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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.

This teaching is from Matthew Matthew 26:69 - 27:31, Deuteronomy 27:25, Zechariah 11:12.-13, Jeremiah 19:1-13, Isaiah 53:4-8 The story of Jesus' trial continues with a look into what's transpiring in the courtyard. We see Peter being accused of knowing Jesus 3 different times and all three times Peter denies knowing Jesus. But then the rooster crows and he remembers Jesus' words predicting his denial. Peter leaves the courtyard in tears. Meanwhile, Judas is experiencing remorse as he sees that Jesus is condemned. Judas returns the 30 pieces of silver realizing he has betrayed innocent blood and goes out to the hang himself. The story moves into the Roman part of the trial.  Note: it is not just the Jewish leadership sentencing Jesus, it is the Gentiles as well.  Showing us that It is all of us who have put Jesus on the cross.  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.  Isaiah 53:4-6 “Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.” Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilot and asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Throughout the testimonies against Him, Jesus remains quiet. Jesus' silence is a fulfillment of the prophetic verses found in Isaiah 53:7-8 “He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
 For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.” Pilot could see that the charges against Jesus are drummed up - and while proceedings are going on Pilot's wife sends him a message, “Don't have anything o do with the innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.” Pilot had the option to release one prisoner - asking the crowd who they would like released - Jesus or Barabus - the crowd chooses to release Barabus and they cheer for Jesus to be crucified. Pilot then washes His hands saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your responsibility.” And then Pilot has Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified. 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 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3, Lue 2:51, 1 John 3:1, Matthew 11:28-30 Do the ten commandments feel like just a negative list of “thou shalt nots?”  Or like God's trying to take away your fun, or trying to limit your enjoyment of life, trying to make you feel guilty? Well, nothing is further from the truth. God is good and He is gracious! Today's commandment doesn't have a “shall not,” but it does have a promise: Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”  As it comes with a promise, God considers this an important command. Family is of primary significant importance.  We even see that when the Living God took on flesh as Jesus, He came to a family. And we see Jesus obeying this command in Luke 2:51 “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”  Even the incarnate son of God was obedient to His parents. Clearly it's important to our Creator but also important to our culture. The Family Is God's Design Application:     ⁃    Authority - by God's authority He tells us to honor our parents. Mom and Dad are His representatives on earth to nurture and raise their children.     ⁃    Act Honorably - Kids are told to honor parents but parents are told they are to act honorably, too, in a way that gives God glory, sharing faith with their kids, giving godly love and discipline and modeling honoring God.     ⁃    Honor Them - we honor our parents no matter how old we are - that doesn't end when we leave home, we are to honor them always - even as they age. We live in a day and age where families are falling apart - where people are trying to re-design the family - When families disintegrate so does the culture. What do we do to deal with dysfunctional families and homes? We go to God's Word  - the Bible - a book filled with dysfunctional families.  One example we can learn from is the story of Joseph. His father had 4 wives, siblings had anger issues, there were rivalries, bitterness, jealousy and hatred between siblings. But what we learn is that Joseph broke the chain! He had 1 wife and raised a godly family. There is hope for every situation in life because our God is a God who redeems the parental wounds of neglect, absence, abuse and withholding of nurturing.   Restoration is available:     ⁃    It is God the Father's heart to love -  1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” By faith in Jesus we are the Father's children. In Him is healing - in Him life is renewed.     ⁃    Jesus' invitation - No guilt - what is offered is an invite to hope. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” His invite is to come to Him - the one who forgives, gives strength, gives healing and gives hope. There is no limit to what God does. No limit to his grace.     ⁃    Forgive and Release - the Bible gives a path to restoration and reconciliation in Colossians 3:13 we read, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” One of the most important steps in healing, particularly from parental wounds, is to forgive. This doesn't mean their behavior is justified - it does mean that just as we have been forgiven by the Lord we forgive those who have hurt or wounded us.  Saying, “Lord, I forgive them as You have forgiven me” is an important healing step. Forgiveness changes everything - and this too is part of this commandment to honor our parents - even if they were bad parents.   Honor makes a huge difference in our lives, the lives of our family members and even into our culture.   Lord may we recognize the goodness of our heavenly Father's heart in this command. May we hear Jesus' invitation to come to Him and may we forgive as we are forgiven. 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 26:39-68 Come along as we see: Who Jesus is and why we so desperately need Him As we look at Jesus' story of His arrest and trial, we will learn that Jesus is faithful and we are not, Jesus is fearless and we are not, Jesus is forthright and we are not. Today's story opens in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus having asked His disciples to stay awake while He goes to pray and share His heart with the Father. Jesus knows what is coming and asks the Father if there is another way - yet ends the prayer saying, “not my will, Father, but Yours.”  Jesus remains faithful to accomplish the will of the Father. As Jesus returns the 3rd time from praying to the Father He again discovers the disciples sleeping.  He wakes them as the scene changes… we read next the betrayal by Judas as he point out Jesus in the crowd by kissing/greeting Him. Jesus is seized and arrested, yet He fearlessly goes with them, faithful to the will of God the Father. Peter then cuts off the ear of one of the servants that was present and Jesus immediately heals the ear, telling Peter not to give into hatred.  Jesus doesn't resist arrest and willingly steps into fulfilling the Scriptures. The prophetic words spoken in the Old Testament about Jesus are fulfilled and it is in seeing this fulfillment of His first coming, that we know what the Bible tells us of His second coming is truth, as well.  Jesus will fulfill, one day soon, everything predicted in His return. There is so much more to come and we don't want to miss it! What He offers is life forever with Him!  Faith in Him delivers and saves us! As Jesus is taken away His disciples abandon Him, leaving Him alone and deserted. He is brought before the High Priest, Caiaphas.  Peter hangs back in the courtyard area. (A spot that comes into play in next week's study!)  The Sanhedrin begin looking for evidence against Jesus. Two witnesses declare that Jesus said “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in 3 days.” These were words spoken during the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. Pastor shares some interesting insight into there being 2 times Jesus cleansed the temple and not just once. One at the beginning of His ministry and then again just days before His arrest. The temple cleansings bookend His ministry. The High Priest asks Jesus to answer the change of destroying the temple and building it up in three days, but Jesus does not answer. Again displaying His fearlessness. He remains quiet. Caiaphus seeing he doesn't have enough evidence to convict Jesus, then demands that Jesus tells them, under oath of the Living God, if He is the Messiah the Son of God. Meaning: Are you making a claim to divinity (and this was a crime). And Jesus answers, “You have said so.” And goes on saying, “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64) Jesus' forthrightness in His answer describes who He Is by quoting Old Testament Scriptures (Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1). In His answer, Jesus is claiming Deity and thus convicts Himself.  At Jesus' words the High Priest tears His clothes (something that was only permitted when someone was blasphemous). Verses 65-66 continue, “Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” The crowd answered, “He is worthy of death.” Our study ends with Jesus' faithfulness and fearlessness as seen in verses 67-68: “Then they spit in Jesus' face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” When we meet next the story of Jesus' arrest and conviction continue with more for us to learn on who Jesus is! Join 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 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 2:27-28, Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8. Is going to church what this commandment is about? Or is there something deeper than simple church attendance? Is this command requesting Compliance with an order without the Comprehension of who God is? How do we “remember” the Sabbath Day? By worshiping and praising and acknowledging God as our Lord, King and Savior. However, some have a false understanding of worship. In the Old Testament they see worship as attending Saturday Synagogue and in the New Testament they see it as attending Sunday Church.  The Sabbath is all about RESTING - let's take a dig into what resting means and is. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand at the crossroads and look: ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest for one's soul is found in God, in His truth, in who He is, in what He has done. Jesus says the same things in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” True rest is not found in a building - it is found in Him - in a relationship with the Living God.  Digging deeper into the command, “Remember the Sabbath Day.” The Resurrection of Jesus was on a Sunday. While many in Jesus' day went daily to the temple to Praise God for what Jesus had accomplished in the resurrection, Sundays became their sabbath and each Sunday was a mini Resurrection Day celebration in honor of Christ's victory of the grave. In Colossians 2:16-17 we read: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” This verse tells us it's not about worshiping God on a specific day or way. This verse tells us that  Jesus is the genuine Sabbath!  Rest is found in Christ! He is rest. In Him is rest.  Rest is a precious gift found in Christ. Mark 2:27-28 tells us, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.'” Even though the New Testament day of worship became a Sunday for believers in Jesus, Romans 14:5 tells us that God does not command us to set aside one particular day - though we are free to do that - like we continue today to gather together on Sunday's in memory of Jesus' resurrection. But that doesn't mean we all have to do that - in fact the New Testament doesn't say to worship on any specific day of the week.  What we are told is to worship God ALL the time; worshiping Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind and worshiping, praising and thanking Him in all situations  Jesus tells us that He is the one who is rest and who brings rest. How do we practice the command to “remember,” how do we do what we are called by God to do? Here are some New Testament Essentials:     ⁃    We are called to worship - worship is to be a life-style, it's the way we live. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Daily worship is the heart of our lives - relationship with Him brings forth worship.     ⁃    We are to be in God's Word - allowing it to transform us - to be made new in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  We are to allow the Word of God to be part of our lives and to allow His Word to change our lives.     ⁃    We are to practice godly Wisdom. Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”  We also worship God when we wisely take care of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” God calls us to rest - Jesus is Rest - Resting in Him is something that is good for our souls, our hearts, our bodies and our minds.  We aren't to go through the motions of rest one day a week - that's RITUAL. We are to live in Him and for Him daily - as a RESPONSE to who He is: Our place of rest because He is our gift of salvation. St. Augustine said it well: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.” 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.

