Podcasts about triune god

In episode 257 of Theology In Particular, Joe and Daniel discuss five important concepts that will help us to understand our Triune God.    Contact: For information about International Reformed Baptist Seminary, go to irbsseminary.org. For feedback, questions, or suggestions, email Joe Anady at tip@irbsseminary.org.  

The Value and Power of Expository Preaching with Dr. Danny HydeWhat gives expository preaching its power?It is not the preacher's personality, originality, or exegetical brilliance. According to Dr. Danny Hyde, its power comes from the eternal God, who brings his eternal promise into time through finite human words.In this message from the Expositors Collective gathering in Temecula, California, Danny explains why faithful exposition matters to both the preacher and the congregation. Expository preaching humbles the preacher beneath the authority of Scripture, disciplines him through the whole counsel of God, and frees him from the pressure to produce something novel every Sunday.For the congregation, it builds confidence in Scripture rather than the preacher's personality, teaches people how to read the Bible, and provides the full biblical diet they would not naturally choose for themselves.Drawing especially from Titus 1:1–3, Danny presents preaching as the astonishing connection between eternity past and eternity future. Through the ordinary words of faithful preachers, God calls people to faith, grounds them in truth, forms them in godliness, and leads them into the hope of eternal life.In this episodeWhat expository preaching actually meansExplanation, proclamation, and applicationWhy the biblical text must govern the entire sermonThe difference between preaching and merely teaching or lecturingHow exposition humbles and disciplines the preacherFreedom from the “tyranny of novelty”Why preachers are servants—not pundits, entertainers, or brand managersHow faithful exposition builds confidence in ScriptureTeaching a congregation to read the BibleGiving the church the full counsel of GodWhy preaching connects eternity past with eternity futureHow preaching brings God's purposes to bear on faith, truth, godliness, and hopeWhy theology must become biographyMemorable lines“The text of Scripture isn't a springboard for the preacher to show off his diving skills.”“You are not a pundit. You're not a therapist. You are not a brand manager, and you're not an entertainer.”“Preacher, your job is not to create a message. Your job is to receive a message.”“Preaching is the connection between eternity past and eternity future.”“Theology must become biography.”Key ScriptureTitus 1:1–3Paul describes his ministry as being for the faith of God's elect, their knowledge of the truth that accords with godliness, and their hope of eternal life—promised by God before the ages began and manifested at the proper time through preaching.About Dr. Danny HydeDr. Danny Hyde is a pastor, theologian, author, and experienced expositor committed to the faithful proclamation of God's Word. In this session, he draws from decades of pastoral ministry to encourage preachers to remain humble beneath Scripture, serve their congregations faithfully, and trust God to work through the ordinary means of preaching.Dr. Danny Hyde's Newest BookDanny's newest book, A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Presence of Godhttps://www.christianfocus.com/en-gb/product/9781527114258/a-christians-pocket-guide-to-the-presence-of-god-paperbackThis concise guide traces the theme of God's presence from Eden to the New Creation, showing how the Triune God draws near to his people through creation, covenant, the incarnation of Christ, and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit.About Expositors CollectiveExpositors Collective exists to equip, encourage, and mentor the next generation of Christ-centred preachers. Through training events, conversations, and practical resources, we help preachers grow in their personal study and public proclamation of God's Word.Explore more resources and upcoming training opportunities at expositorscollective.com.Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Read OnlineEternal Life and PerfectionA young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16–17We all desire eternal life in Heaven. But do we also desire perfection while here on earth? And if so, are we truly resolved to do what it takes to attain it, or are we content with simply being pretty good? This is where the rich young man in today's Gospel encountered difficulty.The young man was clearly a faithful observer of the Law. When Jesus listed the commandments as the path to eternal life, he replied, “All of these I have observed.” Morally speaking, that is admirable. It reveals a sincere devotion to God's law and a commendable commitment to righteousness.Yet Jesus came not only to affirm the Mosaic Law but to fulfill and elevate it. When the young man pressed further, asking, “What do I still lack?” he revealed a deeper spiritual longing. Though he had faithfully followed the Law, he sensed that there was something more. Within his soul stirred a desire for greater intimacy with God.It is here that Jesus introduced the ideal of perfection: “If you wish to be perfect…” Obedience to the Law is foundational, but it is not the culmination of the spiritual life. Jesus invites us beyond mere obedience to radical discipleship, to a life of complete detachment and wholehearted surrender. Perfection, in this sense, is not about flawlessness in behavior, but about fullness in love. The goal of Christian discipleship is not achieved merely by avoiding sin, but by entering into a pure and transforming relationship with the Triune God—a communion that draws us ever deeper into divine love.The rich young man went away sorrowful, “for he had many possessions.” He desired eternal life and even sensed the call to something beyond the minimal moral life, but his attachments prevented him from walking the path to perfection.This sacred encounter teaches us several important spiritual lessons. First, eternal life begins with obedience, but it blossoms through surrender. The first question to ask ourselves, in light of this Gospel, is whether we can, like the young man, honestly affirm our obedience to God's commandments. Without that foundation, we are not yet prepared to ask, “What do I still lack?”By God's grace, once we do live a life of sincere obedience to the Ten Commandments, we become ready to go deeper and seek perfection. And perfection requires detachment from anything that competes with our love for Christ. Even good or morally neutral things can become obstacles if they take the place of God in our hearts.For the rich young man, the obstacle was his material wealth. Seeing his soul and knowing his attachments, Jesus lovingly revealed to him the specific path toward the deeper communion he desired: “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Material wealth is not inherently evil—none of the Ten Commandments condemn it. But the perfection that leads to profound intimacy with God requires more than just a moral foundation; it demands the elimination of anything that competes with divine love. True discipleship always involves a call to follow Jesus with an unreserved heart.Reflect today on the difference between obeying God's Commandments and surrendering to Him in radical, wholehearted love. If you keep the Law, what do you still lack? What might Jesus be asking you to let go of so that you can follow Him more perfectly? Ask Him to reveal where your attachments lie. Then pray for the courage not to walk away in sadness, but to follow Him in joy and trust, wherever He leads.Lord of every perfection, Your holiness surpasses all understanding, yet You graciously draw me to Yourself, inviting me to live in intimate union with You. Reveal to me, I pray, any obstacle that hinders my journey toward You. Grant me the grace and courage to surrender all that stands in the way of the perfection You have placed within my soul as its deepest desire. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ and Rich Young Ruler, by Heinrich HofmannSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

As Christians, we worship the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the unity of the Godhead, these three Persons execute distinct but harmonious offices in our redemption. Romans 8:1–4 is one of the rare places in the Bible where we see all three Persons of the Trinity executing these roles together. In this message, we will focus on the role of the Father in the great work of redemption. Take-Home Message: The great work of redemption is the great work of the Triune God.The Father's Role in my Redemption:The Father's Plan: The Father planned my redemption.The Father's Sending: The Father sent His Son to condemn sin in the flesh. The Father and the Son's Sending: The Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit to fulfill the law.The Father and the Son's Seeking: The Father and the Son seek the lost.The Father's Listening: The Father hears my prayers.The Father's Freedom: The Father has mercy and compassion on whomever He chooses.The Father's Securing: The Father will secure the redemption of all things.

Ephesians 1:1–14 reminds us that before God calls us to do anything for Him, He wants us to understand all He has already done for us in Christ. In one sweeping song of praise, Paul celebrates the work of the Triune God in our salvation: the Father chose us, the Son redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit sealed us, guaranteeing the inheritance still to come. Every one of these blessings is ours “in Christ,” given according to the riches of God’s grace and ultimately “to the praise of His glory.” Rather than living as though we are spiritually poor, believers can rejoice that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

Ephesians 1:1–14 reminds us that before God calls us to do anything for Him, He wants us to understand all He has already done for us in Christ. In one sweeping song of praise, Paul celebrates the work of the Triune God in our salvation: the Father chose us, the Son redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit sealed us, guaranteeing the inheritance still to come. Every one of these blessings is ours “in Christ,” given according to the riches of God’s grace and ultimately “to the praise of His glory.” Rather than living as though we are spiritually poor, believers can rejoice that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

Join us as we worship our Triune God! For more information about Grace Church, please visit www.graceharrisburg.org.

