The Word 2 Wisdom: Recent Episodes
John Strazza
John Strazza is a husband, father, Christian speaker, minister, and host of The Word 2 Wisdom podcast. Wherever you are in your Christian walk this teaching podcast was created to get you on the road to understanding and wisdom through God’s Word. The result is a more successful, abundant, and happy life… and yes, even more fun! "The thing I love the most is sharing the great salvation that we have, and how powerful the finished work of Christ is for us. This is the good news of God’s love and grace. These teachings are scripture based and centered in the gospel and simplicity of Christ." Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
The Resurrection and the Life
Resurrection Sunday -- Easter 2026
We are reading from the Gospel of John, chapter 20.
I recommend reading the entire chapter to see and understand the whole story that I am talking about here in this episode—the resurrection on Jesus on that Sunday morning.
We’re also focusing on verses: John 20:8-9 (NLT)
8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.
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Understanding the Gift of Grace & Righteousness by Faith
Here are some verses to keep on hand as you listen.
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NKJV)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Imagine a caterpillar that turns into a beautiful majestic butterfly! You too have been reborn into a new creation, created in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
7 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
Ephesians 1:6-7 (NKJV)
7 In Him we have redemption (rescued) through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Verse 6 says: He made us accepted in the Beloved.
Accepted here means: to grace, i.e., indue with special honor: — make accepted, be highly favored.
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John and Lisa Strazza
Too Many Voices
Take some time each day and simplify things by spending close time with the Lord, in praise, thanksgiving, and prayer. Stay close to the Lord, and stay in His word. Avoid confusing and fearful thoughts, conversations, and negative media. Push aside the many voices that leave you burdened. Stay with the simplicity of Christ, and go back to the foundations of the gospel.
Isaiah 41:10-13 (NASB)
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
11 “Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
12 “You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
13 “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
Exodus 14:13-14 (NASB)
13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”
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Will He find faith on the earth?
John 14:1 (NASB)
1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
Isaiah 26:3 (NASB)
3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Reason for this parable: "to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,"
Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)
1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ 4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. 7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”
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Grace & Truth Part 2
John 1:17 (NASB) — the Apostle John is speaking about Jesus
17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
The old and new covenants are being contrasted here by the Apostle John.
John 4:23-24 (NASB) — Jesus is speaking here to a Samaritin woman about what is to come, and has already come.
23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.
24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must (dei) worship in spirit and truth.”
Romans 1:16 (NASB) — Paul is speaking about the gospel
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
This speaks of the life changing gospel, “the power of God to salvation.”
Paul’s gospel, was the “gospel of God,” it was given to him directly by Jesus.
The Gospel message is the Power of God unto Salvation. This means that the Gospel message, in and of itself, has power to completely save and change a person’s life.
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John 1:17 (NASB)
17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
The law given by Moses is not the same as the truth that came through Jesus. Moses came with the Old Covenant—the law, but Jesus came with the New Covenant—grace and truth. These two covenants are being contrasted here by the Apostle John. This is because Jesus also contrasted them in his parables and many teachings.
The Law is perfect, but it has no power to save. It’s intended to show the perfect standard of God, and in turn show us our need for a savor, which is Jesus.
Romans 1:1 (NASB) — Romans 1:16 (NASB)
1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Paul’s gospel, was the “gospel of God”, given to him directly by Jesus.
The Gospel message is the Power of God unto Salvation. This means that the Gospel message, in and of itself, has power to save and change a person’s life completely. Power = dynamis in Greek which means (miraculous) power, might, strength.
Grace and Truth, the gospel, are powerful save anyone who believes it. If the messages we speak (or hear in our churches, or meetings, etc.) if they have no power to save, then something is missing, and we need to know why it’s powerless—what’s missing—so we can be a light to the world. We need a clear revelation of the gospel message in order for it to have power in our lives and the lives we influence around us.
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Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
Abundance of Grace
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. “Throne of grace” to obtain. Mercy, and find grace.
Romans 5:1-2 (NASB) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. We stand in Grace.
Romans 5:17 (NASB) For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:11-12 (NASB) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,Grace instructs us.
Our prayer: Come Lord, show us your grace!
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What’s Next... in the times we are in?
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man,
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
It’s time for us to stop looking at the darkness so much, and now to look to the goodness of God. It’s time for us to start understanding the Gospel that we have already been given, which has been revealed to us. We need to see how powerful the Gospel is, and how it will be the only message that can and will truly heal our land.
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What is the Gospel?
If I were to ask a thousand believers, “What exactly is the Gospel?” many of them would hesitate, and smile with some slight embarrassment, and ask the question right back saying, “I’m not sure, what exactly is the Gospel?”
I want to see that change. I want to see every believer to know full well what Jesus did for them on the cross, and what it means to them, so they can walk in the power of the gospel, and in turn bring light into a dark world with the power to change lives.
Scriptures to read from this episode:
Romans 1:16 (NKJV) 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Romans 5:1-2 (NASB) 1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction (access) by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God.
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Resurrection Day
This is a message that you can listen to any day of the year.
10 min. episode
Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday - Easter ... and may God bless you abundantly.
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
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Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
Striving and Struggling?
I know that many of you are going through very trying times and difficulties. You might even feel overwhelmed. This episode is for you and the verses that we have today are life giving and encouraging.
Psalms 46:9-11 (NASB)
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
Note: Verse 10: Cease = Let go, relax
Psalms 46:9-11 (NKJV)
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Fear Not
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Note: This verse goes on to say that your enemies will be dealt with by God, and that even if you look for them, you won’t be able to find them.