Scripture: Exodus 20:7, Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, Matthew 15:8-9, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 50:15, Psalm 145:18, Leviticus 19:31, Romans 10:13, John 17:6, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14 Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” This means we are to understand that God's Name is powerful, God's Name is Holy. This is the only one of God's Ten Words/Commandments with a threat and no promise. God's Name is a 4 letter tetragrammaton and we aren't even sure how to pronounce His Name because by 200 BC the Jewish people no longer spoke God's Name for fear of misusing it. The Jewish people still today will not speak His name and simply refer to God's Name as “Ha-shem” - “The Name,” though others pronounce it in several different ways: Yahweh and Jehovah are a couple. God takes His Name seriously - it is not a swear word - His Name is the revelation of Himself. In His Name God reveals His identity and character to us. His Name speaks of His goodness, mercy, love and His awesome and profound holiness. We dare not treat Hm or His Name lightly,  In Exodus 3:14 God says to Moses, “I am who I am.” Deliver. Guide. In John 8:58 Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus is the Living God who has taken on human flesh to deliver us all. We are all sinners and sin, deserving the punishment Jesus took for us on the cross. In John 17:6 Jesus is praying to God the Father saying, “I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word.” In these words, Jesus is the revelation of the character and identity of God. If you want to know what the invisible God is like you look at the visible Son of the Living God - The One through whom all things were created. God's character is summed up in His Name. His Name is wonderful, holy and worthy of praise. What is the misuse of God's Name?     1.    By cursing, speaking threats, judgements and swearing.  Romans 12:14  tells us that we are to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”     2.    Through the occult - horoscopes, ouija boards, séances, eastern mysticism that open a destructive door in one's life.  Leviticus 19:31 tells us “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”      3.    By deception - professing to be godly but in reality living a double life having a veneer of religion but having lives that deny it.  Matthew 15:8-9 says, “‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.'” We should not use His Name to deceive others or to try to deceive God.  We are to use God's Name to give Him honor and to express understanding of His character. What are some proper uses of God's Name?     1.    Receiving Him - Romans 10:13 tells us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God offers forgiveness, restoration, redemption, hope, peace and joy to all who repent and call on Him saying, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner, I receive what You offer to me through Jesus, my Savior.”     2.    Relying on Him - Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on Me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 145:18 tells us that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” When we go through difficult times we are to call on His Name - to rely on Him - because He is near, He is not distant.     3.    Rejoicing in Him - In Psalm 40:3 we read, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”  We properly use His Name when we use it to give Him honor and praise and thanks. God's Name deserves our praise and rejoicing. As we live a joyful life, especially in a world that is often falling apart - it causes others to be drawn to Him as well!  THAT is an excellent way to use His Name - in sharing it with 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.

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6, Psalm 115:4-8, Matthew 6:24, Exodus 18:20, Deuteronomy 24:16, Colossians 3:5 Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”  We are to worship God. Pastor begins today's teaching by talking about the different numbering of the commandments and how it does't matter how we number them, what matters is whether we listen to them and apply them to our lives. Exodus 20:4-5 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” So is this saying we have to take down pictures on our walls, or throw out figurines?  This is not what God is saying. Pastor shares biblical examples supporting that God is not talking about banning all artwork. What God's talking about is idolatry - something that's become more important to us than He is. What does it mean  -  God is a “jealous God?”  Pastor explains that this doesn't mean God is sinfully jealous. God means that His desire, as our Creator, is that we know Him, worship Him and do not worship other objects or things.  He wants us to worship Him alone and to place nothing else in front of our devotion to Him.  The verse speaks of the “third and fourth generations…” and the consequences of individuals and especially parents, on how setting an example to the children ends up getting passed down to the next generation and the next. This is why it's important to teach them about God and show them by how you live.  Exodus 18:20 says, “Teach them His decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.”  But if individuals and parents choose not to live in faith to God and instead live as being part of the world, with all its idols, the next generation is taught idolatry and that gets passed down. God says this in Deuteronomy 24:16 says, “Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.”  A child will not be condemned as an idolator if they come to know Jesus as their Savior. God's desire is that all people turn to Him and belong to Him. Idolatry and the consequences of it are important to understand because when we worship God and follow Him, there is an amazing blessing. Exodus 20:6 “but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” What a powerful promise from our God who is merciful and gracious and who desires to bring blessings upon individuals, families, and generation after generation. IDOLATRY Psalm 115:4-8 summary: Idols are lifeless and they make their worshiper as dead as they are.   We can look at these verses and say as a believer, “I don't have an idol set up in my household. No statues, I don't offer incense before a statue and I don't bow down to poles or chant incantations.”  But… Is there more depth that needs to be understood around the meaning of idolatry? John Calvin's quote: “The human heart is an idol factory.” As part of our fallen nature we worship things over God. There are many contemporary idols. Here's a sampling of six: APPEARANCE - becomes an idol when we're more concerned about how we look, how people perceive us, and how we appear before others, than how we appear before God. There's nothing wrong with looking nice - it's good to take care of ourselves, but appearance can become an idol when its one of the most important things in one's life, outstripping the concern of what God thinks of us. EDUCATION - is a good thing but it can easily become a god in our lives where it becomes the most important thing, where we boast about our educational achievements, or put education above the what and who of God in our lives.  ENTERTAINMENT (sports, music, TV, movies) - can become the most important thing in our lives when we worship what's on the TV screen, worship the latest pop star, when icons are who we dream of or dream of becoming, when we try to look like, talk like, act like them….  Entertainment can become an abject of worship that crowds God out of our lives or reduces Him to an after thought. MONEY - can become a dominant force in our lives.  Matthew 6:24 says we cannot serve both God and money. The love of money - greed - can become our motivating source for our actions, desires, our future, our work and God ends up being left behind. POWER - is the desire for influence, to be recognized by others, to be in control, but God is the One who is in control. We are to serve and respond to Him through faith in Him, not faith in ourselves. SEX - It's morally neutral but can become an idol, especially in our sexually crazed environment today: wide spread pornography, sexual immorality not just winked at but encouraged. However, sex is a gift from God for procreation, intimacy and joy.  The Scriptures say we are not to worship an idol - instead we are to worship God alone as it says in Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”  Martin Luther says, “We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.” God is good and because He is, let us respond in repentance and believe in Jesus whose death covers our sin and who we know is coming back so that we will live forever with Him. Therefore my desire is to fear, love and trust in Him above ALL things! 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.

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-3, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 14:1, Psalm 33:8, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:36-38, Proverbs 3:5-6.  It's God alone that we are to worship, honor and follow. Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” The 10 Commandments have shaped so much of Western civilization and culture. Yet these ten words/commandments are often ignored  - And what we see as people's god is the god of chance. Our culture, and much of the time our educational system, teach us that all that exists is the result of a gigantic cosmic accident.  That chance is the author of life. This is seen in our media, our movies, and every direction we turn. A view that is accepted even though the science goes against it.  In the last 50 years we've learned much about the complexity of life and that it points to a Designer - not to a chance explosion. Our culture has not caught up to some of the remarkable discoveries in recent history. In the 1980's MIT discovered that the likelihood of self replicating DNA is 1 chance in 10 to the 65th power - that's 10 with 65 zeroes behind it showing us creation didn't start by “chance,” it started with a Designer, a Creator.  Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, even at the microscopic and sub-atomic levels the complexity of creation screams that there is a Creator! Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”  Not chance, but Creator… and it is because of the profound truth of a Designer, a Creator, that the Ten Commandments need to be re-examined in our day by believers and non-believers. God broke into human history on Mt. Sinai, proclaiming His goodness and power and delivering the Ten Commandments. God also stepped into history through Christ's resurrection. The Living God took on human flesh and lived among us, lived a servant life, willingly went to the cross, shed His blood for all, and is risen from the grave, ascended to the Father's right hand and He IS returning! God breaking into history changes how we look at our lives and it changes how we look at the Ten Commandments.   How do we see the Ten Commandments?     ⁃    As Painful Demands that God says we better do?     ⁃    As a Joyful Response to the move of God in history and in our hearts and lives? God has intervened in our history and intervened in our lives and He is good. He is asking us to listen to His voice. He is telling us He is our Designer and he knows what is best for us, to what will bring the greatest blessing in our lives. And that starts with the commandment that says, “You shall have no other God's before me.” It's God and God alone! He says YOU - in Greek this is singular - making this command personal. He is speaking individually to each of us. He's speaking to me. What does it mean for me to have no other gods?     ⁃    I am to revere Him alone He is to be the object of reverence in my life and my source of our awe. Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.” Fear God - is to be in awe of Him, fear God means I am accountable to Him.     ⁃    I am to love Him above all  Because He is my Creator, because He is good, because He sent Jesus my response to Him is to love Him. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” And in Matthew 22:36-38 Jesus is asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus replies: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.”      ⁃    I am to commit my life to Him and to trust Him with all my heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 says,  “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” He will guide and lead me. When I commit to Him I'm desiring to allow His Holy Spirit and His Truth to guide me, and to allow Jesus to reign as Lord in my life. Who is “The Lord?” In Deuteronomy 6:4 we read that He is ONE, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.“ One God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. One God but yet three unique persons and He is telling us in the first of His Words from Mt. Sinai to follow, trust, revere, love, worship and honor Him.  He offers us Salvation when we admit we need a Savior. “Lord, I need you, I am a sinner, and I desire to receive all that You have for me through my faith in Jesus, my Savior. Thank You.” 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.