Our redemption is the work of our triune God: planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied to us by the Holy Spirit. Today, R.C. Sproul considers the work of the Trinity in salvation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/redeemed-by-the-triune-god/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

DATE: 07/26/25 SPEAKER: Pastor Nathan Phillips TEXT: John 4:15-26 SERMON NOTES: The Nature of True Worship…. Begins with Exposed Sin Shaped by Revealed Truth Brings us to the Triune God. https://www.evergreentn.com/

As Christians, we worship the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the unity of the Godhead, these three Persons execute distinct but harmonious offices in our redemption. Romans 8:1–4 is one of the rare places in all the Bible where we see all three Persons of the Trinity executing these roles together. In this message, we will focus on the role of the Son, Jesus Christ, in the great work of redemption. Take-Home Message: The great work of redemption is the great work of the Triune God.The Son's Role in my Redemption:Christ's Pardon: The Son took on my death sentence.Christ's Power: The Son sets me free from sin and death.Christ's Control: The Son holds all things together, allowing for my continued redemption.  Christ's Example: The Son suffered the most as an example for me to follow.Christ's Intercession: The Son advocates for His people.Christ's Gifts: The Son gives leaders for the building up of His church.Christ's Return: The Son will return to fully redeem His people.

TEXT: Matthew 17:6-7 The Triune God speaks to us for the right development of our faith We will see that: He speaks to us in His consuming voice of glory He speaks to us in His consoling voice of grace

I used to be a member of the Presbyterian Church, way back when in my early years. The church I attended was truly Christian, Biblically based, not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and where the love of God was evident. It offered God-honoring music, sincere prayer, and the true Biblical fellowship of the Saints. That was Presbyterian then, but now comes the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA (PCUSA), a church entirely different than the one before. The PCUSA, Cherokee Presbytery, the church which covers the city of Atlanta and much of North Georgia, now goes public with the resolution in favor of all transgender procedures, including that of minors, in the very state, Georgia, which, along with 27 other states, has enacted laws to protect minors from gender transition procedures. The PCUSA went public supporting all things transgender, as it had before with the LGBTQ agenda. The so-called GENDER AND SEXUALITY JUSTICE COMMITTEE approved the church resolution by a vote of 50-10 and the General Assembly in plenary session approached the final draft 441-30 (unbelievable). The vote and the affirmation of transgenderism went entirely against Biblical teaching and Scripture generally, yet this southern branch of the PCUSA defied Scripture and went its own way. This PCUSA committee and its General Assembly said it was more concerned with the wellbeing of many transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive people who experience symptoms of Gender Dysphoria or distress that result in having one's general identity not match their sex assigned at birth. All of that was more important than anything the Bible, the Word of God, had to say. No matter to these Presbyterians that the international medical consensus has become far more cautious about transgenderism, and many countries, such as the United Kingdom, have sharply restricted the use of puberty blockers for children, and medical authorities have concluded the evidence supporting these major interventions is far weaker than previously claimed. 2 It seems obvious that the PCUSA ignores and never even seriously considered Biblical teaching on human sexually as this amendment was passed. Ignored by them was Scripture, which indicates clearly God created man in His own image. Genesis clearly indicates God made human beings: MALE AND FEMALE (GENESIS 1:27). Our Lord Jesus Christ then cites this creation principle as: UNCHANGING TRUTH. The PCUSA utterly ignored the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ who affirmed the Genesis account of creation in Matthew 19:4-6. The God of the Universe made them male and female. Sex was not assigned at birth, nor was gender identity a matter for human beings to decide, but only for God to decide. My fellow Christians, once any individual, or especially a church, ceases to treat Scripture as final authority, the church, its beliefs and teachings, fall prey to the broader cultural revolution surrounding sex and gender. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council, indicates this was not an isolated decision, but the fruit of years of theological compromise. The PCUSA has been moving away from historic Christian orthodoxy for decades, says Closson. This denomination had abandoned Biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality, redefined sexual ethics, and repeatedly rejected the clear authority of Scripture on issues of human identity, says Closson. In short, the radical, anti-Biblical principles and precepts of the current culture prevail, and the Bible, SCRIPTURE, and the teachings of our Lord matter not at all with regard to this issue. The escalation of the PCUSA's LGBTQ and transgender agendas coincides with an ongoing decline in its membership, and rightly so. In 2025, PCUSA had only 1 million members, a decline in membership from 3.1 million members when PCUSA was formed in 1983. 3 That is so, David Closson believes, because these Presbyterians have abandoned Christian orthodoxy to follow the culture, move in theological thinking and belief to the Left, the far Left, and, at the same time, are undermining their own reason for existence. When a Christian institution abandons Christian teachings and the Bible, and the precious and unique Gospel of Jesus Christ, it loses its uniquely compelling character and really becomes, as Closson says, nothing more than a social club. Small wonder so many members consider this far-Left move by PCUSA has created a church unworthy of participation and involvement. Our beloved Bible teaches us our God, the Triune God whom we believe in, love, and respect, created humanity male and female, none other, and our bodies are gifts to be received rather than obstacles to be overcome. True human understanding does not result in the remaking of ourselves, the change in our sexual identity according to our own desires, but in conforming our lives to Gods wise and loving design. When we are born either male or female, it is what God intended. Let no man or woman seek to change this Divine Decision. It matters not what we want, it only matters what HE wants and decides.

Our hymn for this weekend is a modern hymn, written by "Rusty" Edwards and published in 1987. It calls upon the Christian, and upon every sinner to "Praise the One who..." has done great things for us and for our salvation. This includes bring the light of the Gospel into our dark world; frees those who are imprisoned by sin, death and the devil; preaches the Good News of forgiveness of sin; heals our sicknesses, protects and provides for us in this life; blesses the children, has power over the devil and his forces; gives us the refreshing waters of His Word; who is the God-Man, who died for our sins and rose again from death, and make us one with God and with other believers.  In Psalm 146 we read: "Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being... 6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind."  We praise the LORD our Triune God, we Praise Jesus our Savior from sin and death! Join us in praising Jesus this weekend for the rich treasure He offers us by His grace!

Original Episode's Conversation |, The Wrath of GOD - Unquenchable Fire of God's Holy ProvocationYou, Life and God Podcast - Transforming Perspectives of Bible Truths, expositing Deeper Insights of Scriptures' (meaning and intent) relative to ourselves, Life as well as the existentialism of the Triune God and Jesus the Christ. Add'l  Episodes Suggestions - The World - Fallen from God Righteousness Selected  Episode Media | Originally Published  on YouTube - The Wrath of GOD, Signs of the End, series, You, Life and God Podcast Production by Vicki L Thompson, Music - “Air” by Sero.Thank you for joining and listening to our Podcast's Episodes! We Pray! You are encouraged and inspired, remaining steadfast in Bible Truths, maturing in your Faith.You, Life and God Podcast is recognized amongst the Best 100 Faith Podcasts in the USA by MillionPodcasts.com Episodes | Conversations of Transforming Perspectives pertaining to Biblical Truths are available also on Podcast, Music and Radio Platforms. - YouTube | You, Life and God Podcast  Previews Affiliate |  Podcast Radio - Let Have a Talk.., powered by Buzzsprout.com Radio Station | You, Life and God Podcast Radio - Let's Have a Talk.., LIVE365.com - Let's Have a Talk..,  LIVE, Saturday Mornings, 9amPST.RESOURCES | TheBible.org; TheBible Strong's Concordance 2026, all rights reserved, worldwide, Bible Gateway.com, 2026 all rights reserved  Connect with us on FaceBook, LinkedIn & Twitter_________________

Demonstrating Dr. Barnhouse's acute understanding of Romans and his heart for effective preaching, these messages skillful and reverently expound even the most difficult passages in a clear way. Dr. Barnhouse's concern for a universal appreciation of the epistle fuels this series and invites all listeners into a deeper understanding of the life-changing message of Romans. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

As Christians, we worship the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the unity of the Godhead, these three Persons execute distinct but harmonious offices in our redemption. Romans 8:2–4 is one of the rare places in all the Bible where we see all three Persons of the Trinity executing these roles together. In this message, we will focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in the great work of redemption. The Holy Spirit is not a force; He is a Person that wills, feels and thinks. He is also God, worthy of the same honor and equal in divinity with the Father and the Son. We will examine the ways in which the Holy Spirit has set us free from the law of sin and death, and how the Holy Spirit continues to set us free from sin and death.Take-Home Message: The great work of redemption is the great work of the Triune God.The Holy Spirit's Role in my Redemption:The Spirit of Life: The Holy Spirit, in Christ Jesus, sets me free from sin and death.The Spirit as Convictor: The Holy Spirit convinces me of my need for Jesus.The Spirit as Regenerator: The Holy Spirit regenerates me.The Spirit of Adoption: The Holy Spirit bears witness to my adoption into God's family.The Spirit as Renewer: The Holy Spirit renews my life.The Spirit of Truth: The Holy Spirit teaches me the truth.The Spirit of Grace: The Holy Spirit distributes unmerited favor to me.The Spirit as Intercessor: The Holy Spirit intercedes for me in my prayers.The Spirit as Helper: The Holy Spirit helps me live out my walk with Christ.The Spirit as Equipper: The Holy Spirit equips me for the building up of the church.The Spirit as Seal and Guarantee: The Holy Spirit seals and guarantees me for eternal life in Christ.

