Podcasts about word god

Can we trust Jesus, pray, and do nothing? We all know that action out of the flesh causes problems, but does a Word from God provoke action in us? A group discussion on the theology of Rebekah and Jacob and the "ethics" of what they did to Isaac and Esau to yank the wheel of history toward the Word God had spoken at Esau and Jacob's birth. 

คอลัมน์ “สดแต่เช้า”ปีที่5 (ตอนที่100) “9L” เพื่อการเลี้ยงลูกให้รับใช้พระเจ้า! “และข้าพเจ้าได้ยินพระสุรเสียงขององค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้าตรัสว่า แล้วข้าพเจ้าทูลว่า ” ‭‭ ~อิสยาห์‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ “Then I heard the Lord's voice saying, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” I said, “I'm here; send me.”” ‭‭ ~Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭CEB‬‬ ในพระคัมภีร์มีแนวทางในการเลี้ยงลูกหลานให้รับใช้พระเจ้ามากมาย อาทิ 1️⃣ Lend to God ~ให้พระเจ้ายืม “ดิฉันอธิษฐานขอเด็กคนนี้ และพระเจ้าประทานตามคำทูลขอของดิฉัน เพราะฉะนั้นดิฉันจึงให้ยืมเขาไว้แด่พระเจ้าตราบใด ที่เขามีชีวิตอยู่ ดิฉันจะให้ยืมเขาไว้แด่พระเจ้า และเขาก็นมัสการพระเจ้าที่นั่น” -‭‭1 ซามูเอล‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ “Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And they worshiped the Lord there.” ‭‭ -1 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬ ‭RSV‬‬ ให้เราเลี้ยงลูกเหมือนเขาเป็นผู้รับใช้ของพระเจ้า ไม่ใช่สมบัติของเรา 2.Let God use ~ให้พระเจ้าใช้ “นี่แน่ะ บุตรทั้งหลายเป็นมรดกจากพระยาห์เวห์ ผลิตผลของครรภ์เป็นรางวัล บุตรทั้งหลายที่เกิดเมื่อบิดายังหนุ่ม ก็เหมือนลูกธนูในมือนักรบ ชายใดมีลูกธนูเต็มแล่งก็เป็นสุข เขาจะไม่ต้องอับอายเมื่อเขาตอบโต้ศัตรูที่ประตูเมือง” ‭‭ ~สดุดี‬ ‭127‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ ~ให้พระเจ้าใช้ลูกของเราเหมือนลูกธนูในหัตถ์พระเจ้า 3.Learn God's Word & God's Way ~ให้เรียนรู้พระวจนะและทางของพระเจ้า “จงฝึกเด็กในทางที่เขาควรจะเดินไป และเมื่อเขาเติบใหญ่ เขาจะไม่พรากจากทางนั้น” ‭‭. ~สุภาษิต‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ ปท. เฉลยธรรมบัญญัติ‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭9‬ ~ให้เราเตรียมลูกเราให้พร้อมรับใช้พระเจ้าตามวิถีของพระคัมภีร์ 4. Live Up to God's Purpose ~ให้รับใช้ตามพระประสงค์ของพระเจ้า “ส่วนข้าพเจ้าและครอบครัวของข้าพเจ้า เราจะปรนนิบัติพระยาห์เวห์” ~โยชูวา 24:15; มัทธิว‬ ‭12‬:‭50‬ ~ให้เราปลูกฝังทัศนคติที่ว่า “การรับใช้คือการถวายเกียรติพระเจ้า” ไม่ว่าลูกจะทำอาชีพหรือทำงาน ให้ทำเหมือนเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการรับใช้พระเจ้า 5️⃣ Link together in Prayer ~ให้อธิษฐานผูกพันร่วมกับลูกในการรับใช้ “อยู่มาเมื่อนางยังอธิษฐานต่อพระเจ้าอยู่นั้น เอลีก็สังเกตดูปากของนาง” ~‭‭1 ซามูเอล‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ “พวกเขาร่วมใจกันขะมักเขม้นอธิษฐานพร้อมกับพวกผู้หญิง และมารีย์มารดาของพระเยซู และพวกน้องชายของพระองค์ด้วย” ‭‭ -กิจการ‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ ~ให้เราเชื่อมโยงจิตวิญญาณของเรากับลูกเข้าด้วยกันผ่านการอธิษฐาน 6.Lead as Example – ให้เป็นแบบอย่างที่ดี “ข้าพเจ้าระลึกถึงความเชื่ออย่างจริงใจของท่านซึ่งเป็นความเชื่อที่โลอิสยายของท่านมีเป็นคนแรก แล้วมีในยูนีสมารดาของท่าน และบัดนี้ข้าพเจ้าก็เชื่อว่ามีอยู่ในตัวท่านด้วย” ~‭‭2 ทิโมธี‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ปท. ทิตัส‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭ ~ให้เราเป็นแบบอย่างดีๆ ในการรับใช้ เพื่อให้ลูกเจริญรอยตาม 7.Labor Together – ให้มีส่วนร่วมในงานรับใช้อย่างมีวินัย “แต่ท่านก็รู้ถึงคุณค่าของทิโมธีดีแล้ว ว่าเขาได้รับใช้ร่วมกับข้าพเจ้าในการประกาศข่าวประเสริฐ เสมือนบุตรรับใช้บิดา” ‭‭ -ฟีลิปปี‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ ~ให้เรามีเวที ที่ลูกได้รับโอกาสในการรับใช้ร่วมกับเราอย่างรับผิดชอบ 8.Love God & His Family – ให้รักครอบครัว(คริสตจักร) ของพระเจ้า “เหตุฉะนั้นเมื่อเรามีโอกาส ให้เราทำดีต่อคนทั้งปวง และเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งต่อครอบครัว ที่มีความเชื่อ” ‭‭ ~กาลาเทีย‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ ปท. ‭‭1 โครินธ์‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ “ซาโลมอนทรงรักพระเจ้า ทรงดำเนินตามกฎเกณฑ์ของดาวิดราชบิดาของพระองค์ เว้นแต่พระองค์ทรงถวายสัตวบูชาและเผาเครื่องหอม ณ ปูชนียสถานสูง” ~‭‭1 พงศ์กษัตริย์‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ ~ให้ลูกหลานเห็นการแสดงความรักที่เรามีต่อพระเจ้าและต่อคริสตจักรออกมา เป็นแรงบันดาลใจให้พวกเขาทำตาม 9. Loyal to God ~ให้จงรักภักดีต่อพระเจ้า “คนทั้งปวงจะเกลียดชังท่าน เพราะความภักดีที่ท่านมีต่อเรา แต่ผู้ใดทนได้จนถึงที่สุด ผู้นั้นจะรอด” ‭‭ ~มาระโก‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ “แม้แต่บิดามารดาญาติพี่น้องและมิตรสหายจะอายัดท่านไว้ และพวกเขาจะฆ่าบางคน ในพวกท่านเสีย คนทั้งปวงจะเกลียดชังท่านเพราะความภักดีที่ท่านมีต่อเรา แต่ผมของท่านสักเส้นหนึ่งจะเสียไปก็หามิได้ ท่านจะได้ชีวิตรอดโดยความอดทนของท่าน” ‭‭ ~ลูกา‬ ‭21‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭TH1971‬‬ พี่น้องที่รัก เวลานี้ ลูกๆของคุณกำลังติดตามพระเจ้าอย่างมั่นคง และมีใจปรารถนาที่จะรับใช้พระองค์อย่างจริงจัง เพราะอิทธิพลที่ดีของคุณอยู่หรือไม่? หรือว่า คุณมีพ่อแม่ หรือ ใครบางคนในครอบครัวที่กำลังรับใช้อยู่บ้างหรือไม่ครับ? คุณรู้สึกอย่างไร? …ช่วยตอบที! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ธงชัย ประดับชนานุรัตน์ 9กรกฎาคม2025 (ตอนที่100 ของปีที่5) #YoutubeCJCONNECT#คริสตจักรแห่งความรัก #Churchoflove #ShareTheLoveForward #ChurchOfJoy #คริสตจักรแห่งความสุข #NimitmaiChristianChurch #คริสตจักรนิมิตใหม่ #ฮักกัยประเทศไทย #อัลฟ่า #หนึ่งล้านความดี

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on August 22, 2020)    Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   As we keep a scripture before us day and night, we find eventually we have a power in us which enables us to follow that scripture.    In the Bible is it described as follows:   Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.   God leads the New Testament church today by HIS Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who lives in the believer.   When God speaks to us to reveal The Word to us, the Holy Spirit is also given to those of us who believe that Word.  We are sealed by God with the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 1)   One of the things done by the Holy Spirit is to remind us of the Word God has given us.  That shows us what we are to think upon and to do at this point in our lives.   Thus we are given various scriptures to lead us and guide us and comfort us and help us.  God does this by the Holy Spirit bringing these scriptures to our mind.   We then think on these scriptures and apply them to our lives.  Often we need to keep that scripture before us day and night, morning and evening, until it really becomes a part of us.    I am currently working on the following scripture:   Romans 12:18   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.   I look at this scripture each morning and think on the instruction given me by this scripture.   At night, when I go to bed, I look again at this scripture to check myself and see if I have done what this scripture tells me to do as I have lived that day.   In a few days, as I do this scripture, it will become a part of my daily life and it will overcome my flesh which wants to quarrel with other people.   I believe we are recreated in the image of Christ (The Word) each time we do a scripture.   In this podcast, I will speak with you about ways to set up scriptures on your Kindle tablet in your Photos (or Ipad), so you can keep scripture before you easily and think upon those scriptures given you by the Holy Spirit of God.   I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.     John 14:26  Jesus says:  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.     John 16:13  Jesus says: Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.     John 6:63   Jesus says:  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.       1 Corinthians 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.     Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  

