Podcasts about your bible

Introduction: What Happens to Me When I Die? 2 Corinthians 5:8 - ...we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. When Do these Resurrections Take Place? Acts 24:15 - ...there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. What is the Resurrection Body Like (1 Corinthians 15:35-49)? Your body now is like a "SEED" , your resurrected body is like a "PLANT". (1 Cor 15:36b-38) Your resurrected body will be SIMILAR but DIFFERENT but BETTER . (1 Cor 15:39-42a) Your resurrected body will never have EARTHLY WEAKNESSES . (1 Cor 15:42b-44) 4 Contrasts Between Your Earthly Body and Your Resurrected Body: PERISHABLE vs. IMPERISHABLE DISHONOR vs. GLORY WEAKNESS vs. POWER NATURAL vs. SPIRITUAL Your resurrected body is just like JESUS' glorified body. (1 Cor 15:45-49) Philippians 3:21 - who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body... Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Unified and Purified: We Will Be Raised in a New Body Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:05Open up those Bibles with me please to 1 Corinthians chapter 15.00:11If you don't have a Bible, you're welcome to take the one in the seat back in front of you.00:17I know that's got like microscopic font. I think there's bigger print ones in the shelf in the very back.00:23Oh, Jane Hour got it. Alright. So if you want a bigger print Bible, you've got to wrestle Jane Hour for it.00:30Oh, okay, there's more back there. Okay, you don't have to, you don't want to do that anyways.00:34So, but please consider it our gift to you if you don't have one. So, speaking of, I'd like you to just stop for a moment and pray for me to communicate God's Word as I should accurately and clearly. And I will pray for you to have a heart open to receive what it is the Lord tells us in His Word.01:04in this portion we're looking at today. So let's pray. Father in heaven, as we turn to this portion of your word, there's such great encouragement for what you have promised. There's also challenging conviction. Your word says that when we have this hope, we purify ourselves as you are pure. So I pray, Father, that this Yes, would be informational in the sense of correcting wrong thinking that we have carried. But at the same time, Father, use this to motivate us to use the short time we have here on the earth to make an impact for your kingdom. We thank you ahead of time for whatever it is you're going to do here, Father. We pray in Jesus' name. When all of God's people said, Excuse me. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15, are you there? Back in 2009, Heidi Montag, who is one of the stars of the TV show The Hills, she was 23 at the time, 2009. She had 10 plastic surgeries.02:35in one day.02:39Ten plastic surgeries in one day.02:45You got questions?02:47I got questions.02:49Like, ten?02:52What all did she have done?02:53Well, she had her brow lifted.02:57She had Botox.02:59She had her nose done.03:01She had fat injected into her cheeks.03:04and lips. She had her chin done. She had her neck done. Liposuction. Isn't that when they take the fat out? But then it was put into her cheeks. So just like one hose. All right. I don't know. Look, I've never had plastic surgery, but you probably knew that.03:34You're like, I sure hope you didn't pay for that look. Anyways, she had her ears pinned back like a Doberman. She had her waist, her hips, and her thighs done and some other things. Ten surgeries in one day. You got questions? I got questions. How much does something like that cost? Well, I had to Google that. I have no idea. I don't know what the going rate is now, let alone what it was in 2009.04:04It cost her, they say, about $30,000.04:12How long does that take?04:16How long does all that stuff, it was 10 hours of surgery.04:22You know what my question was?04:26Did anybody recognize her when she got home?04:29Could you imagine?04:30and she leaves in the morning and she's like, I'm going to have some surgery. Then she comes back, a completely different person. Like, hey, I'm home. And they're like, ah, who are you? Like, it's me. It's me, Heidi. You know, groundhog, we didn't recognize you. I mean, we do all kinds of things to try to keep this young and from wearing out. And look, maybe plastic surgery is not.05:00your thing. Maybe it's exercise. I was going to ask for a show of hands, but I think to save all of us from embarrassment, myself included, we won't do any hand raising here. Okay, at least for this part. But do you have an exercise equipment graveyard in your basement? Do you remember things like the ab circle? Do you remember the ab circle? The bow flex, the toe flex, The Total Gym. How about the Thighmaster? You old enough to remember the Thighmaster? Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze your way to firmer thighs. Well, maybe it was just the exercise method, right? Because we've got Pilates, we've got yoga and Zumba, P90X, Insanity.06:00T25. You ever done this program? I've done Insanity and T25. And let me tell you, that is for the birds. For the birds. And I was like really into it for a while. And my wife was like, are you doing that exercise thing where you dance around the living room like a ninny? I'm like, well, I guess not anymore.06:31Okay, like, you can get the body you've always wanted. Get the body you've always wanted. The problem is you're not going to keep it forever. 1 Corinthians 15 is all about the resurrection. Jesus and ours. The Bible says because Jesus rose from the dead, Listen, I think so many people sitting in churches miss this truth. You, too, are going to rise from the dead in a new body. Now, if I told you, hey, next week, you're going to get a new car. But here's the deal. This car, this is the only car you're allowed to drive for the next 40 years.07:30car it is? Wouldn't you want to know what it's like? You mean I'm stuck with this car for four decades? Yeah. What kind of car is it? Tell me about it. I want to know all about it, right? Right? Well, the Bible says you're going to get a new body that you are going to have for all of eternity. Would you like to know what this body is like?08:00of eternity. So, we've got a lot of information here. Again, in this chapter, Paul packs so much information. And we're going to be going through it very quickly. So, you might want to listen to this again when it's on our website or podcast or whatever. You might want to pass this on to someone else. So, I encourage you to jot some notes down. First question, we're just going to take a step back here and kind of this whole thing. The first question is, what happens to me when I die? What happens to me when I die? And the reason we're starting here is like, look, okay, we got resurrection. Okay, but like, it's obviously not immediate. So, what happens to me when I die? Well, the Bible never talks about limbo or purgatory or soul sleep. The Bible never talks about that stuff. The Bible is very clear. If you're a believer in Christ, when you die, you are immediately in the presence of the Lord, right?09:002 Corinthians 5 verse 8 says we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Paul says something very similar to this in Philippians 123.09:14He said to depart is to be with Christ.09:20Right? So if you're a believer when you die you are in the presence of the Lord.09:23Your spirit is. And if you have not received Christ you go to a place of torment called Hades, where you are awaiting the final judgment. All right? But the Bible promises that eventually, eventually, everybody, everybody will get a resurrected body. Everybody gets one. Like, well, when do these resurrections take place?09:57Here's the next question on your outline. Understand again, the Bible is crystal clear and consistent. It teaches many times there are two resurrections. Okay, there are two. Acts 24, 15. There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. Right? We talked about that before. Daniel 12, 2. Jesus said it in John 5, 28 and 29. There are two resurrections. Okay.10:27First, I want to talk to those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, those who are born again. The Bible says you will get your resurrected body at the rapture. Now, we're not going to get too deep into this now because next week the whole passage is about the rapture. But at the rapture, when Jesus returns to remove His people from the earth, believers up to that point, dead or alive, will get a new resurrected body.10:57about that next week. Those are for believers. For those who have rejected God's gift in Jesus Christ. For those who are like, I'm living life on my terms. I don't want Jesus. I don't want anything to do with God. It's truth. Worship, I don't want anything to do with that. There's a resurrection for unbelievers too. Again, timeline in your Bible. There's a seven-year tribulation coming, talked about in the book of Revelation. At the end of that, Jesus comes back, strikes down all who rejected Him, and He sets a thousand year kingdom on the earth. Jesus will reign on the earth for a thousand years. Revelation chapter 20 says, at the end of the thousand years is the second resurrection. Again, you can read that later. Revelation chapter 20. After the thousand year reign, all unbelievers, all unbelievers of all time are called out of Hades. They're called before the great white throne.11:57of Jesus Christ where they will be sentenced to the lake of fire. So, believers will get an eternal body to enjoy in heaven and unbelievers will get an eternal body that will suffer in hell, the lake of fire. Alright? So, the real question of the day that's addressed in this text, and we kind of did an on-ramp here to get to this point, But the question that is addressed today is, what is the resurrection body like? I'm going to be driving it for eternity? What's it like? What's it like? Well, we talked about this before. In the Corinthian church, there were a lot of resurrection deniers. A lot of the Greeks denied that there was such a thing. So, Paul anticipates the mocking questions that come. That's where he picks up in verse He says, but someone will ask, how are the dead raised?13:05With what kind of body do they come?13:08Again, those are mocking questions.13:13Paul's not anticipating as much the sincere can you please give us information as much as the people that are sort of making fun.13:21Like, how in the world are dead people raised?13:25Like, oh, you believe in resurrection?13:27What kind of body do they have? They're kind of making fun. Our day, like Paul's day, I found that some of the greatest theologians and Bible experts are people that have never opened the Bible. Have you noticed that? That was sarcasm. Because Paul gives them a hard rebuke, verse 36. He says, you foolish person.13:56Oh, you think you're so smart with your little questions. Oh, you're really stumped me. He goes, you're foolish. You're not even thinking. Look, I don't think there's anybody here today that's like that, that's like mocking. I don't think so. I'm sure there's somebody that's going to be listening to this online. I don't imagine there's anybody in the room right now that is scornfully asking questions like this.14:26But at the same time, when it comes to the topic, I do think there's a lot of confusion in the church about this whole resurrected body. Because I get asked these questions all the time. Pastor Taylor, you probably do too, right? People ask these questions. Will my new body look like my old body? Because that's important. Because what if I get to heaven and nobody recognizes me? But am I going to be able to recognize other people?14:57How old am I going to look? I mean, what if I live to be like 107? Am I going to look 107 for all of eternity? What about like, unfortunately, an infant who passes away? Is that person going to be an infant for all of eternity? Like, what does it look like? And then what about people that like aren't buried? You know, we're going to be talking about coming up out of the grave. What about people that aren't in the grave? Like, what about people that, I don't know, they fell overboard on a cruise and were eaten by a shark and they weren't buried.15:30What about those people?15:33Or what about people that maybe were incinerated in a fire and...15:41Well, Paul does such an amazing job in such a few words describing the difference between this vehicle we're driving today and the vehicle that we'll be driving someday.15:56So number one, what's the resurrection body like? What is the resurrection body like? Number one, he says your body now is like a seed and your resurrected body is like a plant. All right, look at verse 36. He says, What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. What you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel perhaps of wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He has chosen.16:51its own body.16:57Your body now is like a seed.16:58Your resurrected body is like a plant.17:00Now if you have a seed in your hand, like, you know, it is the season, right?17:04I think of a watermelon seed.17:05Just imagine a watermelon seed.17:09You know, we've all seen those.17:10We've all spit those out.17:11Those little hard, brown, flat seeds, right?17:20When you put that in the ground, when you bury a watermelon seed, it rises up as something completely different, doesn't it? That's what Paul's talking about here. I mean, I'm not a farmer. You might want to fact check with Jesse on this. I'm not a farmer. I'm barely a gardener, as they say in Minnesota. I'm not. So, correct me if I'm wrong, but when you are going to plant something, you don't take a whole plant and bury it in the ground to get another whole plant.17:54The seed goes in the ground and dies and comes up as something different.18:01The seed that you bury is different than the plant that comes.18:08And we all get that, right?18:09You don't plant a watermelon seed, a little brown, flat, hard seed, and outgrows a big, a flat brown seed. That's just like it, only bigger. That's not how it works. It's completely different. But not completely because there's, in a sense, there's continuity between the seed and the plant, right? There's continuity. You know what I mean by that? I mean, if you plant a watermelon seed, you're not going to grow an apple tree.18:45Like, why not? Because God determined. Watermelon seeds only make watermelons. If you want an apple tree, you need to plant an apple seed, right? God determines. God has chosen the kind of body that everything gets. And you know what He has chosen for you? A glorified body. So that's Paul's first analogy here. He says, just look at your body.19:15And really all this is, is it's a seed that's going to be planted. And something that comes out is going to be different. You're like, how different? Well, number two, your resurrected body will be similar but different but better. Similar but different but better.19:44Let's pick up in verse 39. He says, For not all flesh is the same. There is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, the stars. For star differs from star in glory. So it is with the resurrection of the dead. Another illustration. Paul's like, look at the animal kingdom. Look at the animal kingdom. We have humans and animals and birds and fish, right? You've been to the zoo.20:44Notice how all animals have flesh, right? All animals have flesh. So that's like the same, right? But it's really not the same because the flesh of a fish is different from like the flesh of a groundhog or an eagle or a human. Why is that?21:16It's all perfectly suited for their