Ask for the Ancient Paths: Recent Episodes
Michael Cantrell
Today, Mike looks at the longest and shortest sentences in the Bible. He also discusses the history of chapter and verse markings, which were not in the original manuscripts and were introduced over 1200 years after the birth of Jesus.
Colossians Chapter 1 -- We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints– the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 1For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 1For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
In this episode, Mike continues the series entitled As He Leads. Mike turns on the microphone and speaks from the heart, without any prepared notes or even expectations of what will be said. Perhaps what is shared will be helpful for you or for someone you will soon meet.
Remember the words of Jesus: Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The writer of Hebrews seems to have had much experience with ships and sailing, employing several nautical terms to convey spiritual truths. Today, Mike looks at those terms, their meaning and application our participation in the Kingdom of God.
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
"Christ was faithful as a Son over His house–whose house we are, if we hold fast to our courage and the hope of which we boast."
"We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. "
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
"Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us."
Being or Doing? Today, Mike again looks at the principle of Abiding as he brings sailboats into the conversation.
Followers of Jesus do things, but only as a result of abiding. If we abide in Him, then we will bear fruit. If we don't abide, then in God's eyes we cannot do anything.
Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior!
Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.
Do you have doubts? Many do. In this episode Mike looks at what the brother of Jesus says about doubting.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. -- James chapter 1
How does the Lord use His people to comfort those who are going through very difficult times? Today, Mike talks about one example of God's comfort being given and received.
God wants to use you as an agent of His comfort and grace. Listen, then speak.
What is success in God's eyes? Do you want a fruitful life? What does it mean to abide in the Lord and for Him to abide in us? In today's episode, Mike responds to listener mail and talks through the scripture on abiding -- what the Lord says and the results of abiding in Him.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." -- John chapter 15
In today's episode, Mike talks about guiding principles and personal mission statements -- their value and how they help us discern the will of God.
One definition: Guiding Principles are broad, strategic guidelines that help people make decisions and operate in alignment with their core values and mission. They serve as a framework for behavior and decision-making."
"Be completely humble and gentle. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." -- Ephesians 4
Moses, Elijah and Jesus met on a mountain and spoke about the departure of Jesus. In this episode, Mike takes a look at this departure and what it means for us -- for those who follow the Lord.
See also: Two Kingdoms, Episodes 12-15; https://www.ancientpaths.faith/?s=two
Do you believe in the gifts of the Spirit?Have you heard conflicting teaching on this topic? Do you want to know more about how God uses these gifts?
Today, Mike shares examples of how the Lord has been at work, expressing His gifts among His people.
‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved. -- Joel 2; Acts 2
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.-- 2 Timothy 2
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." -- Romans 12
Today, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what he senses the Lord putting on his heart, using no notes, walking in faith as we continue the series of episodes titled As He Leads.
May these words edify, encourage and comfort you or someone near you today.
Recently, a friend wrote: Quite a few things went wrong today - I had to die over and over - I'm glad we discussed all the things that we did yesterday. The Lord knew what was coming. All is well. I heard someone say that it is always good to be humbled.
What is to be our response when things go wrong, when we must die to self over and over? What is the pathway of the Lord when we're humbled?
Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. -- 1 Timothy, chapter 1
A question occurs several times in the New Testament. It's stated in various ways but aims for the same answer. What must we do to be saved? What must we do to enter the Kingdom? What must we do to do the work that God requires? What shall we do?
"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. Therefore, in the same way, God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." -- John chapter 3
People say No to God. Even followers of Jesus say No to God. We’ll talk about that today. What is the Lord's view of people saying Yes or No to Him?
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." -- Philippians 2
"That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." -- Matt 12
What is in your spiritual crock pot? In this episode, Mike talks about Love, Sonship, and voting for dictators.
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him." -- Jeremiah 27
In this episode, Mike again teaches in the manner of charaz, the stringing together of pearls. Mike talks about the cost of discipleship, addresses some listener feedback, and he reads commandments for roommates!
In today's episode, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart, including this from Isaiah 41:
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Elder, Overseer, Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop, Apostle
Various Christian traditions have different meanings for these terms. It can be confusing, and the meanings of these words have been obscured over the years.
- What does the Bible say?
- How are we to understand the Lord’s will regarding church leadership?
- What are the various roles of church leaders?
- Why in the world do we use these terms?!
- What is a Bishop?
- What marks an Apostle?
Let’s get into it.
