor helps us see the Old Testament Feasts through New Testament eyes showing us some interesting insights. The resurrection of Jesus took place on the 1st day of the week, Sunday, which is the first day after the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday. Jesus' resurrection also happened on the day called The Day of First Fruits which is celebrated on the first day after the Sabbath as part of their week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Day of First Fruits a day to celebrate the harvest and to give back a part of the harvest to God as an offering. Israel has two harvest times. One in the spring - this is the springtime harvest - but there is also a second harvest in the fall. (The second harvest will be at Jesus return.)  It is no coincidence that Jesus was raised from death on the day of First Fruits. God had a plan from the beginning and Jesus is the fulfillment of that plan, He is the First Fruits of the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”  Our story picks up with another earthquake, the guards being frightened and running off as an angel comes down from heaven to the tomb of Jesus and talks to the women that are there. The tomb is open and Jesus is not there and the angels tells them Jesus is risen. The story goes on with the women being the first to meet Jesus and worship Him. The runaway guards go to the chief priests to tell them all that's happened. So the chief priests and elders gather to devise a plan, paying off the guards, they tell them to say that Jesus' disciples stole Jesus' body. Verse 15 ends with “And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”    There is no record of anyone suggesting the tomb was still occupied, everyone knew the tomb was empty - the only story the priests could come up with was that the disciples stole the body. Yet the truth is - Christ rose!! Victorious over the death and the grave. Our story goes on with the disciples going to a mountain in area of Galilee to see Jesus where they worshiped Him. He tells them that all authority of heaven and earth has been given to Him. Jesus is the Lord of the Universe!  Jesus is the image of the invisible God, He's the One through whom everything was created. Jesus saying he has all authority is the first part of the Great Commission and explains why He can give the command of the great commission. The Great Commission tells all disciples then and now to make more disciples, not believers, but disciples, meaning those who believe AND follow Christ. We are told to baptize them in THE NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  “The Name” why not “names” - Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three names. Jesus specifically says, “Name” no “s” - not plural. Because they are ONE.   Jesus goes on telling us to teach everything He's commanded us. Ending with the assuring promise that He is always with us. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Scripture:  Exodus 20:15, Joshua 6-7, James 1:17, Ephesians 4:28, Leviticus 9:13, 1 Timothy 6:17-18, 1 Peter 2:12, Philippians 2:4, Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:8-10 This command is simple words, but words with great depth. What does “stealing” cover? It's the taking of what's not ours. Pastor shares a biblical demonstration from the story of the Israelites of the consequences of taking what is not ours and what the Lord has said not to take. There are consequences to disobeying God's clear will and He has established moral law that's be given to us for a purpose - It's for the protection of society and for everyone. You Shall Not Steal     ⁃    Ownership - there is personal ownership but this is not absolute ownership, because everything we have comes from God. God is the giver of all good gifts.     ⁃    Stewardship - take care of what we have - use wisely what God has given us, and bless others with what we have.     ⁃    Citizenship - Be a good citizen - we are part of a culture and called to be a blessing. The way we behave: integrity and honor can be seen by others and can bring them to knowing Jesus and the way we behave brings glory to God. We are called to look out for not only our own interests but also those of others. Our citizenship is in heaven and so we live that way. Citizens of this world but above all we are citizens of heaven through Jesus and what He has done for us and THAT calls us to live like we know that! TWIN DANGERS     ⁃    Legalism - thinking we've done so much better than others. Legalism destroys faith, destroys relationship with God and becomes the worship of self rather than worship of God.     ⁃    Antinomianism - is the thinking that since Jesus died for me and paid for my sins, I can do whatever I like. That is not true and is a complete misunderstanding of what the Bible says. It doesn't say sin doesn't matter! Jesus DID die, DID pay for our sins, DID rise from the grave, IS returning AND BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT - we don't want to do what we please.  We want to do what pleases Him! When God gave the Ten Commandments - He did not say, “Do these (Ten Commandments) to be save.” He began these commands by saying, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage. I am the One who saves you. THEREFORE - now live this way: The Ten Commandments.” Ephesians 2:8-10: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. So by faith we give thanks for Jesus and we desire to live lives that give God glory and bless others. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 27:49-28:4 We pick up the story from last week on the evening of Passover.  Jesus is on the cross, it's three in the afternoon. Jesus cries out, “it is finished” and dies just as the sacrifice is being offered in the Temple. At that very moment the curtain in the Temple is torn from top to bottom. That curtain separated the Holy Place of the Sanctuary from the Holy of Holies in the rear of the Sanctuary. The curtain was a massive curtain approximately 60' by 30' and about 8 inches thick. Symbolically - this is a sign that everything has changed. The entry way to the Holy of Holies which had been only for a chief priest to enter once a year for atonement was now wide open - a physical representation that the way to the Heavenly Father is now opened for all.  