Storm battered
Isaiah 54:11 (NKJV)
11 “O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest (storm), and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires. (The Lord will rebuild us with the best materials.)
We have to learn to let go and let God help us. When we pray for help or guidance, we sometimes need to truly let go and let God. This doesn’t mean we never do anything. But many times we run in front of God and get in the way. Sometimes the problem is so much bigger than us, we need to seriously trust in God with all our hearts. This is where Psalm 46:10 - be still and know I am God - is so valuable.
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Please visit our website at: JohnAndLisa.faith
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Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
What to do when you're worried and anxious!
Philippians 4:4-9 (NKJV) New King James
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9 (TPT) The Passion Translation
4 Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! 5 And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.
6 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
8 Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. 9 Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things.
Support the showTo make a One Time donation use the Support the Show link above.
Please visit our website at: JohnAndLisa.faith
You can also check out our books, teaching articles, and browse through more than 125 podcast episodes.
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Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
Independence Day 2023
Star Spangeled Banner
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the Rockets' red glare, the Bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave,
O'er the Land of the free and the home of the brave?
The Star Spangled Banner song is about the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Outer Baltimore Harbor in the Patapsco River during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.
It was written by Francis Scott Key (a 35 year old lawyer and amateur poet) who must have been there at that battle. He was inspired by the large U.S. flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. Victory - which was against all odds.
Word & Vision for Today
Isaiah 1:23-31 (NASB)
- Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, nor does the widow’s plea come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts, The Mighty One of Israel, declares,
“Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries and avenge Myself on My foes.
25 “I will also turn My hand against you, and will smelt away your dross as with lye and will remove all your alloy.
26 “Then I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called the city of righteousness, a faithful city.”
27 Zion will be redeemed with justice and her repentant ones with righteousness.
28 But transgressors and sinners will be crushed together, and those who forsake the LORD will come to an end.
29 Surely you will be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you will be embarrassed at the gardens which you have chosen.
30 For you will be like an oak whose leaf fades away or as a garden that has no water.
31 The strong man will become tinder, His work also a spark. Thus they shall both burn together and there will be none to quench them.
This is the Word of the Lord for our times as well.
Encouragenment:
God has not abandoned America, He loves America. Don’t let others tell you or convince you otherwise. Please get in agreement with God, knowing He will save this nation and other nations too - and say this:
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever. Psalms 118:1 (KJV)
Also
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalms 27:13-14 (KJV)
Support the showTo make a One Time donation use the Support the Show link above.
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You can also check out our books, teaching articles, and browse through more than 125 podcast episodes.
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Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
God has a redemptive plan and is moving in the earth today.
Many people are feeling "justice sick" - meaning they see evil being done on large scale, but they see little or no justice concerning that evil. But God has a redemptive plan and I believe God is moving in the earth is such a powerful way that people will be healed from the lack of justice and there will be dancing and joy in the streets.
Scriptures to have on hand while listening.
Isaiah 62:6-12 (NASB)
- On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen;
All day and all night they will never keep silent.
You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves;
7 And give Him no rest until He establishes
And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
8 The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His strong arm,
“I will never again give your grain as food for your enemies;
Nor will foreigners drink your new wine for which you have labored.”
9 But those who garner it will eat it and praise the LORD;
And those who gather it will drink it in the courts of My sanctuary.
10 Go through, go through the gates,
Clear the way for the people;
Build up, build up the highway,
Remove the stones, lift up a standard over the peoples.
11 Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth,
Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes;
Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”
12 And they will call them, “The holy people,
The redeemed of the LORD”;
And you will be called, “Sought out, a city not forsaken.”
Psalms 27:13 (KJV)
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalms 27:13 (NASB)
13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Support the showTo make a One Time donation use the Support the Show link above.
Please visit our website at: JohnAndLisa.faith
You can also check out our books, teaching articles, and browse through more than 125 podcast episodes.
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Thank you for being part of this podcast!
Your hosts,
John and Lisa Strazza
Midterms 2022 Update
1 Chronicles 16:8-36 (NASB)
Psalm of Thanksgiving
8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.
12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,
13 O seed of Israel His servant, Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
14 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.
15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
16 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac.
17 He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, As the portion of your inheritance.”
19 When they were only a few in number, Very few, and strangers in it,
20 And they wandered about from nation to nation, And from one kingdom to another people,
21 He permitted no man to oppress them, And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
22 “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
24 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place.
28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.
30 Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the earth.
34 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
(KJV) 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks to Your holy name, And glory in Your praise.”
36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.
Support the showPlease visit our website and sign up for our emails at: JohnAndLisa.faith
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Your hosts,
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We Have Escaped - Psalm 124
Praise for Rescue from Enemies - Psalm 124 NASB
1 “Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say,
2 “Had it not been the LORD who was on our side
When men rose up against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their anger was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have engulfed us,
The stream would have swept over our soul; (Lit: passed over)
5 Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”
6 Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth. (Lit - as a prey to)
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
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The days ahead - a prophetic word part 2
This is for the least to the greatest of us - based on the promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34:
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NKJV)
And also:
28 “ It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. 29 “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 (NASB)
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A Prophecy - September 2022
This was given to me on Sept. 8th in the morning. It's about prioritizing God's Word in our lives. It is directed to ministries of different kinds, but I believe it will bless every believer who hears it.
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**Growing in Prayer
Note: I write more on this topic in my book Faith That Gets Results (in the 6th chapter called Faith Speaks.)