Telling the Story: Part 3 Acts 7:35-53 by William Klock “Made by hand.”  When we see that, it usually means something good, doesn't it?  Someone careful hand crafted this thing.  Carefully stitched it together.  Put care into baking it.  You can probably trust it, because it was well made.  And, of course, it was made with love. But if we went all the way back to ancient Israel, “Made by hand” had a very different meaning and connotation.  For us it (usually) signals something good; for them it signalled idolatry.  “Made by hand” said that this thing was not made by God or that God had not commanded it to be made, but wicked humans made it anyway.  And when it came to things involved in worship, it meant idolatry. This idea has come into our language too.  You'll sometimes hear Christians—usually on the Puritan end of the spectrum—talk about this or that thing in worship or this or that doctrine being “man-made”.  The Puritans called it the “Regulative Principle” and the idea was that everything Christians do in worship should either be something God explicitly commanded (like reading the Bible or singing or preaching) or something that good and necessary consequence demands. We Anglicans follow what's called the “Normative Principle”, which means that we have freedom in our worship, as long as what we do is not forbidden by scripture or goes against biblical principles.  But you'll often hear folks who follow the Regulative Principle say things like, “Your liturgy or your hymns are ‘man-made'” or “Your traditions of using musical instruments or observing Easter, Christmas, and other holy days are ‘man-made'” and by that they mean that they're unbiblical and wrong.  Some would go so far as to call these things “idolatry”. The “RP” isn't our tradition, I think more than anything else in Protestantism it has led to sinful, ungodly, and unwarranted schisms, but I do respect the fact that it grew out of a commitment to take worship very seriously.  People who follow it understand that how we worship God is serious business, not something frivolous.  I think most Christians today err in taking zero care in how they worship God.  But you can't read the New Testament and you certainly can't read the Old Testament without realising that how we worship is serious business.  God takes it seriously and so should we.  I'll come back to this, but keep it in the back of your mind as we work through the end of Stephen's speech. I want to pick up where we left off in Acts 7.  We've been making our way through Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin—the body of Jewish elders.  He's been accused of blasphemy and of speaking against torah and the temple and Moses.  And instead of defending himself, what he's done is to tell the story of Israel and Israel's God.  He's telling it in a such way that they should—hopefully—see that he's not speaking against any of those things that defined them as Jews.  He's telling the story in such a way that they'll see—hopefully—that the gospel is not a departure from Israel's story, but rather the very culmination of it—the very thing that torah and temple and Moses were pointing toward all along.  And so he began with Abraham and the call of Israel, and then Joseph, and then Moses.  And as he's telling not just the story, but their story, he's highlighting its themes of forgiveness and grace and also that when God acts, when God does new things, it's almost never what anyone expected—but afterward you can always see that, in fact, the signposts had always been pointing to that new thing.  Like I said last week, the figure of Moses towers over the story of Israel and Stephen knew that.  But he also knew, as Moses towered over the story, he did so like a signpost, with his arm outstretched, pointing the people straight to Jesus.  He knew, you can't use Moses to argue against the gospel. So let's pick up at Acts 7:35 where we left off. [Page 1087 in the pew Bibles, way down in the very bottom right corner of the page.] “So,” Stephen continued, “this same Moses—the one they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler or judge?'—this is the man God sent as ruler and redeemer, by the hand of the angel who had appeared to him in the bush.  He did signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and led them out, through the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.  This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up a prophet like me from among your brothers.'  And this is the one who was in the assembly in the desert with the angel who had spoken to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to give to us.” Stephen's continuing the story of Moses he began in last week's text.  Moses was rejected by his own people—at least at first.  And there was nothing controversial in telling this part of the story.  And there's nothing controversial in his reminding the Sanhedrin that despite that early rejection, Moses was indeed the ruler and redeemer the Lord had sent to his people.  Moses did signs and wonders in both Egypt and in the wilderness.  He's the one who parted the Red Sea.  He's the one who met God on the mountain and came down with God's living words, with the torah and with the instructions for the tabernacle.  And—Stephen makes a really important point here—Moses was also the one who told the Israelites that he was not the end-all-be-all of rulers, redeemers, or messiahs, because one day the Lord would raise up a “prophet” from amongst them—a prophet in comparison to whom Moses would pale. The Sanhedrin knew he was talking about Jesus.  The people had already suspect that Jesus was this greater prophet whom Moses had prophesied.  More than once he was asked, “Are you the prophet who is to come?”  So Stephen's making it clear, just as Moses had been rejected by the Israelites of his day, so Jesus was rejected by the Israelites of his.  We've touched on this last week. But now Stephen takes it a step further.  Look at verse 39.  It's not just that Moses was rejected by his people in the days before he was actually called by God.  The more embarrassing thing for Israel was that they'd rejected Moses after he'd been called, after they'd been through the Red Sea, after they'd seen the signs and wonders and had the torah and the tabernacle.  Stephen goes on: “This is the one whom our fathers had not wanted to obey, but instead rejected him and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, by saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us; for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt—we don't know what has become of him!'  They made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to an idol. They celebrated things their own hands had made.” Remember what happened in Exodus?  Moses went up the mountain to meet God.  And he was up there for forty days and nights receiving the law.  And the people became afraid.  They thought that Moses surely must have died on the mountain, so they gave Aaron their gold and implored him to make a golden calf, an idol, so that they could have a god who would protect them.  It was a shameful moment for Israel.  They'd just received the Ten Commandments.  They'd just been told by God: You shall have no other gods.  You shall not make a carved image.  And Moses had asked them, “Will you do all these things?  Will you give yourself to the worship and service of the God of your fathers, the God who has saved you from Egypt?  The God who has decalared, ‘I will be your God and you will be my people?”  And the people had enthusiastically declared, “We will!  All this we will do!”  And just days later, they didn't. As eating the forbidden fruit was the primal sin of the human race, idolatry was the primal sin of Israel: worshipping something as if it were God when it wasn't.  Aaron had tried to explain to Moses that he'd merely thrown the gold into the fire and that the calf had formed and jumped out of its own accord, but everyone knew that's not how it works.  Idols are made by human hands and the prophets drove that point home over and over down through Israel's history.  To worship an idol was absurd.  The pagans were fools for doing so.  First, you create a god with your own hands and then you worship it.  “How stupid is that?” the prophets asked.  And yet the golden calf wasn't the last time Israel would worship an idol.  That primal sin came back over and over and over.  When Jeroboam rebelled and led ten of the tribes of Israel to form their own nation, he set up two golden calves, one at Bethel and one at Dan to discourage his people from going to the temple in Jerusalem.  No matter how devoutly Israel worshipped the Lord, idolatry was never far off.   Look at verse 42: “Then God turned and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it stands written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring sacrifices and offerings to me in those forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?  You took up the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rhephan, the carved images you made to worship! I will remove you beyond Babylon!'” Stephen quotes Amos 5.  Even during Israel's honeymoon period with the Lord, Amos condemned them.  Even then, while they brought their sacrifices to the Lord, they were worshiping pagan gods like Moloch and Rhephan and all the “host of heaven”. So the Jewish priests and rulers have charged Stephen with blasphemy and now he turns the tables.  He never actually defends himself.  Instead, he retells the story of Israel from the beginning and shows how it leads straight to Jesus and now, again, he turns the tables on them.  He accuses them of the very thing they've charged him with.  Just as Israel had rejected Moses, so Israel's priests and rulers have rejected Jesus.  And—since their most significant charge seems to have been that he was speaking against the temple—and that was precisely the same charge on which Jesus was arrested and crucified—Stephen makes his second point or his second charge against them.  Verse 44: “Our ancestors had the ‘tent of meeting' in the desert. [That's another name for the tabernacle.] God had commanded Moses to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.  Our ancestors in their turn brought it in when, with Joshua, [meaning they brought it with them into Canaan, the promised land] they dispossessed the nations whom God drove out before our ancestors, and it was there until the time of David.  David found favour with God, and requested permission to establish a Tabernacle for the house of Jacob.  But it was Solomon who built him a house. [Stephen is referring to the permanent temple in Jerusalem.]  Now his key point: “The Most High, however, does not live in shrines made by human hands. The prophet put it like this: ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool! What sort of house will you build me, says the Lord, Or what place will you give me to rest in?  My own hand made all these, did it not?' Yes, David planned the temple.  Solomon built it with the Lord's blessing.  But Stephen quotes Isaiah 66.  The Prophet Isaiah had rebuked the people using the very words that Solomon had prayed at the dedication of the temple.  It is God who has made all things.  The idea that human beings can make anything—even the temple—that can contain God, well, that's the real blasphemy.  Solomon knew that with this glorious temple on the mountain top, that with God's presence manifest in a cloud of glory, that Israel—always prone to idolatry—would start to think that they had God in a box—to put as we might put it.  Solomon warned them.  Isaiah warned them.  And now Stephen is pointing his finger at the Sanhedrin and is saying, “When Jesus said he'd tear this building down and rebuild it in three days, he wasn't blaspheming it.  When I said that this is precisely what Jesus has done and when I say that Jesus has, indeed, built a new temple by purifying a new people and filling them with God's own Spirit, I'm not the one blaspheming the temple.  No!  You're the one's blaspheming God!  You think you've got God in a box.  You're thinking like the pagans.  You've gone back to our people's primal sin!  Heaven is God's throne and earth his footstool.  The entire cosmos he's made cannot contain him.  What fools you are to think your puny temple can contain him!  The temple was the signpost pointing the way to what God's done in Jesus and the Spirit.  It was the signpost telling us all along that God's plan was one day to enter this world as one of us, as the Righteous One, so that he could rescue us—from sin, from death, from the idolatry that has plagued us from the beginning—by filling us with his Spirit and turning our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.  By filling his people, not so we can guard it a box of stone, but so we can carry his presence to the ends of the earth.  But just like our ancestors, you refused God's redeemer because you couldn't let go of your building, your box made by hands.” You can almost imagine Stephen standing there in front of the Sanhedrin and with him stand Moses and Isaiah and Amos and all the other prophets nodding at his words.  He closes his speech in verses 51-53: “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are uncircumcised! You always resist the holy spirit, just as your ancestors did before you!  Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? And you killed those who announced in advance the coming of the Righteous One—and now you have betrayed him and murdered him.  You received the law at the command of angels, but you didn't keep it!” They were the people God had chosen to steward his glory.  They were the keepers of the great story of God and his redemptive plan.  They, of all people, should have known better, but when the story came to its climax, they refused to listen.  They'd stried to slam the book shut.  It's not just that they rejected the Messiah and handed him over to the pagan Romans to be crucified.  Stephen's point is that they were doing what idolatrous Isreal had always done.  Even though the kind of obvious idolatry that had got them exiled to Babylon had been rooted out since their return to Judaea, they were still at heart idolators.  As Stephen recounts the story of Israel, what we find is that it's not just a story of redemption.  It's also a story of rebellion that reminds us how desperately humanity needs God's redemption.  Even the people with the law and the temple, even the people with Moses and the Prophets suffered from the same rebellious attitude that infects the human race.  As Calvin once put it, the rebellious human heart is a factory of idols.  We can take even the good things of God and turn them into idols as the Jews had done. Stephen takes the high ground.  He stands with Abraham and  Moses, with Solomon and David, with Isaiah and Amos.  The Sanhedrin, for all their moral posturing and charges of blasphemy, Stephen opens the book they'd slammed shut and shows that in reality they stand with Joseph's wicked brothers, with the Israelites who rejected Moses, with the Israelites who had given their gold to Aaron to cast a golden calf, with Jeroboam and all the others who had set up idols throughout the land.  The temple was good, but it was made with hands.  God had promised through the Prophets that one day he would make another, a better temple—and it would be better precisely because it wasn't made by human hands. Brothers and Sisters, that's us.  And as I was thinking and meditating on this over the last few weeks, I was wondering what this means for us.  I think the biggest takeaway from Stephen's speech—at least this part of it—is simply to hear him proclaim the glory of the God who has become present with us in Jesus, the Righteous One.  Jesus has, like a greater Moses, delivered us from our bondage to sin and death.  I don't think it's likely that we're going to end up like the Sanhedrin, rejecting Jesus and the Spirit in favour of the temple and the torah. But, I do think there's a warning here, even if it's a little oblique.  Brothers and Sisters, it can be very easy for us to make idols out of otherwise good—and even essential—things.  In an age of apostasy—and especially for those of us who came out of the battles for orthodoxy within Anglicanism, it can be very easy to make an idol of our theology and of our orthodoxy.  We can make idols of the traditional Prayer Book, of the old hymnals, of our classical Protestant worship.  Good things.  Orthodoxy—right doctrine, right theology, right understanding of God and of ourselves—is absolutely essential.  But Brothers and Sisters, none of these things stand in place of Jesus; none of them stands in the place of the Spirit; none of them stands in place of the Triune God.  None of them ought to undermine the unity that Jesus and the Spirit have given us with other believers.  Bp. Cummins understood this and it's why the Reformed Episcopal Church exists: because Bp. Cummins knew that Christian unity is rooted not in bishops or in sacraments, but in Jesus the Messiah.  It's good to be right in our doctrine and practise.  We should take theology and worship seriously, but we should also be humble about them.  We should acknowledge that despite our best efforts, none of us will ever—at least not this side of eternity—have a perfect theology or perfect worship.  And we ought always to guard against pride, because being proud in our imperfect theologies and imperfect worship inevitably causes us to treat them as idols.  We lose our focus on Jesus.  And no matter how right we may be, we lose our witness and cease to give glory to God. So let Stephen be a reminder to us to keep Jesus at the centre of our being and of our life together, at the centre of our church.  Let our good doctrine and our good worship be the things that keep him there.  But let him always be our God, let him always be the one we worship and glorify.  And, I think, if are faithful in that, we will be faithful in giving glory, not to ourselves, not to our theology, not to our Prayer Book, not to anything made with hands, but to the God of glory. Let's pray: God of glory, as we hear your word, as we learn the story of redemption, teach us to see and to keep Jesus, the Righteous One, always at its centre.  Give us the grace and wisdom necessary for sound doctrine and worship, not that we be “right”, but that we might always keep Jesus at the centre of our life together, that we might worship you and faithfully make your glory known to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