Prayer, Judgment, & Revival (1) (audio) David Eells 7/2/25 Many true dreams, visions, and prophecies given to the saints can be lessened or deleted through prayer because they are warnings. Amos was given two threats from God against Israel but he replied, “Jacob is small, how shall he stand?” Abraham Jewed God down for Sodom. Prophetic words in scripture cannot be changed.   A Great Alien Deception Brandon Biggs/Last Days - 6/27/25 (David's notes in red) https://youtu.be/9epckXNXLN0 Summary: Brandon saw a large flying saucer in the sky with yellow glowing lights going around it. I saw something like lightning bolts shooting out from these lights. People on the ground were deceived by it thinking they were aliens from outer space and wanting to communicate with what they perceived them to be like the movie "E.T.". But they are not aliens but demons. The Lord was very serious wanting us to pray for them. This is a great deception. Other smaller flying saucers were seen in other parts of the world. (This is absolutely happening, and the Lord agrees; just ask him. The government has been dealing with the “Galactic Federation” of planets. I bound them and they lost contact with them. Also, I bound some working in their tech industry and they disappeared. Both of these cases were witnessed by leadership who thought they were aliens.) Transcript of more on this video: First the Cyber-attacks. I (Brandon) had received reports from several of my viewers that the FFA and Air Traffic Control is still using Windows 95 and it would take at least 4 years to update their software costing billions of dollars to renew their whole global system upgrade. (I thought, surely, they are not using 30-year-old software with floppy disks… but we researched this too and it seems to be so.) So what the Lord was showing me about the cyber-attacks is true. Using software from 1995 is a big deal when you are going into a new industrial revolution with AI technology, using quantum computers and the FFA has such outdated software, other countries would be able to tap into the AI and hack into the infrastructure easily. (Sometimes the greatest enemy is within, like the D.S.. Jesus said “all things whatsoever” so ask Him to update the software.) Soon after this, we see in the news, there was an aircraft on fire in the air and had to make an emergency landing. This confirms what the Lord warned me about and I previously shared with you when I saw the plane falling from the sky and all its instrument panels went black and it fell to the ground. I didn't know what caused it and I assumed it was a cyber-attack. I could see it was a flight that left somewhere in middle America and was heading Northeast and halfway to its destination, it went down. (The DS has already proven it can take over our planes and helicopters from the ground. Remember the helicopter that maneuvered itself in front of a plane and killed many. The short President Trump was on that copter but was taken off at the last minute.) (Let me add here where Brandon shares another YouTube post of a screenshot headline from CNN, The caption reads: “American Airlines operations returning to normal after widespread computer outage” American Airlines suffered a widespread outage with its flight information computer system, authorities with two affected airports told CNN.”) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBqj7_4xib9pKATW4394PmQ/community?lb=UgkxUbJMtOkmJo0obxxxbNg5RZDD_eA7cn5t (Everyone knows we were expecting a cyber-attack from Iran right after the bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran. Indications were, it would be a face saving attack from Iran, possibly involving the “American” name.  This made us vulnerable to a false-flag cyber-attack from the D.S. in order to blame it on Iran and drag the US into WWlll, which they are desperate to do.) Continuing with Brandon's first revelation. I also saw cyber-attacks coming upon our electrical grid and that it was very vulnerable. (I read a report several months ago that the D.S. attempted to cyber-attack the grid and the Alliance stopped it.)  I saw a major city, which was later made known to me as New York, and it was completely dark. They were trying to bring in generators to keep power on to keep people from looting and rioting because it was so dark. I saw big spotlights running trying to keep sections of the city lit up to help the police and law enforcements try to keep order when the power was off. I remember that it was hot outside. (like now) I even saw emergency power being used in hospitals to keep people alive there, but it was only dim lighting. I saw how they were using the big spotlights to shine on these buildings to create a mirror effect to help them see. This would allow more light reflected on the ground rather than shining them straight upwards. (Pray this down) A viewer sent an article from Fox News with the Caption: “Astronomers make a groundbreaking discovery about the largest comet ever observed flying through deep space.” A massive 85-mile-wide frozen giant comet observed near Neptune using powerful telescope in Chile. I don't know if it's coming this way or not Also, we need to pray over our water supply. (Brandon doesn't share anymore about the water supply in this video. However, I read Bill Gates or his organization plans to buy up water suppliers. Given his depopulation history this cannot be good.) He continues, I saw an article from Fox News saying that Trump and BB have agreed on a two-state solution. This is one of the things from the Abraham Accords and they were saying how they wanted to make a two-state solution, and they were agreeing upon it. (Bind this) I have spoken before that if they do this two-state solution, 3 days later the New Madrid fault line will go off and America will be divided in half. (I believe the NM will go off but it will be greatly diminished compared to the dreams and visions because of God's mercy.) When this happened, I saw great big Chinook helicopters flying from the west to the central part of America carrying supplies. It sounded like the earth was shaking, they had so many helicopters over the affected area. And this is where I said before where I saw the Lion's face carved into the side of a building and I had warned everyone that I saw tumbleweeds going down Wall Street. (In the Long Run we will lose Wall Street) The Lord told me to look at the Lion's face and I saw it was the building that was the New York Stock Exchange. The Lord was warning that if they divide Jerusalem, if they do a two-state solution, He is going to divide America. (I believe it will quake and crack but not with a big divide) I saw the nation split down the middle and all the bridges going down from West to East, completely destroyed on the Mississippi River. I saw from Texarkana, Texas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma where I saw over 1800 people die. I saw the massive building at ORU (Oral Roberts University) was split down the middle and on fire when this earthquake happens. Houses that were built on cinderblocks were completely leveled and destroyed. Houses built on a foundation did better. I saw thousands of people died when this event takes place. That is why I've always told people we must not divide Jerusalem, for when we do, 3 days after… Now I want you to hear me, that's how strong this Word was.  I saw the Liberty Bell ringing and old cast iron bells ringing when this event happens. Three days after Jerusalem is divided and agreed upon (Possibly it will be agreed upon but not enforced), there will be 3 days and God will divide America. We must pray that this does not take place. This announcement has been shared on multiple news channels and including The Jerusalem Post. Pray. I told you before that I saw the enemy hovering over the judges' decision making regarding crypto and trying to delay the wealth transfers for the body of Christ. The Lord said, “You must stand in the gap and pray concerning this.” (Jesus said, what we bind on earth is bound in heaven.) The Lord showed me certain cryptos created in the future. We are going into a digital platform, digital currency; digital everything. RFK has been talking about everyone needs to get a tracking device in America (digital ID); some kind of digital tracking either in their body or on their wrist. (He references the end time mark of the beast system and many don't realize how close we are. However, this comes in mid-tribulation and cannot be stopped for “it is written” and divides the play church from the real church.) The Lord said that the American people will be so thankful that we have a strong leader over this country in the days ahead. (President Trump) (True!, but I do not believe he will be president by mid-trib.) The Lord has shown me in so many ways that there will be a great revival and harvest of souls and we're going to see it quickly. He keeps talking to me about it. He said, “A great shaking to awaken.” (The revival will begin with the New Madrid and anointing of the reformers.) And He said, “You are about to see such fearful sights that will bring you to your knees in prayer.” You will see many people praying in the days ahead. (Yes) A great shaking! We are seeing Biblical signs and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! (in the reformers) It's time to get serious about the Father's business. (Yes)  Don't get distracted and keep focused on the Lord and the Word. Watch the midterm elections in the fall of 2026 and the decisions that will be made. This was like when I saw Oklahoma divided and they were trying to make it ‘blue'. (democrat) The following are some of the things Brandon is seeing as he is praying in the Spirit: There is so much change coming… I saw the plague again… I see black rats and they have red eyes; very evil looking. They are the carriers of disease. I saw them being released and running on the ground. I see them running on old-looking cobblestone stones with old style villages and old towns. This was in Europe. (The Black Plague) The virus/plague will begin first in Europe, not America. I know this has to do with the plague. I see a glimpse of a factory with the sign “contamination” on it and “caution tape” across the doors. Factories will be shut down. The timing is when it is cold; I see people wearing big coats and coverings on their heads trying to keep warm but there's no one outside; just a few people here and there. This appears to be in a large major city like Chicago or New York. - It's the Big Apple. I see where the people don't want to touch the money. I hear people saying that they're bringing about a new global economy. (going digital) They can't keep the status quo and this is changing everything. Everything is changing to the beast system. These things are the beginning of a new industrial revolution of new technologies. This is the foundation being laid but many of you don't see it. They have to first get rid of the old system before they bring in the new and I saw paper money and it was blue. I don't know what kind of money or currency it was, but it was blue and it had some kind of blue design on it. People did not want to touch it because they were afraid of transferring this virus with the money. (His son shows him a picture of the Euro and he said, yes, that's it.) The Lord had previously told me in another prophecy to “watch the Euro”. He said the Euro would be the first of the dominos to fall. This will introduce the system faster as they don't want to touch the money. What's going on in the shadows? There are things going on in the shadows. I see submarines going to Cuba. I see a black submarine on the east coast of Cuba. It's a very big and long Russian submarine. It was coming from Europe down across the Atlantic. (I don't know yet what this is about.) I saw people who are so distracted; they're so busy with their day to day, Monday through Friday daily activities, they're distracted with just trying to make it and provide for their families. They're like the frog in the pot and the water is rising all around them and it's getting hot. These are the masses who have their eyes fixed on the ground and they don't see what's coming on the horizon. I heard the Lord say, “COVID was a trial run.” I remember the faces the Lord showed me as the virus spreads. It spreads like red and the faces of that country fade. Now I'm seeing it bleed into Africa. I see the Mediterranean and its spreading through Africa and going through Asia and India. Interesting, I think there's not many people in China. When it goes into China, they are spread out more. (Many are dying there now) Not like I see in India where they are very close, touching shoulders. They're wearing white outfits. It hits Australia very hard. It hits Queenland but it took a while to get there. I'm seeing America. I hear the Spirit of the Lord say, “Fear not! Fear not what you are seeing.” He said, “There's so many voices saying so many different things.” I see all flights are grounded. Only those used for emergencies and those aircraft have just a few people on board. I see one plane with only 5 people seated, spread out and they're covered in masks, like COVID. I hear the Lord say, “Pray! Pray! Pray! Pray to lesson the effect of this.” I'm seeing all this at once: earthquakes, asteroids, plagues, volcanoes, droughts, pestilence and the fish [dying] all happening as it pans out before me. I can see Italy and the Vatican and a shaking coming to the Vatican and the Catholic church. (guilty of sacrificing children for power from Satan) I see the DS planning and plotting and I see the Towers again. (A large false-flag.) Now, I just saw something very wild… I see what looks like aliens (demons). I see what looks like flying saucers. This is a big ship that is glowing like gold. It's hovering with an energy around it, and it was demonic. I saw it coming into the earth's atmosphere to deceive many. It had big yellow lights all around it. A big flying saucer coming down with electricity coming off of the yellow lights, like yellow lightning bolts. (The D.S. has planes outfitted to project this. They were stopped once by the Alliance.) Now, listen there's no such thing as aliens. This is demonic. There's going to be an uptick of these kinds of events in the days ahead. I hear the word, “uptick”. There will be an uptick in the events taking place in the skies. A great deception is coming! (strong delusion for those who do not love truth) I see one [flying saucer] over Europe around Italy, around the Vatican. It will be on the news and people will be tripping out. There's like an excitement, but also a fear in the air. I hear the word, “E.T.” (Extra Terrestrial) and I see people trying to communicate with this E.T by holding up poster boards. Many people are going to be deceived by this. It's demonic and it's trying to desensitize you for what is coming. The Lord said, “A great deception is coming. This is not funny. People will fall for this.” The Lord spoke that very sternly. They will show up in Mexico. This is to deceive the people in South America. It will be all over the news. This will be a very massive demonic thing. People need to be prepared to speak against this and tell people that this is demonic. This is NOT “E.T.” They are fallen angels, a great deception. This is how they'll explain away the rapture and where everybody goes. (“After the tribulation” the Lord gathers His elect) I see smaller ones in America and in Canada. It's like the mother ship and other little ones flying around trying to deceive many today. People need to pray. (Rebuke the demons from you but strong delusion will come to many) They're going to be manipulating the weather more. HAARP. You will hear more about manipulating the weather superstorms. Like flooding in China, abnormal rains and abnormal droughts. Weather warfare. A form of weather weapons. They will be trying to perfect it, but it will get out of control. In trying to control, they will lose control. Jet streams and superstorms. Superstorms with exceeding wind that you've never seen before. You've already seen the huge rainfall creating super floods, super rains, super winds and super hail. It will increase and become out of control to be used against the people. (more depopulation to steal minerals) I see record snowfall and record drought. I've talked before about how there will be changes in the seasons. The amount of daylight. These changes to dim the light. It will mess with the animals, their breeding patterns and birds' migration patterns. I see a controlling and manipulation of beef is coming. There will be a fear of eating beef. There will be something wrong with the cows, like madcow disease or something so that it becomes very expensive. They will be trying to manipulate the market. Organic and home-grown beef will be very expensive. This is a bigger deal than it was for the chickens and egg scare that they tried before. Then he explains the disgusting “bug burgers” using insects, worms, crickets, etc. when this happens. Pushing “protein burger bugs” as an alternative protein. (Mud bugs [crawfish] are good!) There's absolutely nothing wrong with the beef and dairy. It's all a form of control and manipulation. It will increase. This next revelation is also from Brandon. It's a YouTube short video he posted on January 20, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I6-C1L8onj4 The Lord showed me literally thousands of North Korean men in train cars being taken from North Korea to Russia for the war. These men were not trained fighters. They looked expendable to me. Like they didn't have jobs in offices, etc. They looked like what we would call ‘lower income' people. They were excited to be able to see the world because they had been so oppressed and in bondage. I saw these men on these train cars, and they were celebrating leaving. I heard the Lord say, “But they're going to their death, and they don't even know it. You must pray for them.” A lot of these people have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and it grieves me. Because I saw the plan of the enemy to push these men upfront so that the other men didn't have to risk their lives. They were like, ‘We're going to let them fight who were not trained very well so we can let these other guys have a break.' (Kim has sold them out. It's happening on the Russian front) Also, the top 24 highest crime cities are all democratic ruled. Most of the crime in the country is there. Why? Birds of a feather flock together. Criminals know democrats have to be soft on crime because they themselves are criminals. Thank God they mostly destroy their own cities.   Flee to Zion Dayna - 05/23/2010 I received these words and the vision on Wednesday the 5th. They are for the body. Word 1 Start seeking Me. Do not stall and do not think to do so later. My time is fast approaching and all must be ready and in place. Take care that you know My voice, for when I call My sheep, only a few will hear and come. Do not be deceived by the wolves that dress in wool. Know My Word, know My voice. Time is short. Word 2 Look! Do you see the people? Look at them flee, while none give chase. They run to the hills. But you ... you must run to the mountain, for mighty is a mountain. Mount up on your wings and reach the peak. To Zion! To Zion! (Isaiah 2:2) After these words came this vision: I saw the four horses tied to a hitching post. Their saddles are strapped on and all their “gear” is ready. As I had this vision, I was reminded of the vision/dream given to Michael Boldea Jr.: Four Horsemen to Ride Soon. (10/31/07) Then the Lord gave two single words: Urgency! Haste! Then: My horses are ready; they now await their riders! Blessings and love to my brothers and sisters. May the Lord shine bright in you.   Four Horsemen to Ride Soon (David's notes in red) Below is a confirming dream that the four tribulation horse judgments are coming soon.   The Four Horses Michael Boldea Jr. - 10/31/2007 I had a dream and if not for the specific instruction to share what I saw, I would have preferred to keep it to myself. I had gone to bed late, having waited for my wife to get home from work. After seeing that she had arrived home safely, and saying my prayers, I fell into a restful sleep. I dreamt that I was sleeping, when a hand touched my shoulder, and a voice I recognized said, 'wake up'. In my dream I opened my eyes, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw who had awakened me. It was the same messenger, the angel I had seen on previous occasions, dressed in full battle armor, standing by the side of my bed. 'Take my hand' he said, 'I have been sent to show you something'. I barely touched the hand that was extended toward me when my bed and my bedroom evaporated, and I found myself standing before a white, oblong building, that looked allot like a barn or a horse stable. Two large doors made up the front of the structure, and as I looked they began to swing open. I knew wherever I was, it was not of this earth, because everything shone, everything was white, pristine, immaculate. I also knew that whatever the reason for being shown this, was about to be revealed, so I stood in silence, holding the messenger's hand. As soon as the doors were fully open, I saw an angel that looked very much like the one standing beside me, except without the armor, leading a white horse by its reins. (The coming of Jesus in the man-child reformer body.) The horse was large and muscular, but he followed the angel obediently with its head bent low. The angel's countenance was somber as he led the horse away, and for some reason this registered with great clarity. I looked up to the messenger whose hand I was still holding, but he merely nodded toward the white building and the open doors, and said, 'witness'. Another angel soon appeared in the doorway, holding the reins of a red horse, following after the first. I began to realize what I was seeing, and in silence watched as two more angels appeared, each holding the reins of a horse, one black, one of no discernible color, just pale. All four angels were dressed alike, and had the same somber, sorrowful countenance. I stood and watched as all four horses were led out of my sight, and finally when they had disappeared from view, the messenger turned to me and said: 'Go and tell what you have seen. The riders prepare, the horses are ready, and soon they will descend, soon they will be loosed. Remember what you have witnessed, and do not hold back a single word. Soon they descend on wings of fury; soon turmoil will shake earth's very foundation. Prepare yourself, for many will fall and few will stand. Fulfillment is at hand, go and speak what you have seen, and what you have heard. The Kingdom awaits the righteous, the holy will soon see the Lord'. I only realized I was still holding his hand when he let go of mine, and suddenly I was back in my bed, sitting up, fully awake. I am still unsure whether or not it was a dream, or if 'dream' is the right word for it, but for simplicity's sake I will call it a dream. I tried to go back to sleep but could not, vividly remembering the sorrowful look on the faces of the angels who were leading the horses out of the stables. It seems the world is seeing, what the church is refusing to acknowledge, the fact that we are on the cusp of great upheaval not only in this nation, but also throughout the world. These are the days of which the prophets spoke, the days of which Christ warned, the time of distress, of sifting and of separation. My prayer is that we remember always, our hope is in the Lord, and He is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. If one word stands out from this entire dream, it is the word 'prepare' and we must do so with diligence. The children of God must steel themselves for what is coming, prepare their hearts and settle within their soul that the day in which we will have to stand for truth is soon approaching.   UBM Angels Give Some Details of the Coming Great Revival Excerpts from Ministering Angels Through UBM #3 The Revelation of the Soldier Bride and Her Charge Angel Messengers - 8/19/22 (Davids notes in red) The angel Baruch gave this message for us on the 8th day anointing celebration, “Your enemy has been defeated THIS NIGHT and has been placed under your feet. The power of your praise and worship to our God and your Savior Jesus has gone down to the very foundations of hell and has shaken it to its core. And they have risen to the throne room of our Great God and were incorporated with the praises of your brethren, the saints of Heaven, around His throne. Do not go back to the old ways. (He was speaking of very highly praising the Lord for all of His goodness and proclaiming His promises. I.e. confessing our salvation from our enemies as in Psalm 149 and Luke 1.) Be very vigilant not to fall backwards and lose the ground you've taken back from the enemy tonight or he will penetrate your ranks once more. Continue to walk in the Way and the re-dedication of yourselves in faithfulness to Jesus, your Master and Savior. You have put the enemy to flight this night. Do NOT cease from pursuing him and overtaking him. Do not give him time to re-group by relenting in the fight. Our Great General and your Savior, Jesus, is ordering His soldier Bride to report for duty. The training for the greatest revival ever witnessed by man-kind is now beginning. Don't fail to show up.” (Eve said, i.e. don't go “AWOL” (absent without leave). We've been chosen or “drafted” to report for basic training at Ft. Revival. The Lord will be our strength and faithful to get us all in shape… (Eve: I understood that they are all using military terms and imagery in order to stress the revelation of a soldier Bride to us, so that we can begin viewing ourselves in this way because the battle comes before the wedding. So we need to view the Bride as a warrior at the Man-child's side, fighting with the angels and not so much as the dainty, demure, passive figure in her wedding garments.) The angel Shemuel then said, “I have really enjoyed praising, worshipping, and lifting up our God and His Son, our Great General and King of all Kings with you all tonight. Many of the angels have joined in celebrating this event with you. I concur with Baruch's report to you all. Do not fall back. You all have orders to press forward. Also, remember to never leave your fellow soldiers (brethren) behind, struggling to keep up or wounded on the battlefield... A platoon of soldiers is only as strong as its weakest member. Give of your time and gifts sacrificially in order to uphold one another in daily training and on the battlefield. Do not let any fall through the cracks. When the Holy Spirit of God places someone on your heart, get in touch with them as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to communicate with one another because the enemy lurks and hides where the communications have broken down. Don't forget to deploy me abroad to continue fighting the enemies of UBM and all God's elect “both foreign and domestic.” This is my charge concerning UBM and all that pertains to her.” David asked, “What can you tell us about the supernatural methods to get the gospel out and heal, deliver and save?” The angel Baruch said, “The methods of man will not be employed to reach the peoples of the earth. (In the days that are coming.) The methods are all of the spirit realm and will be administered by the angels who are going to distribute the gifts to the saints. (Meaning, the sanctified ones) These include gifts of translation from place to place, language, healing, laying on of hands to impart to others their needs and what they're lacking and to replicate the gifts by passing them on to others whom the angels will point out. Supernatural downloads of wisdom and knowledge will be received for specific situations.” David asked, “What about deliverances?” Baruch said, “The enemy will be on the run during this time. Deliverances will be instantaneous with no resistance on their part. (Many deliverances are this way now if there is cooperation on the part of the victim in repentance and faith.) They will no longer be able to hide in flesh because of the light of revival and the fire of truth that will sweep the elect of the globe.” (Eve said, “Meaning: Demons will be fleeing left and right out of people as the true fire of the Holy Spirit fills each one and searches the depths of each individual. There won't be any place left for them to hide in the elect of God.”) David asked, “Will there be mass healings and deliverances? Baruch said, “Yes. These will all take place on the largest scale in human history.” (Eve said, “Meaning: Masses of people will supernaturally be delivered and healed all at once for times sake because the need is so great and the darkness so pervasive.”) Then the angel Shemuel said, “A great move of God is coming upon the younger generations. (i.e. The millennials - Generation Z) There is a mildew and rottenness that has been cast upon this crop by satan; a perpetual darkness, so that the Son has not shown upon them. They languish and rot in the field and their fruit is poisoned. But the Son is coming to shine down upon them and he will burn up all the disease and mildew of their lives and the heat of His fire will burn through them and cleanse and restore them to the purpose they were created for. There has never been a revival like this that will sweep the whole earth. This will be entirely an act of God; supernatural and undeniable. He will not forsake the youth of this final generation.'   Our Promised DNA Restoration David asked, “What does the coming restoration involve personally? 30 years younger?” The angel Jeruel answered, “Restoration on a DNA cellular level. Faith and power will be imputed to receive healing and restoration. It will be complete restoration not partial. The first fruits are first. They will be the trail blazers. There will also be a mighty supernatural outpouring of spiritual restoration of closeness to God through His Holy Spirit.” Then David asked, “When will the Lord restore our teeth?” The angel Baruch said, “When the DNA restoration takes place, teeth will be restored as well.”   Destroying Your DNA or Restoring Your DNA As we have seen the confession of the curse brings destruction of the DNA. This is what men do every day as a norm as they see their natural face in the mirror instead of the Gospel face of Jesus as in 2Corinthians 3:18. As a narrow example of this very broad principle of the DNA curse, the medical establishment demonstrates this phenomena by pointing out specifically all of man's curses and making sure they fear them so that they can control the people. As Job said in Job 3:25 For the thing which I fear cometh upon me, And that which I am afraid of cometh unto me. Jesus confirmed this saying in Mat 8:13 ... as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. Fear is faith in the curse. The medical establishment confesses the curses and demands that we do so also but they always ultimately lose the patient to the curse. Their pharmakeia actually brings more curses as side effects. They made sure everyone who would listen feared C-19 enough to take the vaccine which people are dying of in a geometric progression. Before this man-made curse the Journal of the American Medical Association said, 450,000 people were dying a year in the US from Iatropic [healer related] causes. The Angels told us that the Lord would return in His Man-child body and completely restore the DNA of his Holy People who confess Him before men. The angel Baruch said, “There is much busyness happening in the Kingdom of our Lord; Much excitement is among the saints and the angels. Everything is prepared and ready for His return.” And then after a moment he said, “The Son is waiting for the Father's command.” David asked, “So the Man-child is coming?” Baruch said, “Surely.” David asked, “What does the coming restoration involve personally?” The angel Jeruel answered, “Restoration on a DNA cellular level. Faith and power will be imputed to receive healing and restoration. It will be complete restoration not partial. The first fruits are first. They will be the trail blazers. There will be a mighty supernatural outpouring of spiritual restoration of closeness to God through His Holy Spirit.” Science is pointing this out. It appears to me that the Lord, through the spoken Words of His Man-child, will bring the frequency needed to restore DNA, and all we need to supply is the Words of Faith in the promises of God which we have known is the cure for the curse. Jesus through His sacrifice took away the devil's power of death (Heb.2:14) for those who believe. He never had the authority of death. Authority is the right to use power. (1Sa.2:6) The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth down to Sheol, and bringeth up. Death and life are in the hand of the Lord, not any other. But again, that does not negate our responsibility. (Pro.18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue… We need to be careful to agree with God's Word that we fall not under the curse (Rev.22:18-19). (Num.14:28)… As ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. (Mat.12:37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. God reacts to the way we react to His Word. Everything is subject to the Word God has spoken, even His own will. (Psa.138:2)… thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. God puts the Word first, as a standard to trust even above His own name, which in Hebrew means “character and authority.” God wants us to know that He puts His Word above any desire or purpose that we might think He has. But His Word is His desire and purpose.

