Podcasts about true israel

Title: Eyes to See and Ears to Hear Text: Acts 28:23-31 FCF: We often struggle humbly heeding the Word of God. Prop: Because God alone acts to save sinners, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 28. In a moment we will read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 23 and going to the end of the book of Acts. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today is a bittersweet day. Today we close out our exposition of the text of the book of Acts. Next week we will do one final review sermon as we provide a bird's eye view of the major themes in the book. It will be difficult to move on from this two-year study, but very soon we'll begin our next sermon series on the letters to the Thessalonians. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's be reminded of where we are in the book of Acts today. Paul has just settled in to his situation in Rome. He is under house arrest, guarded constantly by a Roman sentry. He does not have the freedom to leave his home to do any sort of preaching ministry within the city, but he has called the Roman Jewish leaders of the synagogue to come to him in his home. He has explained why he is here so they wouldn't think he was a criminal. Of course, they hadn't heard anything about Paul coming to Rome. But they had heard about the Nazarene Sect and how much trouble it has caused the Jewish communities around the Empire. They are very curious to learn more and understand why there is so much contention. Paul will now have an opportunity to meet with these Jewish leaders at length to speak about the hope of Israel. Which is the gospel of Jesus their Messiah. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Savior God, You are our Redeemer. Father You have planned our redemption within the counsel of Your will since before the dawn of Your creation. Jesus You have been eternally begotten of the Father to go and accomplish this Redemption for a people You have elected before the foundations of the world. Spirit You have proceeded from the Father and the Son and like the Son You raise us up and wash us in the waters of regeneration so that we may be united to the redemption provided to us by the Son. Savior God, You, and You alone, are our Redeemer. Nothing can save us but You. Help us then Lord to hear from Your Word today and believe that You act alone in our salvation, so that we can respond to this great salvation by humbly heeding Your Word. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Augustine of Hippo: “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation but makes them so.” Benjamin Beddome “God's grace can save souls without preaching, but all the preaching in the world cannot save souls without God's grace.” W.E. Best “The sinner apart from grace is unable to be willing and unwilling to be able.” These thoughts are fundamental to the message Paul has for the Roman Jews. Let's look at what he says. I.) Mere logic and persuasion cannot move the heart of sinful man to repent and believe the gospel, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (23-24) a. [Slide 3] 23 - And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God i. So, the Jews return in great numbers to Paul's rented abode. ii. They are highly motivated to learn about the Nazarene sect and why they are hearing reports against it from everywhere. iii. Paul begins by speaking intently with them. The one Greek word translated here “solemnly bearing witness” implies not simply testifying or giving of information but urgent reporting on matters of grave importance. iv. What is so important? v. It is the coming of the Kingdom of God. vi. This eternal Kingdom that is spoken of by their own prophets, greatest of which was John the Baptist – has now come. And they need to respond. This promise IS for the children of Israel. vii. But entry into this Kingdom is not granted based on that status. viii. Being born of Abraham is not enough to inherit this Kingdom. ix. So how do you enter? b. [Slide 4] and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, i. You must be born of the Spirit. You must go through Jesus. ii. As has been a central theme to the book of Acts since the beginning, the Jews have a unique position in the redemptive plan of God, in that Jesus is their Messiah. iii. Jesus is the central and key figure to gain access to God and to this eternal Kingdom. iv. Jesus is Yahweh's Servant who has borne griefs and healed wounds. He has purchased Israel's pardon. v. And they have been granted the Scriptures which contain prophesies concerning this one who will come to redeem not just them, but the whole world. vi. Paul takes them through these books to show them Jesus. c. [Slide 5] from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, i. What do they need to do then? ii. They do not need to join a new religion in order to inherit the Kingdom. iii. No. iv. They need simply to realize that to repent and believe on Jesus as the Christ is what their own law and prophets have told them to do since the beginning. v. If they intend to continue to be Jewish, in the truest sense of the word, they must repent and trust in their own Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. d. [Slide 6] from morning until evening. i. Paul earnestly contended with them on this point for many hours. ii. He probably showed them from their own scriptures how Jesus had fulfilled over 300 prophesies by his birth, life, death, and resurrection. iii. How Jesus becomes our new Adam, our new representative. How Jesus is the new Abraham in establishing a New Covenant. How He is the new Moses, being the Great Prophet. How Jesus is the Great High Priest offering a sacrifice that does not need to be repeated since He was the sacrifice. How Jesus is the Son of David and that human King prophesied to reign over Israel forever… and the whole world. iv. From morning until evening Paul gave it all he had. He preached, he discussed, he debated, he argued, he strove, with all the persuasiveness that he could. v. What were the results? e. [Slide 7] 24 - And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. i. Well, the results were decidedly… mixed. ii. Some of them were being persuaded. Notice the passive voice here. 1. While it largely depends on context, many times in scripture when the passive voice is used, it is what we call a divine passive. 2. This occurs when God does something but does not wish to overtly say He is doing the action in that specific context. 3. We know from the greater context of scripture, and even in this very text, that natural man is spiritually dead and unable to hear and respond to the gospel message unless the Holy Spirit actually enables them to hear it and respond to it. 4. No matter what theological background you come from, everyone prays for the lost the same. We all pray that God would open the eyes of sinners to help them receive the gospel. 5. Christians may define what happens there differently. But the long and the short of it is, that God must move first and God must move in an individual's heart not just in an event for a broader people group. 6. It is not Paul's words that are persuading them… it is God's Spirit opening their eyes to see the truth of what Paul is saying. iii. But the others, the majority, do not believe on Jesus. iv. But how does this happen? v. How can the apostle Paul, a skilled Rhetorician, speak for hours, expounding from the scriptures how Jesus is the Messiah, and yet many do not believe, and the ones that do believe do not do so because of Paul's persuasiveness? vi. If Paul cannot convince his own kinsmen, what hope do we have to convince anyone of the gospel? f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: In the last episode of Luke's record of the early formation of the church and the Kingdom of God expanding to the uttermost parts of the earth, Luke chooses to conclude on a sermon by Paul. It is a sermon preached over several hours to his own kinsmen, Jews of the city of Rome. Luke says he spoke passionately and urgently to them communicating from the Mosaic law and the prophets how Jesus was the Messiah and the King promised of old who would bring with Him a New Kingdom. Paul preached passionately that this kingdom has come and is here and the evidence that this is so, is the expansion of the church throughout the Roman Empire. But despite all his theological arguments, despite his rhetorical skill, despite his logic, despite his passionate pleas, most of those listening did not believe. Only some were persuaded as God opened their eyes and ears to receive the truth of what Paul spoke. Luke's purpose in this book is to give Theophilus assurances that what he has believed is true. One great assurance to Theophilus is that the wisdom of men in logic and persuasion cannot actually convince sinners to repent and believe the gospel. Theophilus was not conned by skilled speakers to believe a lie. Instead, his eyes were opened to believe the truth by God Himself. This is true of everyone who receives the gospel. God calls and draws. Then and only then do we respond. And so, what is our application to such a point? We must humbly heed the Word of God. We must be the kind of people who are ready to listen and to obey what God reveals. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] Still, our curiosity forces us to ask why don't they believe? Is there something deficient in them? What qualities make up a person who will not believe? And how do we avoid that? II.) God hides the gospel from the arrogant and disobedient, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (25-27) a. [Slide 10] 25 - And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, i. So, this devolves fairly quickly. ii. We have these once loosely untied Roman Jews, coming to Paul for information on the Nazarene sect of Judaism, and as the hours go on, now they are disagreeing so sharply that those who do not believe Paul abandon him and their fellow Jews and leave the house. iii. Luke records that they did this especially when Paul said one word. iv. Well which word? v. What follows is a sermon from Isaiah 6. vi. So which word makes them leave? vii. Well, the word translated “word” can mean a single word or it can mean a message. viii. In the expression “what's the word?” we are not asking what is the single word. We are asking, what is the news? ix. In a similar way, Luke records this mini-sermon that Paul spoke that turned out to be too much for the unbelieving Jews to handle. x. What did Paul say that chased them away? b. [Slide 11] “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, i. First of all, Paul goes to the prophet Isaiah. ii. Psalms and Isaiah account for half of the citations of the Old Testament in the New Testament. iii. Some commentators refer to the book of Isaiah as the fifth gospel. iv. Secondly, Isaiah's prophesies include both strong warnings and judgment proclamations as well as great and wonderful promises to the children of Israel. v. Paul is probably not going to the promises here. He is responding to the unbelieving Jews and their slowness to receive the message of their own Messiah. vi. In this way, he says that the Spirit of God inspired Isaiah rightly when he spoke to their ancestors. vii. This is a euphemistic way to say, in so many words, you are behaving just like your ancestors… that's good right? WRONG! viii. Notice that Paul does not claim them to be his own ancestors because he does not behave like them. ix. So, what does Paul quote for them? c. [Slide 12] 26 - saying, ‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; i. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 6:9-10. This is the initial call of Isaiah to be God's prophet to Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. ii. We'll take a look at this passage in a moment, but why is Paul quoting this passage? iii. Because he feels similar to Isaiah. Isaiah was told that he would proclaim the Lord's message but that Judah as a whole would not listen to him. There would no doubt be some who would and remain faithful to Yahweh, but the majority would not. iv. Paul has experienced the exact same thing as he has traveled through three different missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. Some Jews heard and believed on Jesus… but most did not. And it seems like the same will be true here in the city of Rome. v. So Paul quotes this passage to try to expose why these people are so slow to believe in Jesus. vi. Paul, through quoting Isaiah, gives two interconnected reasons that they do not believe. vii. First, though they will able to hear the truth of the gospel message, they will be unable to understand and perceive it… let alone believe it. viii. If we were to put this in medical terms, we would conclude that something in the brain is broken. ix. All the biological necessities are there for them to hear and see but something is broken to the point that the brain cannot interpret the signals coming from the eyes or the ears. x. They will be rendered unable to believe. xi. Well, why will this be their condition? d. [Slide 13] 27 - FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, i. Now it is interesting here that Paul quotes the Septuagint of this text. ii. Paul would have been familiar with the Hebrew version, but his hearers would not. iii. So, what are the differences between the Hebrew and the Septuagint? iv. [Slide 14] The Hebrew version puts these verbs in the imperative. They are commands of God to the people and to the prophet Isaiah. Let's look at the LSB's translation of Isaiah 6:9-10 to see the difference. 1. God tells Isaiah to tell the people… Keep hearing but do not understand 2. Keep seeing but do not know 3. These commands are given to Isaiah to tell the people. To command them to keep hearing and seeing without understanding or perceiving. 4. The next command seems to be issued to Isaiah with regard to his role in preaching this message. 5. Render the hearts of this people (notice God does not say my people) insensitive (or fat – full to the point of not being able to take any more in) 6. Render their ears dull and their eyes dim. Make them unable to perceive. 7. Lest (to keep them from) seeing with their eyes, and hearing with their ears, and understanding with their hearts, and return and be healed. 8. In other words, this doesn't read like a prediction but a judgment. v. So, does this mean that the Septuagint corrupted the text? No. vi. The translators of the Septuagint were obviously uncomfortable with assigning to God the blame for their condition of not hearing and obeying His Word. vii. Their dynamic interpretation of the Hebrew then, is to assume that God uses these words in hyperbole to get them to respond. viii. By setting the verbs into the indicative mood, the translators place the blame on their ancestors. ix. [Slide 15] But they do not remove God's role in this entirely. 1. Notice that the heart of this people has become dull. 2. Well, who made their heart dull? 3. The subject is not identified. 4. The Septuagint translators softened the text but did not completely change it. 5. They simply inserted a divine passive to take the place of the harshness of God's commands. 6. Meaning that within this last segment of Acts 28 those who are persuaded of the truth of the gospel and those who's hearts have become dull to the gospel are both activities God does but does not overtly say He is doing. x. But we need to understand the WAY Paul is using this. xi. Paul quotes the LXX which changes the commands into future tense verbs. That something WILL happen to the people. And why is he quoting it? He is quoting it because at this moment what WAS said in Isaiah, is being fulfilled. xii. In other words, God commanded Isaiah to render their hearts dull and eyes dim… and now Paul says… that has happened. Their heart has become dull. xiii. Paul uses the intentional softening of the Septuagint to pierce the heart of these Jews… showing them that they have succumbed to what God commanded Isaiah to accomplish by preaching to them. xiv. What Paul is saying is that the blindness of the Jews to the gospel in the 1st century AD is the fulfillment of Isaiah's preaching ministry in the 8th century BC. xv. By extension, of course, the Jews who have believed are also the fulfillment of that same preaching ministry. xvi. Again – Isaiah is the fifth gospel. And the gospel divides. xvii. So, how did they come into the state in which they could not believe? Well, in fulfillment of the preaching ministry of Isaiah, their hearts have become dull. And what else? e. [Slide 16] AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I HEAL THEM.' i. As the quote continues, and as we analyze the context of Isaiah 6 and the whole book itself, we recognize that God has only decreed this end upon them after the people have been continually a people characterized by unbelief and disobedience. ii. There is a necessary correlation here between God making their hearts dull and their rebellion and disobedience. iii. The sun's rays both hardens the clay and causes fertile soil to spring forth vegetation. iv. Already barren and rocky soil will only be baked in the sun's heat while fertile soil will produce crops and a harvest from the same sun's rays. v. In the same way, the Word of God preached, warnings given, commands expressed, to the heart of one who is humble and obedient will produce more of the same. vi. While the same words will produce resentment and disdain from those who are arrogant and rebellious. vii. Again, Isaiah's preaching ministry has two outcomes and both of them are present in this text. The Jews who believed on Jesus inherit the promises of the Servant songs in the latter half of Isaiah. But those who do not believe the gospel inherit the judgments of the same book. viii. So, although the first reason they do not believe is that they are not able to… the second reason is that they are unable because they are also unwilling. They are characterized by continued pride and disobedience. f. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Through the text of Paul's sermon from Isaiah, Luke stresses the key reason that these Jews, and by extension every other unbeliever, do not believe the gospel when it is preached. Why is it that two people can hear the same message and one believes and the other does not? We've already seen how those who believe do so because God enables them to. What about those who do not believe? Is that God's fault too? The scriptures are quite clear on this. Those who continue in obstinate rebellion and self-determined beliefs and values are not able to understand and perceive the gospel message. God only hides the gospel message from those who are arrogant and disobedient. God does not allow people to understand or perceive the gospel message who continually refuse to be humble and listen to Him. Paul says this is why these Jews today were walking away in disbelief. It is because the Holy Spirit prophesied rightly through Isaiah to their fathers whom they are living like. God has had enough and will not let them see or hear the truth. This is why it is abundantly necessary for all those under the sound of my voice to humbly heed the Word of God. Always. Not just the gospel itself but all that God has said, we must humbly heed it. Transition: [Slide 18 (blank)] So, what is the application of this text from Isaiah 6? How does Paul apply this harsh reality to them? III.) God saves all men by grace through faith in Christ, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (28-31) a. [Slide 19] 28 - Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” i. Because they have continually closed their eyes to the gospel and shut their ears to scarcely hear… ii. Because the soil of their hearts, the land of their souls has been polluted. iii. Because the hearts of the Jews have become rocky ground where little grows. iv. God has turned aside to shine His gospel light on different fields. v. This is not necessarily God turning his back on the Jews forever. We've seen this in Jeremiah where the Lord continues to call those whom He has divorced, to repentance. vi. But it is God leaving behind the Jews, extending the gospel to the gentiles, to make the Jews jealous. vii. And Paul's final comment is what ultimately forces the unbelieving Jews to walk away in disgust. viii. It isn't necessarily that the gospel will go to the gentiles. ix. But Paul says, they will also hear. 1. The word hear, is the same word used before to communicate their ability to hear even though they didn't understand. 2. But Paul uses the middle voice of this verb. 3. Middle voice is when the subject does the action… to or for themselves. 4. To hear for yourself… implies not just a perception of sound or noise, but to receive or heed it. x. This is quite shocking. xi. It is probably difficult enough for the Jews to accept that God is sending the message of salvation to the Gentiles. xii. But Paul intentionally, by wordplay, makes a direct comparison. xiii. The Jews before him today, what they cannot and will not do, the Gentiles will do. xiv. This last comment is too much for these Roman Jews to take. xv. This is the “word” that forces them to walk out. b. [Slide 20] 29 - [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] i. You'll notice that I have this verse in brackets and in yellow on the screen. ii. Many of the oldest, and most reliable manuscript copies of the book of Acts that we have are missing this verse. iii. When the chapter divisions and verse numbers were assigned, we had not yet discovered these manuscripts and therefore had no reason to question the authenticity of this particular verse. iv. Since the KJV was translated we have discovered almost 6,000 manuscripts of the New Testament. Most of which affirm and authenticate the manuscripts that the KJV translators had available to them. v. But occasionally, we find a verse like this where the evidence does not support a verse being included. vi. As to the motive of the addition it is actually fairly obvious. vii. If this verse isn't in the text, we must make an intuitive leap that it was the fact that Paul said the Gentiles would believe the gospel that caused these Roman Jews to leave Paul's residence in frustration. viii. Everything in verse 29 is mentioned earlier which again reinforces the idea that this was probably added as a comment to remind the reader or point out to the reader that this was the real reason the Jews left. c. [Slide 21] 30 - And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, i. Finally, Luke concludes his book with a look to the remaining two years of ministry Paul has in the city of Rome. ii. For the next two years Paul welcomes all who came to him and we should very much see this as Luke's assertion that Jews and gentiles alike were welcomed to come and visit with him. Not just the gentiles. iii. Many of his visitors were his companions visiting with him and ministering to his needs. iv. From his letters we know that Paul had sent many of his visiting companions to relay messages all around the Roman Empire to various churches. v. We are reasonably sure that Paul wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this time. d. [Slide 22] 31 - preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. i. But Paul was not merely writing letters and entertaining Christian guests. ii. He was also preaching the gospel to all who would hear. iii. He did this boldly and without any restraint on him. iv. And so, the gospel goes to the Jews and the Gentiles of Rome, and Paul ministers to the church there while he awaits his trial. v. This is how Luke's record for Theophilus ends. vi. And we know that Paul will be released and will travel on a 4th missionary journey after this, and possibly even to Spain after that. vii. And so, the promise of Jesus from Acts 1, that His church will take the kingdom of God to the uttermost parts of the earth, has been fulfilled. viii. And with that bookend, the book of Acts is complete. e. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: Luke finishes his book declaring the wonderful grace of God. Though the soil of the Jews had grown rocky and hard, God is still gathering a people to himself from all nations. Jews and Gentiles will be gathered in by His grace. He will open their eyes and allow them to understand and perceive the truth of the gospel. He will enable them to believe on Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and Savior. He will graciously create a Kingdom of Priests who are the bride of His dear Son. As John the Baptist said, he could raise up stones to declare His praises to Him if He desired. So, God has determined to raise up a people that were not a people to be His people. A people made of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor, from every tribe, tongue, nation and culture. And Paul spends the next two years in Rome with that application. That God is shining the light of the gospel to the gentiles and that they will hear it. So, what must we do today? Humbly heed the Word of God today my friends. Join this Kingdom that is and will be forever. Conclusion: So, what have we seen here today CBC that corrects and informs our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] How fitting it is for Luke to conclude his two-scroll tome to Theophilus with a scene in which Paul continues the same ministry he always had. Preaching the gospel to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Paul's sermon demonstrates the final word to Theophilus on why he must hold fast to what he has believed. He did not believe because of the persuasive power of those who preached the gospel to him. Instead, he believed because the Lord opened his eyes so he could