Recently I was remembering a song by Glenn Campbell called, "like a rhinestone cowboy." As I reflected on it and its lyrics I thought about the book of Ecclesiastes.

9 That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 NASB

The rat race has always been since sin came into the world. What is saddening is people want to escape the rat race after they have done everything they can to succeed in it. But, as a Christian we are called to get out of it and leave it alone. So, how do we do this? Watch and discover how.

Support the Show.

View Details

When sin entered the world it changed the very nature of mankind. Instead of looking too and enjoying the presence of GOD our CREATOR we began to seek our own lusts. Over the millennia this nature has devolved into more and more evil. Looking at the world around us it becomes evident we are in need of greater grace. We must always be on guard, especially now, against the flesh and desires of our own hearts...it leads only to destruction.

This is an urgent plea for us to be on guard and to mourn; to be prepared for what may lie ahead in the very near future.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

Be dressed in readiness! let him who has ears let him hear.

Support the Show.

View Details

As I was praying and thinking about the next episode something traumatic happened at a political rally. After taking some time to just think about what had happened it became apparant what topic I should discuss.

GOD'S Word tells us one of the main signs of the last days, before the coming of the LORD JESUS, will be a massive increase in lawlessness - things will continually go from bad to worse. But, what does that mean, when these things begin to take place, for the Christian.

This episode we examine what it will look like, what to expect and how we (as Christians) should live in those times.

I pray this episode will be used of GOD to help strengthen you and have you walk in love and faith. Above all may GOD the FATHER be glorified, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.
19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

(John 15:18–21 NASB)

1 “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.
2 “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.
3 “These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.
4 “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

(John 16:1–4 NASB)

use of video or sound from United In Christ Jesus (UCJ) is permitted on by approval of UCJ.

Support the Show.

View Details

Prior to attending church today I still had not firmly fixed on the topic for the podcast. During church we were having communion and then it came to me.

Communion is all about the incarnation, death burial, resurrection and return of CHRIST JESUS. We, in Scripture, are told to be on the alert and dressed in readiness for the return of our KING. Then it struck me so very clearly - we don't know when we are going to give an account. Are we ready?

This episode I look back at three people GOD brought in my life. Two of which I know have already passed away and I feel fairly certain the other person has as well (though I do not know for certain). These three people all had something in common though they are different ages.

Above and before we get to them there is one message I MUST share with you! It is of the most urgency that I share it with you. Please please please watch and listen! Please!

1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,
2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

(1 Corinthians 15:1–5. NASB)

Support the Show.

View Details

There is a quote from a Pastor Allen Jackson that has stuck with me ever since I heard it. He says, "If you're going to have strength you should expect a little resistance." Many who profess to be Christian think our life should be one of smooth sailing. We should not expect much in the way of persecution for our following of CHRIST. But what we find out ids the Christian life, if it is in pursuit of following CHRIST, will result in challenges often to difficult for us to handle on our own.

5 “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out,
Then how can you compete with horses?
If you fall down in a land of peace,
How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?
6 “For even your brothers and the household of your father,
Even they have dealt treacherously with you,
Even they have cried aloud after you.
Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.”

(Jeremiah 12:5–6 NASB)

If we desire to follow CHRIST in a holy manner we must expect to have gradually more and more difficulties. Join in and find out why and how we meet these challenges.

Grace and peace.

Support the Show.

View Details

Have you ever heard, "GOD is for you."? Have you ever though about the meaning of that statement? Who is GOD really for?

Join us on this episode as we delve into the truth that GOD is for GOD.

11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.
12 The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.
13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”
14 He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?”
15 The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
(Joshua 5:11–15 NASB)

Support the Show.

View Details

The title of this episode comes from a quote I heard from Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church ( https://wochurch.org/ ). I was listening to one of his sermons when he mentioned how the church, in his opinion, has not done a good job of preparing us for desperation. The statement has been with me ever since.

Christianity in much of the world, more and more of it each day, is being looked down upon with hostility toward it growing. Most Christians in the world know and accept this treatment particularly because they are following in the steps of the LORD JESUS, who HIMSELF was treated with contempt and hostility. Most Christians do not have the freedoms that the western church, epically those in the United States, have and enjoy. Because they have "skin" in the game the blood of JESUS is so much more precious. Sadly that means we who live in the western church and especially the United States have become apathetic towards the idea of suffering or being desperate for the grace of GOD to sustain and carry them. We have indeed turned our backs on GOD and HIS SON JESUS.

This episode we take a hard look at being desperate to be with and in the presence of JESUS CHRIST the LORD. Are you seeking the freedom that awaits on the other side of this life with JESUS? Are you desperate to run this race following in the steps of CHRIST? Are you prepared/made a firm decision to follow CHRIST regardless of the circumstance? With all my being....you should! Are you the unbeliever desperate to flee from the wrath to come and be with and in the arms of your Great GOD and Savior JESUS? Then watch and listen to find out how.

The Scriptures that are mainly used for this episode are: John 16:33, Romans 5:1-9, 1 Peter 4:12-19, 1 Peter 5: 8-11

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
(1 Peter 4:12–16)

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS. Amen.

Support the Show.

View Details

One of the most common misconceptions about being a devoted faithful follower of CHRIST JESUS the LORD is we are always full of gloom and doom...there is no joy or fun in our lives. It is either that or those who do have "fun" are having fun according to the world standards. Sadly, there are way to many "Christians" who engage in that behavior. The world simply says, "your one of us". How horrible!

The title of this episode comes from a quote made by Pastor David Gallamore of Rock Springs Baptist Church ( https://rockspringsbaptist.com/ ) Ever since I heard him say it from the pulpit that statement has been with me. Why, because it is so very true. Truly in this world we are going to be persecuted (if you desire to live godly) and have tribulation. But for those who truly follow CHRIST JESUS our eyes are on HIM and in HIM we have joy!

Indeed, there is fun in the Christian life! Want to know the secret (it shouldn't be one though)? Take time to watch (listen if your on a podcast platform). and find out.

As always, if you have questions, comments or have a topic which you would like discussed be send me a message. I cant promise we will address it, but it will be looked over and prayed over.

The main Scriptures used in this podcast are:
Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:4-8, 1 John 1:1-4, Ephesians 5:15-21

Support the Show.

View Details

We are kicking off our seventh season of "That They May All Be One" and it is an exciting time for us! This season the LORD has placed on my heart eighteen episodes covering a wide variety of topics and issues. We are also for the first time going to be doing one to two short videos each week bringing even more current content! This season is a return to the very first Scripture the LORD placed on my heart many years ago - Jeremiah 1:7, "everywhere I send you you shall go and all that I command you you shall speak." Every topic is one the LORD has placed upon my heart and I know it is important for believers and the church. Amen. Lastly, this season is special as it is the first time the LORD has granted for me to have a completely separate office devoted to CHRIST, this ministry, study and prayer. Praise be to the LORD JESUS CHRIST for entrusting this gift. I know, "To whom much is given much is required." May the LORD bless and use it for HIS glory, praise and kingdom. Amen.

The first episode comes from the gospel of Luke:
51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; (Luke 9:51)

The LORD JESUS had just confirmed to the disciples HE was indeed the CHRIST. But, HE was also beginning to share that the mission of the CHRIST was not to come in and overthrow the Romans, but to suffer, die and rise again. The LORD JESUS had set HIS face like flint towards Jerusalem to finish the mission the FATHER sent HIM to accomplish - salvation for the lost for all the people GOD had given HIM! JESUS knew what awaited HIM in Jerusalem and for the joy set before HIM HE pressed on. How much more should we, HIS slaves, unworthy of even being called unworthy, deny ourselves and follow HIM where HE leads!

The church has never been in more need of realignment than today. The last dying gasps of the evil one are more and more diabolical and deceitful! HIS time is short and he is full of wrath. The church, especially the western church, is in desperate need to not feel comfortable...but alarmed, repenting and urgently seeking the LORD'S face! In short, we must be like our KING JESUS following in HIS steps - resolved to finish HIS works and be with HIM where HE is and see HIM as HE is! Amen!

Scriptures used in this episode (other than those mentioned) are:

23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25 “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
(Luke 9:23–26)

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”
60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim e

Support the Show.

View Details

Well, it is a sudden end to Season 6 of “That They May All Be One”…but for very purpose of declaring the praises of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

The main message I always want people to hear is the gospel, the very best news ever! Regardless if you are a non-believer or a believer (especially a believer) the gospel is great amazing eternal news!!!!

This last episode of season 6 I make a comparison of planning a vacation to seeking the Kingdom of GOD.

Take time to watch or listen…it could save your life!