Often, we don't have clarity about next steps. What is the Lord's will for us? In the Kingdom, something is more important than clarity about such questions. Today, Mike addresses that issue.
And, Mike talks about the difference between bribery and extortion!
Today, Mike talks about hedonism, the world's wisdom, and how to walk along the path of life. What must die?
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
What do bits, rudders and sparks have in common?
Want to be perfect?
Do you want true religion? Do you want to avoid self-deception?
James, the brother of Jesus, has the answers.
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he
says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
In today's episode, Mike looks at what Peter, Paul, James, the writer of Hebrews and the Lord Himself say about suffering. He also uses the phrase, "you go girl!"
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. -- 2 Timothy 2
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? -- 1 Peter 4
Mentioned in this episode: Suffering is Not for Nothing.
Continuing the last episode, Mike looks at the place of perseverance and rest as we walk through times of suffering.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
“He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. -- Hebrews 10:35-39
Why does God allow suffering? How are we to live through the hardships we experience? In this episode, Mike looks at what the Bible says about the place of suffering and God's purposes.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -- Hebrews 12:1-3
-- Credit to David Pawson and Elisabeth Elliot
How can a Christian live a life worthy of God's calling? What is God's call? Mike addresses those questions, and he tells a story of how the Lord manifests His Spirit through Words of Knowledge.
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." -- 1 Peter chapter 2
"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." -- Ephesians chapter 4
Let's look at what the New Testament says about Tithing. Does Jesus command His disciples to tithe? Do the apostles tell us to obey the law of tithing?
The topic of tithing can be divisive in the church; it is important to look at what the Lord says, and to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." -- Luke 11
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9
The subject of Tithing can be confusing and divisive. What does the Lord expect of us, His people, regarding tithes? The answer may be more nuanced than you think. In today's episode, we look at tithing in the Old Testament.
“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord. . . . And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the Lord." - Leviticus 27:30-32
With no preparation, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart.
Please remember to weigh carefully what is said, and in all things bring glory to the Father.
Today we take a look at the life of Barnabas, a man often overlooked today but very often in the heart of the Lord's work in the book of Acts.
"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith."
- Acts chapter 11
Why does the Lord do His good work in us? The answer may be surprising, especially for a sentimental and hedonistic generation.
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.vereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. -- Ezekiel chapter 36
In today's episode, Mike talks with his wife Olga about their recent border crossing between Estonia and Russia -- the experience itself and the Kingdom lessons learned.
What about times when we feel that God is silent? How can followers of Jesus go through such times well? What is the path of faith when the Lord seems far off?
“Look at the nations and watch–
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told."
-- Habakkuk chapter 1
After a failed attempt to record an episode on the life of Barnabas, Mike speaks from the heart, as the Spirit leads.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
-- John chapter 8
In today's episode, we hear again one of Mike's favorite stories and the lessons he learned from Ted.
What are God's promises regarding suffering? What does He say about pain? Does He ever harm us? Does He ever hurt us? What is His character?
These are very important questions, and the answers will define our walk with the Lord.
How do we engage in hard conversations according to God's will? What are guidelines for talking with people who disagree with us? Peter has something to say about that.
. . . all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
In this second episode in the series, we look at more claims that Jesus makes, exclusive claims that do not allow us to think if Him as merely a good teacher or a moral person.
"I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”
Is He Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
Today we take a break. Please accept this musical gift (which ends with a Thai/Finnish story.)
Tunes in this episode:
- Be Still My Soul
- Skye Boat Song
- In the Bleak Midwinter
- Fanny Po'er
- My Jesus I Love Thee
- Jock O'Hazeldean
- O'Carolan's Welcome
- Amazing Grace/Be Thou My Vision
https://music.apple.com/us/album/sanctuary/1517475316
Today's episode ranges from Paul's letter to the Corinthians to a discussion about marketing and the ancient Merovingian kings of Frankia. Enjoy!
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret?"
"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life."
In this final episode on this Spiritual Hamburger, we look at the Biblical teaching on orderly worship, what pleases God. Just as in the first century, churches today may fall into disorder and a lack of unity. May it not be so.
"If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored."
"Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
Why Must Women Keep Silent in Church? Explaining 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Today we look at Paul's teaching on two gifts: Tongues and Prophecy. Though these gifts are often misunderstood, misapplied or confusing, just as they were in the first century, the Bible gives us clarity about what these gifts are and how to walk in them.
