Podcasts about Yahweh

Exodus 4: Please Send Someone Else | After hearing God's rescue plan, Moses still has his doubts and insecurities. God allows Aaron to be Moses' spokesperson, and will give him specific instructions on what to say to Pharoah.Journey 4 | Law and Grace. Journey #4 opens the Bible's grand story of redemption in Exodus, as Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery and into the wilderness. God delivers the law in Leviticus - but can the law save? Redemption comes into full glory in the NT letters of Ephesians and Philemon, and Paul delivers his manifesto of grace in Galatians. (94 days)Teacher: Kris & JonathanAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingExodus 4 Themes: Israel, Egypt, slavery, bondage, Moses, salvation, deliverer, I AM, Yahweh, unbeliefExodus 4 Tags: Israel, Egypt, Moses, burning bush, Mount Sinai, deliverance, I AM, Yahweh, suffering,Israelites, Hebrews, leprosy, snake, staff, excuses, doubt, unbelief, Zipporah, circumcisionKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Comes Journey with me to the COSMOS and ENGAGE the FULLNESS of the YAHWEH

Exodus 3: I Have Seen, I Have Heard, I Have Come Down to Rescue | Moses is tending his flock on the far side of the desert - when he sees a bush on fire - but not being consumed. God speaks to Moses from the bush, revealing that He has a plan to save the people of Israel out of Egypt.Journey 4 | Law and Grace. Journey #4 opens the Bible's grand story of redemption in Exodus, as Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery and into the wilderness. God delivers the law in Leviticus - but can the law save? Redemption comes into full glory in the NT letters of Ephesians and Philemon, and Paul delivers his manifesto of grace in Galatians. (94 days)Teacher: Kris & JonathanAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingExodus 3 Themes: Israel, Egypt, slavery, bondage, Moses, salvation, deliverer, I AM, Yahweh, holinessExodus 3 Tags: Israel, Egypt, Moses, burning bush, Mount Sinai, holiness, holy, sandals, deliverance, I AM, Yahweh, suffering,Israelites, HebrewsKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Reading Joshua 24:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua, letting go of any leadership he has over the people, offers them the choice of following God or turning away. The importance of remembering. Recounting their story all the way back to when Abraham was with his family, his father Nahor, worshiping idols. God is faithful to His promises. Matthew 6:24, you cannot serve two masters. The story going back to Abraham's father Nahor worshiping idols shows that it doesn't matter where you started from, what matters is trusting God and living by faith. What it looks like to serve the LORD Matthew 20:25.

Pastor Mattie continues on the journey of what marriage looks like in the kingdom. Answering the questions of how Yahweh called us to treat our spouses, and what loving them well mean.Support the show

Reading Joshua 23:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua gives the people an encouragement, instructions, and a warning.it is tempting to lose sight of where you are going when there is a change in leadership, Joshua gives all the glory and credit to God. Instructions to not turn from God, neither to the left nor the right and the danger of churches being distracted by political morality instead of biblical truth. Intentionally cling tightly to God. God's word has come and is coming to fruition.

Part of being on the winning team for Christ is to serve. However, Many of us remain on the sidelines because we are simply not prepared to do our part to support Kingdom building.

This week we meet Ezra, the man the book is named after. We also come to the end of the story. Ezra was a man dedicated to three things: studying the Word of God, obeying the word of God, and teaching the word of God. Those three things were the dominant theme of his life and ministry, and they are on full display in this story. Because of those things, in just five months, Ezra causes a nation to realize something dreadful: they have broken their covenant with Yahweh and are in danger of judgment. What will happen? Will the nation be judged once again by Yahweh? Listen to this week's episode to find out. To follow along turn to Ezra chapters 7 - 10.

Yahweh has set times and seasons according to His purpose. In this teaching on the basics of this matter, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us through the where, what, who and when of these “moadim”, or special appointments. As Rabbi Steve points out, these observances are also set in a specific order that, when understood, become a picture of redemption and salvation. Don't miss out on new teachings every week. For more information about MTOI (Messianic Torah Observant Israel), visit our website, https://mtoi.org. Join us on Social media! Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoiworldwide Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtoiworldwide We are located in Cleveland TN. If you would like to know more about us, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to visit us on our website, https://mtoi.org, email us at admin@mtoi.org or call us at 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE Streamed on our Main YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm (EST) and every Tuesday for Torah Study Live Stream at 6:30 pm (EST).

Reading Joshua 22:1-34 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua's encouragement in 22:5. Israel was afraid the two and a half tribes were going to bring trouble on all of Israel. The two and a half tribes were afraid the rest of Israel may exclude them from future worship. Israel's first response was to prepare for war, then sent a delegation to speak with the two and a half tribes to gather more information. They are set at ease when they hear their hearts on the matter. Coming to judgments without all the information, without hearing out a person's heart on the matter. The importance of communication.

Did Israel pass or fail God's test at Mount Sinai? And what did Yahweh mean when he made Israel a “nation of priests”? In this episode, Tim and Jon talk with long-time friend and Hebrew Bible scholar Dr. Carmen Imes. Tim and Carmen share differing interpretive perspectives of the Exodus story, reminding us that the Bible is meant to be meditated upon and studied within a community.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-18:45)Part two (18:45-30:30)Part three (30:30-40:45)Part four (40:45-1:01:20)Referenced ResourcesBearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Carmen Joy ImesBaker Commentary on the Old TestamentTo Climb or Not To Climb? Israel's Ascent in Exodus 19:12–13 (SBL 2012), Michael KibbeThe Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary, John H. SailhamerAbraham's Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God, J. Richard MiddletonCarmen Joy Imes, “The Lost World of the Exodus: Functional Ontology and the Creation of a Nation,” For Us, but Not to Us: Essays on Creation, Covenant, and Context in Honor of John H. Walton, edited by Miglio, Reeder, Walton, and WayInterested in more? Check out Tim's library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we're tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“Levitate,” “Nostalgia,” and “Nice and Easy” by Junior StateShow produced by Cooper Peltz. Edited by Dan Gummel and Zach McKinley. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo and Ashlyn Heise.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

A moment with God is absolutely essential. We're not the same after our moment. But if you don't have the moment, difficulty comes. If you don't have that moment, you will assume certain things should be happening that are not happening. We wonder why people have a moment and others do not. It's because we have this thought, “I believe, He exists,” but we aren't having a moment. When you have your moment with God, you will know.

Do you know what it means to "follow" Jesus? Due to social media, in today's society, the word "follow" means to simply press a button and "become a fan" of someone. But to "Follow Jesus" means something totally different. "Following Jesus" means to read and study the Word of God, and apply what we learn from the Word of God to our every day lives; to love people in the same manner that Jesus loves people. Do you "follow" Jesus, or do you "Follow Jesus"? If you'd like to join us, please visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock Texas. You can also call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or visit us online at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus. If you'd like to donate to help us bring the Gospel to the world, just click on the donate button on our website.

This is the Shabbat honoring instalment for Jun. 4th 2022. In this installment I discuss the extremely important, and major part of covenant topic the Shabbat. A term commonly used to refer to this amazing wonderful day is Sabbath. Keeping Shabbat is a sign that we are serving the one true Elohim (God). This is also a replacement for our old postings Shabbat Shalom and the Shabbat Factor for that reason I am posting this one a bit early, my hope and prayer is that this is a blessing to you. Support the show

Reading Psalms 61:1-8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David cries from the ends of the earth. Being scattered, overwhelmed, and how God draws us to Himself. God's presence, brings protection, and gives us peace. When we are overwhelmed and do not feel safe, we can feel alone. Matthew 5:3. When we are in the struggle, we need to purposefully move our mind back to God, who is near and is drawing you close. Sanctuary, literally meant “tent” just like the Tabernacle. God chooses to live and dwell with people. Deuteronomy 5:29, “Oh that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would proser forever. John 15:13-17, there is no longer a master/slave relationship; now there is friendship as were are adopted into the family of the promise.