humbly heed what the Word of God said. He, like all other believers, was saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. All these points combine together to deliver to us a single message of truth. Theophilus must know the certainty of the gospel because… the gospel is that God alone acts to save sinners. He does so by the washing of regeneration so a sinner can grasp hold of the purchased redemption of Christ by faith. This is all according to the power of God to change people who are dead in their sins and children of wrath by nature… into sons and daughters. Theophilus must know that the gospel is true, because he has been brought to life by the power of God. No man can do what has been done to him. In fact, the litmus test for the true gospel, is how much of man's power is in it. If there is any at all… it is not the gospel. So, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Certainly, we must hear and heed the gospel command to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. But also, in every facet of life, we must humbly heed God's Word. No matter what it says no matter how much we naturally disagree, and no matter how much it means we must change. Let God's Word be true and everything else be a lie. But let me attempt to apply these concepts to our everyday life. 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that salvation is accomplished in an individual's life by God alone. a. Paul's sermon to the Roman Jews consisted of several hours of preaching the kingdom of God manifested in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, which was predicted in the Mosaic law and the Prophets. b. For hours he reasoned with them passionately. c. In the end some did come to faith in Jesus Christ. But Luke does not give credit to Paul for this. d. God opened their eyes to the truth of what Paul taught. e. We saw this in Acts 16 when Lydia did the same. f. And Paul himself says this in I Corinthians 2, that this was true when he preached in Corinth. g. Paul didn't convince anyone of the gospel. Paul didn't lead anyone to Christ. h. The scriptures teach us that GOD draws sinners to Himself. How? Through the word of God being proclaimed. i. In this the preacher is merely the means God uses to connect those whom He is calling to faith in Jesus Christ. j. You see, not only has the price been paid through the redemption of Jesus Christ, but God even acts to bring sinners to that realization. k. If your view of the gospel has any whiff of man's effort, man's work, man's action, or man's ability… it is not the gospel you are believing. l. If your gospel says that God has done everything except for… you can stop right there… because it isn't the gospel anymore. m. God did not do 99.99% of your salvation and awaits you to contribute your .01%. n. God accomplished EVERYTHING. o. In Romans 8 we see that God foreordained, predestined, called, justified, and glorified His people. p. Paul takes us from before the foundations of the world to the eternal kingdom and shows that in an individual Christian's life… God has done everything. q. When He desires you to be connected by faith to the redemption Jesus has purchased with His blood, He will enable you to believe by opening your eyes to see the truth of the gospel and believe it. r. The scriptures clearly teach us that salvation is not of works, it is all a gift, so much so that even repentance and faith are called gifts of God in the New Testament. s. So, my friends, we must, for the sake of the purity of the gospel, we must eradicate every last shred of human work, no matter how small, from our understanding of the gospel. t. For if we don't… it just isn't the gospel anymore. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God resists the proud and disobedient and hides the gospel from them. a. Do you remember the parable of the soils which Jesus taught. b. It is one of the few parables where Jesus actually explains its meaning to His disciples. c. The farmer is the same. The seed is the same. The distribution of that seed is the same. d. The only thing that changes is the soil in which the seed is cast. e. The first soil is soil that is hard. It is a pathway. It is not tilled. It is not soft. It is not open to receiving the seed. f. On this soil the devil comes and snatches away the seed scattered there because it did not penetrate the soil. g. This is essentially what Paul says has happened to the unbelieving Jews. They are so arrogant and so disobedient that though they have eyes, they cannot see, though they have ears they cannot hear… though the soil of their heart has dirt… it is hard, beaten down, and eroded. It is incapable of receiving the seed. h. James says that God resists the proud. i. The fact of the matter is that a heart that is proud, self-focused, self-ruled, disobedient and defiant… such a heart can never receive the gospel message. j. But there is a tension here that we need to recognize. 3.) [Slide 27] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God has given salvation to only one specific people group. a. As shocking as it was for the Jews to hear that God is giving salvation to the gentiles, so it will be just as shocking for us to hear that God is not giving salvation to one kind of people. b. God is giving salvation to Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Hindus, and even Satanists. c. God is giving salvation to homosexuals, pedophiles, transgenders, murderers, adulterers, thieves, traitors and liars. d. God is giving salvation to Democrats, Republicans, Rich people, poor people, black people, red people. e. As long as the heart of that person is soft to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ… they will receive it. f. But all these labels along with their beliefs, allegiances, and practices, all bow to the Lordship of Jesus Christ when one truly receives the gospel. g. Gentiles will hear the gospel… but that doesn't mean they can keep worshipping their pagan gods. h. But God is not just saving those who attend church all their lives. i. His people are scattered throughout the world. j. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers, your family, your friends, your nurses, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors. k. They may have a different political party than you. They may currently be practicing a different religion. l. We don't know who they are. So we preach Christ crucified and rely on God's power to change them. m. It is a lie for us to believe that anyone is beyond the reach of the gospel. n. Look at Paul… how many times has he preached to the Jews in various cities and how many times has the result been the same? Very few believe. Many do not… And then they oppose the gospel. o. Yet here he is again… preaching to Jews in Rome. p. May we have the same drive of Paul to preach the gospel to any and all we come into contact with. 4.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must humbly heed the Word of the Lord. a. Generally speaking, God resists the proud but exalts the humble. b. True and humble belief in His Word is always accompanied by obedience. c. James says we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. d. The Jews had a long history of struggling with this as a nation. e. There were always those who did humbly heed the Word of the Lord. f. They were the remnant. True Israel. g. If we are God's children, we too must humbly hear and heed the Word of God. h. Do you have that view of God's Word? Or do you find yourself always interpreting the of the Word of God to make it fit what you already believe or what you are already doing? i. When is the last time you had to crucify something you believed or practiced because of what God's Word said? j. If you can't think of a time that that has ever happened… or if that has rarely happened in your life…you may want to search your heart. Is it too hard to be molded by God's Word? 5.) [Slide 29] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Will you humble yourself and obey the gospel? a. The book of Acts really is part two of the gospel of Luke. b. It is a gospel. It makes much of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It does so by way of seeing His followers forever changed by His saving power in their lives. c. This rag tag group of 20 somethings, nothings from nowhere, had suddenly turned the world upside down with the message of the gospel. d. My friends… what will you do with this Jesus? e. He is not a great prophet who spoke many wise words. He is not an example for us to show kindness and love to all people. He is not someone we can quote to support this political position or that… f. He is the Son of God, the Lord of all, and He will come to judge the living and the dead. g. He will judge them according to their works. h. All those who are judged by the books which record their works will be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. i. Only those who are not judged by those books but by the book of life… only they will enter into His Kingdom. j. So I ask again… what will you do with Jesus Christ? k. What should be done with Him? l. If all that Jesus said, did, and claimed of Himself, the world, and The Kingdom of God is true.. then you must humble yourself before His Lordship… beg for His mercy… and place all your hope in His death and resurrection to be your death and resurrection. m. Jesus Christ should become your… EVERYTHING. That is what it means to obey the gospel. n. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, what you have believed up to this point, or where you think you are going… o. Humble yourself, repent and believe on Jesus and you will have life in Him. p. If this is you today – don't leave without talking to an Elder. We'd love to hear and help in any way we can. [Slide 30 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs. Lord, today you have set before me out of your word a glorious mystery—a righteousness of your Son that I did not know or care about before. I see now my happiness lies there. No matter what happens to me in the world, and no matter what happens to my name or my worldly possessions, I am forever secure if I have Christ to clothe me. Lord, if righteousness did prevail, then you would be honored more than ever. We would have the joy of our hearts, we would be delivered from the temptations we encounter, and your saints would not suffer as they do. We pray that you would make righteousness prevail in our hearts, in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Send us a textWhat if your best religious moments still left you with nothing to brag about? We close our study of Galatians with a hard-won freedom: God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. We read 6:14–18 and trace Paul's unflinching logic—if any part of salvation rests on keeping the law, then the door to boasting stays open. If salvation rests on Christ alone, boasting dies and peace lives.We walk through why the law, though holy and good, cannot justify anyone because we cannot keep it. Paul contrasts works-righteousness with justification by the faith of Jesus Christ, allowing no mixture. That clarity doesn't crush; it heals. Obedience becomes evidence, not entry. The new creation is the true rule that shapes our steps, not a maintenance plan for grace. When Paul says the world is crucified to me and I to the world, he's rejecting the scoreboard mentality that ties worth to performance. Crowns, when they come, return to Christ because even our best works were prepared by God beforehand.We also reflect on the cost of this message. Paul bears the marks of the Lord Jesus in his body, a living refutation of shallow triumphalism. Peace and mercy rest on all who walk by this rule and upon the Israel of God—people defined by promise, not pedigree. Along the way, we share practical analogies and scripture anchors from Ephesians and Matthew that make the doctrine sing in everyday life. If you've ever felt the pressure to add something—anything—to secure your place with God, this is your release valve. Subscribe, share this with a friend who's weary of religious performance, and leave a review telling us where the cross silenced boasting for you.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if every attempt to “improve” the gospel actually empties it of power? We dive into Galatians 6 and confront the impulse to add rituals, rules, or moral checklists to justification by faith, showing how Paul's charge to boast only in the cross dismantles religious pride and frees the conscience. With clear stories, Scripture, and honest reflection, we unpack why the world is “crucified” to the believer and what that means for approval, identity, and obedience.Together we challenge modern Judaizing—those subtle messages that say Jesus saves but you must complete the job. We trace how works that please God are not currency we pay but fruit God grows, the evidence of union with Christ and the indwelling Spirit. From 1 Corinthians to Colossians, we highlight how the ordinances against us were nailed to the cross, why no flesh should glory, and how forgiveness truly covers all sin. Listeners hear heartfelt testimonies that celebrate a salvation designed so no one can boast, and a Savior who accomplished redemption, adoption, and assurance in full.This conversation aims to replace anxiety with awe. If “new creation” is what counts, then external labels—circumcision or uncircumcision, old badges or new trends—fade beside the deeper reality of life in Christ. We talk about how assurance fuels holiness, how grief over sin becomes a fresh look at a finished work, and why obedience is response, not leverage. Join us, reflect on where you've felt pressure to add to grace, and rediscover the joy of giving all glory to God. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the good news.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if obedience isn't a ladder you climb but the fruit of a heart made new? We dive into the shift from fear-driven religion to love-shaped holiness, tracing how the Spirit unites us to Christ, awakens new affections, and forms a kind of obedience that cannot be manufactured by pressure or pride. From there, we pull on the thread Paul lays down: neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts—only a new creation.Together we wrestle with the law's true role. The law exposes need and sets a people apart, but it cannot sanctify. We talk practically about families, catechesis, and corporate worship, showing how habits in the home create a sanctifying environment without pretending those habits can save. Rituals become pathways, not trophies—helpful when they lead to Christ, hollow when they replace him.We also explore the Israel of God, rooting Christian identity in the promise to Abraham fulfilled in Jesus. Believers are heirs not by birthright but by union with the Seed, and that changes how we see community, mission, and assurance. Then we define biblical peace: not a vibe, but reconciliation with God—shalom made personal in Christ. That peace steadies anxious hearts and disarms the harshest critic within. No weapon formed against you will prosper, including the self-sabotage of shame and despair, because grace is stronger and Christ is enough.If you're hungry for a faith that feels less like performance and more like transformation, this conversation will meet you where you are and point you to where grace leads. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if the kind of peace you crave isn't a feeling but a fact secured by a Person? We open with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego staring down a furnace and refusing to bow, then follow that courage to its source: reconciliation with God through Jesus that turns every outcome into a win. That's why believers can smile through loss; not because life is soft, but because the war with God is over and Christ stands as our advocate.From there, we dig into mercy with precision. Mercy isn't vague kindness; it's divine compassion that refuses to give us what our sins deserve. Lamentations 3 becomes our anchor—new mercies, every morning. We ask what this demands of us in real life: fewer thunderbolts in our comments, more restraint with people who may deserve our sharpest words. Mercy becomes discipleship: durable love that feels like Jesus.We also wade into contested terrain—temple, abomination of desolation, and the millennium—without getting lost in speculation. Centering on Christ as the true temple and His present reign resets the conversation: our hope isn't a calendar, it's a King. That insight sets up the heart of the episode: the Israel of God is the single family God promised, made of Jew and Gentile who trust Christ by faith. No nationalism, no sectarian labels, no dividing the body. We challenge one another to test the spirits, look for the fruit of the Spirit, and live the five solas with humility.If you're hungry for peace that holds, mercy that transforms, and a church that looks like one family, press play. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review with the scripture that anchors your hope. What's the one passage you turn to when the heat rises?Support the show