We must remember that these gifts are not the "meat of the hamburger." Love is the most excellent way.
"For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified."
To listen online: https://shorturl.at/Qn8WL
In today's episode, Mike talks about body life and the meat of this Spiritual Hamburger: the primacy of love.
In his letter, Paul continues to emphasize unity and service because the gifts of the spirit caused disunity and unloving actions in the church. Let's listen for God's instruction to the church today.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
. . . eagerly desire the greater gifts, and now I will show you a most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
Today we look a very important part of "The Spiritual Hamburger": the lists of spiritual gifts that Paul gives in his letters -- what are they, how do we get them, and why they are given. They are:
- Prophecy (4x)
- Teaching (3x)
- Speaking in different kinds of tongues (2x)
- Healing (2X)
- Interpretation of tongues
- Message (Word) of wisdom
- Message (Word) of knowledge
- Faith
- Miraculous powers
- Distinguishing between spirits
- Apostolic
- Evangelistic
- Pastoral
- Workers of Miracles
- Helping others
- Administration
- Service
- Encouraging/Exhortation
- Contributing to the needs of others
- Leading
- Acting in Mercy
Today we continue our look at the "Spiritual Hamburger" of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14.
Mike addresses the questions - Why does the Lord give His gifts to His people? Are we limited to just one spiritual gift? What does it mean to see a 'manifestion of the Spirit'?
Joseph wasn’t bitter toward his brothers who threw him into the pit and sold him as a slave to Egypt, or toward Potiphar’s wife who lied about him and got him thrown into jail. It was part of God’s plan.
Jesus wasn’t bitter toward Judas who betrayed him. Of course it hurt to be betrayed by a friend. But the truth is Jesus could have completed His mission without John, James and Peter, but He could not have done it without Judas. Judas was the only apostle necessary in Jesus’ life to get Him to the cross and fulfill what God had for His life.
In the same way, we all need a Judas in our lives to help us get to our cross so we can die to ourselves and fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
The people who hurt us most are the biggest blessing because it brings us closer to God, and causes us to die to ourselves so we can become more like Christ and live for all that God has for us. There is no reason for me or anyone else to become bitter.
We’re also called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It’s not as easy to do as it is to say, but I’ve grown in this last year. God has really been teaching me the importance of this, of loving our enemies, of praying for those who persecute us, and to not become bitter when people hurt us.
So, remember, it all helps us to become more like Jesus. When people speak evil against us and lie like Jesus said they would, it can turn to a blessing.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The purpose of this series of talks is to de-mystify a Biblical sandwich, a text that has often been divisive and/or misunderstood, very often taken out of context or broken into constituent parts.
If you don’t have beef, do you have a hamburger?
Let's talk about a Biblical Hamburger.
In this episode Mike looks at a real-world application of a Greek noun.
Do you need a lawyer? God provides one who will be with you forever.
What is the intended result for human beings? What is the goal and outcome of our walk with God?
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -- Philippians 2
Today we continue the extended series of episodes titled As He Leads. Mike turns on the microphone and shares what he senses the Lord saying.
May these words edify, encourage and comfort you or someone near you today.
Today, we look at the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicea:
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -- John 15
There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. -- 2 Timothy 3
In this episode, i share quotes that have been meaningful and helpful as I have walked as a follower of Jesus.
———
Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time. -- Andrew Murray
———
Irish Prayer:
Teach us good Lord,
to serve thee more faithfully,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do thy will,
Oh Lord our God.
“What do you think, Simon?”
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? "
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? "
"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?"
"Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
On the cross, they offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn't take it.
-- Mark 15
I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends! Drink, yes, drink abundantly, beloved.
-- Song of Songs 5
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. . . . love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
-- Jesus, in Luke chapter 6
This is a more personal episode, a sort of diary entry. Let's all listen for the Teacher's voice as we commit ourselves to walking with Him.
Lord, teach me to pray. Open my eyes to see beyond
the earthly to the heavenly. Let my primary concerns
be heavenly ones, that Your kingdom may come on
Earth, Your will be done in me and in those I love.
Teach me to pray with Jesus, for His sake. Amen.
- Elisabeth Elliot
---
Mentioned in this episode: ElisabethElliot.org
What are Foundations of faith?
God's purposes include
- our sharing in His nature
- our surrendering everything to His will
Today we look at these two aspects of the Will of God.