On today's episode, I talk with pastor and podcaster Kevin Sweeney. We discuss toxic Bible verses and meeting Yahweh while on drugs.  If you like what you hear and want to support the show, visit https://www.patreon.com/BSWthepodcast, and become a Patron today! Your episodic tithes of a dollar or more will give you a chance to gain early access to each episode, listen to unaired conversations, unlock the Patron feed, and much more. The Bible Says What!? the book is now available! Click here! Stop by thebiblesayswhat.com and check out all the latest merch and giveaways! Thanks to the cosmic powers of the internet, it is now possible to buy me a beer or coffee online. Simply go to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BSWthepodcast and click the appropriate buttons. As always, thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting the show. Please send all of your questions, hate mail, and guest suggestions to bswthepodcast@gmail.com. Other ways to tune in: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FrIcfAfHHRr9ZkKSR11BQ/featured?app=desktop iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-says-what/id1383942979?mt=2 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iizrha4gh56jgb3s5d2cx6hwejm Follow the show on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/791536591381847/?source_id=351267068703016. Today's special guest can be found here:  https://imaginehi.org/about-us/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os20yVk5mD0

     In this section, Moses addresses how corporal punishment was to be meted out by the courts (Deut 25:1-3), how fairness applied to work animals (Deut 25:4), and the specifics of levirate marriage (Deut 25:5-10). Fair Punishment for Crime      In ancient Israel, like any nation, there were certain crimes that warranted punishment. In this particular case, Moses set a limit on the number of blows a man could receive as punishment for his crime. Moses said, “If there is a dispute between men and they go to court, and the judges decide their case, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked, 2 then it shall be if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall then make him lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of stripes according to his guilt” (Deut 25:1-2).      In Moses' example, a dispute arose between two men who could not resolve their case by themselves and needed to bring it before a court. In this instance, the judges heard and ruled on the case and declared one righteous (צַדִּיק tsaddiq – righteous, just) and the other wicked (רָשָׁע rasha – wicked, criminal). This assumes God's law had been given, that the judges objectively understood the law based on God's intent, that they properly evaluated the case, and rendered a verdict that declared one to be justified and the other a criminal (Deut 25:1). All of this assumes God as the absolute moral Lawgiver who had revealed His will in objective language that could be understood and applied. If there is no absolute moral Lawgiver, then there are no absolute moral laws, and if there are no absolute moral laws, then right and wrong are reduced to arbitrary absolutes manufactured by those in power.      Here, Moses mentions a case, which is vague and probably intended to leave its application open to multiple instances where the judgment might apply. If the wicked person had committed a crime worthy of a beating, it was to be executed right away in the presence of the judge, and the beating was to be in proportion to the crime. Furthermore, Moses set a limit on the number of lashes a criminal could receive, saying, “He may beat him forty times but no more, so that he does not beat him with many more stripes than these and your brother is not degraded in your eyes” (Deut 25:3). The purpose of the limitation was to prevent the criminal from being degraded by excessive punishment. After all, he was still a person with intrinsic value.      The ancient Law Code of Hammurabi (ca. 1750 B.C.) directed a man to be beaten 60 times, saying, “If a seignior has struck the cheek of a seignior who is superior to him, he shall be beaten sixty (times) with an oxtail whip in the assembly.”[1] This shows that public beatings were a common practice in the ancient world. Peter Craigie states: "The substance of this legislation makes it very clear that corporal punishment was subject to many safeguards designed to avoid its abuse. Corporal punishment could be inflicted only after proper trial, and then it was to be carried out, within the specified limit, under the supervision of the judge. In this way, care was taken to see that the punishment was appropriate to the crime, on the one hand, and that the criminal was not grossly maltreated on the other hand; the guilty party was still your brother (v. 3b; a fellow Israelite) and was not to be publicly humiliated."[2]      In the New Testament we learn this particular law was reduced to thirty-nine blows, likely as a safeguard to prevent Jewish judges from going beyond what the law demanded. The apostle Paul had been wrongly beaten with a whip, saying, “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes” (2 Cor 11:24), adding, “Three times I was beaten with rods” (2 Cor 11:25). Here was an abuse of this law by corrupt Israelites who sought to suppress Paul and his Christian ministry. Fair Treatment of Work Animals      Moses then addressed the just treatment of an ox while it is threshing wheat, saying, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing” (Deut 25:4). Moses' point in adding this statement seems to expound on the previous verses. If God required just treatment of animals, how much more the just treatment of people. But it also demonstrated an economic principle that the animal that worked had the right to benefit from its labor. Daniel Block states: "Oxen used for threshing grain must not be muzzled. The ordinance assumes the ancient practice of threshing grain by having oxen trample the stalks or pull rock-studded sledges over the stalks spread out on the threshing floor. Greedy farmers muzzled their oxen or donkeys to prevent them from eating instead of working, or simply eating that which he hoped to harvest for himself (cf. Prov 14:4)."[3] Eugene Merrill adds: "The animal is nowhere “brother to the man” in Scripture but always sharply distinguished from humans. Nevertheless, the animal world, like all nature, is part of the divine creation entrusted to humankind as a stewardship. To abuse animal life is to fail to discharge that stewardship, and to fail to show mercy to God's lowest creatures is to open the door to disregard of human life as well."[4]      Moses had previously addressed humanitarian treatment of animals that were used for work (Deut 5:14; 22:1-4, 6-7). Elsewhere, the Bible reveals a theology of animals that reveals God personally cares for the animals He's created (Psa 104:10-29; 147:9; Matt 6:26), and He expects His people to do the same. Solomon states, “A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel” (Prov 12:10).      The apostle Paul used this verse in Deuteronomy as an analogy for compensating pastors for their work, saying, “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing', and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages'” (1 Tim 5:17-18; cf., 1 Cor 9:9-10). In this way, believers help support their pastors for the work they do. Such support is honored by God. The Law of Levirate Marriage      Moses then issued the law of levirate marriage, saying, “When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her” (Deut 25:5).      Marrying a sister-in-law was forbidden under the Mosaic Law (Lev 18:16). However, Moses here gave an exception in which he directed the brother of the deceased to take his sister-in-law as his wife in order to bring forth a son (child) in his brother's place. Apparently, this practice existed in ancient Israel (Gen 38:6-10), and Moses here codified it as law. The passage assumes 1) the living brother is not married (or at least willing to take a second wife), 2) that the brothers had lived on the same property together (perhaps sharing adjacent land), and 3) his sister-in-law had no children. Some see the heir as being a son only; however, Moses had previously ruled that a daughter could inherit the land (see Num 27:1-11). If the living brother took his sister-in-law to be his wife, then he 1) had a wife for life, 2) he would raise her firstborn under his brother's name, and 3) the firstborn would inherit his brother's property. This was a sacrifice that cost the brother financially, as he would need to raise his biological child until he was an adult, at which time the child would inherit the land. If the surviving brother refused to marry his sister-in-law, and she died childless, then his brother's property would likely become his own. Earl Radmacher states: "The ancients greatly feared having no heirs to carry on the family's name. Furthermore, a widow with no children to take care of her would quickly become a beggar. Taking a brother's widow as a second wife protected her and preserved the name, memory, and interests of the deceased brother. The dead brother would be acknowledged as the legal father of the firstborn son of that marriage. This practice is called levirate marriage, from the Latin word for brother-in-law."[5] Thomas Constable adds: "The Israelites were to practice levirate marriage only in cases where the brothers had lived together (v. 5) and the remaining brother was not already married. Living together meant sharing the same estate, not necessarily residing under the same roof. When another kinsman voluntarily assumed the responsibility of the surviving brother, that brother was apparently under no obligation to marry his sister-in-law (cf. Ruth 4)."[6]      Moses gave the reason for the levirate marriage, saying, “It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel” (Deut 25:6). The firstborn child would be the biological offspring of the living brother, but would eventually become the legal heir of his deceased brother, thus perpetuating the dead brother's name in Israel.      However, though this was the honorable thing to do, it was not commanded of the living brother. Moses described a scenario in which the living brother refused to perform his levirate duty, saying, “But if the man does not desire to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, ‘My husband's brother refuses to establish a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the duty of a husband's brother to me.” (Deut 25:7). Though Moses does not give a reason why the brother refused to marry his sister-in-law, it could be the brother was motivated by greed to get his deceased brother's property. If so, this would be a violation of the command, “You shall not covet” (Deut 5:21a). Daniel Block states: "The reason why a brother might refuse to marry the widow probably is to be found in a desire for personal gain. If he married the woman and there was a male child, that child, who would legally be the son of the deceased man, would inherit his “father's” property. In the absence of such a child, however, the surviving brother might hope to inherit the property of his deceased brother (Num. 27:9; this would apply only if the widow had no children at all, male or female). If such were the motive, it deserved the reprobation of the community."[7]      However, the widow was not without recourse to persuade her brother-in-law to marry her and to give her a child, as she can take the matter to the elders of the gate of the city and plead her case. Daniel Block writes: "Moses authorizes the bereaved widow to present her complaint before the elders at the town gate (v. 7b). As a legally competent plaintiff, he invites her to present her case before the body responsible for applying Israel's family laws. Having lost her husband, who would otherwise defend her interests, she may appeal to the elders to stand up for her. In addition to authorizing women to take their cases to the elders, he also advises the women on how to present their case."[8]      After the widow made her case, Moses directed the elders, saying, “Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,' then his brother's wife shall come to him in the sight of the elders, and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face; and she shall declare, ‘Thus it is done to the man who does not build up his brother's house'” (Deut 25:8-9). Here was social pressure applied to the man to coerce him to perform his levirate duty, which was the selfless act of marrying his deceased brother's widow and raising up a child to carry on his name. However, if the elders of the city could not persuade the man, then the widow was permitted to publicly humiliate him by taking his sandal, spitting in his face, and publicly declaring how the man had failed to behave honorably. Keil and Delitzsch state: "The taking off of the shoe was an ancient custom in Israel, adopted, according to Ruth 4:7, in cases of redemption and exchange, for the purpose of confirming commercial transactions. The usage arose from the fact, that when any one took possession of landed property, he did so by treading upon the soil, and asserting his right of possession by standing upon it in his shoes. In this way the taking off of the shoe and handing it to another became a symbol of the renunciation of a man's position and property. … But the custom was an ignominious one in such a case as this, when the shoe was publicly taken off the foot of the brother-in-law by the widow whom he refused to marry. He was thus deprived of the position which he ought to have occupied in relation to her and to his deceased brother, or to his paternal house; and the disgrace involved in this was still further heightened by the fact that his sister-in-law spat in his face."[9]      Though we cannot be certain, it's likely the taking of the sandal served as a receipt of the transaction in which the widow took possession of her deceased husband's property, albeit without a husband or son to take ultimate inheritance of the land after she died. Daniel Block states: "The action represented a symbolic action of shame, but it also symbolized the transfer of the brother-in-law's rights to the deceased's widow and to that portion of the patrimonial estate that her husband would have received when it was divided. Since the woman would take the sandal home, it would function like a receipt, providing concrete proof of the present legal proceedings (cf. Ruth 4:7–8)."[10]      If this is the case, it could be that when the widow died, the land would return to the brother who refused to execute his levirate duties. However, until then, and throughout his life, the man would bear the public shame of his selfish act. So, Moses stated, “In Israel his name shall be called, ‘The house of him whose sandal is removed'” (Deut 25:10). Here was a legacy of shame that carried on for many years, all because a man would not live honorably and selflessly as God directed. One action can have lasting consequences that can carry on for years. No doubt, his other relatives and children would be marked by the man's selfish actions. We must realize that every moment is an opportunity for integrity. The Example of Ruth      Ruth was married to an Israelite man who died and left her a widow (Ruth 1:1-5). Ruth became a believer in Yahweh and committed herself to caring for Naomi, her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:16-17). After going to Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth happened to glean from the field of Boaz (providentially), who was a kinsman to her deceased husband (Ruth 2:20), and he was amenable to caring for her (Ruth 2:1-8). Under Naomi's guidance, Ruth came to Boaz as her kinsman redeemer and sought levirate marriage (Ruth 3:1-11). However, being an honorable man who desired to live according to God's law, Boaz informed Ruth there was another man who was a kinsman closer to her (Ruth 3:12), and Boaz was willing to approach the man concerning his duty (Ruth 3:13). When Boaz approached the man at the city gate, he explained the situation concerning their dead relative, Elimelech, and the need to purchase the land for Naomi, who needed the resources (Ruth 4:1-4). However, Boaz also informed his relative that he would need to take Ruth as his wife and to fulfill his levirate duty (Ruth 4:5). Upon hearing this from Boaz, the nearest kinsman declined the offer, fearing it would impact him in such a way so as to jeopardize his own inheritance (Ruth 4:6). Having executed a legal transaction (Ruth 4:7-8), Boaz agreed to purchase the land from Naomi and to take Ruth to be his wife in order to raise up a descendant to inherit the deceased relative's land (Ruth 4:9-10). Boaz' actions were acknowledged and praised by the elders and citizens who witnessed the transaction (Ruth 4:11-12). Boaz and Ruth married and bore children who eventually led to the birth of King David (Ruth 4:13-22), and Jesus the Messiah (Matt 1:5-6, 17).      The marriage of Boaz to Ruth adhered to the law of the levirate marriage, in which Boaz would father a biological son that would eventually not be his son, but the son of his deceased relative, Elimelech. Gary North states: "Boaz became the biggest covenantal somebody in his generation only because he was willing to become a covenantal nobody in the extension of Elimelech's line. The land that he presumably bought from Naomi became the family inheritance in another man's line. Any improvements that he made in this land became another family line's property. By abandoning his own name covenantally, he thereby became the greatest name of his generation, a name that is listed in both of the messianic genealogies in the New Testament (Matt 1:5; Luke 3:32)."[11]     [1] James Bennett Pritchard, ed., The Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, 3rd ed. with Supplement. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1969), 175. [2] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 312. [3] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 580. [4] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 326. [5] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 259. [6] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Dt 25:5. [7] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, 315. [8] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 583. [9] Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, vol. 1 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996), 954–955. [10] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 583–584. [11] Gary North, Inheritance and Dominion: An Economic Commentary on Deuteronomy; Chapter 62, Levirate Marriage and Family Name, https://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/docs/html/gnde/Chapter62.htm.

Come journey with me to the COSMOS and reign in this life as kings and Yahweh

Reading Joshua 22:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jumping from chapter 11 to chapter 22. God helping Israel clear out the land, dividing the land, Caleb getting his allotment of land, the daughters of Zelophehad getting their land. Some of the tribes failing to fully drive out the people. Cities of Refuge established. Joshua's encouragement to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh. Joshua does not want the distance, or the natural barrier of the Jordan river keep them from staying rooted in the LORD, Jeremiah 17:7-8. Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:11. Following Jesus means making disciples and being discipled.