respective environments. That's why. Why does a fish have the flesh that it has? For the water. That flesh wouldn't do any good on a bird. A bird has the flesh that it has so it can do the things that the birds do. It's all similar but it's different.21:45suited for the environment, right? Then he talks, he's like, let's get off the earth for a second. Let's talk about the sun, moon, and stars. All heavenly bodies, right? Now from earth, when we look up at the sky, what do we see? All these round, bright things. Some are bigger, some are brighter, but the sky is full of them. But did you know, like, even with the stars, each one is completely unique.22:14There aren't even two stars in the universe that are exactly the same. He says they're all different, but every one of these things in the sky does the thing that it's supposed to do, right? The sun to give us light and warmth, the moon for the tides, and the stars for whatever purpose God has for the stars. Same but different.22:45Perfectly suited for their purpose. And then Paul hits us in verse 42. He says, so it is with your glorified, resurrected body. How does it compare to this one that we have here? It's going to be the same, but it's going to be different. And it's going to be way better. Because this body, was made for the earth. But the new body is going to be made for heaven. Similar, but different, but better. Number three, your resurrected body will never have earthly weaknesses. Earthly weaknesses. Pick up in verse 42. He says, what is sown is perishable. What is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory.23:44It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. It is sown a natural body. It is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Stop there. Your resurrected body will never have earthly weaknesses. Do you notice over and over and over again? Sown, sown, sown, sown. He's keeping this seed metaphor going because it's so appropriate.24:15You go in the ground. Your body is a seed. You go in the ground as one thing. And you come up out of the ground as something different. Something better. Something glorious. And here he talks about the earthly weaknesses that we will not have. So he gives four contrasts here. Again, it's all straight from the text. Your Bible says the same thing.24:44These are four contrasts between this body, this vehicle we're driving now, and the resurrected body that we're going to get someday. Letter A, perishable versus imperishable. Perishable versus imperishable. On your outline beside that, write the word decay. That's what he's talking about. Perishable. This body decays. This body is wearing out.25:16Dying you will die. Look, all of us, we're wearing out, we're decaying. I mean, you should have seen me when I was 20. I was well-built, good-looking, and you're like, what happened? Dying you will die. I'm decaying, and so are you. Versus imperishable.25:44The resurrected body, imperishable. You know what that means? It means all physical and mental health issues that we experience living in a fallen body are gone forever. That's what that means. No sickness. Your resurrected body will have no sickness, no cancer, no cerebral palsy, no multiple sclerosis, no muscular dystrophy, no diabetes, no asthma, no Alzheimer's.26:15No osteoporosis.26:18No arthritis.26:21No organ failure.26:22Nothing.26:24Your body will be imperishable.26:26It will not.26:27Wasn't it about this time in the first service?26:29People were just like coughing like crazy.26:32So we took a coughing break in the first service.26:36So go ahead.26:36If you get a cough, let her out.26:38Go ahead.26:43Go ahead.26:45I mean, get it out of your system. Because here's the thing, coughing is something you only enjoy on earth. Because at the resurrection, you're not going to cough. So live it up. There's no sickness. Your body is imperishable. No sickness. No pain. No pain. Imagine that. No pain. Can you think, like, what's the worst pain?27:14that you've ever been in in your life. I just want you to think about that for a second. What is the worst pain that you've ever experienced in your life? Men, have you ever had a cold? Because if you have, you know The peak of human suffering.27:51But pain's going to be a memory someday.27:54Think about that.27:54In eternity future, in our resurrected bodies, we'll be like, Taylor, bro, do you remember back when we had pain?28:02He's like, I barely remember pain.28:04What was that?28:07It's going to be history.28:09You'll never wear out.28:10You'll never grow old.28:11You'll never be sick.28:12Death itself is going to be history. Perishable versus imperishable. Letter B, dishonor versus glory. Dishonor versus glory. On your outline beside this, write sin. This is in regards to sin. The fall of man has saturated this earth with the corruption of sin. And our current bodies are are thoroughly affected by sin. Thoroughly. What did Paul say in Romans 7? I know that no good thing dwells in me, that is my flesh. That's what he's talking about. He says this, here, my spirit is renewed. I'm born again. God's Holy Spirit lives in here. But God's Holy Spirit lives in a body that still hungers for sin.29:13Hungers for rebellion against God. Everything we, listen, everything we do is tainted with some degree of corruption. You know, if we're being honest, even when I set out to do something good, There's always a little something in there that's just kind of selfish, like this is the right thing to do, this is a righteous thing, but there's something in me some shade of a is there a selfish motive here more spotlight for me little glory for me here selfish motive here you're that way too we all are There's nothing that we can do that is 100% free from the taint of sin. And that's what he's talking about here. The day's going to come when we're in this body, we have this new body, and there won't be any bent towards sin in this glorified body.30:43Weakness versus power. Beside that, just write the word strength. This speaks to strength. We are so weak. We are so weak. You're like, speak for yourself. I'm a strapping young lad. I'm not weak. Yes, you are. We're all weak.31:11We are all so weak. Not convinced? Strapping young lad? How is it that a virus that's so small that we can't even see it, it can knock you down for days? You think about that next time you're feeling strong. We're weak. And you know, you don't even need to be, you don't even need to be sick.31:41to feel worn out.31:46I can keep strange hours and I've had people ask me, like, do you ever, they're like, don't you ever get tired?31:53I'm like, do I get tired?31:56No, I do not get tired.32:01I stay tired.32:03You see, for me to say I get tired would imply that I'm starting from a platform of being well-rested and strong. I've never started from that platform. I just stay in this place of tired. I'm not proud of it, but there's many days that when I wake up, one of my first thoughts is, am I going to have an opportunity for a nap today? Anybody else? Okay, thank you. Just the people on this tired side.32:40of the room. These people don't get tired over here. Did you notice that? It's all over here.32:51Listen, your new body, he says, right, is powerful. No weakness, no weariness.33:00And letter D, natural versus spiritual. Natural versus spiritual.33:06We talked about this before. This is speaking to environmental suitability.33:11Your new body is going to be perfect for the environment that it is going to be in. Your new body will be visible. Yes. It'll be tangible. Yes. But it's not going to be subject to the laws of nature as we know it now. Like, what do I mean? Well, I mean, this body we have now, God designed, perfectly for the earth environment.33:47But, you could say we're a little restricted.33:50We're sort of hemmed in as a part of creation.33:56We're restricted in these bodies by pesky little things like gravity and time and air.34:07Those things kind of limit us in a sense. But our new bodies, our resurrected bodies are going to rise above the current laws of nature and time and space. And you're thinking right now, like what? And that's not the right question to ask. The right question isn't like what? The right question is like who? And that leads us to the last one, number four.34:38This to me is one of the most mind-blowing things in Scripture, by the way. He says, your resurrected body is just like Jesus' glorified body. Your resurrected body is just like Jesus' glorified body. See, Paul had this, he was using these metaphors with the seeds and the plants and the planets and the animals.35:06He's moving from metaphorical to literal now. He's going to be talking about our actual body. Look at verse 45. He says, thus, it is written, the first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.35:35The first man was from the earth, a man of dust. The second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust. And as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, We shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. Right now, Paul says, right now, we bear the image of the man of dust. That's Adam. That's us. We are people of dust. That's... I don't mean this as an insult. I just mean this as literal truth. Your body right now consists of a handful, of dust and a lot of water. That's all any of us are consisting of. I'm sure you're beautiful on the inside, but I just mean your physical body, your dust and water. That's what he's talking about. We bear the image of the man of dust. He says someday you will bear the image of the man of heaven. That's Jesus Christ. Here's what he's saying very clearly.37:05is just like Adam's. Our glorified body will be just like the resurrected body of Jesus Christ. The Bible is so clear about this over and over. Like here's another reference to that, Philippians chapter 3, verse 21. He says, Jesus, look at this, will transform our lowly body to be like His, Glorious Body.37:38And I just want to encourage you to go back in your Bibles this week.37:43Read Luke 24. Read John chapter 20. Read Acts chapter 1.37:47If you want to know like kind of what is our glorified body going to be able to do, look at the things that Jesus did in His glorified body.38:01Like for example, in Jesus' glorified body, He was recognized by sight and by voice and by His wounds.38:11And Jesus in His glorified body ate.38:16Will we eat in heaven?38:17Yeah, we will actually.38:19Not because we have to, but because we'll enjoy it.38:26That is according to Revelation 22 too.38:30But you notice, Jesus in His resurrected body wasn't bound by the laws of nature. He did things like disappear. He did things like move from place to place suddenly. The Bible says Jesus could walk right through the wall. Did you ever go through a wall? I have, but not like Jesus. But someday, we'll be able to just, transcend these kinds of rules that we know now, right? Oh, you know the big one. Acts chapter 1. What did Jesus do in His glorified body? He ascended. He ascended. And you're like, well, are you saying, Pastor Jeff, that you really believe that we're going to be able to fly? Yeah. That wasn't my idea. The Bible is very clear.39:29that our body is going to be just like the glorified body of Jesus himself. So your resurrected body will be just like his. Our worship team would make their way back to the platform here. You know, the Bible is clear, my friends, that you are You are. Everyone is. There is no question as to whether or not you will get an eternal, indestructible body. Excuse me, you will get one. The Bible is clear about that. There's only one real question. With your eternal, indestructible body, will you be living forever?40:28in heaven? Or will you be dying forever in hell? Because you see, for those who have received Christ, yes, we will have this body to be in the presence of the Lord, to fellowship with each other, and most importantly, to worship God eternally in a body that doesn't get tired? That's going to be so awesome. But on the other hand, If you have not received the gift of grace that God has given us in Jesus Christ, you're going to get an eternal body. But it's going to be to suffer forever. You know, hell is described as fire. And I can't imagine anything more horrific than being on fire in a body that can't be consumed. Eternally suffering. And if you haven't received God's gift of eternal life in Christ, I don't know what you're waiting for. Today can be the day. And I want you to hear me. God wants you.41:58saved. God wants you with Him for eternity.42:08How do I know that?42:10Because the Bible says things like, it is God's will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance.42:15That's what God wants.42:17The Bible says things like, God does not delight in the death of the wicked.42:22God wants you in eternity with Him.42:25God wants you as His adopted child.42:28Do you know how I know? Because of what God did to make that possible. That He sent His Son to die on the cross on your behalf. To take the penalty for all of the sins that you committed and that I committed. God spared not His Son but delivered Him up for us all. How do I know God wants you in heaven with Him for eternity? Because of what He spent to make that happen.42:59I'd like you to bow your heads please. And if you haven't made that decision, if you haven't received the gift, let today be the day. Let today be the day that you come to grips with the fact of who you are and who God is, what you've done and what God has done.43:28And pray something like this. Pray, God, I know that I have lived my life apart from you and I have only ever wanted my way.43:41God, you have sent your son to buy me back.43:45To save me from the destructive path of my own self-centered will.43:53To save me from eternally being separated from you.43:57You did that through the death and the resurrection of Your Son. If you pray something like that today, or if you want to stick around and pray with one of our pastors or elders, let today be the day that we're done playing games, we're done pretending, we're done being church attenders, warming a seat, going through the motions. We want to be sincere. We sincerely believe.44:28We sincerely belong to Jesus Christ. Father, I pray, I pray, Father, that you would not give a minute's rest to anyone here who doesn't know you. That today would be the day that through the power of your Spirit, through the wisdom and encouragement and conviction that comes from your Word, today would be the day, Father.44:59They go to bed tonight unable to sleep. Until they do business with you. But for those of us, Father, who do know you, we thank you for these glorious promises. And I suppose that if I was going to try to make up what I thought could be the best promise ever, it would be nothing compared to how awesome your actual promises really are. Anything that I can imagine being great about eternity or heaven or a new body, it would pale in comparison to the reality of what you have actually promised. Father, we thank you. Let this be an encouragement for us to plod along for the next 15 minutes of life on earth in anticipation of our own resurrection. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 15:35-49What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Describe the 4 contrasts between your earthly body and your resurrected body from 1 Cor 15:42-44.What was Jesus' glorified body like that you are excited to think about your glorified body being like?Read 1 John 3:2-3. How does the knowledge of our future resurrected bodies motivate us to purify ourselves today?BreakoutPray for one another.