First Wednesday - July 2025NOTES

Is forgiveness something we are forced to give—or is it a choice of the heart? In today's Daily Verse By Verse episode, Pastor Mike Massey takes us through Philemon 1:12–14, where Paul sends Onesimus, a transformed believer, back to his former master Philemon. Through this powerful exchange, we unpack the essence of voluntary forgiveness—a response rooted not in compulsion, but in love and obedience to God's Word. Paul doesn't demand reconciliation—he invites it. And so does God.Explore how God's forgiveness of your sins serves as the model for how you forgive others. Whether someone at work, in your family, or from your past has hurt you, today's message reminds you that unforgiveness binds the heart, while forgiveness sets it free. You'll hear why God's love empowers us to forgive as we've been forgiven, and how doing so aligns us with His eternal purpose.This mini-sermon is packed with daily Bible study, expository teaching, and applications for your Christian walk. Learn how forgiveness connects to the Great Commission, how voluntary love reflects God's character, and how your life story is a Cinderella story of grace—one where Jesus already secured the victory.Perfect for your daily devotionals, this Christian podcast will help you study the Bible, reflect on God's love, and apply verse-by-verse Bible teaching to your everyday life.Keywords: God's love, daily Bible study, God's Word, sermons, verse by verse, Christian podcast, Jesus loves me, study the Bible, Bible teachingTags: forgiveness, Philemon 1:12-14, Christian podcast, daily devotion, voluntary love, God's grace, study the Bible, Paul and Onesimus, reconciliation, Bible study podcast, God's Word, 10-minute sermon

Asst. Pastor Melvin GainesAkron Alliance Fellowship Church, Akron OHMessage for Sunday, June 22, 2025(Pre-Recorded)Are you ready to get more acquainted with Jesus?  All that it requires is your time and effort in the Word.  The indwelling Spirit will take care of the rest.  The main things are the plain things in God's Word.  Just don't overthink or embellish it.#acquaint #Jesus #time #effort #Word #God #main #plain #thing #overthink #embellish