What keeps a faith vibrant after four decades of ministry? That unexpected question, asked by a young church leader in Baltimore after a discussion on archaeology and the early church, became the catalyst for one of the most important chapters I've written in Missiological Theology. In this episode of The 10-Minute Ephesiologist, I explore what I have come to call missiological spirituality—a way of life that begins not with spiritual practices alone, but with the Triune God who continually speaks and acts. Rather than reducing spirituality to knowledge, experience, or ministry activity, I propose a rhythm of curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, and participation that draws us ever deeper into God's perichoretic life and mission. If you've ever wondered why some faith grows stale while other faith remains vibrant, this conversation may help you ask two life-changing questions: What is God saying? What is God doing? Keywords: missiological spirituality, missiology, Triune God, Trinity, perichoresis, perichoretic mission, missiological theology, curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, participation, spiritual formation, Christian spirituality, theology, archaeology, New Testament archaeology, archaeology and the Bible, ecclesiology, mission of God, missio Dei, discipleship, church planting, theological education, discernment, God speaks, God acts, Kingdom of God, early church, Ephesiology, Michael T. Cooper Key Takeaways Why one simple question in Baltimore reshaped my understanding of spirituality. Why spirituality must begin with the missionary nature of the Triune God. How God's self-revelation through His words and His works forms the foundation of Christian spirituality. The fivefold rhythm of Curiosity → Discovery → Reflection → Wonder → Participation. Why theology without wonder becomes intellectualism. Why wonder without participation becomes emotionalism. Why ministry itself can become mechanical if it is no longer sustained by ongoing curiosity about God's activity. How archaeology, Scripture, culture, and everyday life continually invite us to discern God's presence and mission. Why the Christian life is best understood not as a ladder to climb, but as a lifelong spiral into deeper communion with God and fuller participation in His mission. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