Introduction: Why the Resurrection Means Everything (1 Corinthians 15:12-34): The resurrection SHAPES my FAITH. (1 Cor 15:12-28) IF There Is No Resurrection: PREACHING the Gospel: Meaningless. (1 Cor 15:12-14a) FAITH in Christ: Meaningless. (1 Cor 15:14b) Your BIBLE : Blasphemous. (1 Cor 15:15) Your SIN : Not forgiven. (1 Cor 15:16-17) Believers who have DIED : Gone forever. (1 Cor 15:18) CHRISTIANS : The worst. (1 Cor 15:19) The resurrection STOPS my FEAR. (1 Cor 15:29-32) The resurrection SELECTS my FRIENDS. (1 Cor 15:33-34) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Unified and Purified: The Resurrection Means Everything Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:05Open up your Bibles with me please to 1 Corinthians chapter 15. While we're turning there, just ask that you would please take a moment to pray for me, to be faithful to communicate God's Word accurately and clearly, and I will pray for you that your heart would be open to receive what it is that God has said in His Word. Deal? All right. Thank you both.00:34Let's pray. Father, we thank You for Your Word. We're asking now that You would eliminate any distractions in our minds and our hearts, that we would focus solely on what it is You've communicated to us. Father, lay on our hearts the importance of this Word because of who said it.01:04that we're not here to talk about my opinion or some old preacher's opinion. We're here to talk about what you have said in your word. So I pray that that would drive the attentiveness that we give to what it is you've said here, Father. We thank you in advance for what you're going to do. We pray in Jesus' name that all of God's people Amen. Amen. Alright. Who here is a golfer? Raise your hand if you're a golfer. Some of you are shy about it. I'm sorry, is it a secret? I see some of you. Yes, it's a secret. Come on, raise them high. Raise them proud. Who's a golfer? Even if you play golf. You don't have to be on the PGA.02:06Do you know? I've never played golf a day in my life. I'm not against golf. I've just never played it. When I was in high school, I was going over to my friend's house, and he was in his, it was actually his grandparents' house, and he was in the backyard hitting golf balls into the woods, just whoosh, whoosh. So I show up. He's like, hey, I'm almost done. I'll be with you in a minute.02:34So I don't golf. I'm just like do-do-do-do-do-do. And I look, and in the tree, like where the branches split, there was a wiffle ball in the tree. I'm like, I wonder how that got there. So I pulled this wiffle ball out, and I was shocked at how heavy it was for its size. Very intriguing. I can tell you're intrigued by it. I certainly was. So he's hitting the golf balls, and I said, hey, check out how heavy this ball is. And I tossed it to him. And he was like, ha-ha. And he took a swing. Let me tell you what I think he thought was going to happen. I think he thought he was going to hit that wiffle ball like into the woods, launch it in midair like baseball style, right? So I'm like, hey, check out how heavy this ball is. I threw it. And he's like, whew. And he swings and the ball hits the middle of the golf club, like the shaft.03:34and it explodes.03:37And he's standing there holding the handle.03:39And his eyes were like as big as silver dollars.03:42He's like, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.03:45I'm like, what's the matter?03:47He's like, this was my grandfather's brand new driver.03:55And I found out later it was very expensive.03:58I don't know.03:58I don't play golf.03:59I told you that.04:00But he's like, I'm like, what's the problem? He's like, this was his brand new driver. And I'm like, his driver? I said, is that important? And he's like, is that important? It's the most important club. And he got in all kind of trouble and we all laughed. Well, he didn't, but we all did. Like, why did I tell you this? That story.04:31Because here's the thing, in golf world, I was completely oblivious to the most important thing. I didn't know. I didn't know. The driver, it is important, right? It's important. Okay, all right. It is important. I was clueless. And you know, fast forward a few decades, let's get out of golf world, let's get in church world, the principle still stands, I think.04:59There are so many people in church world that are ignorant of the most important thing. And the most important thing, biblically, is this idea of resurrection. And we talk about it in church, and there are people that are like, is that important? Like, it is the most important thing. Resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15 is all about resurrection.05:29And the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this is by no means any kind of exaggeration, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in the history of the world. It's the central teaching of the church. And because Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead, the Bible says his followers too will resurrect from the dead.05:59just a few minutes ago. Dead to self. Alive. Raised in Christ. Understand that when we talk about resurrection, it's not just like this metaphor or this poetic concept. It's real. This is literally your eternal state of being. You will resurrect. So you have to know what the Bible says.06:29says about this, and you have to believe this.06:34So on your outline today, I encourage you to take some notes, but why the resurrection means everything.06:41It means everything.06:45Number one, we're going to do some theology today.06:50Number one is the resurrection shapes my faith.06:54It shapes my faith.06:56Everything that we believe in this church is tied into this idea of resurrection.07:07It shapes my faith. We started this last week. Paul talked about the evidences that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.07:13He talked about the grace that we receive, the gift of God.07:18And now when we get to this section, Paul actually plays a what-if game concerning resurrection. Paul says hypothetically, hypothetically, what would result if there were no resurrection?07:35What would result if Jesus didn't rise from the dead?07:41What would that mean?07:42What would be the significance for us, church, if Jesus didn't rise from the dead?07:47I mean, imagine the scene.07:49Imagine the scene.07:51Jesus Christ, mocked, humiliated, crucified, dead, taken from the cross, put in the tomb. Three days later, the women show up and the stone is still there. The guards are still there. The guards are like, move along, move along ladies. And Jesus is in the tomb and He stayed in the tomb.08:21What if there was no resurrection of Jesus Christ? What if? That's what Paul gets into here. Look at verse 12, 1 Corinthians 15. He says, now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.08:51has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain. Stop there. On your outline, if there is no resurrection, the first thing Paul says, if there is no resurrection, preaching the gospel is meaningless. Think about that. Preaching the gospel is meaningless. You are totally wasting your time here this morning. You got up and got your church clothes on and you drove here for what?09:21studying this. That was a complete waste of time. I wasted much of my week. You wasted your Sunday morning coming here today. You're wasting your time right now just listening to me blather on and on and on about what? Every sermon, every Bible study, every small group, every Christian book, every Christian podcast, every Christian conference is a complete waste of time and money if there's no resurrection.09:52Why are you here? So preaching the gospel is meaningless. Letter B, faith in Christ is meaningless. Look what he says. Rest of verse 14, he says, and your faith is in vain. If there's no resurrection, your faith is in vain. Who's your faith in? My faith is in Jesus. Oh, okay. Well, if Jesus died and stayed dead, what's so special about him? He's just in a a long list of religious leaders that showed up, said some profound things, died, and is in his tomb. Just like everybody else. There's no resurrection. Oh, by the way, Jesus throughout his ministry clearly proclaimed that he would die, and he said he would rise from the dead. So, if there's no resurrection, Jesus Christ is either crazy or he's a liar. And that's your faith? Your faith is in that one?10:52Let us see your bible is blasphemous your bible is blasphemous look at verse 15 he says we are even found to be misrepresenting god because we testified about god that he raised christ whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised your bible is blasphemous all of the apostolic teaching your new testament It's blasphemous. If Jesus didn't raise from the dead. Because all of these apostles preach a message and they wrote about a message and we're reading their message today that God raised Christ. It's the central thing in the entire New Testament. And we're sitting here dissecting it. For what? If Jesus didn't raise from the dead. I mean, if Jesus didn't raise from the dead, we have to ask, well, okay, if they were wrong about that, What else are they wrong about? Maybe we should just throw out the whole New Testament. So your Bible is blasphemous. Letter D. If there is no resurrection, if there is no resurrection, your sin is not forgiven. Your sin is not forgiven. Look at verses 16 and 17. He says, for if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised, Christ has not been raised. Your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Oh boy. You know, someday you're going to die and you're going to stand before the God who created everything and you're going to have to give an account of your life. You're going to have to give an account for all of the wrong things that you've done. Your wrong attitudes, your harsh, mean words, your actions, your thoughts. You're going to have to give an account to the creator of the universe.12:52And you don't have any excuse or any hope if there's no resurrection.12:59Because your sin is not forgiven.13:02Letter E.13:06This doesn't get more comfortable, by the way.13:11Believers who have died, I mean it will, but just not yet.13:15Believers who have died are gone forever.13:18Believers who have died are gone forever.13:20Look at verse 18. He says, Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.13:31Fallen asleep, he's talking about they died, right?13:35So what about those who have believed in Jesus Christ and they died?13:38Guess what?13:39They're gone forever.13:40You're never going to see them again.13:42I have done a lot of funerals over the last almost 30 years.13:46Can you imagine?13:47No resurrection?13:48That's what I do.13:48I stand by the casket.13:50Hope you enjoyed your time with them because you're never going to see them again. It is over. If there's no resurrection, they're gone. And letter F, Christians are the worst. The worst. Look at verse 18. He said, I'm sorry, verse 19, excuse me. He says, If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are, of all people most, to be pitied.14:38Like, if Jesus just gives us some sense of contentment and fulfillment in this life, but does nothing for us after we die, He's like, we should be pitied.14:47We are miserable, pathetic people. We devoted our lives to what? We planted this church for what? We send missionaries all over the world for what? A dead prophet. You are lame. Oh, but look at verse 20.15:19He says, but in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Verse 20 makes all the difference. Verse 20, it's the game-changing verse here. You see, He stops, enough of the hypothetical stuff at this point. He stops the what-if thing. He says, here's the reality. Jesus Christ, did rise from the dead. So, that means your outline here, since Jesus Christ did rise from the dead, you can state all of those points in the opposite and they would be true. This is reality. Because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, preaching the gospel is not meaningless. No, no, no, no. Opposite. Preaching the gospel means everything.16:17This is literally a message of life and death. If Jesus rose from the dead. And he did. So this is the message of eternal life. Oh, and because Jesus rose from the dead, take the second one. Turn it opposite. Faith in Christ means everything. It doesn't matter what you do, who you know, how much you've accumulated in this life. In the end, in the end, there's only one thing that matters. Do you know Jesus Christ? Because faith in him means everything.16:49Letters see your Bible. Letters see your Bible. Let's not blasphemous because Jesus did raise from the dead. The message of the gospel is true. Your Bible is God's communication to you. Everything you need to know for life and godliness. God has given us all things through His Spirit, through His Word. We got it. Stating letter D in the opposite, your sin is forgiven. Jesus Christ takes your sin.17:17sin away. You are pronounced not guilty. There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Sin is no longer an issue because Jesus rose from the dead. Believers who have died believing in Christ, you're going to see them again someday. See, the opposite is true because Jesus rose. His people were alive. Think of that glorious reunion.17:47You know, there's a lot of people in heaven I can't wait to track down. Yes, I'm going to, Jesus first, right? Exaltation of the Son of God first, but I got to tell you, there's a lot of other people I'm so looking forward to seeing again someday. And then Christians, because Jesus rose, you're not the worst. And I'm really sorry if I hurt your feelings when I said that earlier. But that's what He said. You're not to be pitied.18:17And I don't feel right saying, well, you're going to be envied, because that's not our posture either. But just objectively, we are people in good position because we have believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have eternal life. The resurrection is the foundation of all of our theology. It shapes everything we believe.18:47Look at verses 21 through 22.18:50Because he's going to get into...18:51This is like the most deep and succinct explanation of theology that I think might be in the whole Bible right here.19:02Look at verses 21 and 22.19:05He says, For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.19:17For as in Adam, that's Adam and Eve, Garden of Eden, that Adam, for as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. This is just Theology 101. Man, Adam brought death. When Adam sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, brought sin and death into the world. That's why the world is in the shape that it's in. That's why we are in the shape that we are in. We live in a world of sin and death. Adam brought that. The man Adam brought death, but the man, the last Adam, Jesus, brought life. He came to restore