For at give dig den bedst mulige oplevelse bruger dette websted cookies. Gennemgå vores Fortrolighedspolitik og Servicevilkår for at lære mere.
Forstået!
Welcome to Exile, a podcast about Jewish lives under the shadow of fascism. Narrated by award-winning screen and stage actor, Mandy Patinkin. Untold stories and firsthand accounts drawn from intimate letters, diaries and interviews found in the Leo Baeck Institute’s vast archive. Each episode, a story of beauty and danger that brings history to life. Because the past is always present. Starting November 1, episodes are released weekly every Tuesday. The Leo Baeck Institute, New York | Berlin is a research library and archive focused on the history of German-speaking Jews. Antica Productions produces award-winning non-fiction podcasts, films and series which inform and inspire audiences around the world.
Awake Us Now is an online ministry sharing the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son. We have modeled our ministry after the early Acts Church and meet together in home groups. Using live broadcast and on demand video, we worship together each Sunday as one voice of praise and prayer across America. Through pertinent and vibrant teaching, we grow in faith and are encouraged to live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our ministry has a heart to see revival breakout across America and we look forward to Christ's return.
Awake Us Now is an online ministry sharing the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son. We have modeled our ministry after the early Acts Church and meet together in home groups. Using live broadcast and on demand video, we worship together each Sunday as one voice of praise and prayer across America. Through pertinent and vibrant teaching, we grow in faith and are encouraged to live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our ministry has a heart to see revival breakout across America and we look forward to Christ's return.
This teaching is from Matthew 21:23-46 and continues our dive into Jesus’ final week of his ministry before his death and resurrection. The religious leaders are doing all they can to get Jesus to say something so that they can bring Him up on charges and get rid of Him. And there is a debate between Jesus and those leaders in the first verses of our study today. As the leaders (priests and elders) ask Jesus by what authority He was doing things in and who gave him this authority. This question might seem like a simple question but in reality it is a set up and they want him to reveal who He is so they can charge Him with blasphemy. These leaders should have understood who Jesus was; they had the opportunity to listen to His teachings, see His miracles, and hear testimonies of what Jesus had been doing. All these things predicted had been predicted by the prophets. Those with eyes to see could see who He was. Jesus takes their question and turns it around on them and responds that He’ll answer them if they answer a question first. The question He gives them, they decide they can’t answer. So there is a stalemate. So Jesus moves on into sharing three Parables that are addressed to the religious leaders. The Parables do the following: Indictment Sentence Execution The Indictment - the parable of the two sons. A father asks a son to go work in the vineyard and the son says, “No,” but then changes his mind later and does go out and work in the vineyard. To the other son the father says to go work in the vineyard, but that son says, “Yes,” but never goes and does it. Jesus poses the question, “Which of the two sons did what his father wanted?” The leaders reply, “the first son: and Jesus hands down this indictment to the religious leaders, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you … you did not repent and believe.” This was a public rebuke of the leaders in front of a crowd. Jesus moves on to share another parable, the parable of the tenants. A landowner (God the Father) planted a vineyard, walled it in, installed a winepress and added a watch tower and leased it out to some tenants (religious leaders). When harvest time came he sent his servants (prophets) to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants beat and killed the servants that came to collect for the landowner. Then the land owner sent a second set of servants to collect and they too were killed. Lastly the land owner sent his son (Jesus) to collect, but they killed him too. (Prediction of what is to come and the revelation of the religious leader's plan). Jesus ends this parable with the question, “When the owner of the vineyard comes - what will he do to these tenants?” The religious leaders - being obviously spiritually blind did not understand the parable at all and that it was about them. Jesus is getting ready to speak their sentencing…. They answer Jesus, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus points out to them that He is the One, the Son, the Stone the builders rejected. He is the awaited Messiah, the cornerstone, the rock on which we build our lives. And He replies to them, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Jesus clearly states the sentencing against the religious leaders. 1. Points to the fact that only those who repent and believe in Jesus as Messiah and Savior have life ever after. 2. Jesus says it will be given to someone else. Alluding to the Gentile mission - the Kingdom of God coming to both Jews and Gentile; through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus, through repentance and faith and through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. God will carry out the world-wide mission! Verse 45 shares that the Pharisees (religious leaders) now knew He was talking about them! And so they looked for a way to arrest Him - but they were concerned about the crowd because they held that Jesus was a prophet - they were listening to Him. But what changes in the next few days that makes it possible for them to arrest and crucify Jesus? Join us next time to find out! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
Scripture: Exodus 20:13, Genesis 4, 2 Samuel 11-12, Genesis 9:6, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15 Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.” Many believe they have not broken this commandment - but what we will discover is that we have all broken it. This will be a message that will offend many and we will see our incredible need for a Savior. We will also recognize He is giving us direction for our daily lives. The Ten Commandments were given as a Curb Mirror Guide There are so many stories of murder in the Bible: Cain and Abel - Genesis 4, David and Uriah - 2 Samuel 11-12. In Genesis 9:6 we see that God considers life to be sacred, precious: “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed;for in the image of God has God made mankind.” Murder is a violation of the very heart of the Living God. Jesus defines murder in greater detail in Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” We are guilty of sinning against this commandment with our hearts and minds - one we thought we were exempt from. Anger, resentment and hatred - destroy us from within. “All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them.” 1 John 3:15. God calls us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive and to take seriously the heart of this commandment. Not just our outward actions but our inner thoughts. This command shows us our inner need for a Savior and calls us to Christ, showing we all need a Divine Deliverer. What more is in this command? Specific Issues: PUNISHMENT and WARFARE - Government: death penalty, wars: Romans 13:4 gives authority to government to carry these out. SUICIDE - affects the individual, their families and even communities. We are not to take our own lives. Many think of this is the unforgivable sin - yet the Bible does not say that. ABORTION - See Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:16 and Luke 1:41-44 where we see that Scriptures do not distinguish between the unborn and born. Responding to this command - do we accept a world view? Here’s a common saying today: “If you are against abortion, don’t do it. But don’t impose your views on others.” With a closer look - try substituting different words in place of “abortion” such as: murder or slavery or sex trafficking. How does that change your view? Response ⁃ Realize: I may have accepted a worldview that is contrary to God’s ⁃ Repent: ask Him for forgiveness ⁃ Receive: forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. ⁃ Rely: on His Word which is true, on His Holy Spirit who guides and directs and gives revelation and understanding. It is painful to admit our sin, but glorious to receive what God offers: forgiveness and life in Christ. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.…
Romans 13:4 exhorts believers to "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." But what about the old clothes, the "desires of the flesh?" How do we remove sinful behaviors and keep them off for good?