IntroductionAbraham struggled to trust God's promises even after receiving a vision and an explicit word from God. The Lord assured Abraham that he is Abraham's shield (Genesis 15:1). The Lord will protect him and defend him. Peter also doubted the path to glory through the suffering of the cross. The thought of a distant God protecting a people who seem so far away just seems absurd. Christians today may wonder whether God has abandoned his people. We face trials, and we might wonder if God is really in the midst of them. This becomes even more apparent when Peter addresses us as exiles. If we are in exile, we would think that God is even more removed from us. Peter, who struggled to believe Christ would protect him, assures the church that the Triune God has neither forgotten nor forsaken His people. Rather, He is actively guarding them until they receive the inheritance He has prepared for them. The Triune GodPeter tells us that the Father has chosen us. It is his foreknowledge. Why does he know? It is because he has decided it (1 Peter 1:1). Our exile status is intentional. The Son has redeemed us through his blood. The Holy Spirit is sanctifying us to conform to Christ. (1 Peter 1:2) Peter writes to believers living in exile. We are outside the promised land. We have to see that exile does not mean abandonment. The Father elects/chooses His children, the Son continues to reign as Lord and Redeemer, and the Spirit remains present, sanctifying and preserving God's people. The Lord refines his people through the painful trials. The trials are like gold passing through the flame. These trials are not signs of God's absence. No, the trials are used to burn away the impurities of our faith, conforming us to be more faithful children of God. The Triune God is personally guarding us as he protected and guarded his people in foreign lands. We are currently in exile on a Christian pilgrimage to the promised land, being guarded by God. It is true that we are reminded of our creaturely status when we contemplate the doctrine of the Trinity. We know that our God is beyond our full comprehension. However, we can know and do know our God. We know that he is actively working on our behalf. Our Certain ApplicationYes, we are in exile. We are away from the promised land. However, our Lord works to protect us. The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that the Holy Spirit has been given to me. We might think of someone more spiritual having the Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit is given to me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit by God's grace. The Holy Spirit will be with us from this age to the age to come. We might not think that this is very important. However, Peter assures us that God is giving us double protection. The inheritance that Christ has won for us is being guarded in heaven. We are continually and actively being guarded by God to receive that inheritance. The assurance of this is that no Babylonian or Assyrian can take our inhertiance like we saw with Israel in the past. Yes, we will face trials in this age. We will get some bumps and bruises along the way, but the Lord will be the shield and defender, guaranteeing that we will receive what he has set apart for us. This means that as the Holy Spirit is given to us by Christ, we will be protected. It means that as the Father has chosen us, we will receive his chosen inheritance. This is not because it is grounded in us, but by our God working in history. Conclusion Peter knows the struggle of the Christian life. He too wanted glory now. He did not understand Christ's mission to gain heaven through the cross. In fact, Peter denied Christ three times when Christ was heading to the cross. Peter did not understand the suffering to glory. Peter had an awkward breakfast with the Lord, where the Lord asked him three times if Peter loved him and charged Peter to care for his people after Peter's three answers. Peter knows the grace of Christ. Peter was assured that he would persevere until the end. It is not because Peter is so competent, but because the Lord is that faithful. Let us take Peter's testimony seriously. Let us hear his inspired words to encourage us in this life. Our God is not distant. We might not fully understand the doctrine of the Trinity, but we know that our God guards our inheritance and he actively guards us. We will receive what he has set out for us. Christ has earned it. The Father has chosen us. The Spirit applies Christ's distinct blessings. As we face trials in this age, let us be confident that the Lord is refining us to be the people he has called us to be. He is shepherding us in the midst of it. We will dwell with him in our inheritance he secured for us. Let us live out the days he has numbered for us in the confidence of his protection and faithfulness. I did a series on “Sojourning Under the Sun.” You can read a short summary of exile on the Gospel Coalition's website.

This is an interview from ‪@billschlegel1‬ where Bill Schlegel interviewed me about the Cappadocian Fathers. Original video :    • The Trinity is from the Cappadocian Father...  00:00:00 - Introduction & Gaps in Church History00:03:59 - The Myth of Nicaea vs. Late Trinitarian Development00:06:59 - The Culture, Wealth, and Geography of Cappadocia00:11:31 - Meet the Fathers: Elite Pedigree & Radical Charity00:24:22 - The Arian Crisis & Stacking the Bishoprics00:41:00 - The Edict of Thessalonica & Imperial Orthodoxy00:48:01 - Tweaking Definitions: Usia vs. Hypostasis00:59:00 - Political Infighting at the Council of Constantinople01:06:45 - The Surprising Transmission & Forgery of the "Nicene" Creed01:26:06 - Non-Biblical Language, Final Reflections & Recommended ReadingCappadocian Fathers, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, Church History, Doctrine of the Trinity, History of the Trinity, Council of Nicaea, Council of Constantinople, Nicene Creed, Arian Crisis, Arianism, Unitarianism, Biblical Unitarianism, One God Report, Sam Tedman, Transfigured podcast, Ousia vs Hypostasis, Homoousios, Triune God, Edict of Thessalonica, Emperor Theodosius, Council of Chalcedon, Saint Augustine On the Trinity, Saint Ambrose, Athanasius of Alexandria, Arius, Battle of Adrianople, Church Councils history, Filioque Controversy, Richard Rubenstein When Jesus Became God, RPC Hansen, early church history, development of the trinity, Cappadocia Turkey history, church fathers history, how the trinity developed

In this sermon, we begin a new series on "The Love of the Triune God", and we work through Psalm 136 to see the Complete, Creative, Common, and Covenantal Love of God.

The sermon explores the theological depth of Paul's greeting in Philippians, interpreting grace and peace not as mere formalities but as a prayerful invocation from God. It establishes that all humans are inherently enemies of God due to sin, making divine grace the sole source of salvation and saving faith. True peace is defined as reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and illusory peace offered by worldly philosophies. The preacher emphasizes that this peace is a permanent gift from the Triune God, available only through trust in Jesus Christ rather than human effort or self-help methods. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to cease searching for comfort in temporary solutions and to find lasting rest solely in the grace and peace provided by God.

Teaching on the topic of communion with the triune God

IntroductionThe Christian gospel confronts us with a truth that requires profound humility. We have to come to grips with the reality that we are heinous sinners. We need to own that we are so estranged from God that only Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection will bring us near. This is not some dramatic event for the sake of drama. I hope that as we consider what Christ suffered, why He suffered, and what His suffering accomplished, we are led to a deeper appreciation of God's grace. So, why the cross? Was it really necessary? What Did Christ Suffer?Christ's suffering began when he took on the flesh. Our catechism wants us to understand that the very act of taking on human flesh was an act of humiliation for the eternal Son. As Isaiah's fourth Servant Song declares, He had "no form or majesty that we should look at him.” Isaiah predicts that He appeared ordinary. Yet this humiliation was necessary because humanity had broken communion with God in the Garden. Adam, placed in Eden to guard and keep it, failed in his duty when Satan tempted Eve, and the instantaneous consequence was shame, exposure, and estrangement from the Lord who had walked with them in the cool of the day.Christ's suffering culminated in His role as the true Scapegoat, bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows. Isaiah 53 echoes both aspects of that ritual. We remember the scapegoat that carried the people's sins into the wilderness. The other aspect was the slain animal whose blood was brought into the Holy of Holies. Christ not only removes our sins from us by shedding his blood, but he also shoulders the weight of them Himself. Yes, he did this as one who has never sinned or compromised God's holiness. Christ lives up to His Father's declaration when he is equipped with the Holy Spirit to do his mission. His Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” and Christ lived up to this expectation. Why Did Christ Suffer?Christ suffered to deliver us from eternal condemnation. We cannot escape this sentence without Christ. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they discovered the true death sentence. They could no longer be in the Lord's presence without feeling shame. They made clothing to cover their shame, but the shame never went away. Death is more than ceasing to breathe, but it is losing communion with God.The flaming sword guarding the tree of life represents the impassable barrier. In order for one to secure life, they must pass through the flaming sword of hell's judgment. No mere human could survive such a sword. Isaiah assures us that Christ was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. This was not accidental suffering or a Plan B gone wrong. Eden tells us the cost. Isaiah predicts the cost. So we know that Christ's suffering was intended by God. The chastisement that brought us peace fell upon Christ. He suffered so that we might be delivered from the wrath to come and brought back into fellowship with the Triune God.What Did His Suffering Accomplish?The cross accomplishes what no mere moral example could achieve: it actually removes our sin and credits Christ's righteousness to our account. Pilate's threefold declaration of Christ's innocence, followed by his ironic inscription "King of the Jews," establishes the holiness of the sacrifice even as the earthly judge condemns Him. It also tells us that Pilate was not a victim or a passive bystander. He did send Christ to the cross as a human judge even as he declared Christ innocent. Christ hung upon the cross, hung upon a cursed tree, like a covenant breaker. Christ never transgressed, but this cross declared that Christ died the death of a sinner. He Himself never broke the covenant with God. This is the double imputation at the heart of the gospel: our sins credited to Christ, His righteousness credited to us. The result is shalom. Shalom, peace, is not a cold peace treaty where God merely tolerates us. Shalom is the full restoration of communion and fellowship with God. We are healed by His wounds, made whole by His brokenness, brought near by His being cast out. Isaiah knew that Christ would not remain dead. Isaiah assures us that Christ lives to make intercession for His people. Our Holy Priest is continually praying for sinners who still struggle and fail. The Servant's work continues in heaven as He represents His people before the Father, ensuring that those He has redeemed will persevere to the end. ConclusionThe cross is not divine theater. The cross is not ultimately about demonstrating how much God hates sin, though it certainly does that. It is necessary for Christ to take away our sins. He was declared innocent. He is sentenced to death by an earthly judge. He is hung upon a tree as a covenant breaker. He is raised to life, being vindicated by the heavenly courts. He lives to make intercession for his people. Believe in Christ to find life and the safe passage into the most holy place in heaven itself. Our God is not distant from us. Our God has not abandoned us. Praise be to God that He interrupts our course toward destruction and transforms our foolish desires to be in line with His. He does not merely do this and send us on our way, but He unites us to the resurrected Christ and adopts us as His children. Let us believe that Christ has done it. Let us therefore be a people who conform joyfully to His will. Let us live as redeemed children. He is the redeemer, and we are those who have been redeemed. Let us live out of gratitude, walking in His Spirit.

