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2 episodes with word it
2 episodes with word it
2 episodes with word it
It Takes Power! It takes power to follows God's ways It take power to love God's teachings It take power to thrill to God's Word It take power to think about God's Word day and night It take power to habitually meditate on God's Word It takes power to be quiet It takes power to say ‘no' to It takes power to reject the advice of evil people It take power to arise and shine It take power to stand up and shine brightly in the darkness of this world I've got good news for you- God has given unto is the promise of His Power- Holy Spirit Jesus mentioned this in John 14:16-17 when He was about to die for humanity.. He said the following to His troubled disciples. ”And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.“ John 14:16-17 And after his death and resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, showing himself to his disciples and speaking to them about the kingdom of God. He said “The Father has made you a promise which I told you about before. Wait here to receive this promise. But the Holy Spirit will come to you. Then you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”“ Vs 8 again- But the Holy Spirit will come to you. Then you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”“ The Acts 1:8 ICB It is the Holy Spirit that gives power because He is the power of God. It is important to know that the Power of God is given to us to accomplish God's will and plan, not my plan So, how do I access the Power of God Simple accept the gift of God - Jesus. Of course it takes FAITH in God's Word to ”For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].“ 1 John 5:4 AMP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/abimbola-arawande/message
Christ promised us that He will pray that the Father give us -another Comforter,- Who is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth. Christ promises He will not leave us comfortless, and we will know the Comforter because He will dwell in us.--So the comfort we have in the Holy Ghost is, first, that He dwells in us, giving us life, and sustaining that life on account of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.--But Christ provides to us additional reasons why we are comforted by the Holy Ghost. He compares His personal face to face teachings with the work of the Comforter, because He will teach us all things, and bring to remembrance the things that Christ said.--It is so easy for us to forget what we have been told and have seen, especially after our friends have gone away.--But Jesus is guaranteeing that His disciples and His people will not forget what He has said and done for us---This is particularly important to the writing of the Scriptures. It is the Comforter that called to the Apostles' minds what Jesus had said and done, so that they could record it accurately in God's Word---It was the Comforter that made sure that the men God called to record His words, did so accurately- Thus, the Comforter comforts us in knowing that God's Word is pure and true, because He made it so.--But Christ also indicated that the Comforter would teach things to the Apostles that God wanted them to know. Paul the Apostle had the gospel revealed to Him by the Spirit of Christ in more richness than the other disciples might have known previously. There is much teaching in Scripture that the Comforter conveyed to the writers for the first time.
Christ promised us that He will pray that the Father give us -another Comforter,- Who is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth. Christ promises He will not leave us comfortless, and we will know the Comforter because He will dwell in us.--So the comfort we have in the Holy Ghost is, first, that He dwells in us, giving us life, and sustaining that life on account of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.--But Christ provides to us additional reasons why we are comforted by the Holy Ghost. He compares His personal face to face teachings with the work of the Comforter, because He will teach us all things, and bring to remembrance the things that Christ said.--It is so easy for us to forget what we have been told and have seen, especially after our friends have gone away.--But Jesus is guaranteeing that His disciples and His people will not forget what He has said and done for us---This is particularly important to the writing of the Scriptures. It is the Comforter that called to the Apostles' minds what Jesus had said and done, so that they could record it accurately in God's Word---It was the Comforter that made sure that the men God called to record His words, did so accurately- Thus, the Comforter comforts us in knowing that God's Word is pure and true, because He made it so.--But Christ also indicated that the Comforter would teach things to the Apostles that God wanted them to know. Paul the Apostle had the gospel revealed to Him by the Spirit of Christ in more richness than the other disciples might have known previously. There is much teaching in Scripture that the Comforter conveyed to the writers for the first time.
Discipline is what it comes down to when you're trying to build a new habit of time in the Word Maybe you set a goal at the beginning of this year to read the Bible more or be more consistent in the Word… It's January 15th. How is that going? I hope it's going well for you. I hope you've stuck to your commitment so far and your time with God has been so fruitful If it's not, this episode may help you If it's been going well, this episode will arm you with some tools to keep it going well --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brooke-collins77/support
Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Dec 31, 2023 ========== December 31 | Take a Mulligan! Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo December 31, 2023 | Tim Keith TAKE A MULLIGAN! Forgive Yourself Philippians 3:13-14 “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN! Focus on God's Word It keeps a good connection: Psalm 119:130 “The opening of Your word gives light, imparting understanding to the simple.” It breaks a bad habit: Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Romans 6:12,14 “do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. For sin shall not be your master” GRANT A "GIMME!" Forgive Somebody Else Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org
On The Literary Life podcast this week, our hosts continue their series of discussions on Aristotle's Poetics. Angelina, Cindy, and Thomas share some pertinent commonplace quotations to open the episode, then dive into this week's text, beginning with Aristotle's definition of “tragedy.” Thomas expands on the idea of catharsis, and Angelina outlines Aristotle's necessary elements of a story. Cindy shares her thoughts the distinction between poetry and history. They talk about the form and sequence of a story and why these are so important in Aristotle's view. In working out the definition of terms, our hosts also correct some common and crucial misconceptions. Thomas will be teaching a webinar on Jean Jacques Rousseau on February 24th. You can learn more and register at houseofhumaneletters.com. Register now for our 5th Annual Literary Life Online Conference coming up in mid-April, Shakespeare: The Bard for All and for All Time. Get all the details and sign up today at houseofhumaneletters.com. Commonplace Quotes: He was happier using the knife than in trying to save the limb. Alfred Lord Tennyson, from “In the Children's Hospital” Here the term moral imagination refers very loosely to a way of looking at life, or as Vigen Guroian puts it, “the process by which the self makes metaphors out of images given by experience, which it then employs to find and suppose moral correspondences in experience.” With this in mind, it makes sense to regard reading stories aloud to one's children the archetypal act of the trivium. One is simultaneously remembering a tradition, revealing the Logos, and by voice inflection and gesture dramatizing a story to communicate the meaning heart to heart. Stratford Caldecott, from Beauty in the Word It is true that “our way” of misreading the romances is very recent. In the nineteenth centure, even in the Edwardian period, a serious response to the ferlies seems to have been easy and almost universal. Even now it is common among the elderly. Most of my generation have all our lives taken these things with awe and with a sense of their mystery. But a generation has grown up which really needs the corrective that Mr. Speirs is offering. For whatever reason–a materialistic philosophy, anti-romanticism, distrust of one's unconscious–gigantic inhibitions, have, with astonishing rapidity, been built up. The response which was once easy and indeed irresistible now needs to be liberated by some sort of mental ascesis. C. S. Lewis, from “De Audiendis Poetis” Selection from “An Essay on Criticism” by Alexander Pope ‘Tis hard to say, if greater want of skill Appear in writing or in judging ill; But, of the two, less dang'rous is th' offence To tire our patience, than mislead our sense. Some few in that, but numbers err in this, Ten censure wrong for one who writes amiss; A fool might once himself alone expose, Now one in verse makes many more in prose. ‘Tis with our judgments as our watches, none Go just alike, yet each believes his own. In poets as true genius is but rare, True taste as seldom is the critic's share; Both must alike from Heav'n derive their light, These born to judge, as well as those to write. Let such teach others who themselves excel, And censure freely who have written well. Authors are partial to their wit, 'tis true, But are not critics to their judgment too? Book List: Othello by William Shakespeare Beauty in the Word by Stratford Caldecott Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature by C. S. Lewis The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis by Jason Baxter MacBeth by William Shakespeare The Odyssey by Homer Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Tom Jones by Henry Fielding Support The Literary Life: Become a patron of The Literary Life podcast as part of the “Friends and Fellows Community” on Patreon, and get some amazing bonus content! Thanks for your support! Connect with Us: You can find Angelina and Thomas at HouseofHumaneLetters.com, on Instagram @angelinastanford, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ANGStanford/ Find Cindy at morningtimeformoms.com, on Instagram @cindyordoamoris and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cindyrollins.net/. Check out Cindy's own Patreon page also! Follow The Literary Life on Instagram, and jump into our private Facebook group, The Literary Life Discussion Group, and let's get the book talk going! http://bit.ly/literarylifeFB
Title: Worship Under Covenant Promise Text: Genesis 15 Chris Hefner Main Idea: The glory of God is revealed by Him initiating our redemption under his covenant promises that lead us to worship Implications for Worship The LORD initiates worship by his Word It is often our need that precipitates God's intervention The LORD makes promises that only he can keep Our primary obligation to the LORD is to believe The LORD's revelation and promises extend beyond our lives and generation Our ritual obligation in worship is to prepare and sacrifice The LORD binds himself by covenant Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
If Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, guided by him and needed him, let alone all of us There is no way to do it without Him Here are four things the Holy Spirit does in us 1. HE puts us at a crossroads – Just two choices There are no compromises, it is Either in or out. You will always be put before two options by the Holy Spirit. Choose life today! 2. HE reminds us of the Word – It is written To remember something, it must already be within you. It's not about looking for Bible verses on the occasion, the Word must dwell in us to be remembered. The naturalness of our actions depends on what we are filled with THE WORD MUST BE LIVED, AND NOT REMEMBERED ONLY. It's not about KNOWLEDGE BUT it's about REVELATION 3. HE gives us authority to send Satan away – The devil left Him. There is a time to fight and a time of respite! You have the authority to have respite when the Holy Spirit is in you. 4. HE Comforts us for our "loss" Every time we must give up something, there is a suffering Are you hungry? – body You are the Son of GOD! (twice) soul and feelings... pride, rights Adore Me and You Will Be Adored – Spirit You will be tempted in every area of your being, only with the Holy Spirit can you overcome. God knows how to console, His consolation is a different balm, it is not simple empathy or sympathy, but it is replacing loss with a greater blessing. Se Gesù stesso era pieno di Spirito Santo, guidato da Lui e aveva bisogno di Lui, figuriamoci tutti noi Non c'è modo di farcela senza di Lui Ecco quattro cose che lo Spirito Santo fa in noi 1. Lo Spirito Santo ci mette a un bivio – Solo due scelte Non ci sono compromessi, è O dentro o fuori. Sarai sempre messo davanti a due opzioni dallo Spirito Santo. Scegli la vita oggi! 2. Lo Spirito Santo ci ricorda la Parola – È scritta Per ricordare qualcosa, deve essere già dentro di te. Non si tratta di cercare versetti biblici in occasione, la Parola deve dimorare in noi per essere ricordata. La naturalezza delle nostre azioni dipende da ciò di cui siamo pieni LA PAROLA DEVE ESSERE VIVITA E NON SOLO RICORDATA. Non si tratta di CONOSCENZA MA si tratta di RIVELAZIONE 3. Lo Spirito Santo ci dà l'autorità di mandare via Satana - Il diavolo lo ha lasciato. C'è un tempo per combattere e un tempo di tregua! Hai l'autorità di avere tregua quando lo Spirito Santo è in te. 4. Lo Spirito Santo ci consola per la nostra "perdita" Ogni volta che dobbiamo rinunciare a qualcosa, c'è una sofferenza “Hai fame?” - tentazione del corpo “Tu sei il Figlio di DIO!” (due volte) - tentazione di anima e sentimenti, orgoglio e diritti“ "Adorami e sarai adorato” – tentazione del nostro spirito Sarai tentato in ogni area del tuo essere, solo con lo Spirito Santo potrai vincere. Dio sa consolare, la sua consolazione è un balsamo diverso, non è semplice empatia o simpatia, ma è sostituire la perdita con una benedizione più grande.
If Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, guided by him and needed him, let alone all of us There is no way to do it without Him Here are four things the Holy Spirit does in us 1. HE puts us at a crossroads – Just two choices There are no compromises, it is Either in or out. You will always be put before two options by the Holy Spirit. Choose life today! 2. HE reminds us of the Word – It is written To remember something, it must already be within you. It's not about looking for Bible verses on the occasion, the Word must dwell in us to be remembered. The naturalness of our actions depends on what we are filled with THE WORD MUST BE LIVED, AND NOT REMEMBERED ONLY. It's not about KNOWLEDGE BUT it's about REVELATION 3. HE gives us authority to send Satan away – The devil left Him. There is a time to fight and a time of respite! You have the authority to have respite when the Holy Spirit is in you. 4. HE Comforts us for our "loss" Every time we must give up something, there is a suffering Are you hungry? – body You are the Son of GOD! (twice) soul and feelings... pride, rights Adore Me and You Will Be Adored – Spirit You will be tempted in every area of your being, only with the Holy Spirit can you overcome. God knows how to console, His consolation is a different balm, it is not simple empathy or sympathy, but it is replacing loss with a greater blessing.
In this week's episode Prophet Hari lets us into a conversation from a high table, a teaching inspired by his spiritual Father, Senior Prophet Shyju Mathew. We will be studying from John 15:1-5. In these passages of Scripture Jesus compares Himself to a vine. Jesus could have picked anything to represent Himself, for example, a mighty oak, but it's interesting to note that He chose the vine. The vine is vulnerable, and needs constant caring and tending to. A vine requires a support system, it cannot stand on its own. It requires the strength of a structure to grow and sustain itself. Jesus depended fully on His Heavenly Father. If you want to grow in your spiritual life, God didn't design you to live independently. There are many ways to grow, but is your way approved by God? Everything was given to Adam and Eve in order to succeed, they were made in the image and likeness of God, but they still needed a blessing. The question is, what did the blessing add? The blessing was the permission to go and be fruitful and multiply. It's not enough that you have all the raw ingredients to succeed, you need the blessing of the Lord. The blessing is the difference between a son and Lucifer. Lucifer took all the anointing and went his own way. There are many ways to prosper but the only way that God ordained is to succeed with a blessing. Jesus says, every branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away. How can you be in Christ and not bear fruit? Is it possible to develop certain disorders that stop the nutrition from the root from reaching you? It can be that your fruit isn't evident because what you're connected to is dying. Where you are and what you're connected to is important. Certain nutrients may or may not reach you based on your location and association. Jesus' formula for bearing fruit is to abide in Him. It's possible to be in Jesus and yet not learn to be one with Him. The key to fruitfulness in Christ is to learn how to abide in Him. How to become One with the Lord: Our soul, spirit and body has been designed with the ability to cleave. Your capacity to cleave is determined by your capacity to leave. In life, it happens that parts of you can be deposited in different locations based on experiences and relationships. It's time to retrieve all the parts of you and bring it to the feet of Jesus, so that you can abide in Him fully. You can't cleave without making a withdrawal or deposit. Pursue Oneness with the Word: Teach your soul, body and spirit how to receive the Word. You are a result of the Word you receive. Obey the Word: It's not enough to possess it. You become the Word by obeying it. Satan understood that Adam was the greater spirit on the earth, and he knew that whatever was given to him, Adam had the grace to multiply. He was aware that if he introduced sin, it would multiply on the earth. The way to be fruitful in the Kingdom is by finding your place in Christ, and then understanding that whatever the spirit cleaves to, it has the power to reproduce it. What you feed your spirit, it has the capacity to grow it and multiply it. When you make room for the Lord Jesus Christ, your spirit begins to absorb Him.
