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Mark 5:1-20 is the second of four miracles that display Jesus' power as God in flesh. At the end of chapter 4, Jesus calmed a storm by rebuking it. Creation bowed to its master as the wind and waves obeyed. The creator is sovereign over His creation. Mark 5:1-20 shows us that Jesus also holds power over the spiritual realm, the armies of Satan, and the kingdom of darkness. When Jesus arrives at the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee, a man enslaved by unclean spirits meets Him. Mark provides significant detail regarding this man's hopeless and tormented condition (v. 1-5). As the narrative progresses, we learn that a legion of unclean spirits inhabits him. But even thousands of demons cannot withstand His authority. Jesus triumphs over the host of enemy powers with the same authority and word that stilled the storm. Jesus has come to set the captive free. This man's circumstances are extreme, but they are not the only picture of someone enslaved to Satan's kingdom. Without Christ, all of Adam's descendants are held under Satan's power (1 John 5:19; Eph. 2:1-2; Col. 1:13-14). If Jesus can conquer the army garrisoned within this man, He can free any captive and save any soul enslaved by sin. There are several twists in this narrative involving suicidal pigs and a howling graveyard dweller, but as we have seen before, Jesus is the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:7) and possesses the power to bring the kingdom of God into the darkness. Mark ends this passage by displaying how the townspeople and the recently delivered man respond to Jesus. One is commissioned, while the others beg Jesus to leave. I. The Plight Of The Enemy's Slave (v. 1-5) II. The Power Of The Sovereign Son (v. 6-13) III. The Responses To This Lord & King (v. 14-20) In Christ, Jason Velotta worship-connect-serve
In today's sermon, Pastor Andrew Coleman preaches from John 21: 1-14 and looks at the 40 day period between Christ's ascension and resurrection. Through this passage, we can see several key truths. First, Without Christ, we can do nothing that is eternal. Second, God's people are incredibly diverse—all for his glory and purposes. Third, God's people must learn to recognize, trust, and obey him. When we do this, there will be miraculous results and blessing. Ultimately, it is only the power of Christ and his Gospel that will change the world! ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_0f9ec8abdcd94706976f383bdd2f03fc.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_f8ef758a6db442baaa772b5386044521.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/
The faith is just so much empty gas without the genuineness of the Incarnation.Monday • 4/28/2025 •Week of 2 Easter This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 1; Psalm 2; Psalm 3; Daniel 1:1–21; 1 John 1:1–10; John 17:1–11 This morning's Canticles are: before the Psalm reading, Pascha Nostrum (“Christ Our Passover,” BCP, p. 83); following the OT reading, Canticle 9 (“The First Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 12:2–6, BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)
Lent 2025Today's transcript. We depend on donations from exceptional listeners like you. To donate, click here.The Daily Rosary Meditations is now an app! Click here for more info.To find out more about The Movement and enroll: https://www.schooloffaith.com/membershipPrayer requests | Subscribe by email | Download our app | Donate
Are you willing to let Jesus open your eyes? Without Christ, we live in spiritual blindness—searching or longing for something we may not fully understand. Yet, when Jesus meets us in our brokenness, He meets us exactly where we are and offers His transformative power. The key is our willingness to acknowledge our need for Him. Only then can we receive His gift of sight and salvation. Join us as we reflect on the story of the blind man in John 9, exploring how Jesus opens our eyes—both spiritually and miraculously.
Are you willing to let Jesus open your eyes? Without Christ, we live in spiritual blindness—searching or longing for something we may not fully understand. Yet, when Jesus meets us in our brokenness, He meets us exactly where we are and offers His transformative power. The key is our willingness to acknowledge our need for Him. Only then can we receive His gift of sight and salvation. Join us as we reflect on the story of the blind man in John 9, exploring how Jesus opens our eyes—both spiritually and miraculously.
Are you willing to let Jesus open your eyes? Without Christ, we live in spiritual blindness—searching or longing for something we may not fully understand. Yet, when Jesus meets us in our brokenness, He meets us exactly where we are and offers His transformative power. The key is our willingness to acknowledge our need for Him. Only then can we receive His gift of sight and salvation. Join us as we reflect on the story of the blind man in John 9, exploring how Jesus opens our eyes—both spiritually and miraculously.
Send us a textMatthew 11:28-30 says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 is an invitation for all to come to Christ and be saved. It was originally offered to Israel as they struggled and toiled as we also do in this world's difficulties. Trying to live life without Christ is wearisome and hard as all of life's difficulties bear down on us. Without Christ many times life just overwhelms us and beats us down. Many bail out on life because it just becomes too hard. Many try the religious way of life and all the rules and regulations that they impose on people, but that is not what Christ does. He loves us and cares for us and when we trust in Him as Savior then life becomes easier as we can give all our cares and burdens to Him (1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 4:6-9). When we come to Christ the things that we felt we needed to do to get into heaven and please God and men become something we want to do, not have to. That is why coming to Christ takes the load off of our shoulders as He gives us earthly peace, joy, and abundant life. Do you know Him as Savior? Come to Him today, ask Him to forgive you and save you because of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection which paid for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:32 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.nethttps://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions
Jesus confronts hard hearts and calls us to true righteousness
Luke 20:27-47 | JD Summers God's Word bears the authority of God himself. In Scripture we see ultimate truth that contains the good news of the gospel, but this good news challenges our own assumptions. Without Christ, our own understanding of ourselves, of the world, and of God are faulty, and we must forego our own misconceptions and instead align ourselves with the truth of Scripture. What will you do when Scripture challenges you? Will you harden your heart and reject it, or humbly embrace the living Word which is able to lead you to salvation?
