Podcasts about thess

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 2, lesson 13 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Growing in a Relationship with God”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Into Eternity”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Psalm 80; 1 Thess. 4:17; Rev. 21:9-27; Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:17; Rev. 21:4; John 6:44. Memory Text: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2, NKJV). (June 20 - June 26)  Sunday (Jill Morikone) - “Living Today”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “Finally, Face-to-Face” Tuesday (John Lomacang) - “The Bride”Wednesday (James Rafferty) - “Follow the Lamb”Thursday (Ryan Johnson) - ““Come!”” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

2 Thess 2:1-12 Today we honor dads. The Bible has much to say about fathers and the importance of their role in the family. In today's world there is an assault on the honor of fatherhood, and even the definition of fatherhood. So, why is fatherhood to be honored? And what does a good father look like? We consider those questions as we pause this week to thank both our biological fathers and also our spiritual fathers.

Num. 10:1–10 Zech. 14:3–9 Matt. 24:29–36 1 Thess. 4:13–18 Will Jesus' return be partial and known only to the raptured few? Or will He come once in glory to judge and raise us up? In this message, learn the importance of setting our expectations well concerning the Second Coming of Jesus.

“I believe,” the father cried — before the doubt. A sermon on Scripture's most poignant confession and its meaning for today's doubters. Click here to read the sermon I Believe — Help My Unbelief! Mark 9:14–29 It is great to be with you here today. I want to give all these musicians a hand — thank you, Keith, and thank you to everyone up here. I love all the instruments, and even Michael Jessup is making a joyful noise over there. God bless you guys. I want you to know first and foremost that I am praying for Pastor Christopher, for his family, and for Yates Baptist Church during this time of transition. I also want some of you to know — I'm sure some of you are thinking, who is Marty Childers, and what is Tri-West? It used to be called Yates Baptist Association. We had to change our name because things kept getting confused. People would come to our building looking for you, and people would come here looking for us, and checks got crossed, and a lot of things happened. So that is one of the reasons we changed the name. We are Triangle West, the western part of the Triangle Baptist Network. We say Tri-West. But more than that, I want to give you a real quick infomercial, because I want you to know who we are as Tri-West. I have had the privilege for the last almost ten years — Mike, in October it will be ten years — to work with this association. I have had the privilege of working with many people from this church, and I just want you to know that we are all about strengthening, planting, and resourcing the local church to fulfill the Great Commission. Strengthening, planting, and resourcing the local church. When I first got here, if I'm really honest, a lot of associations in North Carolina had their own plans, and they did a lot of things, and they asked the churches to come along and help them execute those plans. But we said no — we want to flip the script, because God's Plan A is the local church. So the association wants to do everything we can to help the local church fulfill the Great Commission. As a part of that, we are helping revitalize churches, and we are helping to plant new churches. In fact, just in the last year and five months, we have seen four new church plants start in our area — in Durham, in Chapel Hill, in Hillsborough, where I live. And your participation in our association actually helped fund some of those things. Just recently we voted to send five thousand dollars to a youth camp in Haiti that Yates Baptist Church has been supporting for many, many years. As you are a part of this network, you are also helping church planters in Oaxaca, Mexico — two weeks from today I will be in Oaxaca with about thirty-five students, and I am looking forward to that. Your participation also helps us with a Farsi-speaking church in Armenia, which is a story I would love to come back and tell you more about. As we participate together as a network of about sixty-five churches in the greater Durham area, we can do more together. We are trying to help churches not to be silos, not to be isolated, but to look around and say, hey, you are doing that too — let us see how we can collaborate. I want you to open your Bibles, or your apparatus, to the Gospel of Mark, chapter nine. We are going to be looking at verses fourteen through twenty-nine. I am going to read through verse twenty-four first, and then I want you to keep your Bibles or your phones open there, because we will come back to the rest of the passage a little later. Mark, chapter nine, beginning at verse fourteen: And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran to him and greeted him. And he asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?" And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." And immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:14–24, ESV) [Prayer] Father, we thank you for this time to worship you. We thank you that we have had this moment to lift songs to you. We are here to praise your name, but we are also here to be taught, and to be encouraged, and to be challenged to live the life that you have called us to live. So Father, I pray that you would use this passage, that you would use this Scripture, and that you would teach us the things we need to learn today. Father, I pray that we would listen as your Spirit teaches us. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. Do you believe? Charles Blondin was a famous French acrobat who made international history as the first person to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope, on June 30, 1859. He successfully traveled along a more than thousand-foot-long, two-inch-thick cable suspended 160 feet above the raging waters. Over the next few years, Blondin crossed Niagara Gorge more than 300 times, consistently raising the stakes each time with a new dangerous theatrical variation of his walk. He walked across on stilts. He put himself in a body sack and went across. Once, in the middle of the gorge, he set up a small stove and made an omelet, then lowered it down to someone waiting in a boat on the water below. One day after crossing, he brought out a wheelbarrow. He asked the crowd: how many of you think I can push that wheelbarrow across? Hands went up. How many of you think I can take a person across in it? Hands went up again. Who wants to volunteer? Silence. Do you believe? You will notice that we started in verse fourteen, right in the middle of the chapter. It opens by saying "they came to the disciples" — but who is "they"? That is Jesus, Peter, James, and John. They had just come down from what we call the Mount of Transfiguration. We do not know exactly which mountain it was, but it was a mountain, and they were descending from a moment in which Peter, James, and John had seen a glimpse of God's glory. For just a moment — the text does not give us the mechanics of how it happened — Jesus' humanness seemed to be peeled back, and they saw him in white, blinding in its intensity. Peter had wanted to stay there. But as they came down the mountain, they walked straight into chaos. How many of you have had a mountaintop experience and then come back to find that life hits you? It seems like almost every time I go on a mission trip, I come back so full, and then I hit the muck of life — the junk, the everyday things that have to happen. That is exactly what is happening here. They descend from the mountain and walk into confusion. At the bottom, Jesus finds a desperate father — and Happy Father's Day, we will come back to that in a moment. He finds a tormented child. He finds nine frustrated disciples. He finds a crowd who may be looking for a spectacle, just waiting to see what is going to happen. He finds religious leaders ready to argue. This is the context into which Jesus steps. Do you believe? These are the final months of Jesus' earthly ministry. He had been with his disciples for three years. He had fed the five thousand, he had fed the four thousand, he had done many miraculous things. And now he comes down from the mountain and walks directly into a crisis. I believe that a crisis is an opportunity for God to show up. I believe a crisis is where God does some of his best teaching. Some of you are thinking back to situations in your own life — maybe this past year, maybe a decade ago, maybe a long time ago — when you were in a situation you did not understand at all, and now, looking back, you can see it clearly: oh, that is what God was doing. A crisis is where God shows up. The first thing I want to share with you today — and for those of you who take notes, feel free — is that this is a story about faith. The boy's father had come looking for Jesus, but Jesus was not there. Still, he was encouraged, because some of Jesus' disciples were right there — maybe they could help his son. He would have been glad had they succeeded. For whatever reason, their efforts were lacking. And by the time Jesus and the three disciples arrived, an argument was already going on. The first question Jesus asks is, "What are you arguing about?" I can imagine the disciples going up against the scribes, and then — as these things tend to escalate — the disciples maybe turning on each other. Well, we were not able to cast it out because you said the wrong words. You lifted your hand wrong. You did not do it the way we did last time. You know how that goes. Our enemy is always looking to divide us. And then Jesus responds. His response is pretty heavy. "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?" He asked a version of that question several times throughout the Gospels. The one that always comes to my mind is when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a great storm came up. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat. The disciples came and woke him: "Master, Master, don't you care? We're going to die!" Jesus stood up, spoke to the wind and the waves, and the sea went calm. But then he turned to his disciples and asked, "Where is your faith?" (cf. Luke 8:25, ESV). Do you believe, or do you not? I do not know where you are today, but I want to ask you the same question. Where is your faith? How is your faith? On our phones we can check the weather. I have not found an app yet to check my faith — today it's pretty low, today it's high. How is your faith? Now, we can be very judgmental on this father, because we already know what he is about to say. We know he is going to say, "I believe; help my unbelief." And we tend to fall hard on that second part — on the unbelief. But before he said "help my unbelief," he said "I believe." Before he admitted his doubt, he declared his faith. I think this is one of the most poignant statements in all of Scripture. The man — this father — pulls back the mask, pulls back the curtain. He is being transparent. He is open and honest. He is saying: I believe, I want to believe, I really, really want to believe, but I am struggling to believe. His honesty matters. We have to remember that we are on this side of the resurrection — he was on the other side. He did not have the whole story. And he was struggling, but he wanted to believe. Maybe some of us are struggling today. Maybe some of us have been there. "I believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24, ESV). I felt that way this week. Maybe you have too. Did you notice, though, that he said "I believe" first? That was his first statement. He did not lead with I'm really struggling, but I'm trying. He led with I believe. And I think that matters enormously. It is also interesting that he says to Jesus, "If you can, have compassion on us and help us." I almost wish there were a question mark in Jesus' response — "If you can?" — as if he is saying, do you know who you are talking to? And then he goes on: "All things are possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23, ESV). That is the first thing I want you to remember. This is a story about faith. By the way — this is a book about faith. The second thing I want to share is that this is also a story about failure. We do not like to talk about that, do we? We would prefer to talk about success stories. We would prefer to talk about how the walls of Jericho came tumbling down (cf. Josh 6:20), about how Moses led the Israelites through on dry ground (cf. Exod 14:22), about Daniel in the lion's den (cf. Dan 6:22), about Jesus raising a little girl who had died (cf. Mark 5:41–42). We love those wonderful, powerful stories of the Bible. But guess what? This book also includes a lot of stories about failure. The Scripture reminds us that we will fail. When I was working with the International Mission Board — I think it was our first or second year — we kept hearing a phrase over and over: freedom to fail. We don't like to fail. But sometimes we don't accomplish things simply because we are not willing to try. I believe — and I know there are a lot of Duke fans in this room, so we can debate this later — that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. But he missed so many shots. Great home run hitters have hit many home runs, but they have struck out many more times. You will not accomplish things if you don't try. This passage reminds us that there are going to be moments of failure. There will be failures in our families. There will be failures in our marriages. There will be failures at work, in our personal lives, in our churches. But I think that is precisely where God wants to show up. He wants to remind us that he not only has the answer — he is the answer. Scripture tells us that God wants to use our weakness so that he can demonstrate his strength (cf. 1 Cor 1:27, ESV). What greater moment of weakness is there than when we fail? When you are in the pit, when you are down in the dumps — that is a theological term, by the way — God is saying, let me show you what I can do. This is a good reminder that we are human. Sometimes — and be honest with yourself here — sometimes we can get puffed up. We do something well, and then we do it well again, and we are just on a roll, and we think, man, I have got this. But there will be moments when we fail. When we do, we need to realize that God is there. Just do not allow your failures to become distractions. Do not allow your failures to pull you into a pity party. Do not allow your failures to keep you stuck in that moment of depression, believing there is no hope. I keep hearing a phrase lately that I have to say I hate: "pessimistic Christian." That is an oxymoron. Who should have more hope than we do? Nobody. This passage reminds us that we will pass through moments of failure. Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6, ESV). So in our greatest time of need — when we fail, when things are not going right, when things are not going the way we planned — God is still in charge. We need faith most precisely in those moments. I love the character of David. I love David — but I wrestle with the fact that the Bible calls him a man after God's own heart (cf. Acts 13:22; 1 Sam 13:14), even though he committed adultery, tried to cover it up, committed murder, and tried to cover that up too, until Nathan came and confronted him (cf. 2 Sam 12:1–13). He thought he had actually gotten away with it. But the Bible calls him a man after God's own heart not primarily because of who David was, but because of who God is — and secondarily because David truly repented. His heart changed. He did horrendous, terrible things, and then he came before God and said, I am sorry. I messed up. I have done this terrible thing. We see in the Psalms, over and over, David saying something like: Lord, where are you? Have you abandoned me? My enemies are all around me, looking to destroy me. And then three or four verses later: but I will worship you, I will praise you, because you are the only true God, and you will be my refuge and my strength (cf. Ps 22:1, 27–28). David did that over and over because he had a heart that was willing to be honest — just like this father was willing to be honest. I believe; help my unbelief. Here is something interesting about this story. Just a few chapters earlier in Mark, Jesus actually gave his disciples authority to heal and to cast out unclean spirits. In chapter six, verse thirteen, they had healed many people, and they had cast out many demons (Mark 6:13, ESV). They had the power. But now, a little later, their faith is flagging and they have begun to argue. And here is the problem: when we begin to argue, the ministry stops. Recently there was a gathering in Orlando at the Southern Baptist Convention. I am sure you saw the news stories. The news stories always find the things we are arguing about and run with them. The truth is, there were nearly a hundred missionaries appointed and sent out to go all over the world. There were a lot of great things happening. But when we argue, the world watches, and the world is going to publicize it as much as it can. I read one theologian who put it this way: "Accept the rebuke from God as a gift that exposes your need." When Jesus says to his disciples, "How long am I going to have to put up with you?" — I think he says that to me sometimes. I am pretty sure he says it to all of you too. We do not like to admit that we have needs. But that is what David did. And that is what this father does. He has exhausted every possibility to find healing for his son, and now he is standing in front of Jesus. The third thing I see here is that this is a story reminding us that we are in a fight. You do not hear a lot about this today, but we are in spiritual warfare. I know people are going to say that sounds strange. But it is biblical. The Bible talks a great deal about this. We served as missionaries overseas for twenty-seven years, and we saw things happen that I can only describe as illogical and unnatural. Another time I will come back and tell you more about that. But when I say illogical and unnatural, I mean things like a little boy who died at the bottom of a pool, and two weeks later I saw him running down the aisle of the church. We saw both good and bad. But this much is clear: we are in a spiritual battle. I know a lot of people today do not like to talk about Satan. I read all the time that more and more people in the church do not actually believe in the devil or in demonic reality. I am pretty simple, Mike — whatever this Book says, I try to believe it. And the Scripture tells us that Lucifer was an angel who fell from heaven because of pride, because he wanted to be like God. The Scripture tells us that the enemy and his demonic presence are at work in this world. That is why we have so much trouble. Now, I do not want to get into a debate about whether this particular boy was possessed or oppressed, or whether what was happening was epilepsy or something else. In fact, the passage uses the word "spirit" throughout, and my Spanish Bible says "demonic spirit." Whatever was happening, something was happening, and the father was looking for help. Jesus is about to heal this young boy. He asks the father how long this has been going on. The father says, from childhood — and that the spirit had often cast the boy into fire and into water to destroy him. I hesitate to share a personal example here, but I want to. Melissa and I have four grandchildren. Our oldest grandson is named Elijah. Elijah is just so cool — but he is different. He has been diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal. He can say a few words once in a while. When I read about this boy who was mute — the one the world was probably looking at strangely — I think of my grandson. If Elijah were here today, he might run up to some of you and smell your hair. That is one of the things he loves to do. He might run up and hug a random person. Most of the time, people hug him back — but more and more lately, people just look at him as if something is wrong with him. He is awkward. He is lanky. He moves differently. And when I think of this story, I think of that father watching his son go through something like this, day after day, week after week, year after year, desperate to find help. So where did he go? He went to Jesus. That is what you and I should do. When Jesus arrives, the spirit responds immediately. It sees Jesus and it throws the boy into convulsions. It recognized what was standing there. That is the nature of spiritual warfare. Our enemy seeks to destroy you and me. He seeks to destroy your testimony. He seeks to destroy the image of God that is in you and in me. He wants you to see the worst in each other instead of the image of God in each other. He seeks to divide us. He will do whatever it takes to get us off track. But I want to remind you: our God is more powerful. The fourth thing I see in this passage is that it is a story about freedom — because God brings freedom. He heals this young man. When Jesus commands the spirit to leave, look at what happens, beginning in verse twenty-six: After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. (Mark 9:26–27, ESV) What I love about this is the variety in how Jesus heals throughout the Gospels. Sometimes he heals in an instant. The centurion said, just say the word, and it is already done (cf. Matt 8:8). There are times he heals lepers and sends them to the priest, and they are healed as they go (cf. Luke 17:14). There is one time he heals a blind man and it actually takes a second touch before the man can see clearly (cf. Mark 8:22–25). What I want you to see is that sometimes God heals in an instant, but sometimes it is a process. It was not immediate here. The boy fell down and convulsed and rolled on the ground. Sometimes it is a process. We do not know whether what happened between the command and the boy arising from the ground took ten seconds or ten minutes. But the spirit came out — the text says so plainly — and I want you to know that sometimes we are waiting for God to show up and do something, and he is already at work. It is just not on our schedule. He is working. He is bringing healing, he is bringing redemption, he is bringing all those things. Just not on our timetable. I love what the passage says next. The boy was on the ground, and they all thought he was dead. But Jesus reached down and took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. There is something in that word — arose — that is not accidental. It foreshadows the morning when Jesus himself, after the cross and the grave, arose. He has power over death. So we do not have to fear it. I talk to people almost every week who are afraid of dying — people in their thirties, in their forties. But as Christians, we do not have to be afraid, because we have hope. That reminds me of Peter. Do you remember when Peter was out on the water with the other disciples and Jesus came walking to them on the sea? Peter said, Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water. And Jesus said, come on. And Peter got out of the boat — Peter, not Jesus — and he was walking on the water too, until he noticed the waves, and the wind, and his circumstances. And he began to sink, until Jesus grabbed him and pulled him up (cf. Matt 14:28–31, ESV). If we fix our eyes on our circumstances, we are going to sink. But if we fix them on the Lord, all things are possible to the one who believes (cf. Mark 9:23, ESV). The fifth thing I want to share — and I will admit this one stretches the alliteration a little bit — is that our first priority should always be prayer. A little later in the passage, beginning at verse twenty-eight, we read this: When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." (Mark 9:28–29, ESV) Your translation may say "prayer and fasting." Either way, the idea is focused, concentrated, committed prayer. I have heard a statement a lot lately, and I love it: prayer is not part of our strategy — prayer should be our strategy. I actually tried to Google who said it. I could not find a clear source, so I am not going to claim it. But it is a great statement. Let me ask you something. When you have failures, when you have struggles, when you are dealing with a difficult situation — is prayer the first thing you do, or is it your last resort? Here is something worth noticing. Go back this afternoon and read this passage slowly. You will see that Jesus talks with the disciples, he talks with the father, and the boy is healed. But there is no moment in the text where I see Jesus kneel and pray. There is no recorded prayer. I do not think he is saying you have to stop every minute and formally pray. What he is saying is what First Thessalonians says: we are to pray without ceasing (cf. 1 Thess 5:17, ESV). We are to live a life of prayer. We are to be in constant communion with God, in a way that makes us conduits of the Holy Spirit's work. I love the fact that he says this kind can only come out through prayer, but we do not see him stop to pray — because he was already living that life. We know that many times Jesus would take his disciples somewhere and say, stay here, watch and pray, and he would go away and pray. And he would come back and — I am not going to say this is any of you, because I don't see anyone sleeping this morning — but they were asleep. There is a tension there worth sitting with. There are a lot of great theologians who have thought deeply about prayer. Augustine said that prayer is the language of the heart's yearning for God. Martin Luther, who would get up before sunrise to pray for three or four hours before he even opened his Scripture — and then pray for three or four more hours afterward — Martin Luther said, "The less I pray, the harder things seem to get. The more I pray, the more I see God move." Could you pray a little bit more? Could you begin developing a lifestyle of prayer? I want to close with a story from about thirty years ago, when I was serving in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I had gone to a meeting of pastors at First Baptist Church in Santa Cruz. I was leaving with my good friend Eladio Alvarez. Eladio and I walked out of the building and looked down the one-way street. Nothing was coming. I started to step out into the road. And just as my momentum was carrying me into the street, something pulled me back. A truck — going the wrong way on that one-way street, at about fifty miles per hour in a thirty-five-mile-per-hour zone — went flying by. Whatever hair I had was flying. Eladio and I both turned white. I said, man, you just saved my life. And he said, no, no, I didn't do anything. I said, no — I was stepping into the street and you pulled me back. He said, no, you were about to step in, and then you just awkwardly jumped back on your own. We went back and forth on this for a while. Finally he said, you know what happened? You got grabbed by an angel. I said, I don't know about grabbed — but something supernatural happened. My momentum was into that street, and all of a sudden I was standing on the curb. I got on a bus and went home. When I walked in, the light on my phone was blinking — and this was one of those regular phones, not a cell phone, so those of you under forty, feel free to Google it. The message said: this is Bobby Long from Central Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina. That's my home church. Bobby said, I woke up this morning about five-thirty, and I just had this uneasy feeling that you were in danger. So I have been praying for you. He said, at seven-thirty I still didn't have any peace, so I started calling the deacons. We set up a prayer chain. We have been praying for you for the last three hours. Please call me collect. It cost about five dollars a minute back then. But I called him. And I said, Bobby, your prayers were answered. When I told him the story, he could not believe it. About the same time I was stepping into that street, almost four thousand miles away, a group of people were praying. When God brings someone to your mind, stop. When God puts a person or a situation on your heart, stop and pray. Prayer is not part of our strategy. Prayer is our strategy. This kind can only be driven out by prayer. What are you facing today? What difficult situation are you carrying? Our God is powerful. We have to have faith even in our failing moments. We have to know we are in a fight — but our Lord has the power to bring freedom. [Prayer] Father God, I thank you so much for this passage. I thank you for this Scripture that reminds us of who you are and what you do. Father, I thank you that you are all-powerful. I thank you that you have the power to heal and to cast out every unclean spirit, and that you have the power to do anything in everything. Father, we pray right now that we would realize that we must confess, just like this father did: Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. Help our unbelief to grow, and help our faith to be strengthened. Help us to grow in faith. And Father, I pray that we would do that by praying. I pray right now for Yates Baptist Church — that you would bring them together as one body, that you would unite them, that you would fill them, that you would direct their path, and that you would use this church to reach many, many families, to reach many people who might walk out of darkness into your light, not because of who they are, but because of who you are. So Lord, we pray in the name of Christ that you would do your will and your way and in your time in this place. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. Works Cited Augustine. Expositions of the Psalms 33–50 (Enarrationes in Psalmos). Translated by Maria Boulding, OSB. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2000. (For Ps. 37.14.) Augustine. Expositions of the Psalms 121–150 (Enarrationes in Psalmos). Translated by Maria Boulding, OSB. Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2004. (For Ps. 125.8.) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. 2011. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles. Luther, Martin. Luther's Works: Vol. 31, Career of the Reformer I. Edited by Harold J. Grabe. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1957. (For writings on prayer's necessity.) Luther, Martin. Luther's Works: Vol. 54, Table Talk. Edited by Harold J. Grabe. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1967. (For reflections on prayer and God's activity.) Luther, Martin. The Large Catechism. Translated by John W. Doberstein. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1961. (For teaching on prayer as essential.) © 2026 Marty Childers. All rights reserved.