This is the Shabbat honoring installment for may28th 2022. In this installment we discuss some things we find in conjunction with Romans chapter 12, specifically in regards to our minds which entails our thought life. A great companion installment to this one is entitled "Be Transformed, not Conformed" which was posted on Nov. 26th 2021. This current installment, though using the same text, has more focus on our minds and thoughts. Thank you as always for watching or listening, Yahweh bless. Support the show

No, the other one. In Egypt. The best source of information on events Egypt under Darius II comes from the letters of the Jewish diaspora community in southern Egypt and their temple on the island of Elephantine. They also tell the story of a dramatic confrontation between the Jews and their Egyptian neighbors that ended in forced reconciliation. Intelligent Speech Conference 2022! Buy tickets with promo code Persia Sign Up For The History Buffs at TheHistoryBuffs.com/HistoryOfPersia Patreon | Support Page Twitter | Facebook | Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/history-of-perisa/support

Hallelujah Time in Heaven But in today's passage we will see a bride that has had to wait much longer, and an even sweeter marriage ceremony to come. And this story involves each of us who are born again Christians and the saints of all time! Read Revelation 19:1-10 Hallelujah time in Heaven! Let's Pray! The Three Purposes of the Seven Year Tribulation: 1. Judge the satanic system that has filled the earth with sin 2. Re-gather a spiritual Israel that will be ready for Christ's rule on earth 3. Give everyone on earth several last chances to repent before it's too late Heaven says Hallelujah for the judgment of the evil world system V. 1-5 Hallelujah means praise the Lord. About 50 times in the Old Testament the word for praise, Halel, is followed by the word for Lord, Yahweh. Heaven puts the two together in Revelation 19 and we now have the one word Alleluia. What is Heaven praising God for in verses 1-2? Because salvation (deliverance), glory, honor and power belong to the Lord, as demonstrated by His righteous judgment of the Satanic world system that corrupted the earth, avenging the blood of all the saints she had killed. Heaven says Hallelujah for the commencement of Christ's earthly rule V. 6-10 The word for omnipotent in verse 6 is pantokrator – it means ruler of all! It occurs 10 times in the New Testament, 9 of which are in Revelation! What should we do in response to Christ's certain coming to physically reign? Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory! Anticipation of future joy can make our hearts glad now!

Reading Joshua 11:1-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Israel once again is faced with a collective of kings and their armies seeking to destroy Israel. God once again says “do not be afraid”. Isaiah 31:1, trusting in military might and not in the LORD. Joshua killing the descendants of Anak, the giants that the people of Israel were afraid of when they first sent spies into the land.  Joshua's victories came because of His obedience to the instructions God gave Moses and Moses gave to him. We have a call to obey and follow Jesus.

Reading Joshua 10:16-43 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Israel's history of wishy-washy obedience seeming to come to an end. Victories continue coming from the LORD as they obey. The confidence boosting/faith building moments of victory. The repeated encouragement to not be afraid or discouraged but to be strong and courageous.  Keeping eyes focused on God and the call He has put on your life will go well for you and your life.

1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way. 3 The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh. 4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free. 6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7 All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone. 8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish. 10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense. 12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping. 14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. 15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. 17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him. 18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to his death. 19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again. 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. 21 There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail. 22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. 29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools. Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Deuteronomy is the final book in the Pentateuch, containing Moses' last sermons, as well as poetry regarding Israel's future. Moses pleads with Israel not to repeat their past mistakes, such as falling into idolatry. They must keep their covenants and keep the law given by Yahweh, or else they will lose the Promised Land. What […] The post Abide: Deuteronomy appeared first on Neal A. Maxwell Institute | BYU.

Learn about the biblical artifact, the Ark of the Covenant, why it existed, its meaning, and features.Support us on Patreon:Apply for Saint Paul's House of FormationEmail usMusic by Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers from Sublime Chant. Copyright GIA Publications

This is episode 40, the kickoff to Season 4, and I'm doing something a little different this season. There are some great topics and interviews on deck, I can't wait! I WILL still be sitting down with people and collecting their stories of how they got from there - wherever that was - to here: Walking out faith like a true crossed-over Hebrew, following in the actual footsteps of our Messiah. But it's high time I started carrying out one of the original purposes of this podcast, something I've meant to be doing from the start. I want to talk about HOW to Walk like a Hebrew. HOW do we go about living this set-apart life? What's different about this walk from the places we used to worship? Where do we even start?So I went to a ladies' retreat this past winter on the Mendocino coast of Northern California, and I sat down with a group of amazing, faith and Spirit-filled women and we had a discussion about the Sabbath. We talked about why we keep it, when it is, HOW we keep it in our different households, and much more. Please let me know if you find this episode valuable! I would love your feedback: are you interested in this new format? In this discussion we will hear from Michelle Hawkins, Anna Kaufmann, Tamara Anderson, Lori Jeleti, Karen Bixby, Pam Custer, and of course, me!Want to support the show but only have a little to spend??I take tips! Just like a server or hairstylist. :) Drop me a couple bucks now and again to help pay for podcast hosting services, gas for interview trips, time spent recording and editing, etc. Paypal: sheholdsforth@gmail.com Venmo: @Jodi-ODell-71276CashApp: $walklikeahebrewSupport the show

Set apart from the rest of the Bible by it's literary quality, the book of Habakkuk still fits right in with it's conquering, plundering, and lessons on how to fight with Yahweh.If you want MORE drinking and bible-ing, including bonus episodes, interviews with experts, fun mini series', and more, consider becoming a ‘parishioner' at Patreon.com/DrunkBibleStudy Our theme music is Book Club by Josh and Anand.

Reading Joshua 10:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Gibeonites' deception was an act of faith that the LORD would do what the LORD said He would do. Jacob's deception and the consequences of his lies. The Gibeonites were known to have strong warriors. Just like all the other victories, this was an act of God. The LORD through them into a panic and the hailstorm that killed more than the Israelites killed with their swords. The LORD didn't use the Amorite kings to take out the people who tricked God's people into a treaty, instead He rescued them.  Even in the Old Testament we see examples of people turning to God.

1 A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. 3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace. 4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. 5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice. 6 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts. 9 One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction. 10 Yahweh's name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. 13 He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. 14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? 15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17 He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. 18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart. 19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress. 20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. 23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. 24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

In our new series, "Worship", we unpack this pivotal piece of our relationship with Yahweh. As this is something christians often just assimilate in to. We're glad that we're going in on what it really is and why we do it.

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church Tampere, Finland is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Promise of Yahweh and the Hospitality of Abraham Subtitle: Genesis Speaker: Miska Wilhelmsson Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church Tampere, Finland Event: Sunday Service Date: 5/15/2022 Bible: Genesis 18:1-15 Length: 64 min.

Reading Joshua 9:1-27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The difference between what we see and what God sees.  We can only see what is presented to us, God sees down into people's heart. Israel relied on their own examination and do not consult the LORD.  The call for us to remain in a posture of humility so that we go to God for everything we need.