You can get the book here: Faith That Gets Results Book
Verses we are using in this episode about prayer:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)Elijah's prayerThe effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:16-18 (KJV)
The actual prayer:
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
1 Kings 17:1 (KJV)
Red Sea Moment
But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.
As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.”
“As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.” Exodus 14:13-17 (NASB)Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss our next episode! Thank you..
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The Art of Listening
This episode is all about how we listen to God's word and bear fruit.
Mark 4:10 & 13 (NKJV)
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But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.
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And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
Mark 4:24-25 (NKJV)
- Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
Mark 4:24-25 (TPT)
- Then he said to them, “Be diligent to understand the meaning behind everything you hear, for as you do, more understanding will be given to you. And according to the depth of your longing to understand, much more will be added to you. 25. For those who listen with open hearts will receive more revelation. But those who don’t listen with open hearts will lose what little they think they have!
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
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The True Message of the GospelThis episode is about the essence of the gospel message that Paul taught in his letter to the Romans, and in almost all of his letters. This very gospel message was given to Paul by Jesus. As we meet and listen to the many beautiful people that we know love Jesus, we also see a need and a hunger to have this message of the gospel made even more clear. This gospel is the centerpiece of our lives, and it should remain the centerpiece in all that we do.
Romans 5:1-2
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction (access) by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 (Emphasis mine)
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The Resurrection and the Life
This is a message that you can listen to any day of the year.
10 min. episode
Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday - Easter ... and may God bless you abundantly.
Romans 8:11 (NASB)
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
We were given life and power to be like Christ, which means we can now (and are commissioned to) promote and speak His life giving Message (the Gospel), His word and power, to anyone whom death and the enemy tries to rob kill and destroy. And we do this with the demonstration of power of Life, just Like Jesus did.
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Let your words be few
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 (NASB)
1 Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.
2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.
3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.
Hosea 4:6 (NASB)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Mark 4:24-25 (TPT)
24 Then he said to them, “Be diligent to understand the meaning behind everything you hear, for as you do, more understanding will be given to you.
And according to the depth of your longing to understand, much more will be added to you.
25 For those who listen with open hearts will receive more revelation. But those who don’t listen with open hearts will lose what little they think they have!”
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This is not a time for fear
Please share this episode with someone who needs this message.
Isaiah 41:8-16 (NLT)
8 “But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend,
9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
13 For I hold you by your right hand—I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
14 Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.’
15 You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains.
16 You will toss them into the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. Then you will rejoice in the LORD.
You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
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Loving God
John 14:15 (NASB)
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:15 (AMP)
15 If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.
Note: keeping God’s commandments will not produce love for God, but rather, loving God will produce a pattern and ability of keeping His commandments—and keeping His commandments is an action of love.
1 John 4:19 (NKJV)
We love Him because He first loved us.
What are His Commandments?
1 John 3:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
Matthew 22:35-40 (KJV)
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 -- Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
John 13:33-35 (KJV)
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
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Speak the Living WordVerses to keep on hand while listening
Matthew 18:19-20 (KJV)
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Ephesians 6:17
… and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Isaiah 55: 11
So will my word be which goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Faith Speaks God’s word
(From my book, Faith that Gets Results) - See it here: https://johnandlisa.faith
To pray in agreement together, start to speak and pray things like:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).” Psalms 23:1
“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Isaiah 54: 17
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalms 118:17”
“No plague will come near my dwelling.” Psalm 91:10
“He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ”
You have to believe your prayer or decree
Mark 9:23-24 (KJV)
23 -- Jesus said unto him, (If you can? All things…) If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
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Are You Thriving?
We will thrive when we are deeply rooted in God's Word.
Scripture to have on hand while listening:
John 6:63 (NASB)
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
Thank you for listening - and please do subscribe to this podcast in your favorite podcast app.
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Jesus the living Word
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Verses 14-17
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-4
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Verses 16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 1:1-4
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
____
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Thank you and God bless you.
The Word 2 Wisdom Podcast
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We Are One with Him
"But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."
1 Corinthians 6:17
This amazing verse says so much about our relationship with the Lord. Listen to this episode and be blessed and comforted in the fact that when you are born again, you and God are one.
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You Are Forgiven
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.
Luke 23: 44-46 NLT
44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord.
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
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Let’s Talk About Faith
Faith says, "Yes, it's done!"
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the]evidence of things not seen.
Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away your judgments,
He has cast out your enemy.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
You shall see disaster no more.
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.
17 The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
To learn more about my new book, Faith that Get's Results: CLICK HERE
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Rebuke the Storm with Peace
Scriptures to have on hand while listening.
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
Wind and Wave Obey Jesus
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Mark 4:39 (AMP)
39 And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).
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Thank you!
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Word of His Power - Part 2
Scriptures to have on hand while listening: **The Faith of a Roman Officer
Luke 7:1-10 (NLT)**
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer[a] was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, 5 “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”
6 So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. 7 I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 8 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” 10 And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.
Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV
- God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2. has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3. who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4. having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV
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The Word of His Power
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
- God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2. has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3. who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4. having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV
A New Covenant
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34 NKJV
Get my new eBook here: Faith that Gets Results
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Faith Looks Forward
This looks into the concept of faith looking forward. This episode includes some excerpts and concepts from my new book, Faith that Gets Results.
Get this new eBook here: Faith that Gets Results
The paperback will be available next month.
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How the Kingdom of God Works Part 4
& Announcing a new book!
Scripture verse to have on hand while listening:
Mark 4:24-25
And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force],
NEW BOOK:
Here's a link to my new book, Faith that Gets Results
Thank you for listening!