By His very nature, God is love (1 John 4:8). But what—or whom—was He loving before He created the world? Today, Sinclair Ferguson delights in the eternal love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-triune-god-of-love/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

IntroductionThroughout church history, God's people have struggled with a persistent temptation: looking to the visible means of grace rather than the invisible power behind those means. We can think that the effectiveness of the gospel depends upon the piety of the minister. Certainly, a minister needs to have a piety that rests in the Lord. The minister needs to believe the gospel message. However, we also need to see that the human vessels are the means that God uses to build his church. We are called to be faithful to our God, but it is our God who nourishes and builds his church through his ordinary means. The Human Tendency to Look to MenWhen the lame man was healed at the Beautiful Gate, the man and the crowds did not immediately recognize the source of his healing. Instead, the man clung to Peter and John, looking to these apostles as the source of life and power. This response reveals a fundamental human pattern: we naturally gravitate toward the visible and tangible. We think that human piety makes God powerful. Rather, it is God's power that cultivates human piety. Peter immediately corrects this misunderstanding, asking why they stare at him and John as if the healing came through their own godliness or power. Peter knows that it is not in his power, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. The crowds had witnessed a miracle and immediately assumed that the men performing it must possess extraordinary holiness. The signs do not testify to the man's piety, but to the man's credibility. The apostles make explicit that they did not heal the man. Their ability to heal is only because Christ has been raised from the dead, and they are sent as his witnesses. We see this same thing with Moses at the exodus. The sign testifies to his authority rather than his personal piety. This tendency to trust in the man persists in our own day whenever we find ourselves drawn to charismatic personalities or assuming that a minister's effectiveness correlates with his personal piety.Peter's rebuke reminds us that true faith looks past the clay vessel to the treasure within, recognizing that the power belongs to God alone. The minister is merely a conduit, not the source. The minister merely preaches the gospel and is not the author of life himself.The Promised Messiah RevealedPeter redirects the crowd's attention from the apostles to the "Author of Life.” He reminds the crowd that it is Jesus Christ, whom they had denied and sent to death. This title, servant, is drawn from Isaiah's Suffering Servant songs. Peter identifies Christ as the one who not only creates life but restores it. Christ is the suffering servant who overcomes the consequences of the fall and brings humanity from death to life. Peter boldly declares that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, whom Israel rejected because He did not fit their theological system. Peter's point is that Jesus Christ is the very one foretold by the prophets. His mission is to suffer before entering His glory.The tragedy of Israel's rejection becomes clear when we understand what they rejected: not merely a teacher or miracle-worker, but the Author of Life Himself. They chose Barabbas, a revolutionary and murderer. They chose the very man who did what they accused Christ of doing. They preferred a Messiah who fit their expectations, one who is a political liberator, and denied the Suffering Servant who would bear his people's sins. Peter's point is that the Messiah's suffering was not an unfortunate detour but the very fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. The resurrection confirms that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the prophet greater than Moses whom God promised to raise up. The Gospel InvitationWe would expect Peter to dismiss the crowd and tell them to go home. They are not worthy of the Messiah's work. Peter exposed the crowd's sin and ignorance. Despite their failure, Peter extends a remarkable invitation: repent and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of sins. This call to repentance is not a demand for perfected righteousness but a call to submit to the Messiah for life. We see the Messiah as the sole sacrifice for sins. The Messiah is the life-giving power that transforms our mindset and orientation to turn to God rather than away from him, as we are naturally inclined to do without the Holy Spirit. Peter knows the grace of restoration personally. Remember that this is the same Peter who denied Christ three times, who was questioned by the risen Lord on the shores of Galilee, and who was restored despite his failure. Yes, and it was an awkward conversation. However, Christ is reassuring Peter that His grace is sufficient. Peter knows firsthand that the gospel invitation is extended not to the worthy but to the weary. Peter knows that he failed, but he proceeds in the confidence that the Lord upholds him until the end. Peter knows his need for a redeemer. The beauty of this invitation lies in its promise: sins wiped out, times of refreshment from the Lord, and the sending of the Christ who has been appointed for Israel. Peter emphasizes that this promise extends to all whom God calls, far beyond the immediate audience. The prophet, like Moses, continues to speak, and those who heed him find life. Peter gives a warning: those who refuse this prophet will be cut off from the people. Peter also gives the assurance that those who turn to Christ in faith and repentance find their sins forgiven and their hearts renewed. The gospel is not a call to admire the apostles or aspire to their spiritual achievements, but a call to find life in Christ alone.ConclusionThe apostles do not seek the people's worship. No, the apostles point us to the One who is worthy of worship. Christ, the Author of Life. Yes, the second person of the Trinity has done the Father's work. The Father and the Son send out the Spirit to equip and empower God's people to stand firm in the storms of this age. The one God who has been faithful to his people confirms the prophetic promise in Christ. Our best spiritual achievements only manifest themselves in the power of our Lord's redemptive mercy. We are called to find our identity not in our own significance but in our Redeemer. We live under His authority rather than measuring ourselves against human standards. When we are tempted to trust in what our eyes see, we are called to walk by the eyes of faith. We are tempted to trust in the eloquence of the preacher, our Christian growth, our performance, but the call is to bow the knee in service to the One and only Triune God who calls us into his presence. The power that healed the lame man, that raised Christ from the dead, and that continues to work in His people today is the same power that calls us to bow the knee to Jesus Christ. Let us find our contentment in Him alone.