Philippians 3:10–14 (NASB95): 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 14:26–30 (NASB95): 26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ “

Support the show

View Details

This discipleship episode deals with a soap box topic of mine. I hear this so much it is just plain irresponsible for a believer to act this way, especially if they claim to love the LORD JESUS.

You might think from the title I don’t like books. You would be wrong. Granted I don’t’t have as much time to devote to reading other materials. Nor do I posses the reading ability of my wife. However, there are several authors whom I have been blessed of the LORD to read and learn from.

No, what I am in reference too here is when I engage with, or I hear other believers engaging with believers or non-believers in theological topics. There is nothing wrong with thoughtful or even challenging doctrinal discussions. Indeed, we are call to be able to give an account of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3). My soap box is believers should never have to say, “well if you just read this book then you will understand.” Or if you are witnessing to someone and they ask you to go over and explain the gospel to them you tell them, “if you read this book it will explain it.” As a believer you should be able to discuss your position (especially the gospel) from the Scriptures based on your own study. Here are the three things I listen for in any encounter regardless-less if I am in the conversation or not:

What do you believe?
Why do you believe it?
Can you personally explain it without having to get another involved - save only the Bible?

If you are unable to answer these three questions - you have no reason to be in a theological discussion - save to learn.

This does not mean you should not share the gospel. Even if you feel you don’t have the correct wording do not let that hinder you. Indeed, it will be the SPIRIT of GOD who gives you words and insight.

Please do not give me your books! Just speak to me from the Scripture so I know you are one who desires to make much of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Support the show

View Details

A couple of videos ago I did the topic of Church Membership. I looked at is it Scriptural to have membership in a local congregation based on a formal process which has at its core an individual (s) sign a document stating they adhere to the polity of that congregation and/or denomination.

What we found, by Scripture alone, is there is nowhere where a formal process is required or even necessary. Indeed, the setting up of a formal process and declaration could and often does lead to hypocrisy. I, for one, have had this occur to me several times. As an evangelist called and appointed by GOD and confirmed by the unsolicited commissioning of the local church (Pastor, deacons by prayer and laying on of hands) I have had numerous times where churches will say they will pray for me but can’t support me because I don’t belong to their denomination.

Well, the question could and should be asked, “why church then?” Why should we gather together as a “church” if membership is not a necessary issue? There are many reasons why. In this video I examine but a few. Yes - it is extremely important to gather together in a local congregation!!!!! Make no mistake, if you say you’re a follower of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have no desire to be with other saints…there is a problem!

Join with me now as we examine why church.

A special shout out to a brother and sister in CHRIST who provided the new A/V equipment! The sound is amazing! I praise the LORD JESUS for putting in their hearts to minister to UCJ in this way! Praise the LORD JESUS!

Support the show

View Details

Sadly, I had to change my original video/podcast discipleship video to a current issue which I have no choice but to talk about.

I try to avoid the current gossip or latest, “did you hear” issues that surround pastors of the faith. I believe it unwise and unfruitful to speak on matters which you may not have all the information. However, in this situation, I have too as it involves United In Christ Jesus and its relationship with Alistair Begg and his ministry Truth For Life. If you visit the website, you will notice on the right sidebar there is Truth for Life app. Also, if you look at my recommendation page -

https://thattheymayallbeone.org/shane-recommends/

you will notice there are only two men of GOD whom I recommend for people to listen too. Because of this affiliation I believe it necessary to share where UCJ stands and what its affiliation with Truth for Life will be.

Recently, Pastor Begg had some comments of his, from a few months ago, resurface. He was speaking on his recent book and some advice he gave to a person about attending a gay wedding. These comments immediately drew the ire of numerous Christians. Later Pastor Begg was asked if he would repent of his words. Here is an article with his reply:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/alistair-begg-im-not-ready-to-repent-over-gay-wedding-advice.html

As I was praying on how to write this up and do this video the Word of GOD which I believe has the most direct impact on this situation is the following:

Matthew 7:15–20 (NASB95): 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

You may be wondering if I am now calling Pastor Begg a false brother. The answer is no. But, I do ask you to listen to this entire program as I will be mentioning, by name, a heretical ministry, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum of Pastor Begg or John Piper.

I will warn you of Bethel Church and all of their affiliates and the danger they pose to any believers walk with the LORD.

Next week we will return to our normal discipleship video podcast. Until then grace and peace. Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

Support the show

View Details

I recently asked a friend, Brett, what he had been thinking about regarding his faith. Responding, he told me he had been thinking about abiding in the SPIRIT and how we can only bear fruit being in the SPIRIT. This immediately started my mind running through the Scriptures with them conforming what Brett had shared. Over the next day I had asked several other people what they would like to see discussed. After spending time in prayer the topic Brett shared kept coming back to the forefront. The more I thought about it the more I realized how many people have questions on walking in the SPIRIT.

Here is a section of Scripture I mentioned in the video, but did not get time to really discuss. It along with numerous others GOD uses to guide us clearly on this all to important topic. Truly, if we can do nothing unless we are in CHRIST and following HIM it would be unloving of GOD not to tell us how. Galatians 5:16–26 (NASB95):

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Listen to these words of the LORD JESUS:

John 15:1–6 (NASB95): 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.”

So, join with me now, as we seek the face of GOD in knowing how each day we live in victory and in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS calling.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

P.S. This article about Coram Deo, by R.C. Sproul will be very helpful for getting a real good foundation on abiding in the SPIRIT. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-does-coram-deo-mean

Support the show

View Details

Recently, I had a discussion with a brother regarding church membership. Before we ever began the discussion (he being for and I saying its not mandated by Scripture) I told him, “your going to say to me at some point something to the effect, ‘I see what your saying and your right, but that is just the way we do things.’” As we engaged further and we talked about what the Scriptures said he eventually said what I said he would say.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with church membership, just like an altar call, unless it is used in an improper manner. From the time the LORD JESUS saved me until now, after examination of the Scriptures, I know that church membership is not Scriptural. It is something added on, perhaps with the best intentions (think of Adam telling Eve she can’t touch the tree) but not having the desired outcome - love in word and deed.

If you go to thattheymayallbeone.org you can see about me and the testimony of the LORD JESUS saving me. This can give you a better insight of my perspective. This will also assist you in understanding the joys of uniting with a local Body and being subject to the governing elders. It will also highlight how this can be used to manipulate.

I have referenced numerous Scriptures in this video. I won’t mention them here save for Galatians 2. Peter was confronted by Paul. Peter, though not a “member” of the church at Antioch was still subject to the elders there. This is the same person mentioned almost 60 more times than Paul is in the New Testament.

This podcast is longer than many of the others, but I believe it is one of great importance if we are going to see the Western Church grow and walk in a manner worthy of the LORD’S calling and gospel.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Support the show

View Details

Here it is a new year - 2024. Perhaps you are one of the many, who with good intent, make new years resolutions and/or goals. We see areas in our life that we need to address like health, eating or other areas we just know we need to work on. The vast majority of people who set these goals with good intentions fail to do one important thing - plan. This is the same with following CHRIST JESUS. Christians can fall into this same trap. We can set goals, some may be unrealistic (ill read the entire bible 4 times this year). Others are great and accomplish-able, but we fail to plan in a realistic manner. Lastly, what we all need and especially the Christian is discipline. The greatest need for a believer is to value and prize knowing GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST above all things and people. Scripture tells us we are in need of three primary goals to be in a good place to bear much good fruit. Those areas are:

Plan - what is the reading plan your going to have in place and be able to stick to it realistically. You know you don't have to read the entire bible in one year...but it is really a tremendous benefit to your growth.
Prayer - we need to be in prayer daily, often and immediately
Participation - are you engaging and in fellowship with other believers/saints?

Join with me, Shane Sands, as I share on these three aspects needed in the Christian life. As always, leave a comment, like/dislike the video and if you have a thought/idea for a topic let me know. Grace and peace everyone.

Take care.

Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

Support the show

View Details

The first podcast, of 2024, season six and the topic from United In Christ Jesus are two very important topics: Fallen Will and Personal Holiness. Understanding the one and pursuit of the other is absolutely necessary to walking in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS glorious gospel.

**Please pray for this ministry. Please support this ministry - humbled and grateful for you who come alongside of UCJ.

Please visit:

thattheymayallbeone.org/donate

Thank you!

Support the show

View Details

Here we are the final episode of season five. This is the shortest season we have had. But, I believe it is possible the most important for believers. This season we have examined the importance of discernment and why it is necessary in the daily life of a believer. This last episode we will look at the final piece and perhaps the one most people fear. Also, this episode will be our Thanksgiving Holiday episode. Truly, we as believers have been given the greatest gift ever...we have so much to be thankful for.