John serves as a bridge between the New Testament and the Old Testament.
This Valentine's Day week, we're bringing you a couple's story that is rare and raw. From our Homewood community, JT and Katie Thornbury openly share about the profound emptiness in their lives and marriage prior to knowing Christ—and how they miraculously came to know Him, together, well into their 30s. For years, troubled pasts and past experiences influenced how JT and Katie approached life and faith. Plus, striving in their careers and in their parenting meant they usually focused on themselves and not on each other. But through a series of hard circumstances and intense searching, JT and Katie found their hearts and marriage healed by Him. What better way to celebrate Valentine's than to cheer on the Thornburys and their saved marriage? And even better, their secured salvation in Christ! In this episode, you will learn: –Without Christ's loving direction, all areas of your life will bend toward emptiness. –Seek Him and you will find Him; He can use your doubts to draw you to Himself. –Even after we come to know Christ, every day requires surrender and dependence. Links: Reason for God by Tim Keller Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Listen to a similar story: Andrea & Greg Carlisle- Ep. 98: “Broken & Restored: A Marriage Story and Sand & Oscar Price- Ep. Taste of Patreon Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie & JT and past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!
Colossians 1:15-23 is famously tabbed the “Hymn of Christ” and is perhaps the most comprehensive passage of Scripture that talks directly about who Christ is (Christology).Paul explains how Christ is Lord over all creation, His church, and even the redemption story. Paul reminds the church that the Lordship of Christ deserves our deepest adoration and devotion. The question of what the people of God will prioritize is of essential value to Paul within this passage.So for the reader today, Is Christ preeminent, prominent, popular, or pushed aside in your life?Without Christ nothing else matters and Christ must be the preeminent priority in every area of our lives.
Sermon Notes: 2/9/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford Luke 6: 24-26 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . This text is very straightforward, and very piercing. We often believe that power, and dominance will win the game of life. We align ourselves with people who have power. We hold allegiances to people who have the power they do. But the laws that govern the Kingdom of God, are not the laws that govern this world. In this text, the woeful life is the one that seems to be filled with worldly good things - wealth, food, laughter, being hyped up, all while your heart is far from God, and therefore facing destruction. It doesn’t work like we think it works. Without Christ, the good things of this world are setting us up for infinite destruction. That’s what “woe” is - infinite condemnation. So, we have to decide what is more important to us. Are we pursuing worldly happiness outside of Christ. Or are we pursuing a relationship with Christ. And that doesn’t mean that there aren’t wealthy Christians out there. But Paul gives us clear instruction on how to handle riches - to avoid pride, and to keep our hope in Christ, not our money. The specific warning he gives the rich is “You have already received your consolation.” If wealth blinds us to Christ, then we have our reward here on earth, rather than gaining the Kingdom. In terms of food - you can have full bellies but be empty of Christ if we do not depend on Him for sustenance. And if we do not have Christ we will be eternally hungry. In terms of happiness. (What he’s talking about here, are people who are amused by the suffering around them, or apathetic toward suffering around them). When you build your entertainment on the backs on those who are suffering, we are laughing without Christ. Stay alert to the apathy. Don’t laugh at the demise of other’s lives. That’s what Christ is warning us about. In terms of being well liked in the wrong ways - we’re either doing what the world is doing, or saying what the world wants us to say. And when we receive that validation, we are more likely to enjoy and love those who give that praise. Those that follow Christ, the world will press up against you and hate you. So if we’re loved by everyone in the world… we are making a big mistake. To be in Jesus is to invite tension and dissension from among the majority of the world.
Sermon Notes: 2/9/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford Luke 6: 24-26 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . This text is very straightforward, and very piercing. We often believe that power, and dominance will win the game of life. We align ourselves with people who have power. We hold allegiances to people who have the power they do. But the laws that govern the Kingdom of God, are not the laws that govern this world. In this text, the woeful life is the one that seems to be filled with worldly good things - wealth, food, laughter, being hyped up, all while your heart is far from God, and therefore facing destruction. It doesn’t work like we think it works. Without Christ, the good things of this world are setting us up for infinite destruction. That’s what “woe” is - infinite condemnation. So, we have to decide what is more important to us. Are we pursuing worldly happiness outside of Christ. Or are we pursuing a relationship with Christ. And that doesn’t mean that there aren’t wealthy Christians out there. But Paul gives us clear instruction on how to handle riches - to avoid pride, and to keep our hope in Christ, not our money. The specific warning he gives the rich is “You have already received your consolation.” If wealth blinds us to Christ, then we have our reward here on earth, rather than gaining the Kingdom. In terms of food - you can have full bellies but be empty of Christ if we do not depend on Him for sustenance. And if we do not have Christ we will be eternally hungry. In terms of happiness. (What he’s talking about here, are people who are amused by the suffering around them, or apathetic toward suffering around them). When you build your entertainment on the backs on those who are suffering, we are laughing without Christ. Stay alert to the apathy. Don’t laugh at the demise of other’s lives. That’s what Christ is warning us about. In terms of being well liked in the wrong ways - we’re either doing what the world is doing, or saying what the world wants us to say. And when we receive that validation, we are more likely to enjoy and love those who give that praise. Those that follow Christ, the world will press up against you and hate you. So if we’re loved by everyone in the world… we are making a big mistake. To be in Jesus is to invite tension and dissension from among the majority of the world.