Up To Jerusalem - Teaching 1 Scripture - Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-33, John 11:55-57 Jesus is the most courageous man who ever lived. He knew what lay ahead and yet He chose the road that led to the cross anyways! Clearly, we matter to God. God loves us each individually so much that He was willing to go Up to Jerusalem. Up to Jerusalem 1. Biblical 2. Jewish 3. Chronological 4. Teleological (meaning it is by design - God’s deliberate plan) In Matthew 20:17-19 we read “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way He took the Twelve…. “ And He shares that the Son of Man (Himself) would be arrested, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, crucified and on the 3rd day He will be raised to life. Jesus is up front with telling of His death and resurrection but the disciples did not understand what He was saying. In Mark 10:22 and 32 Mark reports that they were on their way up to Jerusalem and Jesus told them what was going to happen to Him. There is a sense of fear and uncertainty in the air….. Luke 18:31-33 as well tells us that Jesus took them aside and said that they were going up to Jerusalem and He told them everything that is written by the prophets on the Son of Man would be fulfilled…. He would be arrested, mocked, flogged, killed, and on the 3rd day He will rise again. John tells us in John 11:55-57 that Jesus was going up to Jerusalem but adds the piece that the chief priests and pharisees had plans to arrest Jesus. Comparing all four sources, we can determine a specific time when this conversation happened. This is just days before the Passover festival (a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites by God from bondage in Egypt, when they put the blood of a lamb on their door posts and the Lord passed over their homes - saving them from the 10th Plague and then God used Moses to lead them out of Egypt.) From these four sets of verses we learn that: God will carry out His purpose! Jesus will do the Father’s will! And God wins! Everything in the Bible points to these final days of Jesus and everything that follows flows out of these days - because the Final Return of Jesus is coming!! He has already won the victory! And because of that victory, we are assured that God wins and so do we as His believers! The story of Up to Jerusalem is truth that transforms- it is life-giving - it changes EVERYTHING! And so let’s head Up to Jerusalem! Pastor digs deeper into who the chief priests were: their politics, their duties, their influence, their teachings, and their opposition to Jesus. They viewed Him as a threat to their power, influence, wealth and futures. What we learn is that what God desires from us is not religion - He desires relationship with Him: to know Him, to listen to Him, to follow Him. Pastor explores a few more verses in Matthew as they are on the road up to Jerusalem. Jesus teaches the disciples that life is not about achievements and being “top dog”. This life is about serving. Jesus says, “serving, even as I have served.” Jesus is a servant - and we are called to be like that. Jesus tells that serving Him and others is the way the Father would have us do things, not the way the world does - of looking out for only one’s self. Jesus teaches and shows us that with God it’s all about self sacrifice and service - being humble and obedient, it’s not about self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. Did you know the word leader is mentioned only 6 times in the King James Bible, but servant is mentioned 900 times! Kinda’ emphasizes the point! Jesus says, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This is our model and we are called to be more and more like Him Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus' ministry concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part four of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.…
This teaching is from Matthew 21:10-23 and continues a study of Holy Week - Jesus’ final week before His resurrection. In today’s story, people recognized Jesus as a prophet, but He was much more than a prophet! Over the next few weeks we will be exploring: The heart of the Gospel as the heart of God’s message of salvation, and that message is at the heart of who Jesus is. Let’s dig into what that means for us. Following Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in today’s text picks up with Jesus entering the temple courts and how he drives out all who were buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Jesus says, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.” Pastor shares the perspective that this is the second tine Jesus cleansed the temple, the first was at the beginning of His teaching ministry and the account in Matthew brings the second time Jesus does this. Pastor talks in detail about the temple at this time: size, construction and the courts on the sides of the temple allowed possibly as many as 200,000 people to worship at the temple. Following the overturning of the tables in the temple court, the blind and lame came to Jesus and he healed them and children were singing hosannas. But this angered the priest and teachers of the law, revealing their spiritual blindness and arrogance. Jesus desires that heir minds would be opened and that these leaders would be accept Him for who He is. He desires that we all come to Him in humility and genuine worship. Jesus then leaves the temple and heads to Bethany for the night. Everything the scriptures have predicted is about to take place... Today’s teaching closes with the story of the cursed fig tree. What does this story tell us? Was Jesus just in a bad mood? Was he ‘hangry?” No, there is much to learn from this story, here’s how it goes. Jesus is hungry. He goes to a fig tree to pick fruit but there’s nothing on it except leaves. But it wasn’t the season for figs! Didn’t Jesus know this? Here’s what we do know: Prior to the season for figs to come on a tree there are small nubs that grow on the tree called paggim. They are edible - but there aren’t even any paggim on this tree. All Jesus finds are leaves. It’s then that Jesus says, “May you never bear fruit again!” The fig tree is a symbol for Israel, the fig tree is often used as a representation of the children of Israel. And Adam and Eve, after the fall, were clothed in fig leaves. So the fig tree is a reminder of human sin, Genesis 3, but also a reminder of the nation of Israel especially its leaders. What Jesus sees as he looks at this tree is that it looks like a great tree but it has no fruit. This is a prophetic judgement on the leadership of Jesus’ day - it is also a clarion call to us to take seriously the things of God! What God desires is that we don’t just “look good” on the outside, He desires that we bear fruit! Jesus tells us throughout His ministry that if we continue in His word we will bear fruit. We’re not saved by our fruit production but because we are saved, we will produce the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control so that others are drawn to Jesus. We don’t want our lives to be all for show - we want to produce fruit! Jesus goes on to let us know we can trust God to hear and heed our prayers and that we can, with confidence, do the work He has called us to do: on our knees, praying and believing what Jesus says, “You will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” We can ask anything according to His will - He hears and answers! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