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How the Kingdom of God Works - Part 3
This is the third episode of the How the Kingdom of God Works. In this episode we go into the concept that the Kingdom of God is near, and not only near but in us when we receive Jesus within our hearts.
Important verses to have as you listen:
John 1: 1-4, 12-14
1 John 1:1-5
Colossians 1:13
Colossians 3:1-3
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How the Kingdom of God Works - Part 2
In this episode we go into a deeper explanation of the parable of the Sower and the Seeds–looking into the four types of ground/heart in the parable.
Along with the first episode, this is a very important and foundational teaching. So much so that Jesus said:
"Do you not understand this parable? How then can you understand all the parables?" Mark 4:13.
Important verses to have as you listen: Mathew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8: 12-15, Proverbs 4: 5-7, 23
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How the Kingdom of God Works - Part 1 Revisited
This episode is about understanding the value of God’s word and how the kingdom of God works. Using the parable of the sower and the seeds, this lesson depicts and creates a picture of how the kingdom of heaven works, especially if we desire a fruitful Christian life. Natural laws are used as examples of spiritual truths and laws. Without understanding of this parable, Jesus said, "How can we understand all other parables?" Mark 4:13. This is an important and foundational lesson.
We live in the Kingdom of God:
Colossians 1:13
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
Important verses to have as you listen:
Mark 4:1-9, 13-20, John 6:63
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Grace & Truth
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”
And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1: 14-17
- John:1 we see that there is a both grace and truth.
Grace:
Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- Jesus came in grace and truth and although we have his grace by believing we also need to have his truth. We can’t just do anything we want and depend on grace only.
We have grace but it’s the truth that sets us free.
Truth:
John 8:31-32 (KJV)
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
- We are transformed by Gods word, we do not remain the same. We are new creatures. This is where we need to have a balance between grace and truth.
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My story about 9/11
This episode is about my experiences on and even before Sept. 11, 2001. God spared my life on that day in NYC, and this is part of my story.
Thank you for listening!
John Strazza
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Awaken
- Awaken to God’s redemptive plan.
2. Stop walking in fear. - Know the season that you are in.
4. See the spiritual, not the natural.
What to do right now?
Spend time in prayer and in the word. This will open your eyes to the heavenly perspective that God has, and not just the worlds perspective. Do this so you can be bold and at peace, in spite of the difficulty that is surrounding us, knowing that, "Greater is He that is in us, than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
Don’t fear - trust God that He has a purpose in these times and that He will perform it.
Thank you for joining us today!
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Celebrate our 100th Episode
You now have 100 episodes that you can listen to 24/7. We are so grateful to God for helping us achieve this milestone.
Please share these various series and episodes with your small groups, bible studies, and home churches.
These 100 episodes are a rich resource available any time you need it.
Thank you for listening!
Support link below.
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Understanding The Holy Spirit - Part 2
Please share this with a friend that needs to become better acquainted with the Holy Spirit in a gentle way.
Verses to have on hand while listening:
Luke 4:16-19 (NKJV) - from Isaiah 61
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
John 14:12 (NKJV)
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
Luke 11:10-13 (NKJV)
10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
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Understanding The Holy Spirit
Please share this episode with a friend that could use a simple understanding of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
The Holy Spirit is our friend, comforter, councilor, teacher, advocate, helper, sent to us by the Father.
Don’t be afraid of the Holy Spirit, he’s your friend.
John Chapter 14
John 14:15-17 (ESV)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:23 (ESV)
Jesus and the Father are in us, make their home in us. God with us.
23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John 14:25-27 (ESV)
The Helper will come because Jesus was leaving to go to the Father.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Thank you for listening, please share this with a friend or family member.
Please consider donating to this program, use the link below. Thank you!
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Hold Your Peace - Revisited
This is a revisit of a very relevant episode we did on January 23, 2021. It was such a blessing to hear it again today, and so much of what we were saying back then is coming into full bloom now. So if it’s your first time hearing this one, or the second time, let it be a blessing to you today, and please do share it with a friend.
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 46: 10-11 NLT
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude
Psalm 46: 10-11 NASB
Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah.
Jeremiah 29: 11-14 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Exodus 14:13 NLT
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
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Great and Precious Promises - Part 3
2 Peter 1: 1-4
- Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: - Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
- as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
- by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Verses about promises (there are thousands more, seek them out!)
Deuteronomy 28:1-13
Ephesians - Whole letter
Colossians - Whole letter
Psalms 103: 1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
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Great and Precious Promises - Part 2
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
2 Peter 1:3 (NASB)
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.
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
John 1:16 (NASB)
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
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Great and precious promises
Our man verse is in 2 Peter
2 Peter 1:1-4 (NASB)
1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;
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.
Note: Our episode title comes from the KJV and NKJV bible translations that use the words, "great and precious promises," in verse 4. Thus we have our title. See verse below.
4 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises ...
KnowledgeJohn 17:3
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Not having knowledge
Isaiah 5:13 (KJV)
13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:
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Setting the Captives Free - Part 2
Verses to have on hand while listening:
John 8:31-32, 36 NKJV
31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide (continue) in My word, you are My disciples (learners, pupils) indeed (certainly).
32. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
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36. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 15:4
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
John 15:7
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Psalms 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
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Have a happy Independence Day to all!
Thank you for listening!!
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Setting the Captives Free
Verses to have while listening.
Please keep all these scriptures close to your heart. They are key verses about how great our salvation in Jesus is, and how this gospel sets us free.
Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)
The Just Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
What was that good news?
Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV)
also seen in Luke 4:18 when Jesus read it in the temple.
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor; (afflicted)
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
More good news of liberty.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (NASB)
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
Verse 10
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
Declare it!
Psalms 118:17 (KJV)
17 I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.
Please listen again to this episode to get this in your heart.
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Faith Righteousness - Part 4
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Romans 5:1
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction (access) by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
21. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Mark 4:26-28 (NIV)
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
Ephesians 4:24 (KJV)
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
after the manner of, after the measure of, likeness of
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Peter 1:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those (meaning us believers) who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: (talking about Jesus)
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
(All this was deposited in you when you were born again)
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Faith Righteousness Part 3
This episode focuses on grace and faith.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Romans 5:1
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction (access) by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God.
John 1:14, 15-17 (NKJV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (This is God’s free gift of full salvation.)
Ephesians 2: 7-10 (NKJV)
7. that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9. not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Romans 3:21, 24 (NKJV)
God’s Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Titus 3:4-7 (KJV)
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (GRACE)
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Thank you for listening, please share this message with a friend.
And please give this podcast a positive rating on your podcast app, this will help grow our listening audience.
Thank you and God bless you with His grace in abundance.
John Strazza
The Word to Wisdom podcast
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Faith Righteousness Part 2
Scriptures used in this episode.
Romans 5:1
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:16
16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 3: 1-14 and 28 (NLT)
1. Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross.
2. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ.
3. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
4. Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?
5. I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
6. In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
Genesis 15: 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
7. The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.
8. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.”
9. So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.
10. But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.”
11. So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
12. This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
13. But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
14. Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
…
28. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ
Conclusion:
Romans 3: 20, 28
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Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
-
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
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Faith Righteousness continuedThis is our short 3+ minute midweek episode. It's to encourage you about an important topic - Faith Righteousness - which we are talking about in length in our regular podcast episodes right now.
If you haven't heard the first part of this series, then please listen today... it's so important. And I believe it will set many Christians free from constant condemnation and accusation from the enemy. It may also help us re-evaluate some of our negative or inaccurate opinions about our loving Father in heaven.
Share this with a friend, and enjoy listening!
John Strazza
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Faith Righteousness - Part 1
The foundation of faith righteousness is that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and not of ourselves, or our own doing. It is the gift of God.
God is pleased with you as a son or daughter, and this is the grace in which we stand, all because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. It is the gift of God. This is faith righteousness.
Paul called it “The righteousness of faith” in Romans 4
Results of Justification
Romans 5:1-2
1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction (access) by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult (rejoice) in hope of the glory of God.
Condemnation ended
Romans 8: 1-2
1. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 3:28.
28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Conclusion:
Philippians 3:9
9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Galatians 2:16
16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
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Take 3 with John - Faith Righteousness
This short 3+ minute episode is an encouragement to remember that our right standing with God, our righteousness, comes as a gift from God through His son Jesus. We could never earn a righteous standing before God, it had to be given by grace... and this truth and grace is where we stand today and forever.
Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
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God’s Banquet Table
His word and His presence
Psalms 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15: (19-24)
19 He said he would say …“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
Verses 20-24
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
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Faith that gets results Part 4final episode of this series.
Faith and a Heavenly Perspective
Faith is connected to: praise, joy, rejoicing, singing, and gladness.
Faith is strengthened by joy.
Faith looks ahead with praise.
Verses to have on hand while listening:
Nehemiah 8: 9-10 (NKJV)
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Matthew 6:10 (NASB)
10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Zephaniah 3:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Sing, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The LORD has taken away your judgments,
He has cast out your enemy.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
You shall see disaster no more.
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
Hebrews 12: 1-2
1. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2. looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 11: 32-40
32. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33. who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34. quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35. Women received their dead raised to life again.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38. of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
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Faith that gets Results Part 3
Our true Christian Faith is always connected to love.
Faith does not stand alone.
Faith is fueled by love.
Love drives faith.
Faith is prosperous and effective by love.
This is Agape’ love, God’s love. We’re not talking about human love.
Human love can actually get in the way of faith due to feelings and emotions of fear.
Verses that are good to have on hand while listening:
1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Love …rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision means any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by (or through) love.
Galatians 5:22 NASB
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith (faithfulness), gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:2 …and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
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Take 3 with John - more on faith that gets results
Last week on The Word to Wisdom full episode we spoke of faith being connected to God's Word. This week on this 3 minute episode I want to talk just a little about faith being connected with God's love too.
This is just a small peek into our full podcast episode coming up next, where we will continue to talk about Faith that gets results, in greater detail, and how God's love plays a major roll in our faith.
If you haven't heard Part 1 or 2 of this teaching, please feel free to go back and listen to them. This has been an amazing teaching and blessing to understand our faith much more clearly.
I look forward to seeing you on the next episode!
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Faith that gets results - Part 2
Faith is always connected to God's Word.
(Isaiah 53:4-6)
4. Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
-
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed. -
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.
(1 Peter 2:24)
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. (From Isaiah 53:5)
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:
but the just shall live by his faith.
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On this midweek episode we're continuing to talk about faith.
Faith is always connected to God's Word.
Please listen to our first episode in this series,
Faith that gets results here: Faith that gets results
Verse to have on hand for today's short message:
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
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Faith that gets results
Foundational concepts of faith.
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him:
but the just shall live by his faith.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV. Definition of faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NASB
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Romans 12:3 NASB. Measure of faith.