the life that we forfeited in the first Adam.20:17So we're talking about resurrection. You're like, okay, okay. So when does resurrection happen? Okay. Enough of the teaser here. When does it happen? Well, he tells us here. Look at verse 23. He says, but each in his own order, Christ, the first fruits, then at his coming, Those who belong to Christ, then comes the end. Stop there for a second. Own order. He says each in his own order. He's like, there's a sequence here. We're talking about resurrection. And he says Christ is the first fruits of resurrection. Then, he says then, resurrection is going to happen to, he says it in the text here, those who belong to Christ.21:17to Christ. People who have received Christ will resurrect. You're like, okay, when will that happen? He tells us right here. Did you see it? Did you see it? At His coming. At His coming, He's talking about the rapture. And next week's message is all about the rapture. So you definitely don't want to miss that. But He's saying at the rapture of Christ, those who belong to Him will resurrect. And He says, Then comes the end. Like, the end. What is the end? Well, again, he gives us a great paraphrase here. Pick up in verse 24. He says, then comes the end when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.22:19The last enemy to be destroyed is death.22:25For God has put all things in subjection under his feet.22:32But when it says all things are put in subjection it is plain that he is accepted who put all things in subjection under him.22:43When all things are subjected to him then the Son Himself will also be subjected to Him who put all things in subjection under Him, that God may be all in all. See, this passage takes us into eternity. What's he talking about here? Just very simple, right? These are broad strokes. This is like an overview of the book of Revelation. Here's what he's saying. He says, after every enemy is defeated, the redeemed are gathered together, and the bride of Christ is complete. Then Jesus returns the bride and himself to the Father. So that God is all in all. And you're like, well, thank you for the theology lesson. But what does that have to do with me?23:47Everything. Everything. Everything. Yes, this explains the origin of sin and death. This explains the necessity of resurrection. This explains why believing in the resurrection is absolutely essential. This explains where everything is ultimately heading. But, It means something today. It means something today about who you are and how you act and what you think and what your attitude should be today. It means everything today. And you're like, well, can you be a little more specific about that? Absolutely. Follow the text. Resurrection means everything because, number two, the resurrection stops my fear.24:47The resurrection stops my fear. Look at verse 29. Paul says, otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? They're like, wait, what? You know, there's a lot of people They say this is the hardest verse in the New Testament. And you can do the homework. There are dozens and dozens and dozens of interpretations. Like what in the world is he talking about here? Well, I want to show you something in the language and then show you something in the context. And I believe that Maybe it's not as hard as we make it out to be. It says here, notice he says, baptized on behalf of the dead. Now your Bible, if you have a different translation, it might say baptized for the dead. Your Bible says something like that? Okay, well, the Greek word is identical to the English word for. Okay?26:17Now, let's talk about English for a second, because the Greeks used their "for" in the exact same way. And when we use, we use the word "for" for everything. But the meaning of it changes drastically. And it always depends on the context, always. Always depends on the context. That's a little word, but it changes everything.26:47If I said to you, I'm going to the store for bread, you know what I mean, right? I am going to the store in order to obtain bread, right? But if I said to you, I took an aspirin for my headache, see the word for no longer means in order to obtain. I did not take an aspirin in order to obtain a headache. That would be silly, right?27:18I took an aspirin as a result of having a headache. You see, for, it's the context. I didn't go to the store as a result of having bread. I went in order to obtain. I took the aspirin as a result of having, and the context always makes the difference. With that in mind, look at the next two verses to see what the context is. What's he talking about? How is he using the word for, baptized for?27:47the dead. Look at verses 30 and 32. He says, Why are we in danger every hour? Some translations have and at the beginning. And why are we in danger every hour?28:01I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus, our Lord, I die every day.28:09What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus?28:15If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. You see the context? The context is persecution. Because in the first century, in the first century, when you were baptized, you were marked for death. By publicly identifying with Jesus Christ, marked for death. Paul here is talking about people who were getting baptized because they came to Christ from the influence of someone killed for their faith. Meaning the living person was baptized for because of the dead. You're like, how can the death of a faithful person inspire How can that be? Do you remember Charlie Kirk? We just saw this. We just saw as a result of his faithfulness and death, we saw a spiritual awakening. And it's not up to me to determine how many of those people truly came to Christ and how many just became interested in spiritual things. God sorts that out. That's not my job.29:45how somebody being faithful and giving his life for his faith in Christ can inspire others to step up.29:55Here's Paul's point.29:58If there is no resurrection, why would anybody get baptized?30:04Why would you stand for Christ?30:06Why would you die for Christ if there is no resurrection?30:09Why would you do that?30:11And then he just simply illustrates that with his own life.30:13He says, look, I die every day. Every single day of my life, I'm living out my death. Why would you do that, Paul? Because I believe that I'm going to resurrect someday. So if there is no resurrection coming to Christ, then standing for Christ is idiotic because it brings persecution. You might as well live it up, eat and drink for tomorrow we die.30:45But, when I really believe Christ resurrected, when I really believe that someday I'm going to resurrect, it changes how I live.31:01Sharing the gospel, serving Him and His church, serving others in the name of Jesus, it all matters for eternity, so it doesn't matter what it costs me, even my life.31:16No fear.31:19That's what he's saying. The resurrection stops my fear.31:23No fear. Remember back in the day, some of you are way too young to remember this. Remember back in the day when if you had a pickup, you had a no fear decal on the windshield? How many people remember the no fear?31:35Remember that? Okay, some of you do.31:43It's a real easy sentiment when there's nothing to fear. Right? Because we say that in the church, right? No fear! I'll stand for Jesus no matter what! Yeah, well, you know, before 2020, it was so much easier to claim you have no fear, because you could sit in the church and you had nothing to fear. I was thinking a lot about that. Remember, again, some of you might be too young to remember, and I might be showing my age here, but do you remember COVID? Do you remember COVID? Do you remember COVID? Those glory days when the store would hang big pieces of plastic?32:37Between you and the cashier. And then the cashier would proceed to touch all the things you just touched and then hand them back to you after she touched them. Remember that? Fun times. COVID did so much damage. We watched churches close. We watched Christians buy into fear. Do you know how much venom was spewed at me from people who left our church? Because how How dare we? How dare we? We should close the church. I was rebuked. But you know, with all the damage that happened as a result of COVID, there have been a lot of amazing things that God has done as a result. And here's one good thing that happened with COVID. You know, when we stand here and say, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid. Well, it showed us who really meant it.33:40Do you really believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Do you really believe that? Then you'll serve God without fear. Without fear. What's the worst thing anybody can do to me? Kill me. You can't threaten me with heaven. Bring it. No fear. The resurrection stops my fear. Then finally, Number three, the resurrection selects my friends. He says, do not be deceived. Bad company ruins good morals. Do not be deceived. Paul's like, stop lying to yourself. Bad company ruins good morals. Understand this. Please hear me.34:37a whole nother big long word study. But when he talks about bad company, he's talking about people you are very, very closely associated with. Your BFFs. Okay? That's what he's talking about here. Bad company ruins good morals. Don't lie to yourself. Bad company ruins good morals. Alright? Alright? And you're like, wait, wait, wait. That seems like an awfully random proverb to just drop.35:07up in here, doesn't it? Paul's like, resurrection, resurrection, resurrection, Proverb! Like, wait, wait, wait, what? What happened? Where did that come from?35:17That's a random thing, isn't it? No, it's not. Here's why. Listen, Paul says that theology is caught, not just taught.35:34You are influenced by.35:39And you become like the people that you're closest to.35:44That's just the way it is.35:47I want you to think about the people that you are closest to in your life.35:52You're just like them.35:55Look around at your friends.35:57If your friends are all knuckleheads, guess what you are?36:05If your closest friends are not believers, you're going to start embracing their values and their ways of thinking and their ways of talking, and you're going to start living just like them if you're not already.36:19And that's contrary to the way of living God has called us to.36:25Bad company ruins good morals.36:27I don't have to give much of a sales pitch here because you know it's true. You know it's true. When you hang out with your unsafe friends, don't you find it so much easier to complain right along with them? You're a Pastor Taylor servant about complaining, but you're with them and they're all complaining and you just kind of get swept up in it. Now, yeah, everything stinks to you too. You're complaining. When you hang out with your unsafe friends, do you gossip with them? I don't normally like to talk about rumors that I heard, but boy, they're just unloading. I've got to share the stuff that I think I heard. Crude remarks and jokes, you know, when you're with the guys and all the perverted nonsense. We just go right along with it. Let me tell you some jokes that I've heard. Bad company ruins good morals. You're like, wait, wait, wait, but Pastor Jeff, shouldn't we evangelize? Yeah. Listen, we're to reach the lost, not get our theology from them.37:28or learn habits from them.37:32Look at verse 34.37:35He says, Wake up from your drunken stupor as is right and do not go on sinning.37:44For some have no knowledge of God.37:46I say this to your shame.37:51He's like, Wake up.37:52Stop sinning.37:54You're acting like people who don't know God.37:57Shame on you.37:59Those we are most closely associated with are going to have the biggest impact on us. Today, did you notice the tables when you came in? Did you notice all these tables? You know what those are for? It's small group sign-up day. And I am begging you to get in a small group. Surround yourself with people who are going to push you to Jesus.38:27Instead of dragging you away from them. Do you believe in the resurrection? If you do, you can't live like those who don't know God. You can't live like you did before you came to Christ. And Paul says you can't even keep the same closest unsaved friends.39:00The resurrection selects my friends.39:06We can have our worship team join us back up here on the platform.39:10I'd like you to bow your heads.39:16You know, we, in this service, we saw, we witnessed three brave young ladies Make a public confession. Make a public declaration. Now it's your turn. To make a declaration. Just keep your heads bowed. And in light of this passage, the first declaration you need to make is this. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Can you say that? Say that in your heart to God. Say that in your heart to God. And if you're not there, like God, please manifest the truth.39:54of your word in my heart by your spirit. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and I believe everything that that means.40:08In light of the text, the second thing I want you to say to the Lord today, this week, the rest of your walk, I have nothing to fear.40:21This life, this body, is temporary. Heaven is eternal. My resurrected body that we're going to be talking about over the next couple of weeks, my resurrected body is going to be eternal. I have nothing to fear here whatsoever.40:40Can you say that in your heart before the Lord because of you, because of your promise? I have nothing to fear.40:53Then finally, Can you confess this in your heart? Before the Lord. God, you have called me to identify with the church, not the lost. And yes, we are to witness, we are to evangelize, we are to invite people to come and see. But when we identify, with people who don't know you.41:29It's going to have an effect on us.41:32God, you've given us a huge warning right here in your word.41:35Bad company ruins good morals.41:41So can you confess that in your heart before the Lord?41:43God, I want to identify with the church, not the lost.41:54Father, we thank you.41:59And it's, I guess, easy to have the positive peer pressure in this room to say these things.42:06But I pray, Father, that these truths from your word would resound in our hearts and minds.42:13That our lives, our very lives revolve around the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.42:23that we don't live in fear of anything except for the fear of the Lord. Father, we would find our greatest friendships to be other people who have made the great confession of Jesus Christ. Glorify your name, Father, in your church. We pray in Jesus' name.42:49Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 15:12-34What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain 1 Cor 15:29. How do “the dead” influence people to be baptized?How can you keep friendships with nonbelievers without being influenced by them?BreakoutPray for one another.