Passage: Luke 14:16-24 WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcXMmRqBj1U To learn more about Adelphi, visit us at: adelphibaptist.com
Like it or not, DT is president once again. Biden is not. Neither is Harris. Lightening has struck for a second time. What is going on? Well, once you take Christ out of Christianity, anything is possible.
Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comMatthew 8Matthew's gospel has a purposeful structure to build out the authority of Jesus. Chapters 1-4 tell the story of Jesus in prophecy. Chapters 5-7 are filled with Jesus' life-changing teachings. Now, in chapters 8-9, the focus is placed squarely on miracles. In today's short chapter, we are gifted the following stories: the healing of the leper, the healing of the Centurion's servant, the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, the calming of the sea of Galilee, and the demons cast into the swine. This list forms a dynamic way of showing the power of Jesus over all things. Upon closer examination, it shows He can heal the body, He has authority over space and time, He overpowers the spiritual forces of darkness, and even the natural world obeys His mighty will. Where can we go to escape the jurisdiction of Jesus? And why would we even try? These stories give us tremendous confidence in how Christ can benefit our lives. As a man was burdened with decay through leprosy, so are we with physical sickness and spiritual death. Jesus, filled with compassion, promises to heal us of spiritual disease, and often helps with our physical needs! Jesus casting out demons reminds us that He is mightier than Satan and his workers. Without Christ's power and presence, we would be helpless in the spiritual warfare beyond our sight as well as the daily storms of life. Jesus alone has the might to protect us. May we put our faith and trust in Him. Oh Great God of majesty, may we take a moment today and be in awe of Your limitless power over all things. Thank you for demonstrating Your might through Jesus Christ. The natural world, the spiritual world, the human body, and the soul, are all subject to the glory and ability of Jesus. May our faith never limit the display of His power. Father, the storms of life often distract us. Help us to never give in to fear, but to turn to our Savior and call upon His presence to calm the storm and hold us close. Thought Questions: - What will happen if you approach Jesus with your sins like the leper in today's chapter? How does Jesus respond to such humility? - How far does the authority of Jesus reach? Is there any request you can make in faith that will be too much for Jesus? Go for it! - If Jesus controls the storms and the demons, two things outside of you and beyond your control, how should that affect how you pray today?
A Partner's Stand: Defending God's Unchanging Word "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" - Revelation 22:18 (KJV) As I record this message from beautiful southeast Missouri in January 2025, I'm deeply troubled by a growing trend in Christian publishing. A new Bible translation has emerged, one that attempts to revise God's holy Word to align with current cultural views on sexuality and other moral issues. This isn't just another modern translation - it represents something far more concerning. Let me be clear to those attempting these revisions: you don't get to change traditional Christianity and the clear teachings of Scripture simply because you don't like them. The arrogance of such attempts is staggering. Consider how you would feel if someone misrepresented your family's values or your company's mission - you would be rightfully incensed. Yet somehow, people feel entitled to tamper with God's eternal Word. But before we point fingers at the world, we in the church must examine ourselves. Why has our voice against such revisions become so weak? The uncomfortable truth is that we've often compromised on biblical truth ourselves. Take, for example, our lax attitude toward sexuality and marriage. When we compromise on clear biblical teachings, we lose our authority to speak against other compromises. This isn't about claiming personal perfection - God knows we're all sinners saved by grace. He specializes in using broken people for His glory. The Bible is filled with examples of God choosing the world's worst sinners to demonstrate His grace. But there's a crucial difference between acknowledging our failures while upholding God's standard, and lowering the standard to match our failures. We must support the clear teachings of Scripture, humbly admitting we often fall short, but never compromising the truth itself. Without Christ in our lives, we can do nothing good. If we've done anything right, it's only because Christ has enabled us. This humility, combined with unwavering commitment to biblical truth, must characterize our response to these revisionist attempts. Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the courage to stand firm on Your Word while maintaining humility about our own shortcomings. Help us to be bold witnesses for Your truth in a compromising age. In Jesus' name, Amen. Challenge for Today: Take time to read a passage of Scripture that challenges you personally. Instead of trying to explain it away, ask God to help you align your life with His unchanging truth. Norman Kissinger Redeeming the Time Brothers Ministries
What if one mistake made you guilty of everything? According to James, that's exactly how God's law works. But here's the lifeline: God's mercy steps in where we fall short. The 1% we can't earn but desperately need is available in Christ. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is from James 2:10-13. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. — James 2:10-13 God's standard is perfection. Breaking just one part of His law makes us guilty of it all. Think about that: one small sin in a lifetime of goodness still leaves us entirely guilty before a holy God. His law reflects His perfect character, and breaking even one command dishonors the Lawgiver Himself. That leaves no room for pride, comparison, or judgmentalism—we're all in the same boat. As Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But here's the good news. James points us to the “law of liberty,” the freedom we have in Christ because of God's mercy. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the proof and provision of that mercy. The question is: will you receive it or reject it? Rejecting Jesus is rejecting mercy itself. And if we receive His mercy, we're called to reflect it—because withholding mercy reveals we haven't truly accepted it. Are you ready for God's final judgment? Without Christ, none of us can stand before God's perfect standard. But through God's mercy in Jesus, we're offered forgiveness and freedom. If you've been relying on your own goodness, it's time to trust in God's grace. Confess your sins, big or small, and place your faith in Jesus. His mercy sets you free from the law of sin and death. Here's a prayer to take that first step: “Lord, I confess that I fall short of Your perfect standard. Thank You for the mercy You've shown me through Jesus. I surrender my life to You and ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to walk in Your grace and extend mercy to others. Amen.” If you prayed this prayer today, write "I choose Jesus" in the comments below and follow me daily as we study the bible. I would love to be your mentor as you begin the journey. Let's live all in for him, who lived all in for you. #GodsMercy, #FinalJudgment, #James2 Ask This: How does knowing God's perfect standard change how you view your own sin? Have you been relying on your goodness instead of God's mercy? How can you better reflect God's mercy in your daily interactions? Are you ready to stand before God's final judgment? Why or why not? Do This: Choose Jesus and choose mercy. Pray This: Lord, I confess that I fall short of Your perfect standard and need Your mercy. Thank You for offering forgiveness through Jesus; help me to live in Your grace and share Your mercy with others.Amen. Play This: Mercy.