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The True Israel of God (Part 3 of 4) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 10/16/2025 Length: 35 min.

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The True Israel of God (Part 2 of 4) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 10/16/2025 Length: 35 min.

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The True Israel of God (Part 4 of 4) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 10/16/2025 Length: 35 min.

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The True Israel of God (Part 1 of 4) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 10/16/2025 Length: 36 min.

Today's Gospel stream 10-12-2025 Sermon Title: Something Old & Something New Pt 1 Text: Genesis 1 to 7 1. This is a new series that I am beginning and will last as long as I will preach. 2. The idea is to showcase gospel testimony from the Old Testament stories-the Old and connect to the New. So, they will carry the title-SOMETHING OLD & SOMETHING NEW. 3. And one cannot do this if they do NOT have a gospel centered hermeneutic in how they read all the scriptures. 4. The bible is not about the nation of Israel. It is about Christ Jesus, the True Israel of God. 5. Thus, it must bear witness to Him who said-in the scroll of the book it is WRITTEN ABOUT ME. 6. This is a wonderful message, but it is not for one-time listening. That is how many continue to be famished in gospel things because they listen not to enjoy Christ's testimony but to just tick off something on their list. 7. But we Preach Christ and IT IS FREE!

PLEASE ALWAYS READ THIS INFO BOX WHEN YOU VISIT TMVP BLOG. ***Especially please do not send any gift to this ministry unless you have read & understood the instructions below.*** DO NOT INTERACT WITH ANYONE ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Thank you. WEBSITE: WWW.THE-MASTERS-VOICE.COM PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: If you'd like to support this work, it is appreciated. Kindly use PayPal or email me for other options at mastersvoice@mail.com, and *please* give me some time to respond. If using PayPal PLEASE DO NOT send any gift with "Purchase Protection". I have an ordinary PayPal account, not a seller marketplace, so please do not damage my account by using "purchase protection" on your donation (as if I were making a sale to you). If you are not sure (especially if you sent in the past), please check the format of your gift on the PayPal receipt before sending. It is a freewill offering, I am not selling goods or services. Please use *only* the "Friends & Family" sending option. If you're outside the USA please DO NOT use PayPal, contact me instead at the email listed here & allow me a good window to respond. Thank you, God bless. PayPal ------- mastersvoice@mail.com.

Subject: Romans 9:4-13 Speaker or Performer: R.G. Murray Scripture Passage(s): Romans 9:4-13 Date of Delivery: September 28, 2025

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Brent Parker (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), assistant editor of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology to discuss the Israel-Christ-Church relationship in biblical theology. ResourcesA Biblical and Theological Perspective of National Israel by Brent ParkerChrist Jesus, the True Israel: Progressive Covenantalism on Israel, Christ, and the Church by Brent ParkerCovenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture by Brent Parker and Richard LucasProgressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies edited by Stephen Wellum and Brent Parker

Who is true Israel according to the Bible?Please support our sponsor Modern Roots Life: https://modernrootslife.com/?bg_ref=rVWsBoOfcFPatreon: https://patreon.com/JT_Follows_JC?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkJESUS SAID THERE WOULD BE HATERS: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/mens-shirts/WOMEN'S SHIRTS: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/womens-shirts/Jenny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennymireLori's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remnantrising5.0The Rooted Truth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3dAaUcuhAPqiasBxwQyGSM?si=2ecee8782c4c4f73 The Rooted Truth website: https://www.therootedtruth.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwJ3sh9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp8ODc1RxENoi2b6rBDkwg3tisoUfFDHnwszhLo4WYRvjnC_GvV7pB260b1Te_aem_a2HkWYj0fNlGDsn6Exp5PQBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jt-s-mix-tape--6579902/support.

I was honored to join the great Tom Woods on for this episode recorded live at the Ron Paul 90th birthday BBQ event. Donate to the show here:   Visit my website:   Audio Production by Podsworth Media:   Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Episode 476 debuts on Wednesday, August 6, at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM (all times Eastern). Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule. Our topic is Israel's Catholic Problem. Our guest is Joe Doyle.Israel's Catholic Problem — by Joe Doyle at catholicism.org (coming soon!)The Catholic Church Is the True Israel — by Brother André Marie at catholicism.orgProcession on the parvis of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre headed by Kawas (Ottoman guards). Image credits: lehava nazareth Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons."Reconquest" is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center.