Introduction: How to Have a Church Service, God's Way (1 Corinthians 14:26-40) BUILD UP believers. (1 Cor 14:26b) ELIMINATE the chaos. (1 Cor 14:27-33a) WOMEN don't preach. (1 Cor 14:33b-35) 1 Timothy 2:12-14 - I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. None of this is up for DEBATE . (1 Cor 14:36-40) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: What Should a Worship Service Look Like? Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:36You know, just a few days ago, in this very room, it was complete chaos. It was so good. I mean, VBS, it was complete chaos, right? You're going to hear more about it later. We're going to show you a video. But just kids on top of kids, people screaming and throwing. There was slime dripping from the ceiling. Wasn't supposed to, but there was.01:06And it was just, it was chaos and it was beautiful. Which is fine for vacation Bible school, but chaos is not something that should describe Sunday morning. And that takes us to the passage we're looking at today. So I'm going to ask you to please pray for me.01:36Faithfully represent God's Word. That's all we try to do here at Harvest Bible Chapel. We're not preaching our opinion or scratching itchy ears. We just want to represent the Word of God. And I'm asking you to please pray for me to do that faithfully, and I will pray for you to receive what it is that the Lord has said in His Word. All right? Let's just take a moment and pray.02:09Father, when we open the Bible, the question is, is this from God?02:21Father, we have solidly come to that conclusion.02:25We believe that this is your word.02:28When it says things that we like, and when it says things that we maybe struggle to believe, It's your word. And I pray today, Father, for all of us. You eliminate any distractions or preconceived notions and allow us to receive what it is that your word actually says. We pray in Jesus' name. And all of God's people said, Amen. 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Chapters 11 through 14.03:04in 1 Corinthians is all about corporate worship. Right? And we've been talking through this series. We had a little break from Pastor Taylor's excellent message taking us back to the Old Testament. But in this section in particular where we find ourselves, we're talking about speaking in tongues. And you can go back and review those. But tongues, there was a legit miracle gift. And if you study your Bibles, Speaking in tongues was speaking a known language. All right. It was an existing language, but the speaker, they didn't know that language. They didn't study, but they would. It'd be like if I got up and started speaking Mandarin. I don't know Mandarin, but I started speaking Mandarin because there were Mandarin speaking people in the congregation. That's what the gift of tongues was about. We saw. Previously, the tongues was a sign of judgment.04:04Israel had rejected the Messiah. And tongues was God's way of saying, okay, you're going to hear a language you don't understand because you've rejected me. I'm moving on to other people. And it was for the season of transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. We saw in chapter 13, verse eight, he said, tongues will cease. It's going to come to an end. It was only for a season.04:34The Pagan Practice of Tongues. In many pagan religions, there would be this ecstatic screaming of sounds. They weren't real languages. It's just screaming this gibberish. And the Corinthians brought that into church. It's chaos. There's chaos. Look at verse 26, where we left off last time. Verse 26. Paul says, What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Stop right there. That's not a command, by the way. He's describing the chaos. He's like, here's what your church service is. Everybody shows up, and everybody is like, ooh, ooh, me, I want to teach. I want to speak in tongues. I'm going to sing. And everybody was doing it.05:33And it was just this circus. He says your worship services are just chaos. You have the gibberish. You have misusing the real gift of speaking in tongues. You have the debacle that you've made the Lord's Supper. You have women preaching. You have people showing off. Your services are a complete mess. And it'd be real easy for us to look.06:03and say, wow, yeah, glad we've matured from that. But sadly, many things that are called church services are still a real mess. What have we turned worshiping our Savior God, what have we turned that into? For some churches, it's putting on a concert and giving a pep talk.06:33heresy, screaming gibberish, holy laughter, holy barking, craziness, chaos. So much being done in the name of worshiping the Lord that is anything but actually worshiping the Lord. And you're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on a second, hang on.07:01Who says what should happen in a church service anyways? Well, I would suggest to you God. The God that we worship has told us how we should worship. So very simply, in this passage we're looking at today, Paul is outlining here's what a worship service should be. That's what this passage is. What should happen in a church service? Paul's like, this is what should happen right here.07:31So, on your outline, how to have a church service God's way. Number one, first thing has to happen, absolutely has to happen. He says it first because this has to be the primary drive. Number one is build up believers. Build up believers. Look at the end of verse 26. He says, let all things be done.08:01For building up.08:07Here's a philosophical slash theological question for you.08:11Who is church service for?08:13Is it for believers or for unbelievers?08:19Biblically, church service is for believers.08:23Now listen, if you're here today and you're not a believer and somebody invited you, we're so glad that you're here.08:29But we're going to tell you to receive Christ. We're going to tell you to believe what the believers here believe. That we are, by nature and by birth, we are alienated sinners from God. And God reconciled us to himself through the death of his son, Jesus Christ. And he commands us. He commands us to turn from our sin and to believe in Jesus Christ. And when you do, you are saved. You are a child of God. That's the gospel.08:59The goal biblically in our worship service should be building up believers. Like, what parts of the service? Well, your Bible says the same thing that mine does. Let all things, all things be done for building up. It's teaching God's truth and teaching believers how to apply God's truth. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this because we have talked so much about this through 1 Corinthians chapter 14.09:29Church is where you go to give, not go to get. Over and over and over and over and over. Paul says edify, build up, edify, build up. It's just been the theme of this whole chapter. Paul says when you go to church, you should go to church ready to serve other people. That should be your mindset. I'm not here to get, I'm here to give. You're like, well, what about evangelism?10:01I'll study the book of Acts. When believers are built up, they are prepared to reach the lost in their lives. There's lost people in your life, in your sphere of friends, influence. You need to be built up here so you can go to them and share the gospel of Christ. The church is not what's in it for me, but.10:29Everything we do here has to have the mindset of what can we do to build up believers. That's what he says. So number one, how to have a church service God's way, build up believers. Number two, he says, eliminate the chaos. You've got to eliminate the chaos. Here he talks about two gifts. Just for that day that were not used appropriately in Corinth. Tongues, even the legit, They weren't doing that right. And prophesying. And understand again, the New Testament was being written during this day. So prophets were getting new revelation from God. We don't get that now that the Bible is complete. Right? Those blank pages in the back of your Bible aren't for you adding to Scripture. That's not what that's for.11:32But there were two gifts in that day that were being wildly misused, and it was contributing to the chaos. Tongues and prophecy. First, he addresses tongues. Okay? Legit gift of speaking in tongues. How do we do it? How do we do it? Look at verse 27. He says, and let someone interpret.12:02But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.12:10First of all, speaking in tongues.12:12They're assuming here, Paul's assuming, that someone is present in church who speaks a foreign language.12:19And you see his guidelines.12:20He goes, okay, two or three of you, not everyone, and take turns and you have to have an interpreter for the sake of the people there that don't speak that language. Right? If somebody's here that speaks Mandarin and I got up and spoke Mandarin, like the rest of you are like, what's going on? You need an interpreter to say, here is what is being said. That's how the gift works. Again, we studied all that several weeks ago. But then he says, if you don't have an interpreter, just sit there and pray silently.12:59So let me ask you.13:01If you've been to or seen a Pentecostal or Charismatic church service, is that how it's done?13:07Is that typically how speaking in tongues happens?13:12You're afraid to say, aren't you?13:15All right.13:16No, that's not how people do it.13:20It's chaos.13:22And that's what Paul's saying.13:23Are you going to knock that chaos off?13:25Right? Then he talks about prophesying. Look at verses 29 through 31. Prophesying. He goes, let two or three prophets speak. Let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one so that all may learn and all be encouraged.13:55Stop there. Again, prophesying. Prophesying. He's like, just again, two or three. Right? And let the others discern if what is being said is actually from God. Weigh it. Right? And again, some people were preaching already revealed information. Maybe preaching something from the Old Testament. And in this day, as the New Testament was being written and God was giving revelation, There'd be somebody sitting there in church that God would give a revelation to. And Paul says, if that guy has a revelation, the guy that's speaking the old information, have him sit down. Let new revelation guys speak. Right? Then look at verse 32. He says, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.14:55What in the world does that mean? It means this. The church was chaos, right? So you pull a guy aside that is a... He just can't help it. He comes to church and he's belting it out. I'm going to prophesy. And he's contributing to the chaos. And it's like, you're not supposed to do that. Remember, two or three...15:25What's he gonna say? Here's what he's gonna say. He's gonna say, I can't help it. I can't help it. Oh, and the spirit comes on me. I just can't help it. I just it just comes out. I can't control myself. And and that's why, you know, you want me to be quiet, but I can't be quiet. Because when the spirit's on me, I just can't be quiet. And verse 32, Paul's like wrong. The spirit of prophets are subject to the prophets, meaning this.15:55He's saying, every spiritual gift is used under the complete control of the one who has the gift.16:03The Holy Spirit does not come upon a person and make that person lose control of themselves.16:10That does not happen.16:12Okay?16:13That does not happen.16:15Paul says, your gifts are under your control.16:20Right?16:21So the exact ways these two gifts were used were Corinth specific, but there's a principle that certainly holds for us today. And it's look at verse 33. The first part, he says, for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Paul says a service to worship God should represent God's care.16:52God is a God of peace. He's not a God of confusion. He said, listen, church cannot be a free for all. So you have to eliminate any chaos. Worship has to be orderly because otherwise people will not get built up. And that is why we're here is to build each other up. So that's what he's saying here. Eliminate the chaos. You've got to eliminate the chaos.17:20So how to have a church service God's way, build up believers, eliminate the chaos. Number three, he says, women don't preach. Women don't preach. Look at what he says. Now, the second half of verse 33, it actually goes with this section, not the previous section, right? In my Bible, it's actually indented as a new paragraph, and that's appropriate.17:51He says, As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the law also says.18:08All the churches.18:10All the churches.18:11Do you notice that?18:13All the churches.18:14Was it just a problem in Corinth?18:17Apparently not.18:19All the churches.18:21Was it just a problem in the first century?18:25All the churches.18:26Today.18:27Today.18:29Look, I never.18:31I can't remember a period of my life.18:39Where we as a culture have been so messed up about gender issues.18:43I just don't understand that.18:46One of the first things little kids learn.18:50We're so confused about gender stuff, right? Look at our culture. Gender is fluid. I was born one way, but now I can be another way, right? We have people in prominent positions that can't define what a woman is. And some of the same people saying that men can get pregnant. We have trans men or trans women. I can't ever remember.19:18The man who's dressed like a woman playing woman's sports, whatever that is. We're just so mixed up over gender things. And we in the church are like, well, we're not mixed up over gender issues. We have a big one. Let's talk about it. You know, the big gender issue in the church, can women be pastors?19:49It's a hot button issue. But I want you to hear me. The Bible is clear and it has not changed. Women are not to preach in church. And listen, I want you to hear me out, okay? You put your church clothes on and you showed up. So can you just stay and hear me out? I am not anti-woman. I'm married to one.20:19Without a doubt, my absolute most favorite human on the planet is a woman. And there's not even a close second. Okay, I'm not anti-woman. I'm not anti-woman. My mother, rest her soul, my mother was a woman. My sister, also a woman. We have so many faithful servants of Christ here in this church.20:48at this church.20:49I am not anti-woman.20:51I am not anti-woman.20:55But I'm also very much pro-Bible.21:00And the Bible straightforwardly says that the role of pastor, elder, preacher, shepherd, all the same thing.21:10The Bible clearly says that role is for men.21:17It's not my opinion.21:19That wasn't the consensus of the elder think tank. That's what the Bible says. Now you said you'd hear me out. There are so many arguments for pro-women pastors. So many arguments. I'm just going to share a few of them. Some people argue pro-woman pastor. Some people say, hey, hey, hey, look, Women are equal.21:49All right.21:50That's awfully sexist of you.21:52Women are equal.21:53Yes.21:54Yes.21:56Women aren't equal, but equal does not mean the same.22:02Equal does not mean we all have the same roles.22:04Where you work, I'm sure that you're equal with your boss.22:09But you have different roles.22:11Okay.22:13So yes, equal.22:15Not same.22:18Here's another pro-woman-pastor argument I've heard several times. Like, I know this woman pastor and she's fantastic. I went to this church and they had this woman pastor. She's fantastic. It just doesn't matter how good of a speaker you thought she was. A woman pastor is not a thing. Study your Bibles. There is no teaching in the Old Testament.22:45for installing a woman as a priest. And there's no teaching in the New Testament on how to install a woman as a pastor. In fact, all of the instructions for priests in the Old Testament, for pastors, shepherds, elders in the New Testament, it's directed towards men. Titus 1.6 says that elders, pastors should be the husband of one wife. Assuming, Paul was assuming that this was a, role for men.23:18But as soon as you say that, as soon as you say, well, there's no example of women pastors in the Bible.23:25As soon as you say that, some of you might already be thinking it.23:31Somebody thinks they got the trump card on that.23:33They're like, ah, what about Deborah?23:39You heard that one?23:39What about Deborah?23:43Deborah?23:43If you're unfamiliar with the story, I'll paraphrase it for you. Judges chapters 4 and 5. God called a man named Barak to serve him in leading Israel, and he wussed out. And Deborah had to step up and lead, because the man that God called was a chicken.24:16Oh, by the way, this is in the book of Judges. Deborah wasn't a pastor. All right. She wasn't even a priest. She was a military leader. That's what a judge was. Oh, and by the way, if you're looking in your Bible for examples on how to faithfully love and serve and obey and follow the Lord, I would not suggest going to the book of Judges for examples of that. Have you read the book of Judges? It is the craziest book of the Bible. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes. The stuff that happens is just crazy. But somebody comes along and says, well, Deborah. Deborah wasn't a pastor. Deborah wasn't a pastor. But then our more New Testament minded people, say, oh, I know who, you say no woman pastors, but what about, what about, what about Tequila and Priscilla? And I'm like, well, it's Akila and Priscilla, but I know who you're talking about. Acts chapter 18. These two together taught Apollos the way of the Lord more excellently, but it doesn't say anything in that passage about Priscilla being a pastor. It just doesn't say that. It'd be like if a newer believer came to church today, all fired up, all fired up, and their theology is a little off. And I'm like, hey, why don't you go to lunch with the calls? And Matt and Lexi take this person to lunch and teach them the Word of God. That doesn't make Lexi a pastor, all right?26:13A disciple maker, yes, but not a pastor. Neither was Priscilla. But here by far is the biggest objection that you hear. You know it's coming. When you say, well, you shouldn't have women pastors. The Bible says you shouldn't have women pastors. You know what the number one objection is to that. Well, that was just cultural. You hear that one? That was just cultural.26:43back then. What you have to understand in the first century Corinth culture, the first century Ephesian culture, what you've got to understand about the first century culture is they really hated women back then. Look at what Paul told Timothy, 1 Timothy 2. We're not going to unpack all this, but I just want you to see one thing here. Paul says, I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man. Rather, she is to remain quiet. Exactly what he says here. 1 Corinthians 14. Look, for Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Now, we're not going to unpack all that, but just one thing I want you to note. Paul's reasoning. Paul's reasoning that the woman is not to teach, or preach in church? His reasoning, is it cultural or is it theological? What's his reason? It's theological. And I've had people come at me hard wanting to argue this, and I show them this passage, and their answer is, well, it looks theological, but, but, no, no, no, Corinthian culture. Like, no, no, no, but, look, his reasoning is theological. You can study that yourself. Look at verse 34 again.28:11Back in 1 Corinthians 14. Look at the last phrase here. He says, they are not permitted to speak, but look at this, but should be in submission as the law also says. As the law also says. Again, is his reasoning culture or theological? Like, well, what law? Authority was established at creation. Genesis 3, verse 16.28:43Women are not to be in authority over men, but in submission. And as soon as you say submission, people ready to throw down. Cash me outside, right? You're ready to fight. Because people think that when we say submission, what we mean is weakness. And we've preached this, we've taught this so many times, submission is not weakness.29:11Jesus Christ was in perfect submission to his father for every single thing that he did. You would not dare call him weak. Submission is strength. It takes strength to trust God by submitting to God's established authority. That takes strength. So we talk about women pastors, women not being pastors. We're not talking about issues of equality or talent or ability. We're just we're talking about roles. It's just roles.29:41God says, here's things that I want men to do, and here's things I want women to do. It's just that. And I got to tell you, church, I agree with the late, great John MacArthur, who many times I've heard him teach. The most obvious evidence that a church has abandoned the Word of God is when they have a woman pastor. He goes on. Look at verse 35.30:13He says, if there's anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home.30:19For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.30:26It's shameful for a woman to speak in church.30:28The word shameful means it's a blemish on the church.30:32Not what it says.30:33Speak in church.30:34Speak.30:36Look at the context of the passage.30:37That's why we study the Bible in its context.30:40When it says speak, It's not like a woman walks in the door here. Hi, hi, where's your bathroom? It's like, keep your mouth shut, woman! Take your pagan ways out of here! You are not to speak. Look at the context. What's he talking about? He's talking about teaching and preaching in the church service, right? That's the obvious context. Yes, women can teach women. The Bible says, Titus chapter 2. Children.31:11He's talking here that a woman should not be up here preaching to the whole congregation. You have questions? He says, don't just shout them out in church. Men, don't do that either, all right? If you have questions, ask them in small group, ask them in Bible study, ask them in precepts, ask them whatever. Just not during church service, right? He says, ask your husbands. So husbands, You may be ready to answer some questions, especially after this sermon. If you don't have a husband, if you don't have a husband, a brother, a parent, a small group leader, an elder, yeah, if you're not married, I'm sure any of our elders would be glad to take a phone call from you and answer a question. See, God has a plan for order.32:10roles in the church. Faith means I trust God by doing things His way. And I know, look, I know. I know I'm going to get some texts and I'm going to get some emails because people are going to want to argue this. Right? And in Paul's day, as he wrote this letter and sent it off, He knew that people were going to want to argue this. Which is why I can honestly say I'm so thankful for this last section. Number four, Paul says none of this is up for debate. He knows as soon as you say, look, women should not be pastors. Women should not be preaching in church. People want to fight. And Paul says it's not up for debate.33:09liberal, church-minded, charismatic, feminist objections. And he goes pretty hard in the paint in the end of this. All right? So brace yourself. Look at verse 36. He says, or was it from you that the Word of God came? Or are you the only ones that has reached? See, Paul knew there were people going to read this, and they're like, I really think we should all speak in tongues. And I really think women should be pastors. And Paul's like, oh, oh, are you the authority? Oh, I'm sorry. Did somebody die and make you the expert? That's what Paul's saying. No. Look at verse 37. He says, if anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a commandment.34:09of the Lord. Listen, if you're spiritual, if you're really mature in your faith, you're going to acknowledge that this is from God. It's not cultural. It's not man's opinion. It's not something to be argued. Paul says God is commanding all of this. Verse 38. Pretty straightforward verse. Look at verse 38. He says, if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.34:41Paul says, if you refuse to accept this, we refuse to accept you.34:50That's pretty straightforward.34:53Paul's saying, listen, a woman pastor is not a pastor.34:58And you're like, well, I think she is.34:59Paul's like, well, we don't recognize you.35:05Paul says, a church without order is not a church.35:08You can call yourself what you want.35:10But if you're calling yourself a church, but you're not having a worship service that follows an order and follows these biblical guidelines for teaching and for roles, because you're just not a church.35:27If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.35:30So, verse 39, so my brothers, Earnestly desire to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. That's the call back to everything that we've talked about in this section. Prophecy, tongues, they were legit gifts in those days. The way that God used them. And that's what Paul's saying here. He goes, yeah, there's legit gifts here. Do them appropriately. Do it right. Do it right. And verse 40.36:04All of this was the introduction. Here's the sermon. Verse 40 is really the thesis of the whole passage. Paul says, but all things should be done decently and in order. Decently. The word decently means beautifully. It means in order. You're like, well, how are, What does that mean? You know, it would be like a man looking at his wife. Say, you know, you're put together perfectly. Everything is just in the right place. And you, everything is just, you're beautiful because there's just such an order and structure to you. Man, don't say that.37:05Everything just fits together on you. Maybe not, but you see the point. Everything fits together. Like, it's all working. It's all in harmony. It's so beautiful. That's what he's saying your worship service needs to be. Everything should fit together. Everything should be harmonious, beautiful. Your Bible might translate it decent.37:34It says, in order, in order, sequence, not chaos. Sequence, not chaos. God is beautiful. God has perfect harmony. And God rules the universe with clear order. So a worship service absolutely must reflect the God that we worship.38:04So our worship team makes their way up. I'd like you to bow your heads with me please. Father in heaven, sometimes your ways are hard to explain. But you haven't commanded us to explain you. You've commanded us to obey you. And your word is very clear.38:35that when we come together to worship, there are things that must happen, there are some things that must not happen.38:46And I'm sure as we go through this, I'm sure some point of this message, for every single one of us, probably each of us have experienced some point of tension.39:01Father help us to be like the Bereans look closely at your word are these things true and resolve that we're all called to submission ultimately Father we're called to submission to you and your word so I pray Father for Harvest Bible Chapel that as we gather for worship I pray Father that there is building up I pray that people are encouraged and edified.39:35And I pray, Father, that you look at all of this and you would regard it as beautiful.39:45You deserve everything we can give you.39:50You deserve so much more than that.39:53But let our hearts, Father, worship you in spirit and in truth.39:59We pray in Jesus' name.40:01Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 14:26-40What was your big take-away from this passage / message?All things must “be done for building up” (1 Cor 14:26). List some ways “building up” happens in church.What arguments have you heard for having a woman pastor? What does 1 Cor 14:33-35 say about women preaching in church?BreakoutPray for one another.