Just a fair warning...lol, this program I do everything myself. It is raw material uploaded. Holly and I are heading out of town and she is very busy with final arrangements and getting prepared. So, you may hear a throat cleared of longer pauses than normal. But, I felt it necessary to get this done before leaving.

Here is the main Scripture being utilized for the program. Become familiar with it.

1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.
2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 19:1–5)

As I sign off for this season, let me say thank you to everyone who has prayed for us. GOG uses and answers the prayers of HIS children. So, again, thank you. Above that we want to praise and give thanks to GOD the FATHER in the name and through HIS beloved SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We know to whom much is given much is required. We also know it has and is HIS grace and strength which has kept us and granted us to move forward - sometimes in difficult times.

This is the 13th year the LORD has granted United In Christ Jesus to operate and serve HIM and HIS kingdom. Bless and praise HIS holy name! I/we don't take it for granted. It is the LORD'S ministry and HE, at any time, can do with it as HE wills. It is my request and hope HE further blesses and pours me/us out for HIS glory and kingdom!

If you have made it this far, would you please prayerfully consider joining with us as a prayer partner and a monthly supporter? We are a faith based ministry. We trust the LORD to provide as I share the ministry needs and ask for support. We know that it is the LORD who moves the hearts of HIS own. Given the current climate in the western church, really the entire world, we believe there is a tremendous need for the gospel to go forth, saints built up and the lost called to repentance and faith.

Please join with us. You can find a link on this page or you may visit United In Christ Jesus website here and look on the donate page. We do need your prayers and support, please.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Support the show

View Details

Here we are our fourth episode in season five. We have and are discussing discernment. One of the most important aspects of a Christian is having proper discernment. Episode one we focused on defining discernment and what is necessary to have as a foundation in applying godly Christian discernment. We also discussed three pillars which GOD has shown us in HIS Word, that will aid in our having and applying discernment.

Episode two we focused on having our eyes on CHRIST JESUS and where HE is at. It is of utmost importance for you to keep in focus one day we will be with our KING and see HIM as HE is and where HE is!

Episode three we focused on remembering where GOD brought us from. We learned the importance of keeping in focus the LORD saving us from HIS wrath and our sin. HE called us out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.

This episode we are looking at the last pillar needed to aid in proper discernment - always examining where you are now. It is not only important to know where you are going, remember where you have come from, but also to know you are still on the right path. You guessed it, this also is dependent on you having GOD'S Word richly dwelling in you. As we allow the Word of GOD to perform its work in us, who believe, we then begin to think the thoughts of GOD and to look through HIS eyes. In short we love the things GOD loves and hate the things GOD hates.

May the LORD JESUS be honored and exalted! May HE be pleased to have your hearts overflowing with HIS praise! May HE fill you with HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding! May HE grant your hearts to overflow with love for HIM and HIS image bearers. Grace and peace friends!

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

(Psalm 119:105)

12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

(Romans 8:12–16)

Support the show

View Details

When we think about discernment our minds usually go to how we are viewing current events surrounding us. Seldom do we take a few minutes to evaluate the foundation by which we discern. We know everything should filter through the Word of GOD and if it does not align with that to take appropriate steps. But, how do we apply the Word? In what manner is it brought to bear on circumstances? There are three main pillars GOD calls us to remember and reflect on, which give us clarity regarding application. The first pillar was don't forget where you are going...always have your eye on the prize.

This episode we will examine another pillar: never forget where GOD brought you from. Look at the following Scripture from the book of Titus. Notice how GOD through Paul reminds of of our own slavery to sin and then HIS salvation?! This foundational pillar keeps us humble and with grace when dealing with others.

3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

(Titus 3:3–7)

Today, the release date of this episode is October 17, 2023. Yesterday marked the 15th year of the LORD JESUS CHRIST saving me from HIS wrath and my sin against HIM. Praise the LORD for HIS mercy and grace!

Never forget where the LORD brought you from. As you remember you will have a better understanding of where others are when you share the gospel or interact with others.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Support the show

View Details

We continue of examination of discernment and why it is of utmost need in the church today. This episode we look at the three places we are to have our eyes focused on...and then the foremost of those three. A simple question to ask any Christian to see where they are at discernment wise, "where do you have your eyes/heart focused?" Sometimes people use this statement to give an indication they are mature real Christians, "Don't be so heavenly minded that you can be no earthly good." When in reality this actually shows the immaturity and/or disbelieving heart of that person.

Lastly, when believers have discussions on doctrine, like eschatology, it should result in a building up of the church. If our eyes are focused correctly, we will find ourselves pointing to one thing as essential and the others used for edification.

I'll be using some of these Scriptures in this episode. There are numerous others, so please take the time to look them up.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:4–5)

27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,
28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
(Hebrews 9:27–28)

30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,
31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
(Acts 17:30–31)

7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
(2 Thessalonians 1:7–8)

Support the show

View Details

Charles Spurgeon said about discernment:

Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong.
It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.

Men go after novel and false doctrines because they do not really know the truth.

Satan knows very well that if he comes in black he will be discovered, but if he puts on the garb of an angel of light, then men will think he comes from God, and so will be deceived. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” If they give you not the gospel, if they exalt not Christ, if they bear not witness to salvation through the precious blood, if they do not lift up Jesus Christ as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, have nothing to do with them, speak as they may.

Definition:
the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure
DISCERNMENT stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). (Merriam-Webster)

Aspects of discernment in GOD’S Word:

Hebrews 5:11–14
11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.
14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

1 Corinthians 12:10
10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

Luke 12:54–57
54 And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.
55 “And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way.
56 “You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?
57 “And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?

Matthew 16:2–4
2 But He replied to them, “ When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’
3 “And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?
4 “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

Proverbs 1:1–7
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;
4 To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

Here we are at the end of season four. What a journey it has been as we have examined lost truths of the Christian Faith. This last episode we examine, what I believe to be, the culmination of all the other episodes - are you and old man? When we neglect all the other lost truths and not earnestly seek to walk in a manner worthy of the LORD'S calling and gospel - we forget we are a new creation - a new man and we are to walk in that newness of life every moment of every day until we get to come home.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD! We are looking forward to starting the new season beginning in the first of September. We are also considering a couple of new changes to the format! Exciting times ahead! Please email us if you have requests, prayer requests or ideas you would like us to consider.

(1 Corinthians 15:1–2)

3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

(2 Peter 1:3–11)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

Here we are the next to last podcast for season 4. This episode especially hits hard and home for myself. We are looking at "die to self daily." Talk about a lost truth! Talk about something that goes against the fabric of society, especially in the western church - just mention put your hopes and dreams to the side so that GOD may have HIS way. While it may have outward acceptance in practicality we/I fall so very very short. Just look at what the LORD JESUS says to those who wish to follow HIM:

20 And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
21 But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,
22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25 “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

(Luke 9:20–26)

Next look at these verses from 1 Corinthians and Hebrews:

30 Why are we also in danger every hour?
31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.

(1 Corinthians 15:30–32)

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary band lose heart.
4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

(Hebrews 12:1–4)
FYI - in the program I read verses 5-10 in Hebrews.

Join with me as we discuss, examine and see how to die to self daily. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

Have you ever heard the phrase, "they are a casual Christian" or "they are a carnal Christian"? I bet you have. I have as well. But, interestingly, there is no where in Scripture where this is shown in a positive lite. This type of life is actually depicted of a person lost or having gone so far off the path they are indistinguishable from the world. Join with us now as we engaged the lost truth about being a causal Christian.

The two sections of used in this episode are both from Revelation 3. The first church is the example of being a casual Christian. The second is the church the LORD JESUS commends. Now, which are you?

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

(Revelation 3:14–22)

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 ‘Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
10 ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole eworld, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
12 ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
13 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

(Revelation 3:7–13)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

I'm not sure we would call soul winning a lost truth, rather a neglected truth. However, it is included for this reason - as a whole, we have stopped talking about the LOVER of our soul. When the LORD JESUS says the world will hate you because it has hated HIM - we flee. We have left our first love and, by and large, stopped talking about HIM as HE has revealed HIMSELF in HIS Word. It's a bit like the country song that says, "I believe in GOD but I don't talk much about it..." Soul winning is an end result of being in love with JESUS. It is what comes naturally from one who is born again and values CHRIST JESUS above all.

Jesus says, "If you love ME, you will obey ME." The great commission is to go and make disciples. You do not make disciples by good deeds (living out the gospel). You only make disciples when you sow the Word of GOD in a person's life and GOD opens their eyes and ears. Soul winning should be an active part of every Bible believing church. Supporting missionaries or giving to organizations is not what I mean...does the church you belong too actively seek to proclaim the gospel? If not why?