Who is he talking to? It sounds like he is talking to himself!Psalm 103, starts off with a short phrase that is often repeated in other Psalms: ‘Praise the Lord, my soul.' The author says it again in verse 2, ‘Praise the Lord, my soul.' And again, at the end of the psalm. King David, who wrote these words, also wrote Psalm 57 and there is similar language here: ‘Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn' (57: 8). David is telling himself to wake up and give glory to God.He's talking to himself.My wife and I were chatting one time about how different people are and how those differences can often boil down to personality type – just one way that God has made each of us unique. However, we are also part of a fallen human race and in the process of being renewed. Not everything that makes me, me is necessarily as God intended. We all have a mixture of positive attributes in our personalities and negative ones that are yet to be made transformed. For example, some of us will naturally have a more positive outlook than others. Others, not so. My personality type is melancholic which, according to some studies describes someone who is analytical (yep, that's true), task orientated (tick), self-motivated (yes), a perfectionist (oh dear), but can be quite shy and ‘deep'; and with a tendency to want to hide away occasionally. Actually, for some, discouragement, even depression is part of the story and can hit hard. But, hey, us melancholics can be really creative! Without Christ, I would quite easily see the negative in most situations, but when I read the Bible, I don't think I am alone. Look at the way David expresses himself in Psalm 13: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart” (Psalm 13: 1 – 2)When we read David's soul-bearing poetry, some of it makes me wonder if he might have been a melancholic too. We don't know of course but, if that is true, then he has got something important to say in this space: talk to yourself! When discouragement sets in, when there's sorrow in your heart, speak to your soul! Our souls are fragile. We were once spiritually dead in our sins, but through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection we have been ‘made alive' (Eph 2: 1, 5). Now we are on the path of transformation, but we are still subject to temptation, discouragement, and spiritual attack. For every Christian, there are times when we are tempted to dwell on the negative – and every personality type has a bad day. Perhaps those are the moments God would have us look in the mirror and talk to our inner selves: “Awake! Come on! Today is a new day and we are going to praise God and trust him!” This devotion is one of many you can find in my book Bite-size Devotions for the Busy Christian, published by Kharis Publishing and available through any Amazon website.
In this message from our “Is He Worthy?” series, Pastor Tyler Lynde takes us into Ephesians 2:1-10 to show just how far God goes to rescue those who can't save themselves. Tyler starts with a hard truth: humanity isn't just morally flawed; we're spiritually dead. Without Christ, we drift along with a broken world, fall prey to the devil's lies, and give in to self-centered desires. This grim picture sets the stage for a breathtaking turn, highlighted by the words “But God.” Even as we remained locked in sin, God stepped in, motivated by overwhelming love and mercy.Tyler points to the transformation of Saul into Paul as a perfect illustration. Saul was the ultimate enemy of early believers, yet an encounter with Christ reversed his entire direction. Just as Paul's story proves no one is beyond hope, each of us can be revived by God's grace. The passage reminds us that salvation is never earned; it's a gift that defies any notion of fairness we might cling to. Instead of granting punishment, God gives new life. Instead of leaving us trapped, He raises us up with Christ and offers a seat in heavenly places.The “unholy Trinity” of devil, world, and flesh no longer holds final sway. Though these forces strive to keep us in darkness, God's grace shines brighter. Satan's schemes, the world's pressures, and our inner failings are overcome through faith in what Christ has done. We learn that genuine faith isn't about checking boxes or impressing God. It's about receiving what He freely offers.As we approach the Christmas season, these truths take on fresh meaning. Instead of just admiring a manger scene, we celebrate the Savior who came for the unworthy. Like Mary's humble acceptance of God's plan, we're invited to embrace grace and live differently. Tyler encourages us to focus on heavenly realities, trust God's promises, and let gratitude shape our actions. It's a call to love God, love others, and walk in the good works He's prepared for us.If you're ready for a hope that defies despair, consider the depth of what Christ offers. Be inspired to share this grace with others and reflect on how God's mercy sets you free. Let this message guide you toward a renewed sense of wonder and purpose, empowered by the One who makes the unworthy worthy.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram
Without Christ we are completely needy and unable to do any good, yet through Christ we can do all things. Dependent upon the Lord is the faithful walk of a Christian, and the Church is to uplift, support, and encourage each other to be content and joyful regardless of circumstance, because God will supply our every need. We don't need to doubt, we need to trust.