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
Galatians 5:6. KJV. Faith works by love.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth (means or has the power to do) any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Galatians 5:6 NASB
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Faith is not a feeling. Your feelings won't always agree with your faith.
Main verse
Hebrews 11:6 KJV
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, (powerful, willing, faithful, listening, loving … etc) and (believes) that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
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Take 3 with John Episode 6
In this Take 3 with John episode, we want to remind you that we are changing our podcast name from “The Sower’s Seeds” to “The Word to Wisdom”
We’ll be changing it before our next weekend episode.
You don’t have to do anything. If you are subscribed to us now, you will automatically be subscribed after the name change. It's the same program, only the name and logo have changed.
Please know that our content/messages will remain the same. (No worries.)
We’ll be teaching the Gospel as we have been all along, and we look forward to growing with you in The Word to Wisdom!
John Strazza
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Exciting News: we are changing the name of our podcast from:
“The Sower’s Seeds” to “The Word to Wisdom”
This will probably happen next weekend.
We are very excited about the new name, and we will share in our midweek episode why we're making the change and more details.
Be assured that the only thing changing is the name and logo, but not our message or content. That will remain the same!
Your podcast app will still have you subscribed to us automatically (so no worries). You’ll simply see the new name and image logo when we put up a new episode.
If you would like us to send you an email to remind you of the new name,
just go to: http://strazza.net/contact/
and send us an email saying to remind you of the new name when we upload our new episode.
_____________
Get Wisdom Get Understanding
Verses to have on hand while listening:
Proverbs 4:5-7
Proverbs 4:5-7 (NKJV)
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
Wisdom is the principal thing; Beginning, choice part, first, chief, first fruits
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:5-7 (NASB)
Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.
“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
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Take 3 with John Episode 5
Isaiah 53:4
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
Mathew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
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Join us for our 75th Episode with John & Lisa!
This message highlights four of the most important scripture verses and concepts we have covered since we started podcasting.
1. Mark 4:20
And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”
2. Mark 4:13
And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?”
3. John 6:63 (NKJV)
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
4. Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
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The Resurrection of Jesus
Have a blessed day today as you listen to this beautiful account of the most powerful event in history... the resurrection of Jesus three days after dying on the cross for all of us.
Please share this episode with someone who is alone, or who you feel might need it today.
Our scripture for this episode is: John 20: 1-18 (NKJV)
Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
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Are Your Words Important?
Question: Are the words that we say really that important?
Answer: Yes, a resounding yes!
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 17:28 (NASB)
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent (or perceptive).
**Two examples:
Example 1.
A priest named Zacharias, and his wife Elizabeth, the parents to John the baptist.**
Luke 1: 5-20 (NKJV)
5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
• 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
8. So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9. according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.
• 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
• 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
• 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
• 18. And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” (Big mistake!)
• 19. And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, (warrior of God, archangel) who stands in the presence of God, (lit. besides God), and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
• 20. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Elizabeth's words:
24. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25. “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Note: Malachi 4: 5-6 is about John the baptist
5. “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Example 2
Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her experience and her words.
Remember Mary was a very young woman - between 15-16 years old. But she was spiritually mature based on her amazing response to God’s promise and word to her.
Luke 1: 34-38
34. Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (A question with out the doubt, and the angel answered her question.)
35. And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her
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Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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Delight in His WordThe Word of God is like a seed.To learn more about God's Word be like a seed, click the links below to listen to part one and part two of our series called The Kingdom of God is like....
The Kingdom of God is like... Part One
The Kingdom of God is like... Part Two
This is one of the most important series we have done here on The Sower's Seeds Podcast.
Verses to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 1 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Please share this episode with a friend. Thank you!
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Take 3 with John - Episode 3
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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A Still Small Voice
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Psalms 46:10. AMP
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Be still in other versions:
NASB: “Cease striving.”
Literal: Relax You.
Note about toil:
"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." (toil). John 17:15
The words "evil one" are translated from a Greek word that means toil. Satan always wants to bring people into toil. But God wants to bring us into His rest and stillness. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Still Small Voice
Note: 1 Kings 19: 11-14
Here Elijah ran from Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) in fear of his life, and went traveled 40 days to Horeb (the mountain of God) and hid in a cave. And this is where God spoke to him. God was gracious to him, and had an angel feed him for this long trip. And then He spoke to Elijah on the mountain where he was hiding.
1 Kings 19:12. KJV
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Kings 19:12. NASB
After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.
1 Kings 19:12. AMP
and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.
1 Kings 19:12. NLT
And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
Thank you for listening, and please share this podcast and these episodes with others who will enjoy them!
We'll see you on the next episode.
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Beauty for Ashes Part 2
*Scriptures for this episode: Joel 2: 25-26, Isaiah 61: 1-3,
Joel 2: 25-26 (KJV)
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,
the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm,
my great army which I sent among you.
And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the Lord your God,
that hath dealt wondrously with you:
and my people shall never be ashamed.*
Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,
to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Read Defeating Your Goliath by Lisa Strazza
to learn more about living victoriously in Christ.
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Take 3 with John
Luke 23:39-43
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Thank you for listening, and please evangelize by sharing this and other episodes that you have enjoyed from The Sower's Seeds Podcast.
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Beauty for Ashes
Scriptures for this episode: Isaiah 61: 1-3, Luke 4:14-22
Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,
to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 (NASB)
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
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Take 3 with John - 3 minute episode.
These are our 3 minute midweek podcast episodes intended to encourage you in-between our regular weekly program, The Sower's Seeds.
This is about the foundational message of what Jesus did for us.