Here are the main Scriptures used in this episode. May they go deep and bear much good fruit in you. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Mt 28:18–20)

9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
(1 Peter 2:9)

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
(Romans 5:6–9)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

When we think about lost truths of the Christian faith the one which would seem like it should not belong is - JESUS is coming. But, that is particularly why it is on the list. We talk about JESUS and HIS return one day. But we don't really think about, share and encourage each other that today could be that day. We don't spend enough time thinking and meditating on the return of CHRIST.

The very realization the LORD JESUS is risen and returning should invade every aspect of our daily lives. If we truly believe HE has gone to prepare a place for us and is returning to gather us to HIMSELF, then everything and where we went we would seek to be about HIS business.

Join with us as we look at a lost truth and why it is important for us to preach this each and every day to everyone including ourselves. Here are the main Scriptures used for this episode. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD. Amen.

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
4 “And you know the way where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
(John 14:1–6)

6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well awhen the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.
(2 Thessalonians 1:6–10)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

In this third episode of season 4 we are looking at one of the most, if not the most, difficult aspects of discipleship and preaching the gospel - counting the cost. Throughout the western church (gathering of people in a building), not the called out ones, something which seems largely absent is the teaching of following CHRIST JESUS the LORD will cost you!

29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
(Php 1:29)

Here are additional Scriptures used in this episode along with a short video by Steve Lawson that are used to demonstrate that following CHRIST will cost you in this world.

25 Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,
26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
32 “Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.
33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
34 “Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned?
35 “It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

(Luke 14:25–35)

20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

(Galatians 2:20)

13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

(1 Peter 4:13)

12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

(2 Ti 3:12). (1995)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die

License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

Have you ever heard a group of Christians talking about another believer in this manner, "That person is sold out for JESUS." it is spoken in a manner that identifies this person as someone special from the rest of the believers they are associated with. Have you also heard this statement, "Don't be so heavenly minded that you cannot be of any earthly good."? These are statements I have, unfortunately, heard spoken numerous times. What seems to be statements of positive affirmation are actually statements exposing the carnality of many in the church, especially in the west.

This episode we look at the lost truth of being sold-out, which should be the normal for a believer, not the exception. Look at what the LORD JESUS says about being HIS disciple. Ask the question, "How can anything other than being sold-out be true for a believer?"

(Luke 14:25–35)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

Here we are, the beginning of season 4! We continue to be humbled and blessed FATHER GOD would allow us to be used to proclaim the excellencies of HIS SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

This season the format has changed a bit. We will be examining lost truths of the Christian faith. Holly wont be speaking, but she is always present and insuring all the recordings go well. The length of the episodes have also changed. We will be focused on short, no more than 15 minute, programs. Also, something new, we will be posting short video teachings on YouTube. These videos will not necessarily coincide with the podcast, but offer another aspect for you to learn.

We begin season four with one area that is often talked about, but rarely used as it should be: Discipleship. Discipleship is more than just going to Sunday School and church Sunday morning. It is more than small groups that meet once a week or bi-weekly. Discipleship is life.

Here is a short video (less than 5 minutes) by D A Carson called watch me. This video is about discipleship. It asks a question we all should ask of ourselves. If you encountered a young believer and they asked, “What is it like to live the Christian life?”, could you answer, “watch me.”? Really, this is what discipleship is all about.

Here are the Scriptures I use in todays episode.

Matthew 28:19–20 (NASB95): 19 “ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Hebrews 5:12–14 (NASB95): 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB95): 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: UPDCRRWX55NZZKUM

Support the show

View Details

We end season three with the same two words we began it with - Wake Up!

It is time for the world to see and hear and feel the Church of the LIVING GOD. We are not to be those who sit quiet, but who stand firm and even expose the darkness, especially that which tries to hide in the body of believers known as the Church!

Wake Up!

On this episode we recap the season ans spend time in prayer over and for the Church. May the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY be honored and exalted! May the LAMB of GOD be worshiped and praised! Amen!

13 “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(2 Chronicles 7:13–14)

(Revelation 3:14–22). (1995)

Support the show

View Details

Here we are the next to the last episode for this season. We have gone through a journey bringing to light those things which have kept the Church (the sleeping giant) for walking in power and victory. Now, we look lastly at why you should feel/be OK with being wrong in the eyes of the world on issues the world says, we the church, are hateful. There is an onslaught of wickedness which is bearing down on the church. By and large the church has been apathetic in addressing these issues and standing firm. Indeed, there is throughout this world a watered down form of Christianity, which is not Christianity, that says those who hold to the truth of GOD'S Word are extremist. The following verse, I am afraid, is getting closer and closer for those who hold fast to the truth of GOD'S Word.

(John 16:1–3)

Join with us as we look at issues facing the true church, where we should rejoice for being called wrong and hateful in the eyes of a dark and dying world. This does not mean we don't pray, love and continually reach out/care for our fellow image bearers. It means we love them enough to always speak the truth and love them when they react in a mean/derogatory manner.

So, join with us as we look at these issues and talk about how to address them...more importantly how to be bold and speak the truth in love.

Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

Support the show

View Details

As we begin to draw to a close this season. We now come to the topic of sin. Perhaps no more insidious lie of the devil has penetrated the four walls where saints gather than this - sin is just a mistake. " We are all broken and need to just do better each day.", is all to often what I hear preached. But read the following two passages and ask yourself, "is sin just a mistake?".

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.
28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”
31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(Hebrews 10:26–31)

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
15 but alike the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,
19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

(1 Peter 1:14–19)

We have to preach, teach and care enough for one another to not sin. I AM NOT saying we will not sin:

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

(1 John 2:1–2)

What I am saying is sin is not just a mistake or just missing the mark...its rebellion; its hatred. Sin is so vile, even the sin we did not know we committed MUST be punished by the wrath of GOD. What a fearful thought!

Until people know the bad news and why its bad...the good news will never truly be good. Until the church understands the vileness and hatred GOD has for sin, we will never war and flee from it as we should.

If satan can get us, the church, to laugh at sin, we will accept sin. Let that sink in.

Grace and peace.

Support the show

View Details

You might be tempted to believe this episode begins in the classrooms in America. You would be wrong. Where this all begins is way back in Exodus:

23 “For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you.
24 “And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.
25 “When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite.
26 “And when your children say to you, ‘What does this rite mean to you?’
27 you shall say, ‘It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes.’ ” And the people bowed low and worshiped.

(Exodus 12:23–27)

Do you see where the family unit was to be the primary point of education, especially concerning the LORD. The father was also expected to be the primary example and teach the ways of the LORD.

However, when the LORD blesses a nation, it becomes prosperous and is at ease from trouble there is an inclination to put the things of GOD to the side. Eventually, the people will toss GOD and HIS Word behind their backs. The evil ones schemes lead to greed and every form of sin.

In America, once the government started to tax our income, it started the process of destroying the family unit. Soon, right after the second world war, the United States became very prosperous and was the most industrial nation on the earth. With that prosperity came greed to make more money. With that prosperity came a new age of sexual immorality. Soon, both parents would have to work and education was primarily taught by the government. Once the family became to busy and education became the responsibility of another the moral decline started to happen rapidly.

Today, we suffer from generations who are "Christian" in name only. They claim to believe, but do not take the upbringing of the children seriously. They say they believe but won't force their beliefs on their children. You know who does force their belief on the children - Satan and all those who belong to him. You know what age Satan thinks its appropriate to teach your children? Try ages 3-5.

We do not need the education of the world. We as believers must make it our own responsibility to train up our children in the way they should go...if not, they will belong to the world.

13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:13–17)

We need Christians to be Christians and faithfully teach the Word of GOD especially to the children...or they will fall victim to the world.

Support the show

View Details

If there is one scheme of the evil one that has permeated the western culture and the church is being a "victim" of something. It is never the individuals fault. Someone or something is to blame for why you are hurt, suffering, incapable of achieving or overcoming. Regarding the church, this is a particular result of trying to use carnal means to attract carnal people. One common statement is people, "just have not been church-ed". In order to keep an institution made by man those who are responsible for the gathering will use "modern" methods or current culture devices to hopefully raise the curiosity of others to come and visit.

A result of this is people who come in or who have been raised up in the "church" but not CHRIST JESUS, if/when they become disillusioned or encounter hardship will blame the church. After they have left (or perhaps while still attending) they will say they have suffered religious trauma. They will simply not understand why they can live a sinful life and GOD not love them for who they are. Doesn't the church say, "GOD loves you just the way you are."? Thus when an individual encounters the truth of GOD and HIS hatred of sin, it has to be GOD'S fault...or at least the god who is being portrayed by the pastor.