Without Christ Pastor James Burke
Without Christ Pastor James Burke
The Apostle Paul is very emotional as he expresses his thoughts in his letter to the Philippians. He helps us to realize that a fully committed belief in Christ goes hand in hand with a fullness of conviction which results in a living relationship day by day with our Lord Jesus. This comes across to us in what Paul writes here. His words, to be fully appreciated, require our emotional meditation if we are to capture the fullness of his message. Paul is greatly distressed about those who have failed to achieve this vital attitude of commitment, an attitude created by seeing the unseen! Know what we mean? This must be at the heart of all true and genuine lives of faith. It is true that there will be occasions when such a vision fails, men like David and Elijah experienced this. The letter of Paul to the Philippines is the most positive of all his letters, yet even at Philippi he had many failures to grieve over. He writes of “many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Ch. 3 v.18) What were they doing to make them enemies? One thing Paul says is “their God is their belly”!! It reminds us of the parable of Jesus about the man who had his mind focussed on this life's blessings and said to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years, relax, eat, drink, be merry.” [Luke 12 v.19] This is the aim of so many today whether they have “ample goods” or not. Without Christ, lives many lived to this purpose can and will come to a sudden end. Paul sums up the attitude that distressed him by stating, they have their “minds set on earthly things.” [v.19] Undoubtedly these did not see they were doing this, they would usually find time to go and worship for an hour or two on the first day of the week. The most positive part of Paul's message is his appeal, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” [v.17] “One thing I do … I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus … let us hold true to what we have attained.” [v.13,14,16] Let us all press on and “hold true,” praying for those who cause our tears.
Bro. Doug Foster "Without Christ" from Luke 24, during a worship service at Immanuel Baptist Church, Florence, Ky. Please visit us at 7183 Pleasant Valley Road Florence KY 41042, or call us at (859) 586-6829. Church links: Website: https://www.ibcflorence.com Daily Devotions: https://ibcflorenceky.wordpress.com/follow/ Free App: http://www.ibcflorence.com/ibc-app Our entire list of recent sermons: https://www.ibcflorence.com/recent-sermons Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibcflorenceky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibcflorence/ Podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/user-658781358 Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence/live Instant Message: https://m.me/ibcflorenceky We would love to know how to pray for you! Romans 10:9
A Secret Surprise!Colossians 1:26-27 “There is a divine mystery – a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it's being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it!”Have I mentioned lately how much I love the passion translation? It brings out the passion in the Scriptures. I love how this begins by saying there is a divine mystery- a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now is being revealed.” Doesn't that make you sit forward a bit more in your seat so you can pay better attention? Doesn't it make you wonder what this secret surprise is and why haven't you heard about it before? I can't imagine it is just me that feels this way. Who doesn't like a surprise? Who doesn't like to feel like they know something that others don't know? I love to feel like I am on the inside. Like I am “in the know” as some would say.I remember this is how I feel sometimes when I am sitting in Church and I hear a reading that I learned about in a Bible study. I love it when I learn more about Scripture in Bible study. I love when the person leading the Bible study tells us what the words were in their native language like the Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Or when they explain that even though the word in the Bible has this meaning to us, back when the Bible was written it really meant this other thing. When I am sitting in Church and I hear a scripture verse that I learned more about in a Bible study I instantly want to share what I know with all those around me. I want to tell them all the extra info I learned. I feel like I have a secret and I want to share it with everyone else. I don't want to keep it to myself. Have you ever felt this way, or is it just me?This is probably why I loved this first line so much. It is setting us up with excitement that we are going to learn something that has been concealed from the world for generations. Not just from a few people but from the world. Not just for a little while, but for generations! We get to know the secret. Aren't you excited? I like how is says, “but now it's being revealed, unfolded, and manifested for every holy believer to experience.” I like this because it shows the gentleness of God. He is not just dumping this big secret on us. He is slowly revealing it. He is allow it to unfold in our lives and He is manifesting it for each one of us to experience.What is this secret surprise? “Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory!” Jesus Christ is living within you. Did you know this? We are lucky because we have the Scriptures to read about. We get to learn all about Jesus and what he did while He was here on earth, what He did for us, and who He sent to us after He left. However, what about the early church? They had to learn about Jesus slowly. They had to have the stories and testimonies told to them over time. I am sure it took time for the news of Jesus to spread. I am sure it took time for the apostles to spread the Gospel to all the corners of the earth.I feel like the Holy Spirit is telling me that even though we have the Bible, even though we have heard about Jesus, and we know who He is and what He has done, this secret is still being revealed to each one of us slowly and more fully over time. God is revealing Christ within us individually to each one of us. He is allowing this discovery to unfold and manifest it in each of our lives in a different way and on a different timeline. Even for those in the Bible, each one had their own experience. Peter was learning more and more about Christ over the three years He was walking with Him. It took Him time and there was some back and forth with His belief. One minute He understood what Christ was saying and the next minute He wasn't sure. However, with Paul, He knew immediately after his blindness was cured who Jesus was and that He wanted to follow Him.Every one of our experiences will be different. We are all on a different journey and we will all discover Jesus and the truth that He lives inside of us. In God's timing, this secret and what it means for us and for our lives will be revealed to us and manifested in our lives. I was confused about the meaning when it says, “The Christ who floods you with the expectation of Glory,” I had no idea what this meant. I had the inclination to skip it and move on. Every time I have that feeling I have learned to stop and look it up as I think we all really want to understand all of scripture. I think we want to really understand what it means, not just kinda get it. Here is what I found when I looked it up. A believer can be confident of eternity with Christ in heaven when he or she knows that Christ is already in