Matthew 20:17-34, Matthew 21:1-11, Exodus 12:3, Isaiah 62:11, Zechariah 9:9, and Psalm 118:25-26. Jesus lets us know that He is the fulfillment of all the Hebrew Scripture had predicted and all that the Father had dictated. Until we receive Jesus as Lord, this is only head knowledge. The disciples had heard Him speak what was coming multiple times, but they just did not grasp what Jesus was saying about Him being the long awaited Savior. They didn’t understand what was ahead for Jesus in the next weeks. Jesus shares the sacrifice He’s going to make explaining what is coming: suffering, death and rising on the 3rd day. It’s at this point in the Matthew narrative that there is a story of Jesus’ Aunt wanting her sons to be on each side of Jesus in heaven. But Jesus uses her request to teach us we are to be individuals that reflect the heart of our heavenly Father who reflect the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, and reflect His example and sacrifice. We are to put aside the things that the world so greatly treasures and instead embrace the values of God and the Holy Scriptures. We are to serve not be served. It’s important that we today grasp the truth of who Jesus is as heart knowledge, not just head knowledge. The next vignette Matthew shares is the story of two blind men who Jesus had compassion on and he heals their sight. This story contrasts how the blind man knew Jesus was Lord and asked for his mercy as opposed to the religious people who could not see Him for who He truly is. As we head into chapter 21 is the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the 10th Day of Nissan, the exact day of that thousands of year old male lambs were being brought into the city and that will be set aside until the day of the Passover sacrifice on the 14th of Nissan. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey as a set apart sacrificial lamb who will die on the cross during Passover on the 14th day of Nissan…. …This is not coincidental… As thousands of lambs come into the city for preparations of Passover in rides the Lamb of God. Jesus fulfilled what was prophesied in Isaiah and Zechariah when He rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, “See your Savior comes, lowly and riding on the foal of a donkey.” (Paraphrased) If a king rode into a city on a donkey it was a sign He was coming peace, but if a king rose into a city on a horse he was coming for war. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He came as the Prince of Peace, the One who will suffer for the sins of the world and lay down His life for us all. He came in peace knowing full well what was ahead of Him. Jesus is accepted and cheered for as the Savior as He enters Jerusalem to the cheers of “Hosanna to the Son of Dave. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” But in just a few days another crowd will be cheering, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
This teaching is from Matthew 19:13-30 and Matthew 20:1-16. This teaching starts with a focus on children. The disciples didn’t like that people were bringing little children to Jesus, these children were babies, infants, toddlers, and the disciples were thinking Jesus is trying to talk to the adults and they’re bringing kids to him, taking time away from Jesus speaking, that they were noisy and disruptive and that it just wasn’t appropriate. But Jesus says, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What’s Jesus saying? He’s saying kids matter to Him, They are part of His kingdom! The question is how does a child believe? But then, how does an adult believe? The answer is in 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul says that no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. It’s only when the Holy Spirit moves in a person’s life (adult or child) that they can believe. Many times we act like the disciples, looking at things from a human standpoint and personal prejudice instead of the vantage point of heaven. Jesus is saying kids matter and after correcting the disciples He blesses the kids. Then the text moves into the topic of wealth and Jesus answers the question of a man asking Him how to be saved. Meaning the man is asking what he can do, this man has it wrong - we are saved by grace, not works. But Jesus patiently continues with the man and He mentions to keep the commandments to which the man replies that he’s done that. Jesus sees into the man’s heart and understands that he is proud of his accomplishments, wealth and focused on earning eternal life. This is when Jesus invites the man to be one of his disciples and to sell his possessions and give to the poor. But as Jesus knew he would, the man goes away sad because the reality was his wealth was his god. Jesus continues that it’s hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. But what is Jesus really saying? He’s using hyperbole. So the question then is: if you have to go through the eye of a needle to be saved, who then can be saved? Jesus replies that with man that’s impossible, but with God all things are possible. Meaning that it’s not by wealth or what we’ve accumulated, or earned or done or accomplished that we are saved, we are saved by grace alone and THAT is only possible with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is showing us that God is over all and He is to be our treasure and number one priority in our lives. He’s to be the heart of our lives. Jesus says what matters most is our relationship with Him. We don’t buy our way into eternal life, but we are called to use the gifts God has given us to His glory and for His good. So we to make sure that God is heart and center in our lives. Pastor continues with chapter 20 where Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. The owner hired workers at sunrise, then 3 hours later hired more workers and then even more workers at noon, 3pm and 5pm. When evening came the owner paid ALL workers with a denarius (a day’s wage). And those that worked the least amount of hours got the same pay as those that worked the most hours. Those that worked the most hours complained to the owner and his response was, “Are you envious because I’m generous?” So we ask: is this just? Here’s a quote that helps us understand what Jesus is teaching: “We are fools if we appeal to God for justice rather than grace!” If God were completely just we would all be in hell, but He is merciful and Jesus is trying to bring home that truth. Only the grace of God saves. Only the mercy of Christ offers life. Only the blood of Jesus covers our sin. Only a relationship with God through faith in Jesus delivers us. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
This teaching is from Matthew Matthew 26:69 - 27:31, Deuteronomy 27:25, Zechariah 11:12.-13, Jeremiah 19:1-13, Isaiah 53:4-8 The story of Jesus’ trial continues with a look into what’s transpiring in the courtyard. We see Peter being accused of knowing Jesus 3 different times and all three times Peter denies knowing Jesus. But then the rooster crows and he remembers Jesus’ words predicting his denial. Peter leaves the courtyard in tears. Meanwhile, Judas is experiencing remorse as he sees that Jesus is condemned. Judas returns the 30 pieces of silver realizing he has betrayed innocent blood and goes out to the hang himself. The story moves into the Roman part of the trial. Note: it is not just the Jewish leadership sentencing Jesus, it is the Gentiles as well. Showing us that It is all of us who have put Jesus on the cross. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Isaiah 53:4-6 “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilot and asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Throughout the testimonies against Him, Jesus remains quiet. Jesus’ silence is a fulfillment of the prophetic verses found in Isaiah 53:7-8 “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.” Pilot could see that the charges against Jesus are drummed up - and while proceedings are going on Pilot’s wife sends him a message, “Don’t have anything o do with the innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.” Pilot had the option to release one prisoner - asking the crowd who they would like released - Jesus or Barabus - the crowd chooses to release Barabus and they cheer for Jesus to be crucified. Pilot then washes His hands saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility.” And then Pilot has Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