1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. 4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents. 7 Excellent speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. 8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. 10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. 16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding? 17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. 20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. 21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. 22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. 27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning. Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

We love that you've joined us for our live Sunday experience at Ranch Church! WORSHIP LYRICS & MESSAGE NOTES: https://ranch.church/worship-and-message-notes CONNECTCARD: https://ranchchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/160169 GIVING: https://ranchchurch.churchcenter.com/giving OUTREACH: https://ranch.church/outreach Message notes by Cole Beshore, May 15 2022 'The Character of God: Dealing With Anger' Exodus 34:6-7 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.” 1) Slow to Anger ארך אפים Erek 'appayim' = Longsuffering, slow to anger, long of nose Burning nose vs long nose: 2) When does God get angry Exodus 4:13-14 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. What is Gods Judgment: Romans 1:25-26 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired...So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires... 3) Dealing with anger Psalm 3:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Colossians 3:7-9 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Ephesians 4:25-27 And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Finding trust in a consistent God

Reading Joshua 8:30-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Following the victory that came after defeat, Joshua and the Israelites take the time to worship the LORD their God. Worshiping God with building an altar, sacrificing, and reading the Word. The importance of taking time to remember God, His Word and promises, God's covenant and all that God has done. Hearing again the words of Moses from Deuteronomy 20, regulations concerning war, versus one through four. The enemy is not people, the enemy is our selfishness, our propensity to sin, and the advisory who points fingers, accuses, and seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, all that God is doing in your life.  God's heart has always been for us to return to Him.

In the second movement of Exodus, Moses walks straight into God's fiery presence on Mount Sinai without fear. But by the end of the scroll, he can't enter God's presence. What changed? Right after confirming their covenant with Yahweh, Israel turns around and commits idolatry by making and worshiping a golden calf. It's a choice that ruptures their relationship with Yahweh and even their connection to Moses. In this episode, join Jon and Tim as they explore the final portion of the third movement of Exodus.View full show notes from this episode →Timestamps Part one (00:00-12:00)Part two (12:00-28:45)Part three (28:45-51:42)Referenced ResourcesInterested in more? Check out Tim's library here.You can experience the literary themes and movements we're tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music “Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS“An Open Letter to Whoever's Listening” by Beautiful Eulogy“Hello From Portland” by Beautiful EulogyShow produced by Cooper Peltz. Edited by Dan Gummel and Frank Garza. Show notes by Lindsey Ponder. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the motives. 3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed. 4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. 9 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. 10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth. 11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth. 14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. 16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. 20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. 23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him, for his mouth urges him on. 27 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. 29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. 30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. 32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh. Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Do you know what it means to "follow" Jesus? Due to social media, in today's society, the word "follow" means to simply press a button and "become a fan" of someone. But to "Follow Jesus" means something totally different. "Following Jesus" means to read and study the Word of God, and apply what we learn from the Word of God to our every day lives; to love people in the same manner that Jesus loves people. Do you "follow" Jesus, or do you "Follow Jesus"? If you'd like to join us, please visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock Texas. You can also call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or visit us online at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus. If you'd like to donate to help us bring the Gospel to the world, just click on the donate button on our website.

Israel's demand for a king is a rejection of Yahweh as their king and a desire for security in worldly fashion. We learn the following lessons from the story; always keep the LORD as the object of your faith and don't let the ways of the world entice you away from the LORD.