Join Micah Van Huss and Mac Dominick for part 2 of The Unseen Realm, by Michael Heiser, as he unveils the supernatural worldview of the Bible. They talk about snakes, giants, the heavenly council, and imprisoned spirits. Your Bible is filled with strange things, but what do they mean, and why do they matter?  Heiser shows how understanding the Bible's ancient context reveals surprises hiding in plain sight. By reading the Bible with the mindset of an ancient Israelite, you will learn new things about God, yourself, and the world. You may never read your Bible the same way again. 

Join Micah Van Huss and Mac Dominick as they talk about snakes, giants, the heavenly council, and imprisoned spirits. Your Bible is filled with strange things, but what do they mean, and why do they matter? In The Unseen Realm, Michael Heiser unveils the supernatural worldview of the Bible. Heiser shows how understanding the Bible's ancient context reveals surprises hiding in plain sight. By reading the Bible with the mindset of an ancient Israelite, you will learn new things about God, yourself, and the world. You may never read your Bible the same way again.                                

Your Bible can feel powerful one moment and distant the next, and that swing can leave you wondering what's wrong with your faith. We open Luke 8 and sit with Jesus' parable of the sower, a vivid picture of the Word of God as good seed and our hearts as the soil it lands on. When the message doesn't seem to “stick,” the problem usually isn't the seed. It's what's happening in the ground. We walk through each soil: the hard path where truth gets snatched away before it can be believed, the rocky ground where joy shows up fast but roots never form, and the thorny patch where worries, money stress, and pleasures slowly choke spiritual growth. If you've ever felt excited about God's promises and then folded under pressure, or if you've watched anxiety crowd out prayer, this conversation puts words to that experience and points to a better way forward. We also linger on the hope of good soil: hearing the Word, retaining it, and persevering through trials until God produces a real harvest, joy that overcomes, strength that holds, and peace that surpasses understanding.Join us today and subscribe for more short daily devotionals, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with the “soil” you're working on right now.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

The Triangle Connection: Jesus, You and Your Bible

Part 2 of Pastor Fred Smith's series on How To Get The Most out of Your Bible. On this episode we are focusing on reading the bible and praying everyday. 

(Matthew 1:1) Your Bible is not complete if it stops in Malachi. The last word of the Old Testament is "curse" and only Christ can turn that curse into blessing. Discover how the New Testament fulfills every part of the early Scriptures and every longing of the human heart. (10054260304)   Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Your Bible is the very word of God from cover to cover. That truth comes to us from the apostle Peter. Our guest this week is Pastor Brad Krause, a teacher of God's Word at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton. He will take us through 2 Peter chapter 1. 

Your Bible filter answers the question of human nature, and the role of sin in your life.  Sin is the reason there are so many problems in the world today.  Sin, transgression, and iniquities -- are areas of our life we are all responsible for.  But know that there is an answer for sin, and that is Jesus!

The devil often tempts us to believe God doesn't care about our suffering. Is God loving? Is He trustworthy?In this episode, we're looking at the significance of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. How does Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension relate to spiritual warfare and the authority believers have in Christ? Through Jesus' incarnation, we see God give a profound answer to the question of suffering, illustrating how Jesus fully entered into human pain, rejection, and death. We see Him confusing and defeating demons, speaking truth, calling us to repentance, and ultimately ushering in a new era of resurrected hope and life. As we consider His victory in action, we encourage you to reflect on how the incarnation deepens our understanding of God's love.Thank you for joining us - father-daughter duo Marcus Warner and Stephanie Warner - on the trail to a deeper walk with God! 

In this episode, we're continuing our biblical foundations of spiritual warfare series with a look at the kingdom of darkness from both the Old and New Testament perspectives. What are the origins of this dark kingdom? We specifically cover the "John Milton" understanding and the "Michael Heiser" understanding of these origins.What does Christ's authority look like over it all? We also discuss the significance of idolatry, the nature of evil, and the role of evangelism as a form of spiritual warfare. The good news is that Jesus Christ is victorious over the darkness, and believers do not need to be afraid to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence. Thank you for joining us - father-daughter duo Marcus Warner and Stephanie Warner - on the trail to a deeper walk with God!

Time for a new series! What's going on in the courtroom of Heaven, and why does it matter to Christians?In this episode, we delve into the topic of spiritual warfare, exploring its biblical foundations, starting with the concept of the divine council. We discuss the significance of the throne room of God, the legal framework surrounding spiritual warfare, and the importance of justice, accountability, and relationships in Heaven. We highlight the role of permission in spiritual warfare and why it's all important and practical for our everyday lives as Christians.Thank you for joining us - father-daughter duo Marcus Warner and Stephanie Warner - on the trail to a deeper walk with God! 

Your Bible foretells a villainous alliance between Germany and the moderate Arab nations in this end time. The main purpose of this alliance is to destroy the modern descendants of ancient Israel! Understand what must soon happen in world events to bring this deadly alliance together.

Your Bible foretells a villainous alliance between Germany and the moderate Arab nations in this end time. The main purpose of this alliance is to destroy the modern descendants of ancient Israel! Understand what must soon happen in world events to bring this deadly alliance together.

The Breastplate of Righteousness Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 3 of 7) Scripture: Ephesians 6:14b Summary In ancient warfare, a soldier could survive wounds to his arms, legs, or even head—but a wound to the heart was fatal. That's why the breastplate was critical. Similarly, in spiritual warfare, the enemy's primary target is your heart—your emotions, your conscience, your sense of identity. The breastplate of righteousness protects what matters most. This message explores how two kinds of righteousness work together to guard your heart from the enemy's attacks. Key Points: 1. Christ's Righteousness Is Your Foundation Before we can talk about living righteously, we must establish the foundation: you cannot earn righteousness through your own effort. Isaiah 64:6 says all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags. The breastplate begins with what Christ has done FOR you, not what you do for Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 reveals the great exchange: Jesus took your sin, and you receive His perfect righteousness. This is justification—your legal standing before God. When Satan accuses you (and Revelation 12:10 calls him "the accuser of our brethren"), you don't defend yourself by your performance. You point to Christ's finished work. This is the first layer of the breastplate. It protects your heart from crushing guilt and constant insecurity. Your acceptance before God doesn't depend on your daily performance—it depends on Christ's perfect righteousness credited to you by faith. 2. Righteous Living Protects Your Heart From Attack While your standing before God is secured by Christ's righteousness alone, your effectiveness in spiritual warfare requires righteous living. Paul tells us to "put on" the breastplate—that's active. We must put on righteous living daily. Why? Because unconfessed sin creates vulnerability in your armor. If you're harboring secret sin, living a double life, or deliberately disobeying God, what happens? Your prayers feel powerless. Your Bible reading feels dry. Your conscience condemns you. Your confidence evaporates. The pattern is: Deliberate disobedience → guilt and shame → loss of confidence → weakened prayers → spiritual ineffectiveness. We explored specific examples: unconfessed bitterness, secret sexual sin, financial dishonesty, unresolved conflict. Each creates a hole in the breastplate that the enemy exploits. Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." Why are the righteous bold? Because they have nothing to hide. Their conscience is clear. That gives them confidence in prayer, boldness in witness, and power in spiritual warfare. 3. The Enemy Attacks Your Heart With Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation The enemy's strategy is to attack your heart through three primary weapons: Guilt - "Look at what you did." Satan takes legitimate guilt and twists it, bringing up sins you've already confessed and making you feel like you can never be forgiven. Shame - "Look at who you are." While guilt says "I did something bad," shame says "I AM bad." It attacks your identity and worth, paralyzing you with the belief that you're fundamentally broken. Condemnation - "You're disqualified." This weapon says you've gone too far, sinned too much, and can't be used by God. It stops believers from stepping into ministry and being effective for the kingdom. We learned how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's conviction from Satan's condemnation: Holy Spirit's conviction: Specific about sin, leads to repentance, results in restoration, points to Christ Satan's condemnation: Vague and general, leads to despair, results in isolation, points to yourself The breastplate of righteousness protects you from these attacks. When you're trusting in Christ's righteousness AND walking in obedience, the enemy's accusations bounce off because your confidence is in Christ, not yourself. The Bottom Line: The breastplate of righteousness protects your heart in two ways—Christ's righteousness gives you standing before God, and your righteous living gives you confidence in warfare. You need both. Christ's righteousness without obedience leads to presumption. Obedience without Christ's righteousness leads to works-based religion. But together, they form a breastplate that fully protects your heart. Next in Series: Week 4 - "The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace" (Ephesians 6:15) How the gospel gives us firm footing in spiritual warfare.