Sadly, another more serious result from mans institution, not GOD'S, is spiritual abuse. This is the result of when a person, in authority, especially the church, takes it upon themselves to be the replacement for CHRIST as head of the church and home. The result of this can have massive and far reaching devastation and consequences.

Is there real "religious trauma" and "spiritual abuse" - yes there is. However, a large significant portion, is victim mentality brought on by the evil one through the culture. This is nothing new. The very first place where "victim mentality" is seen in in Genesis when Adam blames GOD for his sin:

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
12 The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.”
(Genesis 3:11–12)

The evil one through western culture has just utilized another avenue for people to embrace their sin and rage against GOD.

The bible does not shy away from imposters placing themselves in positions of authority. It is an area, like many others GOD does not shy away from revealing:

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
(3 John 9–11)

You will also see the LORD'S interaction with the religious leaders of HIS time like in Matthew 12:1-7 or even in the churches in Revelation.

We are responsible for our own words and actions. GOD will hold us accountable and there will be no excuse. GOD has, in HIS infinite love, made a way for you to have true forgiveness and peace with HIM and that is through HIS SON JESUS. Come to the FATHER through the SON by way of repentance and faith. Accept the free gift of GOD'S grace and believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be saved!

Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

Support the show

View Details

Since the earliest times after the fall, the devil has been using false powers, sorcery, witchcraft and other demonic forces to lure away people from following GOD and to deceive and lead astray those who truly believe the ONE true GOD and CHRIST JESUS whom HE sent.

Even back in the Old Testament GOD warned HIS people to not mingle with the nations or take on their practices, which were of demons, because it would corrupt them and cause them to stray and eventually be destroyed. The people of Israel did not pay attention to GOD but took on the ways of the people around them.

Now, especially now, GOD calls us to be separate and holy from the world and its practices. Yet, more and more, the church, especially in the west is not only allowing it - but embracing these practices of demons!

This episode we delve into this corrupt and dark scheme of the evil one...bringing in the evil practices of the world into the gathering of HIS people and claiming we have grace to embrace, overcome and use it for our good. Let me be clear - there is no such place in Scripture where we are told to embrace the practices of evil and refer to it as good!!!! We will look at several Scriptures to see this and show how those who make such blasphemous claims are really agents of the evil one dressed up and disguised as angels of light.

Wake up sleeping church! Seperate yourselves as holy unto the LORD and serve HIM only! be sober, be on the alert for the devil is prowling around seeking someone to devour!

3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.
(2 Co 11:3–4)

23 “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.
24 “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’
25 “And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.
26 “Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
(Luke 11:23–26)

2 He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My name.”
5 For he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
6 He made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD provoking Him to anger.
(2 Kings 21:2–6)

Also:

Matthew 7:21-23; Ephesisans 5:11-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Counterfeit Vs. Authentic: Can Christians Redeem New Age Practices?CARM's review of The Physics of Heaven

Support the show

View Details

"I just don't know how to talk to someone about my faith.", is perhaps one of the most used statements I've encountered when encouraging others to share the gospel. "I don't want to feel like I'm being judged" or "I just clam up and don't know how to speak when talking about what I believe.", is another couple of statements I hear when asking believers if they have conversations about what they believe and why.

You got it, we are talking about how to have a conversation with unbelievers and with believers. There are times when a topic or doctrine is brought up and someone mentions something that is off. You know you need to address it, but how? You may be in a conversation with someone, express what they believe and then ask you if you agree. If you don't what should you look for and expect from that type of conversation? Then there are going to be those conversations with unbelievers, you know you need to share the gospel but you get nervous and feel like you wont be effective.

What is the secrete to being able to navigate these encounters? Join us and find out.

Grace and peace friends. Below are several verses we use in this program.

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
(1 Peter 3:13–17)

9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more,
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,
12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and cnot be in any need.
(1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)

5 Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
7 A sated man loathes honey,
But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.
(Proverbs 27:5–7)

Support the show

View Details

It is without question people are leaving some churches and other churches are growing. The question we have to ask is it true believers leaving the church or is it non/false believers leaving the church? This all rests on what is called the "church". The very simple answer to the question poses is - yes to both. After last weeks episode where we addressed is there objective truth to religion and following GOD, we now examine that gathering which GOD calls us to regularly. Below are the main Scriptures we use during the episode. Please become acquainted with them.

1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
(2 Ti 4:1–4)

33 The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.
(2 Ch 20:33)

The first part of the episode we look at why non/false believers are leaving the true church. The second part addresses true believers leaving the false church. We even look at true believers leaving true churches and why. Lastly, we turn the spotlight on ourselves and ask what our individual responsibility is in all of this.

May this be a blessing and encouragement to you all. Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

Grace and peace friends.

Support the show

View Details

After our examination of Scripture to determine if there is objective/absolute truth or is truth just subjective; we now turn to the next topic. This week we examine false doctrine and what it consists of. How do we recognize false doctrine? What is a Christian's and the church's stance on false doctrine? Should false doctrine be tolerated or do we all have grace to believe what we want and it be OK?

Here are some Scripture that will be important for you to get an understanding of how to spot false doctrine:

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”
15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
(Matthew 16:13–16)

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;
3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words..
(2 Peter 2:1–3)

10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed...
(2 Peter 2:10)

2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
(2 Timothy 3:2–5)

There are certainly many characteristics we can look at which show false doctrine and especially those who introduce and teach them. But two main areas are what they boil down too. First, who is JESUS CHRIST. That is the foremost area which must be examined. Many religions believe in JESUS, but it is who you say HE is that matters.

Second, the false teach and or doctrine is self centered. Its all about man and not about GOD and who HE is. You might hear someone say something to the effect of, "I just can not see GOD....". Instead of looking at the entirety of Scripture and humbling yourself before GOD as HE has revealed HIMSELF. The false teacher will almost always put forth their view of who they think GOD is.

This program is sure to hit home with many and we pull no punches. Grace and peace friends.

Support the show

View Details

The first topic addressed in season three and it is by far the most necessary! Make no mistake, without this as your foundation everything else is up for grabs! Is there actual objective truth? Well, is there? A lot of people say there is no objective truth, but subjective to each person. Do you know how to address this with people? Can you make good solid argumentation for why there is and why it is necessary? What do you say to someone who says they believe in science? Or to the person who says science and religion, especially Christianity contradict each other?

This episode we tackle this topic head on and don't hold back. You may want to check and see if your up to this. It may hit a bit to close to home. Don't say we didn't give you a heads up.

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.”
(John 18:8–9)

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?”
(John 18:37–38)

17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."
(John 17:17)

2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
(Psalm 138:2)

Grace and peace friends.

Support the show

View Details

Well, here we are - it's season 3 and we are excited more than you could know! It's a brand new season and a brand new format. Each season we try to evaluate and grow. This season Holly and I are going to be more interactive. We are focusing this season on current relevant topics which you will be easily familiar with. You may even have difficulty on knowing how to address them. All of these topics are central to our overall theme of "Waking The Sleeping Giant". What is this sleeping Giant? Join with us and find out - it may be just what you need to hear!

Grace and peace everyone!

Support the show

View Details

The Evil One's New Year Resolution is to steal, kill, and destroy. But, tomorrow - January 3rd, WE AWAKEN THE SLEEPING GIANT!

Support the show

View Details

David vs Goliath is now The Church vs the World. Gear up and join us for Season 3 on January 3rd!

Support the show

View Details

Here it is, December 25, 2022 just about here. We at United In Christ Jesus would like to extend to everyone a very Merry Christmas; or as we like to say - Happy Incarnation Day!

Here is a short 14 minute program where Holly and I talk about the importance of celebrating GOD the SON being born into the world! We also look at the origins of Christmas and discuss is Christmas just another pagan holiday? Here is a link which gives a good brief broad brush stroke of the origins Christmas.

We pray GOD is glorified and the church built up. If you do not believe in Jesus, may this podcast reveal more of who HE is and what HE has done so you may have peace with GOD.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
(Luke 2:8–14)

Grace and peace friends! Merry Christmas and Happy Incarnation Day!

Support the show

View Details

Are you a part of the winning team? Do you study to know how to defeat your opponent? Huddle up and get ready for Season 3, starting January 3rd!

Support the show

View Details

Feeling pressured? Confused? People wanting you to give in? Encouragement is on it's way with Season 3, starting January 3rd!

Support the show

View Details

Feeling overwhelmed? Is your outlook gray and dim? Get ready for Season 3 beginning January 3rd!

Support the show

View Details

Season two comes to a close with the culmination of the Word of GOD - heaven is the final destination of those who have faith in JESUS CHRIST the LORD! Indeed, JESUS is the Christians heaven! the promise is one day GOD will remove all that obstructs HIS children's perfect harmony with HIMSELF, HIS SON and HIS SPIRIT! O happy day that will be! Come LORD JESUS - come!