This teaching is from Matthew 18:21-35, the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor, and Matthew 19:1-12 on the topic of Divorce. Peter asks Jesus if he should forgive someone seven times. Jesus responds with seventy seven times. The meaning of Jesus saying seventy seven times is that forgiveness in the face of genuine repentance does not keep track of numbers and Jesus is calling us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Then Jesus tells this “Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor,” a story where a servant of a king owes millions of dolors to the king. When the king call the debt to account and be paid, the servant begs the king to be patient with him and that he will repay it. The king has compassion and forgives the entire debt! But then this servant of the king has a man that works for him and this man owed the king’s servant a few thousand dollars and the king’s servant calls this man debt to account. When the man pleads to the king’s servant for time to pay but the king’s servant has the man thrown into jail until he could get the debt paid. When the king heard about the lack of compassion he confronted his servant saying he had shown compassion and forgiven the debt to him, and that he should have done the same thing to the man that owed him money. The king placed his servant in jail for his lack of compassion until he could pay it off. The story highlights how God, who has forgiven us an immeasurable debt, desires that we show the same kind of mercy to others and if we don’t then Jesus says we really don’t appreciate what the Father has given us. We are called to forgive as we’ve been forgiven, to treat others in the same way God treats us. We’re called to reflect the incredible goodness of God. And that is shown in the act of forgiveness. God’s way is grace, mercy, forgiveness and love like He’s given us. The Gospel of Jesus frees us from bitterness that destroys. If we harbor hatred and resentment it eats away at us and destroys faith. God's call is to live life on His terms. In the second half of today’s teaching, Jesus confronts a challenging issue, “Is Divorce Lawful?” He talks about how we are created male and female and that marriage is a covenant between them with God. The follow up questions is “Why did Moses permit divorce?” It is because of hard hearts, but it is not God’s planned way. The Bible recognizes that divorce is a reality. Today, we are living in a culture where divorce is widely practiced and what the New Testament calls us to is to recognize just as Jesus pointed out, it’s not the way the Father intended, and we are to bring hope and encouragement to those who are victimized by divorce. The Bible also calls us to lovingly let people know the truth of divorce. Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
Matthew 17:22-18:20. Topics: children of the Living God; kingdom of the Living God; the miracle of the four drachma coin; greatness is based on humility; childlike vs childish; total dependency on God; spiritual growth and maturity; binding and loosing - by speaking that when one comes to faith he/she is forgiven and saved vs. those deciding against God, that it is a decision with eternal consequences; God desires all to come to know Him; His love is great; the warning of being of the world and following the worldly culture; that of following natural instincts vs following the Holy Spirit.…
Scripture: Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3, Lue 2:51, 1 John 3:1, Matthew 11:28-30 Do the ten commandments feel like just a negative list of “thou shalt nots?” Or like God’s trying to take away your fun, or trying to limit your enjoyment of life, trying to make you feel guilty? Well, nothing is further from the truth. God is good and He is gracious! Today’s commandment doesn’t have a “shall not,” but it does have a promise: Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” As it comes with a promise, God considers this an important command. Family is of primary significant importance. We even see that when the Living God took on flesh as Jesus, He came to a family. And we see Jesus obeying this command in Luke 2:51 “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” Even the incarnate son of God was obedient to His parents. Clearly it’s important to our Creator but also important to our culture. The Family Is God’s Design Application: ⁃ Authority - by God’s authority He tells us to honor our parents. Mom and Dad are His representatives on earth to nurture and raise their children. ⁃ Act Honorably - Kids are told to honor parents but parents are told they are to act honorably, too, in a way that gives God glory, sharing faith with their kids, giving godly love and discipline and modeling honoring God. ⁃ Honor Them - we honor our parents no matter how old we are - that doesn’t end when we leave home, we are to honor them always - even as they age. We live in a day and age where families are falling apart - where people are trying to re-design the family - When families disintegrate so does the culture. What do we do to deal with dysfunctional families and homes? We go to God’s Word - the Bible - a book filled with dysfunctional families. One example we can learn from is the story of Joseph. His father had 4 wives, siblings had anger issues, there were rivalries, bitterness, jealousy and hatred between siblings. But what we learn is that Joseph broke the chain! He had 1 wife and raised a godly family. There is hope for every situation in life because our God is a God who redeems the parental wounds of neglect, absence, abuse and withholding of nurturing. Restoration is available: ⁃ It is God the Father’s heart to love - 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” By faith in Jesus we are the Father’s children. In Him is healing - in Him life is renewed. ⁃ Jesus’ invitation - No guilt - what is offered is an invite to hope. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” His invite is to come to Him - the one who forgives, gives strength, gives healing and gives hope. There is no limit to what God does. No limit to his grace. ⁃ Forgive and Release - the Bible gives a path to restoration and reconciliation in Colossians 3:13 we read, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” One of the most important steps in healing, particularly from parental wounds, is to forgive. This doesn’t mean their behavior is justified - it does mean that just as we have been forgiven by the Lord we forgive those who have hurt or wounded us. Saying, “Lord, I forgive them as You have forgiven me” is an important healing step. Forgiveness changes everything - and this too is part of this commandment to honor our parents - even if they were bad parents. Honor makes a huge difference in our lives, the lives of our family members and even into our culture. Lord may we recognize the goodness of our heavenly Father’s heart in this command. May we hear Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and may we forgive as we are forgiven. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.…
Colossians 3:12-14 tells us about God's "dress code" for believers: We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, so that others may see the very image of Jesus in our lives!