Mentioned in today's episode: John Wesley's Covenant Service
Is God predictable? Can we anticipate all that He will do? Can we predict His actions? Are we willing to be like polished stone?
. . .the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom. . .
. . . the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.
1 Corinthians
In today's episode, I turn on the microphone and share what is on my heart, including the old hymn:
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free;
Rolling as a mighty ocean,
In its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of your love;
Leading onward, leading homeward,
To your glorious rest above.
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
‘Tis heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to thee.
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus -
Spread his praise from shore to shore -
How he loves us, ever loves us,
Changes never, nevermore.
What are God’s priorities? How does He want us to order our lives? What comes first?
“One thing you lack,”
"Only one thing is needed,"
"One thing I do know,"
"One thing I ask from the Lord,"
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There are many reasons why people may need to find a new church. Today we talk about how to find a new fellowship and discuss guidelines for discerning the will of God in this matter.
Est Populus, Non Aedificium!
Today we look at what the Lord said about, how he commended, the values of a dishonest steward.
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." -- Luke 16
Today I look at Poems and Prayers on the theme of Trust & Surrender.
Highlighted are works by Annie Johnson Flint, Andrew Murray, John & Betty Stam, and John Wesley.
Rules for my life:
1. God brought me here. It is by His will that I am in this confined place. In that fact I will rest.
2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.
3. He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
4. In His good time He can bring me out again — when and how, He knows.
Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
- Andrew Murray
Today we look at a man who is a bit of a mystery. Who was he? Why is he so very important in the ministry of Jesus? What can New Covenant believers learn from Melchizedek?
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
And blessed be God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
-- Genesis 14
In this episode, I look at how believers are not to look back, and I address the question "Are you a Christian or a follower of Jesus".
I also continue the conversation about luxury laundry products!
Mentioned in this episode: Cliffe Knechtle
Today, I take a look at Paul's instructions to Timothy, and I also take a look at social media fortune-telling and "An Unparalleled Laundry Experience."
- Take your share of suffering ... 2 Tim 1:8
- Take strength from the grace of God ... 2:1
- Take your share of hardship ... 2:3
- Remember Jesus Christ. ... 2:8
- Try hard to show yourself worthy ... 2:15
- Avoid empty and worldly chatter ... 2:16
- Turn from wayward impulses ... 2:22
- Pursue justice, integrity, love, peace ... 2:22
- Have nothing to do with foolish speculations ... 2:23
- Do not be quarrelsome ... . 2:23
- Be kindly towards all . ... 2:24
- Be a good teacher, tolerant, gentle ... 2:24
- • Keep clear of men who put money and pleasure in the place of God ... 3:1-5
- Stand by the truths you have learned ... 3:14
- Keep calm and sane at all times. ... 4:5
- Face hardship ... 4:5
- Do all the duties of your calling ... 4:5
Access playlists on the AAP YouTube Channel.
The nation of Israel arrived at the Jordan river but did not believe all that God had promised, so they fell back and did not enter into that promised land. Their fear and self-preservation kept them from God's blessings.
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true–even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5
A time of testing comes to all Christians. What are God's purposes? What is the difference between Testing and Tempting? What does the Bible say that will help us go through trails?
Today, I share a few tips and techniques that have been helpful to me as a teacher.
This episode is really for anyone who may be asked to speak at a small group, lead a devotional or even lead a large seminar.
Today I talk about foundation stones of
- Repentance
- Relationship
- Rewards
We also have listener mail -- a young professional shares thoughts about marriage and discipleship.
Jesus replied: “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
-- Matt 19
David Pawson - Divorce and Remarriage
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
-- Prov 14: 12
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
-- Is 55: 8,9
Mentioned in this episode --
Elisabeth Elliot on:
- Dating and Singleness
- Marriage
- Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
- Gateway to Joy radio progralms
As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,’” and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
-- 1 Peter 2
Mentioned in this episode: Ask for the Ancient Paths on YouTube
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!
-- Philippians 2
Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds–
his name is the LORD–
and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
Psalm 68
Mentioned in this episode:
- David Pawson -- Divorce and Remarriage
- Ask for the Ancient Paths on YouTube
- Invocation -- episode music
Where did these terms originate? What do they mean? How do they apply to us?
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”
So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
-- Galatians chapter 3
This and all other episodes are available, in playlists, on the AAP YouTube channel.
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."
John 19:11
Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."
Matthew 16:24
Access playlists on the AAP YouTube Channel.
"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!"
Deuteronomy 5:29
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls."