4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
6 Then He said to me, “aIt is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
(Re 21:4–7)

Support the show

View Details

Holly and I want to take just a few minutes to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and share a funny story about this Thanksgiving dinner.

Most importantly we want to draw your attention to giving thanks to GOD the FATHER through the LORD JESUS CHRIST by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Give HIM thanks because of HIS great mercy in sending HIS SON and now we have an invitation to the marriage super of the LAMB! Praise the LORD for having our names recorded in the LAMB'S book of life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Support the show

View Details

We as humans often attach our identity to earthly associations. For example, we might find our identity in our occupation. But, to the Christian our identity is found in CHRIST JESUS. GOD is the only ONE who can tell you your identity. But even more so, a Christian's identity IS CHRIST JESUS. The Christian has exchanged all that CHRIST is for all that he is. When a believer realizes this, their walk is more profound and filled with more joy.

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(Col 1:13–14)

26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,
27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(Col 1:26–27)

Support the show

View Details

There is perhaps no other doctrine more difficult to grasp and reconcile than Hell. People have a very difficult time trying to reconcile a finite person, committing finite sins, paying for those sins consciously for eternity in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. More than that it seems so difficult to reconcile a GOD who is love punishing people like that.

In this episode, we look at how a loving GOD, who is love, can and will have those who reject HIS love pay for their sins in hell. We will also look at one alternative to eternal suffering in hell called Annihilationism. A very well known theologian, John Stott, is one of the first to put this alternative forward (We have included a link to his views here). we examine the Scriptures if this view should truly be considered.

What is important to remember is in Genesis when GOD said to Adam, on the day he would eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, he (Adam) would surely die. Most of the time when "death" is mentioned we think of physical life. But there is also mental, emotional and spiritual death. Understanding this helps to understand why hell is a place where GOD'S justice and holiness is carried out for those who reject HIM. A good book to help work through this is called, "Biblical Teaching on the Doctrines of Heaven and Hell" by Edward Donnelly (a link for that book is also listed here).

May the LORD JESUS give us all a deeper and more clear understanding of this essential doctrine.

9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
11 “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
(Revelation 14:9–11)

Support the show

View Details

I think it can be argued one of the most horrific sins Israel committed was seeking to be like the nations surrounding them. They asked for a king, they made idols of animals and other images, they intermarried and lastly they put idols and worshiped them in the temple of GOD. Today, in the modern church, especially the church in America/the west, there is this same running headlong into idolatry. We would call it mysticism or universalism. One aspect which finds itself clothed, especially in Word of Faith, is praying to the universe. Once you go down a path of praying to the creation rather than the CREATOR destruction does not loom far away. This episode we examine why people, particularly, those who call themselves Christians have adopted this blasphemy into their worship of GOD. We examine how this is not true worship but idolatry. More than that we see how your sin affects those who are around you. Look at the following text and then go to Jeremiah 15. Jeremiah started prophesying 20 years after Manasseh. Even though Manasseh repented and tried to fix what he had done, the damage was already to far gone. We too, need to be careful of how we approach GOD.

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hephzibah.
2 He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My name.”
5 For he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
6 He made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD provoking Him to anger.
7 Then he set the carved image of Asherah that he had made, in the house of which the LORD said to David and to his son Solomon, “In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever.
8 “And I will not make the feet of Israel wander anymore from the land which I gave their fathers, if only they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them.”
9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the sons of Israel.

(2 Kings 21:1–9)

Support the show

View Details

Who you surround yourself with is an indication of your inner self. Who you love is who you want to be around. For a person to claim they are a Christian and yet still be tied to the world, not separate from it is a contradiction. We will look at Scripture which shows love for the world makes you an enemy of GOD. Correspondingly, separation unto CHRIST JESUS will make you an outcast of the world. You must decide where you will stand.

14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
17 “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you.
18 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.

(2 Corinthians 6:14–18)

Support the show

View Details

Perhaps one topic everyone could use some help with is how to handle disappointment. We all encounter it and for most we usually just try and bury the pain it causes. GOD gives us direction, from HIS Word, on how to deal with disappointment. Join with us as we look within and discover how to handle disappointment.

11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:11–13)

Support the show

View Details

Just today, as this broadcast was recorded, Holly had a sister in CHRIST, ask her what she was studying in GOD'S Word. It made such an impact on her, as this was the first time, in such a long time, that Holly has had someone ask her about the Word. It was such a blessing and encouragement. At the same time, it put a pain in her heart as she thought about all those who do not take the time to read, share, listen to or fellowship in a manner which sows the Word of GOD deep within a persons heart. Join us on this program as Holly takes the lead in sharing and encouraging us in this all to important part of the Christian walk.

22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
24 For,
“ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.”
And this is the word which was preached to you.
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
2 like newborn babies, long for the bpure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

(1 Peter 1:22–2:3)

Support the show

View Details

GOD has compassion - for all HIS creation, especially HIS image bearers. This episode we look at compassion through the eyes of GOD in the book of Jonah. In the Book of Jonah we see the unfathomable depth of GOD'S compassion and at the same time examine how shallow are is. This episode is a good heart check to see where you land in regards to how you value mankind and all of GOD'S creation. Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

1 But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry.
2 He prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.
3 “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.”
4 The LORD said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”

(Jonah 4:1–4)

Support the show

View Details

This is part 2 of our looking into prayer, more specifically, what does GOD say we should pray for. Last week we looked at Colossians 1:9-10. We discovered, Paul had never met the church at Colossae. Yet, once he heard of their love and faith he began praying for them regularly. This week we look at a prayer Paul prays for the church at Thessalonica. You will notice both prayers have something similar. Join with us as we examine the greatest need in our prayer life - that we and other may know GOD!

Grace and peace friends. Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)

Support the show

View Details

Have you ever thought about what people ask for when you ask them what you can pray for them about? Most of the time you will hear requests for earthly things. Not that those are necessarily bad or do not have merit. But, really, when was the last time you heard someone ask you to pray for them that they might know GOD more, as HE is revealed in HIS Word?

One area we as believers need to get back to is our FIRST LOVE and how HE is known in HIS Word! We need to know GOD more and more so we may grow in HIM. Our prayers should be reflective of that.

9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

(Colossians 1:9–12)

Support the show

View Details

This episode we examine, perhaps the most personal letter written in Scripture. But, the more I studied and prayed the more I discovered what an in depth representation of the gospel. I saw the law of CHRIST - a law of love! I saw humility and a desire to see the church built up! Oh, what an amazing tender and intimate book in Scripture! Join with us as we examine the book of Philemon. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,
2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;
6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper,
9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—
10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,

Philemon 1-10

Support the show

View Details

This episode we look at and examine who id GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and what is HIS role in the GOD HEAD.

Who is HE? The third person of the HOLY TRINITY – GOD

When do we first hear of the HOLY SPIRIT? Genesis 1:2 during the creation.

Look at GOD taking HIS SPIRIT and placing it on 70 others along with Moses in Numbers 11:25…interestingly verse 29 seems to be a foreshadowing of the HOLY SPIRIT being given to all of GOD’S people.

For the LORD gives wisdom from HIS mouth come knowledge and understanding: Proverbs 2:6

***I think Scripture shows this to be sanctification by the SPIRIT – look at 1 Peter

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,

2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 1 Peter 2:1-2

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Revelation 1:4-5

…a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Revelation 5:6

Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and strength,
The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 11:2

But, what I believe the HOLY SPIRIT does for us is Love.

I think of the foremost commandment

I think of the LORD JESUS telling us that love is what will be the sign of being HIS disciple

I think of the LORD JESUS telling us about unity and love in John 17.

I think of 1 Peter

8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

I think of the entire book of 1 John

I think of what the LORD said in John 6:

63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Interestingly, the test of 1 John 4 to determine if a person does not belong to GOD is love. Remember there were no chapter and verse separations when the Scriptures were written.

The SPIRIT is never taken from us…

Support the show

View Details

10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
(1 Peter 5:10)

Perhaps, there is no other attribute of GOD, save HIS goodness, which gets mentioned often but not seriously thought about than HIS faithfulness.

This episode, I, Shane, fly solo as Holly is nursing a really sore throat. As we look at faithfulness, we discover it is multifaceted. I spend the majority of my time looking at HIS precious promises regarding our going home.

Please join with me as we look at the faithfulness of GOD.