Description: Your prophetic word wasn't rejected because it wasn't anointed. If you shared the word at the wrong time, the person wasn't mentally prepared. If you got lost in the emotions, they couldn't understand you. When you didn't say it straight, the point didn't land. Your anointing isn't the problem! Upgrade your skills of delivering God's word. Make a huge impact every time you speak. Show Notes: What God shows you, isn't always what you say. You may receive great revelation, but if you don't present it right, it won't be received. This episode will show you how to prepare your word so that it's welcomed with love, appreciation, and has great impact. Become an ambassador of the Lord whose words are clear and effective. What You Will Learn Step Away From Your Emotion Prophetic words are spiritual. Things get messy if you mix your emotions in. Speak With Boldness, Not With Decibels Authority isn't based on how loudly you shout. Don't Overuse Allegory Get to the point. Share one picture. Deliver Your Point! Say what needs to be said... but say it nicely. Give the Word It's okay to share what you sense but don't stay there. Read This Book to Discover Your Role as a Prophet Practical Prophetic Ministry (E-book) Related Episodes You Can Prophesy - Let Us Show You How (Ep. 146) Prophetic Leaders Power Session. An Interview With Dr. Steve Greene (Ep. 144) Make Every Prophetic Word a Mic Drop Moment! (Ep. 156) Scriptures That Encourage Prophesy James 3:6 NKJV And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Acts 2:3 NKJV Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Hang Out With Us Every Day Here Sign Up to the Free Community of Apostles and Prophets Watch our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Give Us a Call! Call 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: Next Gen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenprophets/
Description: Your prophetic word wasn't rejected because it wasn't anointed. If you shared the word at the wrong time, the person wasn't mentally prepared. If you got lost in the emotions, they couldn't understand you. When you didn't say it straight, the point didn't land. Your anointing isn't the problem! Upgrade your skills of delivering God's word. Make a huge impact every time you speak. Show Notes: What God shows you, isn't always what you say. You may receive great revelation, but if you don't present it right, it won't be received. This episode will show you how to prepare your word so that it's welcomed with love, appreciation, and has great impact. Become an ambassador of the Lord whose words are clear and effective. What You Will Learn Step Away From Your Emotion Prophetic words are spiritual. Things get messy if you mix your emotions in. Speak With Boldness, Not With Decibels Authority isn't based on how loudly you shout. Don't Overuse Allegory Get to the point. Share one picture. Deliver Your Point! Say what needs to be said... but say it nicely. Give the Word It's okay to share what you sense but don't stay there. Read This Book to Discover Your Role as a Prophet Practical Prophetic Ministry (E-book) Related Episodes You Can Prophesy - Let Us Show You How (Ep. 146) Prophetic Leaders Power Session. An Interview With Dr. Steve Greene (Ep. 144) Make Every Prophetic Word a Mic Drop Moment! (Ep. 156) Scriptures That Encourage Prophesy James 3:6 NKJV And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Acts 2:3 NKJV Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Hang Out With Us Every Day Here Sign Up to the Free Community of Apostles and Prophets Watch our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Give Us a Call! Call 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: Next Gen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenprophets/
Acts 20:17-38 preached by Pastor Jon Needham Big Ideas 1. Biblical eldership Knowing that he would never again visit the Ephesian church, Paul offers his final instruction and encouragement to the elders, whom he charged to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28). This model of Church leadership is consistent throughout the entire New Testament. Local churches are to be governed by a plurality of biblically qualified men entrusted with their oversight (1 Timothy 3:1-7). 2. The whole counsel of God's Word It is not uncommon for Christians to think that the Old Testament is not for them. After all, isn't Christianity a New Testament thing? Well, yes and no. Jesus does show up in the New Testament, but the Old Testament from beginning to end testifies to Jesus (John 5:39). This is why Paul was committed to teaching the entire Old Testament to the early Church. The whole Bible is for the whole Church. 3. Beware of the wolves Paul knew that wolves—false teachers pretending to be Christians—would attack the Church, attempting to teach erroneous doctrine. This is exactly what happened to the Ephesian church, which lead Paul to write 1 Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-20). The Church must always be on guard against wolves. This begins with elders who are deeply committed to sound biblical theology and unafraid to call out false teachers and teaching when necessary. Study Questions 1. What is the biblical model for Church leadership in this text? How is it similar to or different from other models of Church leadership you are aware of or have experienced? 2. What parts of the Bible are most confusing or intimidating to you and why? What does this text teach you about those parts of the Bible? 3. What is a wolf and what do they do? What wolves or false teaching is threatening the Church today?
Sermon by Don Feener Do I want to know God's heart? What am I willing to do to know God's heart? As I know God's heart, I can become like Him. To become like God, we need to read God's Word - It is alive! This message serves to stir our hunger for the Word of God again. Be amazed with it, and be changed!
181010AM REV 6-22-5 Short Clip The Discipline of the Scriptures Read the Word Memorize the Word Meditate on the Word “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' ” —Matthew 4:4 As we have just seen in Revelation 10:8-11, Jesus shows [...] The post DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GROW SPIRITUALLY? HERE ARE THE THREE, KEY, DAILY, SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES appeared first on Discover the Book Ministries.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3) 72 “I believe in Jesus; don't believe in the Holy Ghost in this day, not like they had It back there.” That shows He isn't there. 73 The Holy Spirit will bear record of every Word It spoke. He is not a liar. He's not afraid of nobody or no organization. He don't have to take down for nobody. He speaks, and then He stays with it. If the high, and polluted, and educated, or as we'd call it, plutocrats, if they don't want to receive It, “God is able of these stones to rise children to Abraham.” He'll take gangsters, and bootleggers, and everything else, and rise it up. God can do it, and He is doing it. “God is able of these stones to rise children to Abraham.” Somebody is going to do it, 'cause He's God. 74 “If ye abide in Me, and My Words in you, ask what you will,” because you're asking His Word, and His Word is Life. Speak it. If God said it, and you're sure He said it, the Holy Ghost bears record that Word is right, then, there you are, brother. Speak it; there it is. “Say to this mountain, ‘Be moved.' Don't doubt in your heart, but believe that what you said will come to pass.” [Brother Branham claps his hands together three times—Ed.] Not you that speaketh, but the Father that dwelleth in you; He doeth the talking. It's not you talking to that mountain, it's the Father that's in you, speaking to that mountain. It has to move. “All heavens and earth will pass away,” He said, “but My Spirit shall not…or My Word shall not pass away.” Certainly, It cannot pass away. Father! 75 Now, “The works that I do.” God is in His Church, to continue His works. That's why He sent the Holy Ghost. Now, He knowed that. He, He knowed it wouldn't be, it couldn't be done that way, so with by otherwise, so He had to send. The Father sent the Son, put all that's in the fon-…Son in you. And the same works that He did, the same very works now that Jesus did, you will do also, the Church. Wouldn't you like to do the works of God? [Congregation says, “Amen.”—Ed.] Jesus said, “If you want to do the works of God, believe on Me.” How you believe on Him? You can't do it till you got the Holy Ghost. 76 Cause, no man can say He is the Son of God; you're saying what somebody else said. “The Bible said that He's the Son of God; I believe the Bible.” All right. “The Bible says He's the Son of God; I believe the Bible. The pastor says He's the Son of God; I believe the pastor. Mama says He's the Son of God; I believe mama. My friend says He's the Son of God; I believe my friend.” But the only way that I can say He's the Son of God, is when the Holy Ghost comes in and bears record of Himself, then I know He's the Son of God. [Brother Branham knocked on the pulpit four times—Ed.] “No man can call Jesus ‘Christ,' only by the Holy Ghost.” 77 Huh! No man speaking by the Spirit of God called Jesus accursed, or say He was something that day and something else today. That makes Him weak and faltery. No, sir. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Any true spirit will bear record of that. All right. 59-1217 - "What Was The Holy Ghost Given For?" Rev. William Marrion Branham ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Order your own copy of the Family Altar at http://store.bibleway.org Appreciate what we do? Consider supporting us: https://anchor.fm/ten-thousand-worlds/support --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ten-thousand-worlds/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ten-thousand-worlds/support
June 2nd, 2021 [2nd Kings 5] ☆"Naaman, The Commander of the Syrian Army Appointed by the King"☆ My Heart's Desire is that you might realize that THE MOST HIGH GOD Healed in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament If He Did It Before He'll Do It Again and He is doing it again but you must Build your Faith Reconstruct your Faith, Develop your Faith the Exercise Mustard Seed Faith you will be able to move Every Mountain of situations in your life that are negative, but if you Exercise Mustard Seed Doubt, you may be diminishing the Miracle that THE MOST HIGH God has waiting for you! Sickness don't belong to us, I'm trying to get you to understand that, but you will never come to that conclusion unless: U Build your Faith by Hearing the WORDS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD {Romans10:17], Reconstruct your Faith, Began to Develop you're Faith, if you are a Man/Woman of Faith, then this is the desire of The Most High God. Sickness and Disease doesn't come from GOD! All Sickness and Disease and All Negativity comes from the Invisible Enemy and it's High Time for us to Realize this! That's why 1988, GOD Allowed me to write the song, "Tell the Word": "It's Time to Teach, Preach and Tell the Word to Everyone Who's Never Heard". So if you have ears
In this episode of Grace and Peace Radio Anthony and Amy talk about 11 reasons Christians ought to submit to the discipline of reading. Also, PLEASE GIVE! Help us bring Daniel, a teenager in Uganda, back to the US to get refitted with new prosthetic legs: https://www.HelpDanielWalk.com. Reasons to be Readers— Exercise the brain God gave us It increases our knowledge of God's Word It increases our knowledge of God It increases our knowledge of ourselves It broadens our horizons It helps our pastors when we can solve our own problems It educates us to help others What we learn grows us in godliness Instructs us in sins to turn from Instructs us in good works and attitudes to start It teaches and increases our discernment It disciplines us It helps make us holy, wise, loving and useful. Grace and Peace, Anthony & Amy Get the Book! JesusChangedEverythingbook.com Web: GraceandPeaceRadio.com Facebook: @GraceandPeaceRadio Twitter: @GracePeaceRadio Store: GraceandPeaceRadio.com/shop Support: Paypal.me/graceandpeaceradio Email: show@graceandpeaceradio.com Grace and Peace Radio is honored to be part of the Society of Reformed Podcasts and the Christian Podcast Community, and SermonAudio.com. Like what you hear on Grace and Peace Radio? Now you can easily leave a review on your favorite podcast site. Just go to http://www.graceandpeaceradio.com/love!
Leading up to Easter, I'm doing a series about 5 topics that will help us prepare our HEART - Holy Spirit conviction Embrace grace Align your heart with His Restore union Thanksgiving This week I’m focusing on aligning our hearts with His. When we can do that and pray from a position that's in line with God's will, we will see doors bust open. It just takes a simple prayer. Here are 2 simple ways to align your heart with His: 1. Get in the Word It reads you while you read it. If you're looking for somewhere to start, I suggest Hebrews 4. 2. Submit your heart Start your day by saying, "Father, I yield to you as my shepherd today." God is not as concerned with the words you're saying as He is with our heart posture. Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook
0:00 Introduction 1. 0:12 Are Christians supposed to "tithe"? 2. 10:17 To what extent should Christians protect and retaliate? Should we do what we can to stop others from abusing others? 3. 16:14 Someone wants to disciple me, and is asking for payment, citing Luke 8:1-3, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:8 & 5: 18, Acts 2: 42, and 2 Samuel 23:8-17. Is being discipled similar to going to school, that you'd need to pay for it? 4. 19:20 Hebrews 10: 26-27 seems to teach a non-merciful judgment for those who reject the Gospel but know its truth, does this mean mercy will be shown to those who haven't heard? 5. 23:36 I grew up Lutheran but lately I’ve had doubts about how biblical Lutheran doctrine is. Would you consider covering it sometime? God bless you ministry, you’ve been a huge blessing! 6. 25:07 Should we repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness of sins we commit in our dreams? 7. 26:09 What is your practical advice for young man in small local church with growing call to do the ministry of the Word? It's a circle without ordained ministers, only lay preachers. Thank you! 8. 30:00 How should I understand the warning against apostasy in Heb 6:4-6? It's hard to believe the experiences described do not refer to true believers. Yet salvation isn't earned, so how could it be lost? 9. 30:54 If the Bible says that works born from within = no boasting/bad fruit, and works born from the Spirit = good fruit, then why do we think that faith born from within (prior to regeneration) is fruitful faith? Wouldn't faith born from our fallen nature be insufficient? Wouldn’t we be incapable of bearing ‘good fruit’ faith? (Similar to saying we had good works alone.) 10. 36:15 Some folks on Facebook were flipping out about idea of "Q" that scholars talk about as a potential source material. Is it another Gospel? Can you speak to what the idea of "Q" as used in scholarship discussion is, to help calm some nerves? 11. 39:01 What are your thoughts as to professed accounts of people (selling books about) visiting either Heaven or hell? 12. 42:49 In John 3, what does the Bible mean by “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God”? Is "born of water" referring to baptism, or is it referring to actual birth? 13. 44:02 Is being charismatically "slain in the Spirit" biblical (falling backwards, animalistic sounds, etc.)? If it is, how do we discern someone being "slain in the Spirit" vs. being demonically possessed? 14. 48:21 As an unemployed Christian, I feel convicted that I should not work at the cannabis sector, despite the fact that there are so many job opportunities now. As a Christian, can I apply to this sector, or not? 15. 49:56 Many people are prophesying right now. It seems like the Lord is pouring His spirit out just like He prophesied. What are your thoughts on that? 16. 51:37 I've heard you talk about annihilationism. Could you please expand on why you think it is not biblical. Does it affect any other doctrines? Can we disagree? 17. 53:11 I’ve heard Calvinists say that God is not guilty for sin He decrees, because His purposes are good. This seems like a version of the “ends justify the means." Is this a biblical way of thinking? 18. 55:45 What do you think of Grace Community Church disobeying the government of California by keeping their church open (since we are told to obey the government, but also to meet together as the Church)? 19. 59:17 1 Cor 6: 19-20 is often quoted at people who use tobacco or sometimes those who are just overweight. What is the biblical basis (if any) for maintaining our bodily health? 20. 1:04:58 What is Gossip? Is it simply sharing personal information about someone without their permission, even in a nice way? That is how I have understood it to be. Here is the podcast on interpreting "born of water" in John 3. Let me preface with this before you listen to it. I don't agree with all the reasoning here, in particular some of the objections to the evangelical view seem weak, but I do think the conclusion is probably the right interpretation of the passage. Also, some of this content will be hard to track with but in the end I think it's valuable and even if you don't get it all, that's how you really grow; listening to content that goes just a bit over your head. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-330-the-exodus-and-john-35/ Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My website https://BibleThinker.org
Do you want to experience a rich relationship with God through his Word? It’s not always easy. Identify with the greatest barriers that keep us away from Scripture, learn how to go deep into God’s Word over the long haul journey of your life, and be encouraged through a biblical theology of the Word. This class session includes practical steps, guides, and resources that will help you take the next right step toward God through his Word. Request the class notes and downloads by emailing us. Find our contact info at himpublications.com/about. Subscribe to HIM Publications's blog here to weekly receive content like this in your inbox.