Asst. Pastor Melvin GainesAkron Alliance Fellowship Church, Akron OHMessage for Sunday, June 22, 2025Are you ready to get more acquainted with Jesus?  All that it requires is your time and effort in the Word.  The indwelling Spirit will take care of the rest.  The main things are the plain things in God's Word.  Just don't overthink or embellish it.#acquaint #Jesus #time #effort #Word #God #main #plain #thing #overthink #embellish

Praying the Word of God - Morning Prayer (Ephesians 2_1-10) - we know that when we pray the Word God has spoken to us we are praying rightly to the one true God who is the Word and gives us the Word - #prayingwordofgod #prayer #praying #jesus #wordofgod #itstime #allin #aimingforjesusThank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peace aimingforjesus.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/ Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesus X https://x.com/AimingForJesus Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

A Sermon for Trinity Sunday St. John 3:1-17 by William Klock Everywhere Jesus went the crowds followed him.  Everyone had a problem.  Some were deaf, some blind; some were sick, some dying; some were demon-possessed, some were weighed down by sin.  They knew that this is not how the world is supposed to be.  Everyone knew it then.  Everyone knows it now.  And that's why everyone longs for the day when the world is set to rights and the tears are wiped away.  And that's why the people flocked to Jesus.  Wherever he went, there was a little bubble of the world as it should be.  Wherever Jesus went, there was a little bubble of God's future in the present.  Wherever Jesus went, there was a little bubble where the tears were wiped away. And this man named Nicodemus—John says he was a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews—Nicodemus watched from a distance—in the streets, in the temple court.  And as he watched, he saw the hopes of Isreal being fulfilled.  He saw that little bubble of God's future wherever Jesus went.  And he believed.  It's just that he wasn't quite sure exactly what he was believing.  Have you ever felt that way?  You see God at work.  There's no question about it.  But it's not something you ever expected.  And so you believe, but you don't really understand.  That's where Nicodemus was at.  He wasn't one of the simple people who just needed some physical manifestation of the kingdom like the blind and the deaf and the demon-possessed.  He knew the scriptures.  He knew how the God of Israel was supposed to fulfil his prophecies.  And Nicodemus could see that Jesus was fulfilling them.  But Jesus wasn't doing it the way people expected.  So Nicodemus went to Jesus in the night, after the crowds were gone, when Jesus was alone with his disciples.  Knock!  Knock!  Knock! And Peter—or John or James or whoever—opened the door and was totally surprised to see him there.  Everyone knew who Nicodemus was and he was the last person the disciples expected to be knocking at the door.  But here he was, probably with at least a servant or two.  You didn't close the door on someone like Nicodemus, so pretty soon he was inside and seated with Jesus and the questions began.  Nicodemus wanted to understand. “Rabbi,” he said to Jesus, “we know that you're a teacher who has come from God.  Nobody can do these signs that you're doing, unless God is with him.”   If you listen carefully, you can hear the unspoken question in Nicodemus' affirmation.  It's the theologian's equivalent of “Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.”  It was like this for everyone.  The disciples saw, they heard, they believed, but when Jesus pressed them with questions, they still gave the wrong answers.  Peter knew with absolute certainty that Jesus was the Messiah, the son of the living God.  But when push came to shove, he drew his sword and was ready to usher in the kingdom with violence.  Despite three years with Jesus, the disciples were still full of all the wrong ideas the Jews had about the Messiah and his kingdom.  Nicodemus was no different.  It's just that he knew he was missing something and he was here to sort it out with Jesus.  But Jesus doesn't give him the answer he wanted—because Jesus knew that no matter how clearly he connected the dots for Nicodemus, that wouldn't solve the problem.  Nicodemus needed something more.  And so Jesus answers Nicodemus' question with those words so familiar to us, but so perplexing to him: “Let me tell you the solemn truth.  Unless someone has been born from above, he won't be able to see God's kingdom.”   This is John 3.  The beginning.  Jesus gives the answer to all the questions.  And consider how the disciples had three years to mull it over.  And as we've heard in our Gospels all through Easter- and Ascensiontide they still couldn't wrap their heads around it.  Jesus told them he had to leave so that something better could come and they were confused and upset and afraid.  Jesus was a walking manifestation, a walking bubble of the kingdom.  How could anything possibly be better than that?—apart from the kingdom filling the whole world—but how's that going to happen if Jesus is gone?  They had to be born from above, too.  But that's just it.  In being born from above, they themselves would become walking bubbles of God's future in the present.  That's what we celebrated last Sunday at Pentecost.  The God of Israel sent his Spirit to indwell his people.  They were born from above—and suddenly, when that happened, it all made sense.  Peter preached that great Pentecost sermon—something that would have been impossible the day before—and from there the disciples went out to make God's kingdom known to the world. Incidentally, this is why the story of Nicodemus' visit to Jesus is our Gospel today.  Long before there was a Trinity Sunday, this was the Sunday after Pentecost and today's Gospel was chosen to explain the events we read about last Sunday.  When Trinity Sunday came along there was no reason to change the lesson, because here we see the Trinity revealed: the Son reveals that the Father must send the Spirit to give life to and to renew his people. But back to Jesus and Nicodemus: “The central truth you're missing is that you've got to be born from above,” Jesus says to the Pharisee.  Nicodemus understood so much.  He knew the world is not as it should be.  He knew that the Lord had chosen and called his people to be a light to the world.  And he knew that his people had failed—over and over and over.  That's why the Pharisees were so zealous for God's law.  If everyone in Israel would just shape up.  If they'd just remember all the wonderful things God had graciously and mercifully done for them and love him return by keeping his law.  If they would be faithful.  Then God would return and set everything right.  The Pharisees were an “on earth as in heaven” people.  And Nicodemus saw God at work in Jesus, but he was struggling to reconcile what he saw in Jesus with what he expected of God.  Jesus knew this and so he says that what's missing—not just what Nicodemus is missing, but what all Israel is missing—is this new birth.  And, Brothers and Sisters, it's really important that we understand that as much as Jesus is saying, “You, Nicodemus, must be born again—which is how the ears of modern Christians have been trained to hear this in individualistic terms—Jesus' stress is on Israel, on the whole people: “All y'all must be born again,” as they might say in Texas.  In verse 7 he says, “Do not be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.'”  Israel as a people had been born the first time when they passed through the waters of the Red Sea and Jesus is saying that now Israel has to be born a second time.  This is why John was out in the wilderness calling people to repentance and baptising them in the Jordan, but still stressing that water wasn't enough.  Israel had been baptised with water before.  What Israel needed now was water and the Spirit.  Jesus walking around a little bubble of God's future in the present—that's what Israel was always supposed to be—so that the nations could see them and know the goodness of God.  And what Jesus is saying is that it's the Spirit who will finally make the people what God had intended them to be all along.  As Jesus has said over and over in various ways: he, Jesus, was sent by the Father, but that it would be the Spirit—the “Helper”—who would come after, who would testify to them about this truth, and then that through them this Spirit would testify to the rest of Israel and even to the nations.  This would fulfil what the prophets had spoken: a new people, a new Israel through whom the Lord would fulfil the mission he'd begun with Abraham—a mission to fill the world with knowledge of his glory as the waters cover the sea.  This new Israel, full of God's Spirit, would finally be that bubble of the kingdom, the manifestation of God's new creation here in the midst of the old, so that the nations will flock to the God of Israel to give him glory. But Nicodemus just sat there looking puzzled.  Ditto for the disciples.  Because the Spirit hadn't yet come to testify about Jesus.  So Nicodemus asks, “How can someone possibly be born when he's old?  You're not telling me he can go back a second time into his mother's womb and be born, are you?”  And as Jesus answers him, this is where he switches from saying things like “Unless one is born again” to “Unless all y'all are born again”.  Because it's not such much about one person being born again or even about a whole bunch of individuals being born again.  It's about Israel as a people being born again so that she could be put back on track to fulfil her mission to reveal God to the nations.  Now, this idea of new birth would have resonated with Nicodemus, because to be a Jew was all about being born as part of Abraham's family.  Other things like circumcision and sabbath and diet were really important—especially to a Pharisee—but those things were important because they were the markers of Abraham's family.  They drew a clear line between those who were in the family and all the uncircumcised, unclean gentiles who were most definitely not—the one's people like Nicodemus expected God to destroy with fire and brimstone when he came to set the world to rights. And what Jesus is now saying is that being born into Abraham's family the way the Jews thought of it wasn't enough.  In fact—and this really comes out in Paul's letters—it never had been enough.  And Nicodemus should have known this.  For two thousand years people were born into Abraham's family and the kingdom still hadn't come.  For two thousand years people were born into Abraham's family and still the gentiles hadn't experienced the Lord's blessing through them on the huge scale envisioned by the scriptures.  Just the opposite, in fact.  The Prophet Zechariah spoke of a day when the gentiles would be grabbing hold of Jews by their coattails and pleading with them, “Take us with you, because we hear that God is with you!”  But because of the way most of Abraham's children were living, the nations mocked them and taunted them saying, “Where's your God?”  It takes more than bring born of the flesh of Abraham.  It even takes more than being born of water, as Isreal had been in the Red Sea.  As a Pharisee devoted to exhorting his fellow Jews to be better keepers of the law, Nicodemus should have known that it wasn't working—that the people needed something more.  He, of all people, should have been looking forward to the day when the law would no longer be written on tablets of stone, but engraved on the very hearts of the people by the Holy Spirit. So Jesus says to Nicodemus, “I'm telling you the solemn truth.  Unless someone is born from water and the Spirit, he can't enter the kingdom of God.  Flesh is born from flesh, but spirit is born from Spirit.”  This is what John the Baptist was getting at out in the desert.  God was about to lead his people in a new exodus.  As Israel had been led through the waters of the Red Sea to become a covenant family, so John was calling people to pass through the waters of the Jordan—a step of repentance and faith—and into a new covenant.  They all needed a baptism of repentance.  They need to turn aside, not just from their disobedience, but from their misguided expectations of the kingdom and of the Messiah.  But remember what John promised.  When people asked him if he was the Messiah, he said that he was only the forerunner.  “I baptise you with water,” he said, “but he will plunge you into the Holy Spirit.”  And that's just what Jesus does.  As we remembered last Sunday at Pentecost, Jesus takes those who have repented, who have turned aside from every false god and from every false king and from every false “ism”, he takes those who have instead grabbed hold of him in faith by passing through the waters of baptism, and he plunges them—us—into the Holy Spirit.  And the Spirit transforms and renews and regenerates us.  He takes our old, dead wood and grafts us into Jesus the vine and new life courses into us to bear fruit.  The Spirit makes us those walking bubbles of God's new creation—what God's people were always supposed to be.  That's what it means to be born again or born from above. Brothers and Sisters, think of your baptism as something like Israel at the Red Sea.  There was the parted water and God calling Israel to pass through to freedom and new life on the other side.  There was no receiving the law in Egypt; they had to cross to the other side of the sea to find covenant, to find relationship with the Lord.  And so we stand at the waters of baptism today.  In them Jesus gives his promise: Repent, turn aside from every false way, trust me, follow me in faith and you will find forgiveness of sins and new life through the Spirit.  To pass through the waters of baptism is to take hold of Jesus' promise and to be born again of water and the Spirit—and to be made part of this new covenant people ready and equipped to live and to proclaim his kingdom. But, again, this didn't fit what Nicodemus knew.  “How can this be so?” he asks.  And Jesus asks a bit incredulously, “How can you not know this?  You're one of the teachers of Israel!”  Nicodemus knew the story.  He understood how Israel had so miserably failed in her mission.  As a Pharisee he was abundantly aware of this problem.  Jesus tells Nicodemus: God has heard your cries and is visiting his people and he's doing it in me.  I'm the son of man, the one spoken of by Daniel all those years ago.  I can tell you reliably the things of heaven because I'm the one who has come down from heaven.  Nicodemus is pretty incredulous.  He came wanting to know, but he's not liking what he's hearing and so Jesus is basically telling him, “You have to trust me.”  That's what it's all about.  Sometimes this faith stuff doesn't make sense, but keep trust Jesus and the Spirit will eventually make sense of it.  And in keeping with that Jesus reminds him of the time the Israelites grumbled against Moses—which was really just veiled grumbling against the Lord.  And so the Lord sent poisonous snakes into the camp.  The snakes bit people and many of those who were bit died.  But the Lord also gave Moses the remedy.  He told Moses to cast a snake out of bronze and to mount it on a pole.  Anyone who would look up to the bronze snake would be healed.  It didn't make sense.  How would a bronze snake on a pole heal anyone?  But it did—by faith. So Jesus says, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, in the same way the son of man must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him may share in the life of God's new age.”  Jesus is pointing to his own crucifixion.  As the snake was the affliction of the people lifted up for them to look at, so Jesus would take the affliction of Israel on himself—he would suffer the punishment for their sins—and be lifted up on the cross.  He would be lifted up for everyone to look upon—to see the horror and the gravity of their sin, to see that the wages of sin is death.  But they would also see Jesus taking it all on himself and in that, the horror and ugliness of his being raised up would become an act by which he is ultimately glorified.  In the cross we see the love of God made manifest in Jesus.  And Jesus says in the familiar words we all know, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Jesus corrects the central error in the thinking of Israel in his day.  They were hoping and praying for the day when the Lord would come, not just to vindicate his people, but to judge their enemies—to rain down fire and brimstone on the Romans and all the other gentiles.  But instead Jesus tells Nicodemus that he's come not to condemn, but to save all who will look to him.  All.  The Jews thought the Lord, when he came, would vindicate them for their faithfulness, but Jesus says to Nicodemus, “Even the most righteous of you need this new birth, this salvation if you want to know God's vindication.  And it's not just for you.”  The Jews looked forward to the condemnation he would bring, but Jesus says he's come not to condemn, but to save.  And this is where the part about being born again of water and the Spirit comes into play.  Being born of water and the Spirit supersedes biology and genealogy.  In Jesus God opens his arms to welcome Jew and Gentile alike.  It was the Jews first, because if the Lord is faithful—and he is—he had to first fulfil his promises to his own people, but most importantly, in that act of faithfulness, the nations would take note of the God of Israel.  In Jesus, the nations would see that the God of Israel is not like the puny, selfish, fickle, and powerless gods they have known, and they would then flock to this God who is truly good and faithful.  This is what God's future looks like, not just Israel set to rights and everyone else set on fire.  God's future is for everyone who sees Jesus and his people wiping away the tears and forgiving sin, who believes, and who becomes part of it—whether born of Abraham by the flesh or born of Abraham by faith—all born in God's Spirit. Abraham's family is integral to the story and the plan, but Jesus reminds us that genes and DNA were never really what made anyone part of Abraham's family; it was about faith.  It was faith for Abraham himself and it was faith in God's promises for all who followed after: for Isaac and Jacob, for Joseph and Moses and Joshua, for gentiles like Rahab and Ruth, and even for the great kings like David and Solomon.  And God's promise was that through his covenant people, through these people who knew him in faith and were reconciled to him by faith, he would bless the nations.  It happened here and there in the Old Testament.  Rahab and Ruth are two of many small-scale testimonies to that, but here we finally see the Lord's promise coming to full fruit.  It's what we celebrated last week on Pentecost as Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on these men of Israel gathered from around the world.  They had heard Peter preach about Jesus and what he'd come to do.  They rallied to Jesus in faith and in response Jesus poured his Spirit into them.  Finally, through Jesus, Israel became the source of blessing she was intended to be—not by flesh, but by the Spirit—as these men and women took the good news to the nations: Jesus is Lord.  He has conquered sin and death.  In him is the forgiveness of sin, in him is life, in him God has returned to his creation as King.  And in him—the incarnate Word—God makes himself known.  In Jesus, God incarnate, we have the restoration and fellowship with our Creator that he has been working towards ever since the day we rebelled and were cast out of his presence.  In Jesus, God's kingdom—his new creation—has been inaugurated, in us and through us in the world.  Brothers and Sisters, we are that people the God of Israel was working to create and to make new all those millennia.  Jesus and the Spirit have finally made us that bubble of God's future in the present, the bubble where the world is set to rights and where the tears are wiped away, the bubble that shows the world the faithfulness and goodness of God.  May we be that people—God's future in the present, the heralds of his new creation—may we be faithful in being this Spirit-renewed gospel people who make known God's glory to the world. Let us pray: Almighty God we praise you this morning for the grace you have shown us.  Even as we rebelled against you, our good Creator, you were setting in motion our redemption: Father sending, calling, electing; Son speaking, coming, dying, rising; and Spirit uniting, renewing, regenerating, empowering.  In the redemption of the world we see the glory of the Trinity and the majesty of the Unity and in gratitude we fall before you with the angels to sing, “Holy, holy, holy Lord God almighty.”  By your grace, keep us strong in faith, O Lord, but keep us also faithful in our witness and our ministry to make your redeeming love known to the world.  We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns together with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