Germany has always been deceitful in its foreign policy. Because Germany today says and does all the right things, the entire world has forgotten the war-making history of this mighty nation! A terrifying war machine is now rising from the underground to take revenge for losing World Wars I and II. Your Bible declares a fierce German leader will trigger World War III.

Germany has always been deceitful in its foreign policy. Because Germany today says and does all the right things, the entire world has forgotten the war-making history of this mighty nation! A terrifying war machine is now rising from the underground to take revenge for losing World Wars I and II. Your Bible declares a fierce German leader will trigger World War III.

Sermon Summary: "The Discipline of Bible Study" - Psalm 119:9-16 Series: Sacred Rhythms (Message 2) Main Message: Regular, thoughtful engagement with Scripture transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and directs our steps. Overview Imagine receiving a personal letter from someone who loves you deeply and has wisdom that could change your future. Would you skim it quickly, or would you study every word? That's exactly what you have in the Bible—a personal letter from God. Yet many Christians treat it casually, glancing at it occasionally rather than studying it intentionally. This message explores how to move beyond casual reading to transformative Bible study that changes lives. The Psalmist's Passion Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible—176 verses almost entirely about God's Word. The psalmist didn't see Scripture as religious duty but as spiritual delight. He found more joy in God's Word than in material riches because he understood its power to guide, cleanse, and transform. Key Points 1. God's Word Is Our Guide for Righteous Living "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Scripture serves as our moral GPS, showing us where we are, where we should be, and how to get there. The difference between casual reading and intentional study is this: reading says "That's a nice verse," while study asks "How does this apply to my life?" 2. Delighting in God's Word Brings Joy and Stability The psalmist "rejoiced" in God's testimonies and found "delight" in His statutes. This wasn't drudgery—this was genuine happiness. God's Word provides what our hearts desperately need: stability in chaos, wisdom for decisions, comfort in pain, hope in despair, and identity in confusion. 3. Consistent Study Requires Intentional Methods and Habits Passion for God's Word doesn't happen accidentally—it requires intentional practices. The message introduces five practical study methods: SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer), the 5 W's and H, Book Study, Topical Study, and Verse-by-Verse Study. Consistency matters more than length—start with 15-20 minutes daily. 4. Bible Study Must Move from Knowledge to Obedience The ultimate goal isn't just knowing more about God but knowing God more and living differently. Knowledge without obedience leads to spiritual pride. True Bible study always asks: "What is God calling me to do differently because of what I've learned?" Practical Study Methods Introduced SOAP Method: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer 5 W's and H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Book Study: Study entire books chapter by chapter Topical Study: Explore what the Bible says about specific topics Verse-by-Verse: Intensive study of individual passages This Week's Challenge Beginners: 15 minutes daily using the SOAP method with the Gospel of John Developing: Choose one book to study over the next month with multiple methods Experienced: Complete a thorough topical study on a relevant subject Everyone: Apply one recent biblical truth more fully in your life The Invitation God has given you a treasure more valuable than gold—His Word. But like any treasure, its value is only realized through careful study, not casual glances. Your Bible isn't just a book—it's a bridge to the heart of God. The psalmist found incredible joy in Scripture because he invested time studying it, meditating on it, and applying it. The same opportunity is yours today. God is waiting to speak to you through His Word, offering wisdom for decisions, comfort for pain, and direction for your future. Start today. Start small. But start. Don't miss what God wants to say to you through His Word. Listen to the full sermon audio above. This continues our six-part "Sacred Rhythms" series on spiritual disciplines. For upcoming messages and other sermon resources, visit our sermon archive.

Flashback Friday Message! Hurry, check to see if this verse is in YOUR BIBLE! VIDEO SAME MESSAGE

Daily Dose of Hope May 15, 2025 Day 4 of Week 7   Scripture – Mark 16:1-8   Prayer: Holy God, On this Thursday morning, we lift up our face to you.  We call upon your name.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  You are almighty and wise.  How thankful we are that you sit high and look low.  Lord, forgive us for our many sins and faults.  Give us strength and courage to do better.  And, as we begin to talk about the resurrection, Lord, help us live like new people.  We give you this day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin Mark 16, the resurrection story.  We are covering the first portion of Mark 16, the Scripture that is original to the Gospel.  This is the part that has authority.  Tomorrow, we will cover the portion of the chapter that was added by scholars several hundred years later.    But before we dig in, let's talk context.   Jesus was crucified on a Friday because the Jews had to have it done and over with before Sabbath (which for them runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown).  Thus, the women who wanted to anoint Jesus' body for burial had to wait until the Sabbath was over before heading over to the tomb.     Three women are specifically mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.  I want to point out that these women were also mentioned at being present at the crucifixion.  They watched Jesus die.  I want you to think about how the reality of suffering and intense grief is hanging over this whole scene. These were women who walked alongside Jesus, took care of his needs, and loved him.  It is because they loved him that they wanted to ensure that his dead body was properly prepared for burial.  Jews did not embalm but they ceremonially washed the body, wrapped it in cloths, and used herbs and spices to help with deterioration and smell.  In that culture, a proper burial was quite important, it demonstrated honor for that individual; for these women, this was an act of love and respect.   As they head over to prepare the body, they discuss what they think will be their biggest obstacle and decide it's going to be the heavy stone.  They were at the crucifixion.  They knew that a large stone was rolled in front of the tomb.  How will they move it?  What's interesting to me here is that they have no inkling that the tomb would be empty.  Jesus has taught about his death and resurrection but no one got it.    Now, when they get to the tomb and the stone was the least of their worries. It had already been rolled away.  When they entered the tomb, it's completely empty except for a young man dressed in a white robe just sitting there.  Mark doesn't say so, but it's implied this man is an angel.  The scripture says the women are alarmed.  They have been so consumed by their grief and suffering, so focused on taking care of this final act for Jesus, and then the stone is gone and there is this angel-like character sitting inside the tomb.  Of course they are alarmed.  And this man/angel person tells them that Jesus wasn't there because he had risen, just as he said he would. This is all a bit much for these ladies. They were scared.  They flee and say nothing to anyone. And the book of Mark ends.   Over the years, people have added more appealing endings to this Gospel, which we will address tomorrow.  Your Bible probably notes that anything after verse 8 was added later on.  It's usually in italics.  But this is the thing:  Mark's Gospel may feel a bit unsatisfying in how it so abruptly ends, it also creates a sense of anticipation and yes, even HOPE.  We don't have to make up fake endings for Mark like some of the church fathers may have done.     What Mark tells us is enough.  Why? Because the tomb was empty!  Jesus was resurrected.  Because death could not keep Jesus down!  Death was defeated.  Because the women were given the message to “Go and tell, Jesus is risen!”  Because all the promises that Jesus made have come true.  Every single one.   Just as Jesus said, he suffered, died, and was raised.  Just as he said, Judas betrayed him, the disciples scattered, and Peter denied him.  We know that eventually these women speak and they must speak a lot.  Because the message was shared.  After they get over their initial shock, it all begins to sink in. Yes, Jesus had told them this would happen. Yes, they would choose to believe and share the good news.  He wasn't dead but alive!  They chose to believe and share.   Will you?  Will you share the Good News of the resurrection?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Psalms 119:11Your Bible reading will be transformed if in your time with the Lord daily you personalize the passage of Scripture. Memorizing, mixed with personalizing, will enable you to analyze.

On This Week at Charlestown Road, Jason and Roger revisit Sunday morning's sermon, “Life Lessons From the First Pages of Your Bible,” digging deeper into what we can learn from the very beginning of God's written revelation to mankind.

On the next Treasured Truth, Pastor Ford will continue to encourage us about how we can overcome temptation. He’ll explain how no one is exempt from temptation. The Bible says, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Your Bible knowledge is not going to exempt you. Your service, or your singing in the choir, or your giving is not going to exempt you. So, this is a warning to those who consider themselves “super saints”—the people who say, “It won’t happen to me.” None of us should ever say that, since we can’t know in advance what we will or will not do. To learn more from Pastor Ford about how you can become victorious over temptation, be sure to join us for the next Treasured Truth. Treasured Truth is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here. To learn more about Pastor James Ford, Jr., click here. To learn more about Treasured Truth, click here.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/treasuredtruthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg recommends creating a habit of Bible reading this year, then he answers questions about attending a mandatory equity training, practices for doing a deep dive into a smaller portion of Scripture, and the Christian view of rewards versus the Mormon view of levels of Heaven.   Topics: Commentary: Create a habit of Bible reading this year. (00:00) Do you think it's a good idea to go ahead and attend an employer's mandatory equity training as an educational experience? (13:00) Can you recommend any practices for doing a deep dive into a smaller portion of Scripture? (30:00) How does the Christian view of rewards in Heaven compare with the Mormon belief about different levels of Heaven based on one's performance in this life? (43:00)   Mentioned on the Show:  Navigators Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan (for an iOS app where you can click off the boxes digitally as you read each chapter, see Bible Box) STR U Online Training   Related Links: You Want to Be a Good Apologist? by Amy Hall (on reading through the Bible) A Long-Term Plan to Know Your Bible by Amy Hall The Simple Way to Know and Be Shaped by Your Bible by Amy Hall James Gray on Mastering the Bible by Fred Sanders The Rewards of Memorizing a Book of the Bible by Amy Hall Tips for Memorizing a Book of the Bible by Amy Hall Martyn Lloyd-Jones's sermon series on Romans (also available in the Martyn Lloyd-Jones app) Romans 14-Volume Set by Martyn Lloyd-Jones Two Theological Misunderstandings behind Objections to Deathbed Conversions by Amy Hall

Europe has a dark and violent history. Your Bible says this history is about to repeat itself! The slumbering beast is awakening in Europe, and you can see it if you know where to look. “Party Founded By SS Officers Wins in Austria” “WHY THE TRUMPET WATCHES … Europe's Ongoing Unification Project” Germany and the Holy Roman Empire

Your Bible is full of stories about people receiving their healings. This episode focuses on those background characters who played a supporting role in someone else's miracle. You'll soon realize that the helping hands are important, and were noticed by Jesus.   #KingdomSpeak  #Podcast #Miracles

Your Bible describes an unnamed prophet who will prepare the way for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This man is on the scene today! Learn how to prove the identity of ‘that prophet'.

Your Bible describes an unnamed prophet who will prepare the way for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This man is on the scene today! Learn how to prove the identity of ‘that prophet'.

Your Bible describes an unnamed prophet who will prepare the way for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This man is on the scene today! Learn how to prove the identity of ‘that prophet'.

In this episode of the If You Mark in Your Bible podcast, Josh and Jeff Tucker discuss Ezekiel chapter 37, verses 1-10. The passage focuses on the restoration of the nation of Israel from Babylonian captivity. The vision of the dry bones represents the bleak state of Israel at the time, but God promises to bring them back to life. The hand of the Lord and the spirit of the Lord are mentioned, symbolizing divine authority. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of recognizing it. The breath of life represents the restoration of the nation, and the vision ends with the image of an exceedingly great army.TakeawaysGod promises to bring Israel back to life and restore the nation from Babylonian captivity.The vision of the dry bones represents the bleak state of Israel at the time.The hand of the Lord and the spirit of the Lord symbolize divine authority and sovereignty.The breath of life represents the restoration of the nation.The vision ends with the image of an exceedingly great army.00:00 Introduction and Background03:10 The Vision of the Dry Bones09:50 Divine Authority and Sovereignty20:00 The Breath of Life27:21 Restoring the Nation33:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIF YOU MARK IN YOUR BIBLE PODCASTWebsite: www.iymiyb.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/iymiybInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iymiyb/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iymiyb?sub_confirmation=1Email: josh@biblemarkings.comTHE SCATTERED ABROAD NETWORKVisit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/scatteredabroadnetwork Visit our website, www.scatteredabroad.org, and subscribe to our email list. "Like" and "share" our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/sapodcastnetwork Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ the_scattered_abroad_network/ Subscribe to our Substack: https://scatteredabroad.substack.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Scattered Abroad Network Contact us through email at san@msop.org. If you would like to consider supporting us in any way, don't hesitate to contact us through this email.