Episode 475 debuts on Wednesday, July 30, at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM (all times Eastern). Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule. Our topic is Seize the Anti-Zionist Inflection Point for Christ the King! The Catholic Church Is the True Israel — by Brother André Marie at catholicism.org "Reconquest" is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center.

In this episode, Justin joins us to discuss what true Israel is from a biblical perspective. If you'd like to reach out to Justin, his email is elenbaasj28@gmail.com

Do not be fooled by the modern-day religious and political propaganda that seems to be everywhere. They attempt to convince you that it is all about the Middle East but the truth of the matter is that is all about your SOUL and where you are going to spend eternity! You can be GENUINELY saved and born-again of the SPIRIT, God's Way, which is the ONLY way. You qualify because you are a WRETCH just like the rest of us . . . VIDEO SAME MESSAGE

The answer may surprise you if you are not a student of the Scriptures. . . VIDEO SAME MESSAGE

Do not be fooled by the modern-day religious and political propaganda that seems to be everywhere. They attempt to convince you that it is all about the Middle East but the truth of the matter is that is all about your SOUL and where you are going to spend eternity! You can be GENUINELY saved and born-again of the SPIRIT, God's Way, which is the ONLY way. You qualify because you are a WRETCH just like the rest of us . . . VIDEO SAME MESSAGE

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  The Parsons Pad Website: https://parsonspad.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

On today's episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America. NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Get your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide today!:https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885;Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America.

Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America.

On today's episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America. NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Get your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide today!:https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885;Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

On today's episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America. NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Get your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide today!:https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885;Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Pastor Nate Wright joins Drs. Boot and Thiessen to discuss the religious roots of the current geopolitical conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America.

In this episode of The Vortex Apologetic, Beef and the Brain discuss modern day Israel. They cover part of the conversation between Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson regarding support for Israel. Is modern day Israel the biblical Israel? Is prophecy being fulfilled with the Israel/Iran war? Are we Christians commanded to support modern day Israel? Also, much more happening in our world.  Tune in, listen and be a Berean!     Episode recorded on June 19, 2025

Do Christians have a Biblical mandate to support the policies of the current nation state of Israel? Does Genesis 12 say that Christians today must support Israel in order to be blessed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do Christians have a Biblical mandate to support the policies of the current nation state of Israel? Does Genesis 12 say that Christians today must support Israel in order to be blessed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

One of the most common objections we get from dispensationalists is that we do not know how to “rightly divide the Word of Truth”, which is taken from II Timothy 2:15. Based on the dispensational view popularized by Scofield, Larkin, Ryrie, and others, this verse is a foundational hermeneutical passage instructing the church that God's word must be broken into divisions so that it can be properly understood. But not only is the dispensational view of this verse incorrect, it also goes against the hermeneutical and doctrinal thrust of all of Scripture, which instead of teaching division, teaches that Christ's purpose was to bring unity.In this episode, we examine II Timothy 2:15 in light of a broader view of God's Word. We look at many passages where scripture teaches that Christ came to reconcile man to God, to unify the Jews and the Gentiles, and to restore God's creation. We look at the dispensational insistence that the church and Israel must be forever separated from one another, and explain why Scripture teaches this is not true. God did divorce the physical nation of Israel, and to the extent that it continues in the world, it is an example of what happens to those who reject Him. But the Israel that is made up of those Old and New Testament saints that are the children of Abraham by faith, is reckoned in the Son of David, the risen Christ, the True Israel, and regardless of their earthly heritage, all those who believer are made one in Christ and are partakers of the promises. Please join us as we discuss this often mishandled verse of scripture.Listen to the audio version here: Thumbnail image by Rod Ramsey under CC-BY 2.0Timecodes00:00:00 What is Dividing00:05:47 The Context00:07:52 Dividing God's People00:20:15 Word and Spirit00:24:58 Jews and Gentiles00:46:21 What is Rightly Dividing?1:00:05 ChartsProduction of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NCPermanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua HornTechnical Director - Timothy KaiserTheme Music - Gabriel Hudelson

One of the most common objections we get from dispensationalists is that we do not know how to "rightly divide the Word of Truth", which is taken from II Timothy 2:15. Based on the dispensational view popularized by Scofield, Larkin, Ryrie, and others, this verse is a foundational hermeneutical passage instructing the church that God's word must be broken into divisions so that it can be properly understood. But not only is the dispensational view of this verse incorrect, it also goes against the hermeneutical and doctrinal thrust of all of Scripture, which instead of teaching division, teaches that Christ's purpose was to bring unity.In this episode, we examine II Timothy 2:15 in light of a broader view of God's Word. We look at many passages where scripture teaches that Christ came to reconcile man to God, to unify the Jews and the Gentiles, and to restore God's creation. We look at the dispensational insistence that the church and Israel must be forever separated from one another, and explain why Scripture teaches this is not true. God did divorce the physical nation of Israel, and to the extent that it continues in the world, it is an example of what happens to those who reject Him. But the Israel that is made up of those Old and New Testament saints that are the children of Abraham by faith, is reckoned in the Son of David, the risen Christ, the True Israel, and regardless of their earthly heritage, all those who believer are made one in Christ and are partakers of the promises. Please join us as we discuss this often mishandled verse of scripture.Listen to the audio version here: Thumbnail image by Rod Ramsey under CC-BY 2.0Timecodes

In arguing that Gentile believers ought to be considered as True Israel, one of the most significant passages discussed is Galatians 3. In Galatians 3, Gentile believers are called sons of God and the offspring of Abraham. These phrases also refer to Israel in the Old Testament. Does this mean that Gentiles are pictured as the spiritual Israel? Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction02:22 Proof Texts within Galatians 309:25 Scholarly Quotations on Galatians 312:37 Response 1: Presuppositions of Burden of Proof14:59 Response 2: Logical Problems22:34 Response 3: 4 Categories for "Offspring" in Bible30:01 Response 4: Abraham's Uniqueness34:17 Response 5: Incorporation in Christ36:39 Response 6: Problems with Galatians 3:2841:33 Concluding ThoughtsIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leaving a review on Itunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rating it on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also find ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Sojourner on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠petergoeman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ shepherds.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