Gendern und grüne Büros statt großer Geister: Das Elend der deutschen Universitäten - Prof. André Thess schlägt Bildungs-Alarm Deutschlands Universitäten waren einmal Weltspitze. Heute glänzen viele eher mit Sprachleitfäden, Nachhaltigkeitsbüros und politischer Korrektheit. André Thess beschreibt im Gespräch, warum das deutsche Hochschulsystem ohne radikale Reform weiter abrutscht. Weltmeister im Gendern, Mittelmaß in der Wissenschaft: Professor André Thess sieht an deutschen Hochschulen nicht die Klimakrise als Hauptproblem, sondern eine Leistungskrise. Es geht um Studienabbrüche, marode Gebäude, falsche Anreize und den Verlust akademischer Exzellenz. Grüne Büros, klimaneutrale Leitbilder, autofreier Campus – und gleichzeitig fehlen Geld, Professoren, Infrastruktur und wissenschaftliche Spitze. André Thess stellt eine unbequeme Frage: Wie soll Deutschland wieder an die Weltspitze zurückkehren? Deutschlands Hochschulen brauchen nicht noch mehr Ideologie, sondern Leistung, Wettbewerb und Freiheit. André Thess plädiert für weniger Staat, mehr Verantwortung und ein neues Finanzierungsmodell. https://live.tichyseinblick.shop/produkt/thess-der-energiegipfel/