Jeremiah 6:16
Jehovah spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:
“Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
Jehovah Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,
and he will be a sanctuary;
but for both houses of Israel he will be
a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.
Isaiah 8:11-14
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
For in just a very little while,
“He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 10:35-39
Mentioned in this Episode:
AAP on YouTube
Invocation
This is what the LORD says–he who made a way through the sea,a path through the mighty waters,who drew out the chariots and horses,the army and reinforcements together,and they lay there, never to rise again,extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the desertand streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:16-19
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -- James 1:2-4
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.. -- Ephesians 5:2
Mentioned in this episode: Community Bible Study
The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. -- Matthew 13:10-11
AAP on YouTube
The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. -- Matthew 13:10-11
AAP on YouTube
Ask for the Ancient Paths YouTube Channel
"For I am the Lord, I do not change."
Malachi 3:6
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your Spirit? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the utter most parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
Ask for the Ancient Paths YouTube Channel
"For I am the Lord, I do not change."
Malachi 3:6
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your Spirit? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the utter most parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
Let's talk about the illness and the remedy.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12
Let's talk about the illness and the remedy.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked.
John Chapter 18
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked.
John Chapter 18
"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."
Luke 16:9
“You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight."
Luke 16:15
"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."
Luke 16:9
“You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight."
Luke 16:15
- Cheerfully
- Generously
- Secretly
- Proportionately
- Regularly
- Widely
- Lovingly
It’s not what it buys, it’s what it costs.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Matthew 6:19ff
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Matthew 6:19ff
Ambition - Addiction - Adoration
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
James 1: 9-11
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
James 3:2
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed Jehovah, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4
If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent–not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven–if there was anything to forgive–I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:7-11
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:23-27
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:1-11
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:13
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 3-10
He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.
Revelation 13:15-18
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
Revelation 19:20
I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4
Many thanks to Howard Wheeler for his insight into the mark of the beast.
Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Luke 13:2-3
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:6-10
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.
Philippians 3:12 - 15
But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.
Psalm 49
“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:7-10
As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4,5
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. . . . any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:25-27, 33
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."
Mentioned in this episode: Cliffe Knechtle Apologetics
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Mentioned in this episode: Elisabeth Elliot's letter.
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Psalm 145:3-9
But our God is in heaven; he does whatever he pleases.
Psalm 115:3
"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will."
Matthew 10:29
For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."
Romans 9:15
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
2 Peter 2: 1-3
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31,32
God said to Moses, "I am who I am". This is what you are to say to the Israelites: `I AM has sent me to you.'"
Exodus 3:14
I Am
the Bread of Life
the Light of the World
the Gate for the sheep
the Good Shepherd
the Resurrection and the Life
the Way, the Truth and the Life
the True Vine
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:2-5
“If a man would live well, let him fetch his last day to him, and make it always his company-keeper.”
– Interpreter, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Shalom - Peace
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:23-28
Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
Genesis 22:7,8
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84:5-7
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:4,5
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.
1 Corinthians 4:4
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Galatians 4:3-6
Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish?
After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing–if it really was for nothing?
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.
The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Galatians 3:2-14
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’” declares the LORD.
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;
I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:
“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you–the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you–every living creature on earth.
I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.
Genesis 9:8-11
Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,
“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram ; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
I will make you very fruitful;
I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Genesis 17:3-7
"'Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak.
The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.”
Exodus 19:5-8
Because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David.
He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever.
2 Chronicles 21:7
Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance–now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Hebrews 9:15
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Psalm 37: 1-9
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:26-27
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
James 1:2-8
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:1
“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.”
Matthew 24:24
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:9-13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - 14:4
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 14:36-40
“I will raise up for them a prophet from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.
Deuteronomy 18:18
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.' "
Acts 2:14-18
“Sin is an irrational anti-God syndrome that drives us to exalt ourselves and steels our hearts against devotion and obedience to our Maker.”
J.I. Packer
“To preserve yourself from this danger, choose for your battle-field the safe and level ground of a true and deep conviction of your own nothingness.”
Lorenzo Scupoli
“The very first step is to try to forget about the self altogether. Lose your life and you will save it. Submit to death, death of your ambitions and favorite wishes every day and death of your body—in the end: submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life."
C.S Lewis
As mentioned in this episode, visit www.ElisabethElliot.org
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
- Ephesians 3:20
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
- Luke 9:62
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7,8
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
God is the genesis of Love.