The Bible is not a book about God’s Word· It’s not a book that contains God’s Word· This book, all Scripture, is God’s WordSupport the show (https://www.ccsrv.org/donate)
The Bible is not a book about God’s Word· It’s not a book that contains God’s Word· This book, all Scripture, is God’s WordSupport the show (https://www.ccsrv.org/donate)
Word It by De-Va'Je
What's The Word? It's third house time, and we only just thought of that awful reference so don't worry we don't discuss it in the show. The 3rd house is about community and communication. It's the setting of your life and the innate actions of a person. The horoscope of this week is a rough one, you don't wanna miss it, especially for our fans who are feeling extra bitey. Don't forget to rate us 5 stars on itunes, send in your questions, and follow us on instagram & Twitter Insta: @mercury_in_gatorade_podcast Twitter: @MercInGatorade @tpopoli @tylerdoyle36 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tyler-doyle/support
Two General Types of Scholarships: 1. Fee Waivers 2. Cash Awards Restrictions: 1. Where Used 2. How They are Used 3. When They are Used Specific Types of Scholarships: 1. Major 2. Situations Key Steps: 1. They Must Know Who You Are 2. Do Something Different Than Your Peers 3. Word It in a Way It will be Read Seperate Scholarships in Two Categories: 1. Require Writing Portion/Essay 2. No Writing Portion/Essay Sort Scholarships By: 1. Due Date 2. Priority/Likelihood of Winning/Value Then clock in and start your job. This will be the best $/hr job you will likely ever have. Show me the money! Join the free parent's Q&A May 8th at 2pm CST. Click here and save your spot! (https://www.crowdcast.io/e/parents-qa-with-chad) I’d love to connect with you and keep you posted on upcoming episodes and resources. For a free downloadable pdf What Scholarship Committees Look for and How to Win Them, go to scholarships.chadcargill.com (http://scholarships.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now. For a free downloadable pdf of Key Things You Must Know on Test Day, go to testday.chadcargill.com (testday.chadcargill.com), and get your guide now. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcast app. Leave a shout out for your high school, and I may read it on a future podcast. If you have questions, leave a comment here or on the Chad Cargill Workshops Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Chad-Cargill-Workshops-22077611182/?ref=bookmarks) page. To view the workshop calendar, go to calendar.chadcargill.com (http://calendar.chadcargill.com). You can also order the prep book Chad Cargill's ACT and sign up for speed reading at chadcargill.com. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your high school, call our office at (405) 454-3233 or email penny@chadcargill.com. chadcargill.com (http://www.chadcargill.com) Twitter: @ChadCargill Thanks for listening to the podcast!
Today we start a new series that Pastor Brad calls End Game. We start the series with a sermon titled Hell Is No Joke. Pastor's Notes: Luke 16:19-31NKJV 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and [a]fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with [b]the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” INTRODUCTION Good morning, everybody! I’m so glad you have joined us this morning. My prayer this week is that everyone has gotten rested up and healed up from all of the nasty stuff that has been going around. Last week, I preached a stand alone message entitled “America’s Only Hope”, in which I let out a challenge for us to seek the Lord for our nation. Today, I’m launching a brand new series I’ve entitled “Endgame”, and I’m going to be looking at what happens to a man after this life is over. Perhaps it will be comforting to some. To others, it will be shaking. Regardless of how it makes you feel today, it doesn’t change the fact that we are all going to face eternity. Today, I want to talk to you about the eternal place for the lost called Hell, in a message I’ve entitled “Hell Is No Joke”. TRANSITION Let’s face it: We live in a world where people do not like to talk about this. It seems like every single person who has died has “gone up to be with the Lord” or “I’ll see them again in Heaven.”. The Woodward News will even say “So and So has gone one to be with the Lord......” No one ever seems to talk about the fact that there is a place called Hell, and people are going there by the droves. “Why preacher, why be so negative?”, you might would say. It’s by lack of faith that I say such things, but I’m echoing the words of Christ here: We looked at the the Woodward News, but let’s look at the GOOD NEWS! JESUS SAID Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 [a]Because narrow is the gate and [b]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Many means MOST Few means JUST A COUPLE Revelation 21:15-16 NKJV tells us the exact size of the New Jerusalem, where we will live for eternity, but Isaiah 5:14 NKJV says that Hell has enlarged itself, and is wide beyond measure! 2 It seems to me that since there is a “Highway to Hell” and a “Stairway to Heaven”, it speaks to its anticipated flow of traffic. ILLUSTRATION I’ve often witnessed to people through the years and led many people to Christ. I’d love to tell you every single one of them accepted Jesus. Some of them scoffed. I’ve even heard people joke and laugh and say “I’m ok with going to Hell. I’ll just party with the Devil for all eternity.” You may think that sounds cute and all, but Hell is no laughing matter! When I was pastoring in the state of Louisiana, a lady in my church had a son who was a professing atheist. He mocked Christians publicly. He called them weak, stating that “All Christianity is can be likened unto a crutch for the weak.” That man, being 400 lbs and the manager of a pizza restaurant, suddenly grabbed his chest, fell over, and he died. At the request of his wife, he was buried in his favorite shirt: A black t shirt with a large snake on the front. As I stood in front of that casket, trying to console a family who has lost a loved one, what can you say? “He has gone on to meet his Maker and receive his eternal reward. He can’t come back, but you must go. What will YOU do with Jesus, who is called the Christ?” Hell is no laughing matter! Let’s look at this story so that we can see what Jesus told us about this terrible place. BACKGROUND In our passage, Jesus was telling a particular story. Some have said it is a parable, but Jesus said there was a “certain” rich man, and then He calls Lazurus by name. This is something He didn’t do in other parables. He is being specific. He tells about one man who is wealthy and has need of nothing, and another man who is broken by life and is a beggar. Both men came to the end of their lives. That shows us that no matter how much money you have or don’t have, it can’t stop you from entering eternity. It shows the differences. One man is comforted, and the other has lifted his eyes up in Hell. Great torment surrounds his eternal soul. He begs for water, yet he gets none. He cries out but he gets no help. He begs and pleads for Abraham to go tell his brothers about this place, yet he is told that is not possible. Jesus uses this story to talk to use about the suffering of a place called Hell. It’s true—It doesn’t sell big books. Preachers aren’t talking about it much. Preaching about Hell may have cooled off, but my dear friend, it’s actually as hot today as it’s ever been. APPLICATION 1. WHY WE TALK ABOUT IT - It’s in the Word - It’s a challenging day to be a pastor in this offended generation. If you’re listening to me by podcast or the internet today, hear me: If your pastor doesn’t preach all the truth from the Bible. you better get out now! - The Old Covenant talks about Hell. Daniel 12:2 NKJV And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,Some to everlasting life,Some to shame and everlasting [a]contempt. - Jesus talked about it often. Matthew 10:28 NKJV 8 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [a]hell. Matthew 25:30 NKJV And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ - Paul believed in it. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 NKJV 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, - John the Revelation writer did. Revelation 14:11NKJV And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 20:15 NKJV And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. - To wake up Christians We have become spiritually lazy when it comes to soul winning. Many have even said “That’s not my ministry.” Jesus and Paul both commissioned us to preach the Gospel of reconciliation. - Many don’t want to disturb men. If you warned a family that they were headed toward the end of a road and on the edge there was a cliff that would cause them to plummet to their death, you’d be a hero. If you warn people of the judgement to come, you are a bigot, small minded, and a fanatic. - To warn the lost - Many don’t believe in Hell. It’s still there, and they are still going if they don’t know Christ! - To share with them the love of the one who died for them! 2. THE DEBATE ABOUT IT - “A loving God wouldn’t send anyone to Hell!” The choices we make determine where we do. - “What parent would punish his children by burning them in eternal fire?” God has no children in Hell! - “All of the Hell I’m going through here on Earth is all the Hell there is.” The hell you experience here is the one you created. The one you’ll experience down there is the one God created. The fact is, God has given you many opportunities to get right with Him. In fact, if you die today without accepting Jesus, my voice will ring in your ears throughout eternity. 3. THE DETAILS ABOUT IT - It’s instant upon death. You wait there until the final judgement, - There’s torment. He cried for mercy - You can still feel. He wanted his tongue to be cooled. - It’s permanent. - You have memory and conscience. Your concern for the lost grows. Yet, it’s too late. - All the wicked will be there. - It will burn with unquenchable fire. We can summarize it like this: Hell is the place of conscious, eternal torment where people experience God's punishment for their sin. Yes, Hell is "the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41), but also for those who join them in their rebellion against God (Matt 11:20–24). The horror of hell is such that Jesus says, "if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire" (Mark 9:43). For those who do not enter the narrow door of faith and repentance in Jesus (Luke 13:24) a place of weeping and gnashing teeth awaits them (Luke 13:28). 4. HOW WE AVOID IT - Not by good works - Not by religious association - We avoid it by calling on the name of Jesus. Romans 10:13 NKJV CONCLUSION So when we say we are saved, what are we saved from?