them. When it says that Christ floods up with the expectation of glory it is talking about living in eternity with God and Jesus in heaven. Without Christ within this is not possible. Without Jesus going to the cross eternity with God is impossible. However, Christ is within us so we can be filled with the expectation of spending eternity with Him!The last sentence says, “This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it!” The mystery that Christ lives within us becomes a heavenly treasure of hope. How awesome is that? Can't you just picture a heavenly treasure chest of hope? How many of us need a treasure chest of hope? We might have some hope, we might think we have a lot of hope, but do we have a heavenly treasure chest of hope? This hope is found within us because we know that Christ lives within us. It says the treasure chest is filled with the riches of glory for his people. When I looked this up it confirms what it said in the last sentence. This treasure chest of hope is full of hope that we will one day come face to face with Jesus. A hope that we will be spending forever living with the Lord, praising Him, and loving Him. No longer from afar, but right there in heaven with Him. Can you imagine that glory?I love the very last few words of this verse. They are, “And God wants everyone to know it!” It is no longer a secret. We can shout it from the rooftops. We can tell everyone we know. Jesus Christ lives inside of you and He lives inside of me. With this knowledge comes a heavenly treasure chest of hope, filled with glory. Now that we know this, why wouldn't we want to share it? Why wouldn't we want all those we know to receive this treasure chest of hope filled with glory? Who do you know that could use a little more hope and glory in their lives? Do they know who is living inside of them? Do they know the power living inside of them? Do they know this divine mystery, this secret surprise? If not, why don't you tell them today? We know from this verse that God wants everyone to know it!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless everyone listening today. Lord, we love you so much. We thank you for the perfect way that you are revealing this secret to us. We thank you for all the ways you are manifesting Christ within us in our lives. We ask you to give us a holy boldness to share this truth and this secret with all those we know. We ask you to take away any hesitation we have to share this with those we know, those we love, and even those we don't know. We love you Lord and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you haven't signed up for the retreat, you just have 9 more days! I hope you will consider joining us! I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. Have a blessed day and may the grace and favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you.Today's Word from the Lord was received in April 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Walk in my ways, my children. I tell you each and every day that I love you. It's as easy as that. Do not be confused if I tell you I love you. Believe me.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE FOR RETREAT INFOCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
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Series - Twelve Disciples of Jesus: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God John 20:24-29 (ESV) This is a THMC EM sermon by Lead Pastor Tim Park spoken at Ttokamsa Home Mission Church in Los Angeles, CA. Visit us on our Website or our Instagram for updates.
This is message 4 in the 2 Corinthians series 2 Corinthians 3:1-5 Paul emphasizes that true effectiveness in ministry and spiritual life comes not from human qualifications or efforts but from God alone. He highlights the importance of abiding in Christ, as we are powerless without Him. God, as the divine Husbandman, prunes us to make us more fruitful, and our role is to remain connected to Christ, relying on His strength to accomplish His work. Without Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him, our sufficiency is assured. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc
Send us a Text Message.Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessThis Podcast is Hosted at;https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comStudy Notes:Introduction: The Universality of ProblemsEveryone faces problems, often related to human relationships (friends, family, work).Problems with money, time, and relationships are common.Jesus' parting instructions to His disciples focused on relationships.Context of John 15:1-11Part of the Upper Room Discourse, transitioning from the Upper Room to the walk through the Kidron Valley.Jesus talks about relationships, particularly our relationship with Him.The Metaphor of the Vine and BranchesJohn 15:1-3: Jesus as the true vine, God as the gardener.God "prunes" fruitful branches to make them more fruitful.The Greek term for "cuts off" can also mean "lifts up," implying support and care for unfruitful branches.The Concept of PruningJohn 15:2: Pruning involves removing distractions and non-essential parts of our lives to focus on spiritual growth.Abiding in ChristJohn 15:4-9: Emphasis on the necessity of remaining in Christ to bear fruit.Without Christ, we can do nothing significant. Abiding in Christ leads to much fruit, while not abiding results in spiritual barrenness.Consequences of Not AbidingJohn 15:6: Unfruitful branches are thrown away and burned, symbolizing spiritual discipline and loss of impact.Interpretations vary: some see it as a metaphor for divine discipline rather than literal hellfire.How to Abide in ChristJohn 15:10: Obedience to Jesus' commandments is key to remaining in His love.Benefits of Abiding in ChristFruit Bearing:Becoming more like Christ and influencing others.Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and winning others to Christ.Answered Prayer:Aligning prayers with God's will leads to fulfillment of those prayers.Fulfilled Purpose:Glorifying God by living as true disciples and fulfilling our purpose.Feeling Loved:Experiencing a deeper sense of God's love through obedience.Complete Joy:Full and lasting joy comes from remaining in Christ's presence.Practical ApplicationAbiding in Christ starts with aligning our lives with His teachings and commands.Pruning may feel uncomfortable but leads to greater spiritual growth and fruitfulness.Remaining connected to Christ is essential for overcoming problems and challenges.ConclusionPrioritize remaining in Christ: let His word guide, His love fill, and His joy strengthen you.Commit to staying connected to the vine, and witness God's transformative power in your life.By focusing on abiding in Christ and understanding the significaSupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Without Christ we were dead in sin and no match for the devil. With Christ at the center of our lives, we stand in His truth and His righteousness. He provides the shoes to keep our feet planted in the Word and able to withstand the attacks of the devil. VF-1971 Ephesians 6:14-15 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2024 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
Paul argues that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. Without Christ's physical resurrection, there's no victory over sin and death, leaving us without hope. For those who have died in Christ, their faith would be in vain. Paul insists that the resurrection is essential because it confirms Jesus' victory and ensures our future resurrection, making our faith meaningful and our hope secure.