Concerning the times and the seasons . . . you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. (1 Thess, 5:1-3) This intensely powerful piece by David Booth permits us for just a very few minutes to share in something of the intense alarm and shock that war brings. Central to this remarkable piece is time, as beaten out by minutes and seconds in an emphasised way. Suddenly the warning sirens sounds, and all becomes confusion and cacophony as destruction is visited on the nation, Bells continue to sound throughout the piece, while the drumbeat of war continues relentlessly on every hand. It would be natural and appropriate to apply this piece to Ukraine. Quite apart from the immense physical damage the unrelenting air raids on its cities have caused the degree of psychological distress they have unleashed exceeds anything one can imagine. The trauma will take those caught up in this maelstrom years recover from. But David had a broader vision even than the war in Ukraine as he prepared this remarkable piece - not least a deep concern for our own nation. The Westminster chimes symbolise home life being disturbed by the sirens; with the trumpet at the end sounding a military call. The clock continues its unabated beat, symbolic of life continuing in amongst the alarms, and the piece concludes with the sound of marching men: a reminder that though the long years of peace have been our familiar friend, the unwelcome sirens can sound at any time for any nation. The greed and cruelty of human rulers know no boundaries or limits. Again and again the Bible looks forward to a reign of peace when the Lord Jesus returns to Earth; but first the world must pass through many painful birth pangs. May the Lord direct and lead you in prayer as you experience the power of this piece.

Eschatology is the basis for standing firm in the future.  There is also a prayer to be counted worthy of our calling.  The present life of a believer should reflect the future reality.

Jesus' return to earth is still future.  There will also be events that happen before He comes again.  There is a "man of lawlessness" or the anti-christ that is mentioned.  He will sit on the temple of God as if he were God.  Daniel 9:23-27 & Matt. 24:15-22 are also discussed.

Sermon by David Rountree on 6/14/26 at New Covenant Church in Anderson, SC. Knowing The Holy Spirit Personally: Acts 19:2, Romans 5:5 - The Holy Spirit's Description for Our Delight: 1. A divine person. Not a mysterious force. 2. A personal comforter (John 14:26): a) intelligence (John 14:26) b) will (Acts 16:7) c) affections (Isa. 63:10) The Holy Spirit's Deity for Our Dependence: 1. Divine Names (Acts 5:3,4) 2. Divine Perfections: a) omnipresence (Ps. 139:7-10) b) omniscience (Isa. 40:13,14) c) omnipotence (1 Cor. 12:11) d) eternity (Heb. 9:14) 3. Divine Works (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:30; John 3:5,6; Rom. 8:11). 4. Divine Honor (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 9:11; 2 Cor. 13:13). The Holy Spirit's Duties for Our Deliverance: 1. Superintended creation (Gen. 1:1-2). 2. Inspired the text of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). 3. Beget Christ (Luke 1:34). 4. Regenerates Sinners (John 3:5-8). 5. Comforts (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). 6. Sanctifies (2 Thess. 2:13). 7. Intercedes (Rom. 8:26). 8. Exalts Christ (John 15:26; 16:14). 9. Convicts the world (John 16:8). 10. Instructs the Christian (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 John 2:20,27).

In Romans 15:30-33, we encounter a powerful appeal that challenges our understanding of prayer and vulnerability within the body of Christ. The Greek word 'parakaleo' - meaning to urge, appeal, or earnestly request - frames this passage with urgency and importance. What's striking is that the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament and planted churches throughout the known world, doesn't end this section with requests for money, recognition, or applause. Instead, he asks for something far more valuable: prayer. This reveals a profound truth about spiritual leadership and community - even the most mature believers need the prayer support of others. Paul's request isn't self-centered but gospel-centered; he asks for protection as he returns to Jerusalem (ironically, to the very place where he once persecuted Christians) so he can continue his ministry. This passage invites us to examine our own approach to prayer and community. Are we willing to be vulnerable enough to ask others to pray for us? Do we follow through when someone shares their burdens with us, or do we offer empty promises of 'I'll pray for you' without actually doing it? The call here is to become a people who genuinely bear one another's burdens, who stir up one another to love and good works, and who don't neglect meeting together for mutual encouragement. Prayer isn't meant to be a hyper-spiritual, eloquent performance - it's simply conversation with our Father, who wants to hear from us about everything, including the needs of those around us.**Sermon Notes – Romans 15:30–33 – “An Appeal to Pray”****Text:** Romans 15:30–33  > “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf…”---### 1. The Weight of “I Appeal to You” (Parakaleō)  - Paul isn't making a casual suggestion; he's urgently calling for attention and response.  - *Parakaleō* = to urge, exhort, strongly request, comfort, encourage.  - Other places Paul “appeals”:   - Romans 12:1–2 – present your bodies as living sacrifices.   - Romans 16:17 – watch out for those who cause divisions.   - 1 Cor 4:16; 16:15; Eph 4:1; 1 Thess 4:1 – walk worthy, imitate Christ, submit to godly leaders.  - Idea: “Look at me. Listen. This really matters.”---### 2. The Specific Appeal: Pray With Me (v. 30–31)  - “Strive together with me in your prayers” – prayer is hard work, shared labor.  - Paul, the great apostle, openly asks for help. No spiritual lone rangers.  - His requests:   - Protection from unbelievers in Judea.   - That his service to Jerusalem would be acceptable.   - That he might come to Rome with joy and be refreshed.  - His prayer is gospel-centered, not comfort-centered: protection **for mission**, not just ease.---### 3. Why This Matters for the Church  **a. Appeal for Prayer**  - Normal Christian life: asking for prayer, not pretending “I'm fine.”  - Requires humility, vulnerability, transparency.**b. Encourage Those Who Ask**  - Don't just say, “I'll pray for you” and walk away.  - Listen, ask wise questions (as appropriate), pray *on the spot* when possible.  - Keep checking in: bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2).**c. Follow Through in Prayer**  - Prayer is simple conversation with the Father, not performance.  - Use reminders, texts, calls; let people know you're praying (Phil 1:3–5).  **d. Pray for Leaders**  - Spiritual leaders (pastors, elders, parents, civil leaders) carry heavy responsibility.  - Like Paul, they need protection, wisdom, clarity, and perseverance.---## Practical Applications1. **Ask for Prayer This Week**    - Tell at least one trusted believer one real struggle and ask them to pray specifically.2. **Pray Immediately**    - When someone shares a need, stop and pray with them right then if at all possible.3. **Create a Prayer List**    - Include: family, church leaders, one hurting friend, one non-Christian, one global need.4. **Gospel-Shape Your Prayers**    - Add: “How does the gospel advance in this situation?” and pray toward that.5. **Commit to Pray for Leaders**    - Choose one leader (church, home, or civic) and pray for them daily for the next week.---## Discussion Questions1. What does Paul's repeated “I appeal to you” reveal about how seriously he takes prayer?  2. Why is it hard for you personally to admit “I'm not okay” and ask for prayer?  3. When have you actually felt “striving together” with someone in prayer? What was that like?  4. How can we as a group move beyond “I'll pray for you” to real follow-through?  5. In what ways are your prayers currently more self-centered than gospel-centered?  6. What specific things should we be praying for our church's leaders right now?