Shortcuts or Substitutes Series: Twnty, Twnty January 19, 2020 Matthew 4 :1 - 11 Verse of the Week: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:10 1. You have a real adversary. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 “devil” - “diabolos” – slanderer, false accuser “if the Lord is with us, then why has all this happened to us?” Judges 6:13 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 “we are not ignorant of satan’s schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 2. Recognize satan’s strategy Misuse God’s power for our provision “command that these stones become bread.” Matthew 4:3 Misuse God’s promises for your protection “jump off; for it is written, ‘He will order His angels to protect you.’” Matthew 4:6 Misuse of God’s praise for possessions. “showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”’ Matthew 4:8 & 9 3. Live victoriously Know that God’s best is better than satan’s best Know the Word “It is written” Matthew 4:4, 7, & 10 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
Michelle continues her quest to discover keys to Revival in Psalm 119 reading verses 161-68 in the Passion Translation. Today, we'll look at the question: “What Do I Have My Heart Set On?" As we read, we'll discover the key of longing or hunger for more. A longing or hunger and desire to go deep into God’s Word leads us to discover both His love and His power in a way that compels you to change and live only for Him. Show Transcript: You are listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. We exist to empower the voices of women who live their lives #BloomingAlive through Podcast Community. Now, here is your host. Blooming Inspired Podcast equipping and empowering the voices of women who live their lives Blooming Alive. Introduction Good Morning! This is Michelle Bentham, host of Blooming Inspired Podcast. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a new episode in our Revival Series. God has been impressing upon me that next year is going to require stewardship of rest and the health of my body. I’ve taken a few weeks to get my mind and heart in a place of rest, and now I’m working on getting health to my bones. I’ll be wrapping up our Revival Series as we conclude our reading of Psalm 119 next week. I have a few things stirring in my heart around recent events related to women in ministry that I will be bringing to you in the coming weeks. I also plan to feature some of my favorite podcasters’ shows in November and December, including an interview I did with Jayme Hull, an author and speaker who is passionate about face to face mentoring with Millenials. Be looking for that show to air in two weeks. This week we are going to be reading from Psalm 119:161-168 in the Passion Translation - so go ahead and grab your Bible and let’s get ready to read by reviewing what we covered last time. Review In our last episode, we read verses 153-160 as we continued to discover keys to revival. In our last reading, we discovered the Key of God’s Loving-Kindness, that when we cry out to Him in our weariness and the difficulties we face as we serve Him, that He will breathe life into us again! Isn’t that the heart of revival? As we read through verses 161-168 today, I want you to ask yourself, “What Do I Have My Heart Set On?” Are you devoted to God’s Word, meaning you read the Scriptures and try to do what they say… Or, Are you devoted to God’s Son, trusting His promises as revealed to you in the Scriptures and living out of your relationship with Him. Jesus is the final and fullest expression of who God is to us. When we say God’s Word these days we often think of a book, but when Scripture refers to God’s Word… It is often talking about Jesus. This Week’s Reading So Now Let’s Pray, Father God, I ask that you would give each person within the sound of my voice an encounter with You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit this morning as we read Your words of life together. Impart the truth of who You are to our hearts, minds, souls and bodies today - we ask for Holy Spirit revelation to open our eyes to the way You see, open our ears to hear Your majestic voice, and open our hearts to know Your heart in intimacy and truth. I thank you that when we believe in Christ, we are hidden in Him and His blessings. Remind us of these truths as we read today and make them real for us! I ask these things in Jesus’ Holy Name, AMEN. The heading for today’s reading is, “Devoted to God’s Word” Verse 161: The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. When you read the Scriptures seeking God’s heart… Does your heart tremble in awe at the miraculous way God’s Spirit and His Truth speak to you? When the persecution of a friend or spiritual leader in your church comes how do you respond? You see, the powerful elite are not God, whether they are of the government in a legal sense or of the governing body of your church. Scripture commends us to submit to godly leadership based in Biblical principles, but spiritual abuse comes from the person - not from God. It has become a slippery slope in recent years, all this painful reality being exposed in #MeToo and #ChurchToo, I have my own #MeToo story that has nothing to do with the church, but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been spiritually abused. You see for women in, especially evangelical, church settings,it is considered Biblical to introduce a woman to “her place” while giving a man a title and paycheck worthy of a pastor and giving a woman the title of director and a paycheck that is only a small percentage of what they offer the man. Not to mention what happens to a pastor’s wife if he should die while in the pastorate. Many times it means not only a loss of love and comfort, but a loss of income, insurance and even the home if the pastor’s family was afforded a parsonage. And the church leaders, often men, will come and say we can help you a few months but then - figure it out. You may not see this as persecution, oh, but it is. It is spiritual abuse and spiritual abuse is a form of persecution without cause. Yet, as we see the Psalmist in this passage, crying out to God in the season of persecution we see his heart turn to God’s miracle words which cause his heart to tremble in awe before the Lord. I think of the end of the book of Luke when the two disciples realize they are talking to Jesus they reflect, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us along the road…” I want to ask you when life closes in and the season is dark, do you turn to the Scriptures and find Jesus speaking to you, causing the awe and tremble of a heart burning within you to devote yourself to Him no matter what you face? Verse 162: Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your word thrills me When was the last time you reflected on the promises of God in Scripture and they gave you JOY? Scripture tells us joy is the promised reward for those who suffer grief and loss, and even in persecution there is a loss of expectation and a grief over missed opportunities or lost relationships. But, God’s promises bring us bubbling over joy - joy that becomes strength as we immerse ourselves in His word and allow it to thrill and delight us - even when we face devastating circumstances. Verse 163: I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. Jesus said that Satan is the Father of Lies. Meaning all falsehood and deception comes from Satan, himself, and if you believe and live by lies then you are agreeing and aligning yourself with the enemy of God. An enemy that God says over and over again that He hates. He hates lies and falsehood because they damage relationships and hurt people. He hates lies because He, Himself, is Truth - all truth comes from him. Committing ourselves to His precepts breaks any alignment with lies and deception, and removes the enemy’s power to work in our lives and destroy us. Paul writes in the book of Romans that Satan veils the eyes of those who are perishing so they may not see the truth. And, yet the good news is that the Truth of God, the Scriptures and who He is, will uproot and destroy the lies of Satan if we focus on it. Replacing the lies life has taught me - whether by persecution, experience, the enemy’s whispers to me in my weakness, or that I’ve told so myself - with God’s eternal and unchanging truth sets me free from not only the enemy’s hold on my life, but also sets me free to be fully who He designed and paid a price for me to be. When His truth becomes my passion I can say like the traditional hymn, “Though none go with me. Still, I will follow. No turning back.” Verse 164: I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! This verse just makes me giddy… The Psalmist mentions praising God seven times a day - every time I eat something, when I wake and when I lay down to sleep - my heart rejoices in the Lord. But also, because it says all God’s ways are perfect. Did you know that? All God’s ways are perfect! And that number 7, it is the perfect number of creative completion as the Lord created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th. When my heart rests perfectly in Him, my life is full of peace and full of praise for the one who made it so. Verse 165: There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended. A few years ago, I heard a teacher talking about living life “UNOFFENDED.” I hit pause on that word as he explained he lived by the law of love and grace and chose not to get offended by people and circumstances. And here is this word - 1) that affirms my conclusion from the last verse and 2) affirms this word about living unoffended. You see, if the Bible truly is God’s mind revealed to man, and we become transformed by taking on the mind of Christ in our lives - then the result loving God’s Word (Jesus) by reading the Scriptures will not only allow us to realize God’s peace, which passes our ability to understand, but also to overcome offense and the wounds that life offers us along the path home. Jesus withstood great persecution, accusation and pain -- They killed Him. And yet He forgave, He laid His life down for the very ones who called for the government leaders to end it. This is the life unoffended, this the life of a transformed heart - and it comes first from loving Jesus and then by living according to His words. Verse 166: Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. As one whose lived a lot of my life squandering my resources and my time in wild living, then in just really unhealthy relationships, thought and behavior patterns I realize that the Lord’s salvation is my only hope - ever - and His salvation sanctifies, purifies and transforms me from the inside out so that my life becomes a pleasing sacrifice laid out before Him, one drawn up in wells of obedience born of faith and trust in the One who saved me. Verse167: My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! Once again the Psalmist confirms my conclusion from the last verse we read. That when I long for more of God’s salvation in my life it stirs a love and passion for me that is beyond description. Have you ever had an encounter with God you found hard to put into words? I have. I can’t explain exactly what happened but all I know is that after the encounter I WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. It felt like some part of the old me had been removed and a new part had been given in its place. A fresh new part. This is what I believe it means to have a new heart and a new mind. When the innermost part of your being wants to follow God perfectly. This is a Key to Revival - a longing or hunger for more. A desire to go deep into God’s Word, and know both His love and His power in a way that compels you to change and live only for Him. Verse 168: I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you. I remember a time in my life when I first began to pursue Scripture and God’s will in my life. I had been saved at age 12, meaning I knew my destination after life on earth was Heaven because Jesus was my savior who paid the price for my sins, but I did not know Him as Lord quite yet. I believe this is what Paul means when he says that people are saved as ones escaping flames. They get the benefit of heaven, but no transformation in life on earth. I would study Scripture for hours.. I would wrestle with His words and my actions. I would lay in the floor weeping in repentance. I would cry out for more, longing to know Him in intimacy and friendship. But, there was that whole life between salvation and when I began to pursue Him… Some 18 years… Where I had locked up my skeletons in a padlocked closet in my mind and didn’t want to expose them to anyone, even God. Have you ever thought you were keeping something from God by not confessing it to Him? Honey, He already knows. I had to lay my life out like an open book before Him and trust Him with all the bad choices I made alongside the good ones. And the truth is… He redeems it all for His glory. Both my human good (filthy rags) and my human bad (sin) - God redeems them and exchanges them for a crown of life that bring Him glory. Let’s do as Psalm 5 exhorts us, lay our lives out before Him every single morning and let His fire fall on our hearts, consuming what doesn’t look like Him and refining the parts that do. Closing Remarks That's all the time that I have today! Thank you for tuning in with us. I want to ask you if this podcast has been a blessing to you: would you consider subscribing to it and share it with your friends and family? We’d love to partner with you in sharing messages that encourage and inspire. If you’d like to be a guest on this show or get more information about hosting your own podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network - please reach out to michelle.bentham@bloominginspirednetwork.com. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you and figure out how we can share your voice with the world around us. BIBLE STUDY SEASON IS UPON US! We began our The Gospels: Verse-By-Verse Bible Study in October. We will resume this Saturday, in person (Granbury, TX) and on Facebook Live at 10 am (Central Time). That’s right - This season our study is found in the book of Luke. We read the first 80 verses in October and will pick up in Chapter Two next week. You can learn more and catch up on last week’s study by visiting facebook.com/bloominginspired. If you’d like to get this podcast delivered to your smart device, we're available on Apple and on Google Podcasts. Again, I would like to ask you partner with us. We would love for you to share about our podcast on social media -- share it with your friends your family -- the people within your influence let them know what we're doing at Blooming Inspired Network! And don’t Tune In Wednesdays! Accidental Hope Podcast airs on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. central time. Each week Jennifer Eikenhorst brings hope-filled messages and interviews related to overcoming accidents and traumas we face in life. You don’t want to miss her inspiring podcast this week. And now, I want to remind you as I always do: Blooming where you're planted is the first step to living your wildest dreams, so live your lives blooming alive! Thank you for listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. This show airs on Tuesdays at 11 am central time. Please take a moment to like, share and subscribe to this podcast. To learn more about this podcast and it’s network, or the ministries of Blooming Inspired Network please visit BloomingInspiredNetwork.com and click the podcast link at the top of the page. Psalm 119:161-168 The Passion Translation (TPT) Devoted to God’s Word 161 The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. 162 Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure. 163 I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. 164 I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! 165 There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended. 166 Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. 167 My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! 168 I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you. The Passion Translation (TPT) The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com
Michelle continues her quest to discover keys to Revival in Psalm 119 reading verses 161-68 in the Passion Translation. Today, we'll look at the question: “What Do I Have My Heart Set On?" As we read, we'll discover the key of longing or hunger for more. A longing or hunger and desire to go deep into God’s Word leads us to discover both His love and His power in a way that compels you to change and live only for Him. Show Transcript: You are listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. We exist to empower the voices of women who live their lives #BloomingAlive through Podcast Community. Now, here is your host. Blooming Inspired Podcast equipping and empowering the voices of women who live their lives Blooming Alive. Introduction Good Morning! This is Michelle Bentham, host of Blooming Inspired Podcast. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a new episode in our Revival Series. God has been impressing upon me that next year is going to require stewardship of rest and the health of my body. I’ve taken a few weeks to get my mind and heart in a place of rest, and now I’m working on getting health to my bones. I’ll be wrapping up our Revival Series as we conclude our reading of Psalm 119 next week. I have a few things stirring in my heart around recent events related to women in ministry that I will be bringing to you in the coming weeks. I also plan to feature some of my favorite podcasters’ shows in November and December, including an interview I did with Jayme Hull, an author and speaker who is passionate about face to face mentoring with Millenials. Be looking for that show to air in two weeks. This week we are going to be reading from Psalm 119:161-168 in the Passion Translation - so go ahead and grab your Bible and let’s get ready to read by reviewing what we covered last time. Review In our last episode, we read verses 153-160 as we continued to discover keys to revival. In our last reading, we discovered the Key of God’s Loving-Kindness, that when we cry out to Him in our weariness and the difficulties we face as we serve Him, that He will breathe life into us again! Isn’t that the heart of revival? As we read through verses 161-168 today, I want you to ask yourself, “What Do I Have My Heart Set On?” Are you devoted to God’s Word, meaning you read the Scriptures and try to do what they say… Or, Are you devoted to God’s Son, trusting His promises as revealed to you in the Scriptures and living out of your relationship with Him. Jesus is the final and fullest expression of who God is to us. When we say God’s Word these days we often think of a book, but when Scripture refers to God’s Word… It is often talking about Jesus. This Week’s Reading So Now Let’s Pray, Father God, I ask that you would give each person within the sound of my voice an encounter with You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit this morning as we read Your words of life together. Impart the truth of who You are to our hearts, minds, souls and bodies today - we ask for Holy Spirit revelation to open our eyes to the way You see, open our ears to hear Your majestic voice, and open our hearts to know Your heart in intimacy and truth. I thank you that when we believe in Christ, we are hidden in Him and His blessings. Remind us of these truths as we read today and make them real for us! I ask these things in Jesus’ Holy Name, AMEN. The heading for today’s reading is, “Devoted to God’s Word” Verse 161: The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. When you read the Scriptures seeking God’s heart… Does your heart tremble in awe at the miraculous way God’s Spirit and His Truth speak to you? When the persecution of a friend or spiritual leader in your church comes how do you respond? You see, the powerful elite are not God, whether they are of the government in a legal sense or of the governing body of your church. Scripture commends us to submit to godly leadership based in Biblical principles, but spiritual abuse comes from the person - not from God. It has become a slippery slope in recent years, all this painful reality being exposed in #MeToo and #ChurchToo, I have my own #MeToo story that has nothing to do with the church, but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been spiritually abused. You see for women in, especially evangelical, church settings,it is considered Biblical to introduce a woman to “her place” while giving a man a title and paycheck worthy of a pastor and giving a woman the title of director and a paycheck that is only a small percentage of what they offer the man. Not to mention what happens to a pastor’s wife if he should die while in the pastorate. Many times it means not only a loss of love and comfort, but a loss of income, insurance and even the home if the pastor’s family was afforded a parsonage. And the church leaders, often men, will come and say we can help you a few months but then - figure it out. You may not see this as persecution, oh, but it is. It is spiritual abuse and spiritual abuse is a form of persecution without cause. Yet, as we see the Psalmist in this passage, crying out to God in the season of persecution we see his heart turn to God’s miracle words which cause his heart to tremble in awe before the Lord. I think of the end of the book of Luke when the two disciples realize they are talking to Jesus they reflect, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us along the road…” I want to ask you when life closes in and the season is dark, do you turn to the Scriptures and find Jesus speaking to you, causing the awe and tremble of a heart burning within you to devote yourself to Him no matter what you face? Verse 162: Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your word thrills me When was the last time you reflected on the promises of God in Scripture and they gave you JOY? Scripture tells us joy is the promised reward for those who suffer grief and loss, and even in persecution there is a loss of expectation and a grief over missed opportunities or lost relationships. But, God’s promises bring us bubbling over joy - joy that becomes strength as we immerse ourselves in His word and allow it to thrill and delight us - even when we face devastating circumstances. Verse 163: I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. Jesus said that Satan is the Father of Lies. Meaning all falsehood and deception comes from Satan, himself, and if you believe and live by lies then you are agreeing and aligning yourself with the enemy of God. An enemy that God says over and over again that He hates. He hates lies and falsehood because they damage relationships and hurt people. He hates lies because He, Himself, is Truth - all truth comes from him. Committing ourselves to His precepts breaks any alignment with lies and deception, and removes the enemy’s power to work in our lives and destroy us. Paul writes in the book of Romans that Satan veils the eyes of those who are perishing so they may not see the truth. And, yet the good news is that the Truth of God, the Scriptures and who He is, will uproot and destroy the lies of Satan if we focus on it. Replacing the lies life has taught me - whether by persecution, experience, the enemy’s whispers to me in my weakness, or that I’ve told so myself - with God’s eternal and unchanging truth sets me free from not only the enemy’s hold on my life, but also sets me free to be fully who He designed and paid a price for me to be. When His truth becomes my passion I can say like the traditional hymn, “Though none go with me. Still, I will follow. No turning back.” Verse 164: I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! This verse just makes me giddy… The Psalmist mentions praising God seven times a day - every time I eat something, when I wake and when I lay down to sleep - my heart rejoices in the Lord. But also, because it says all God’s ways are perfect. Did you know that? All God’s ways are perfect! And that number 7, it is the perfect number of creative completion as the Lord created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th. When my heart rests perfectly in Him, my life is full of peace and full of praise for the one who made it so. Verse 165: There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended. A few years ago, I heard a teacher talking about living life “UNOFFENDED.” I hit pause on that word as he explained he lived by the law of love and grace and chose not to get offended by people and circumstances. And here is this word - 1) that affirms my conclusion from the last verse and 2) affirms this word about living unoffended. You see, if the Bible truly is God’s mind revealed to man, and we become transformed by taking on the mind of Christ in our lives - then the result loving God’s Word (Jesus) by reading the Scriptures will not only allow us to realize God’s peace, which passes our ability to understand, but also to overcome offense and the wounds that life offers us along the path home. Jesus withstood great persecution, accusation and pain -- They killed Him. And yet He forgave, He laid His life down for the very ones who called for the government leaders to end it. This is the life unoffended, this the life of a transformed heart - and it comes first from loving Jesus and then by living according to His words. Verse 166: Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. As one whose lived a lot of my life squandering my resources and my time in wild living, then in just really unhealthy relationships, thought and behavior patterns I realize that the Lord’s salvation is my only hope - ever - and His salvation sanctifies, purifies and transforms me from the inside out so that my life becomes a pleasing sacrifice laid out before Him, one drawn up in wells of obedience born of faith and trust in the One who saved me. Verse167: My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! Once again the Psalmist confirms my conclusion from the last verse we read. That when I long for more of God’s salvation in my life it stirs a love and passion for me that is beyond description. Have you ever had an encounter with God you found hard to put into words? I have. I can’t explain exactly what happened but all I know is that after the encounter I WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. It felt like some part of the old me had been removed and a new part had been given in its place. A fresh new part. This is what I believe it means to have a new heart and a new mind. When the innermost part of your being wants to follow God perfectly. This is a Key to Revival - a longing or hunger for more. A desire to go deep into God’s Word, and know both His love and His power in a way that compels you to change and live only for Him. Verse 168: I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you. I remember a time in my life when I first began to pursue Scripture and God’s will in my life. I had been saved at age 12, meaning I knew my destination after life on earth was Heaven because Jesus was my savior who paid the price for my sins, but I did not know Him as Lord quite yet. I believe this is what Paul means when he says that people are saved as ones escaping flames. They get the benefit of heaven, but no transformation in life on earth. I would study Scripture for hours.. I would wrestle with His words and my actions. I would lay in the floor weeping in repentance. I would cry out for more, longing to know Him in intimacy and friendship. But, there was that whole life between salvation and when I began to pursue Him… Some 18 years… Where I had locked up my skeletons in a padlocked closet in my mind and didn’t want to expose them to anyone, even God. Have you ever thought you were keeping something from God by not confessing it to Him? Honey, He already knows. I had to lay my life out like an open book before Him and trust Him with all the bad choices I made alongside the good ones. And the truth is… He redeems it all for His glory. Both my human good (filthy rags) and my human bad (sin) - God redeems them and exchanges them for a crown of life that bring Him glory. Let’s do as Psalm 5 exhorts us, lay our lives out before Him every single morning and let His fire fall on our hearts, consuming what doesn’t look like Him and refining the parts that do. Closing Remarks That's all the time that I have today! Thank you for tuning in with us. I want to ask you if this podcast has been a blessing to you: would you consider subscribing to it and share it with your friends and family? We’d love to partner with you in sharing messages that encourage and inspire. If you’d like to be a guest on this show or get more information about hosting your own podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network - please reach out to michelle.bentham@bloominginspirednetwork.com. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you and figure out how we can share your voice with the world around us. BIBLE STUDY SEASON IS UPON US! We began our The Gospels: Verse-By-Verse Bible Study in October. We will resume this Saturday, in person (Granbury, TX) and on Facebook Live at 10 am (Central Time). That’s right - This season our study is found in the book of Luke. We read the first 80 verses in October and will pick up in Chapter Two next week. You can learn more and catch up on last week’s study by visiting facebook.com/bloominginspired. If you’d like to get this podcast delivered to your smart device, we're available on Apple and on Google Podcasts. Again, I would like to ask you partner with us. We would love for you to share about our podcast on social media -- share it with your friends your family -- the people within your influence let them know what we're doing at Blooming Inspired Network! And don’t Tune In Wednesdays! Accidental Hope Podcast airs on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. central time. Each week Jennifer Eikenhorst brings hope-filled messages and interviews related to overcoming accidents and traumas we face in life. You don’t want to miss her inspiring podcast this week. And now, I want to remind you as I always do: Blooming where you're planted is the first step to living your wildest dreams, so live your lives blooming alive! Thank you for listening to the Blooming Inspired Podcast on the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network. This show airs on Tuesdays at 11 am central time. Please take a moment to like, share and subscribe to this podcast. To learn more about this podcast and it’s network, or the ministries of Blooming Inspired Network please visit BloomingInspiredNetwork.com and click the podcast link at the top of the page. Psalm 119:161-168 The Passion Translation (TPT) Devoted to God’s Word 161 The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. 162 Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure. 163 I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. 164 I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! 165 There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended. 166 Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. 167 My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! 168 I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you. The Passion Translation (TPT) The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com
Declarations ~ Episode 98 Many years ago, I came across this Scripture in Job 22:28, "You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And the light [of God's favor] will shine upon your ways.” Since that time, I love declaring the Word of God. For when we declare the Word, several things happen. 1. When the Word of God is declared it requires a response, an answer. Isaiah 55:11 AMP says that when the Word of God is released, it accomplishes what was intended from the Word — “It will not return to Me void (useless, without result) without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” 2. The Word we declare becomes fixed in our life. It is established for us to live from. 3. The declared Word becomes our Light — Jesus! Jesus is the Word and Jesus is the Light of the World. 4. The declared Word becomes the path that opens the doors for you to step into and closes doors that are not for you. The Word brings clarity, discernment, and power as it responds to your declaration! Why do I share this with you? Because I want the power of declaring the WORD to be in your hands. Here is how to do it. Read the Blog https://cindy-stewart.com/blog/declarations/ or Listen to the Podcast for more. UPCOMING EVENTS: Cultivate Hope 2019 Friday, November 1, 2019 9:30 AM Saturday, November 2, 2019 5:00 PM Bristol Hope Assembly 320 Pond Street Bristol, PA http://www.ruthhendrickson.org/rhm-events/cultivate%20hope HAVE YOU READ MY NEW BOOK, God’s Dream for Your Life? Here are a few quotes from others who have read my book: Cindy weaves through her personal experiences, experiences with God, and Scripture in a powerful and engaging way. Through the book you will find yourself being drawn close to the Father's heart and truly beginning to dream with God. Hendrickson44 This book stirred my spirit and reminded me of how faithful and powerful God is ALWAYS! It lit my spiritual flame back to LIFE! Thank you Cindy for sharing your relationship with God with us! So grateful!!! Pamela C. Purchase Now and Receive Your Signed Copy: https://cindy-stewart.com/media/books/ (USA) Purchase Now Outside of USA: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Dream-Your-Life-without/dp/1722698276/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538396997&sr=8-1&keywords=god's+dream+for+your+life+cindy+stewart For those of you who have read my book would you please write a review on Amazon. Your comments help others know what to expect. https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Dream-Your-Life-without/dp/1722698276/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538396997&sr=8-1&keywords=god's+dream+for+your+life+cindy+stewart For His plans & your dreams, Cindy Stewart #positivewordsonly #100dreamchallenge #godsdreamforyou #more2019mentoring
Good Friday Service - April 19th 2019 1st Word - Then Jesus said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Rev Dr Kimberly Johnson Luke 23:33-35 2nd Word - Truly I say unto you that today you shall be with me in paradise Elder Muhammad Duncan Luke 23:43 3rd Word - Woman behold thy son Minister Abdul Brown John 19:26-27 4th Word - My God My God why have you forsaken me Rev Carmena Pyfrom Matthew 27:46 5th Word - I thirst Minister DeAndra Richardson John 19:28-29 6th Word - It is finished Minister Charlene Briggs John 19:30 7th Word - Father unto thy hands I commend my spirit Rev Edwin Martin Luke 23:46
Welcome to podcast 107 of the Christian Women in Business podcast show.Today, I want to go through some practical ways you can involve God in your business.Before we get into the meat, I want to invite you to something.If you didn’t already know we are building a movement of Christian business owners through our CWIB Membership. The main aim of our membership is to look after God’s sheep who are out in the market place, to help them find their way as they grow their businesses, to be there to pray for them, whenever they need it. To sow into them personally and their businesses and keep them aligned with God. Obliviously, it always takes two to tango and they need to play their part. However, there is nothing more I love then to encourage people in their walk with God bringing in the creative side of running a business.If you’re feeling lost, alone and like you need that extra support as you build a successful business then I’d love to invite you to become a member. Our community has no woo woo in it, just so you know!When you join, not only is it an investment in yourself and your business, you’re also investing into others, helping us to keep providing you with these amazing podcasts. If you want to hear more of them, then we need more resources to fund them. Your investment also goes towards our free app, which women across the WHOLE world are benefitting from.If it’s your time, head over to our show notes, click the link “Join” and get your application in today.Onto the meat…5 ways to actively involve God in your business…Put Him first – And I’m not on about money!Pray – it’s how Jesus can intercede for you.Your actions speak louder than words –people see how you react to things, they watch, be mindful and let your actions speak louder than your words.Rest in God – Business is easier when we give Jesus our burden’s. You do what you can in the natural and let God out in the super.Read the Word – It will bring the Kingdom to life for you and should be part of your business just like a marketing plan only it’s more important.Are you ready to join a community like no other?We’ve created a sisterhood of Christian women in business who are completely in love with God and encourage each other on a daily basis with their businesses. If you’re after some Godly support as you grow your business…We invite you to become a part of this amazing, heart felt community by clicking the button below
How a Church GrowsEphesians 4 December 30, 2018Introduction:A. I remember a number of years ago when I driving into church to pick up mypaycheck when one of my daughters said “This is pretty cool – you just work oneday a week and you get paid for that”B. There are so many misconceptions about a church, for example who are theministers at MVC? How does a church growing? Is every person important?Where is the church? When is the church working?C. This morning I want to look at a passage that help us think more clearly aboutsome of these issues.• Turn in your Bibles toI. Ephesians 4A. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus to remind them of the riches theyhave in Christ, that in Christ they are now one community of both Jews andGentiles and then to instruct them how to walk in light of this!1. Here is chapter four he focuses upon our unity in Christ, especially our walktogether as a church community carrying out the mission that Jesus gave tous.B. Let’s start by looking at the roles as seen in v11-121. Read2. Note in v11 he talks about the fact that Jesus gave different ministers of HisWord to the church –a) the apostles and prophets build the church with God’s Word,b) the evangelists minster God’s Word to the lostc) the pastors and teachers minister God’s Word to the believers3. In v12 tells us the purpose of these ministers of God’s Word – It is to equip –prepare and train the saints. Read v124. For what are they preparing the saints, believers, and lay people?a) Read 12bb) The work of service or literally the work of ministry.5. My job or role in God’s program for his church is that I would prepare andtrain you to do the ministry! When you do look what happens –a) Read 12cb) Equipped saints doing the ministry build up and strengthen the church.C. Then in v13-15 he tells us what the church is being built up to, what we aregrowing up into.1. Listen as I read v13 “Until we all….” our job will not be done until we allachieve what follows:a) Unity of the faith – we all understand this bookb) Knowledge of the Son of God – We all have a living and real experienceof Jesus in our daily livesc) Mature man – we all are established, developed and matured) The measure of the stature … fullness of Christ – we all become moreand more like Christ.2. When we move in this direction listen to what it results in –a) Readb) That simply means we are able to stand strong and not be knockedaround by false teaching, men’s gimmicks and Satan’s schemes!3. He summarizes it all in v15 – We are all becoming more and more like Jesusin more and more areas of our lifeD. Sounds like there is still a ways to go at MVC – our job is not done until we allreach this place. How is that going to happen?1. Listen to v16 “… every …. Each individual….”2. Simply this verse teaches us that what causes the growth of the church iswhen every person is fully engaged doing the part that Jesus has designed forhim or her to do.II. ApplicationA. This passage answers many of our opening questions1. Who are the ministers at MVC? According to this verse, every believer inChrist is a minister not just the pastors or staff people!2. How does a church grow? - The church grows when the believers take thethings they have learned in God’s Word, live it out and take it to others!3. Is every person important? The church will not grow the way God intendsunless every person is fully engaged; doing the part that Jesus has designedfor them to do.4. Where is the church? - Since the church is people and not a building - rightnow the church is gathered at 6300 w 127th Street but this afternoon it will bescattered through the southwest portion of Chicago. During the week we willbe scattered throughout Chicago and the country as we go to work, school,play, travel with vacation and work, etc.5. When is the Church working? No, it is not just one day a week on Sundaymorning and during not only official programs of the church but alsowhenever a member of MVC church does anything in the name of Jesus atany time of the day or day of the week any place they go. Then in essence,MVC is always working wherever its people go!B. Simply you are MVC, you are the ministers of MVC, and you are very importantto MVC, you are the key to MVC growing. Whenever and wherever you areliving for Jesus, MVC is at work!C. Because of you MVC is working: (Start Slide show of Ministries)1. On Monday night, 45 junior high students come to our House ministry and anaverage of 65 high school students come to our Revolution ministry within aweek. They ministered to by 32 people who serve in these ministries withapproximately 35% of those kids who do not know Jesus.2. On Tuesday morning, at Coffee Break, an average of 80 women of all ages,from various churches, meet to hear God’s Word taught and to connect withone another for support. There are 35 women involved in ministering there3. On Wednesday night we have about 40 kids coming to Kidz club where 16people minister to these children and about 60% of them do not know Jesusand are from the local community4. Thursday morning at Precepts about 55 women from various churches, ofvarying ethnic and economic groups and various stages of spiritual growthgather together to learn how to study God’s Word in depth.5. Thursday afternoon there are teams of people who go to Roseland to theAgape Center to prepare a meal for the students and staff. Here the excitingpart – this ministry is an outreach ministry of our Widows’ Connection groupat MVC. They have cooked for as few as 30 and as many as 90. Fourteenpeople from here make that ministry possible6. On Thursday nighta) Around 30 college age kids meet together and are ministered to by fourpeople as they seek to navigate this stage of lifeb) We average about 25 addicts and codependents who are ministered to byfour people regarding their habits, hurts and hang-ups. About 20% ofthem do not know the Lordc) We also average about 23 men from surrounding communities, primarilythe hood, who come to play basketball and hear God’s Word presentedto them in a way that connects with them. One man runs this ministryby himself and about 98% of them are lost7. Friday night isa) Grief Share where three people minster to an average of 4-7 people whoare grieving the loss of loved ones in their lives. Close to 80% of thosewho come through do not know the Lordb) Five people from MVC go to IIT to minister to about 55 Chinesescholars studying at universities here in Chicago. The purpose of thistime is to examine the claims of Christ. 100% of those who have comeare lost with about 20% of them getting saved. We have been so blessedto witness some of their baptisms here and having some of themattending here every week!8. Every other Saturday morning and throughout the week there are studies formen with about 50 men ministered to by five men helping them connect withGod, His Word and other men.9. On Sunday morning during the second hour Pastor Clem and about 12volunteers minister to about 30 seniors as they drink deeply from the Word ofGod.10. And that only scratches the surface of what so many of you are doing everyday as you walk with Jesus ministering to those around you both saved andlost, young and old, rich, poor and in between, family, friends, classmates,coworkers, neighbors, etc.D. Bottom line, MVC is alive and at work constantly because wherever you go andwhenever you are doing something in Jesus’ name MVC is at work!• I want to close by acknowledging two of the people who have helped MVC make abig impact.III. AppreciationA. I would like to ask Keith Buell and Diana Fernandez to come up here for just afew minutes.B. Gratitude from meC. Gift from Mike KuboD. Diana or Keith like to say anything.E. Reception afterwards.