Scripture - Luke 24:36-49 “What Is Written”. Other scripture: Exodus 15:2,Isaiah 52:7, Psalm 27:1, 1 Chronicles 16:35 Our story today continues with the two disciples in the story, “Road to Emmaus” from last week who once they understood that it was Jesus they had been talking with, immediately returned to Jerusalem. Our story picks up after they have arrived back in Jerusalem and are with the others in a private, locked room when suddenly Jesus Himself is with them in the room and greets them, “Peace be with you!” Peace… The peace we receive from Jesus is life transforming. Peace or the Hebrew word, Shalom, means everything is right with the world because everything is right with God because when Jesus rose from the grave it shows that now everything is now right with God and with those who have repented and received Him by faith. As those people with God’s peace, we know that ALL things are going to work together for good, we know God has won the victory and that we will be part of His final triumph - so fear flees and peace comes! Back to the story: Jesus’ sudden appearance startles them. He’s supposed to be dead and defeated and yet here He is and He is no longer dead - He is not defeated, He is VICTORIOUS! Jesus shows them His hands and feet and eats with them and reminds them that everything written about Him in the books of the Law, the prophets and the psalms was fulfilled through Him. Then He opens their minds so they can understand the Scripture and they see who He truly is and how the scripture is all about Him. Jesus’ name means SALVATION - and all throughout scripture the One who saves is mentioned over and over - Jesus is the One who has become our Salvation. Jesus IS Salvation! In Hebrew the word for Jesus is the same word as the word for Salvation. It’s an interesting exercise to read scriptures replacing “Jesus” for the word “salvation.” Examples: Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Becomes: The Lord is my light and my JESUS; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Becomes: “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my JESUS. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. One more, Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Becomes: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim JESUS, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Jesus is all over the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). It is not simply the prophetic words that predicted His coming, his death and His resurrection; it is not merely the historic events that mirrored who He would be and give us a picture of Him before He even came; it is not simply the promisee of the prophet’s that Messiah would come - HIS NAME - Is everywhere! He is salvation! Salvation and Jesus are the same Hebrew word. Wherever you read salvation it is Jesus! Now it will be impossible to miss it every time you read it! As our story continues, Jesus talks how the scriptures say He would suffer, die but rise again. He talks of how repentance for the forgiveness of sin would be preached in Jerusalem and then into the whole world, and he shares how they were witnesses to these things. He ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit. As we look at the New Testament - we can see for example that the story of Zacchaeus when Jesus said, “Today, Salvation has come to this house” that Jesus was probably speaking Hebrew (not Greek, the language the New Testament was written in) so what is translated “salvation” was most likely “Jesus” so it sounds like this: Jesus said, “Today, JESUS has come to this house!” Jesus is the name by which we are saved because Jesus IS Salvation! May we never stop speaking Jesus! May we never stop speaking salvation! What is written - is our Salvation What is written - Is the Name of Jesus! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life. This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.…
Matthew 16:24-17:22. Topics: Discipleship is more than having head knowledge, it is complete surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and living for Him. Jesus continues to reveal who He is. Jesus’ transfiguration and the words from heaven, out of the cloud from God the Father says, “This is my Son...Listen to Him!” These are words for us today, too!…
This week’s text is Matthew 16:1-23. Topics: A growing opposition against Jesus and who He says He is; Peter’s confession; a discerning teaching on who/what the “Rock” is on which Christ will build the church; an insightful look at the “gates of Hades;” and Jesus shares predictions of what is to come.…
This week’s text is Matthew 14:34-15:39. Topics: Jesus heals both Jews and Gentiles; an examination of some of the traditions in light of what God’s Word says; the feeding of the 4,000, and how this event differs from the feeding of the 5,000 that took place earlier.