We're looking at an important verse, Isaiah 53: 4-5.
- *Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted. - But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.*
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Soundness of Mind & Body Part II
We encourage you to listen to both Part I and Part II of this short series. Enjoy!
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, (Peace peace)
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
The word Peace in this verse is from the Hebrew word:
shalom; completeness, soundness, welfare, peace.
Read all of Mark 5!
Jesus heals man at tomb in Gadarenes with unclean spirit.
Mark 5:15 (NASB)
They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened.
The word Mind here is from the Greek word:
sōphroneō; to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.
sōphroneō comes from the word :
sōphrōn; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled — discreet, sober, temperate.
sōphrōn; comes from the word :
sōzō; to save, i.e. deliver or protect — heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
*Heal, Healed, Save, Salvation, Whole, Deliver, Protect, Make Whole, Preserve, Do well,
These words are all about soundness of mind and body.*
NOTE:
The vast difference of just an hour with Jesus will completely transform your life.
This man was once just a little boy, with mom and dad, brothers, sisters, family, friends… hopes and dreams… to work and marry etc. God never intended him to be this way. He had a plan for good for him, and brought him back to it. Praise God for His love.
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Soundness of Mind & Body
Soundness
Soundness of mind
Soundness of body
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Read all of Mark 5!
Woman with issue of blood - Read full story at Mark 5:27-34
Mark 5: 28, 30-34 (KJV)
28. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
- Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
The word whole is taken from the Greek word sozo. See definition below.
1. sōzō; “safe” to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) — heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
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Hands Off
i.e. Hands Off your problem!
This means to let go of your control over the problem. God may have you play a role in the answer but only when you let go of your control.
God can’t help us sometimes when we are holding on to our problems too tight. God won’t force you to let go.
Psalms 131 (NIV)
1 My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.
Psalms 131 (KJV)
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty:
neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself,
as a child that is weaned of his mother:
my soul is even as a weaned child.
3 Let Israel hope in the LORD
from henceforth and for ever.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety (care NKJV) on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (NASB) Judah Invaded … King Jehoshaphat and all the people prayed to God.
Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, …. 15 and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 24:7-8 (NASB)
7 Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.
Matthew 6:6-8 (NKJV) Prayer in faith, Simple prayer - not with many repetitions
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
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Tell Them To Rejoice!
Psalm 124 (NASB)
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say,
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side
When men rose up against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their anger was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have engulfed us,
The stream would have swept over our soul;
Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”
Blessed be the Lord,
Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 126 (NASB)
When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter
And our tongue with joyful shouting;
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
We are glad.
Restore our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
-- Thanks so much for listening! If this episode is a blessing to you, please consider making a one time donation to The Sower's Seeds Podcast by clicking the Support the Show link below.
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Hold Your Peace
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 46: 10-11 NLT
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude
Another version says it like this:
Psalm 46: 10-11 NASB
Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah.
Jeremiah 29: 11-14 NLT
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Exodus 14:13 NLT
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
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Live Your Life
Scriptures for today:
Philippians 4: 6-8
Psalms 33
Isaiah 35
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 4: 6-8
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First, want to thank those whose sent encouragement and support to us last week, it was such a blessing to us, and the timing was perfect!
God bless you many times over!
js
Righteousness - the antidote for evil
"Righteousness will be the antidote for evil." These words came to me as I prayed one night and I wrote them down. And, in the times we are in, right here, right now, they are so relevant.
Scripture for this episode:
Psalm 24 (NLT)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
Interlude
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty;
the Lord, invincible in battle.
Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory.
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Stand Strong, and don't give up!
Happy and blessed New Year to all!
This episode was created to encourage you in this time of battle for our nation.
This is NOT a battle of flesh and blood enemies and weapons, it's a spiritual battle.
As the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-12:
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
God is far greater than any enemy that comes against His purpose.
Remember, this is not the first time God’s people have had to Appeal to Heaven in difficult times and circumstances.
Listen and let this message today bless and encourage you.
And, don’t give up, Stand Strong in the Lord.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 72
Give your love of justice to the king, O God,
and righteousness to the king’s son.
Help him judge your people in the right way;
let the poor always be treated fairly.
May the mountains yield prosperity for all,
and may the hills be fruitful.
Help him to defend the poor,
to rescue the children of the needy,
and to crush their oppressors.
1 Samuel 17: 45-47
David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
With God's help, David defeated Goliath, and you can too.
My wife Lisa and I have been through many great battles in our lives, like the one David had with Goliath. And, Lisa wrote a terrific book about many of these battles called "Defeating Your Goliath." It's an awesome book about walking in the victory we all have through Jesus!
You can learn more about Lisa Strazza's book right here: Defeating Your Goliath
God bless you!
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Merry Christmas from The Sower's Seeds Podcast team.
Thank you for listening to The Sower’s Seeds Podcast.
If we have been a blessing to you, please consider making a one time end of year donation.
To donate to this podcast work, please click here: http://strazza.net/donate/
Thank you and have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
John Strazza and the Sower’s Seeds team.
Note: Donations are not tax deductible.
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Identity Crisis as Sons & Daughters
A Message of Freedom to the Church
Scriptures to read while listening
We are His sons and daughters.
John 1:12. (KJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Identity crisis in the church as to our sonship.
1 John 3:1-3. (KJV)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Picture of the revelation of our sonship.
John 20:11-17 (NASB)
But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher).
Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father;
but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
We are no longer condemned.
Romans 8:1 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:14 (KJV)
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:15 (NLT)
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”
We are accepted as sons.