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-2 What are the Ten Words? We read in Exodus 20:1, “And God spoke all these words.” “Words is referring to the Ten Commandments God spoke on Mount Sinai to Moses. God's Ten Commandments are found in the rest of Exodus 20 and also in Deuteronomy 5. Because these commandments are unnumbered in the Bible, there have been several ways these 10 Words have been numbered, but it doesn't matter how you number them - what matters is whether you listen to them or not. Exodus 20:2 God continues, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”  He is saying He's the Israelite's Deliverer from bondage in Eqypt.  We can also see this truth throughout Scripture as well when God promised to send a Savior and then sent the Messiah, Jesus Christ to Deliver His people from the bondage of sin.   Deliverance - God is the One who saves and all commandments flow from this statement of God's deliverance for His children. It's not that we are saved by obeying the commands. It is God who saves us.  He is the Deliverer but in response to His work we desire to do what His 10 Words teach. We cannot earn His favor, rather it's God that has shown us His favor by being our Deliverer.  Deliverance is at the heart of all 10 Words. Two dangers around the Ten Words:     ⁃    Pride.  Thinking we have been good, or at least better than others. Or that we can earn God's favor, but we ALL have sinned which means we all need to be rescued. We need a Savior because we cannot measure up to a holy God. (We are not measured against others, the measure is against a perfect, holy God and we all have failed) Only Jesus has obeyed the Father fully. Only Jesus lived the perfect life we could not. Only Jesus the perfect Lamb could shed His blood for our sin and save us.     ⁃    Rebellion. Some of us refuse to believe there is a god. Others do what they think is “good.” Others may even question is there really good and bad and choose to ignore anything or anyone that says differently. The religious also rebel in thinking that “if God loves me and Jesus came to die for me, than I'm saved by His grace through faith so sin is not that big of a thing - I can do what I please, it doesn't really matter because I'm saved.” But this too is deception and it is rebelling against the plan and purpose of God. What is the purpose of the Ten Commandments for those who know God and trust in Jesus?  What about the unbeliever, how do these commandments speak into their lives. God desires to call us ALL to the truth, to deliver us all from bondage to rebellion and foolishness and pride. His desire is to have us come face to face with Him and His love for each one of us. Consider God's commandments as an Owner's Manual, like an owner's manual for your car. The car's maker tells the best ways to care for the vehicle. The Ten Commandments are God's Owner's Manual for His people. This “manual” shows us how to care for what our Maker made, how to live well, how to live as a thank You note to God. Understanding God as our Deliverer, through faith in our Savior, changes how we look at the Commandments. Rather than a list of “dos” and “don'ts” we see them as God's way of showing us how to have a meaningful life for all and to help us create a meaningful culture for all. Our Maker knows what's best for us.  His words give direction and purpose for our lives. How does God use the Ten Commandments?     1.    As a CURB - to keep us on the right path.     2.    As a MIRROR - to show us our faults. As a mirror we see how we need a Savior, especially in a culture that is so far off the narrow path.     3.    As a GUIDE - for Him to lovingly direct His will over our sinful nature. The Ten Commandments are a response to God's deliverance and we can look at them as the Owner's Manual spoken by our Maker. Will we use this Owner's Manual and will we let it be our curb, mirror and guide that points us back to the truth of our need for a Savior? https://www.awakeusnow.com 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.

Scripture: Luke 2: 1-20 The Christmas Story is familiar to most of us - a story we've heard over and over, year after year.  When something becomes so familiar we can easily be deceived into treating it too casually without the awe and gratitude this story should cause in our hearts.  Familiarity can cause us to forget this is a REAL story, with REAL people and our REAL Savior.   So let's look at this very familiar story in Luke 2:1-20 with new eyes and new ears and new hearts. May we experience and receive THE GREAT GOOD NEWS as the best gift ever given. As Pastor reads the Christmas Story he shares insights about the location of where Jesus was born, and other interesting historical information, even specific insights into the shepherds in the fields and the intended use of their lambs. Mary and Jospeph arrive in Bethlehem for a census, Jesus is born, and then the angels announce the Great Good News to the shepherds. When the angels broke through the skies the shepherds went from experiencing great fear at the appearance of the angels to great joy because of the Great Good News they were told. “You will find the Babe wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  The Shepherds hurried off to find Jesus - an encouragement for us, too! Have you found Him? That is our prayer, that you find and know Jesus for The Great Good News has come, Jesus the Messiah! The host of angels fills the sky above the shepherds singing, “Glory to God in the Highest!” Praising God in this Christmas season is a calling to us as well. Let us hurry to find Him, seek Him and adore Him. The shepherds' desire to find Jesus is to be our attitude too. Let this familiar story touch your heart in new ways this Christmas. After seeing baby Jesus in the manger the shepherds spread the story about what the angels had told them and about the baby they met. May we also, like them, share the Great Good News of a Savior. The Great Good News is:     ⁃    Real - this really happened, this is true. There is overwhelming evidence from both believers and skeptics that the Messiah is real.      ⁃    Risen - He is risen and this victory is ours.     ⁃    Returning - the reality is that He is returning. He is coming back - we have a forever life ahead of us!     ⁃    Response - God loved us so much He was willing to take on human flesh, live the perfect life we could not, willingly give Himself for us on the cross in a most inhumane way as the sacrifice for our sins. Then He rose victorious from the grave….THAT demands a response!  One of repentance and belief. A response of receiving the Great Good News by walking with Him, following Him, surrendering to Him and watching what He will do. Receive Him today as your Savior! The Christmas story is not simply a story of our culture - it is the story of God's love to each one of us. https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/the-greats Check out the video on Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwOsas957DiSUd6oyPPusju&si=aF1BhWGvhZyBvUVi Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 26:26-39 and Exodus 6:6-7 Our story continues today with the Lord's Supper. Jesus is going to make it clear that He is the Passover Lamb who lays down His life for all people of all time. Pastor overviews the Passover meal: why it was done, what the purpose was and shows us how Jesus changed the script that had always been spoken during this meal since the time of Moses.  Taking the bread Jesus says, “Take eat; this is My body.” Then after that He took the cup saying, “Drink from it, all of you, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Pastor shares about the 4 cups of wine during the Passover meal referencing the four verbs in Exodus 6:6-7. Four verbs, four cups of wine:     1.    Cup 1 - I will BRING you out     2.    Cup 2 - I will FREE you     3.    Cup 3 - I will REDEEM you     4.    Cup 4 - I will take you as My people According to what is said in the gospels it appears Jesus spoke the words “drink this cup…” with the 3td cup - the Cup of Redemption.  Jesus talks about this cup as “my blood of covenant given for you and for many.” This cup not only reminds us of God's great deliverance of His people from bondage in Egypt, but it is God's new covenant of deliverance from the bondage of sin for all people.  The disciples could see something unique was happening.  Clearly Jesus is speaking of Himself as the redemption. In the days to come the disciples would look back on this Supper, Jesus' Last Supper, and they would see it more clearly. In the next verse, as Jesus finishes this 3rd cup, taking what is written here in Matthew 26:29 and in the other gospels it appears Jesus is saying He will not drink the 4th cup until the day we are all together in His Father's kingdom (meaning when everything is fulfilled) when he said, “ I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”  Jesus will take this fourth cup, the Cup that will be celebrated at the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb” on His return.  “When I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom,” this is the assurance of His return and a celebration that will never end. Then Jesus and His disciples head to the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane. He tells them that He is overwhelmed to the point of death. Jesus is truly God in human flesh - a real human being going through agony and sorrow at what He knows is to come. He asks the disciples to stay with him and keep watch or in other words, “Be Awake!” What does it mean to “be awake?” It means to recognize the times, to be ready and prepared, to be one with our Lord Jesus, one with our Heavenly Father and one with the Holy Spirit.  Be Awake! Jesus asks that “this cup to be taken from me, yet not as I will but as you will.” Jesus - fully divine but also fully human speaks to His father and says could we go with another plan? But concludes His request with not my will but your will.  This is how we too should pray - praying in God's will.   We know things that God desires and we can pray in His will without hesitation:  For awakening in our country For people to come back to the Lord For people to know the Lord For those going through difficult days And holding one another up in prayer But there are some times when we don't know what God desires because His ways are far beyond our ways and even Jesus prayed not my will but your will to the Father. “Thy will be done,” even in the face of overwhelming agony of what was ahead He stilled prayed “Your will, Father” and we are called to pray the same way. 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: Matthew 1:18-25, Micah 6:8 Being in the Scripture is a great place to be because God DOES speak in His Word, both 2,000 years ago and today!   Today's text from the Bible is a powerful Word, a life-changing Word… Matthew tells the Christmas story from the vantage point of Joseph, who after finding out about Mary being pregnant decided to divorce her quietly, but… Joseph receives a visit by an angel in a dream and the angel tells him that he is not to divorce Mary, that she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and that he is to name the child Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.  Following the dream, Joseph stays engaged to Mary, doesn't consummate the marriage until after Jesus' birth, and he names the baby, Jesus. A virgin birth is implausible if there is no god. But there IS a god!  He is the God who reveals Himself in the Scripture and through His Holy Spirit and like in today's reading, through angelic beings. What prophets predicted, is fulfilled in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Immanuel: God with us.  Fully human: suffers as our substitute for our sin Fully God: eternal redemption by His blood Apart from Christ our lives hold no hope. No matter how good we are it's not good enough. We cannot save ourselves for we have all sinned and we need the Perfect One to save us. Apart from Jesus - nice guys finish last. With Jesus there is life, forgiveness, peace, strength, joy, hope and the assurance we will live forever with Him. Today's Bible story still speaks powerfully to us today. God revealed the identity of Jesus to Joseph - and for us God is still speaking and revealing His identity to each of us through Joseph's story. In Joseph we see an example of what a godly person ought to be:     ⁃    Our faith is based on the truth that God has revealed to us in His Word     ⁃    Our faith is more than head knowledge     ⁃    Our faith informs our behavior Joseph's example:     ⁃    Faithful to God's Word and wanted to live for God. He knew God is to be trusted, honored and obeyed.     ⁃    Merciful in a culture that looked at Mary's pregnancy as a disgrace, that recommended a public divorce, Joseph did not want to humiliate Mary.     ⁃    Obedient to what God revealed in his dream and also obedient to the Word in the Bible of “the virgin will conceive and bare a son” and so he took her as his wife.     ⁃    Courageous individual who put family first and God over all. An individual who did what God told him to do despite pushback and persecution.  He understood that it is more important to follow God than to worry about public opinion. Joseph wasn't saved because he was a good man. He was a good man because He was saved. So we too are encouraged to live lives as a response to the incredible gift of the grace and goodness of God in Christ. Micah 6:8 says: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. May we exhibit that kind of a life-style in response to the revelation of who our Lord Jesus Christ is. Lord Jesus help us live courageous lives for You! https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/the-greats Check out the video on Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwOsas957DiSUd6oyPPusju&si=aF1BhWGvhZyBvUVi Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 26:1-28. As we come to these final chapters of Matthew we are exploring the final days of Jesus' ministry on earth; His time with the disciples, His suffering, His death, His resurrection.  These are days that truly have changed the world and that's not hyperbole - it's fact. In today's reading - Jesus tells the disciples yet again of His coming crucifixion. He continues to let them know what's coming and what's ahead so that when it happens they will remember He had told them these things and they can then begin to put the pieces together. In verses 3-5 we read of the chief priests and elders scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him. But they decide to wait until after the Passover festival is over to avoid rioting by the crowds that are in Jerusalem during the festival time frame. BUT something happens to change their minds from that decision to a decision of “let's do it now!” It is no coincidence the timing of what's coming for Jesus in the timing of the Passover Festival.  The day before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem - what we call Palm Sunday - Jesus is at a dinner at Simon the Leper's home. While Jesus is dining, Mary pours perfume on Jesus' head. When the disciples call it a waste of money that could have gone to the poor, Jesus says, “When she poured this perfume on my head and body, she did it to prepare me for burial.” Yet another way of letting the disciples know what's to come. Next we read about the reason the Chief Priests change their minds to arresting Jesus earlier than originally planned.  Judas, one of the disciples, comes to them and asks what they would give him for delivering Jesus one to them. He was given 30 pieces of silver and then began to watch for the opportune time to hand Jesus to them. As the day for the Passover meal approaches, the disciples ask Jesus where He wants to make preparations to eat the meal. They gather around the table of an upper room for the Passover meal at the place the disciples had secured according to Jesus' directions. During the meal, Jesus mentions more clues of what is to come, “My appointed time is near.” During the dinner Jesus announces, “Truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me” and gives a harsh word of judgement.  As the Passover meal continues, Jesus institutes the “Lord's Supper” as a New Covenant. He takes the bread and wine of the Passover meal and reveals Himself as the Passover Lamb, the body (bread) and blood (wine) of the Passover Lamb meal. There are multiple correlations between the Passover Festival activities and activities of Jesus during His last week on earth. Jesus is the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God. 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: Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 7:14, 1 Samuel 16:7 In today's Scripture, we look at an incredible and great announcement from the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, Jesus. In this season of Advent we also look with anticipation to the incredible and great announcement of Christ's return.  This will not be a quiet visit to just one person, this will be an announcement the whole world will see and hear! As we look at today's reading, the question for us is how will we react to the announcement of the Savior's birth? We can learn from Mary… The angel Gabriel came to Mary, saying, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!” (Hold onto that word favored - we're coming back to that!) She was pretty shocked, but the angel said to not be afraid and he announces to her that she will conceive (even though she is a virgin) and have a son.  She is to name Him Jesus and he will be the Son of the Most High - His kingdom will never end. This child being announced is the long awaited Messiah! He is the fulfillment of the prophetic word all through the Old Testament. Call Him Jesus     1. Jesus = God Saves     2. Son of the Most High - God with us     3. Reign on David's throne     4. Kingdom will never end!! As the story continues, Mary asks how this could be as she is a virgin. The angel tells her that the Holy Spirit will come on her and the power of the Most High will over come her and that the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.  The angel concludes with, “No word from God will ever fail!!” What a great line! Sometimes that seems hard to believe, especially if we are going through a difficult time, but we have a clear word from God that His word never fails, that in the end all who trust in Jesus will share in His victory!  In the end WE WIN!  GOD KEEPS HIS WORD - no word from God will ever fail! But there's a word here that speaks directly to us today as we walk by faith in our Savior - “Why was Mary CHOSEN (favored) to be the Mother of Jesus?  Highly Favored     1. 1 Samuel 16:7 we learn that “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the HEART.”  God is concerned about the heart and that's the heart of the reason He chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus.  We want to have her heart. People look from the outside in, God looks from the inside out.     2. Devout (see Luke 1:46-47) - She knew God and His faithfulness     3. Humble (see Luke 1:48) The Lord noticed her humble state - she understood she deserved nothing from God, but she also knew God is good and everything good comes from Him.     4. Obedient (see Luke 1:38) Her reply to the announcement was, “I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” She was willing to go along with the divine plan. She takes this Great Announcement as God's truth!  Our Savior is coming to earth!  We want the Lord to look at our hearts and we want Him to see hearts that are faithful before Him: devout, humble and obedient. Our reaction to this Great Announcement is to respond in joy and thanksgiving and praise to the goodness and grace of God in Christ.  This is a “WOW” gift!  What an incredible announcement and living in response to it is an incredible way to live!! https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/the-greats Check out the video on Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwOsas957DiSUd6oyPPusju&si=aF1BhWGvhZyBvUVi Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 25:31-46 with a review of Matthew 24:3, 30-31 with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Pastor Dodge opens on the topic of the “Rapture?” Yes, he adds the “?” as his purpose is to plant in our minds' questions that need to be addressed around the topic of the rapture. The word rapture is not used in the New Testament, but Pastor takes a look at the teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 in the light of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24:3, 30-31. Many believers hold to a quiet, unannounced, silent rapture that's only noticed after people have disappeared and that happens before the tribulation. The Rapture is a young teaching going back to the 1830s by John Darby who brought forth the teaching of the a Pre-Tribulational Rapture. Pastor believes in a rapture - but does not believe it will be silent or unseen, nor does he believe it will take place before Jesus' final appearing.  Why? He bases his view on scripture and draws a comparison between the two sets of verses using some of the original Greek words to impart additional insight that shows both are talking about the same day - the final coming of Christ. - Not a quiet or unobserved coming but rather something all will see and hear. (Take a listen to the teaching for further insight by going to the link below.) Pastor then moves on with our progression through the book of Matthew by exploring Matthew 25:31-46 - the Parable of the Sheep and Goats. Pastor shares a personal story that taught him the difference between sheep and goats.  There are physical differences like sheep graze, eating grass and goats are browsers, eating anything and everything. Sheep tails go down, goat tails go up. But there are other significant differences: Goats butt heads to gain control, they go off on their own and are fiercely independent. Sheep view the shepherd as in control, follow him and thrive under his care and put themselves under the authority of the shepherd. As we dig deep into the differences between sheep and goats it becomes very apparent why Jesus chose the illustration of sheep and goats for this parable on His Return. Now let's examine the story. The parable tells how when Jesus returns He will separate the goats from the sheep.  Goats to His left and sheep to His right. He separates them not by what they have done but ON WHO THEY ARE and whose they are. The sheep belong to Him, the goats do not. After the separation, He talks about what each did or did not do showing the difference between those who have received Him as Savor and Lord (sheep) and those who have not (goats).  Followers of the Lamb  vs Those who are followers of the devil  To those on the right (where the sheep are - the ones who have put themselves under the authority of the Good Shepherd.) Jesus gives them an inheritance, eternal life forever with Him. To the goats on the left (those who did not hear or heed the Shepherd's voice) He commands them to depart from Him to eternal punishment. Noteworthy: Jesus does NOT say, “I know my goats and my goats know me.” He does Not say, “I lay down my life for my goats.” And He does NOT say, “I am the good goatherd.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and who laid down His life for His sheep and we, as His sheep, will follow Him. 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

First Sunday in Advent - The Great Awakening Scripture: Luke 1:5-25 and Malachi 4:5-6a   The season of Advent is a time we prepare to celebrate that Jesus came, but it is also a time we eagerly anticipate that He will return! When asked about the Great Awakening, people most often mention the The Great Awakening of the 1700s, an awakening that fundamentally changed what would become the United States of America, and imparted America's destiny and the make up of our country. But THE Great Awakening Pastor refers to today is the one that far out strips the awakening in the 1700s. This is THE Great Awakening that started just over 2000 years ago!  And it has completely changed the world!  Pastor suggests that it began in Luke chapter 1 verse 5, that THE Great Awakening began with Zechariah and Elizabeth's story. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 1 verses 5-25 we read the story of the coming one who would prepare the way for the Promised One, the Savior, the Messiah. The Great Awakening     1.    Started with Zechariah - the priest     2.    His son, John, would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus     3.    Jesus Christ - the Messiah, our Savior who is coming back and the One who sent out disciples to the nations is the message of THE Great Awakening.     4.    The message of Jesus spread throughout all Israel     5.    Then the message of Jesus went to the Gentile world     6.    And then all of Israel - the final step of the Great Awakening - is when the Jewish people return to faith in Jesus the Messiah. Zechariah doubted what the angel was telling him, and yet, God came through with everything the angel announced and in Christ, God fulfilled every promise of a Savior.  Zechariah's story serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God even amidst doubt.  During this season of Advent we joyfully prepare for Christmas and celebrating Jesus' birth and we also focus our hearts and minds on the anticipation of His return.   Let us also be encouraged to pray by the power of the Holy Spirit for THE Great Awakening to overwhelm the Jewish people in coming to a knowledge of Jesus the Messiah, their Savior, the Promised One.  https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Happy Thanksgiving! A question: For you is thanksgiving a cultural tradition or a cultivated lifestyle? If thanksgiving is just a cultural tradition then it all centers around a one day get together and it's over until next year. But if thanksgiving is a cultivated lifestyle then it flows out of a living relationship with the Living God and THAT is a really excellent way to live because it leads to a life of genuine purpose that never ends. Ps 106:1 and 136:1 speaks to the  “never ends.” Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love ENDURES FOREVER! God is TRULY GOOD! Psalm 100:4-5  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Did you know that combined, the terms thank, thankful, thankfulness, thanks and thanksgiving appear in the Bible 150 times!!! We are called to a cultivated lifestyle of thanksgiving. Benefits of living in thankfulness:     ⁃    Faith grows and strengthens     ⁃    Humility is produced     ⁃    Contentment is the outcome  Faith in Jesus Christ produces a humble heart of thankfulness that results in contentment because we know the final victory in Christ is ours - forever with Him! Colossians 2:6-7  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. If you have not received Jesus Christ as Lord of your life - today is a good day to claim Him as your Savior! Be encouraged to live a life of cultivated thanksgiving.  A life of genuine faith that overflows with thankfulness. Thankfulness comes out of a relationship with the Living God and thankfulness produces even greater faith in the lives of all who trust in Him! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 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 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 24:36-25:30. We pick up today's class with Jesus and His teaching on His Second Coming.  In these opening passages of today's text we hear Jesus' encouragement to not let the day of his final appearing catch us unaware. We can't know the day or the hour of His return but, we CAN know Him!  We can't know the time of his return but we CAN know the importance of living by faith in Him.  So multiple times Jesus encourages us to KEEP WATCH and to BE AWAKE to His return. Next Jesus shares three parables all having to do with His return and us being ready - awake - when He comes. 1 - Owner and Thief - Jesus' coming is unexpected 2 - Wise and Wicked - Jesus' coming is sooner than expected 3 - Ten Virgins - Jesus' coming is later than expected. These three parables again speak to the fact that we just do not know when He will return so we need to be always be ready for His return! After these three parables about being ready for His return, Jesus tells a parable: “Bags of Gold (often called Talents of Gold) from Matthew 25:14-30. The story is of a Master entrusting His wealth to 3 of His servants. Each is given a different amount and then the Master goes on a journey. The servant that received 5 bags of gold puts his money to work and gains 5 more bags and the same thing for the servant given 2 bags of gold, he doubles his as well. But the man who received 1 bag dug a hole in the ground and hid the money.  Then after a long time the Master returned and settled the accounts with the 3 servants. Servants 1 and 2 each received these words from the Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This is what we each want to hear from God - that we used what He gave us wisely.  The parable continues with the Master inviting them saying, “Come! Share in your Master's happiness! (Eternal Life forever with Him). We are to live by faith - serving and honoring God. We are not saved because we serve and honor Him - rather we serve and honor Him because we are saved through Jesus. With the third servant who hid the gold - this servant said, “I know you are a hard Master so I was afraid and hid your gold, but here's what you originally gave me.” (This is not a true statement by this 3rd servant.  God's character is one of goodness, He is pure, holy, just, faithful, true and loving.)  This servant did not live by faith but was instead hard-hearted. The Master replies to him, “You wicked, lazy servant,” and this servant's gold was given to the servant with 10 bags of gold and that 3rd servant was thrown into the darkness. Jesus is returning and there is judgement - either to eternity with Him or to eternity without Him. With Him forever is what we want - so be encouraged to serve Him with your eyes on Jesus, and eagerly anticipating His return! 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: Revelation 12:11, Romans 9:10, Acts 21-26. Pastor opens and closes today's teaching with Revelation 12:11 and everything in-between these bookends focuses on the goodness of God through Jesus and the power and impact of our testimonies. Here's Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb (Christ Jesus) and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Testimony - What's your testimony? The Bible teaches if we confess Jesus is Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead we will be saved. (Romans 9:10) Let's learn from Paul - Paul continually was sharing his testimony of what Jesus had done in his life. In today's chapters of Acts we follow Paul as he gives his testimony to:         An angry crowd at the temple in Jerusalem         The Jewish high counsel in Jerusalem         The Jewish high counsel in Caesarea         The Roman governor Felix         The Roman governor Festus         The Jewish King Agrippa and his Sister Princess Bernice Paul's testimony: He shares how he lived as a Pharisee and opposed the teaching of Jesus, and on the authority of the chief priests imprisoned those believing in Jesus and supported many being put to death. But then his story changes as he tells of being on the Damascus Road when a bright light blinded him and a voice from heaven spoke to him saying, “I am Jesus, who you are persecuting.” God broke into Paul's life and Jesus told him, “I am sending you to them (the Gentiles) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' (Acts 26:17b-18) As Paul goes on with his testimony he shares how God had helped him share the Gospel message of Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection, ascension and return. Jesus is the Light to all. In Him alone is life forever and forgiveness. Paul's personal testimony shared over and over and over again is an encouraging example for us to do the same. Personal Testimony - it is something we want to share - a declaration of what God has done in our own lives. Like Paul, our testimonies impact the lives of those we share it with. Pastor Dodge shares his personal testimony. If you have not ever written down your testimony or bullet pointed it we encourage you to do so! When we are prepared, it helps us share more confidently and boldly! In closing, Pastor encourages us to be bold with our own testimonies and to watch what God can do as we overcome the enemy through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and the word of our testimonies. (Revelation 12:11) https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 24:29-39 We continue our study of Jesus' Mount Olivet Discourse with the verses in Matthew 24: 29-30 with the return of Jesus “coming on the clouds”* in power and glory. Coming on the clouds is referenced in Revelation 1:7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him…”  (There will be no doubt when Jesus returns!!) Coming on the clouds is also referenced in Daniel 7:13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.”*  As people begin to understand what Jesus is saying they will realize that what is written in the Old Testament refers to Jesus! Pastor circles back to some words from last week's teaching and shares further about the “abomination that causes desolation.” Matthew 24:15 ““So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.“  We take a look at some events that could be considered the abomination that causes desolation.       •    Antiochus Epiphanes (167BC) This event would probably have come into the disciples minds when Jesus said abomination that causes desolation. This Syrian king conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the temple by building an altar to zeus and sacrificing pigs on it. This lead to a great revolt by the Maccabees who threw out the Syrians and cleaned the temple.     •    Gaius Caligula (40AD) ordered a statue of himself to be set up in the temple at Jerusalem but before it could be done Gaius died.     •    Zealots in Winter (67/68 AD) during this revolt against Rome, zealots took over the temple and used it as their headquarters.     •    The Romans siege (70AD) when the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed (discussed last week). These all either were or could be the abomination that causes desolation. As we see in the Bible there are repeated themes and events: -God's people turn away from Him -judgement comes -God intervenes to save His people -His people rejoice -then they turn away from Him -God steps in to save His people -His people rejoice  -then they turn away from Him -it brings judgement on them -then He rescues them With this repeating theme we see that there could also be a     •    Future Event (? AD) and the reader will also still need to “understand” what Jesus is talking about. Matthew 24:31-33 We are tasked to learn the lesson that as we see all these signs of the times that Christ's return is ever nearer. He is coming soon! As we continue with our reading of today's verses we read that no one knows the day and hour of Jesus' return.  As in Noah's day when people were eating and drinking and knew nothing until the flood came, so it will be when Christ returns - many will be found unprepared. SO THEREFORE BE AWAKE AND READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN! 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

How do we know what God's will is? Our Acts story continues: Paul leaves Miletus for Jerusalem and stays at the house of Philip the Evangelist. A couple days after Paul arrives at Philip's home a prophet named Agabus comes to visit Paul. Agabus takes Paul's belt, wraps it around his own hands and feet and says, “The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.” The people gathered in Philip's home pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem after they heard this word, but Paul responds, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart. I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul makes it clear that he is willing to risk his life to give glory to His Lord, Jesus Christ. In Acts 21:14, we read that when the group could not dissuade him they gave up and said, “The Lord's will be done.” The Holy Spirit had given Paul a warning through Agabus - that he would be captured by the Jewish leaders and then turned over to the Gentiles. So this is the question: Was Paul disobedient when he decided to go on to Jerusalem? Were the words of the Holy Spirit a warning to say do not go to Jerusalem or could they perhaps be words of warning meant to prepare Paul for what was coming? Could these words be asking Paul's obedience in going to Jerusalem but God in His goodness is giving Paul a heads up of what he will suffer for Christ's sake in obeying. Theologians are split on this but here are some reasons to see Paul's decision to go on to Jerusalem as being obedient. We will use Bible texts:         Acts 9:15-16 - from Paul's conversion story we hear God tell Ananias that Paul will be a chosen instrument to proclaim God's name to many and God goes on to say, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Paul as Saul had caused many believers to suffer, but as a transformed believer in Jesus - Paul would come to see that suffering would come into his life over and over again. (Beaten, ship wrecks, jailed, and many more difficulties) these were all part of Paul's life. Paul understood suffering.         Acts 20:22-23 - When Paul had announced to the leaders in the Miletus meeting that it was time for him to move on, he said, “I am COMPELLED by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are ahead.” He already knew that difficulties were ahead. The Holy Spirit had already warned him, nonetheless he says he was compelled. This text speaks nothing from God about NOT going - only that ahead were hardships.         Acts 23:11 - Several chapters after today's text, Jesus speaks to Paul, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.” These are more warning words - no correction for disobedience, but rather kindness and encouragement for Paul - Take Courage! The Lord says! These words are words of kindness to prepare Paul for what more is to come. What we can learn from Paul:         Comfort is NOT job #1. Comfort is not our primary focus.         Obedience IS job #1. We are not saved by obedience, but by the death and resurrection of Jesus our Savior. Saved by and through Him alone, by grace. However, when we know Him - we desire to follow Him. Salvation leads us to obedience.         God's glory is paramount - What matters MOST is that our glorious God receives glory in each of our lives. In thanks and gratitude for what the Savior bought for us (life forever with God) and so we give Him glory with our lives in response to His gift of salvation to us.         