This teaching is from Matthew 26:39-68 Come along as we see: Who Jesus is and why we so desperately need Him As we look at Jesus’ story of His arrest and trial, we will learn that Jesus is faithful and we are not, Jesus is fearless and we are not, Jesus is forthright and we are not. Today’s story opens in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus having asked His disciples to stay awake while He goes to pray and share His heart with the Father. Jesus knows what is coming and asks the Father if there is another way - yet ends the prayer saying, “not my will, Father, but Yours.” Jesus remains faithful to accomplish the will of the Father. As Jesus returns the 3rd time from praying to the Father He again discovers the disciples sleeping. He wakes them as the scene changes… we read next the betrayal by Judas as he point out Jesus in the crowd by kissing/greeting Him. Jesus is seized and arrested, yet He fearlessly goes with them, faithful to the will of God the Father. Peter then cuts off the ear of one of the servants that was present and Jesus immediately heals the ear, telling Peter not to give into hatred. Jesus doesn’t resist arrest and willingly steps into fulfilling the Scriptures. The prophetic words spoken in the Old Testament about Jesus are fulfilled and it is in seeing this fulfillment of His first coming, that we know what the Bible tells us of His second coming is truth, as well. Jesus will fulfill, one day soon, everything predicted in His return. There is so much more to come and we don’t want to miss it! What He offers is life forever with Him! Faith in Him delivers and saves us! As Jesus is taken away His disciples abandon Him, leaving Him alone and deserted. He is brought before the High Priest, Caiaphas. Peter hangs back in the courtyard area. (A spot that comes into play in next week’s study!) The Sanhedrin begin looking for evidence against Jesus. Two witnesses declare that Jesus said “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in 3 days.” These were words spoken during the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. Pastor shares some interesting insight into there being 2 times Jesus cleansed the temple and not just once. One at the beginning of His ministry and then again just days before His arrest. The temple cleansings bookend His ministry. The High Priest asks Jesus to answer the change of destroying the temple and building it up in three days, but Jesus does not answer. Again displaying His fearlessness. He remains quiet. Caiaphus seeing he doesn’t have enough evidence to convict Jesus, then demands that Jesus tells them, under oath of the Living God, if He is the Messiah the Son of God. Meaning: Are you making a claim to divinity (and this was a crime). And Jesus answers, “You have said so.” And goes on saying, “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64) Jesus’ forthrightness in His answer describes who He Is by quoting Old Testament Scriptures (Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1). In His answer, Jesus is claiming Deity and thus convicts Himself. At Jesus’ words the High Priest tears His clothes (something that was only permitted when someone was blasphemous). Verses 65-66 continue, “Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” The crowd answered, “He is worthy of death.” Our study ends with Jesus’ faithfulness and fearlessness as seen in verses 67-68: “Then they spit in Jesus’ face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” When we meet next the story of Jesus’ arrest and conviction continue with more for us to learn on who Jesus is! Join us! Visit our website here https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/matthew-discipling Watch the video from Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOxHZDaamNk9DaM7h7LejJj7 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. We invite you to join us for our Sunday service every Sunday at 9:30am CT (live or on demand) here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service…
This week’s text is Matthew 14:4-33. A fascinating look at 24 hours in the life of Jesus and His disciples: John the Baptist beheaded, the feeding of the 5,000, and Jesus walks on water.
This week’s text is Matthew 13:40 - 14:7. Pastor explores several more parables of Jesus; there will be a judgement and evil will be destroyed, only things of God will remain; the narrative of the entire Bible holds together from beginning to end, the Old and New Covenants, ending with the story of Herod, Herodias and John the Baptist.…
Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 2:27-28, Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8. Is going to church what this commandment is about? Or is there something deeper than simple church attendance? Is this command requesting Compliance with an order without the Comprehension of who God is? How do we “remember” the Sabbath Day? By worshiping and praising and acknowledging God as our Lord, King and Savior. However, some have a false understanding of worship. In the Old Testament they see worship as attending Saturday Synagogue and in the New Testament they see it as attending Sunday Church. The Sabbath is all about RESTING - let’s take a dig into what resting means and is. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand at the crossroads and look: ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest for one’s soul is found in God, in His truth, in who He is, in what He has done. Jesus says the same things in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” True rest is not found in a building - it is found in Him - in a relationship with the Living God. Digging deeper into the command, “Remember the Sabbath Day.” The Resurrection of Jesus was on a Sunday. While many in Jesus’ day went daily to the temple to Praise God for what Jesus had accomplished in the resurrection, Sundays became their sabbath and each Sunday was a mini Resurrection Day celebration in honor of Christ’s victory of the grave. In Colossians 2:16-17 we read: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” This verse tells us it’s not about worshiping God on a specific day or way. This verse tells us that Jesus is the genuine Sabbath! Rest is found in Christ! He is rest. In Him is rest. Rest is a precious gift found in Christ. Mark 2:27-28 tells us, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.’” Even though the New Testament day of worship became a Sunday for believers in Jesus, Romans 14:5 tells us that God does not command us to set aside one particular day - though we are free to do that - like we continue today to gather together on Sunday’s in memory of Jesus’ resurrection. But that doesn’t mean we all have to do that - in fact the New Testament doesn’t say to worship on any specific day of the week. What we are told is to worship God ALL the time; worshiping Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind and worshiping, praising and thanking Him in all situations Jesus tells us that He is the one who is rest and who brings rest. How do we practice the command to “remember,” how do we do what we are called by God to do? Here are some New Testament Essentials: ⁃ We are called to worship - worship is to be a life-style, it’s the way we live. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Daily worship is the heart of our lives - relationship with Him brings forth worship. ⁃ We are to be in God’s Word - allowing it to transform us - to be made new in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We are to allow the Word of God to be part of our lives and to allow His Word to change our lives. ⁃ We are to practice godly Wisdom. Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” We also worship God when we wisely take care of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” God calls us to rest - Jesus is Rest - Resting in Him is something that is good for our souls, our hearts, our bodies and our minds. We aren’t to go through the motions of rest one day a week - that’s RITUAL. We are to live in Him and for Him daily - as a RESPONSE to who He is: Our place of rest because He is our gift of salvation. St. Augustine said it well: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.” Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.…
In the midst of life's sorrows and fears, Jesus promises to sustain us in His strength -- the strength to not only endure but to triumph -- when we give Him our worries. "Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will sustain you."