The word “Armageddon” is often used to describe earth-destroying dangers. This March 2024 edition of Astronomy magazine features this cover Headline: “COSMIC CATASTROPHES, How the Universe threatens life on earth,” p. 18, “The Universe is a terrifying place, filled with existential threats. Earth may seem quite solid beneath our feet, but the continued existence of the thin layers of rock, water, and air that sustain us is in no way guaranteed. Errant asteroids, soaring superflares, and exploding supernovae are just a few of the calamities that might befall our fragile world. In the short term, we may be able to manage or mitigate some of these threats. Asteroids can be diverted and power grids hardened. But other apocalypses are inevitable as the solar system ages: a runaway Moon, Earth's collapsing magnetosphere, the Sun's flagging heart. Each one represents a countdown to a different apocalypse, with some more imminent than others” (“These are the ways our world will end,” Astronomy.com, March 1, 2024). Your Bible confirms such cosmic dangers when the prophesied heavenly signs will terrify humans all over the earth. How will the great men and women react? Revelation 6:15, “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'” (Revelation 6:15–17). Yes, my friends, Bible prophecy reveals dramatic dangers just ahead of us, but also the good news of God's coming Kingdom ruled by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords. Surprisingly, when Jesus Christ returns, all the world's armies and powerful worldly military might will fight against the coming conquering King in the battle of Armageddon. On today's program, we'll be offering an amazing free study guide, ARMAGEDDON AND BEYOND, to help you understand what is ahead for planet Earth. Join us on today's program and learn who will win the Battle of Armageddon!

2 Peter 1:12-21 | Jesus is the Messiah and Your Bible is True by Calvary Chapel Lynchburg

The Good News in Your Bible is for You and for You to Share

Send us a Text Message. What if you had 7 simple questions at your fingertips to help you bring the Bible to life as you read it? Here with us again is Keith Ferrin, Your Bible coach. Many of us struggle to read or understand the Bible. Keith is passionate about helping you enjoy your Bible, I can't wait for you to hear from him! You can fill out the interest form for A New Song Life Group, HERE Stay Connected with Keith and grab one of his courses. He is offering our listeners two courses for the price of one! Relational Bible Study – My Bible study course (www.keithferrin.com/rbs)Simplest Way to Internalize – My internalization/memorization course (www.keithferrin.com/internalize)Here's a link that will give you BOTH courses for the price of one: https://www.keithferrin.com/offers/eYt8STPU?coupon_code=DENISHA That link will automatically apply your coupon code. Follow Keith for more great tools! Website – www.keithferrin.comYouTube – www.youtube.com/keithferrinInstagram - www.instagram.com/keithferrinFacebook - www.facebook.com/keithferrinPinterest - www.pinterest.com/keithferrinLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keithferrinTwitter/X - www.twitter.com/keithferrinHere are two FREE Ebooks for you! 1. Shame Off You: 10 steps to shattering shame in your life, HERE. 2. ABC's: CLICK HERE for a FREE E-book to help you combat lies and replace them with God's truth. For more encouragement, check out some of our offerings at www.reclaimedstory.comDid you know we have a jewelry line that speaks to your identity in Jesus? CLICK HERE to shop. Every purchase helps support our mission to provide healing and hope to women worldwide. Would you partner with us to spread the message of hope and healing? You can DONATE HERE. Living the Reclaimed Life is a Reclaimed Story, Inc. podcast, An Arizona non-profit corporation. If you would like to connect with a safe group of women doing real-life together, join our private Facebook page, “Living the Reclaimed Life” or on Facebook or Instagram

Your Bible foretells the imminent breakaway of Syria from Iran and Russia. Prove where and when Syria will seek a new alliance—and how the whole world will be rocked by this dramatic shift in geopolitics.

Your Bible foretells the imminent breakaway of Syria from Iran and Russia. Prove where and when Syria will seek a new alliance—and how the whole world will be rocked by this dramatic shift in geopolitics.

Your Bible foretells the imminent breakaway of Syria from Iran and Russia. Prove where and when Syria will seek a new alliance—and how the whole world will be rocked by this dramatic shift in geopolitics.

Billions of people around the world pray memorized prayers. But do they get answers to their prayers? Do you get answers to YOUR prayers? Are prayers just talking to ourselves? Or is there a real God who answers prayer? Are there practical keys and strategies for answered prayer? Your Bible gives practical keys to answered prayer. Our free study guide, TWELVE KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER, will help inspire your prayer life and help change your life for the better. Be sure to write down the contact information to order your free copy. Jesus' disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” That's in Luke 11:1. Jesus then gave them the model prayer or the outline prayer. Perhaps you have memorized it and repeat it often. But do you pray with meaning? You need to know five keys for answered prayer. You can have an amazing and abundant life following these keys from your Bible!

Your Bible foretells a villainous alliance between Germany and the moderate Arab nations in this end time. The main purpose of this alliance is to destroy the modern descendants of ancient Israel! Understand what must soon happen in world events to bring this deadly alliance together

Your Bible foretells a villainous alliance between Germany and the moderate Arab nations in this end time. The main purpose of this alliance is to destroy the modern descendants of ancient Israel! Understand what must soon happen in world events to bring this deadly alliance together

Your Bible reveals the future of the world and the future of the universe. There is coming a time when this planet Earth will be purified with fire. It will become a new earth. The earth will then host a heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven to planet Earth! The mysterious book of Revelation tells us in REVELATION 21:1, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” But will YOU be alive to enjoy that new earth and the New Jerusalem? My friends, God has planned a glorious future for those who love Him and have surrendered their lives to our Savior, Jesus Christ. You can learn more about the future from the free study guide we're offering today, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled! Be sure to write down the contact information to order your free copy! What can you do to enjoy the New Jerusalem and the reality of a glorious future? Join us on today's program: THE NEW JERUSALEM.

Perhaps no figure looms larger in our prophesied future than the ANTICHRIST. Your Bible is clear that he IS coming, and that a level of destruction, persecution, and death arrive with him--such as the world has never seen before or will ever see again. And there is cause to believe that he is alive TODAY--certainly, his tools of deception are ALREADY in place and ALREADY impact the lives of most who consider themselves “Christian” today. Will you be among the few to recognize him when he steps onto the world stage? Most won't--but you can. Join us for this episode of Tomorrow's World, as we reveal Seven Signs of the End-Time Antichrist!

Our planet and all our nations are faced with natural disasters, famine, earthquakes, wars, and total destruction. We even see the word “Armageddon” appearing in news headlines. Will we soon experience World War III? Will the world soon experience Armageddon? On today's program, we'll be offering you a free study guide that will answer those questions. It's titled ARMAGEDDON AND BEYOND. Be sure to write down the contact information to order your free copy! The 1998 popular movie “Armageddon” portrayed an incoming asteroid the size of Texas that would destroy all life on earth. NASA recruits a team of oil drillers to save the world. Perhaps you have seen that sobering movie. Are we today in danger of incoming earth-destroying asteroids? Astronomy.com describes the meteor that exploded over Siberia in 2013: “On February 15, 2013, a small asteroid, perhaps measuring 20 meters across, came down over the southern Urals of Russia, barreling in at about 19 km/s, and exploded over Chelyabinsk Oblast, near the town of Chelyabinsk. With a mass greater than that of the Eiffel Tower, the asteroid exploded in an airburst, unleashing energy equal to about 500 kilotons of TNT, some 20 or 30 times the energy released in the Hiroshima atomic explosion.” (“Why the asteroid threat should be taken seriously,” Astronomy.com) Continuing the report, author David J. Eicher describes the dangers we face today: “The risk from asteroids impacting Earth and causing widespread damage, death, and catastrophe is real, and is present every day of our lives. But it is to a degree a counterintuitive threat, which makes it hard for some people to take seriously. The risk at any given moment is almost nonexistent, but given enough time, a catastrophic event will happen again. Do we need to worry about an asteroid strike during our next foray out to lunch? Probably not. But someday a large enough asteroid with Earth's name on it will enter the picture, causing horror and mayhem for humanity. Unless we do something about it, that is.” (ibid.) Your Bible reveals future astronomical events as well as major military conflicts. Revelation the sixth chapter describes cosmic disturbances: “And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.” (Revelation 6:13-14). The movie “Armageddon” used the title to depict the cataclysmic end-of-the world danger described in your Bible. Bible scholars describe Armageddon as the final battle between good and evil. Who will win that battle? Will the world survive Armageddon? And will you be able to escape “Armageddon”? Stay tuned!

In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows and Armin Navabi battle the problem with evil, as they commit blasphemy right after discovering that only men have the breath of life because ideas must be real. Mike in SC asks about free will and the problem of evil. Is violating someone's freewill the only way to prevent someone from doing something bad? Is it rational to believe in things for which you have no evidence? How do you know that the eyewitness testimonies presented in the Bible are not just part of the story? If god is omnipotent, why do people have to burn for not believing? How is the Bible a guide for life if it can't even get the answer for what we can and can't eat right? Can you provide evidence without just repeating what you are saying? Are all the ancient gods that changed cultures and performed miracles real?Michael in GA asks why atheists say that a baby is not a person before it takes its first breath. He also believes that only men have the breath of life since god breathed into a man, not a woman. Your Bible does not even use masculine terminology until after Eve so Adam is gender neutral. Nobody has the right to tell you how to use your body, otherwise we are creating slaves. Bringing up the race of the fetus will do nothing to further your case. In fact, take a wild guess of what that kind of trolling will do for you. Bye!Rami in Hawaii reads out of the Bible as evidence of the holy spirit's presence. Why do you need the holy spirit to attain positive qualities? Why is it okay to blasphemy against Islam by not believing that Mohammed is the profit, but not okay to blasphemy against the holy spirit? We are all going to hell in somebody's religion. You know that right? If god is real, he is a narcissistic monster and should be jailed for crimes against humanity. Is it good or evil to create an organism that is spread by mosquitoes and kills billions of people? Did god create everything including malaria? If we are good people, and do not believe in Jesus, what happens to us when we die?Oliver in the UK asks what right atheists have to question someone else's reality, if ideas are real. Just because an idea is real, does not mean that it is true. What makes you think atheists don't have the right to ask questions? Why would Muslims have the right to say that Allah is real, but don't think that atheists have the right to say that Allah is not real? Thank you as always for tuning in this week. Question of the week is: Why is god really mad at Satan?

The horrifying attacks by Hamas against Israel featured the indiscriminate slaughter of babies. Your Bible has a lot to say about babies being slaughtered in the next world war. You need to understand this sobering warning.

The horrifying attacks by Hamas against Israel featured the indiscriminate slaughter of babies. Your Bible has a lot to say about babies being slaughtered in the next world war. You need to understand this sobering warning.

No one is exempt from temptation. The Bible says, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Your Bible knowledge is not going to exempt you. Your service, or singing in the choir, or your giving record is not going to exempt you. So, Pastor Ford gives a warning to the super saints—the people who say, “It won’t happen to me.” None of us should ever say that, since we can’t know in advance what we will or will not do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg talks to callers about what to say to a skeptic who claims portions of the Gospels were made up to match Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, whether Hell is something we choose or an enforced punishment, and how to convince another Christian of how important it is to read the Bible and make it part of their life.   Topics: What should I say to a skeptic who claims portions of the Gospels were made up to match Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53? (06:00) Is Hell something we choose (i.e., the doors are “locked on the inside”), or is it a more a matter of just judgment (i.e., like prison)? (28:00) How can I convince another Christian of how important it is to read the Bible and make it part of their life? (44:00) Mentioned on the Show:  God Reforms Hearts: Rethinking Free Will and the Problem of Evil by Thaddeus Williams Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus Williams Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 22–23 in Los Angeles, CA; October 13–14 in Seattle, WA; November 10–11 in Minneapolis, MN; February 23–24, 2024 in Dallas, TX; March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl Bart Ehrman on the Existence of Jesus by Amy Hall – Video clip of Bart Ehrman Be One of the 100 Related Links: You Want to Be a Good Apologist? by Amy Hall (about reading the Bible) James Gray on Mastering the Bible by Fred Sanders The Simple Way to Know and Be Shaped by Your Bible by Amy Hall