Audio Transcript: This media has been made available by Mosaic Boston Church. If you'd like to check out more resources, learn about Mosaic Boston and our neighborhood churches, or donate to this ministry, please visit mosaicboston.com. The title of the sermon is Reign of Grace in Life. A few questions to start things off. Why are people the way they are? You ever ask that question? Why are we the way we are? Why is everyone so selfish? Why is it that everyone condemns others for things that we do ourselves? Why is it that everyone violates the very standards of behavior we hold up as good and right? Why is the most universal experience of humans an uneasy conscience? We know we've done things that we shouldn't have done, and we have not done the things that we should have done. Why have we never been able to educate sin out of the human heart? Why haven't we been able to punish sin out of the human heart? Why haven't we been able to cancel sin from the human heart? Why have all of our efforts to address human problems by the government, it all leaves us with the same sinful humanity and just more problems. Why is it at nowhere at any time ever in world history, a sinless people has existed?? Why is evil so easy to fall into, but true goodness is so difficult to rise to? Why is our desire so strong for unchastity, fornication, adultery, and why is chastity so difficult? Why is it that with all of our technological advances, we haven't been able to curb moral degradation, we've only exacerbated because people have more opportunity to sin? Why is it universally and historically a case that the best people in the world morally speaking are the most conscious of their failures and acknowledge they're bent toward what is unworthy, unloving, dishonest, and pure? And why is that already in infancy, we can see clearly the pride, envy, selfishness of human life beginning to appear? Well, we find all of the answers to all those questions in Romans 5:12 through 21. Would you look at the text with me? "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man, Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience, the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience, the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." This is the reading of God's holy inerrant, infallible authoritative word may He write these eternal truths upon our hearts. Three points to frame up our time. We'll look at ruin, rescue, and reign. First, ruin starting at verse 12. Therefore. The therefore alerts us that Paul is making a brand new point. It's flowing from his prior discussion. Last week, we talking about reconciliation, that we are reconciled with God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Therefore just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death spread to all men because all sin. He's talking about two undeniable, indisputable facts of life, sin and death. They're universal. Universality of sin, universality of death. We can't deny these. Everywhere we look, we see evidence upon evidence upon evidence of these two. And we're victims of the twin evils of sin and death. Tanya and I, when we were in seminary in North Carolina, working through the MDiv. The seminary was next to a cemetery and we would go on nice romantic strolls in the evening at the cemetery. There was a little pond there, and I spent all day studying the holy scriptures. And then every evening it was just a reminder, I'm going to die. We're all going to die. It puts things into perspective. So death spread to all men because all sinned, all sin, that's past tense. So Adam's sin in some sense becomes our sin and our guilt. We are sinners by choice because we are sinners by nature. We're born sinners. We sin because of our nature. This is the doctrine of total depravity that every single one of our faculties in some sense is corrupt to the core. And we've inherited this corruption. So how does this inform parenting? Well, children are born as little sinners and unless you parent and disciple and teach them and correct them and rebuke, and exhort, that nature is going to take over. This text is about the fall of the entire human race through Adam. The penalty for sin is death and death reign from Adam to Moses. So in a sense, everybody in the world somehow broke the law in Adam, we're guilty for Adam's act of rebellion. Adam's sin brought condemnation upon the entire human race. We are related to Adam through one man's sin and death came into the world. This is the doctrine of original sin. Blaise Pascal said the doctrine of original sin is beyond our ability to explain, but without it, you can't explain anything. What's the difference between original sin and actual sin? Actual sin is when we do something that transgreses God's law. And that requires a conscious awareness that there is right and wrong and a conscious awareness of actual violation. This is why children are not held accountable for their sin until the age of accountability. Paul talks about that later. But when a baby's born, there's a period of time, conceived, born, there's a period of time between birth and accountability before the baby actually commits a sin. But then why do people still die? Before the infant even sinned, why do infants sometimes die? Why do babies die in infancy if death is the penalty for sin, but the baby hasn't sinned. Well, he continues in verse 13. For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those sinning, those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Now to understand what he's saying in verse 13, you've got to go back to chapter four, verse 15, where he says for the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, there is no transgression. So here he delineates, separates, sin and transgression. Verse 13, for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given. So there was sin before the law was given. After the law was given, now there's transgression of the law, but the sin was present before the law. Paul says the sin was present pervasive in the world from the time of Adam until the time of Moses, even though the specific commandments of law of Moses with their corresponding penalties hadn't been revealed yet. So how can it be if there was no law until the time of Moses? Why did people die? The same with the question with infants? Well, death reigned from Adam to Moses, he says, because of the imputation of Adam's sin to us. God gave Adam a covenant of works. I put you in the garden to work it and keep it, to have dominion over it, to protect the garden. God told Adam, do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Do anything, everything else, but do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good ne evil. That was the covenant of works. And Adam and Eve, in their created perfect nature, they had the ability to not sin. They also had the ability to sin. They could have lived eternally or they could have died, and they did because of disobedience. So now we have to deal with an objection. And I waited long enough until this objection. This objection rises in every single human heart. The objection is this. How can God blame me for Adam's sin? I didn't do it. I wasn't there. I don't even like apples that much. How is that fair? I was born this way. I am just following my nature. How can God hold me responsible for a sin nature? I didn't choose any of this. Also, doesn't the Bible itself teach that man isn't punished for his father's sins? Yes, it does teach that, though obviously the rules that apply to civil government and jurisprudence don't necessarily apply it to the divine government. The answer is just, we send an Adam. That's the answer to that scripture. Gives. How can God hold people responsible for what Adam did when we weren't in the garden? The classical reformed theology, the category that's given to describe how all of this fits together is federalism. Adam was the federal head of the human race. He was the biological head, everything started with him, but he was also a representative. Adam, his name means mankind, and he was the representative of mankind. And Adam's actions didn't just impact Adam, but they impacted everyone he represented and God appointed him to act for himself and his progeny. And still that doesn't satisfy, that answer, but I didn't choose Adam as my representative. I didn't get a vote. I didn't get a vote. God didn't ask. Well, you also didn't choose your parents. I didn't choose my parents. You didn't choose your grandparents. It's simply a fact of life that a great deal of what determines our lives is the consequence of the people that we are connected to. Is there a bird in here? Yes. That's awesome. Praise God. That's fun. That's fun. We all know this, no man is an island. It's an inescapable fact of human existence, that parents have a tremendous impact on their children and child inherit so much from their parents, both good and bad. This is why scripture so often emphasizes parents walking faithfully with the Lord as the primary means by which children are discipled. Children listen kind of to their parents, but they're more likely to do what their parents do. And if parents follow Jesus Christ, children are more likely to follow as well. Remember the story of Aiken, the whole household was destroyed because of Aiken's sin. And remember the deliverance of Rahab. Her whole household was saved from destruction because of her faith. Remember Israel's deliverance from the Philistines because of David. One day, he couldn't stand God being defamed by Goliath. 40 days and 40 nights, Goliath came out and just cussed God out, the God of Israel, Yahweh, and David had enough and David went and fought him. And David's victory was the victory of all the people as an imputed victory. Nations fall, and their population suffer, sometimes terribly, because of foolish rulers, just like children's lives are ruined because of the dereliction of their parents. So much of what determines the course of our lives we had nothing to do with. I'm fully aware I am very much the person I am in many ways, because of the work of my parents. The Lord is teaching us something. Matthew six. Don't be anxious. Look at the birds. They're just showing off. In many cases, these things were determined for us before we were ever even entering the world. It's like that with so much of our lives. It is what it is, that's what the text says. Like it or not, it's just the truth. This is the doctrine of imputation. We sin in Adam because Adam sinned and Adam's sin is imputed to all of us. It's reckoned. It's transferred to everyone in the human race. And honestly, the only satisfying answer I've found for myself regarding original sin and how is this fair, the only answer I found is, if we can't be held responsible for Adam's act of rebellion, if we don't like that imputation, then we can't be imputed the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The sin is imputed to us to get us to a place of hopelessness and helplessness. And then Jesus shows up and says, repent, believe in me, and my righteousness is gifted to you, not because of anything that you've done. So if you push back on Adam's sin being imputed to you, then you don't get Christ's righteousness imputed to you. You can't have it both ways. Second point is rescue, and this is verse 15. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man, Jesus Christ abounded for many. The sin of Adam brought death and the death is a decaying degenerative force, but Christ brings in grace, which has a dynamic power to bring in life and restore that which has been destroyed. Jesus Christ fulfills the covenant of works, which the first Adam disobeyed. Christ's perfect obedience is now imputed to all those he represents under the covenant of grace, just by a gift. It's a free gift. And all we have to do is receive it. If someone right now gave you a check for a trillion dollars, and you can do whatever you want with this. No stipulations. That gift would be a drop in the ocean of the gift that God that gives us in Christ. Doesn't even come close. It's a free gift. It's a free gift. It's free. What did you do to earn the gift of grace and righteous? Nothing, nothing at all. This is the only way I can understand birthday gifts because birthday gifts should not be given to the child. They did nothing. Every single birthday of a child, everyone should bring gifts for mom and dad. That's what should happen, because they did all the work. But the gift is free. Not because the child did anything, it's just a free gift. This is what he's saying. It's grace, just receive it. Both Adam and Jesus are alike in certain ways. There's parallels. That's what he's doing here. Obviously, Jesus is far superior to Adam, but in both they're federal heads. In the sense, they're both fathers. Adam is the father of humanity, of everybody. And Jesus is the father of a new humanity. And each man determines the outcome of the lives of those who belong to him. If you study theology, there's a theology called covenant theology. And a lot of people think covenant theology is just all the covenants that God ever made. But basically covenant theology is just that there's two main covenants. There's a covenant God made with Adam, which is a covenant of works. And there's a covenant that God made with his son, Jesus Christ. In each case, the one man stands and acts as a representative of the race. This was never the case with Abraham. Abraham's faith was not given to his descendants, the descendants had to believe themselves. It wasn't true of David. David, his faithfulness as a king was not given just by virtue of them being connected to the other Kings. But the contrast is clear here that Adam's one act of sin, as bad as it was, is inferior to God's act of grace. Christ's obedience trump's Adam's disobedience. There is two teams, Team Adam and Team Jesus. Scripture talks about this in many ways. This kingdom of light, kingdom of darkness, that apart from Jesus Christ, we're naturally children of Satan. And then when we're reborn, adopting to the family of God, we're children of God, but it's either ... There we go. Just everyone, just repent. Just everybody repent, trust in Jesus Christ. That's what the bird is trying to tell everybody. Verse 16, the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin, for the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. So thanks to Adam, we get condemnation. Thanks to Jesus, we get justification. And that brings us to point three is reign in verse 17. For if, because of one man's trespass death reigned through the one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. There's a huge contrast here that the gift is gracious. From justification in verse 16, Paul turns his attention to reigning in life. And this is really what I want to focus on for a little bit. Adam's sin, and because Adam sinned now, every single one of us, we inherit a sin nature. Adam died, and because Adam died, death is now just part of life. But Jesus Christ comes and he submits perfectly to God. The king of Kings submits perfectly to the law of Moses, the law of God, the moral code. And because he does all of this, we can be saved from the dominion of sin and death, from the power of sin and death. And we receive the abundance of grace, the free gift of righteous, just by faith. To do what? Look at verse 17 closely with me, the second part. Much more will those, who's the those, that's believers in Christ. Much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness. Do what in life? Reign. Reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Reign in life. What does it mean to reign? What does it mean to reign? R-E-I-G-N not like reigns on a horse. That's R-E-I-N. R-E-I-G-N. That's reign. Reigning how? Reigning as a king. Reigning as queens. When, where certainly in the future, scripture says that we will rule with Christ, that we will judge even angels. Scripture teaches that we are a kingdom of priests proclaiming the excellencies of Christ, that we're prophets, priests, and kings. Prophets proclaiming Christ, priests, we're priesthood. We're also kings in some sense, but scripture doesn't say that here in this text that we will reign just in the future, that's part of it. But he says, we start reigning in life here now in the realm of reality. So what does the text mean when it says that we will reign in life? Well, reigning, what does reigning do? Reigning as kings in the realm of life, meaning God is given us a dominion and authority. And where do kings and queens rule? In their domain, sphere of influence. I've actually tried. I started doing this at home. I started calling my wife queen just to see if it works. Works wonders. It works wonders. Good morning, queen. Oh, wow. Good morning, king. Ooh, that feels good. My wife and I, we were talking about this and she's like, yeah, I call our girls princesses all the time. But it's our job to make sure that they don't grow up to be drama queens. Queens in submission to the Lord. What does it mean? It means that we have spheres of influence and we are to reign in those spheres of influence. First, you got to reign over yourself, that God does give you an authority over yourself when you are in submission of Jesus Christ. So here's how it works. And we're going to talk about this in chapter six next week. In chapter six, when he talks about the fact that we have a power over sin. We have a sin nature, but because of Jesus Christ, we are freed from the domain of sin, the power of sin in our flesh over us. Meaning we have the authority to tell sin, no. Do you live like that? Do you really believe that you can tell sin no? That you can stop whatever sin that you are enslaved to, you can stop it by saying no to it. Sin comes, rears his ugly head and you have a choice to make prior to this. And the temptation comes, you have a choice to make. Am I going to give in? And the way that you fight the chaos, inside the chaos of our lives, of our bodies, of our souls, of our lives is by submitting every part of your life to Jesus Christ. The more you submit to Jesus Christ, the more power you have over yourself. And our culture's kind of waking up to this, that, yeah, we need to take responsibility for ourselves. This was Jordan Peterson with the 12 Rules For Life. He has a chapter on making your bed. He's like, you want to change the world, just make your bed. And what he's getting at is, there's chaos in our lives and we think we're going to solve all the problems out there, but we haven't created order in our lives. He says we can reign in life by submitting to Jesus Christ by following him, by reading God's word and saying, look is my life in submission to the word of God. And when I do submit, that's how I reign over myself, reign in life by physically submitting to him. If any of this sounds strange to you, if you're like, I have been going to church for a long time, and I've never heard of anyone talking about reigning in life, of having dominion over ourselves, dominion over our souls, dominion over our bodies, dominion over our finances, dominion over our time, dominion over how our relationships are going, dominion over marriage, family, children. If any of this sounds strange, perhaps it's because you have been fed a watered down gospel that says that grace is only for forgiveness, that you just need to come to Jesus' grace when you sin and Jesus forgives you. And then you just go on your with your life. That's not how grace is presented in the holy scripture. St. Paul has been drumming this obedience of faith, obedience of faith, obedience of faith. The grace isn't given to us just for forgiveness, it's given to us for transformation. So if there's areas in your life that you are dissatisfied with, patterns of life, habits, rhythms, if you're enslaved, if there's addictions, you can find freedom in Jesus Christ. Addictions from whatever, from substance abuse, from pornography, from social media, from your phone, from whatever, you could be absolutely freed by submitting to Jesus Christ and then reigning over your sin. This is a responsibility. The righteousness is given to us. We are righteous in Christ. We are given this salvation through justification by grace, through faith. And then God says what? Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, that there are things that we have to do to fight sin, to reign over sin, reign over addiction, reign over anxiety, reign over sorrow, reign over doubts, reign over apathy, reign over sloth. Adam lost the garden because he didn't work it and keep it. By the way, Adam's blamed for Eve's sin. Adam is responsible for Eve's sin. That's why this whole chapter isn't about Eve. This whole chapter is about Adam. That's why when Adam and Eve sinned, God came to look for whom? Adam, where are you? Adam, where are you? So men, you are to lead yourself to follow Jesus Christ. If you're married, it is your responsibility, it is your responsibility to guard your wife from the whispers of the evil ones. Adam should have protected the garden from the serpent. He should have killed the serpent. He didn't. And then Jesus Christ came and he did smash the head of Satan. Jesus did reign and he gives us grace and righteousness to reign in life. Verse 18. Therefore as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. Since Christ surpasses Adam, the sin of Adam is overcome by the righteousness of Christ. The curse of Adam is overturned by the grace of Christ and Christ bestows a life that swallows up death. So one act of righteousness, he says, leads to justification in life for all men. What does he mean by all men? Does he mean everyone's going to get saved no matter what? No. He's referring to the many in verse 15. And the many that receive righteousness in verse 17 and the same phrase is used in verse 19, for it's by one man's disobedience, the many were made sinners. Who's the many? That's everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ. Everyone who repents of sin and trusts in Christ. The many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience, the many will be made righteous. Adam and his disobedience, what was longing for? What did Satan tempt him with? What did Satan tempt Eve with? He tempted them with a godless life, a godless universe where God was not God and God wasn't in charge. Adam was grasping for equality with God. You don't have to listen to God. But Christ comes and he obeys and he obeys perfectly. Philippians 2:5 through 11, have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. So that at name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. And every tongue confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father. So on the one hand, we see the greatness of our ruin through our Adam solidarity. But if we are in Christ, our Christ solidarity far exceeds our ruin and results in our rescue and ultimately means that we can reign in life. Verse 20. Now the law came to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So he says one purpose of the law, why was the law given, is to demonstrate to humans just how sinful we are, to reveal to the human conscious, our hopelessness apart from the grace of God. The impossibility of sinners being made righteous by their own effort, and that we need a righteousness from God. The law came to increase the trespass. The crucial function of the law is to turn our original sin, that we're sinners by nature, into actual transgressions. This is why when we study the law, and it's so important to study law, it just reveals to us how sinful we are. Apart from the knowledge of the law, we know there's something wrong with us. We know that there's a selfishness, a bend towards selfishness. We know that there's a bend toward corruption. We know we do things that we shouldn't do even by our own standards. And then we study the law of God. The first four commandments, even if we skip those, no one naturally has loved God with all of their heart, soul, strength, and mind. No one's done that. No one does that. But then you look at the other commandments, commandment number 10 thou shall not envy. Oh, that's a sin? I just thought it was an ambition. No. Envy is a sin. To be envious of another person's lot in life, that's sin. Thou shall not commit adultery. Oh, that's a sin. And then Jesus is like, even if you commit adultery in your heart, you've lusted, that's a sin. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not murder. And Jesus said, whoever even hates a person in their heart has already committed murder. So what the law does is it just reveals how sinful we are. We're guilty in Adam, sinful by nature. The law then confronts us with specific will of God. Don't steal, don't lie, don't covet, don't commit adultery. And the law turns sinful nature into specific acts of transgression. And in this sense, the law makes little Adams of each one of us. I don't know if you're mad at Adam. Sometimes I get mad at Adam. If you just look at the world, you look at sin, you look at corruption, you look at the death and decay and the suffering, and you're like, Adam, you had one job. You had one job, just build a fence or something, something. Build something around the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That's it. Just pretend it's not even there. But there is something in every single one of us where, when we are told, don't do it, it's kind of all we can think about. You see this with little kids. Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't. Don't, don't even touch the cupcake. Don't touch it. Cupcake's gone. And had you said, eat the cupcake, do not touch the broccoli. Don't touch the broccoli. Don't touch the broc. I'd be tempted by the broccoli. I would. I see this in my own relationship with my wife. I think if my wife told me, Hey, you have to be a carnivore. That's all you can eat. All you can eat is meat. I would be sneaking in salads. I'd get some hummus and carrots going. There's something in us where it's like, you tell me something to do, not going to do it. That's what happened with Adam. That's what happens with every single one of us. And what the law does is it brings sin to light of day. That's why it's so important to read the culture and be like, these messages from the culture, they're false. This is how I disciple my daughters. No, it's false to tell a child, do you feel that you're a boy or girl? I don't care how you feel. None of that matters. Are you straight? Are you gay? Are you bi? Feelings are not infallible. And in our culture, the culture does say, follow your heart. What do you feel? And the feelings rule us. Feelings are the only infallible truth left. Whereas scripture says, look, the heart is deceitful above all things, desperately sick. And sometimes you need to tell your heart, no. Sometimes you have to rule over your own desires and say, that desire is not from God. Let's shut it down. And how do you shut it down? You stop thinking about it. The battlefield for the soul is the mind. You start thinking about something else. You start thinking about the truth of God's word, thinking about God. The law can only condemn us. It gives us no enabling power to help us fulfill its demands. Galatians 3:19 through 24 is helpful. Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made. And it was put in place through angels, by an intermediary. Now, an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not, for if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the scripture, imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now, before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then the law was our guardian until Christ came in order that we may be justified by faith. Here, I just want to focus on this phrase. The scripture imprisoned everything under sin. Scriptures imprisoned everything under sin. So it's like, we're locked in a prison of our sin. The scripture is the prison. It locks us in. If you like it or not, it's true. That God's word is infallible and it does lock us. And this is why people want to push God's word out of their lives. We want to push God's word out of our schools, out of the public sphere. Get Christianity out, out, out, out, out. Because if you get rid of Christianity, you get rid of God's word. You get rid of the 10 commandments. You got rid of the law, now you can refashion morality any way that you want. Scripture says, no, no you're locked in the prison. And when you try to break out of the prison of God's scripture, it's like the scripture is in the watch tower with a spotlight on you and a sniper sniping at your sin. Sin, sin, sin, sin. And your conscience just doesn't let you live. And this is why people struggle with depression and substance abuse, you're trying to shut your conscience down. But Jesus comes in into that prison and he covers us with his righteousness. Just covers us completely. It's as if the spotlight only sees the glorious righteousness of Jesus Christ. So when we are breaking free from this prison of sin covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, it's like the spotlight and the sniper, they don't see us and we're out. And that's how you get out of enslavement to sin by receiving this gift of Christ's righteousness. Verse 20 and 21. Now the law came to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness, leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. He's saying the sin that's revealed by the law, it increases and abounds and abounds and abounds. And then God sends his son, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law, completely fulfills the work of the covenant of works. He's the only one that did that, obeyed God perfectly, and then goes to a cross to present himself as a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for our sins. And he is the propitiation for our sins, absorbing the wrath of God for our lawbreaking, our condemnation. All of that is poured out on Christ on the cross. And then he dies and he's raised to life. He puts his life down. He picks it up. And that right there is proof that God accepts his sacrifice and that Jesus Christ has vanquished the power of sin and death. And he extends grace to us. A grace, that super abounds. It's a grace that abounded all the more, increased all the more. It's scarcely translatable, you can say super increased or super abounded, but the picture is just an unending overflowing grace that knows no bounds. Grace is always more abundant than sin. Charles Spurgeon has a wonderful sermon on this called Grace Abounding Over Abounding Sin, that God has more grace than we have sin. The super abounding grace is intended to reign triumphantly over death and sin in hell. So the good news for each one of us is no matter how great your sin in quantity or depth, God's grace super abounds to you. My daughter Milana, she's four. Every evening she prays the following. She says, Lord, may our church grow bigger and deeper, bigga and deepa. She's not good with R's yet. We are to grow in this understanding of grace ourselves, in both depth and breadth of God's grace, that no one is beyond the grace of God. And this abounding grace is what reigns. Grace, also, he says, in the same way that death reigned over everything, may grace also reign through righteousness leading to eternal life. Grace is not just for forgiveness of sins, but for this reigning. Grace reigns in our life. Does grace reign in your life? Are you a person that is in complete submission to the grace of God? Does grace reign in your life? Is it lording in your life? Part of why, in English, the word reign doesn't really make sense because we haven't had kings in a while, which doesn't make any sense. King George the third was the last one and it didn't work out for him. We don't like kings. We like anything reigning over us. But we should want grace to reign over us, that grace is king in our lives. That grace is king in our spheres of influence, that grace reigns through righteousness. Paul, isn't just talking about the presence of sin, he's talking about its reign. The sin had a reign, but grace can take over that reign by dethroning sin. So in closing, what are we to do? We are to receive God's grace. If you haven't received God's grace yet, you can do that today. Lord, forgive me for all of my sins. There are many. Lord, I receive your grace. And Lord, I also repent that the many times I've received your grace, I've received it in vain. It's not been a power that has transformed. Lord, I repent of that as well, so that we can be people that are strengthened by grace, empowered by grace. Like St. Paul said, he said, I am what I am by the grace of God. But the grace of God in me was not in vain. Instead he says, I worked harder than all of them. That's all of the other apostles. He said, I worked harder than all of them. But it wasn't me, it was the grace of God in me. This is why I love, I love new converts. I love them. When someone just comes from the world from a sinful lifestyle, just broken and beat up by sin, they understand grace in a way like many of us have forgotten. When you're walking with the Lord for quite some time, and you're walking faithfully, you begin to look at grace. They're like, yeah, that's for beginners. That's like how you enter Christianity. Okay, all right. That's like the booster rockets on the main rocket. Good for you. From here on out, it's just hard work. You just got to suck it up. White knuckle it and just be faithful. That's not how it works. The way that you continue in your life on a daily basis is, you revel in the grace of God, receive God's grace. Once you do, make sure that grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. And this is the question I would like you to meditate on this week. Does grace reign through righteousness in your life? Does grace reign through righteousness in your life? Amen. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time of the holy scriptures. And we thank you Lord for the gift of grace, the free gift of righteousness. And I pray, Lord, that it does transform us. I pray that you give us power to reign in life. Whatever things in our lives are just out of control, wherever we are enslaved to sin and wherever pride and ego and selfishness, self-absorption is reigning, I pray, Lord, trounce all that with the power of the grace, the cross of Jesus Christ, that we are saved by the blood of the lamb and that we can be victorious over Satan's sin and because the work of Christ, even over death itself. And we pray all this in Jesus' name, amen.