Predigttext: 1. Thess. 1,1–10 | Prediger: Fabian Ebert | Datum: 14.06.2026

1 Thess 4:1–12 A God Pleasing Church Main Point. Characteristics of a church that pleases God. Driving Question. How does a church live in a way that pleases God? Three characteristics: 1. Holiness before God (2–8) 2. Love for one another (9–10) 3. Witness before the world (11–12)

1.Thess 1 - Vom Nachfolger zum Vorbild - Micha Evers (Predigt vom 07.06.2026) https://sv-sindelfingen.de/hoeren

School of Divine Metaphysical Research. SDMR Is a school to help you Find and Know Yahweh, OurElohim, and his Purpose or Plan for Salvation.  You can also view these Lectures on YouTube. By clicking the link below.    Oceanside Class https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYh0NTf5pyoID-P7e-zPTA Syracuse Class  (43) syracuseclass - YouTube Lansing MichiganClass  (43) Pattern of theUniverse - YouTube Hamilton Class https://www.youtube.com/@hamiltoncanadastudyclass964 Albuquerque  https://www.youtube.com/@TrueGospelofTheKingdom-ABQ Tampa Class https://www.youtube.com/@tampaclass444 Charlotte North Carolina https://www.youtube.com/@charlottenorthcarolinazoom8187 Chicago Northside Class https://www.youtube.com/@chicagonorthsidezoomclass4923 Arkport Class https://www.youtube.com/@arkportclass360 Charts referred to in these podcasts can be found on the http://www.gatesclass.com/Website, by choosing the charts tab at the top of thepage.   

Pastor Philip Jeffries Meadowthorpe Baptist Church http://www.meadowthorpebaptistchurch.com 330 Larch Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 523-3815

From 2 Thess 2

in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thess.5:18

Being Filled Again With The Holy Spirit // Holy Spirit Series // Acts 4, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Thess 5:19, Acts 10:44–46, Romans 5:5 // Doug Glynn // 05.31.26

As the world continues its march toward globalism, and according to Scripture, this will include a coming world leader. Who is he, what do we know about him, and what will be his agenda? The Bible doesn't give us all of the answers, but it does provide a remarkable amount of information about this person. After Jesus Christ, he is the most prominent person in end times prophecy! Join us now in 2 Thess. 2 for this podcast message on the Antichrist.

Sermon Series: Invited Sermon Title: Example or Enable: Our Role in Another's Rebellion Scripture: 2 Thess. 3:6-15 Date: 5.24.2026 Message by: Pastor David Adams

Two things wait in eternity - rest and agony.  What is coming to the believers will be a comfort.  The inescapable destiny for rejecting salvation is judgement!  That is eternity without God.

There are two similar prayers that have the same theme of sanctification like two bookends.  What is found in between the bookends is instructional.  There is a different outlook for fellow believers in death.  As all of Paul's letters end, this one also finishing with God's grace.

Why is feeling obligated to give God thanks healthy?Faith is described as increasing in abundance.  The issue of perseverance and faith are also talked about hand in hand with each other.  The persecution and trials demonstrate one being worthy of God's kingdom.

Today, more than ever before, we live in a herd environment, a human herd.  Mass advertising in a great variety of media confronts us hour after hour, this creates a herd mentality. We reflected on this as we read Paul's words this morning.  He told the Thessalonians that we “give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” [2 Thess. 3 v.9]  What do we imitate? What or who do we take as our examples in life?  An equally important question – why do we see them as examples that we might feel inclined to imitate?  Bad examples surround us!   But there are other things that are in some aspects good, but are dangerous in other ways! In these cases we need to acknowledge the good but be conscious of the potential for danger, seeing the aspects that could be deceitful, as Paul did.      Do you remember what he wrote about sin in Romans ch. 7?  Verse 11 challenges our understanding.  Paul wrote, “For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me …” Yet, the next verse says, the “law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” What does he mean?  It appears to us that in studying the law and keeping them they became proud of their righteousness, that pride, deceived them! Now he was a follower of Christ, Paul sees life through Christ's eyes, he now has what we might call, a down to earth perspective. He  writes, “you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it … that we might not be a burden to you.” [v.7,8]  So we need to ask ourselves – are we pulling our weight, doing our share?  We live in a world (in the west in particular) where getting something for nothing is the aim of quite a percentage of the population.  Some have seen a career in ‘Christianity' as a means of making a living with very little hard work attached to it.  This is sometimes evident in India, especially if some overseas organisation is pouring in money. In this country the degree of ‘social welfare' encourages some to try to live ‘idle' lives, but the true believer must have an attitude that is the very opposite.  Soon we will be reading the letter to the Hebrews where it is stated, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” [13 v.7] They did not have the blessing of a Bible to read every day and we cannot help but think that, if they had, they would have read it every spare moment – and made as many such moments as possible.  Today with so many Bibles available, it is vital we ask ourselves what part does God's word take as we live each day?    One of the smallest “books” in the Bible is the 3rd letter of John. Let's take our final point from what he wrote at the end of his long life. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.  Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” [v.11]  What will you do today that you would call “good”? We should read the Bible with such dedication of mind that we “see” God.

2 Thess. 3:1-15. 5/17/26. An expositional sermon from the letter of 2 Thessalonians.

Does oral sex count as sex? Can you slap a guy if he gropes you? Why didn't Jesus ever get married?In this episode, we answer some of the most awkward, controversial, and honestly fascinating questions Christians secretly wonder about when it comes to sex, relationships, faith, cheating, gaslighting, and marriage.Nothing is off limits.Some of these questions made us laugh. Some got very serious very quickly. And some are the kinds of questions most Christians think about but are too nervous to ask out loud.We'll talk about:What is actually happening when you “get the ick”Whether oral sex counts as sex and what the Bible says about sexual boundariesWhat grace really means and why it is not permission to keep sinningHow to recognize and respond to gaslightingHow to love someone who believes God hates them because they are gayWhether God chooses your spouse and how much weight to give prophetic wordsWhether it is okay to physically defend yourself if someone crosses a boundaryWhy Jesus never got married even though God said it's not good for man to be aloneHow to know when cheating should lead to divorce versus reconciliationWhether you have to take your husband's last nameThis episode is honest, biblical, practical, and definitely not surface level.If you've ever had a question you felt too embarrassed to ask at church, this conversation is for you.Let's talk about it