Human nature is sinful, unholy, proud, and desperate for redemption. Without Christ, we are self-centered, unforgiving, ungrateful, abusive, and boastful. In today's devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef proclaims the Good News of the Gospel and God's sovereignty.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon The Power of the Resurrection: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW
Colossians 2:1-3 — In this sermon on Colossians 2:1–3 titled “A Full Assurance of Understanding,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focused on Paul encouraging and advising the church in Colossae. He explains that the church in Colossae was early in its development, and many of the members had not even met the apostle. And like many new believers, they were susceptible to corruption. Paul writes to the church that they may have the full riches of understanding Christ. Part of the reason new believers are so corruptible is because they don't understand the full power of Christ. A common cult at the time was Gnosticism. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the cult's teaching required multiple intermediaries between individuals and God. A fully-grown Christian knows this to be false, for Christ is the sole high priest who speaks on their behalf. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out that understanding Christ means to also understand His purpose for the world. Christ came to redeem the world and to bring His church to Himself. Without Christ at the center of one's worldview, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, the world is hopelessly unredeemable. However, in Christ, there is hope for the coming everlasting rule and love of the Lord.
Colossians 2:1-3 — In this sermon on Colossians 2:1–3 titled “A Full Assurance of Understanding,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focused on Paul encouraging and advising the church in Colossae. He explains that the church in Colossae was early in its development, and many of the members had not even met the apostle. And like many new believers, they were susceptible to corruption. Paul writes to the church that they may have the full riches of understanding Christ. Part of the reason new believers are so corruptible is because they don't understand the full power of Christ. A common cult at the time was Gnosticism. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the cult's teaching required multiple intermediaries between individuals and God. A fully-grown Christian knows this to be false, for Christ is the sole high priest who speaks on their behalf. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out that understanding Christ means to also understand His purpose for the world. Christ came to redeem the world and to bring His church to Himself. Without Christ at the center of one's worldview, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, the world is hopelessly unredeemable. However, in Christ, there is hope for the coming everlasting rule and love of the Lord. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29
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Missy hated suitcases. Our Shih Tzu puppy - she had great radar. I should explain that Missy had multiple masters. There was our youngest son, who was her first master. He lived in Arizona and Missy only got to see him occasionally. But he was still an important person in her life. Then there was my sister-in-law who often picked up Missy's care where my son left off. And then our daughter also really bonded with the dog. Oh, about the radar. It went off whenever Missy started to see suitcases in the hall. She learned what that meant; that someone who loved her was going away. So, poor Missy just disappeared. She would literally run and hide under this cabinet in the kitchen whenever it looked like someone she counted on was leaving her. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Too Many Goodbyes - and One Unloseable Love." Chances are you've never tried to hide under a cabinet in the kitchen. You probably wouldn't fit! But it could be that you know that awful feeling of having someone that you've counted on leave. And maybe you have felt like going and hiding. I don't know what the "leavings" may have been in your life - someone you needed who died, or a marriage partner you pledged your life to who's gone, maybe friends who let you down or just moved away. But for somebody who's listening right now, the pain of being left has been one of the great hurts of your life. Out of it can come some deep feelings of insecurity and distrust, and even worthlessness. And ultimately that hurt can become a deep-down fear of abandonment, the fear that loving again will just mean losing again. Every one of us needs some stable, count-on-able relationship where there will never be a goodbye, and there is one. You might be ready for it. Here's our word for today from the Word of God from Isaiah 49:15-16. God says, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Well, though she may forget, I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." If you're tired of goodbyes, this promise from your Creator is loaded with hope for a "never say goodbye" relationship. He says, "I will not forget you." Jesus made this promise to those who belong to Him. "I am with you always, even to the very end of the age." And He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Can you actually depend on His commitment to never abandon you? Yes, because you're engraved on the palms of His hands in nail prints. Without Christ we have no hope of a love relationship with God. Our sin is an eternal wall that separates us from God. And the Bible says, "Sin carries a death penalty which Jesus loved you enough to take for you when He died on that cross. And today He's reminded of you every time He looks at His hands. You're engraved there in the marks left by the price He paid to bring you to Him. No, Jesus will never leave you. He already had his chance in a garden called Gethsemane where the night before He died He agonized over the cross He knew was coming. But He didn't turn His back on you. If He was ever going to, it would have been then or it would have been on that cross. But He did not. He's sure not going to turn His back on you now if you belong to Him. And that's up to you. Your relationship with Jesus Christ begins the moment you open your heart to Him and say, "Lord, I'm sorry for the sin of my life. I want to change. I'm putting my total trust in You to forgive me and bring me into God's family. Aren't you ready for this unloseable love, for this totally secure relationship? If you are, tell Him, "Jesus, I'm Yours." Go to our website and check out there a very clear path to be sure you belong to Him. It's ANewStory.com. Haven't there been too many goodbyes? Well, you have within your reach right now the ultimate relationship with the One person who will never say, "Goodbye."