Scripture - Luke 24:13-25 “Surprise Encounter”. Other scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 13:20-21 The first day of Jesus’ Resurrection was a day of surprises! Today’s story is one of the most incredible stories in the Bible. It is one of the most incredible acts of historical reporting found anywhere in all of literature and all of history! It is the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus and their surprise encounter with the One who is risen from the dead! The last day of the week is the Jewish day of the Sabbath Day which is a Saturday. Today’s story takes place on Sunday, the first day of the week. But this was a special “first day of the week” because this particular Sunday was the first day after the Sabbath of Passover and thus a festival day: The Festival of First Fruits. Why is this significant? The Bible tells us Jesus is the First Fruits of those who rise from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:20). So there’s nothing accidental about God the Father choosing this particular day for Jesus’ Resurrection! The story tells of two disciples walking and talking about all that had happened in the last week. They had heard bits and pieces. Their hopes were dashed at the brutal crucifixion of Jesus and the tragic reality seemed to be that everything they had pinned their hopes and lives upon was gone and dead with Jesus’ death. As they talked Jesus Himself came up and walked with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him. Why was God so intentional for them to have this conversation without realizing who they were talking to? We will find out…. Pastor brings in some holy speculation about who one of the disciples, Cleopas, may have been. He shares that Cleopas may be none other that Jesus’ step uncle (His step father, Joseph’s, brother.) As Jesus joins them He asks what they are discussing. Incredulously they can’t believe He doesn’t know and they share what had happened in the previous days, ending with all they knew that had happened that morning with the women finding the empty tomb, Peter and John verifying the tomb really was empty, other women seeing and speaking with angels, Mary Magdalene encountering Jesus, Himself. And how they don’t even know what to think about it all. Then Jesus says, “ ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And then beginning with Moses, Jesus explained to them what was said in the Scriptures about Himself.” What an amazing conversation this had to have been! Here they are hearing Jesus share about Himself, all while having no idea that it’s actually Him with them! Pastor walks through Scriptures pointing out several possible sections of the Old Testament that Jesus may have shared that day with them as they walked. Whatever Jesus shared, it must have been a fascinating conversation because the Bible is a story that proclaims the goodness and faithfulness of God to an unfaithful creation. It is the story that reminds us that the Living God will keep His Word even though we human beings so often fail. It is a story that tells there is One to come who will redeem and deliver and rule forever. How many times were these two disciples stopped in their tracks as they listened to Jesus explain the scriptures to them that day. As they arrived at one of their houses, they invited Jesus to stay with them saying, “Please stay with us!” What a great request…. Have you asked Jesus that? “Please stay with me.” Have you invited Him by saying “I want to know You more and more!” Jesus answered their request by staying with them and He will answer your request the same way! When Jesus was at the table in their home, He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and passed it out and as He did so, their eyes were opened and they recognized who He was, and then Jesus disappeared. Back to our question: Why was God so intentional for them to have this conversation without realizing who they were talking to? We were able to see how they had accepted what they had heard on that walk - before they even realized who they had been walking with! The Bible says in Romans 10:17, “Faith come from hearing and hearing comes through the Word of the God.” Their faith blossomed as they heard Jesus speak the Words of God in the Old Testament, shared through Moses and the other prophets. When we hear the Word (the Bible) today - it is still a Word that comes from the very lips of God and that Word: transforms, renews, gives hope, gives peace, brings power, and it changes everything! After Jesus disappeared from their sight, they asked each other, “were not our hearts burning within as He talked with us and opened the scripture to us!” This is still true today - the Holy Spirit opens our minds to see the truth of the Living God. This is not religion - this is real life This is not a matter of ritual, this is a matter of living in a relationship with the Living God who loves us all and gave His Son for us all. After Jesus disappeared they returned at once to Jerusalem and found the eleven Disciples, telling them it was true the Lord had indeed risen! They shared all they had experienced that day. This story isn’t just an amazing story - this story is a clear testimony about God’s desire for us and about His claim on our lives because the One who created us also bought us back, redeeming us with the blood of His Son. Our God comes looking for us. He comes seeking to walk with us, just as he sought to walk with these two. And He offers to us just what He offered them: Healing Hope Forgiveness Life Assurance Peace Power Joy He is the Risen One! And He is coming back! And so we say, “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus! Pastor ends with a reading of Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life. This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.…
This week’s text is Matthew 13:10-39. Jesus' parables on the Kingdom of Heaven - a sower spreading seed, a wheat field with toxic weeds mixed in, a sprouting mustard seed, yeast in bread dough; Jesus explains the parables to the disciples but not to the crowd; His parables conceal truth from those unready or unwilling to receive it, but reveal the Kingdom of Heaven to those who truly hear and understand.…
This week’s text is Matthew 12:32 - 13:11. Pastor talks about the “unforgivable sin,” Jesus’ “three days” in the grave, and also takes us into chapter 13 where Matthew begins to focus on the parables of Jesus.
This week’s text is Matthew 12:3-37. Jesus continues to be challenged by the Pharisees' anger, bitterness and scheming as Jesus continues to show who He is. He shows us how a heart-change is needed!