Sermon Audio

Topic: Testing the Spirits: Biblical Discernment in an Age of Media Lies, Tribal Echo Chambers, and “Christian” Extremes   Whiskey Review: New Riff Bottle in Bond Connect: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube  email: manhood.neat@gmail.com Show Notes: Zionism- “Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a rightful claim to a national homeland in the land of Israel, historically and politically.” Reformed Bro- “Reformed Theology is a stream of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone.” -But the Bro's take it to the extreme - Reformed Reformed Reformed Dispensational- “Dispensationalism is a theological system that teaches God works through distinct periods (‘dispensations') and maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.” - 2 roads to one God “We've watched brothers and generations swing from naive Zionism to reactionary antisemitism. Both fail the test.” I'm reformed, I'm evangelical, I'm catholic, I am Baptist, I am a Calvinist…why not Christian Reminds me - I am of Paul; I am of Apollos.  1 Corinthians 3:4-9:  4For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. Fellow Christians (regardless of denomination) - Let us come reason together Unity of the Body of Christ for His work The enemy loves to divide. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” - Rupertus Meldenius Key Text: 1 John 4  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. God's Love and Ours.7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. How do Christian men discern truth without becoming tools of deception or hatred? God demands we test the spirits (v.1) Confess Christ rightly (v.2-3 Listen to apostolic truth (v.6) Love as evidence of knowing God (v.7-21). Confronting the two ditches History (Brief Overview) Early Church: Mixed – some respect for Jewish roots, but supersessionism/replacement theology grew No longer Jew nor Gentile, but the Church and the world  Justin Martyr, later hardened replacement theology Led to disdain, pogroms (violent, mob-driven attacks—typically riots involving looting, assault, rape, murder, and destruction of property—targeted at a specific ethnic or religious groups.)  Martin Luther's later writings (On the Jews and Their Lies) exemplify tragic failure of love. Reformation/ Puritans: Varied; some future hope for Jewish people (pre-Darby).  John Nelson Darby (1800s, Plymouth Brethren) systematized dispensationalism:  distinct Israel/Church track  pre-trib rapture  literal futurist readings  Popularized via Scofield Reference Bible (1909). Fueled 20th-century evangelical support for Israel. Zionist movement: Jewish political nationalism (Theodor Herzl, late 1800s) responded to European antisemitism. Christian Zionism often overlapped but with eschatological motives. Scofield influence: Shaped views of unconditional land promises. Post-Holocaust: Shifts toward Philo-Semitism (the admiration, respect, or obsession with Jewish people, culture, or history, often by non-Jews) in reaction to Church failures, but some swung to uncritical political allegiance. Modern swing: Newly Reformed / postmillennial / reconstructionist circles reacting against shallow dispensationalism by over-correcting into ethnic suspicion or outright antisemitism.  Examples:  Holocaust minimization “Zionist Occupied Government" echoes Treating all Jewish influence as cabal-like.  This is not discernment – it's another false spirit. Practical tests for Discerning information from 1 John 4 (This is the point): Does the source confess Christ preeminent - Love the Lord your God with everything  or push fear/hate/nationalism as gospel? Does it promote love for neighbors?  Prayer for enemies? Cross-reference history, primary sources, multiple views – not echo chambers. To "Reformed" Bros: Opposition to dispensational errors is fine; becoming ethnic scoffers is apostasy from apostolic love. To Zionists: Israel's existence isn't carte blanche; critique policies Biblically. This is one area - lots of other ditches  Women's role / value Poet and Warrior Both: Media profits from division. Web algorithms radicalize.  (1 Thess 5:21). but test everything; hold fast what is good.

Babylon = Iran area?; Towers = bloodlines?; Nimrod's (mighty provider's) protection; The WAY of Babylon - not the WAY of Moses or Christ; Human resources; Error of Balaam = Deeds of the Nicolaitans; Melchizedek; Tithing; Sons of Jacob; Corban; Government of God; PreparingYou.com; Sin to go to the government for benefits; Bondage of Egypt; Cities of blood; Tens, hundreds and thousands; Aristobulus vs Hyrcanus; Libera res Publica; The Market; Giving of yourself; Doctrine; Providing for parents; Psalms 69:22; Welfare snares; The solution; Same message repeated through the bible; Obligations; Deut 23:4; Rom 11:8-10; Mystery Babylon; Your escape from bondage; Prov 23:1; Repentance; Prov 12:11; Freewill offerings alone; Evidence in works; Seed of Abraham; Ex 23:32; Prov 6:2; Your comforter; "Leaven"; 1 Tim 6:9; Loving your enemy; Walking in forgiveness; Rome v U.S.; Guidance from Holy Spirit; Redemption?; Josea 13:14; 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Cor 1:6; Faith; Eph 2:2; Children of disobedience; Just weights and measures; Eph 4:16; Love = Charity; Christ's WAY; Philemon 1:6; 1 Thess 2:13; Receiving the word of God; Doing the will of the Father; Lk 6:46; Join the Living Network.

This powerful exploration of Romans 13:8-14 challenges us to understand that love is not merely an emotion but the complete fulfillment of God's law. When we truly love God and love others, we naturally avoid murder, theft, adultery, and covetousness—not out of obligation, but because love transforms our desires. The message draws a beautiful parallel to a mother's sacrificial love, which mirrors God's relentless pursuit of us. We're reminded that just as mothers carry their children's DNA at a cellular level, believers carry the spiritual DNA of our Heavenly Father when we're born again. The urgency of the times becomes clear as we examine biblical timelines and prophetic fulfillments—from Israel's restoration in 1948 to the reality of nuclear weapons to recent revelations about unexplained phenomena. The call is unmistakable: wake up from spiritual slumber. We cannot afford to be Sunday-only Christians while the world around us descends into darkness. The parable of the wedding feast reveals a sobering truth—many are invited to God's banquet, but we must intentionally put on the garment of righteousness that Christ provides. We cannot climb in through our own efforts or good works. The challenge before us is daily and deliberate: take off the old garments of anger, malice, and selfish ambition, and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and above all, love. This isn't passive spirituality—it's an active, conscious choice to walk worthy of our calling in increasingly dark times.**SERMON NOTES – Romans 13:8–14****1. Love Fulfills the Law (Rom 13:8–10)**- “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”- Love is the one debt we always owe and never finish paying.- If we truly love God and people, we will naturally keep the commandments: - No other gods / no taking His name in vain – because we love Him. - Honor parents – because we love them. - No murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting – because we love our neighbor.- 1 Cor 13: Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, rude, self-seeking, or resentful; it bears, believes, hopes, endures all things; love never ends.- A loving church is “felt” more than explained—like dew in Psalm 133—unity and joy are tangible.**2. A Mother's Love as a Picture of God's Love**- Moms often embody sacrificial, protective, “mama bear” love.- They give their bodies, time, and hearts; they keep taking kids back in grace.- God's love is even greater: He goes after the one and leaves the 99; His “DNA” (new birth) changes us.**3. The Urgency of the Hour (Rom 13:11–12)**- “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep… the day is at hand.”- We are closer to Christ's return than any generation before.- Signs of the times: - Israel back in the land (1948). - Global ability to destroy ourselves (nuclear weapons). - Moral confusion: evil called good, good called evil.- Scripture repeatedly commands: Wake up, stay awake, be sober (Matt 24–25; 1 Thess 5).**4. Cast Off Darkness, Put On Light (Rom 13:12–14)**- “Cast off works of darkness… not in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, jealousy.”- “Make no provision for the flesh”: stop planning to sin; stop building a “supply line” for temptation.- Daily choice: take off old clothes (sin) and put on Christ.**5. Put On Christ and His Armor (Eph 6; Col 3; Matt 22)**- Wedding parable: king provides free wedding garments; one man refuses to wear it and is cast out. - Point: we must put on the garment Christ provides; not come on our own terms.- Col 3: - Put off: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. - Put on: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and “above all… love.”- Armor of God (Eph 6): belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit (Word of God). - Half of the armor is directly tied to Scripture—showing how vital the Word is.---**PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS**1. **Daily Clothing Prayer**    Each morning, consciously “put off/put on”: confess specific sins, then ask God to clothe you with compassion, patience, self-control, and love.2. **Cut Off Provision for Sin**    Identify where you “plan” to sin (websites, apps, contacts, places, times) and practically remove or limit access.3. **Immerse in Truth**    Build a simple, steady Bible rhythm (e.g., one chapter a day in Romans or Ephesians). Treat Scripture as armor, not a hobby.4. **Practice Love in Community**    At church and home, choose patient, kind responses—especially when irritated. Look for one person each week to intentionally encourage.5. **Live Awake**    Evaluate your schedule, media, and habits: are you spiritually alert or numbed? Adjust to prioritize what sharpens your walk with Christ.---**DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**1. Where do you most clearly see that love “fulfills the law” in your own relationships?2. Which phrase from 1 Corinthians 13 most exposes a weakness in your love right now? Why?3. In what ways might you be “asleep” spiritually? What would waking up look like this week?4. What are some “provisions for the flesh” you've quietly allowed? How can you practically cut them off?5. Which part of the armor of God do you neglect most, and how can you intentionally “put it on” this week?6. How can our group/church better embody the welcoming, sacrificial love described in this sermon?