No longer through multiple sacrifices, it is now through the blood of the Son of the Living God. That entry gives us direct access to the Father through the Son. There was darkness from 12-3pm and when Christ died, there was a massive earth quake and a Centurian exclaimed, “Surely, this was the Son of God!” Jesus' burial - Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilot to ask for Jesus' body and it was given to him.  God's command in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 says, “If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God's curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.”  The Jewish people followed this command from God and so Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body down from the cross at His death and didn't allow it to stay on the “pole.” Joseph wrapped the body in cloth and placed Jesus in the tomb that he had recently purchased for himself. Pastor shares archeological and historical evidence of the site of Jesus' burial site under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. After Jesus is placed in the tomb the chief priests and pharisees - who do not normally agree with each other - went together to Pilate to remind him that Jesus had said, “After three days I will rise again.”  So Pilate tells them to secure the tomb so that Jesus' disciples could not come steal the body and claim Jesus had risen from the dead. The tomb was secured by sealing it with wax around the stone at the opening of the tomb and a guard was posted. We move into Matthew chapter 28 where we read the story of Jesus resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb early the next morning when again there is another violent earthquake at the time of Jesus' resurrection. An angel comes down from heaven, rolls the stone of the tomb away from the opening and sits on it, frightening the guard. All the plans of man to do away with Jesus have come to an end. And now God is intervening in a remarkable and powerful and awesome way. Join us next week for the rest of Jesus' amazing resurrection story that is also ours! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Scripture:  Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Mark 10:6-9; Hebrews 13:4; Acts 17:30-31 The Ten Words are the equivalent of an Owner's Manual - showing us how to live a life that makes a difference for ourselves and everyone. And so let's wrestle with the question, “Does our Heavenly Father know what's best for each of us,” especially in light of today's Word in Exodus 20:14. “You shall not commit adultery.” From the beginning God was concerned that the family be protected and that marriages be preserved. Marriage - God's First Institution     ⁃    One man and one woman     ⁃    For a lifetime     ⁃    Become one flesh - intimacy     ⁃    For family     ⁃    It was “very good”     ⁃    Especially under attack today God's plan is and was good, but the consequences of losing, breaking, ignoring and destroying what the Father intended are huge.  What is the biblical teaching on marriage and what does it tell us today: Biblical Basics for marriage, sex, family and relationship:     1.    Flee sexual temptation and sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”     2.    Honor and protect marriage. Mark 10:6-9 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”     3.    Reserve sex for marriage alone. Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Back to our original question: “Does our Heavenly Father know best?”  Yes… He does….. And so, when we find WE'VE WANDERED from the Creator's will - HOW DO WE DEAL WITH THAT?     1.    Listen - to our Father Creator     2.    Repent - have a change of mind     3.    Repent - change your direction.  Acts 17:30-31 “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”   Jesus Christ, cares in spite of what we've done. He paid for our rebellion and sins and offers us life, forgiveness and hope through repentance.     4.    Trust - Jesus Christ - The Risen One. We can trust the One who stretched out His arms to die for us, who is risen from the grave and who is returning.     5.    Follow God's Word and God's Spirit.  Our God gave us the Owner's Manual. He also gave us the Deliverer, Jesus. And in Him we find, hope, forgiveness and power to live a new life freed of bondage to the past. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 27:26-49, Psalm 22:1, 7-8 Today's story is the crucifixion of Jesus. We pick up our story with the flogging of Jesus. Pastor describes what Jesus experienced in this brutal method of torture.  Jesus was then brought to the preaetorium in front of all the soldiers where He was mocked and beaten before they lead Him away to be crucified. Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus' cross as they walked to Golgatha because Jesus was too weak from the brutality He experienced.  Once on the cross they offered Him wine mixed with gall, but Jesus refused to drink it.  What was this drink? Evidence that has survived points to a tradition that the women of Jerusalem prepared a wine mixture that was intended to dull the pain of an individual who was being tortured or crucified.  But we see Jesus refusing to drink it. The Son of God chose to endure the pain without having anything to easy it. He chose to willingly suffer the agonies of the damned for each of us. Then they cast lots for His clothes and place a sign with the charge against Him: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.” Pastor shares a detailed description of Jesus' cross. The story continues with taunting coming from the gathered crowd and as darkness covers the sky from noon to 3pm.  