God's plan is incredible - our destiny is to be made new - transformed with glorified bodies with Christ forever. As a result of Paul going to Jerusalem he         WAS ACCUSED FALSELY         WAS ATTACKED         HIS LIFE WAS ALMOST TAKEN         HE WAS PUT IN CHAINS         SOME PLOTTED TO KILL HIM         HE WAS JAILED FOR 2 YEARS         THEN SENT BY SHIP BACK TO ROME AS A PRISONER TO APPEAR BEFORE THE EMPEROR But look at what happened as a result of Paul going to Jerusalem - Paul's Gospel testimony went to:         Huge temple crowds         Sanhedrin         2 governors         King Agrippa         Emperor Nero So to the question: Did Paul disobey by going to Jerusalem? Will we see the Holy Spirit warning as God's way of giving Paul the strength for what was going to happen in Jerusalem, because God wanted to use Paul's difficulties to get the Gospel message to many who otherwise may not have heard.  As Paul walked faithfully before God, God used his faith in remarkable ways.  God uses our faithful walk before Him in remarkable ways as well. Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 24:6-28. Today's class continues with Jesus' discussion with His disciples on the last days. In verse 6 He tells of wars and rumors of wars with the encouragement to not be alarmed, to not live in fear, because even in the most uncertain of times believers know that God is in control.  Jesus goes on to mention famines and earthquakes with nation against nation and calls this the beginnings of birth pains. Jesus uses the analogy of a woman giving birth and the birth pains to represent the coming of the last days. Birth pains start slowly - far apart and then grow closer as she gets closer to delivering the baby - stronger and closer.   Meaning these last days events (wars, famines, earthquakes) will become more and more frequent and more severe. Pastor shares statistics pointing to the evidence of these last days birth pains ramping up.   Verses 9-11 point to even more attacks and persecution of believers and again these are likened to birth pains - becoming more frequent. Pastor shares stats showing the evidence of Christian martyrdom ramping up. Verses 12-14 - Jesus shares that there will be an increase of wickedness and that love for God will grow cold. Jesus encourages us to stand firm to the end and not to buy into the narrative of the culture.  Jesus goes on to say that the gospel message would be preached as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come. With the current technology over the last 100 years, people have come to know of Jesus by the 100s of millions. We don't know the day - but we are called to be awake and prepared. As we read on, Jesus' focus switches to the “abomination that causes desolation” - Jesus refers to Daniels' prophecy in Daniel 9:26-27.  In Daniel's vision he saw the day the Messiah would come, that He would be cut off - killed - and shortly after that the city of Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed. This all came to fruition approximately 40 years after Jesus spoke of Daniel's vision from centuries earlier from the Messiah's birth, to His death and 40 years later the temple and the city of Jerusalem being destroyed in 70AD. Jesus warns them of what's coming so they will be prepared.  "When you see the signs get out of the city of Jerusalem," He said.  Many were saved because they took this warning seriously. Many Bible scholars and Pastor as well, see The Great Tribulation is the suffering of God's people until the return of Jesus, not just the temple's destruction, but a time through to the end of time. In Matthew 24:21 Jesus refers to the great tribulation, saying, “For then” meaning from that point on, there will be great tribulation, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again.  What is Jesus saying? What does the New Testament tell us of the great tribulation?  Many Bible scholars look at the great tribulation not simply as one narrow slice of tribulation at the end of time or one narrow slice of time of the temple's destruction but basically the suffering of God's people until the return of Jesus.  Jesus says in verses 22-25 that these days would be cut short for the sake of believers and to not fall for false Christs or other religious schemes and ideas but instead to get into His word and search out His truth and to not be deceived.  He is sharing this with us so we are prepared. In today's closing verses, 26-28, Jesus says we will all know when He returns! There will be no doubt when He returns!!  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: Acts 20:32-38 Pastor continues with the story of Paul's talk with the leadership of the church in a gathering in the town of Miletus - it is Paul's farewell speech to this group of believers. Paul finishes his time with these friends and leaders with them all in prayer together. There are tears as the leaders are grieved at knowing they will not see Paul again. Paul knew he had complete his work here and in the surrounding cities and areas. The chapter closes with them walking him to the ship to leave. But let's focus on one of the words from Paul's speech as it draws to an end. He talks about our inheritance in Christ.  What does inheritance mean in the Bible?   The biblical definition of inheritance is speaking of what God gives to us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that when we believed in Christ, Christ identified us as His own by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantee that Jesus will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people.  1 Peter 1:3-4 tells us of an inheritance that comes to us through the death and resurrection of Christ and is an inheritance that can never perish or fade away. Jesus' death and resurrection is the heart of our inheritance. BUT there's more! The Essential Fundamentals of the Faith:     1.    Deity - Jesus is true man and true God     2.    Death - Jesus, the Lamb of God, through His death, paid for our sins on the cross     3.    Resurrection - Jesus' resurrection assures we too shall rise. The resurrection is God's declaration that the sacrifice of Jesus is accepted.     4.    Return - Jesus is alive forever more and is coming back. His second coming- He's coming back for us. These fundamentals are pointed to in the Old Testament, and are fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus' return is the heart of Paul's teaching and Christ's return is what assures us of our inheritance. Are you doubting the Resurrection of Christ? Dr. Gary R. Habermas is a scholar of the resurrection of Christ and has written several books. Here are two we suggest for those wanting to read about the evidence of Jesus resurrection: “On the Resurrection: Evidences” And “On the Resurrection: Refutations” Anthony Flew, a renown atheist debated Gary Habermas. Several years later Antony rejected atheism because the evidence for God is convincing. The evidence for the existence of God and for the resurrection of Jesus is powerful and convincing. Many people have never examined the evidence but instead they have just bought into what they've been told by the world rather than the things they could have discovered. What does it mean for us that Jesus is alive?  What is our destiny? It is NOT as a spirit in heaven. The Bible teaches the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Pastor sites these verses for what the New Testament says about the:  Deceased Believers Luke 23:43 - in paradise Philippians 1:23 - with Christ, better by far 1 Thessalonians 3:13-14 - asleep BUT on our destiny we read in  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 1 Corinthians 15:22-26, 51-52 Titus 2:13-14 John 5:28-29 that:     1.    Jesus will come down from heaven with a trumpet call and a loud voice of the archangel     2.    The dead will rise     3.    We will be with the Lord forever     4.    A new heaven and a new earth     5.    Death will be destroyed     6.    We will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye - imperishable! Our destiny is to be raised to life forever with God with transformed glorified bodies in a new heaven and a new earth - ALL things new. May the truth that we too shall rise anchor us in our faith in God and give us strength in opposition, joy in the face of loss and assurance in the face of death. https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj 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.

This teaching is from Matthew 23:29 - 24:8. Pastor Dodge finishes up looking at the seven woes today with an exploration of the 7th. Jesus continues in this 7th woe to convict the teachers and phrases of being hypocrites. Jesus speaks this woe about acting like they were so much better than previous generations in their treatment of prophets. However Jesus tells them they are not different and that He sees their hypocrisy. Verses 29-32 are Jesus' prophetic words of judgement over them. Jesus knows what the next days are going to bring - His betrayal into the hands of the religious establishment, turned over to the Romans, crucified. Their ancestors murdered prophets, but those He is talking to will murder the very Son of God.   Jesus tells them that He will send them teachers and prophets and sages and that some they will kill, others they will crucify, and others they will flog and expel from town.  He tells how they are no better than their ancestors and tells the judgement they will face for this. Jesus tells of His deep anguish in verse 37 as He expresses His deep desire to bring them back to Himself, His longing to draw them under His wing. In verses 38-39 He shares the desolation of the temple. Moving into chapter 24 we delve into the topics of The Temple and The Last Days. As this chapter opens Jesus is with the disciples and they are looking down from the mount towards the temple and Jesus tells them that not one stone of the temple will be left on another, that the temple will be destroyed. Today we know the truth of Jesus' prophetic word about the temple as about 40 years after Jesus spoke these very words the temple was destroyed by the Roman army during the jewish revolt against Rome. The disciples go on to ask Jesus when the destruction of the temple will happen and what will be the sign of the end of the age. Jesus answers their two-part question with one answer “Watch out that no one deceives you, for many will come in my name claiming to be the Messiah and will deceive many.”  The sign of the destruction of the temple and of the end of time is deception.  Deception is one of the clear sign of the end of days. Jesus goes on telling of wars and rumors of wars and not to be alarmed as these must happen before the end comes. Jesus tells that nation will be against nation, there will be famines, earthquakes and all these are the beginning of birth pains. So much is contained in the words “birth pains.”  Pastor Dodge will pick up with this topic next week!  Plan to join us! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://wpww.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