Color: Purple Old Testament: Genesis 32:22–32 Psalm: Psalm 121; antiphon: vv. 1–2 Epistle: Romans 5:1–5 Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 Introit: Psalm 25:1–2a, 7–8, 11; antiphon: vv. 6, 2b, 22 Gradual: Psalm 25:17–18 Tract: Psalm 106:1–4 Holding God to His Word   Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him (Gen. 32:22–32). So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help (Mt. 15:21–28). Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Mt. 15:27–28). This is the sanctifying will of God (1 Thess. 4:1–7)—to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint (Rom. 5:1–5). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Pastor Chris shares from 1 Thess that the God who calls us is the same God who completes us.  

Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:7-15 In the middle ages, the Italian theologian and poet, Dante Alighieri, wrote his famous Inferno.  In this lengthy poem he described the horrors of hell.  The sign above the gateway to Dante's hell read:  ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE.  It is a fitting statement.  There is no hope in hell, no community, no joy or peace or love. John's phrase for the place of eternal punishment for sins is 'the lake of fire,' which is found five times in Revelation 19-21.  The description in Revelation is that this place "burns with fire" (Rev 19:20; 21:8) and that it is a place of "torment" (Rev 20:10). From Jesus' own words we see the reality and horror of hell.  It is a real place of darkness, weeping, and the angry gnashing of teeth (Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).  It is an existence of loneliness, apart from God (2 Thess 1:9) and torment (Rev 20:10).  And these horrors will be unending (Mt 3:12; Mk 9:47,48; Jude 12,13; Rev 20:10,15).  Let us never speak of hell with glibness, but with shuddering, broken hearts.   The notion that the punishment in hell must be everlasting rises out of the fact that God is an infinite being.  When someone wrongs the infinite God, in order to satisfy an infinite justice and holiness, there must be an infinite punishment.  The punishment fits the crime because the crime was committed against an infinitely holy God.  Hell is utterly indescribable in its horrors, but it is also utterly unnecessary if someone will but humbly hope in Christ.  The justice of God causes the heart to tremble in dreadfulness … but the mercy of God, rightly considered, causes the heart to rejoice in hope. 

What if your daily “vice” actually drew you closer to God?In this episode, Stevens shares a heartfelt and practical call to make prayer a constant, life-giving habit—not a last resort. Through personal updates and biblical truth, he challenges believers to stay connected to God in every moment, turning prayer into a daily rhythm that fuels faith, strengthens devotion, and anchors the soul in every season.

Die Energiewende funktioniert nur mit teuren fossilen Back-Up-Kraftwerken. Da dieser Umstand nicht zum Image der “Freiheitsenergien” passt und außerdem nicht zur erwünschten Klimaneutralität führt, sollen Speicher das Problem der unbeständigen Stromerzeugung durch erneuerbare Energien lösen. Batterien gelten dabei vielen Beobachtern als wichtiger Baustein, andere setzen auf Wasserstoff – der zuvor in Zeiten von Wind-und-Sonnen-Überschuss erzeugt wurde. Doch funktioniert ein solches System technisch? Ist es wirtschaftlich tragfähig und vor allem, führt es – wie versprochen – zu tieferen, wettbewerbsfähigen Stromkosten?Die Achillesferse der Energiewende hat Daniel Stelter bereits im Juni 2023 mit Dr. André D. Thess, Professor für Energiespeicherung an der Universität Stuttgart, diskutiert. Nach dem Experteninterview in Episode 195 sind Zweifel angebracht. Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Energiepolitik ist es Zeit für ein bto REFRESH. Hinweis – ABSTURZ – So retten wir Deutschland, das neue Buch von Daniel Stelter. Jetzt überall, wo es Bücher gibt. Auch bestellbar bei Thalia, Amazon, geniallokal.HörerserviceBuch Sieben Energiewendemärchen? — Eine Vorlesungsreihe für Unzufriedene von Prof. Dr. André D. Thess: https://is.gd/LiFhOZ Gastbeitrag Schluss mit der Selbsttäuschung in der Energiepolitik von Bundeswirtschaftsministerin Katherina Reiche in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung (7.4.2026): https://is.gd/rPpnY0Buch Kniefall vor der Unvernunft von Ulrich Gräber: https://is.gd/MAbGRY bto-Podcast-Episoden zum Thema: #144: Energiewende durch Laufzeitverlängerung (mit Dr. Staffan Qvist) — siehe auch Refresh #380-R#383: Die Wurzel der Deindus­triali­sierung Deutschlands (mit Ulrich Gräber, 26.4.2026)beyond the obvious – Neue Analysen, Kommentare und Einschätzungen zur Wirtschafts- und Finanzlage finden Sie unter think-bto.com.Newsletter – Den monatlichen bto-Newsletter abonnieren Sie hier.Redaktionskontakt – Wir freuen uns über Ihre Meinungen, Anregungen und Kritik unter podcast@think-bto.com.Handelsblatt – Ein exklusives Angebot für alle bto-Hörer*innen: Testen Sie Handelsblatt Premium 4 Wochen für 1 Euro. Mehr unter: handelsblatt.com/mehrperspektivenWerbepartner – Informationen zu den Angeboten unserer aktuellen Werbepartner finden Sie hier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Thess. 2:7-12

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-8, 16-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) The most beloved and memorized verse in the Bible is John 3:16.  In this wondrous sentence we have a summary of God's glorious plan for securing a people for Himself for all eternity.  Considering who God is and who we are, the actions of the Almighty on our behalf in this verse are staggering to see. First, there is a warning in this verse.  For those who do not hope in Jesus Christ, there is a perishing.  This perishing is not just to die and leave this world.  This perishing is more than physical death.  It is an eternal, conscious penalty away from the presence of God (2 Thess 1:9).  Second, there is a plan revealed in this verse.  God the Father, because of His infinite love for us, sent His only Son to die on our behalf. Nothing God could have given would have been more precious than His Son.  It shouts to us of the depth of His love. Third, there is a plea in this verse.  Believe!  Whoever believes in Christ has life.  This belief is not just agreement with the facts about Jesus, but a wholehearted trust in Him alone.  Fourth, there is a promise in this verse.  For those who hope in Jesus Christ, they have eternal life.  Their hearts are changed and they are never again separated from God.  To know God is eternal life (1 Jn 5:20).  Immortality is a reality in Jesus Christ.  He is the answer to the soul's longing for life, because He is life.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 04/13/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Were The Nephilim Destroyed in Noah's Flood?/A Discussion on The Human Soul/ Why is The Book of Enoch Not in The Bible?/ 1 Thess. 4:15-18—When We Die, Do We Wait?/ Is it a Privilege to be Able to Pray to God?/ When Does The Soul Become Part of The Human Body?/ Matt Recounts Officiating at a Recent Wedding and The Theological Significance/ Is Remarriage a Sin?/ April 13, 2026

Two of the shortest verses in the Bible are 1 Thess. 5:16 and 17: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing" (NRSV). Dr. Jeff Peterson argues that that these verses are directed to leaders of the Thessalonian church, along with all of vv. 14-22, and he zeroes in on the Greek adverb translated "without ceasing." Concretely, what was Paul asking the recipients of his letter to do? Dr. Jeff Peterson is Professor of New Testament at Harding School of Theology, Harding University. His publications include (co-editor), Marcan Priority Without Q: Explorations in the Farrer Hypothesis. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3NUCXJ0  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4diWywK 