Topics We Cover On This Episode [3:49] Shawn breaks down the background of Dr.Joe Pojman [6:45] Why Dr. Joe loves the 40 Days for Life Podcast [8:50] Dr. Joe debunks a few Pro-Life movement stereotypes [11:39] How Dr. Joe successfully lobbied for Pro-Life legislation during a Pro-Abortion Administration [15:39] How the legislative side of the Pro-Life movement impacts the Pro-Life movement as a whole [18:17] All the ways in which the current political climate affects Pro-Life legislation [21:14] How the spotlight of Pro-Life legislation hurts the abortion industry [26:43] What America would look like if Roe v. Wade is overturned [28:48] What motivates Dr. Joe to persevere in the effort to end abortion It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that abortion is ending the life of an innocent child. However, that’s exactly what Texas has leading its effort to end abortion through Pro-Life legislation. Dr. Joe Pojman is a former NASA aerospace engineer who founded and is the executive director of the Texas Alliance for Life which is a non-profit organization committed to lobbying for laws that protect the sanctity of human life. On this episode of the 40 Days for Life Podcast Shawn and Steve sit down with Dr. Joe to discuss the impact of Pro-Life legislation on the state of Texas and our nation as well as the legal landscape of the road to end abortion. Dr. Joe Pojman is breaking stereotypes in the Pro-Life movement There seems to be an invisible line dividing those who lobby for Pro-Life legislation and those who pray outside of abortion facilities and run pregnancy centers. Both sides have very different functions in the fight for life, but they both serve the same goal: to save lives and end abortion. So much so that while Dr. Joe spends most of his time on the legal side of things he also tries to make it out to a 40 Days for Life campaign any chance he gets. Hear how what’s happening at prayer vigils all across the country is inspiring those who labor to change abortion laws on this episode of the 40 Days for Life Podcast. Incredible progress for Pro-Life legislation was made even with a Pro-Abortion administration It’s no secret that Barack Obama was one of the most Pro-Abortion presidents in American history. Despite that fact, much progress was made in the realm of Pro-Life legislation even during his presidency. The reason is that most of these laws are passed at a state level thanks to grassroots support from organizations like the Texas Alliance for Life. Listen to this episode of the 40 Days for Life Podcast to get an inside look at how Pro-Life lobbyists are still taking ground no matter the political climate. Pro-Life legislation forces people to see hard truths about abortion The place where Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry thrives the most is the dark. Pro-Life legislation is so powerful because it shines a light on the atrocities of what really happens at abortion facilities. Even the smallest steps towards progress help stir up the conversation and expose the real agenda behind abortion. Hear all the ways Pro-Life legislation and the abortion debate are opening eyes on both sides of the aisle during this week’s episode of the 40 Days for Life Podcast. The day is coming when Roe v. Wade will be overturned It may be along time before it’s realized, but we are experiencing the beginning of the end of abortion. Planned Parenthood can’t keep up with efforts like the 40 Days for Life campaign because they spend most of their time and resources trying to combat Pro-Life legislation in courtrooms and capitals. We also can’t ignore that for the first time ever there are potentially five Pro-Life votes sitting on the bench of the United States Supreme Court. Dr. Joe gives his insight on the necessary legal steps to see an end to abortion during this week’s episode of the 40 Days for Life Podcast. Resources & People Mentioned Episode #17 with Heather Gardner Email us at movie@40daysforlife.com to learn how you can host a theater for the UnPlanned movie free of charge The Beginning of the End of Abortion - Pick up your copy on Amazon and leave a review! Connect With Dr. Joe Pojman Dr. Joe on Twitter Texas Alliance for Life on Twitter and on the web Connect With 40 Days For Life www.40DaysForLife.com On Facebook On Twitter Email Sign Up App Tweets You Can Use to Spread the Word It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that #Abortion is ending the life of an innocent child. However that’s exactly who is helping lead #ProLife legislation efforts in Texas. Listen to the latest #40DaysforLifePodcast interview with @joepojma! #PrayforLife @joepojman is breaking down stereotypes in the #ProLife movement. Hear how what’s happening at prayer vigils all across the country is inspiring those who labor to change #Abortion laws on this week’s episode of the #40DaysForLifePodcast. #PrayforLife #Abortion Incredible progress for #ProLife legislation was made even during the #ProAbortion @BarackObama administration. Learn how on this week’s episode of the #40DaysforLifePodcast. #PrayforLife #Abortion #ProLife legislation forces people to see hard truths about #Abortion. Hear all the ways these laws are opening eyes on both sides of the aisle during this week’s episode of the #40DaysforLifePodcast. #PrayforLife #Abortion The day is coming when #RoeVWade will be overturned. @joepojma gives his insight on the necessary legal steps to see an end to #Abortion on this week’s episode of the #40DaysforLifePodcast. #ProLife #PrayforLife Subscribe to The 40 Days For Life Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Google Play
You may have heard of a conversion story, but what about a de-conversion story? There is a temptation to turn away from the good and certain Word of God when we don’t understand something, instead of pressing into the Scriptures. Today we are talking about uncertainty, certainty, and four reasons the law of God is a gift to us. Become a Teammate! Want to be a part of helping women hear the Gospel and think biblically? Join the team with a gift of $5 a month on patreon.com/sheprovesfaithful (or find out more info). Other ways to support the show: Leave a review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-she-proves-faithful/id1116242133?mt=2 Explore Amazon Affiliate Links - by clicking on links and exploring products I love, you can help support the podcast. Like Audible! We LOVE audible! You can try it free for a month and get two audiobooks free (and you get to keep them even if you don't continue your audible subscription) Opportunities Friends of a Feather Podcast Take a listen to Friends of a Feather Podcast where Wren asked me questions about my open heart surgery, miscarriages, and how I've hoped in God. Friends of a Feather Podcast episode Spiritual Spring Cleaning Webinar with Rachel Jankovic Canon Press is hosting a four week webinar with author and mom, Rachel Jankovic. You can sign up with a group of women and receive a discount! For more information and to register: http://canonpress.com/spiritual-spring-cleaning-live-webinar-with-rachel-jankovic/ The Deconversion Story The article my husband sent me that set this whole thing off: Jen Hatmaker - Changing my mind about the Bible Kruger writes an incredibly articulate article about the Power of Deconversion stories Christian testimonies are a powerful way to explain our faith in a God who saves us from our sin De-conversion story is not for the lost necessarily but for the Christian Kruger says the purpose is to “convince them that their outdated naive believes are no longer worthy of their assent. They thought they’ve seen the light, but now they’ve REALLY seen the light One element common of deconversion story - the Word of God is just not certain. But! That's a lie. The Bible is certain. In all the uncertainties of life, isn't the certainty of God's Word a comfort to us?! The Certainty of God's Word 2 Peter 1:16-21 Two evidences of the certainty of Scripture: 1. Eyewitnesses 2. Trustworthy documents SPF Podcasts about the Word: Podcast http://www.sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode39 How to rightly handle the Word of Truth Are God’s Words enough for our lives http://www.sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode27 Is the Bible True http://www.sheprovesfaithful.com/podcast/episode25 One HUGE Reason it’s important to be sure about God’s Word It tells us where and what darkness is It tells us how to overcome it How is the darkness overcome? John 1 : 1-5 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,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Four Blessings of the Law Displays God’s Glory Reveals our depravity - Romans 3:20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Demonstrates God’s grace and power (to give us a heart to obey, and a WAY TO OBEY) Show us to be God’s people - good fruit, called to a holy life Be Watchful! 2 Timothy 4:1-4 James 1:25 Be sober minded and watchful - there are false teachers that will pander to our emotions, to worldly passions. Resources Ligonier Sermon (I believe this is the one that speaks about the man who was converted because of the accuracy of the historicity of the Bible) https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/zeus-and-hermes/ Taking God At His Word (Paperback Edition): Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me By Kevin DeYoung Here are two of Rachel Jankovic's books. I've read Fit to Burst and really enjoyed it! Fit to Burst : Abundance, Mayhem, and the Joys of Motherhood By Rachel Jankovic Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches By Rachel Jankovic
Jesus is the highest authority... It is Above All! Do you hear and heed His authoritative Word? It created the heavens and the earth. It cast demons. It rebuked the wind and the waves. It... forgives you your sins. Why? Because Jesus's love for you is Above All!!
Do you know what needs to drive your time in the Word? It’s the opportunity to encounter God; you not only learn about Him, you learn from Him. He daily gives you direction & correction. If you want to live a life of integrity, decide today that you will build your life on knowing God & His Word.
Cutting Through the Matrix with Alan Watt Podcast (.xml Format)
--{ How Absurd, Taking Authority at its Word: "It's Interesting to Note how Terminology Is Intensely Studied by Psychology, Behaviourists who've Made an Alliance To Use Neurolinguistics in Neuroscience In Order to Instill Agendas Disguised as News Within Articles to Change Our Views, Not for Truth's Sake but to Standardize Authorized Reality Wrapped in Lies, Working with Editors They do Collude, Creating Noble Lies for the Common Good, Following Russell's Suggestions They Fling Out Techniques Convincing People of Anything" © Alan Watt }-- Politicians, Lobbyists and Bribes, "Cash for Access" - Front-Man Obama Defends Surveillance - International Intelligence Sharing - Fukushima Radiation Leaks, Contaminated Water - Troops to Teachers - G8 Security Bill - National Vigil for Life---Dublin - Scottish landowners deny new Highland Clearances - Frankfurt School - Gov. "Sex Education" Websites - Peter Singer, Women and Children Compared to Overgrazing Cows in a Field - Genetically-Modified Salmon and Hybridized Fish - Israel Complains of British anti-Israel Protests - Political Party Donations - Chemicals in Food - War Games on the Public - Internet Censorship - Knowledge is Power. (See http://www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com for article links.) *Title/Poem and Dialogue Copyrighted Alan Watt - June 7, 2013 (Exempting Music, Literary Quotes, and Callers' Comments)
2009-10-04-1800 Dr. Randy Smith is the guest speaker this evening October 10th, 2009 in the 6:00 PM service.Scripture Ref: II Kings 22:1-22; Chronicles 34; Jeremiah 22:15-16Topic: Scripture Notes:- There's a deep dissatisfaction when you cannot complete something- Josiah took throne at age 8: behaved at 8, sought the Lord at 16, to purge & purify nation at 20, after social justice at 26... didn't know the Word of God- You cannot gain a biblical world view unless you know the Bible- You are not who you think you are- There are no spare parts, everything is necessary- Many sermons are high on motivation, low on facts- We settle for carnality, thinking it's spirituality- Add to your faith moral excellence (purify life), knowledge, faith (to see it as God says it is)- Develop strategies to help me live with Him- People start with worship but don't know who they're worshipping- Cannot raise up a godly generation with knowledge of the Word- It's not enough to have kids that behave; they're getting slaughtered without knowing God's word- Mountain Jack on Mt. Saint Helens
Building a Chain of Death This morning, we are looking at Romans 7, specifically, the end of the section we've looked at now for two weeks, and this is our third week in Romans 7:1-6. Our purpose here, in this section of Romans, is to try to understand the law and how it relates to a justified Christian. What is our relationship to the law? And I heard an illustration that Charles Spurgeon used at the end of one of his sermons, to press the message home, and it spoke to me so clearly, about what it means to serve in the old way of the written code. And this is what he said, "A certain tyrant sent for one of his subjects and said to him, 'What is your employment?' He answered, 'I am a blacksmith.' 'Go home,' said he, 'And make me a chain of such and such a length.' He went home. The work occupied him several months, and he had no wages at all while he was making the chain, only the trouble and the pains of making it. Then he brought it the monarch and he said, 'Go back and make it twice as long as this.' He gave him nothing to do it with, but sent him away. Again, he worked on, made it twice as long. He brought it up again. The monarch said, 'Go and make it longer still.' Each time he brought it, there was nothing but the command to make it longer still. And when he brought it up at last, the monarch said, 'Take him, bind him hand and foot with it, and cast him into a furnace of fire.' There were his wages for making the chain. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus." And Paul says in our text right here, in verse Five, "When we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death." Every day, somebody who's apart from the grace of Jesus Christ… Every day, somebody who is not living in the New Covenant, (that we're going to talk about this morning)… Every day, somebody who has not yet been saved, is making a chain through sin. Every day, they add another link to it. And in the end, justice will demand that that chain be bound around them, that we will be cast with our sins into eternal darkness. And so serving in the old way of the written code, produces only, as it says in our text, "Fruit for death." Is there any liberation from that which binds us? Yes, there is, and it is the New Covenant of faith in Jesus Christ. Look again to what it says in verse Four, "So my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who is raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we've been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." I. Our Covenant-Keeping God This morning, our purpose is to understand that phrase, "Serving in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." What does it mean, that we have been moved over into a New Covenant? The word 'covenant' doesn't appear in this text, but that's the foundation of what Paul is saying to us. 