Today's message is a continued study of Paul's farewell words of encouragement and warning to the gathering of church leaders. Paul shares honestly that he understands his time left on earth is short. He states how he has proclaimed the whole will of God. What is the Whole Will / Counsel of God? CREATOR - We and the world are intentionally created by a pure, loving, holy creator who shows us how brilliant a Creator / Designer He is. His design points us right back to Him, our Designer. CONDITION - Our condition is that - All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None of us is righteous.  CHRIST - we all need a Savior and that Savior turns our lives around. Christ is the prophesied Messiah:     Deity - God     Death - on the cross for us - paid the price of our sin by taking it on Himself that we might be saved.     Resurrection - His resurrection ensures our victory over death.  We will be raised on the last day when He returns.     Returning - He will return and we will have eternal life with Him forever. Paul encourages the leaders to take care of themselves and the flocks God has given them. They are to be shepherds of the church of God. Paul warns them of the spiritual war that is all around and to be cautious not to fall prey to the eternal and internal threats against the truth of God's word. Paul closes by telling them to be on guard because remaining on guard is a life and death matter. Not just a life and death matter temporally (on this earth). It is a life and death matter eternally! (Our eternal destiny).  We must be on guard - in Greek this is one word.  That word is AWAKE! We need to wake up to the truth of what God says in the Bible. BE AWAKE - be prepared because Jesus is coming back! He will return, so…. Be awake in prayer Be awake in faithfulness to God Do not be deceived! https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 22:41 - Matthew 23:1-12 In today's study of Matthew we continue looking at the last week of Jesus' life before His arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection.  The religious leaders are continuing their pursuit of trapping Jesus into saying something that they could then bring charges against Him for and get rid of Him. Jesus asks the religious leaders this question: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is He?” They answer “The son of David,” thinking they had done well in answering!  But Jesus replies, “He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord'? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.” In this quote (Ps 110:1) who is the first Lord? It is God the Father.  Who is “my Lord”? David is saying his Lord, meaning this sentence is The Lord (God the Father, Eternal Creator) said to my Lord (David's Lord - the Messiah) … Then Jesus goes on (verses 45-46), If David calls Him “my Lord” how can his Lord be his son? Jesus pushes their answer right back to them. This answer causes the religious leaders to stop asking Jesus questions. The leaders could not comprehend that David was pointing to the Messiah and that Jesus was pointing to Himself as the Messiah. Jesus is pointing out that the Messiah is far more that just a descendant of David. He is instead the Living God who took a flesh - true Gd and true man and offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin for all people everywhere throughout all time. Verses 1-12 of Chapter 23 is a  HIPOCRISY ALERT A hypocrite is someone who doesn't practice what they preach.  In these next verses Jesus encourages the people to listen to what the leaders are teaching from the Torah, BUT No to do what they do because they are hypocrites.  They strove to show people that they were better than they were. They were showy. It was all about drawing attention to themselves and how great they were. Jesus calls us to Him as our Instructor and Teacher. To honor Him, serve Him, follow Him and warns us against raising up people to the level of God. Honor the Heavenly Father and listen to the voice of Jesus, and to heed what the Holy Spirit has to say.  Our Messiah - Jesus - is our Instructor. We want to learn from Him, we want to learn of Him, we want to know Him, follow Him, be immersed in His teaching and want His words to dwell within us in everyday, in every time and in every situation. Jesus teaches against hypocrisy with a final instruction saying the greatest among us will be a servant.  For those who exalt themselves (hypocrites) will be humbles and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus is making it clear of us who know Him that we are called to serve God and others, because that is Jesus' example.  “The Risen Servant” Jesus speaks the SEVEN WOES in the next verses.  They were spoken against the Pharisees and against many of the religious leaders of His day.  These are cutting and difficult words spoken in love  to these leaders and teachers of God Torah (law) with the purpose being a wake up call to them, a way to show them they are sinners in need of a Savior. Plus these are words that remind us of the importance of taking to heart the very teachings of Jesus: love God above all else and love our neighbors as ourselves.  Jesus speaks truth bluntly to these leaders.  His heart is to call them back to Himself. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://wpww.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

God's word is compelling and so very practical.  It thoroughly equips us and it still speaks to us today. Today's story takes place in the town of Miletus where Paul is speaking to leaders of the church sharing the difficult challenges and testing he experienced in his three years of mission work in Ephesus. He shares how he humbly did the work God gave him even in the most despairing times he humbly hung on tight to God who brought him through it all. What can we learn from Paul's speech?     1.    Humble Service - we are called to humility before our awesome and mighty God, recognizing all we have and are comes from Him and that we are all in the same condition - sinners. We need a Savior and only God can save us. Humility is needed in understanding this.  We are called to serve God in humility and to humbly server others to use our gifts, time, talents, abilities and opportunities that God gives us to serve Him and bless others.  Our lives are to be lives of Humble Service. Paul goes on to summarize what he taught while in Ephesus: that all must turn to God in repentance and have faith in Jesus. He taught the full counsel of God, not just the popular things but also the things that weren't. He did so without camouflaging God's word or avoiding those things that could be heard as upsetting.  He spoke the full truth to all. Repent and believe the good news is the heart of the Gospel message - come back to the living God in the way we live and walk with a change of heart and mind through Christ.     2.    Steadfast Truth - Speaking the truth in love - that we need to repent before God. Martin Luther says, “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said repent, He willed that entire life of a believer be one of repentance.”  Repentance is a calling - a daily calling to turn back to God, to daily recognize the importance of walking with Jesus. We are not called to simple religion, we are called to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus, God's Son, who died, rose and is coming again!  We are to live in this truth and to share that truth with others As the story continues, Paul shares how he will go where God leads even though he does not know what lies ahead. He shares how the Holy Spirit has warned him that prison and hardships are coming but even in the face of this knowledge, Paul follows willingly where the Holy Spirit compelled him to go, regardless of danger and threats ahead.     3.    Spirit Directed - we too have a calling from God - to know Him, to rejoice in Him, to receive hi forgiveness in Christ, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to allow the Spirit of God to guide and direct our lives.  It's not always easy or comfortable, but it is for our benefit and God's glory. We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit, walk in the Holy Spirit, to follow the Holy Spirit, to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal and show us God's goodness. Paul's story concludes with him stating his life's aim is to complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him - the task of testifying to the Good News of God's grace. Pastor shares a personal story regarding this verse, a conversation with a college professor and the place he had this verse inscribed prior to his wedding day. This verse had a profound effect on Pastor life and he shares the impact of visiting the city of Miletus several years ago and being where Paul had spoken these words of Acts 20:24. Without Jesus we are lost - when Jesus breaks into our lives we are changed!!     4.    Life's Commitment - we are to live our lives committed to Jesus. We are to live our lives for Jesus and “finish the race,” the course of our lifetime as planned by God.  Our life is a “race.”  Towards the end of Paul's life he writes the following in 2 Timothy 4:7 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That is our calling, too! We are to run the race with endurance, to follow Jesus as our Savior and Guide, to honor, worship and praise our Heavenly Father, to listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks into our hearts, to follow where God leads NO MATTER THE DIRECTION.  NO MATTER THE COST. Scripture: Acts 20:17-24, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 22:1-40 and continues our exploration into Jesus' final week of his ministry before his death and resurrection. While there is rising anger against Him Jesus' heart is to continue to work to call those against Him to the truth of the Scriptures and to God.  Jesus makes it clear that it is possible to be incredibly religious and yet have no real genuine relationship with God. Pastor finishes exploring the 3 parables in Matthew 21 and 22 with today's dive starting with the third parable where we see that these individuals, the religious leaders, truly did not understand the scripture and did not respond to the obvious. 3 Parables     1.    Indictment (Matthew 21:28-32)     2.    Sentencing (Matthew 21:33-46) These two parables were discussed in last week's teaching. Use the links below to listen to Matthew Week 30)     3.     Execution (Matthew 22:1-14) is shown in the Parable of the Marriage Feast. It starts by saying the kingdom of heaven is like a King (God) who prepared a wedding banquet for His Son (the Messiah coming to Israel).  All of Israel was invited - the One they have been longing for!  The king sends out his servants to let the invitees know of the banquet, but even though they have been eagerly anticipating the Messiah's arrival, verse 53 says, “but they refused to come.” The king again sends his servants out to announce the banquet saying the dinner is prepared and all is ready! Come to the wedding banquet! (The long awaited Messiah is here!!  Come celebrate!) The parable goes on to say the invited paid no attention to this second invite and some seized the servant announcing the invite and killed him.  This enraged the king and he sent his army and destroyed the murderers and burnt down their city. (This is a foreshadowing - Jesus knows what is coming - because religious leaders and others rejected Him - not only reject Him but will kill Him and so this is Jesus giving a head up that judgement is coming to the city of Jerusalem (this will be discussed further in the upcoming weeks) The parable continues with the king telling the servants that as those invited did not come that they are to invite anyone they find.(prostitutes, tax collectors, and the non-Jewish world - Gentiles). And the servants filled the wedding hall. In verse 11 the King (God) notices a guest that is not wearing wedding clothes so the king asks him how he got in without the wedding clothes that he was offering to everyone who came. (The white robes of righteousness through faith in Jesus 
Christ). The man not having the clothing was thrown out into the darkness. Jesus is making it very clear that there is salvation and life forever found through faith in Him and Him alone.  He is challenging the religious leadership to see Him for who He is - the prophesied Messiah they have been waiting for! After Jesus told this Parable the Pharisees decided to lay plans to trap Jesus.  They united with the Herodians in a well-planned attack with the question that no matter which way Jesus replied, He would be found guilty by one or the other group. The question: “What is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”  If He answered yes, pay the tax to Caesar, the Pharisees would have risen up against Him as they were not happy to be under the control of Rome and despised paying tax to the very ones whose rule they were under. If He answered not to pay the tax then the Herodians would have risen up against Him as they supported Roman rule. But Jesus cuts their scheming plan off at the knees by His reply:”Show me the coin used for paying the imperial tax. Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied “Caesar's.” Jesus continues, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.” Jesus' answer was brilliant. His answer doesn't allow either of them to accuse Him of anything. His response amazed them so they left Him and went on their way. The dissension around Jesus is rising with verbal attack after verbal attack. At each attack the crowds hear Jesus' answers and they are astonished at His teaching while the religious leaders get angrier. Further on in chapter 22 Jesus is asked this question, “Which is the greatest command in the law?” Jesus' answer: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and will all your mind!' This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and prophets hang on these two commandments.” Again they are amazed, but Jesus comes back immediately with a question for them! And it's a really good one!  Come back next week to find out!! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://wpww.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