Support the show

View Details

Last week our episode dealt with why GOD created. As we looked at the Word of GOD we discovered it was that the FATHER would exalt HIS SON! GOD the FATHER created everything for HIS SON! As we move to this episode, we can look through the lens of GOD'S sovereignty in relation to why HE created. It is through this we can see why GOD would create and ordain. We can see why HE declared the end from the beginning! We can see Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22 and know the FATHER loves HIS SON...and HE loves us that we may partake in this union.

We used a book, "The Sovereignty of God" by A W Pink, more specifically chapter ten. Here are several bullet points which may help you as you think of your attitude toward a sovereign GOD.

· Chapter 10 from A.W. Pink’s book:

What should our attitude be toward the supreme sovereign?

o One of godly fear

Prov. 1:7; Phil. 2:12; Ps. 103:13; Isa. 66:2; 1 Pet. 2:17

o One of implicit obedience

Ps. 119:36, 133

o One of entire resignation

Mt. 6:10; 1 Sam. 3:18; Job 1:21; Jam. 4:13-15

o One of deep thankfulness and joy

Ps. 103:1; Eph. 5:20; Rom. 8:28; Phil. 4:4; Ps. 40:8

One of adoring worship

Finally, we look at a couple of questions which can be difficult. But, we must not resign but dive deeper in prayer and study!

Grace and peace saints.

Support the show

View Details

28 " ...Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these."
(Matthew 6:28–29)

24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."
(John 17:24)

There has not been a more pressing topic on my heart over the past couple of months than the one we discuss on this episode. During one of my morning readings I read the above from Matthew 6. When I reflected on it I began to think on all the ways the LORD GOD looks at creation. I thought of a painting done by an artist using only dots (see it here). There are roughly 6.4 million dots in this painting. The closer you get the less of the picture and more of the individual dots come into view. But back away and their appears a beautiful piece of art. That's when I thought about how GOD sees EVERYTHING in EVERY dimension all at the same time. I thought of the new space images from the new space telescope. I thought of sub atomic particles and I was left unable to grasp the sheer magnitude. But then I went on to think about GOD hearing prayers etc...and I could not wrap my arms around it.

But, then I asked, "Why?" Why create? If GOD is GOD and is perfectly content within HIMSELF why would HE create? GOD doesn't need more glory does HE?

Tune in on this episode and discover why GOD created. Once you understand why you then can begin to see the Scriptures in a brighter light!

Once you are finished with the podcast listen to this sermon by a Jewish pastor.

You will find out something so phenomenal that comes from Genesis 1:1.

Grace and peace friends.

Support the show

View Details

It was said by someone, "The older you get the more personal the Psalms become, the more you are able to relate to them." This episode we take time to examine the encouragement from the Psalms and how they direct you in worship.

May the LORD JESUS richly bless you in HIS Word, HIS salvation and in HIMSELF. Grace and peace.

1 Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD is everlasting.
Praise the LORD!
(Psalm 117:1–2)

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
Than to trust in princes.
(Psalm 118:8–9)

23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who borders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God.”
(Psalm 50:23)

Support the show

View Details

Here we go with the first episode of season 2! We have a new format, new music and all new exciting topics. we begin with one of the best chapters in all of Scripture - Psalm 91.

May the LORD JESUS CHRIST be honored and exalted! Grace and peace.

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”

(Psalm 91:1–16)

Support the show

View Details

Here we are at the end of season 1 of "That They May All Be One Podcast". I am so blessed we will end it finishing up the book of 1 Peter. I am also especially blessed because of the last two main verses we look at:

10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 5:10–11)

Is this not our greatest hope - GOD will HIMSELF bring us home! As we move to these last two verses we have opportunity to examine how we should live and what to expect as exiles in a foreign land.

Join with us now as we finish up these last two chapters of my favorite New Testament book.

Lastly, you will not notice because there will not be a lapse in episode drops on Tuesday, but Holly and I have taken a two week break from recording to just relax, focus on the website, social media and to begin prayer for the upcoming season. Please keep us in prayer as we seek the LORD'S face and walk in a manner worthy of HIS calling and gospel.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

Now on to season 2!

Support the show

View Details

Because of CHRIST JESUS we are adopted into a new family, have a new citizenship; we discover our family is royalty and we also have a position of royal priests. This week we examine our roles as ambassadors of GOD for CHRIST in a foreign land. How are we to conduct ourselves and why. Midway, through the book of 1 Peter and we see reoccurring themes which are foundational for our journey home. May the LORD be exalted and you blessed. Amen.

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit

(1 Peter 3:15–18)

Support the show

View Details

Last week we began looking at our new family and citizenship. This week we delve into what this family is, how should we conduct ourselves and why we should do these things. As we progress we continue to see how GOD through Peter continually keeps going back to the foundation of who GOD is, what HE has done and most importantly what HE is doing!

May the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY be exalted and glorified. Worthy is HE!

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

As Newborn Babes
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

As Living Stones

4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone,”
8 and,
“A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

(1 Peter 2:1–12)

Support the show

View Details

This week we being our dive into the remaining verses of 1 Peter chapter 1. After we began last week with a brief introduction, my favorite verse (1 Peter 5:12) and why then finishing with the first 5 verses of the opening chapter we are ready to begin.

I have changed up the format just a bit because it is very very very important for you to read and re-read this book. Instead of going line by line I have put in bullet points. they are as follows:

Living as an Alien in Enemy Land 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:6–9) Many Kings and Prophets Desired 10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,
11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.
(1 Peter 1:10–12)

Ambassadors are to Live in Accordance too the Country They are From 1 Peter 1:13-25

I don't have the character space to put the text in. Please follow along. I use the NASB 1995 edition.

There is no other book which I believe give as much insight and instruction for the daily Christian life as 1 Peter. May the LORD richly bless and equip you in HIS Word and that for HIS glory.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD!

Support the show

View Details

All to often I hear new believers asking what living the Christian life looks like. For me (Shane) there is no better book to look at than 1 Peter. This book gives you the technical (the why) and the tactical (How to best use what you have). My favorite verse in the entire book highlights the important emphasis this book has for the believer.

12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
(1 Peter 5:12)

From that one verse comes one question with a follow up. From there it takes us right back to the beginning of the book to lay the ground work the Christian to walk in victory, the why and regardless of the circumstances the LORD has allowed in your life.

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:1–5)

In this episode we will do a brief introduction of 1 Peter and then focus on the above verses. Join with us as we begin this look at the book of 1 Peter.

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
httpsuppbeat.iotandrey-rossibring-the-fun
License code 3BVYG84QB26GS1UQ

Support the show

View Details

GOD is Holy. All to often, in this generation and western culture those three words have become something of a catch phrase. So seldomly do we stop and meditate or speak on, with reverence and fear, the holiness of GOD. So rarely do we stop and ponder that GOD does not need us or anything else for that matter. In a future episode we will examine this in more detail and ask the question, "why create?"

During this episode we will examine because GOD is holy - then what. Then how shall we live, act and behave because GOD is holy.

We will examine, prayer, daily walking and offering our sacrifices (do we give GOD our best). here a a couple of verses we will use during the program:

7 “You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is to be despised.’

8 “But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?” says the Lord of hosts.

9 “But now will you not entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?” says the Lord of hosts, (Malachi 1:8)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent! (Proverbs 21:27)

We will also talk about what it means to live "Coram Deo".

Join with us as we dive into what it means to live in the light of the holiness of GOD. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

Support the show

View Details

2 Peter 2:1–3

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

It has always been since Eve was deceived by the evil one, his saying to her, "Did GOD say?" Throughout history the evil one has attempted and tried to distort GOD'S holy Word, slightly and slowly altering GOD'S Word to lead masses astray down the road of destruction. Sadly, what makes this even more hideous is the deception does not primarily come from outside the Body, but within.

This episode we look at what deconstruction is and ultimately what it does. Below are several links that we referenced during the program.

May the LORD JESUS CHRIST be honored and exalted. May you be equipped to stand firm. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

Links to Surveys:
Study finds 37% of pastors have biblical worldview: Spiritual awakening 'needed in our pulpits'

American Bible Society survey finds 'unprecedented drop' in Bible reading

Nearly 40% of Gen Z adults believe Jesus wasn't sinless: survey

Got Questions Article on Deconstruction

Support the show

View Details

If you have ever spent much time reading in the New Testament, especially the gospels, you discover fairly quickly there are a lot of demons/unclean spirits. What you also soon realize is these demons and unclean spirits are responsible for a lot of pain and suffering. Over time people have stopped looking to the meta physical and only focus on the natural. So, where did all the demons go? In this episode we look at GOD'S Word to see if you can discover where they went and what they are up too. We will use the following sections of Scripture to help us in our discovery,

26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.
27 And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs.
28 Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “aWhat business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.”
29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.
30 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him.
31 They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.
32 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission.
33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

Luke 8:26–33

21 They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach.
22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
24 saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

Mark 1:21–26

Support the show

View Details

In this episode we will be looking at two examples of faith in and following Christ Jesus the Lord. Each examines faith in Christ Jesus from a different perspective and how we can apply this in our daily walk in Christ. May this episode be a blessing to you. May it also be an exhortation for you to examine your heart and see if you are walking by faith or by sight. Above all may the Lord Jesus Christ be honore and exalted! Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus.