'Covenant' is a binding agreement between two or more parties. The clearest example that we have in our everyday life, is that of marriage. A man and a woman stand before God and make a promise to one another. They make a binding agreement and God ratifies that. He hears it and holds the couple to it. And so Paul takes that example here, in Romans 7:1-3, of a married couple, and that we're bound to each other by this covenant, as long as the spouse is alive. What he's saying is that, we also, in one sense, we're bound to the law, and the only way we could be released from the law, is either that the law would die or that we would die. And the beauty of it, the law can never die. Jesus said, "Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." He said, "Until Heaven, and Earth, and not the smallest letter, or the least stroke of a pen will, by any means, disappear from the law, until everything is accomplished." The law cannot die. The law will still stand on Judgment Day, and it will testify against all those who have not been saved through faith in Jesus Christ. The law can stand and it will stand, but what about us? Well, the beauty of the Gospel is, that we died with Jesus Christ. The moment that Jesus died, we died with Him by faith, and we have been united with Him. He says in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." And so our purpose today, is to understand what that means. Not only that I have died, that I was crucified with Christ, but now, I live by the power of the Spirit, that there's a new life. There's a power in me, which is utterly unlike anything I've experienced before. And that's what He's saying, the covenant, the New Covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. Now, God makes covenants. Our God is a covenant-making God. The word appears 275 times in the Bible and it is God's major manner of dealing with the human race. He made a covenant with Noah, for example. He said He would never again destroy the world with a flood, and He set the Sign of the Covenant, the rainbow, up in the clouds to testify to His faithfulness to that Covenant. He made a covenant with Abraham, that to his offspring, He would give the land, and He would be their God, and they would be His people. He made a covenant with Abraham. He made a covenant with Moses and that's the focus of our study this morning, the Mosaic Covenant, the Promise that He gave to the descendants of Abraham, who are with Moses at the base of the Mount Sinai, that if they obeyed God's commandments, His ordinances, and His regulations, that they would be able to stay in the Promised Land, that they would live there. "If you obey me, you may stay in this land." He also made a covenant with David, that He would place one of his sons on his throne, that David would never lack a lampstand, he would never lack a lamp, and that ultimately, the Son of David would reign forever and ever over the people of God, and that is Jesus Christ. And He made a covenant with Jesus Christ. The Father made a covenant with the Son, "I will save any for whom you die. Any who call on your name, I will save them, and I will welcome them as my own children." And so on the basis of these covenants, we stand before God. Our God is a covenant-making God, but He is also a covenant-keeping God. It says, in reference to the Mosaic Covenant, that he would keep His covenant to a thousand generations of those who love and obey His commands. A thousand generations. What is that? Between 25 and 40,000 years? Our God is a faithful covenant-keeping God. He never breaks His Word. And on the basis of the New Covenant, and its superior promises, we will stand before God holy and blameless one day. And there is complete protection, security. There is a guarantee for us in this New Covenant, if we only understand it. God keeps His covenants, and our salvation is, therefore, guaranteed by this New Covenant. Paul says in Second Corinthians 3:6, "He has made us competent as ministers of a New Covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." II. Context: “Not Under Law But Under Grace” Let's see if we can understand that. The context in Romans here, he's already explained to us the need for justification, Romans 1-3, that both Jew and Gentile alike are all under sin. That expression 'under sin' means under sin's dominion. Sin is the tyrant that causes us to make that chain, with which we would be bound. Sin is a vicious and a cruel tyrant. We're going to talk more about that in Romans 7, as we understand the indwelling sin that we still wrestle with. But sin is a tyrant, and all of us, Jew and Gentile, people from every tribe, and language, and people, and nation, all of us understand what sin is. Sin is a vicious tyrant, and we need to be justified, and there's nothing we can do. We were under sin. We were under sin's dominion, and so we needed forgiveness of sins, and we needed liberation from sin. Jesus said, "Anyone who sins is a slave to sin, but if the Son makes you free, you'll be truly free." And so He's trying to explain how justification came, and it came by the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus stood up, and took our wrath, our condemnation, and through His blood shed on the cross, He took away forever the guilt and the punishment that we deserve under the Mosaic Covenant. He took away the curse. He died in our place, and He rose from the dead on the third day, and so He is our propitiation, He's our sacrifice of atonement. And that sacrifice is good for any of us who have trusted in Him, any of us who put our faith in Him. Romans chapter 4, we are justified simply by faith. Just as Abraham looked up at those stars and believed a promise that God gave him, so shall your offspring be. We hear of life through faith in Jesus Christ, and we believe, and we are justified. At that moment, we're declared forever not guilty of all of our sins. The guilt and the condemnation of the law has been removed from us. We died to the law and its condemning power, when we united with Christ through faith. But then, in Romans Chapters 6-8, he's dealing with the issue of indwelling sin, the struggle we have with sin. Any of you who are honest and you know yourself, you say, "Well, I was justified by faith many years ago, but sin didn't just disappear from my life. I still have sin in my life. How can this be? And what is it?" And also, he deals with it theologically. If we're only justified by grace, apart from works, can't we live any way that we want? And he's dealing with that in Romans Chapter Six, he says, "No, you can't, because if you are a Christian, you are united with Jesus Christ. You died with Him when he died, and so, also, you've been raised in newness of life. You're living a whole new life." That was covered in Romans 6 But in the middle of that, in Romans 6:14, he says, "Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." And so that's a very important thing to say. What does it mean that we're not under law? Did God give a law, and then revoke it through Christ? What is our relationship to the law? And he's dealing with that in Romans chapter 7, and the issue of this Old Covenant and the New Covenant. He uses the illustration of marriage and says that you're bound as long as you're alive, but if one of the spouses dies, that covenant is ended. And so, also, we died to the law through the body of Christ, that we might belong to another, a new marriage. We talked about it last time, that Jesus Christ is our spouse. We died to the law, and we're freed forever from that old bondage, and now, we've come into a whole new way of serving God. III. Old Covenant: The Old Way of the Written Code But we need to understand what that Old Covenant was. What was the nature of the Old Covenant? First, the Old Covenant was promised to Abraham. In Genesis 12:7, it was promised to Abraham at the great Tree of Moreh at Shechem, "This land will belong to you and to all your offspring." And then, in Genesis 17, He gave him a Sign of the Covenant, as a precursor to the Mosaic Law. It was circumcision. And He said that, "All your male descendants must be circumcised, and anyone who's not circumcised will be cut off from the covenant." So that's the covenant promised, but it wasn't established, until Moses brought the people of God to the foot of Mount Sinai. And they received the covenant, they received the Mosaic Law coming down off the mountain. And this is what they said in Exodus 24, "When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, 'Everything the Lord has said, we will do.'" That sounds like a marriage to me. They made a promise, "Alright, I've heard all of the laws, the rules, and regulations. We'll do it." They made a covenant. They made a promise that they would obey everything that God said. Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. "Then he took the Book of the Covenant, and read it to the people, and they responded again, 'We will do everything the Lord has said. We will obey, '" they said to God. Moses took the blood of the covenant, the blood of the sacrifice, this covenant was ratified in blood, and he sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words." And so there it is, they made a covenant. They were in a bonded relationship with the law they promised that they would obey. Now, what is the nature of that covenant? In Deuteronomy, he explains it very clearly. Deuteronomy 11:26 and following, it says, "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse, a blessing if you obey… the curse if you disobey..." That is the nature of the Old Covenant, blessings and curses. Blessings on obedience, curses on disobedience. Now, what was the essence of the Old Covenant in the life of Israel? How did it function? We're going to look at it in four ways. First, in terms of law, the relationship to God's Word. Second, in terms of salvation, relationship to God's Holiness. Thirdly, in terms of worship, relationship to God's throne. And fourthly, in terms of service, relationship to God's world. Law: Relationship to God’s Word Let's look at the first one, law, relationship to God's Word. It says in verse Six of the passage we're looking at, we served "in the old way of the written code." What does this mean, 'written code?' It means that the law was written down on things physical. At first, it was written by the finger of God on the tablets of stone, do you remember that? The finger of God wrote down the Ten Commandments. God inscribed His Word down. He wanted it written. That was the first of the Bible. God was the first, literally, physically, the first author of Scripture, when He inscribed the Ten Commandments with His finger on those tablets of stone. He began the whole written Word. It was His Word written, and He wanted it obeyed, but it was physical, and it was also external. Later, the Word was written on stone pillars and Joshua brought them in the Promised Land. They wrote it down, so that everyone could read it. It was there for future generations. They also copied it on parchments, on scrolls, and other things, and it was copied, but it was always physical. It was something you could read with your eyes, but it was not internal, it was external. It was something you would read. It would stand outside of you, and it would talk to you, and it would tell you which way to live, and which way not to live, but it was external. And ultimately, because of that, it was powerless. It made no change in the human heart. It ultimately was rendered powerless by our sin nature. Look again at Verse Five, "From when we were controlled by the sinful nature or the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death." Paul is going to talk about that more in Romans 7. The law comes and actually arouses sin. You're kind of moving along just fine, until you hear what God will and will not permit, and then, suddenly, there's a desire to do that very thing. It's just a phenomenon. We see it around us. We see it in our own hearts. There it is, the law comes and says, "You must not do this," or, "You must do that," and then there's just, immediately, a desire to disobey. It's what the law does, and he's going to talk about that, he said, "Once I was alive, apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died." It's always been the same. It's the same today. "When we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies." So that we made another link for that chain. Day, after day, after day, we bore fruit for death. It never produced righteousness. Look at Romans 8:3, "For what the law was powerless to do, in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did, by sending His own Son." Isn't that beautiful? The law could never get you saved, and so God did it, by sending His Son. The law was powerless. The Book of Hebrews calls it 'useless.' It could affect no genuine change in you. It stands outside and cannot save you. And we prove it every day, don't we? By just readings, "I see it, but I just can't do it." That's the second half of Romans 7, we'll get there. But that's what the law does, it stands on the shore, and calls out to you, and tells you how to save yourself, but you can't. Salvation: Relationship to God’s Holiness The New Covenant is Jesus Christ gets in there. And you got the second half so beautifully right. Jesus literally gets in, and saves us, and therefore, our salvation is guaranteed, because He is never ineffective. He accomplishes what He came to do. Jesus never dives in, and swims out to save somebody, and they end up drowned. It's impossible. He saves us and that's the New Covenant. And so the law was powerless, it was useless, it could save us, not at all. And so in relation to salvation, in relation to God's Holiness, what the law did, is it told you, "Be holy, because I am holy." That's what the law said. Leviticus 19:2, "Speak to the entire Assembly of Israel and say to them, "Be holy, because, I, the Lord, your God, am holy." That's what the law told you, but could you do it? Could you be holy the way God is Holy? In the message of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:48, Jesus said the same thing, "Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." I witness to people and I say, "Do you understand what the standards are for fellowship with God? Do you understand what it takes to go to Heaven? God will allow no darkness in His presence. He is perfectly holy and righteous. And therefore, you, also, must be perfect to be in the presence of God." And so in relation to God's Holiness, it speaks to us of holiness. The law screams to us of holiness, but it cannot make us holy. Hebrews 7:19 says, "For the law made nothing perfect." Do you hear that? The law makes nothing perfect and we must be perfect to be in God's presence. Actually, the law only brings curse on us. Galatians 3:10, "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Everything, you've got to obey the whole thing. The illustration I've used before is of the aquarium tank. Imagine a huge big aquarium, where all these sharks, and manta rays, and all that is swimming around, and it's only got one little hole in it. That's all, just one hole down toward the bottom. Would you feel safe near that? As you watch the hole progressively get larger and larger? I'd run out of that building. One transgression is enough to condemn us forever, but we don't just have one transgression, do you? We have a whole lifetime of them. We have a very long chain. We've been fashioning it day after day. "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'" Isn't it beautiful, that Jesus stood and took our curse for us? He came and took our curse. He was hung on a tree. "Cursed is everyone who's hung on a tree." Jesus took our curse. If you're in Christ, you're not under the law anymore. You're not under the law's curse. It's been taken away forever. Praise God for that. Now, within the law, there were priestly sacrifices for sin, weren't there? There was provision, if you broke the law. You would bring a sacrifice, but could the sacrifice do anything for you? Was it not merely a symbol of the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ? How do we know that? beause they had to be repeated, day, after day, after day, week after week, and for the same sinners. Hebrews 9:9-10 says, "The gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper." They're not able to do it. You could not have your conscience cleared by blood animal sacrifice. It couldn't be done. And so the law made no provision, genuinely, for sin. Now, the righteousness that came by the law would be demonstrated by perfect obedience. Romans 10:5, "Moses describes in this way, 'The righteousness that is by law, the man who does these things will live by them.'" In context, he means live eternally. You will get your eternal life by perfect obedience to the commands of God. Perfect obedience. And eternal life comes as a result of this accomplished righteousness. "The man who does these things will live [eternally] by them." But all of this is impossible, isn't it true? Because Paul says in Romans 7, "As soon as you hear the law, the sinful nature kicks in and you rebel." And we've all done it. And once you rebel once, it's over. The law will never again be a path of righteousness for you. It's impossible. It only speaks a curse on you. And only in Jesus Christ, is that curse removed. "Therefore," says Paul in Romans 3:20, "No one will be declared righteous by observing the law, rather, through the law, we become conscious of sin." You're never going to stand before God and say, "Well, I came that path. I came up the path of the law." No, you didn't. Nobody but one person has walked that path perfectly, and that's Jesus Christ. Worship: Relationship to God’s Throne What about in relation to worship, worship in relation to God's throne? God's holy throne is the center of all worship, is it not? "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a…" what? "On a throne high and lifted up. And the train of His robe filled the temple." And there were seraphs crying, 'Holy, holy, holy.' It's the center of Heaven. It's the throne of God, the eternal God. It's the center of Heaven should be the center of your life too. And so, in the Book of Revelation Chapter Four, the apostle says, "At once, I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in Heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow resembling an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Before the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God." The throne is the center of it all. It's the center of worship, the throne of God. And so, when Bill comes here, and we go to worship, what are we doing, but spiritually establishing the throne of God, right in the center of this room? That's what worship is. But the fact of the matter is, God's throne is unapproachable. 