THIS EPISODE "Who is the true Israel?" in Philippians 3? Though this may seem like a secondary issue, Rob and Vinnie suggest that it is critical to understand because it relates to the very mission that God has called us to.      FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).  Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others.     CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God. You can visit us online at www.determinetruth.com Check out our YouTube Library, where we have even more content!     SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation and help partner with us, please VISIT US HERE      

A Reason For Hope with Pastor Scott Richards! Sharing the Word one question of the heart at a time. Tags: Repentance, True Israel, and Pope Leo XIV

In Luke 9:28–36, we witness 9 divine descriptions ofJesus in the Father's answer to the ongoing question,"Who is this Man?"I. Jesus is glorious now and will receive future glory(vs. 28–29).II. Jesus is greater than the Law and Prophets (v. 30).III. Jesus is the Deliverer (v. 31).IV. Jesus is God present with His people, thoughsometimes misunderstood by them (vs. 32–33).V. Jesus is approved by the Father (vs. 34–35a).VI. Jesus is the True Israel, God's Son (vs. 35b).VII. Jesus is the True Messianic King (v. 35b–c).VIII. Jesus is the True Prophet (v. 35d).IX. Jesus is unique (v. 36).

Just weeks after October 7, 2023—the worst moment in Jewish history since the Holocaust—Pastor Jeff Durbin of Apologia Studios released a video discussing the massacre. In it, he argued that Jewish people who do not believe in Jesus are not truly Jewish and are not God's chosen people. Instead, he claimed that Christians are the true Jews—that Christians are Israel. Through this video, Pastor Jeff Durbin fuels and spreads antisemitism. The video you are about to watch is a Messianic Jewish response, correcting the gross errors Pastor Jeff makes and offering a careful exegesis of the biblical passages he misuses to support his claims.0:00 – Responding to Pastor Jeff Durbin taking advantage of October 7th to promote replacement theology7:00 – Showing why Pastor Jeff Durbin's interpretation of Romans 2.27–29 is incorrect and exegeting the text 26:53 – Responding to Pastor Jeff Durbin's antisemitic comments29:43 – Showing why Pastor Jeff Durbin's interpretation of Romans 9:6 is incorrect and exegeting the text46:24 – What God says about Israel in the Tanakh 47:31 – What Paul says about Israel Original clip You can also watch on our YouTube channelFollow us on Social Media: FacebookInstagramIf you are looking for a way to support us and gain early access to our content, you can become a monthly supporter on Subscribestar We also have: PayPal___________________________ Resources:David J. Rudolph, “Zionism in Pauline Literature: Does Paul Eliminate Particularity for Israel & the Land in His Portrayal of Salvation Available for All the World?” in New Christian Zionism Fresh Perspectives on Israel and the Land, ed. Gerald R. McDermott (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2016), 167–194. Mark D. Nanos, “‘The Gifts and the Calling of God Are Irrevocable' (Romans 11.29): If So, How Can Paul Declare That ‘Not All Israelites Truly Belong to Israel' (9.6)” SCJR 11 (2016): 1–17. Matthew Thiessen, “Paul's Argument against Gentile Circumcision in Romans 2.17–29,” Novum Testamentum 56, no. 4 (2014): 373–391. Matthew V. Novenson, Paul, Then and Now (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2022), 91–117.Ryan D. Cullman, Apostle to the Foreskin: Circumcision in the Letters of Paul (Berlin: de Gruyter, 2023), 148–196. Ryan D. Cullman, "(Un)Making a Theological Mountain Out of a Cardiological Mohel: Heart-Circumcision in Paul's Epistles,” Journal for the Jesus Movement in its Jewish Setting, no. 10 (2023): 89–105. “Are Christians ‘the True Jews?'”“Is the Church the ‘True Israel'?”Our interview with Michael Jones of Inspiring Philosophy addressing the question: “Is the New Testament Antisemitic?” For an excellent movie documenting October 7, 2023, and the antisemitism that has been raging since, watch October 8

PLEASE ALWAYS READ THIS INFO BOX WHEN YOU VISIT TMVP BLOG. ***Especially please do not send any gift to this ministry unless you have read & understood the instructions below.*** DO NOT INTERACT WITH ANYONE ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Thank you. WEBSITE: WWW.THE-MASTERS-VOICE.COM Today's Word: Jer. 30:3; Jer. 31:8-12; Ezek. 36:16-36 Regathering of Israel. Nations will be on edge. American hegemony will fail. Multi-polar world is imminent. All nations will want to be "noticed". Yehudim will have a global fall. True Israel must get prepared. Deut. 28 still matters. Trust Yah and honor His timing. Hear the words of the Lord. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: If you'd like to support this work it is appreciated. Kindly use PayPal or email for other options at mastersvoice@mail.com, and *please* give me some time to respond. If using PayPal PLEASE DO NOT send any gift with "Purchase Protection". I have an ordinary PayPal account not a seller marketplace, so please do not damage my account by using "purchase protection" on your donation (as if I were making a sale to you). If you are not sure (especially if you sent in the past), please check the format of your gift on the PayPal receipt before sending. It is a freewill offering, I am not selling goods or services. Please use *only* the "Friends & Family" sending option on PayPal. If you're outside the USA please DO NOT use PayPal; contact me instead at the email listed here & kindly allow me a good window to respond. Thank you, God bless. PayPal ------- mastersvoice@mail.com.

I'm sure you've heard the expression true Israel but what does that mean? What makes someone a true Israelite? Certainly it's not a list of credentials. Tune in this week to The Bible Study Hour, preparing you to think and act biblically. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This was to demonstrate that Christ is the True Israel of God (Israel wandered faithlessly in the wilderness for 40 years with constant provision/Jesus wandered faithfully in the wilderness for 40 days without any provision). Topics: Resisting Temptation, Spirit Warfare, Doctrine of the Son Texts:

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. This was to demonstrate that Christ is the True Israel of God (Israel wandered faithlessly in the wilderness for 40 years with constant provision/Jesus wandered faithfully in the wilderness for 40 days without any provision).