Are you feeling stuck, delayed, or like your promises are out of reach? This prophetic word is for YOU!In this powerful message, Robert Hotchkin reveals that God is bringing His people into the very places He has been preparing for them — spiritually and physically. Homes. Land. Buildings. Influence. Mantles. Ministries. Promotions. The prepared place of your fulfilled promises is ready — and it's time for you to step in.

Growing In God Podcast  Web Description: God commanded us to comfort His people. And that is what we intend to do, not just by our prayers but by our actions. That is what this Israel solidarity trip is all about. We are going to Israel to be the hands, feet, and voices of comfort to the Israeli people. We are going there to help them spiritually and physically during this time when so much is coming against them.   Show Notes: At Hargrave Ministries we are on our latest solidarity trip to Israel. The purpose of our trip, as the name states, is to show solidarity with the people of Israel. We are following God's command in Isaiah 40:1 to comfort God's people. We are there to be a source of encouragement and support, to let them know that Christians are standing with them. In other words, we are not coming to Israel as sightseers for our own benefit. We are coming to be the hands and feet that are helping Israel and the Jewish people.   We plan to visit several sites in Israel to give them our support. This includes helping pack boxes at Leket Israel, the leading food rescue organization in Israel. We also want to visit United Hatzalah, the volunteer emergency medical service that is saving lives in this current conflict. Shiloh Israel Children's Fund is also on our schedule. This volunteer organization ministers to children who have suffered emotional and physical trauma from terrorism. We have scheduled a trip to Hebron which, like Shiloh, is in the Jewish homeland of Judea and not the “West Bank” as it is currently mislabeled. And we plan to visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, which is a pillar of education for ending anti-Semitism.   Please help Hargrave Ministries help Israel. We need your support through your prayers and through your giving. Not only do we need to cover the travel, food, and living costs of the trip, but we will also be making donations to support Israel financially at this time. If you have a burden to bless Israel and the Jewish people, you can be a part of this solidarity trip by donating to Hargrave Ministries. Most of all, we need your spiritual support that will allow us to be God's instruments in this day.   Key Verses:   •       Isaiah 40:1. “‘Comfort, O comfort My people,' says your God.” •       Genesis 12:1–3. “I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.” •       Ephesians 6:12. “Our struggle is … against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” •       2 Corinthians 10:4. “The weapons of our warfare are … divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” •       Joshua 15:13–14. “Now he gave to Caleb … Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron).” •       Deuteronomy 9:1–2. “You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess … the sons of the Anakim.”   Quotes:   •       “Christianity must be free from anti-Semitism and the roots of it. And we come now as a voice of comfort, as we believe God has commanded us to do in these words from Isaiah.” •       “Part of this solidarity trip is to be a reminder that great prophecies and promises in the Hebrew Scriptures exist and are yet to see a fulfillment over the children of Israel in this day. And we go as Christians believing to be a force of faith to say, ‘We hold to the Word that God has spoken, and we know that not one Word God has spoken will fall to the ground.'” •       “We must realize that part of what we're doing as we go is that we're believing to have the authority and the enabling by the grace of God in the Spirit to bring down these spiritual forces of wickedness that are at the root cause of what we see transpiring.”   Takeaways:   1.    An Israel solidarity trip is a tour of Israel for the purpose of being a blessing to the country of Israel. We are going there to be a source of comfort, backing, and encouragement to the people of Israel. We want to help the economy and help the local organizations that are helping the Israelis with the difficulties of war and terrorism. 2.    The history of the Jewish people has been one of living under anti-Semitism, persecutions, and just pure hate. And much of that history has been because of Christians. Now as we see Israelis surrounded by many nations committed to their destruction, we want to demonstrate to them that Christians are supporting them. 3.    We need to understand that the attacks on Israel and the Jewish people today are from spiritual forces that have assaulted them since the beginning. Our job as Christians is to use the spiritual weapons God has given us to see the destruction of these spiritual forces that are the root cause if what is taking place in the natural realm.  

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13) 1/ What is our incentive to not want to sin? What is our motive? 2/ A warfare . 3/ The Word - God's way that also brings us to him . This sermon was preached at Zoar Strict Baptist Chapel Ashwell, Bedfordshire, England

What's holding you back from "Experiencing True Fulfillment"? Listen to Ptr. Alex Garcia as he reveals how Christ's sufficiency is the answer and discover the secret to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. Pick up some powerful declarations that will shift your perspective in life. Tune in and let your soul be satisfied with the transformative truth of Jesus Christ!

Pastor Walt delivers a passionate call for believers to rediscover the transformative power of God's Word as the ultimate source of breakthrough, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in their lives.• The Word of God comes to us in five different forms: God's direct speech, personal address, through human lips, written scripture, and Jesus Christ himself• Modern society has reduced the Word to sound bites and application without proper interpretation• Like a tree planted by water, those who meditate on God's Word have strong roots and bear fruit in every season• The enemy tries to steal the Word through lack of understanding, shallow roots, or letting worldly concerns crowd it out• Isaiah 55 extends four invitations: to eat and drink from God's provision, to listen for true life, to seek the Lord while He can be found, and to understand God's higher thoughts• Every need, answer, and breakthrough you seek is already available in the Word• God's Word never returns void but accomplishes everything He intendsIf you've been blessed by today's message, I encourage you to bring your physical Bible to church each week. There's power in reconnecting with the written Word, marking passages that speak to you, and building your faith through consistent study of God's promises. Welcome To Chosen City Church! We are excited to you have worship with us today and we pray that this sermon blesses you!Partner With Chosen City Church:https://www.chosencitychurch.com/part...Support Chosen City Church:https://www.chosencitychurch.com/givePodcasts and More:https://linktr.ee/chosencitychurchConnect With Chosen City ChurchWebsite: https://chosencitychurch.com.comInstagram: @ChosenCityChurchYouTube: Chosen City ChurchFacebook: Chosen City ChurchIntro and outro created by Joe Anderson Jr. of Truflava Productions

Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #receive #howtoreceive #moreofyou

Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #receive #howtoreceive #moreofyou

May 4, 2025  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHHow to change spiritual numbness1Samuel 3:1-181. Believe that God wants to speak to his people. v.1-4How God speaksA. The SpiritB. The Scripture C. The Church2. Know God must reveal himself. 4-73. Remember God is patient but not a pushover. 11-14Obstacles to hearing GodA. Sin   B. InexperienceC. Expectation4. Accept that God does what he wants. v.16-18Mental WorshipHow does God usually get your attention?Has God reveled himself to you? How do you know?What is a recent Word God has said to you? What are you doing with it?If God were to answer the next thing you ask him, what would you ask?Has God ever used hardship as a way of rescuing you?What do you have to do more of, or less of, to hear God better?

Today, we're talking about something every believer faces: doors—some wide open, some firmly shut. Ever wonder why a door you were hoping for remains closed while another swings open unexpectedly? That's where God's guidance comes in.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Revelation 3:8—"I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut."God is always leading us, but the challenge is learning to recognize when He's opening a door and when He's closing one for our good. Sometimes, we're so focused on a locked door that we miss the one He's already swung wide open. The key is discernment. Not every opportunity is from Him, and not every rejection is the enemy trying to stop us—it might just be divine protection.So, how do we know the difference? First, alignment with God's Word—God will never open a door that contradicts Scripture. Second, peace—God's doors bring peace, not confusion or fear. Third, confirmation—He often affirms His direction through wise counsel and circumstances.Maybe you're standing before a door right now, unsure whether to step through. Trust His timing. If He's placed the opportunity before you, no one can take it away. And if He's closed a door, it's because He has something better ahead.Question of the Day: Have you ever experienced God closing a door only to realize later that it was for your good?Let's Pray: Lord, help us to see Your open doors clearly and trust You when You close others. Give us wisdom to walk in Your will and faith to trust Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we're talking about something every believer faces: doors—some wide open, some firmly shut. Ever wonder why a door you were hoping for remains closed while another swings open unexpectedly? That's where God's guidance comes in.Our springboard for today's discussion is: Revelation 3:8—"I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut."God is always leading us, but the challenge is learning to recognize when He's opening a door and when He's closing one for our good. Sometimes, we're so focused on a locked door that we miss the one He's already swung wide open. The key is discernment. Not every opportunity is from Him, and not every rejection is the enemy trying to stop us—it might just be divine protection.So, how do we know the difference? First, alignment with God's Word—God will never open a door that contradicts Scripture. Second, peace—God's doors bring peace, not confusion or fear. Third, confirmation—He often affirms His direction through wise counsel and circumstances.Maybe you're standing before a door right now, unsure whether to step through. Trust His timing. If He's placed the opportunity before you, no one can take it away. And if He's closed a door, it's because He has something better ahead.Question of the Day: Have you ever experienced God closing a door only to realize later that it was for your good?Let's Pray: Lord, help us to see Your open doors clearly and trust You when You close others. Give us wisdom to walk in Your will and faith to trust Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Discover the power of protecting the precious word God gives you. In this video, we explore the importance of cherishing and guarding the divine messages and guidance that come into our lives. Learn how to recognize, receive, and protect the precious word of God, and understand the impact it can have on your spiritual journey. By prioritizing the protection of God's word, you can deepen your faith, build a stronger connection with the divine, and navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity. Tune in to learn more about the significance of safeguarding the precious word God gives you and how it can transform your life.