Reading Psalms 60:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A psalm useful for teaching. David pointing out the need to turn to God in the face of defeat and teaching that truth to his people. 2 Samuel 8 telling the story of the time this psalm was written and gives no word or sign of defeat. When we are being defeated or running into obstacles it is time to turn to the LORD. Joshua's defeat then victory over Ai in Joshua 7&8. God will trample down the foes, He will kick down the walls, He will break down the walls, He will make the way. Turn to God, let go, and it will go well for you.

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly. 3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools. 8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness. 10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die. 11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh— how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit. 14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. 16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife. 19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. 22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established. 23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. 25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow's borders intact. 26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. 29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones. 31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise. 32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding. 33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Husband and Wife answer questions about this suddenly militaristic God, as well as Dagon. And now we wanna be Dagonists because it turns out he was way cooler than Yahweh. Plus his wife was known as "mistress who amazes the world" which is what I want to be for Halloween this year. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sacrilegious-discourse/message

Reading Joshua 8:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The LORD now giving the instructions and giving the Israelites victory over Ai. This time the LORD lets them keep the plunder. Purging Achan from the people was a statement to the LORD that the people valued the LORD and His word more than any thing else, not following the example of Achan. Joshua learning to follow God's lead and that following God's lead requires us to obey His Word. Sometimes obeying means taking nothing for ourselves, sometimes it means receiving the blessing, the point is following in obedience. The reminder to not be afraid or discouraged after their loss to Ai.