Today's teaching is on enemy territory and the reality of spiritual warfare. In a fallen world the battle is not between people - it is between the Living God and the powers of darkness, It is between the Body of Christ and those under the spell of the devil. Ephesus was the center of worship of Artemis and also a hotbed of the occult, magic, eastern religions, drugs, alcohol and many of the same things we encounter in our world today. Ephesus is where Paul carried out some of his most important mission work and it is where God shows us some important lifetime truths through how He worked in Ephesus nearly 2000 years ago. Where we left off last week was with Paul spending two years teaching daily in the Hall of Tyrannus. Verse 10 of Acts chapter 19 tells us that all Jews and Greeks in the area heard the word of the Lord. Paul and others were training up believers to share their faith and so the Gospel message was shared all over Asia.   During Paul's time in Ephesus he experienced more push back than ever before. God was doing extraordinary miracles through Paul and many were healed physically but Paul was also casting out demons and healing people from spiritual illness. DIVINE POWER         We need to be connected to the Living God. Our faith is not to be a little bit of head knowledge, a song and a prayer. Our faith is to be life changing, it is to be the heart of who we are.         Because God was doing amazing miracles through Paul, news traveled that Paul was not only healing physically but also doing spiritual battle and that He was healing in the name of Jesus.         Ephesus was a town filled with evil but the DIVINE POWER of God was so obviously being displayed in the miraculous healings done in Jesus' name, that it caused the name of Jesus to be held in high honor and it caused a reaction of believers to openly confess what they had done as part of the evil in Ephesus. TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY         A massive move of God caused people to take Him very seriously.         Our faith molds and transforms us because we are delivered from bondage to sin and death. God offers deliverance from the power of the demonic and the things that can so easily destroy our lives. CLEANING HOUSE         People who had practiced sorcery burned their scrolls publicly and the word of the Lord continued to spread and grow in power.         as believers changed and non-believers become believers people grew and matured in their faith and suddenly began to realize they needed to do a house cleaning in their lives.         God's Holy Spirit is gracious and reveals things to us as we grow and mature in faith. We are not fully mature the moment we believe - It is a life-long process.         God's desire is that we clean house in our lives, in our homes, in anything that gets in the way of our love and worship of God, anything that controls us in ways that are dangerous and spiritually defiling.         With all the awakening to the reality of the Gospel Power of Jesus and the importance of a God-pleasing life of faith, those who didn't have that faith were began to try to stop all that was happening in Jesus' name. WORLD VIEWS COLLIDE         A worker who made silver shrines to Artemus was very concerned about his economic future in light of the amazing growth of Christianity. And so he spoke out publicly, drawing a crowd and the two sides began to collide. World views are colliding in our world today. The world view of our culture is:         All that matters is me         All that matters is what I want         All that matters is that you don't stand in my way and say anything to upset me. The world view of the Bible is:         All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God         God sent His one and only Son          The Living God took on flesh and brought life and forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the grave.         In Jesus there is life, forgiveness and power. The power to live a new life. And so their two world views clashed then and they are still clashing today. We are called not to fight with human weapons, but to recognize the reality of spiritual war and to use the weapons of the Holy Spirit:     Prayer     Trust in God     God's Word     The power of our testimonies Today's scripture reading ends with the whole city in an uproar - both sides shouting and many joining in the near riot. CROWD FOLLOWERS         It can be easy to just go along with the crowd         Yet God warns us not to follow the crowd. Exodus 23:2 says, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”         Wise words for us today! Scripture: Acts 19:11-41, Ephesians 6:12 and Exodus 23:2 https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This teaching is from Matthew 21:23-46 and continues our dive into Jesus' final week of his ministry before his death and resurrection. The religious leaders are doing all they can to get Jesus to say something so that they can bring Him up on charges and get rid of Him. And there is a debate between Jesus and those leaders in the first verses of our study today. As the leaders (priests and elders) ask Jesus by what authority He was doing things in and who gave him this authority. This question might seem like a simple question but in reality it is a set up and they want him to reveal who He is so they can charge Him with blasphemy.  These leaders should have understood who Jesus was; they had the opportunity to listen to His teachings, see His miracles, and hear testimonies of what Jesus had been doing. All these things predicted had been predicted by the prophets. Those with eyes to see could see who He was.  Jesus takes their question and turns it around on them and responds that He'll answer them if they answer a question first. The question He gives them, they decide they can't answer. So there is a stalemate. So Jesus moves on into sharing three Parables that are addressed to the religious leaders. The Parables do the following: Indictment Sentence Execution The Indictment - the parable of the two sons. A father asks a son to go work in the vineyard and the son says, “No,” but then changes his mind later and does go out and work in the vineyard. To the other son the father says to go work in the vineyard, but that son says, “Yes,” but never goes and does it. Jesus poses the question, “Which of the two sons did what his father wanted?” The leaders reply, “the first son: and Jesus hands down this indictment to the religious leaders, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you … you did not repent and believe.” This was a public rebuke of the leaders in front of a crowd. Jesus moves on to share another parable, the parable of the tenants. A landowner (God the Father) planted a vineyard, walled it in, installed a winepress and added a watch tower and leased it out to some tenants (religious leaders). When harvest time came he sent his servants (prophets) to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants beat and killed the servants that came to collect for the landowner. Then the land owner sent a second set of servants to collect and they too were killed. Lastly the land owner sent his son (Jesus) to collect, but they killed him too. (Prediction of what is to come and the revelation of the religious leader's plan). Jesus ends this parable with the question, “When the owner of the vineyard comes - what will he do to these tenants?” The religious leaders - being obviously spiritually blind did not understand the parable at all and that it was about them. Jesus is getting ready to speak their sentencing…. They answer Jesus, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”  Jesus points out to them that He is the One, the Son, the Stone the builders rejected. He is the awaited Messiah, the cornerstone, the rock on which we build our lives. And He replies to them, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”  Jesus clearly states the sentencing against the religious leaders.  1. Points to the fact that only those who repent and believe in Jesus as Messiah and Savior have life ever after.  2. Jesus says it will be given to someone else. Alluding to the Gentile mission - the Kingdom of God coming to both Jews and Gentile; through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus, through repentance and faith and through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. God will carry out the world-wide mission!  Verse 45 shares that the Pharisees (religious leaders) now knew He was talking about them! And so they looked for a way to arrest Him - but they were concerned about the crowd because they held that Jesus was a prophet - they were listening to Him.  But what changes in the next few days that makes it possible for them to arrest and crucify Jesus? Join us next time to find out! 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  

This week's teaching shows us the importance of growth in faith. Today's scripture is on the story of Paul's mission work in the city of Ephesus. As he begins to meet people he asks several believers if they received the Holy Spirit when they came to faith in Jesus. Their response was no, that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit.  Sadly, this is much the condition of the christian church in America today. The Holy Spirit has often been ignored.  Paul learns that the Christians there had received John's baptism. They had heard the teachings of John the Baptist and had been baptized in a baptism of repentance. Paul taught them that the One (Jesus) that John had predicted was coming was here and this was Jesus. John had said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Paul fills them in on Jesus, the one John had said was coming. So after hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues. Today speaking in tongues has become very controversial. How do we deal with spiritual gifts?  Spiritual Gifts  Expired - A view that many have is that these once were, but have now ended with the end of the apostles and the end of the New Testament. But the TRUTH is that there is NO expiration on the gifs of the Spirit. We are to earnestly desire the gift of the Spirit. (1 Corinthian 12 and 14) And Jesus says in Luke 11:13 “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” There is nothing in the New Testament to indicate that these gifts have expired.  Everyone - People say everyone has to have the same gifts or we all have to have the gift of speaking in tongues and yet the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different believers, that not all have the same gifts.  Eliminate - Many desire the gifts of the Spirit be eliminated because they are controversial. This attitude is basically trifling with the gifts of God and in effect encourages the church to remain weak and spiritually deficient. However, Paul says to earnestly desire the gifts and don't forbid speaking in tongues. We need to take to heart what Paul says.  The gifts aren't badges to impress others with our spirituality, but they are gifts from the Holy Spirit given to build up the body of Christ, encourage believers and to empower us to carry out the work God has given us to do.  These opening verses of Chapter 19 of Acts - while controversial - show us that the gifts are still very important and require us to take a look at what the Bible actually says about them. We need to make sure we are allowing the scriptures to guide us rather than our own prejudices, our own practices and our own jealousies.  As we continue looking at more of Paul's work in Ephesus where he spent around 3 years, we discover more that we can learn.  In the synagogue, Paul spoke out boldly about the kingdom of God, but after 3 months, individuals refused to believe and began to publicly malign the teachings on Jesus the Messiah. So Pal moves from teaching in the synagogue to teaching daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus for the next two years so that all the Jews and Gentiles who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the God.  Paul was a tireless worker for the Lord, but what was it that he shared with the people of Ephesus? We can discover the answer to this in his epistle/letter to the Ephesians.  The Book of Ephesians  Messiah - Firstly, Paul concentrated on sharing the Good News of Jesus the Messiah and that through Him we receive every spiritual blessing, we come to know the deep love of Jesus, that we are saved by grace, and to know the fullness of God.  Maturity - Paul encourages us to grow in our faith, in our knowledge and love of Jesus our Savior. He shares how to not grieve the Spirit of God through impurity, but instead to grow in fellowship with God and to be filled with the Spirit. Paul also teaches to always give thanks for everything and to put on the full armor of God. In summary of today's text, Christ is to be in the center of our lives and we are to grow up in our relationship with Him. This is God's desire for His children.  We do not want to hold to a form of religion and deny it real power. We want to hear the Holy Spirit's testimony We want to respond to what the Word of God has to say We want to live in a dynamic relationship with Jesus, that we might not only be blessed by Him but may be used by Him to be a blessing for others The Gospel message of Jesus transforms! It has POWER! We encourage you to read the book of Ephesians. Scripture: Acts 19:1-10 and 2 Peter 3:18   https://www.awakeusnow.com   Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one   Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.