In today's episode, we delve into God's message to America, focusing on the importance of steadfast faith during uncertain times. We'll explore three key aspects of God's Word: God's Word to His People is Eternal Scripture: Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35 Message: Discover how God's unchanging Word provides stability in uncertain times. God's Word to His People is Active Scripture: Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11 Message: Learn how God's living Word influences and transforms lives today. Receiving and Acting Out God's Word Scripture: James 1:22, Psalm 119:105 Message: Understand the importance of not only hearing God's Word but also living it out in our actions. Join us as we explore these powerful truths and their relevance in today's world. Learn More: HerbieMac.org

I am excited to finally share with you the Word God gave me to share for 2025!  It has a lot of varying nuances and is a slightly different presentation than some of my other words, but that is good. God is always stretching and growing us as we press in to hear Him speak. This next season is a pivotal foundation setting year. It is a year of sowing, a year of covenant, a year of prioritizing thankfulness, and an invitation to choose the “better thing.”  And as you press in to implement these things, it will be a year of divine revelation, battles and victories.    Don't miss this opportunity to position yourself before the Lord to hear what He would say to you for this next season.   Today is the last day for early bird pricing for my next class scheduled to begin January 28, 2025. You can get more details and register here for my Dare2Hear Part 2 Training: https://debbiekitterman.com/product/live-dare2hear-part-2-training-classes-starts-january-28-2025-for-6-weeks/    All materials are provided and we will cover 6 different topics. Plus I will have advanced prophetic activations.  

How do you respond to the Word of God? Pastor Mike returns to challenge us on actively responding to the proclaimed Word of God with delight and thanksgiving as we entrust our lives to our Savior and King, Jesus of Nazareth.

Relationship is about connection. Baptism is about a relationship or connection with God in Jesus Christ and the beloved community. Even though Jesus' baptism was not like ours, it is still about connection. The Hebrew people had been waiting many years for the prophesied Messiah. So here was John out in the wilderness baptizing people with the baptism of repentance. He really stuck out and people came to find him in the wilderness. John was bristling the church leaders. The Hebrew people were not hearing this kind of message from them, and they were waiting in hope and expectation. John clarified for them that he was not the Messiah that they had been waiting for. The Message puts it this way: “I'm baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. She's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. She'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false she'll put out with the trash to be burned.” Wow, so baptism is about cleansing, about cleaning our houses. It is not the kind of cleaning that we can hire someone else to do. Only the Holy Spirit can do this kind of cleaning. This is what it means to be in relationship with Jesus and to stay in right relationship with him.  The theological term for this is sanctification or being made holy. We are brought into a healthy relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther has reminded us that this is a daily process. Making the sign of the cross reminds us of this. What can we learn from Jesus' baptism that will help us in our connection or relationship with him? Jesus waited and possibly encouraged all who were present to be baptized by John. This was really a baptism of preparation or cleansing for following Jesus.  As Jesus was praying, which was a common theme in Luke, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit or dove descended down on Jesus. Then a voice was heard, God's, saying, “You are my beloved Son, chosen and marked by my love, with you I am well pleased.” Luke is telling us that God confirmed for Jesus that he was God's son chosen and loved, and that God was pleased with him. Now we could gather that this voice was heard by all the people present, but we don't know that for a fact as Luke does not tell us of their immediate response. Instead, Luke goes into a genealogy that connects Jesus back to Adam and then is followed by Jesus' temptation story in the wilderness.  Jesus waited and encouraged all to be baptized and then he was baptized as one of the people. This baptism of John was about being prepared, about being cleansed and for us keeping our relationship with Jesus healthy. Thus, Jesus was modeling for us the need for this baptism and the Holy Spirit cleansing us. Jesus waiting and encouragement also modeled humbleness and a heart for the people. This baptism of repentance and the Holy Spirit is what keeps our connection to Jesus healthy. Our connection with Jesus really begins the day we are born. Baptism recognizes this connection. It recognizes God's grace for us. Our parents and often sponsors bring us to be baptized. Years ago, and sometimes still today, baptisms are done apart from the worship service. It is more appropriate for one's baptism to be done in the context of worship as it is really about welcoming the child or adult into the beloved community. Also, it is the responsibility of the congregation to provide and encourage one's growth in a person's relationship with Jesus, just as Jesus modeled at his baptism. Today we are going to affirm our baptism. We will publicly say to God and each other that we are followers of Jesus Christ.  We will be stating that we are continuing in this relationship or connection with Jesus, that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to come and clean our house. Through water and the Word, we strengthen our connection to Jesus. We are reminded that in this gift of baptism that we receive freely forgiveness, salvation and new life.            Let us now affirm our baptism and the promises that go with it.   AFFIRMATION OF OUR BAPTISM Pastor: God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world. Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father: We give you thanks, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and you created heaven and earth. By the gift of water you nourish and sustain us and all living things. By the waters of the flood you condemned the wicked and saved those whom you had chosen, Noah and his family. You led Israel by the pillar of cloud and fire through the sea, out of slavery into the freedom of the promised land. In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit. By the baptism of his own death and resurrection your beloved Son has set us free from the bondage to sin and death, and has opened the way to the joy and freedom of everlasting life. He made water a sign of the kingdom and of cleansing and rebirth. In obedience to his command, we make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Continue to pour out your Holy Spirit on your baptized people, so that we remember the new life received at our baptism. We thank you for washing away our sings and making us inheritors of your kingdom. To you be given praise and honor and worship through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen Profession of Faith Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? Response: I renounce them. Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? Response: I renounce them. Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? Response: I renounce them. Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.   Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.   Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.   You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God's faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?   The assembly makes affirmation: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. The minister addresses the assembly. People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. The presiding minister prays for God's blessing. Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in your people the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence both now and forever. Amen. Let us now make the sign of the cross remembering our Baptism.