This week’s text is Matthew 11:13-12:4, with a continued study of John the Baptist as fulfilling the prophecy of “Elijah who was to come” as he points to Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophesied Savior. The class continues exploring Jesus’ identity through the teachings on repentance and forgiveness found in Jesus, as we learn that it is through Him alone that we can come to know the Father.…
In Matthew 10:29 - 11:15 we learn we are ambassadors for Christ with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit enables us to be effective witnesses wherever we go. We are called to live for Christ, and that has phenomenal consequences both for us and for others. In chapter 11, Matthew shows us Jesus’ identity.…
Scripture: Exodus 20:7, Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, Matthew 15:8-9, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 50:15, Psalm 145:18, Leviticus 19:31, Romans 10:13, John 17:6, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14 Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” This means we are to understand that God’s Name is powerful, God’s Name is Holy. This is the only one of God’s Ten Words/Commandments with a threat and no promise. God’s Name is a 4 letter tetragrammaton and we aren’t even sure how to pronounce His Name because by 200 BC the Jewish people no longer spoke God’s Name for fear of misusing it. The Jewish people still today will not speak His name and simply refer to God’s Name as “Ha-shem” - “The Name,” though others pronounce it in several different ways: Yahweh and Jehovah are a couple. God takes His Name seriously - it is not a swear word - His Name is the revelation of Himself. In His Name God reveals His identity and character to us. His Name speaks of His goodness, mercy, love and His awesome and profound holiness. We dare not treat Hm or His Name lightly, In Exodus 3:14 God says to Moses, “I am who I am.” Deliver. Guide. In John 8:58 Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus is the Living God who has taken on human flesh to deliver us all. We are all sinners and sin, deserving the punishment Jesus took for us on the cross. In John 17:6 Jesus is praying to God the Father saying, “I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word.” In these words, Jesus is the revelation of the character and identity of God. If you want to know what the invisible God is like you look at the visible Son of the Living God - The One through whom all things were created. God’s character is summed up in His Name. His Name is wonderful, holy and worthy of praise. What is the misuse of God’s Name? 1. By cursing, speaking threats, judgements and swearing. Romans 12:14 tells us that we are to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 2. Through the occult - horoscopes, ouija boards, séances, eastern mysticism that open a destructive door in one’s life. Leviticus 19:31 tells us “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” 3. By deception - professing to be godly but in reality living a double life having a veneer of religion but having lives that deny it. Matthew 15:8-9 says, “‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’” We should not use His Name to deceive others or to try to deceive God. We are to use God’s Name to give Him honor and to express understanding of His character. What are some proper uses of God’s Name? 1. Receiving Him - Romans 10:13 tells us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God offers forgiveness, restoration, redemption, hope, peace and joy to all who repent and call on Him saying, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner, I receive what You offer to me through Jesus, my Savior.” 2. Relying on Him - Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 145:18 tells us that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” When we go through difficult times we are to call on His Name - to rely on Him - because He is near, He is not distant. 3. Rejoicing in Him - In Psalm 40:3 we read, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.” We properly use His Name when we use it to give Him honor and praise and thanks. God’s Name deserves our praise and rejoicing. As we live a joyful life, especially in a world that is often falling apart - it causes others to be drawn to Him as well! THAT is an excellent way to use His Name - in sharing it with others! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.…
Is the Holy Spirit a "Who" or a "What?" Scripture makes it clear that not only is the Holy Spirit a definite person rather than a "force," but He is God!
Scripture - Luke 19:28-44 Triumph and Tragedy Today’s teaching on Jesus crying is found only in the book of Luke. It takes place on the Tenth Day of Nissan - a day we call Palm Sunday. We will explore the triumph and the tragedy of that day and what it says about the heart of God, along with what it says to us about our need for Jesus. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the Tenth Day of Nissan - a significant day - the day the Jewish people choose and set aside the lambs in preparation for their slaughter later in the week. It’s on this very day that Jesus, our Passover Lamb was being “set aside,” designated, as the sacrifice for the sins of not only the Jews but the entire world. As He rides into Jerusalem He is announcing and presenting Himself as the Lamb of God who offers Himself for us for the sins of the world as our Passover Lamb. Truly a day of triumph and tragedy. Triumph because God wins! Tragedy because of the incredible price Jesus would pay. 500 years earlier the prophet Zechariah announced, “See Jerusalem, your King comes to you riding on a donkey’s colt.” This is just how this triumphal entry happens - it’s Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as King. Why say king? In the ancient world if a king came in warfare he rode into town on a horse. But when a king came in peace he rode in on a donkey. And so, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, as King of Israel, just as Zechariah had said. There’s something fascinating about donkeys. Every donkey has on it’s back the shape of a cross - a stripe of dark hair running down its spine and another across its shoulders making a cross upon its back. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem He rode on a cross…. As Jesus overlooks Jerusalem His eyes fill with tears, the word in the greek has the connotation of sobbing. Jesus was sobbing with overwhelm at what he knew lay ahead, by what He knew of the Father’s love, by what he knew of the cost of human rebellion that lay ahead. Jesus wept over Jerusalem knowing that although crowds acclaimed him there were many that hated Him and who were plotting His death. So many had rejected Him and Jesus knew the judgement that lay ahead for Jerusalem. He saw the consequences of their rebellion and He sobbed, “If only you had recognized what would bring you peace.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Verse 44 tells of the judgement that awaits Jerusalem. This is just what happened within a generation of Jesus speaking these words. Ancient historical writings on the destruction of Israel in 70AD tell of the horrors of Jerusalem’s complete destruction and of the deaths of a million Jewish people. And Jesus wept with the knowledge of what was to come. Looking at the past and looking at the present, we can see and understand: Jesus is who He claimed to be, He is the Messiah and Savior. He desires that no one perishes and that all come to the knowledge of the truth. God’s purpose in judgement is to draw us back to Himself. For all people, this scripture today reminds us how serious it is to turn one’s back on the Living God. The story of the Tenth Day of Nissan shows both Triumph and Tragedy. Tragedy - of all Jesus would endure over the next 6 days, the tragedy of what awaited Jerusalem. Triumph - of an empty tomb, the triumph of a returning Savior. The Son of God endured tragedy for us that we might triumph forever! And even in the tragedies of life God points us to Jesus who brings eternal victory and triumph! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life. This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.…
Velkommen til Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.
Slut dig til verdens bedste podcast-app for at styre dine yndlings shows online og afspille dem offline på vores Android og iOS apps. Det er gratis og nemt!