This is the fourth sermon in Christopher's series "Getting to Know God: A Series Exploring the Doctrine of the Trinity". In this sermon, Pastor Christopher talks about the three distinct members of our Triune God along with the definition of the Trinity. He shares with us 'Trinity Truths' within the topics of Divine Conversation at Creation (Genesis), Divine Essence at Covenant (Deuteronomy), and Divine Persons at the Commission(Matthew). Finally, Christopher talks about what it means to be created in 'God's Image', the official commission of the Disciples, and how the Holy Trinity requires us to disciple others. Thanks for Listening...LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH810 S. Evergreen Dr.Moses Lake, WA 98837509-765-5270www.LakeviewMissionaryChurch.comPastor Christopher sends a weekly update to our church every Wednesday with an encouraging article, prayer requests, and announcements. Subscribe here, http://eepurl.com/hC7SHDScripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Send us Fan Mail"Our Mission Mandate as ChristiansI. Introduction: The Core Nature of ChristianityThe Thesis: Christianity is inherently and fundamentally a missionary religion designed to convert others to faith in Jesus Christ. The Defect of Passive Faith: Any form of Christianity that does not actively bear witness to Jesus is explicitly labeled as defective, as the Bible strictly mandates this lifestyle. II. The Historical and Physical Proof of the ResurrectionThe Core Event: The mandate is rooted in historical reality: Jesus was crucified, buried, and physically raised from the dead 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Tangible Evidence over Isolation: * Jesus did not appear to just one person or in secret; he repeatedly manifested to groups of disciples (ranging from 8, 10, to 11 at a time). He proved his physical, bodily resurrection by speaking, allowing disciples to touch his wounds, and physically eating broiled fish. The 40-Day Instruction Period: Jesus spent 40 busy days on Earth post-resurrection, using his authority as King to instruct his followers on their vital mandate before ascending into heaven. III. The Fivefold New Testament Commission (Chronological Review)The speaker outlines how the critical mission to spread the message of Jesus is uniquely underscored by being recorded five distinct times in the New Testament: Commission 1: John's Account (The First Evening)Occurs on the evening of the resurrection behind locked doors. Jesus provides peace, shows his wounds, and sends them out with the model: "As the Father has sent me, even so I'm sending you.". He breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit and speaks on the authority of handling forgiveness. Note on Thomas: Thomas misses this first meeting, doubts, but makes a grand confession of faith ("My Lord and my God") the following week. Commission 2: Luke's Account (The First Evening)Connected to the Road to Emmaus disciples returning to the 11 in Jerusalem. Jesus proves his physical nature by eating, then opens their minds to understand that his suffering and resurrection fulfilled the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. He commands that repentance and forgiveness of sins be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Commission 3: Luke's Account in Acts (The Day of Ascension)Jesus corrects the disciples' focus from political timing (restoring the kingdom to Israel) to global witnessing. He promises the immediate power of the Holy Spirit to make them witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Commission 4: Matthew's Account (The Royal Commission)Takes place on a designated mountain in Galilee during the 40-day window. Jesus claims "all authority" in heaven and on earth. He issues the authoritative directive to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and teach obedience to his commands, backed by his perpetual presence. Commission 5: Paul's Account (The Ministry of Reconciliation)Focuses on the conversion and commission of Paul, a former chief persecutor of the church. Frames evangelism as being driven by the love of Christ because believers are entirely new creations. Defines the church's status as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the message and appeal for the world to be reconciled to God. IV. Conclusion: The Universal Scope and Purpose of the MandateNot Restricted to the Apostles: The commission was explicitly not just for the original 12 disciples; it is binding for all believers across all time. A Shared, Joyful Responsibility: While some possess a distinct spiritual gift of evangelism, every Christian is expected to witness to Christ through both their spoken words and the actions of their lives. The Ultimate Goal: To share what God has done so that mankind can receive the forgiveness of sins, walk in eternal life, and be incorporated into the body of believers. Bible Insights with  Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation   https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

When Jesus comes to John for the baptism that sinners have been receiving, John objects and says that Jesus ought to baptize him instead. Yet Jesus' humility is fitting, for He has come to John's baptism as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and fulfills all righteousness in the place of sinners. The theophany of the Triune God confirms the importance of Jesus' Baptism, as the Spirit descends on Him and the Father declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. In this way, God's Word teaches us of the great blessing He gives to us in our Baptism.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 3:13-17.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelroswell.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

I. A Triune God II. A Covenant God III. A Benevolent God Scripture Reading: John 17:1-26 Text: Lord's Day 8 Psalter Numbers: 40B, 131B, 63B, 47C

This week, Pastor Jeff continues a series in the book of Acts named ACTS: The Mission of God is Our Mission. The next message in the series is based in Acts 26 and is entitled "Before Governors and Kings." The main idea of the sermon is: When followers of Christ are brought before ruling authorities, the Triune God will give them what to say.———————— Connect with Us: Website: parkwoodonline.org Facebook: facebook.com/parkwoodonline Instagram: instagram.com/parkwoodonline.org Check out more resources and sermons online at: parkwoodonline.org

Series: STANDALONE SERMON | Scriptures: Various Texts, 2 Corinthians 13:14 | Description: A look at the The Trinity and Scriptural Teaching, The Trinity and a Crucial Distinction, and The Trinity for Us of Our Salvation

By Pastor Dan Nash

What does it mean to worship the Triune God?On this Trinity Sunday, we explore three passages that reveal the glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Genesis 1, we see the Triune God bringing order out of chaos and creating the world with wisdom, purpose, and beauty. In 2 Corinthians 13, we discover the perfect unity, love, grace, and fellowship that flow from the Godhead and are to be reflected in Christ's Church. Finally, in Matthew 28, we hear Christ's Great Commission, sending His people into the world to disciple the nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.The God who created all things in perfect order now calls His people to live in unity and advance His kingdom throughout the earth. Because the Triune God is with us, we can labor with confidence, rejoice in His grace, rest in His peace, and boldly carry His gospel to the ends of the world.The Triune God created us, unites us, and commissions us for His glory.

Dr. Malcolm Yarnell III, noted author and speaker on the Trinity unpacks the Triune God by exploring who He is and what He does. Through Matthew 28:19-20 and Galatians 4:4-6, discover how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in creation, redemption, and salvation. Learn why the Trinity is foundational to Christian faith and how understanding it deepens your relationship with God.This week, our hosts would have had their final discussion on the trinity, but instead you will get a special episode where you get to listen/watch your questions being answered in our Q&A livestream with Dr. Malcolm Yarnell. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about Teresa's fun adventures and what's coming up.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

Our God is a community of persons who haved loved and honored each other from all eternity. Our families have a chance to display this mystery to the world.To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/family-love-makes-the-triune-god-visible/

On this Trinity Sunday, Father Blackburn explores one of the greatest of all mysteries: A God that is One God in Three Persons. Drawing on the first chapter of Genesis, we explore the Triune God whose Love fill all in all.

The heading in our Bibles calls it "the Great Commission," but the word commission can land like a job order: here is the task, now go perform, you are on your own. Jesus' actual last words say something else. "I am with you, always." What if the call is not a commission but a co-mission, a sending we never carry out alone? Pastor Lisa Elmers preaches from Matthew 28:16-20 on discipleship as life shared with the Triune God.