John 1:1-13,1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. The first Sunday of a new year is a good time for a new series — and to give spiritual focus to a new year. New years are like new beginnings. The old is gone. It's over. You can't change it. Now the new has come. All of 2025 lies ahead. What might this new year bring? And who might we be together as a church in 2025?I'm not sure we could find a better new-year's passage than these opening verses of John, because what they mainly do is celebrate Jesus. That's how we will start 2025 as a church: making much of Jesus, considering him, enjoying him, marveling at him — which is how John opens his Gospel. Three Excellencies of JesusThe apostle John, who will five times call himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (13:23; 19:26; 20:2, 7, 20), knew Jesus as closely as anyone during his earthly life. And as his dearest friend and companion, he begins his Gospel in awe, in a spirit of worship. Perhaps you felt the dramatic flair as you heard these verses read.John begins like a show that opens with fog on the stage. He talks about a particular person, but uses images, and doesn't reveal this person's name until verse 17. This person is the Word, he says, capital W. The Word of God who is with God and is God.And he is the true Light. Other lights are secondary at best, and he eclipses them when he shines in his full strength. And this world was made through him, John says, and he came into the world he made, and the world did not know him. Who is this person? We'll see next week in verse 14 that he became flesh, human, and dwelled among us. Then finally comes verse 17: the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through . . . Jesus Christ.So, John begins in this dramatic, worshipful spirit with elevated and “rhythmical prose.” These opening verses are not poetry, but they are stylized, carefully chosen words with short, punchy sentences and striking repetition of key words: Verses 1–3: beginning, word, word, God, God, word, beginning, God, made, made, made.Verses 4–5: life, life, light, light, darkness, darkness.Verses 7–8: witness, witness, light, light, witness, light.There is fog and rays of light as John introduces and anticipates the key themes that are to come. And as John worships in these opening verses, he celebrates three particular excellencies of Jesus Christ.So, here's our plan: let's celebrate with John these three excellencies of Jesus as we begin 2025.1. Jesus Is God's Word to the World (verses 1–3)That is, he is the divine Word. This is the lead image in these verses; John starts with Word and comes back to Word in verse 14. Until he names him as Jesus Christ in verse 17, he is the Word.Why Word? John could have started, with his dramatic flair, in so many ways. Why start with Word? Why not Son, S-O-N? Why not sun, S-U-N? Why not Christ or King or Lord?John writes in Greek. And the word for word in Greek (logos) has a certain intrigue. It often was invested with philosophical significance. Logos was provocative, yet at the same time, its connotations were not too fixed and singular. It was flexible enough for Christian use.But more than that was the Hebrew background. The Old Testament is chalk full of the divine Word: God's word to his prophets, and God's speaking through them to his people. And John starts with “In the beginning,” which brings to mind Genesis 1, where the Bible begins with “In the beginning...” And you know what (or who) is the sleeper in Genesis 1? The Word of God. Eleven times Genesis 1 says, “God said”; four more times, “God called”; two more times, “God blessed.” If you ask, How did God create the world? What did he do to create? How did he act in Genesis 1? The clear answer is he spoke. He said. He called. He blessed. He made the world through his Word (as Hebrews 11:3 says, “the universe was created by the word of God”).But more than even that, as we'll see in this Gospel, Word anticipates the fullness of Christ, in his coming, as God's final, decisive Word. Jesus is not just a revelation of God, and even a very special revelation of God. He is the climactic and decisive revelation of God to humanity. As verse 18 will say, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” And Jesus will say to Philip in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus is God's Word to humanity.All God's lowercase words are preparing the way and pointing to his uppercase Word, Jesus. God's singular word, for all time, for all humanity, is Jesus.So, John begins his Gospel in verses 1–3:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.Here John bundles together two essential truths about this divine Word. One, the speaking, self-reveling, self-disclosing of God almighty — is God himself: “the Word was God.” And this divine Word is not just God's own self, but two, he is God's eternal fellow. He was “with God” — which is not an adversarial with but a with of peace, love, mutual joy, shared life. It's a with of intimacy, companionship, personal relationship — a with-ness of persons before creation.The divine Word is God and with God. One divine essence, as the church would learn to say, and (here) two divine persons, as we'll soon see in this Gospel — Father and Son. (And soon enough a third divine Person will emerge!)What do we mean, then, when we celebrate Jesus as the Word of God? As God, he is fully divine, fully God, God himself. And as God's Word, he reveals God, perfectly. He proceeds from God to reveal God. He makes God known to us. Jesus shows us God and tells us about God. He is God himself and the climactic and final place that we look to, and listen to, that we might know God. He is the divine Word who became human: Jesus Christ.Tangible Word in 2025So, how might we make it tangible here at the outset of a new year? What difference might it make in 2025 that Jesus is the divine Word, God's word to us?Well, for one, know this about yourself, and learn to live in light of it: you were made to receive a Word from God. Or, say it this way, God made you to hear his revelation and respond to him. One of the strangest things about you, next to your nose, is those holes in the side of your heads. Have you ever thought about that? You have holes, God-designed holes, on either side of your head. And you know what those holes are made for? Words. Not just sounds and noises. Mainly words. The height of human hearing is receiving words.God made us to hear the words of our fellow humans, and he made us to hear him through his word, whether read or heard from someone reading aloud or heard through preaching. God made our souls, our inner person, to feed and live by hearing words through our ears. Like Jesus said, battling Satan's temptations in the wilderness, and quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”Try this for 2025: What if you attempted to have God's Voice, through his Word, be the first voice you heard in the morning? Not the word of texts and emails and notifications. Not the anxious voice of national news. Not the endless scores and numbers of ESPN and fantasy football. Not the broken English your aunt posts to Facebook, or the clips from your niece on TikTok.What if day after day, the first voice you heard was God's through his Word, Jesus, through his word, the Bible? How might your soul live, really live, if you started the day hearing God himself, feeding on God himself, in Jesus, rather than on the gravel of news and other noise?2. Jesus Is Our True Light (verses 5–9)Divine Word is the main term, but true light is the dominant image (light appears seven times in verses 4–10).In the rest of the Gospel, we'll see light is about salvation from our sin and the death sin deserves. But here, right after verses 1–3, light is first about creation. The Word shines in his world and makes sense of the world like no other light. Verses 4–9:In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.Three quick clarifications. First, look at the word “overcome” in verse 5. Other translations have “comprehend.” A good word that's a close equivalent in English is “grasp” (another is the verb “master”). You can grasp someone physically and overcome them; you can also grasp something mentally and understand it. I think that's what John means here: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.” This anticipates the rejection theme we'll see again in a few moments, and throughout this Gospel.Second, see the word “true” in verse 9. We will see this over and over. When John says “true,” he doesn't just distinguish true from false, but the real and genuine from rival claims — true bread, true worshipers, true drink, true vine. Sometimes, he means ultimate. The light that came before was true (in nature and in the Old Testament), but now the true light has come, the ultimate light. It's a contrast with what came earlier and anticipated what was to come, and has now come, in Jesus. Creation itself and all the more the Old Testament and Israel and its temple and regulations gave light. But now the true light has come, the definitive light, the climactic light, the ultimate light.Which leads, third, to that phrase “gives light to everyone.” What does John mean that Jesus, “the true light . . . gives light to everyone”? Or better, how does he shine on all humans?His shining on all humans does not mean he saves them all, or even that all humans hear the name and full story of Jesus. They will not hear his name and the truth about him if Christians don't send and go and tell. What “shine on all humans” does mean is that Jesus divides humanity. His light divides the world. We'll see this in verses 10–13. Before the light comes, all are in the darkness of sin and death:John 3:19,“…this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”John 12:46,“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”Because of sin, our world is in darkness. The divine light shines enough to condemn through creation. And the divine light shines through the law and prophets and God's first-covenant people. Then in Jesus comes the true light, and for two thousand years, he has been the decisive issue in the world. What you do with Jesus, how you respond when the true light shines on you, either leads to life, or keeps you in the grip of death.Which brings to mind a famous statement by C.S. Lewis:I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.Jesus, the true light, is the one person who makes sense of the world. Or, Christianity is the faith that makes the most sense of the world in which we live. Its account of the world's goodness in the doctrine of creation. Its account of the world's pervasive darkness in the doctrine of sin. And its account of hope and redemption in the coming of the Divine Word, the true light, to secure for us real life. Which leads to the third image, and the one that meets us most deeply where we are as humans, as we'll see in verse 12.3. Jesus Gives Us Real Life (verse 4)The Gospel of John has much to say about life: God's life, human life, spiritual life, abundant life, and the most frequent mention, eternal life. For now, we'll just touch on this theme, and then we'll enjoy it scene by scene in the coming months.Just as the backdrop or contrast for light is darkness, so the contrast for life is death, or perishing (10:28), wrath (3:36), and judgment (5:29). Life begins with God. Jesus, like his Father, has life in himself (5:26). He creates and gives life, and he is able to give spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead because of sin. Jesus is “the bread of life” (6:48), “the resurrection and the life” (11:25), “the way, the truth, and the life” (14:6).In verse 4, Jesus, as God, is the source of all created life: “In him was life.” As God, he breathes life into all who live. But they are born into sin, and walk in darkness, under divine wrath and the just sentence of death, destined to perish forever. But Jesus lays down his own life to give life to his people (John 10:11, 15, 17; 15:13).This life is eternal, indestructible life, and it begins now, in the heart, in this earthly life (4:14 and 6:27, 33, 35; 6:63; 8:12; 10:10). We drink and eat now, by faith, and have divine life already in our souls by the Holy Spirit. And this spiritual life now leads to eternal life, which is the most important meaning of life. (Life eternal is already in those who believe: 5:24, 39-40; 6:53-54)And what is the essence of this eternal life? John 17:3: “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”Death and Life in Verses 10–13How, then, does the life that is in Jesus relate to verses 10–13? Remember we said that Jesus, the true light, divides humanity. All are born into darkness. The light shines, and some come to the light; others turn from the light. Verses 10–11:He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him [the rejection theme we saw in verse 5]. 11 He came to his own [that is, his own land or home], and his own people did not receive him.The point here is life. Those who reject him, who is the life, do not have life — life in their souls now, and eternal life in the age to come.But then, verse 12:But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right [“authority”] to become children of God, 13 who were born [birth! That's life!], not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.There are two key elements here in having this life that is in Jesus. First is the legal, the “right.” What does John mean by “the right” to be children of God? This is right, not might. It's not power; it's authority. Official, formal, objective arrangements have been made such that there is a new covenant people, new covenant children, who are not based on ethnicity but faith. Not on first birth, but on new birth.When the Divine Word himself came, when the true light arrived, he brought with him a new formal arrangement for the people of God. Their right to be God's children, heirs of all his promises, and recipients of all privileges comes not through natural, human birth. John says: “not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man.” How, then, does it come?That's the second element: the subjective. The heart. The inner person. You are not born into his new-covenant people, but born again into his people. We call this “new birth.” What is it?God himself is the source of this new life in the soul. It is birth “from above,” birth by his choice, spiritual birth in his timing. Our action and choice is not determinative but God's. But we experience it.The cry of this new life, then, is believing in Jesus — not just faith (noun) but believing (verb). It's active, not static. John emphasizes this in his Gospel by never using the noun for “faith” (pistis), while using the verb “believe” (pisteuō) 98 times.Which leads us to John's stated purpose for why he wrote this Gospel, 20:31:“…these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”That would be worth memorizing and praying regularly for yourself and others in 2025: John 20:31: Father, help me to believe and keep believing that Jesus is the Christ [long-promised human hero-king], the Son of God [both rightful king of Israel and eternal second person of the Godhead], and that by believing I may have life in his name.” If you're with us this morning, and you do not yet believe, this Gospel was written that you might (for the first time) believe and experience real life in your soul, and one day, eternal life. And if you believe in Jesus already, as perhaps most of us do in this room, this Gospel was written that you might keep believing, and grow stronger in believing, and deepen and enrich your experience even now of the real life in Jesus. The essence of this new life is not the external, outward circumstances of our lives that we're so prone to focus on. The essence is in us, the inner person, the heart, the desires. And so we end with the word “receive” in verse 12: “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Receive Jesus with JoyWhat does it mean to “receive” Jesus? To receive him is to believe in him, but in what way? How do you receive him?You can receive something you don't like. You can receive a blow to the face. You can receive a pink slip. You can receive a traffic ticket. That's not the kind of receiving we're talking about here. We're not talking about receiving as a burden, or receiving with apathy. Jesus means to be received as a treasure.What's so amazing about this new birth, from God, is that he gives us a new heart. He puts in us new desires, so that when the divine Word comes to our ears, when the true light comes to our eyes, God's own life in us doesn't recoil from Jesus, or ignore Jesus, but receives him with joy. I believe in him. I enjoy him. I prize him. I treasure him.This heart is the heart of my prayer for us as a church in 2025: that we would receive him with increasing delight. Week after week, in the Gospel of John, glad reception. Give me more of Jesus. No apathy. No boredom. No burden. But eagerness. Joy.Our question for a new year is this: Where are you going for life? Where are you going for joy? Where are you trying to satisfy the deepest longings of your soul?Are you trying to drink it? Eat it? Watch it? Play it? Perform it? Accomplish it? Scroll it? I sat down next to a guy on a plane a couple months ago, just scrolling vigorously. Like he wanted life. He wanted joy. Like his soul was thirsty and he was trying to find something to satisfy. And he kept scrolling and scrolling, and I thought there's no way he can do this for more than a few minutes. And he scrolled like that, seeming so thirsty, for the whole flight from Atlanta to Springfield, Missouri.Are you like that, in front of a screen, at your job, in your eating and drinking, in your relationships, in your exercise, your automobile, your home decor — just vigorously clawing to find satisfaction there?What would it mean for you to “have life” in Jesus in 2025? Really have life? What needs to go? Or diminish? And what do you need to receive with joy more often and more deeply?Church Alive in '25And so we come to the Table to feed on Jesus for spiritual life, and drink in his grace, for life in our souls.Cities Church, let's seek to be fully alive in 2025 — alive in Jesus, and alive to Jesus.If you have new-year's resolutions, fine and good. Eat better. Exercise. Fine. Good secondary resolutions. But what are they serving? What's the focus? What if the focus were this: real life in your soul — Holy Spirit given and sustained affections for Jesus?

Welcome to The Shawn Bolz Show!

As we close out 2024 and step into 2025, Scott and Vanessa Martindale reflect on the past year's lessons, challenges and how God remained a faithful anchor during challenging times. In this episode of the BKF podcast, they share about the power of seeking God for a “word for the year” through prayer and scripture, and how doing so can provide clarity and direction for your blended family.Tune in as they discuss the importance of setting meaningful goals, embracing the journey of life with its ups and downs, and finding hope in God's faithfulness. Whether you're celebrating a successful year or navigating tough seasons, this episode will inspire you to step into 2025 with renewed purpose, faith, and unity as a blended familyWe pray this episode blesses you today!Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community? Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/ For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Today on The Shawn Bolz Show, we're covering some of the most fascinating stories of the week! RFK has undergone an unexpected transformation, moving from his reputation as a playboy and extreme Democrat to leaving the Democratic Party, aligning with Trump's team, and now experiencing a genuine spiritual awakening. What could this mean for him and his journey ahead? In other news, Diddy spent Thanksgiving behind bars, thanks to a wise judge who refused to grant his release. As if that wasn't enough, more cases are coming forward, and Elon Musk has hinted at leaking the infamous “Diddy List” in January. The drama continues to escalate! Lastly, Shawn shares his prophetic perspective on how God has designed us for relationships. When you allow God to guide you to the right connections, your life is transformed. Whether you're finding your tribe or strengthening the community around you, God is preparing to bless your relationships like never before. Don't miss this thought-provoking and inspiring episode. Watch now and join the conversation! Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/YoOQ0i6entg Come join me on my Social Media:  Facebook: Shawnbolz Twitter: ShawnBolz Instagram: ShawnBolz TikTok: ShawnBolz YouTube: ShawnBolzofficial Find me on TV: TBN: https://www.tbn.org/people/shawn-bolz Watch my series on the names of God: Discovering God series: https://bit.ly/3erdrJ9 Watch my series on hearing God's voice: Translating God series: https://bit.ly/3xbcSd5 Watch my weekly series/Vodcast on CBN News Network: Exploring the Marketplace https://bit.ly/3B81e41 Join me for my podcasts on Charisma Podcast Network: News Commentary: Prophetic Perspectives:  https://bit.ly/3L9b5ej Exploring the Marketplace: https://bit.ly/3QyHoo5 Exploring the Prophetic:  https://bit.ly/3QyHoo5 Take a class or attend an event at our Spiritual Growth Academy: Our 4 week classes and monthly events are designed to do the heavy lifting in your spiritual growth journey. Learn how to hear from God, stay spiritually healthy, and impact the world around you: https://bit.ly/3B2luDR Take a read:  Translating God - Hearing God's voice for yourself and the world around you https://bit.ly/3RU2X3F Encounter - A spiritual encounter that will shape your faith https://bit.ly/3tNAW4Y Through the Eyes of Love - http://bit.ly/2pitHTb Wired to Hear - Hearing God's voice for your place of career and influence https://bit.ly/3kLsMn9 Growing Up With God - Chapter book and kids curriculum https://bit.ly/3eDRF5a Keys to Heaven's Economy - Understanding the resources for your destiny: https://bit.ly/3TZAc7u Read my articles: At CBN News : https://bit.ly/3BtwSdp At Charisma News : https://bit.ly/3RxPJtz Email My Assistant: events@bolzministries.com Our resources: resources@bolzministries.com Our office: info@bolzministries.com