46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they *called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”
50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
51 And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Mark 10:46–52

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat.
2 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.”
3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions,
4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone?
5 “Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent?
6 “But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here.
7 “But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

Matthew 12:1–7

Support the show

View Details

All to often, when we think of spiritual warfare we conjure up great battles of good verses evil. We envision of having Satan try to attack us and we boldly are able to withstand. We even go so far as to think because we are in Christ we have the authority to cast Satan out.

The bible does not picture spiritual warfare in that manner. It is a war raging. It is a war ongoing. It is a war who, the enemy, has already been defeated. But it is a war raging to the bloody end.

When looking at Scripture spiritual warfare is going on everywhere all the time and it is often disguised in the common everyday ordinary events.

We examine Ephesians 6:10-20 (A well know section of Scripture) and see what God has given us to wag this war. What's really going to be a light bulb moment is when you discover what the less known, talked about aspect of spiritual warfare is and why it is so vital on our journey homeward.

May the Lord Jesus be exalted and glorified! Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Support the show

View Details

Perhaps, there is no greater debate among believers (well, at least one of major ones) as to whether the gifts of the Spirit continue. Then among those who believe they do continue there is discussion and sometimes argument over which is the most important and/or if there is one gift which is given to all believers.

Another debate among believers, one that has also led to splits happening, is how a church service should operate. There are so many different denominations solely because they have different opinions on how a church service should operate.

Now, mix both of those together and what you have is a receipt for disruption, chaos and discord. Praise the Lord He is a God of peace and order. Today's program is devoted to addressing these two challenging issues. Fortunately, God has provided us the answer in His Word. We will be looking at 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14. We will see the problems and then we will see the answer - love. What does love have to do with it? Answer - everything!

Support the show

View Details

Perhaps there is not a more delicate issue, that faces a Christian when they are out in the world or even in the church, than "judging."

In the last program dealing with false conversion we anticipated there might be some concern we would be "judging" another person. It is that word "judge" which has been used as a hammer against believers who speak into another person's life. All to often a believer might hear, "you can't judge me!" or "only God can judge me!" or "don't judge and you won't be judged." and there are so many more which are used by unbelievers and believers to keep from having to be accountable and live in their sin.

The question is can a Christian judge? More importantly are Christians expected to Judge? If so, how, by what standard and are there any first steps they should do prior to confronting another? It is also important to remember, judging is not always a negative. There are many places in Scripture where a person has been judged in a positive manner regarding the Lord and/or another person where it is shown openly as something good.

Since this topic could include so many Scriptures and since we have tried to make this program a bit shorter. I have included the scripture references along with others here in this description. Please, be like the Bereans (Acts 17) who were considered noble because they examined what Paul said verses what the Scriptures said.

Matthew 7:1-6; Hebrews 4:11-12; Acts 15:36-40; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 John 3:7-8; Luke 12:54-59; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Romans 14:4; Acts 16:14-15; John 8:3-10; James 2:8-13; James 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:4-5; Titus 1:7-16; Titus 2:11-15; Ephesians 4:29-5:7;
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; John 5:30; Mark 7:20-23; Proverbs 25:11-12

There are many more, so please, do some research and follow up on this topic.

Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.

CNN Interview with Charles Barkley

Support the show

View Details

All to often we hear people, who claim to be Christian, when asked how they became a Christian say, "I was just born one." You also hear people say they had an "experience" at a camp or meeting or some event (even in their own room), but cannot tell you what it was about or what transpired or even the result. Others, such as myself, made an emotional decision but had no true understanding of the gospel.

Today, we are on Part II of true and false conversion, with the focus on false conversion. This episode we look at God's Word to see if their are characteristics/fruit of an individual who professes to be a believer but may not be in all actuality.

We know this program is sure to cause some to get upset or outright reject what is shown. However, what I/we ask is for you to open your bible, pray to the Lord to give you discernment and evaluate what is taught. We are asking, if you fit into some of these characteristics/fruit, to examine yourself and see if you are in the faith. It is more important for you to have assurance than to stumble in darkness with an illusion you are a believer.

10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (1 Peter 1:10-11)

If you are a believer and have not thought through this. May this be a means the Lord uses you to grow in discernment, wisdom and understanding.

Above all we pray the Father has been glorified through the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Shane's Testimony
Clip Credits: Living Waters and Wretched
Christian Post article: Unprecedented Drop in Bible Users

falseconversion #thegospel #regeneration #Jesus #HolySpirit #theFather

Support the show (https://paypal.me/unitedinchristjesus)

View Details

6 That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” (John 3:6-8 NASB)
All to often there are individuals who make the claim to being a "Christian." But when asked, "how do you know that you are a Christian" any number of replies will come about. Perhaps you have heard people talk about another, who professes to be a believer, but does not show any sign of change in their life? You may have heard something to the effect, "Their a Christian but a carnal Christian" or worse, "If they are a believer I don't want to be one with the way they act."

This leads us to ask questions - namely: Are we able to know if a person is a believer? What are some of the fruits of being a true convert? Is a persons faith a personal matter between the Lord and themselves?

We will delve into these questions as we focus on what "true" conversion looks like. Also Holly and I share our testimonies of the Lord God Almighty saving us from His wrath and our sin.

Shane's Testimony
Holly's Testimony

trueconversion #falseconversion #repentance #faith #thegospel #God #Father #Son #HolySpirit #Jesus #bornagain

Support the show (https://paypal.me/unitedinchristjesus)

View Details

Now I make known to you, brothers and sisters, the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, in which you also stand, 2 by which you also are saved, if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:1-5 NASB)

When someone says they believe the gospel, do they actually know what they are referring too? Over the past 12 years, during our travels, the answer to this, more times than not, is "no". This episode is primarily focused on examining 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, the gospel message. We also highlight the extreme importance of the resurrection and why that is usually the one aspect of the gospel most fail to comprehend or rejoice over.

The gospel is the most important aspect of the Christian life! This is eternal life that they may know You the only true God and Christ Jesus whom You sent (John 17:3). The gospel is the means by which the character, love, mercy, justice and holiness of God is perfectly on display. Jesus the only unique begotten Son of God offering Himself up as a substitution and a sacrifice for our sins. Who rose victoriously on the third day conquering sin and death - the perfect Lamb of God. Jesus raised as Lord of Lord's and King of Kings! Jesus Christ the Lord who will judge the world in righteousness appointed by God and assured by God raising Him from the dead!

Glory to God! Worthy is the Lamb!

Support the show (https://paypal.me/unitedinchristjesus)

View Details

We begin Part 1 of a two-part series on the most important, significant, and imperative part of all scripture - the Gospel. Surprisingly, it's not only non-believers who do not know what the gospel is, but a large portion of believers do not know or cannot articulate the gospel found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. We also examine 3 questions that can help assist in sowing the gospel into a person's life.

Join with us as we go through the first two verses and explain why the are so important to upcoming episodes. We also hope you will rejoice with us as the Lord Jesus has opened a door for His glorious gospel to go forth. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!

Support the show (https://paypal.me/unitedinchristjesus)

View Details

that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:21 NASB)

This is our inaugural episode. We go through a history of the ministry, our personal lives, and the purpose of this podcast going forward.

John 17:21 is the foundational ministry Scripture verse (see above). This episode examines why it was the verse from the beginning and how it influences everything we do regarding ministry. It is helpful to know John chapter 17 is the longest recorded prayer of God to God (God the Son Jesus Christ to God the Father). What follows are the verses before verse 21 to help give context.

17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:17-21

We pray the Lord Jesus will be honored and exalted through this ministry; that He will also grant you to rejoice and declare His praises as you hear His Word proclaimed, explained and applied.

Grace and peace friends. If you have a question or comment visit our website.

We here at United In Christ Jesus (UCJ) would like to give special recognition to Anna Tuttle for her graphic art work used for the podcast and thattheymayallbeone.org (UCJ's website). The rebranding of the ministry logo and administration material are also a result of her gracious work.

That They May All Be One Podcast: Recent Episodes

United In Christ Jesus

falseconversion #thegospel #regeneration #Jesus #HolySpirit #theFather

trueconversion #falseconversion #repentance #faith #thegospel #God #Father #Son #HolySpirit #Jesus #bornagain