This teaching centers on the Christian hope found in the rapture and the Day of the Lord, drawing primarily from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, where Paul comforts believers about those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ and explains that Jesus will personally return, the dead in Christ will rise first, and living believers will be transformed and caught up to be with the Lord forever; this hope is grounded in Christ's resurrection as taught in 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23, and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, affirmed by Jesus' promise in John 14:3, and illustrated by Christ's victory over death in Ephesians 4:8–10; believers are reminded that Christ's coming will be sudden and unmistakable, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:30–31), bringing judgment on the unprepared as described in Ezekiel 30:3–4, Joel 2:11, and 2 Peter 3:10, while delivering salvation to those who live as children of light (1 Peter 2:9); therefore, Christians are exhorted to remain alert, holy, and self-controlled, clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation (Ephesians 6:14–17), purifying themselves in anticipation of Christ's return (1 John 3:3) and abiding in Him so they will not shrink back in shame at His appearing (1 John 2:28) You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

Is it true that a number of people got up out of their graves and talked to others when Jesus resurrected?  In today's episode, Pastor Derek and Pastor Jackie talk through a listener question around the account in Matthew 27 of what feels like a bunch of random resurrections. We look at other historical writings and their accounts of this event, as well as why none of the other gospel writers mentioned this event. Our hope is that as you listen, you receive encouragement from the reason that we believe God raised all of these people from the dead in a rare and bizarre, yet really cool story.The 17:17 podcast is a ministry of Roseville Baptist Church (MN) that seeks to tackle cultural issues and societal questions from a biblical worldview so that listeners discover what the Bible has to say about the key issues they face on a daily basis. The 17:17 podcast seeks to teach the truth of God's Word in a way that is glorifying to God and easy to understand with the hope of furthering God's kingdom in Spirit and in Truth. Scriptures: Matt. 27:50-56; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:46-49; John 19:30; 1 Cor. 15:20-23; Col. 1:18; John 5:25-29; 1 Thess. 4:15-17.If you'd like access to our show notes, please visit www.rosevillebaptist.com/1717podcast to see them in Google Drive!Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so that we can reach to larger audiences and share the truth of God's Word with them!Write in your own questions to be answered on the show at 1717pod@gmail.com.  God bless!

Where is your hope found when faced with death? Biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It is a certain expectation grounded in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Lord has given us this text not only to give us hope in the face of death, but to equip us to give that hope to others. This message was preached by Pastor Erick Cobb on March 29, 2026.

David Gilliland teaches what the Bible says about the future antichrist who will be Satan's man in the tribulation. His number is 666 and his short rule will end with him being cast alive into the lake of fire. Readings: 2 Thess 2:1-12, 1 John 2:18-22, Rev 13:1-9, 16.18. (Recorded in Northern Ireland) The post The Coming World Superman | David Gilliland first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

BreathalyzerElder in Training Alex Mahon1 Peter 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:6, & 2 Corin. 13:5March 22, 2026Today, we continue our current sermon series, 'Breathe'. Listen to Elder in Training Alex Mahon speak about how we need to be sober. #churchofphila #churchofphiladelphia #buildinglivesthroughlove #loveinaction #2026sermon #onlinechurchTo support this ministry and help us continue to build God's kingdom click here: http://www.churchofphila.comIf you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: http://www.churchofphila.comOur vision is to provide a place where people of all colors, creeds, and nationalities can come together and worship the Living Savior who is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.Connect with Us Website: http://www.churchofphila.comTwitter & Instagram: Charlotte, NC: @churchofphilacha Asbury Park, NJ: @churchofphilaap Lakeland, Florida: @churchofphilalkldFacebook: Charlotte, NC: www.facebook.com/churchofphila Asbury Park, NJ: www.facebook.com/churchofphilaap Lakeland, Florida: www.facebook.com/churchofphilalkld

In this episode of YMU, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny consider Rooted's pillar of relational discipleship and how it inspires us to connect with teenagers in our churches. The hosts share insight about when the youth minister needs to connect with students personally and how to engage ministry volunteers in this important work. They offer some effective ways to connect with teenagers relationally. “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8). Rooted Webinar: Creating a Culture of Gospel Welcome in Youth Ministry What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? Watch Rooted's Past Training Videos and Webinars   Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 12 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Living with Each Other”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Col. 3:18–4:6; Eph. 5:22–25, 33; Prov. 22:6, 15; 1 Pet. 2:16; 1 Thess. 5:17. Memory Text: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6, NKJV). (March 14 - March 20)  Sunday (Ryan Johnson) - “Husbands and Wives”Monday (John Dinzey) - “Parents and Children” Tuesday (Jill Morikone) - “Work Relations”Wednesday (Risë Rafferty) - “Praying for One Another”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Walking in Wisdom” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

...by Fr. David Nix on 1 Thess. 4:1-7 and Matt 17:1-9. -Donate at https://www.padreperegrino.org/donate/

He was born sometime in the mid-fourth century on an island in the Aegean. For a time he lived successfully in the world, receiving a good education in Constantinople, then serving for a time for the Prefect of the Praetorium. But, becoming aware of the vanity of worldly things, he answered Christ's call, gave away all his goods to the poor and entered a monastery in Syria. After four years in obedience, he came to feel that the security of monastic life was inconsistent with the Gospel command to take no thought for the morrow; so he withdrew to the desert, taking with him only his garment and the Book of the Gospel. There he lived alone for seven years.   At the end of this period he set out on an apostolic mission to Mesopotamia, where he brought many to Christ: the city prefect Rabbula was converted after Alexander brought down fire from heaven, and a band of brigands who accosted the Saint on the road were transformed into a monastic community. He finally fled the city when the Christians there rose up demanding that he be made bishop. He once again took up a solitary life in the desert beyond the Euphrates, spending the day in prayer and part of the night sheltered in a barrel. There he remained for forty years. His holiness gradually attracted more than four hundred disciples, whom Alexander organized into a monastic community. Each disciple owned only one tunic, and was required to give away anything that they did not need for that day. Despite this threadbare life, the monastery was able to set up and run a hospice for the poor!   Alexander was perplexed as to how the admonition Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) could be fulfilled by frail human flesh, but after three years of fasting and prayer, God showed him a method. He organized his monks into four groups according to whether their native language was Greek, Latin, Syriac or Coptic, and the groups prayed in shifts throughout the day and night. Twenty-four divine services were appointed each day, and the monks would chant from the Psalter between services. The community henceforth came to be known as the Akoimetoi, the Unsleeping Ones. (Similar communities later sprang up in the West, practicing what was there called Laus Perennis; St Columban founded many of these.)   Always desiring to spread the holy Gospel, Saint Alexander sent companies of missionaries to the pagans of southern Egypt. He and a company of 150 disciples set out as a kind of traveling monastery, living entirely on the charity of the villages they visited. Eventually they settled in some abandoned baths in Antioch, setting up a there a monastery dedicated to the unceasing praise of God; but a jealous bishop drove them from the city. Making his way to Constantinople, he settled there with four monks. In a few days, more than four hundred monks had left their monasteries to join his community. The Saint organized them into three companies — Greeks, Latins and Syrians — and restored the program of unsleeping prayer that his community had practiced in Mesopotamia. Not surprisingly, his success aroused the envy and anger of the abbots whose monasteries had been nearly emptied; they managed to have him condemned as a Messalian at a council held in 426. (The Messalians were an over-spiritualizing sect who believed that the Christian life consisted exclusively of prayer.) Alexander was sent back to Syria, and most of his monks were imprisoned; but as soon as they were released, most fled the city to join him again. The Saint spent his last years traveling from place to place, founding monasteries, often persecuted, until he reposed in 430, 'to join the Angelic choirs which he had so well imitated on earth.' (Synaxarion)   The practice of unceasing praise, established by St Alexander, spread throughout the Empire. The Monastery of the Akoimetoi, founded by a St Marcellus, a successor of Alexander, was established in Constantinople and became a beacon to the Christian world. 'Even though it has not been retained in today's practice, the unceasing praise established by Saint Alexander was influential in the formation of the daily cycle of liturgical offices in the East and even more so in the West.' (Synaxarion)