Welcome to The Shawn Bolz Show with Shawn Bolz! In today's episode, we're unpacking the "Red Wave" that's sweeping across America, looking at Trump's strategic picks for office and how these choices could play a role in bringing God's Kingdom to Earth. This pivotal moment in politics has the potential to shape culture and align with God's purposes in a powerful way. We're excited to be joined by special guest Kap Chatfield, an online pastor and entrepreneur. Kap shares his insights into the groundbreaking ways Christians are stepping into cultural influence, creating powerful shifts in media, business, and entertainment that reflect Kingdom values. Shawn also shares a timely prophetic word: Don't despise small beginnings or your own weaknesses—these are the very places where God loves to show His power. He's preparing to move in ways that will surpass our expectations! Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about faith, culture, and God's plans for the season ahead. Don't miss it! Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/d8U_nl8taos Come join me on my Social Media:  Facebook: Shawnbolz Twitter: ShawnBolz Instagram: ShawnBolz TikTok: ShawnBolz YouTube: ShawnBolzofficial Find me on TV: TBN: https://www.tbn.org/people/shawn-bolz Watch my series on the names of God: Discovering God series: https://bit.ly/3erdrJ9 Watch my series on hearing God's voice: Translating God series: https://bit.ly/3xbcSd5 Watch my weekly series/Vodcast on CBN News Network: Exploring the Marketplace https://bit.ly/3B81e41 Join me for my podcasts on Charisma Podcast Network: News Commentary: Prophetic Perspectives:  https://bit.ly/3L9b5ej Exploring the Marketplace: https://bit.ly/3QyHoo5 Exploring the Prophetic:  https://bit.ly/3QyHoo5 Take a class or attend an event at our Spiritual Growth Academy: Our 4 week classes and monthly events are designed to do the heavy lifting in your spiritual growth journey. Learn how to hear from God, stay spiritually healthy, and impact the world around you: https://bit.ly/3B2luDR Take a read:  Translating God - Hearing God's voice for yourself and the world around you https://bit.ly/3RU2X3F Encounter - A spiritual encounter that will shape your faith https://bit.ly/3tNAW4Y Through the Eyes of Love - http://bit.ly/2pitHTb Wired to Hear - Hearing God's voice for your place of career and influence https://bit.ly/3kLsMn9 Growing Up With God - Chapter book and kids curriculum https://bit.ly/3eDRF5a Keys to Heaven's Economy - Understanding the resources for your destiny: https://bit.ly/3TZAc7u Read my articles: At CBN News : https://bit.ly/3BtwSdp At Charisma News : https://bit.ly/3RxPJtz Email My Assistant: events@bolzministries.com Our resources: resources@bolzministries.com Our office: info@bolzministries.com

Lord Helps

Send us a textToday, we dig pretty deeply into only 2 verses, but oh my! We began to see some amazing things within God's Word: God has delivered us from the power of darkness, and then He has also translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. Through Christ we have redemption through the shedding of His precious blood. And through His blood, we also receive forgiveness for our sins. We look at several cross references, search out a few word meanings, and much more. In our Q&A segment, we were asked: My friend and I were discussing something the other day, and we want you to weigh in on it for us… I believe that God has the ability to hate things, but my friend argues that since God is love, He cannot hate… what do you say?If you want to be encouraged, come on and listen in today! 

Help spread this message of Truth by becoming a Truth Partner today! Text "truthpartner" to 53555 today and receive a FREE copy of Knowing Jesus by Jonathan Brozozog!Experience the life-changing presence of God in this powerful and transformative transcription! Join us as we delve into the deep meaning of being in God's presence, understanding that our gifts and abilities should always operate under His guidance. Let's build a church and community where God's glory never fades away, and where we hunger for more of Him each day. Embrace the Holy Spirit's leading, learn to wait on the Lord, and be sensitive to His promptings. Together, let's create an atmosphere where His presence is cherished above all else, and experience His mighty touch in every aspect of our lives. Join us as we pursue more of Jesus and increase our devotion to Him!Watch the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/Clg2cMryIE4?si=ZljYn8rZgUMfK1y0

Spend time in the Word  God's Word is absolute Truth  Are you moving toward or away from God?   Listen to what will move you forward

Part 3 We want our children to have good appetites. Appetites for eternal things over earthly things God's Word God' Love Diligence Faithfulness Character Integrity Family We want our children to be successful adults Prepared All ready going that way before they get there Parenting is intended to teach our teens to parent themselves Know where you are taking your kids Give them opportunities to prove they are getting there

How can poetry teach us to read Scripture?Everything within creationSpeaks of Jesus' Incarnation.Likewise too, his saving PassionIs shown forth in all that's fashioned.The Word God spoke before all agesCan be traced in Scripture's pages.The Bible tells one vast narrationfrom Genesis to Revelation.So begins "Figural Graffiti," a delightful instructional poem by theology professor Joe Mangina. "Figural Graffiti" is sincere and playful, and it's a little ditty on the method and gift of reading scripture figurally. We discuss today this ancient and lively method of reading Scripture, what we lose when we lose the knack of figural reading, and what freedom figural reading gives us as disciples and Christian leaders.Dr. Joseph Mangina is professor of theology at Wycliffe College, Toronto. His scholarly interests include ecclesiology, ecumenism, sacramental theology, and theological interpretation of Scripture. For several years in the 2000s he served on the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue commission for Canada. Among other books, he's written two on Karl Barth, the Revelation commentary for the Brazos Theological Commentary series, and most recently, he's co-edited a book called Figural Reading and the Fleshly God: The Theology of Ephraim Radner.Read "Figural Graffiti" on the Living Church's free online journal, Covenant.Check out Joe's new book.Register for the Living Church's upcoming conference.

Enjoy this replay from July 14, 2024 with associate leader Eddie Tait. One day, every word from God will be fulfilled in every way, but for now, it can often be challenging to maintain a hopeful attitude towards all of God's promises. Don't miss this encouraging message on the importance of holding firm to what God has spoken in your life."

Read the update on Everett. Would you like to know God's providential leading for your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 9. I've titled this chapter "Guided By God." Today, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and Samuel have now completed their meal and are making their way back to town. Saul still does not quite understand what is going on, but he is treated as the guest of honor, and now they head back to the home of Samuel. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:25-27, which reads: And when they came down from the high place into the city, a bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep. Then at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Up, that I may send you on your way.” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.” — 1 Samuel 9:25-27 Everything that has happened in Chapter 9 is chilling. God's providence is all over this. After eating his last bites of bread and sleeping in the hills of Ephraim on the ground for three days, Saul concludes with being given the finest meal and bed and then having an early morning discussion with the last and greatest prophet in the time of the Judges. As the servant goes ahead of them, Samuel discloses to Saul his future—that God's Word is that he (Saul) will be the first King of Israel. I assume that Saul had completely forgotten about the lost donkeys by now. I think we far underestimate the power and providence of God's Word. God's Word has a timeless effect. We tend to only think about His Word as words on a page. But the Words of God have far more consequence. Samuel, as a steward of God's Word, understood this. As the Word of the Lord had come to Samuel for the first time many years earlier at Shiloh (1 Sam. 3:7), Samuel was about to make the Word of God known to Saul for the first time. God's Word directs all of life. By His Word, God created life. By His Word, nations rise and fall. By His Word, kings come and go. His Word is providential. Yet, to experience God's providential leading, we must hear and obey His Word. But here's the best part: God made it easy for us all to hear his providential leading. He made His Word flesh in Jesus. Jesus was the living Word of God who walked with us (John 1:14). During Jesus's life, he spoke about the Word God gave him. He lived obediently to God's Word. He died and rose again as God's Word predicted. And he did this so you could hear and obey the Word of God. The moment that Saul and Samuel share in this text about God's Word, you can experience it today. You can know God's providential leading for your life. All you need to do is pick up God's Word, read it daily, and do it as prescribed, and you will know God's amazing providential leading. #DivineGuidance #GodsWord #ProvidenceInAction Ask This: How does Saul's journey in 1 Samuel 9 demonstrate the importance of being open to unexpected encounters and God's providential leading in our own lives? In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sensitivity to God's Word today, ensuring that we not only hear but also faithfully obey His guidance in our decisions and daily life? Do This: Hear and listen to God's Word and discover his providential leading. Pray This: Father, help me to trust in Your providential guidance and to faithfully follow Your Word in every aspect of my life. May I be open to unexpected encounters that reveal Your purposes and strengthen my faith in Your perfect plan. Amen. Play This: I Come To The Garden Alone.

Welcome to today's podcast episode. This month is all about RENEWAL. Each week this month, we are unpacking an area of our lives where we are allowing God to help us RESET! Today we are finishing this series and talking about Renewing Your Dreams. Be intentional to renew your faith because that positions you to renew your dreams. As you listen to today's episode, remember that you can do everything God puts on your heart. Highlights of this episode: - No one is allowed to tell me how BIG my dreams can be - Let God restore your passion to go after the dream He put in your heart - To renew our dreams, we have to create the space to renew our faith - Renewing faith allows us to see it on the inside - Faith is believing what God said is true - God wants to renew your faith - Resist excuses and distractions - We don't have to have everything figured out. Just believe. - We believe in Jesus so we should not struggle to believe the Word - God has many plans for us - What are you believing God for? Ask God to renew your ability to believe - My prayer is that God shows us His will and gives us the grace to believe for it.

Dr. Paulson dives further into the difference between preaching the text of scripture and turning all scripture into personal advice. Here, we see that God is not giving the Law to neutral people but is using his law to accomplish something. That is the death of the sinner. Likewise, the Gospel is not new advice to holy people but the Word God uses to accomplish new life.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Available Now: Encouragement for Motherhood Edited by Katie Koplin Pre-order: Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird 30 Minutes in the NT on Youtube Remembering Rod Rosenbladt Available Now: Be Thou My Song by Kerri Tom More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Pauslon  

Unraveling the opening line of Psalm 91, we find God's welcome to settle and be at home in the shelter of who God is. There is a YES/AND in that we cannot exist outside of God, AND we're invited to choose to make our home in God. As we trust God to be our safe place, we begin to thrive. By Lisa Borden

Unraveling the opening line of Psalm 91, we find God's welcome to settle and be at home in the shelter of who God is. There is a YES/AND in that we cannot exist outside of God, AND we're invited to choose to make our home in God. As we trust God to be our safe place, we begin to thrive. By Lisa Borden

As worship expands our understanding of God, we will discover God is “big enough” for all that happens in our lives – and for us. In fact, worship – having put God in God's rightful place – puts us in our place, as well – where we discover forgiveness enabling repentance. That leads us to an intimacy with God, enabling us to hear the invitation to mission – and to respond. By Bill Dogterom

As worship expands our understanding of God, we will discover God is “big enough” for all that happens in our lives – and for us. In fact, worship – having put God in God's rightful place – puts us in our place, as well – where we discover forgiveness enabling repentance. That leads us to an intimacy with God, enabling us to hear the invitation to mission – and to respond. By Bill Dogterom

God is testing your character. Testing your obedience. Testing your faithfulness. Testing your heart ... Just because you're a chosen one, a prophet of the Lord, a Christian leader; does not mean you're saved from persecution or suffering. In fact, you will suffer more for being a mouthpiece of the Lord. The Lord is weeding out the pure and impure. One thing He is clearly releasing through this prophetic word, "For everyone will be tested with fire” (Mark 9:39).  Question is: Are you God's remnant ready to be tested through the blazing fire?  Blessings xo- Melia's Services -> https://meliadiana.com/our-services Melia's Books ->https://meliadiana.com/books Academy Courses -> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-relationship-academy FREE Resources - > https://meliadiana.com/resources

You're back! But you have to keep coming back. In the midst of your day, in the midst of that impulse to scroll your phone, in the midst of your worry sessions, you must surrender to this process that's unfolding, that's happening to you. God is doing something extraordinary through you-- that's the tension you feel. That's the anxiety you feel. It's not because of anything that appears to be happening in your life. It's the growth happening in Here. Fix your eyes, Here. Even when you're seeing what's around you, it's like you're looking inside. You're feeling inside. You're hearing inside. You've changed, inside, even though the mind disagrees. God knows, and you'll see. I Love you, Nik nikki@curlynikki.com ******God is afoot! I'm writing, and working on something BIG (and very useful) for your practice! I'll share #ListenerFavorite episodes until I return with new ones in Spring! Look out for announcements soon! Support the show: ▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings ________________________________ Today's Quotes: "Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don't even recognize that growth is happening. We may feel hostile or angry or weepy and hysterical, or we may feel depressed. It would never occur to us, unless we stumbled on a book or a person who explained to us, that we were in fact in the process of change, of actually becoming larger, spiritually, than we were before. Whenever we grow, we tend to feel it, as a young seed must feel the weight and inertia of the earth as it seeks to break out of its shell on its way to becoming a plant. Often the feeling is anything but pleasant. But what is most unpleasant is the not knowing what is happening.  Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed." - Alice Walker, Living by the Word "God did not bring you to this wilderness to leave you.  But to lead you to a better life." -via IG @LaurenFortenberry "Something really beautiful happens when you're in the middle of your pain and you choose to surrender everything to God." -via IG @goforspiritual "We're not pretending to be joyful or hiding behind rose-colored glasses  we're smiling faithfully and truthfully in every season because we know Him and His way of working in the unseen." -@wildflowerpages via IG "When we fix our eyes on God and watch Him work, the Lord will help us not to be shaken or unsettled." -Karen Ehman

Sean joined Pursuit NW to share the Word God gave him for 2024. The key to ending the reign of the spirit Jezebel over our culture is found in the Scripture: “Zeal for Your house has consumed me.” Follow Sean:https://www.facebook.com/sean.feuchthttps://twitter.com/seanfeuchthttps://www.instagram.com/seanfeucht/Sign up for Sean's newsletter: https:// seanfeucht.com/