Jesus cries out to God the Father highlighting David's prophetic words from Psalm 22:1.  Note also the prophetic fulfillment of the words of verses 7-8: All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.” 7 Words of Jesus from the Cross     ⁃    Father forgive them they know not what they do     ⁃    Today you will be with me in paradise     ⁃    Woman, behold your son     ⁃    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me     ⁃    I thirst     ⁃    It is finished     ⁃    Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit Jesus' crucifixion is the greatest love story the world has ever heard. The Only Son of God willingly saved us and it ought to drive us to our knees in tears and holy awe. Pastor ends today's class with the encouragement to read through the rest of the story before joining us again next week. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Scripture:  Exodus 20:13, Genesis 4, 2 Samuel 11-12, Genesis 9:6, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15 Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.” Many believe they have not broken this commandment - but what we will discover is that we have all broken it. This will be a message that will offend many and we will see our incredible need for a Savior. We will also recognize He is giving us direction for our daily lives. The Ten Commandments were given as a Curb Mirror Guide There are so many stories of murder in the Bible: Cain and Abel - Genesis 4, David and Uriah - 2 Samuel 11-12. In Genesis 9:6 we see that God considers life to be sacred, precious:  “Whoever sheds human blood,
    by humans shall their blood be shed;
for in the image of God
    has God made mankind.” Murder is a violation of the very heart of the Living God. Jesus defines murder in greater detail in Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” We are guilty of sinning against this commandment with our hearts and minds - one we thought we were exempt from. Anger, resentment and hatred - destroy us from within.  “All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them.” 1 John 3:15.  God calls us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive and to take seriously the heart of this commandment. Not just our outward actions but our inner thoughts. This command shows us our inner need for a Savior and calls us to Christ, showing we all need a Divine Deliverer. What more is in this command? Specific Issues: PUNISHMENT and WARFARE - Government: death penalty, wars: Romans 13:4 gives authority to government to carry these out. SUICIDE - affects the individual, their families and even communities. We are not to take our own lives. Many think of this is the unforgivable sin - yet the Bible does not say that.  ABORTION - See Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:16 and Luke 1:41-44 where we see that Scriptures do not distinguish between the unborn and born. Responding to this command - do we accept a world view? Here's a common saying today: “If you are against abortion, don't do it.  But don't impose your views on others.” With a closer look - try substituting different words in place of “abortion” such as: murder or slavery or sex trafficking. How does that change your view? Response     ⁃    Realize: I may have accepted a worldview that is contrary to God's     ⁃    Repent: ask Him for forgiveness     ⁃    Receive: forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.     ⁃    Rely: on His Word which is true, on His Holy Spirit who guides and directs and gives revelation and understanding. It is painful to admit our sin, but glorious to receive what God offers: forgiveness and life in Christ. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

TW: Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, and Gun ViolenceIn this week's powerful episode, suicide survivor, mental health advocate, and former professional baseball player Drew Robinson shares his deeply personal journey through mental health struggles. Drew opens up about his childhood and reflects on his love and passion for baseball, candidly addressing how both his upbringing and the pressures of his career contributed to his mental health challenges, including warning signs he didn't recognize at the time. He bravely recounts his battles with suicidal ideation, the day he attempted to take his life, the thoughts that ran through his mind when the attempt didn't succeed, and how his family found out. Now on a path of healing, Drew reflects on the role he feels he must live up to, his ongoing efforts to stay accountable, and why he believes he survived—to help others facing similar struggles. He also offers heartfelt advice for anyone grappling with their own mental health challenges.Be sure to follow Drew on Instagram https://instagram.com/drewrobbb/If you or a loved one are struggling, here are a few helpful resources:Text “HELLO” to 741741 https://crisistextline.org/Call or text 988 https://988lifeline.org/https://helpingsurvivors.org/resources/To email us your questions or share your story, you can reach out to lautner.thesqueezepodcast@gmail.comBe sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! Plus, follow us on Instagram:The Squeeze: https://instagram.com/thesqueeze/Tay Lautner: https://instagram.com/taylautner/Taylor Lautner: https://instagram.com/taylorlautner/& TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thesqueezepodcastTo learn more from The Lemons Foundation, follow https://instagram.com/lemonsbytay/ and visit lemonsbytay.comEpisode Sponsors:No more shady buisness. Ritual's Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Get 25% off your first month at ritual.com/THESQUEEZE. Start Ritual or add Essential for Women 18+ to your subscription today.Put your water to work with Gatorade Hydration Booster. You can use code BOOST20 on Gatorade.com to try it yourself for 20% off.The power is in your hands with G2 Boost. Hues to Power You.Get JackBlack.com/SQUEEZE and use code SQUEEZE for 10% off your order.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.