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light."
- Luke 16:8
"What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight."
- Luke 16:15
The result of obedience is peace.
- Elisabeth Elliot
“Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Matthew 11:11
"For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:20
We love because He first loved us.
1 John Chapter 4
“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Luke Chapter 6
There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’“ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
Matthew 21
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts 17:32ff
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying,
‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31
"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people."
Karl Marx
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Philippians 2:14-15
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Heberews 12:15
"Offense keeps you in this mess; offenses are going to come, but do not let them into your heart."
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn (strength) of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. God alone is my Rock and Refuge.
"When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!
He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
- God brings Order from Chaos
- God is a Redeemer
- God brings Life from Death
We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Now the Green Blade Riseth,
Author: John Macleod Campbell Crum, 1928
Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain,
Thinking that He never would awake again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,
Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain;
Quick from the dead the risen One is seen:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain,
Jesus' touch can call us back to life again,
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
"Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood–I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people."
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. . . The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."
“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.”"
"I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.""
"On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords."
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”
1 Corinthians 2:9
Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14,15
From the journal of John Wesley, Sunday, January 25, 1736:
There was now an opportunity of trying whether they [the Moravian believers] were delivered from the Spirit of fear, as well as from that of pride, anger, and revenge.
In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up.
A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sung on.
I asked one of them afterwards, “Was you not afraid?”
He answered, “I thank God, no.”
I asked, “But were not your women and children afraid?”
He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”
The Lord said to Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
The Healthy and Mature Prayer --
- Lord, help me to walk through this well as a Christian, so I can help others who later walk the same path.
Jeremiah 6:16 --
- “Lord, which of these paths helps me to love you more?”
James 4 --
- You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Wesley's Covenant Prayer:
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with who you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you or laid aside for you;
exalted for you or brought low for you;
let me be full, let me be empty;
let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
"Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Luke 14
- Matthew 16
- Matthew 8
- Luke 12
- Philippians 2
"I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Scriptures Referenced:
- Matthew 8
- Matthew 16
- Luke 23
- Revelation 2, 20 and 21
- 1 Thessalonians 5
- John 13
- Matthew 5
- Luke 14
- Ephesians 6
"Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Scriptures referenced:
- Matthew 16
- Hebrews 12
- James 1
- Hebrews 1
"If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Acts 4
- Acts 5
- Matthew 12
- John 12
- John 14
- 2 Corinthians 4
- John 8
- Colossians 2
"Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort."
Scriptures Referenced:
- 1 Corinthians 14
- Jeremiah 6
- Galatians 5
- Matthew 6
- Galatians 6
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
Scriptures Referenced:
- John 3
- Numbers 21
"I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Ezekiel 36
- Philippians 2
- 1 Peter 2
- Psalm 133
- Colossians 3
- John 17
- 1 John 4
- Galatians 5
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Colossians 2
- Titus 3
- Genesis 1
- Mark 12
- Deuteronomy 6
- Deuteronomy 7
- John 13
- John 17
- Ephesians 4
- Hebrews 4
- John 15
- Ephesians 5
"For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Scriptures Referenced:
- 1 Timothy 4
- John 18
- Matthew 5
- Isaiah 53
- Isaiah 9
- Deuteronomy 18
- Jeremiah 31
- Ezekiel 36
- Exodus 19-24
- Mark 10
- John 12
- Mark 1
- Luke 19
- 1 Timothy 1
- John 10
- 1 John 3
- Hebrews 2
- 2 Peter 1
"Those who wait on the Lord are never put to shame."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Psalm 25
- Romans 10
- Psalm 23
- 2 Corinthians 4
- John 20
"I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
Scriptures Referenced:
- John 5
- John 12
- 1 Corinthians 2
"God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Scriptures Referenced:
- 2 Corinthians 4
- John 20:30-31
- Matthew 24
- John chapter 2
- Philippians 2
- Ezekiel 36
- Colossians 1
- Ephesians 3
"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Continuing the discussion about how Jesus is a good shepherd.
Scriptures Referenced:
- John 10
- Psalm 23
"The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Scriptures referenced:
- Luke 19
- John 3
- Numbers 21
- Romans 6
- John 10
"This is what the Lord says:
Stand at the crossroads and look; Ask for the ancient paths, Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls."
Scriptures Referenced:
- Jeremiah 6:16
- See also
- John 10
- Psalm 23
- Luke 9:57-62