Faith, Doubt, and The A Team Pastor Mark Havel Matthew 28:16-20Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him but some doubted. Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the +Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.” “I love it when a plan comes together.” (Does anyone else remember the A-Team? Murdock … Hannibal … Mr. T as B.A. Baracus? It was a show from way back in the 1900's.) John Hannibal, was the leader of The A-Team who coined that phrase, or at least made it a pop-culture thing at the time – “I love it when a plan comes together.” I watched the show faithfully, but had to look it up to remember that the A-Team was a group of special forces, military guys, who had been wrongly accused and imprisoned for war-crimes they didn't commit. After breaking out of prison, these good guys were simultaneously on the run from the military police AND finding ways to help people in need, as benevolent vigilantes.Anyway, the phrase, “I love it when a plan comes together,” was funny because, The A-Team was this motley crew of mismatched misfits who joked and argued and got into all sorts of trouble and fights and shenanigans as they did their thing. They achieved their goals, rescued their people, accomplished their missions, made their escapes … barely … by the skin of their teeth … every time. And, at the end of every successful mission, their leader, John Hannibal, sucking on a log-sized cigar, would declare – as though it was his design and strategy all along – “I love it when a plan comes together.”This phrase came to mind because our plans have been all over the place the last couple of months where this building project is concerned. Securing reliable bids, getting a loan approved, scheduling congregational meetings, then re-scheduling congregational meetings, and all the rest have landed us here on May 31st – which for all sorts of practical, logistical reasons – was the last best option for all that's on our plate for today's Annual Meeting.Which led to the practical, holy need for this Unified Worship service – where we can all be together in one place at the same time – which just so happened to be Holy Trinity Sunday, which is the Church's invitation to wrestle with and wonder about and celebrate the unity of God's nature – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the Triune God; three persons, equal in majesty; three in one and all the rest.“I love it when a plan comes together.” (For a preaching pastor, this is kismet, serendipity, or it might just be the work of the Holy Spirit.)And there's also this Gospel reading where Jesus gives “The Great Commission” to “go and baptize and make disciples and remember.” But before all of that, what grabs my attention every time, is the notion that when the disciples showed up in Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go, “they worshiped him,” we're told, “but some doubted.” They all worshiped him, but some doubted.For my money, there's not a more accurate description of what the church is up to, generally, in the world these days, and what we're up to, very particularly as Partners in Mission at Cross of Grace, at this moment in time. They all worship, but some doubted.“I love it when a plan comes together.”I mean I'm glad we're all here today – and that we show up week after week to worship. (… and to learn and to serve, too.) And I'm grateful to be reminded that, even with Jesus standing among his disciples, having done all that he'd promised he would do – up to and including rising from the dead – some of them still doubted. Some of them still weren't sure. Some of them were still skeptical, cynical, afraid, maybe. Because that means we can be all of those things, too – and still be faithful. Because I'm right there with the doubters, more often than I'd like to admit.I worry every year that General Fund commitments – never mind actual offerings – are going to show up in a way that supports and grows this ministry. I worry every year that Time and Talent offerings may or may not meet the needs of our nursery, a mowed lawn, a cleaned building, a Grace Quest program, and all the rest. And every time we've engaged a building project over the last 25 years at Cross of Grace – and this will be our fourth – I've worried that we are building too much, too soon, of the right spaces, for the right about amount of money.And I worry most about you – and about whose doubts, discouragement, and disappointments are going to get the best of them.But in spite of my doubts and my worries and my misgivings and concerns, I just keep showing up to this mountain I feel God has called us to. Maybe it's foolish. Maybe it's faith. I don't know. But I just keep doing my best to worship and learn and serve, I mean. I doubt and I worship. I doubt and I learn. I doubt and I serve. And I do it all over and over and over again. And I'm grateful that so many of you join me for it, too.Because I love it when a plan comes together … a plan only God can design, dictate, and deliver.It's a plan that looks like a wide welcome of love and affirmation for LGBTQ+ children of God – in a world and a faith that still doesn't get it.It's plan that has helped to build over 100 houses in Fondwa, Haiti, right along with every square foot of facility we've built for ourselves around here.It's a plan that includes a voice for racial justice and equity that would otherwise be silent in a community that hasn't heard all we have to say on the matter.It's a plan that has called us – as Partners in Mission – to baptize and confirm, to marry and bury, to feed and nourish, to party, pray, and otherwise walk together – by faith – through a world that can be so lonely and lost and without meaningful connection so much of the time. It's a plan that's still in the making … a plan that's still coming together … a plan that is messy and risky and cobbled together by an A Team of mismatched misfits and sinners, but full of beautiful things I doubt would happen otherwise, if Cross of Grace weren't here continuing to grow, still building, and still sharing grace in the unique, bold, faithful ways God has called us to do.And it's a plan that will only come together if and when we seek to accomplish it BY God's grace, FOR God's glory, and GROUNDED in God's love revealed in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the sake of the world we're called to serve.Amen

God has revealed himself as triune - one God in three persons. While we should not be surprised that God would reveal himself to us in a way that leaves us in awe of his mystery, neither has he revealed himself to us in this way to leave us confused. No, God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is clear not only in the mission he calls us to, but also in how the Holy Trinity uniquely equips us to carry it out.

Psalm 150 brings the Psalter to a glorious conclusion. By calling upon the Church to praise the LORD, Psalm 150 calls to mind the themes of the first two psalms in which we learn to delight in the Word of God and look forward to the coming Christ. The Church praises the LORD together for His atoning sacrifice, for His work of creation, and for His victory over all enemies. The music of the Church breaks forth in response to what the LORD has done, and all creation joins in the praises of the Triune God. Hallelujah!  Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 150.  To learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, visit ctsfw.edu. Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 28:16-20 Commissioned Whether you are an officer or enlisted the Triune God has commissioned you for a very important task: Go and make disciples of all nations. That's a tall order. But he also gives you the tools to do it: by baptizing…. and by teaching. Your commander-in-chief promises you, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus has all authority. After all, he is the one who died and came back to life from the dead. He gives you the authority to carry out this commission.    He also promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).   This is especially important to take to heart, considering the context of your calling. The military culture and community is not always friendly to people like you and me. They are not always receptive to Jesus' words. Some can be a little rough around the edges. Not all of your coworkers and neighbors have the same religious foundation. Some make questionable moral decisions. Others are hurting because they are wracked with guilt. Some are hurting because of trauma or abuse or moral injury. They are no different from you or me.   They are sinners who need forgiveness, like you and me. They are sinners who will one day die, like you and me. Like us, they need to know they have a Father who loves them so much, he planned the salvation of their body and soul from before the creation of the world. They need to know they have a brother who loves them so much, he took on human flesh to carry out the Father's plan of salvation. They have a brother who lived to earn righteousness for them, just as he did for you. They have a brother who died to earn forgiveness them, just as he did for you. They have a brother who rose from the dead to win a resurrection from the grave for them, just as he did for you.   Like us, they need to know the wonderful blessings of baptism: this water is God's pledge that our conscience is clear because he washed us, cleansed us, and clothed us with Christ.   You know these truths. You believe them. Now, confess them boldly, with courage, with love and patient instruction. You have been commissioned for this task.   Jesus will be with you.   Prayer: Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – you call us to go forth and preach the gospel to all who are in need. Open a door for us this week in conversation with a friend, relative or neighbor so that we might first listen, and seek to understand and then open our lips to point them to your promises. Grant us courage and love to pour out your life-giving water to thirsty souls. Amen.   Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260524dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. . . Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:1-6,11-12 Simply Believe Recently, my daughters were playing with some immature flower buds from our dwarf Magnolia tree. Since these buds look like pickles, I told them they were pickle seeds. Later, I overheard one of my daughters referring to the tree as a “pickle tree.” That’s the way it is with children. They simply believe what they are told. That’s not always so easy for us as we grow older. We encounter so many ideas about lifestyles, religion, and the future (just to name a few topics). We wonder what we should believe. The people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost could hardly believe their ears. Some even made fun of the disciples who were suddenly able to speak in foreign languages. Yet the Holy Spirit used their intelligible words to reveal the Triune God who is serious about sin and, at the same time, full of forgiveness, love, and hope for the future. What makes it difficult for you to believe God’s promises? A past full of sin? A list of confusing, complicated questions about life? The Bible equips us to deal with this sinful world by revealing “the wonders of God.” Like a child, believe God’s promises—Jesus loves you and has forgiven you! Prayer: Holy Spirit, instill in me an unshakable trust in your promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260524dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. . . Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:1-6,11-12 Simply Believe Recently, my daughters were playing with some immature flower buds from our dwarf Magnolia tree. Since these buds look like pickles, I told them they were pickle seeds. Later, I overheard one of my daughters referring to the tree as a “pickle tree.” That’s the way it is with children. They simply believe what they are told. That’s not always so easy for us as we grow older. We encounter so many ideas about lifestyles, religion, and the future (just to name a few topics). We wonder what we should believe. The people in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost could hardly believe their ears. Some even made fun of the disciples who were suddenly able to speak in foreign languages. Yet the Holy Spirit used their intelligible words to reveal the Triune God who is serious about sin and, at the same time, full of forgiveness, love, and hope for the future. What makes it difficult for you to believe God’s promises? A past full of sin? A list of confusing, complicated questions about life? The Bible equips us to deal with this sinful world by revealing “the wonders of God.” Like a child, believe God’s promises—Jesus loves you and has forgiven you! Prayer: Holy Spirit, instill in me an unshakable trust in your promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In Romans chapter 3, the apostle Paul explains that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not humanity's idea, but God's. Scripture reveals that it is the Triune God who is responsible for salvation: God the Father decreed salvation, God the Son accomplished salvation, and the Holy Spirit applied salvation.

Doctrine matters because… We love God. Belief shapes behavior. It informs our worldview. We need to be equipped to explain what we believe and why we believe it. This doctrine calls for… 1. Defining the Trinity The Trinity Defined… There is one God The Father is God The Son is God The Holy Spirit is God 2. Defending the Trinity If Jesus isn't God, His death did not atone for your sins. If Jesus isn't God, you cannot be justified by faith in Christ. If Jesus isn't God, He cannot answer your prayers. If the Holy Spirit isn't God, you cannot trust His leading. Without the Trinity, there were no personal or intimate relationships before Creation. 3. Delighting in the Trinity The Trinity displays the root of the reality that “God is love.” Delight in the ways of a triune God!