1 Timothy 6:15-16 says, "God the blessed and only ruler." What chair does a ruler sit on? A throne. "The King of Kings and Lord of Lords." He's going to sit on the ultimate throne. "Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light." You can't get to Him. He lives in unapproachable light. He is holy and pure. Therefore, Old Covenant worship is never going to get you to the throne of God. It's only a shadow, not the reality, as it says in the Book of Hebrews. It's just a shadow, it's an image. It's never going to get you right to the throne of God. Therefore, Old Covenant worship is all about what you can't do, and not what you can. It's all about barriers and oppositions, not coming very close to the throne of grace. Exodus 24:1-2, "Then God said to Moses, 'Come up to the Lord, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and 70 of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance." Underline that one. "Worship at a distance," is Old Covenant worship, isn't it? "Worship at a distance." What do I mean by, "Worship at a distance"? Separation between you and God. Why the separation? Because of your sin. And there was nothing in the Old Covenant that could take care of it. There was a fence around the base of Mount Sinai saying, "You can't come up this mountain." There was a thousand yard distance between the people of God and the ark, as they went into the Promised Land. There was a curtain in the temple, which separated the Holy of Holies from the priest, and then other curtains would separate the rest of it from the regular people, who couldn't come in. What is that telling you? Barrier. Obstruction. "Worship at a distance." You can't come close. After striking Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu dead, because they offered unauthorized sacrifice, Leviticus 10:3, God said this, "Among those who approach me, I will show myself holy. In the sight of all people, I will be honored." That's the Old Covenant. "Among those who approach me, I'm going to demonstrate my holiness to you. I will show you how holy I am." And the Old Covenant did that, but you were not welcomed into the throne of God. You couldn't come. That's the essence of Old Covenant worship. Service: Relationship to God’s World And finally, service, relationship to God's world. How did you serve in the old way of the written code? What was the nature of old code service? Well, first of all, it was about duty, wasn't it? What you had to do. If it's external to you, it means you don't want to do it. It hasn't come inside your heart, and so that it's a matter of duty. The worst expression of that was in Malachi 1:12-13. They're talking about the sacrificial system. They're talking about the Lord's table. They're talking about the actual blood sacrifices that God had provided, and Malachi says this, "You profane it, by saying of the Lord's temple, 'It is defiled,' and of the food, 'It is contemptible.' And you say, 'What a burden,' and you sniff at it contemptuously,' says the Lord Almighty. " There's some people that serve in the Christian way this way, what a burden they feel. It's a sense of duty and obligation. A sense of 'got to' and 'have to,' not a sense of 'want to.' That's a service in the old way of the written code. "What a burden." It's also based on fear. You're afraid. If you don't do it, what will happen to you? You'll be judged, you'll be condemned. There's a sense of fear. Fear has to do, in First John 4:18, with punishment. That's the essence of Old Covenant service. You serve out of duty, you serve out of fear. Ultimately, it could lead to hatred, hatred for God. You say, "How is that possible?" Romans 8:7-8 says, "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those committed by the sinful nature cannot please God." Perfect illustration of this in Martin Luther's life. Before Luther came to understand justification by faith alone, he was serving in the old way of the written code, wasn't he? A bunch of rules and regulations. A bunch of laws, and duties, and obligations. A bunch of fasting, and prayer, and tithe offering, and a bunch of all these works. And nothing could take away his sense of guilt before God, nothing. And it got more and more frustrating to him. And he, as a Roman Catholic, would go to his father confessor, Father Johann Staupitz, and he would confess sin after sin, inclinations of the heart, slight temptations, anything he could to try to cleanse himself, and it never worked. Finally, just out of frustration, he came, and he started to confess something that he had forgotten from the last time, and Staupitz said, "You're making it too hard. All you need to do is love God." And Luther said, "Love God? I hate Him." And Staupitz was shocked. This was blasphemy. But that's what old written code service is all about. It's not about love for God. It's about duty, and fear, and obligation, not about being a son or a daughter of God. And what is the end result of all that? Well, verse 5, "When we're controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our body, so that we bore fruit for death." We bore fruit for death by serving the law? Yes, because here it is. It's either one or the other. Either you will feel that you are being successful in serving by that way, or you will feel unsuccessful. If you feel successful by that way, you will be proud and boastful, because you did it on your own. Or you'll say, "I could never do that," and you openly rebel. Either way, the law condemns. There is no way that you can come to God that way. To the generally obedient, there's the white devil of pride. To the generally disobedient, the black devil of rebellion. Either way, it comes. So that's the old way of the written code. Relationship to God's Word: It was written externally, not in your heart. Relationship to God's holiness: The law commanded you to be holy, but made no provision for it. Relationship to God's throne and worship: Law had made it very clear, that you were not welcome to the throne of God. And service relationship to God's Word: It came from duty, and pride, and obligation, and fear. Ultimately, it bore fruit for death. That's the Old Covenant. Aren't you glad we're free from all that? IV. New Covenant: The New Way of the Spirit Praise God. We're waiting for the good news. Well, the good news is in verse 6. Look at the first two words, "But now." What does that tell you? Something new, something fresh, something wonderful. And Jesus said, "It had to be this way. It had to be new." Why? Because of the Parable of the Wine-skins. Remember, He said, "You can't put new wine into old wine-skins. We've got to have a whole new thing. We've got to have a New Covenant." And the beauty is, the New Covenant was promised in the Old. Jeremiah came and promised it. New Covenant Established Look at Jeremiah 31, it's printed there, part of it anyway. Oh, you got to read the whole thing. You got to read the whole thing, but I'm just going to zero in on a couple things. "'The time is coming,' declares the Lord, 'When I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.'" There it is in the Old Testament. There's going to be a New Covenant, something new. And we will not serve in that old way anymore, we'll serve in a new way. There's going to be a New Covenant. He said, "'It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers, when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, even though I was a husband to them,' declares the Lord. 'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel, after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and I'll write them on their hearts. They will be my people and I will be their God. No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brothers, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." Oh, boy. That brings goosebumps. I'm just getting excited talking about it. What are the two aspects of the New Covenant the Old Covenant could never give us? It could not give us forgiveness of sins, and it could not write the law of God on our hearts... But the New Covenant can. Isn't that beautiful? This is a replacement covenant. "By calling this covenant new," Hebrews 8:13, "By calling this covenant new, he's made the old one obsolete. And what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." It's gone. We're not under it anymore. We've got a New Covenant now. It's an unbreakable covenant, not like the former one. It's not dependent on your obedience. He's going to work obedience in you. It's an internal covenant within your own heart. It's a universal covenant. "The will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest." Everyone included in the covenant will all know me personally. "I will be their God and they will be my people." And it's a cleansing covenant, "I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." Well, that's the promise. Was it fulfilled? Is there now, in fact, a New Covenant? It was promised, did it come? Yes, it did, through Jesus Christ. Do you remember the night before Jesus died? He took that cup, the wine, and what did He say, remember? He took the cup, He gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the New Covenant." There it is. Jesus said it. There's a New Covenant. Now, the wine only represents it. We know that the real blood was the blood Jesus shed on the cross, "Which is poured out for many," Jesus said, "For the forgiveness of sins." The New Covenant is in effect. It's here. It's been here for 2,000 years. We're not in the Old Covenant any longer. It's here. Law: Relationship to God’s Word Now, how does it work in relation to God's Word? Look at verse 6, "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we've been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." It is a spiritual thing. The indwelling Holy Spirit comes in and changes you from inside. It's written on the heart by the Spirit. And it is powerful. It actually transforms you. It makes you different than you were before. You love what you used to hate and you hate what you used to love. It has changed you. You're different now, as a result. It is effective. The law is no longer external, it's now written on your heart. He says in this verse, Jeremiah 31:33, "I'll put my law in their minds and I will write it on their hearts." Do you realize the whole Bible is written on your heart? Now, you're wondering why you can't recite the whole thing. I didn't say it was written in your brain, so that you could recite it. I'm saying it's there, and what happens is, if you're a child of God, when it gets preached or taught accurately, you know it. You just can tell. "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life." You just know, even if you're in Obadiah or some other place you'd never been, you say, "Yes, this is right." And why? Because He already wrote the law in your heart. It's already there. Now, I still think you should memorize it. I really do. But it's already there. The truth of it is there and why? Because the Spirit wrote it there. Oh, look at blessed Ezekiel 36. It's printed in your bulletin. Look at it. I would urge you to take that home. I know you're thinking about, perhaps, you're thinking about what you're going to eat for lunch. This is sweeter than anything you're going to eat for lunch. Ezekiel 36:26-27, take it home and chew on it, before you put any food in your mouth, or after. Maybe during, maybe during your lunchtime, talk about Ezekiel 36:26-27, "I will give you a new heart, and then put a new Spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh, and I will put my Spirit in you, and move you to follow my decrees, and be careful to keep my laws." That is New Covenant stuff, folks. Has that happened to you? Has your heart of stone been taken out and your heart of flesh put in? Are you receptive to the moving of the Spirit, and do you have the indwelling Spirit moving you to obey God's commandments? That's the relation of the law. It's written on your heart. Salvation: Relationship to God’s Holiness Secondly, relation to salvation, relation to God's holiness. Do you realize that we stand in Christ's perfect obedience? Remember, I told you there was one man who walked the law perfectly, and it was Jesus Christ? He is the end of the law, it says in Romans 10. He is the completion, the perfection of the law. He did it. He is our champion. He is our victor. And He walked that way perfectly for 33 years, some odd years. Perfectly walked, moment by moment, in obedience to His Father's commands. He said, "I always do what pleases Him." And do you realize, if you're a Christian, His righteousness, that He won fairly in 33 years of obedience in this, it's cloaked on you by faith? Isn't that beautiful? And you're going to stand before Him on Judgment Day, not with any righteousness of your own. You have none. We've proven that. None of us. I don't have any. You all, we don't have any, but there is a robe available. Jesus Christ's righteousness. He earned it, He won it fair and squarely, it's His. And He's offering it to you by faith. Holiness, perfect righteousness that you can cloak yourself with, complete forgiveness of sins. Oh, my goodness. "I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." What is that worth to you? What is it worth to you, to have all your sins forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ, and He will never remember them again? Wow... You get nothing else out of this, two aspects of the New Covenant: Total forgiveness of sins and indwelling Holy Spirit writing the law in your heart. That Old Covenant doesn't have anything like it, but if you're a Christian, you get them both. Worship: Relationship to God’s Throne What about worship, relationship to God's throne? We came in here to worship today. I hope you did. I hope you came in here to worship. Do you realize that, if you're a Christian, God has said, "Come right to my throne, right to the center." "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence," it says. Isn't that beautiful? Right to the throne. There's no barrier anymore. The moment that Jesus died, that curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. From top to bottom, what does that tell you? Who tore it? God did. If it had been torn from bottom to top, they'd repair it, but it's torn from top to bottom. God did it. Maybe they did repair it. I don't think they should've. I think they should've come into the New Covenant that day. God is saying, "Come and welcome to the feast." He's saying, "Come and welcome to my very throne, through the blood of Jesus Christ, right to my throne." You know Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman. Remember, they had a debate about what's the proper place for worship? Remember that? Is it on this mountain or on that mountain? He's like, Let me tell you something, "a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." He's saying that it's not going to be about location. It's going to be about worshipping, and Spirit, and truth. The indwelling Spirit brings you right to the throne Of God, and therefore, you can worship Him. You have freedom of access. Ephesians 3:12 says, "In Christ and through faith in Christ, we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Is that how you approach God everyday? Freedom and confidence, like a forgiven sinner? Or do you feel like you need to earn your way back in? Freedom and confidence. Service: Relationship to God’s World And then, finally, service in relationship to God's Word. Not duty, but delight. Not what you have to do, but what you get to do. I love to read the laws now, and the prohibitions, "Thou shalt not," I'd say, "I don't need to do that anymore." And the commands, "Thou shalt," "I get to do that by the power of the Spirit." Isn't that wonderful? It's a whole different thing. It's not duty anymore, it's delight. The law has become my birthright. It's what I get to do. It's said of Jesus in Psalm 40:8, "Here am I. I delight to do your will, oh, God. Your law is hidden within my heart." "This is what I love to do," said Jesus." Now, that same Spirit's in us. That's what I want to do, what I love to do. Not duty, but delight. Not fear, but confidence in Him. And through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. You can be confident before God. Not hatred, but love. We serve as a son or a daughter of God. We cry out, "Abba Father," and we follow the Spirit, moment by moment, serving Him. That's not hatred, that's love. We do it, because we love. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. We're not under that anymore, are we? We're dead to that. We're free from what bound us, and now, we serve with love, and not fruit for death, but fruit for eternal life. Romans 6:22. Yes, there is a Romans 6:22. I know you've heard of Romans 6:23, but 6:22 says this, "But now that you've been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the harvest or the fruits you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." You live this kind of life, you'll end up in Heaven. But if what I'm talking to you about right now seems strange, unfamiliar, you don't know what I'm talking about, I don't know that you've come into the New Covenant. I don't know that you understand the life of the Spirit. I'm not talking about perfect people. I'm talking about people who understand what I'm talking about, about worship, and about forgiveness of sins, and about serving God, moment by moment, by the power of the Spirit. V. Application I want to speak to you Christians. First of all, rejoice that your sins are forgiven. Rejoice that your sins are forgiven. What is that worth to you? What would you trade for it? Your sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. He will remember your sins no more. And delight in a whole new way of serving God, not like a slave, but like a son or daughter of God, a child of God. Delight in serving God daily, using your spiritual gifts. Tonight, we're going to talk more about that. God has given you a ministry, each one of us a priestly duty of serving God. Use that gift, that service. Delight in God's service. Offer up, everyday, a service to God, an aroma pleasing to Him. And delight in God's Word. Realize, it's already written in your heart. Delight in it, chew on it, and delight in God's family. Realize, look around here, this room and around the world, there are people all over the world that God is doing that thing to. And we're all going to be gathered into one place someday, and we're all goanna be made perfect, and isn't that going to be awesome, and wonderful? How beautiful is the family of God, when perfected, and cleansed, and finished. But for the non-Christian, I guess I just want to make you jealous. I want you to wish you had all that. I want you to wish you knew your sins were forgiven. I want you to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, and I want you to realize that that chain that you're making, day, after day, after day, it will condemn you, unless through Jesus Christ, and through His blood, you have complete forgiveness of sins. Come to Him today. Why don't you close with me in prayer? Father, as we bow before you, we thank you for the truths of your Word. We thank you for the new wine put into new wine-skins, both are preserved that way. And we thank you for your goodness in giving it to us. Thank you for the New Covenant, and for its promises that you will forgive our wickedness, and remember our sins no more, and you will write the law in our hearts, by your Holy Spirit. Father, I pray for any who are here, who have never come to faith in Christ, that today would be, for them, the day of salvation. If today, you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, but come. I pray that they would come in welcome to Jesus Christ. We pray in His name, Amen.
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