This compelling message expounds on the paradox of the Christian life, emphasizing the contrast between who we are in the flesh and who we are in Christ. Drawing from Isaiah 51:1, Duane reminds us to "look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug."Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), have nothing (1 Corinthians 4:6-7), and know nothing (1 Corinthians 8:2). However, in Christ, we have everything – we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), and possessing the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that our identity is no longer defined by our past sin but by our new life in Christ. We are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we must live accordingly, putting off the deeds of the flesh. Duane challenges us to recognize our utter dependence on Christ and to walk in the newness of life He has given us, remembering the pit from which we were dug and the rock to which we are now grafted.
This message expounds on the paradox of the Christian life, emphasizing the contrast between who we are in the flesh and who we are in Christ. Drawing from Isaiah 51:1, Duane reminds us to "look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug."Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), have nothing (1 Corinthians 4:6-7), and know nothing (1 Corinthians 8:2). However, in Christ, we have everything – we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), and possessing the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that our identity is no longer defined by our past sin but by our new life in Christ. We are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we must live accordingly, putting off the deeds of the flesh. Duane challenges us to recognize our total dependence on God and to walk in the newness of life He has given us, remembering "the pit" from which we were dug and "the rock" to which we are now grafted by faith.
This message expounds on the paradox of the Christian life, emphasizing the contrast between who we are in the flesh and who we are in Christ. Drawing from Isaiah 51:1, Duane reminds us to "look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug."Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), have nothing (1 Corinthians 4:6-7), and know nothing (1 Corinthians 8:2). However, in Christ, we have everything – we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), and possessing the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that our identity is no longer defined by our past sin but by our new life in Christ. We are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we must live accordingly, putting off the deeds of the flesh. Duane challenges us to recognize our total dependence on God and to walk in the newness of life He has given us, remembering "the pit" from which we were dug and "the rock" to which we are now grafted by faith.
Discussion Questions Week of: April 7, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 SERMON OVERVIEW The main idea of this week's sermon was: we who trust in Christ have been reconciled to God and to one another through his death. The three main points were:1. Without Christ, we are separated from God and his people (vv. 11-12)2. Through his death, Christ has reconciled those who believe to one another and to God (vv. 13-18)3. We who believe now fully belong to God and his kingdom, family, and temple (vv. 19-22)DIGGING DEEPER 1. Our culture is becoming increasingly divided between “us” and “them.” What are some ways this sort of thinking can (and has) crept into the church? 2. As you interact with others, especially other Christians at CrossWay, what kinds of things could you be tempted to make more important than the unity you have in Christ? (e.g., political affiliation, ethnicity, opinion on a social issue, an approach to parenting or schooling, etc).3. How can this passage help us guard against this sort of “us” and “them” mentality? 4. Sadly we can be prone to forget things, even really important things. Eph. 2:11-12 encourages us to “remember.” What does God (through Paul) want us to remember? Why is it good to remember these things? What effect might regular obedience to this instruction (to "remember") have on our hearts?5. In verse 12, Paul highlights five different aspects of what was true of us before we were “brought near by the blood of Christ.” What are they? How do these realities strike you?6. Christ is our peace (v. 14). How is this true in both an objective and subjective sense? How is objective peace (between us and God), a prerequisite to a deep, abiding subjective peace? 7. Eph. 2:14-15 tells us that Christ "has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.” How did Pastor Brett help us understand what Paul is speaking of here? Why is it important to grasp this idea? What is the practical takeaway (s) of this truth for us?8. The Jews used to be able to meet God in the Jerusalem Temple. The Gentiles were excluded. Where does God now dwell (vv. 21-22)? What is this new temple constructed on (v. 20)?9. According to Eph. 2:19-22, what is now true of us who are in Christ by faith? What might it look like for us to treasure these realities as we ought? What are some ways that we can remind ourselves and one another of these things? What might be the effect of doing so more regularly? 10. Is there anyone who Christ died to reconcile you to, who you are not living in unity with? How will the gospel challenge and enable you to seek peace and friendship with them?11. In what ways is a church service a foretaste of the life we will enjoy when Jesus returns? If you went to church thinking of it that way, how might it change your attitude or actions there?
Christ will continue in His Sermon on the Mount from warning of errant teachers last week to warning of errant hearers this week. Matthew 7:21–23 will reveal The Danger of a Christianity Without Christ. Our Lord will teach that many are professors of Christ but not possessors of Christ. Let's learn how to discover and how to share the gospel with those who call themselves Christians yet do not have Christ. These are the words we don't want to hear, but they are also the words we don't want our loved ones to hear – let's hear what Christ says and ask ourselves and others the pointed questions that come from the text.
In this episode, Dr. Aaron Rock covers the Canadian Government's proposal to implement 'reverse discrimination' for job quotas, how this contradicts scripture and how Christians should view equity and 'race'. More Resources: More resources at Dr. Aaron Rock’s blog: Pursuit of Glory https://pursuitofglory.org/