Ephesians 1: 5-6 (KJV)
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Ephesians 1: 5-6 (YLT)
Having foreordained us to the adoption of sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He did make us accepted in the beloved,
God is our Father. Any other thought is a lie.
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
Rest in your sonship.
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The Tides Are Turning Part 2 - Feeling Discouraged?Before we get started: Here is a great page to stay encouraged everyday, and you can even have daily encouragement and prayer sent to your email. Take a look for yourself here: www.givehim15.com
Are You discouraged?
You are not alone.
1 Peter 5:8 (NMB) The false lion
Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith, remembering that you do but fulfill the same afflictions as are appointed to your brethren that are in the world.
If ever there was a time to stand in our faith, it’s now. We need to rise up and stand against all the lies we hear, and get into God’s word and start to believe.
Jesus said, when He was temped in the desert, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that comes from God." Every Word.
It’s time to believe and stand.
Remember Moses, remember David, Remember Danial, Remember Ruth, Esther, and Elisha. Read their stories.
Remember Abraham who pleaded with God to spare the people if there were even just 10 righteous in that place. And God said He would spare them if there were 10 righteous.
Do we not have more that 10 righteous people in America? Yes!
These saints were not in it to pray until they lost, but to pray and look to God UNTIL THEY WON!
It’s time to burn the boats.
Listen to hear what this saying, "Burn the boats," means.
God loves this nation, and loves you. He is gentle toward you.
He knows even the weakest of you, those who are afraid. But even if you look to God with the littlest hope and faith, He will hear you. This is so important to know.
Isaiah 42:3 (NLT)
3 He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
Matthew 12:20 (KJV)
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Going to replay second Urgent Message
Urgent Part 2 - Wilt Thou Not Revive Us Again
God bless you and We will continue next week with the most important message of our lives, and so needed for us today …
Also, please share this message with more than one person today please… many are discouraged and need it.
Until next week, God bless you!
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The Tides Are Turning - Part 1
This episode was created especially to encourage you!
Verses to have on hand while listening
Isaiah 27: 1-3, 12
1: In that day the Lord will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent,
With His fierce and great and mighty sword,
Even Leviathan the twisted serpent;
And He will kill the dragon who lives in the sea.
2 In that day,
“A vineyard of wine, sing of it!
3 “I, the Lord, am its keeper;
I water it every moment.
So that no one will damage it,
I guard it night and day.
12: In that day the Lord will start His threshing from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt, and you will be gathered up one by one, O sons of Israel. It will come about also in that day that a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were perishing in the land of Assyria and who were scattered in the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.
Two lions: The lion of Judah and the false lion.
Revelation 5:5 (NLT) the True Lion
But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals."
Jesus is the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb that was slain. See verse 6
1 Peter 5:8 (NMB NT). The false lion
Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith, remembering that you do but fulfill the same afflictions as are appointed to your brethren that are in the world.
Note:
Satan is a false lion. He wants to be as powerful as Jesus but he can’t be. He walks around as a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour. But Jesus is THE Lion, and He is King of all kingdoms. He’ll roar in a whole different way, a powerful way, and things will change, tides will turn and change. He’ll rebuke the storm. The Tides Are Turning!
Revival is coming and so is Divine discipline for the church
Hebrews 12:1-2. NKJV
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:5-7. NKJV
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
Hebrews 12:11
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
God sent His son to save, not condemn
John 3:17 (NMB NT)
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world through him could be saved.
In closing :
Pray continually for this nation to see justice and freedom.
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God bless you and thank you for listening.
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In this short episode I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family and friends a warm and blessed Thanksgiving Day. I also wanted to share an important moment in history that may be an inspiration and encouragement to you. Here below is a copy of Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation for a day of thanksgiving. It’s beautiful. Enjoy!
We’ll come back next week with our normal programing.
Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
The year is 1863 on Oct 3rd.
Right in the middle of a civil war (1861 - 1865)
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
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Urgent Part 3 - His Truth Is Marching On
Our 3rd and final Urgent message.
The main topic here is to Hold On Boldly! Don’t give up, God is on the move. Be strong in the Lord. Stand tall and do not faint because of what we hear in this world. This is always true for us, no mater what it is we’re going through. In our nation, or just in our own homes, or community.
*Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Hebrews End of chapter 10, beginning of 11*
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6: 13. Read verses 10-20
God works providentially in amazing ways, and we’re often surprised how in the end, He works things out.
What we need to do
So it’s time to dig in deep and trust God like never before. We did it before, and we can do it again. And I believe that a revival of great magnitude is already in play in America and through the whole world.
Here are just a few verses to encourage you to believe with all your heart, and stand on His truth.
Psalms 33:12 (KJV)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Hold on and continue to be a praying people, because this fight is also fought in prayer. Pray in support of those who are defending this nation by bringing forth the truth for all to see. In Jesus Name.
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Urgent Part 2 - Wilt Thou Not Revive Us Again
*Please share this message with a friend, so they can be encouraged too.
Psalm 85:6
Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 85:6-8
Luke 18: 1-8
Genesis 18: 22-33
Numbers 13-14 (2 chapters)
Will I find faith on the earth? Jesus
Parable of the unjust judge. Luke 18: 1-8 (NLT)
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
“There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”
Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”
Let us be a people of prayer - not a people of fear and unbelief!
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Urgent - Here's what we should be doing right now!
*Please share this message with a friend!
Good verses to have on hand while listening*
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.
Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Chronicles 12:31-32 (NASB). (David was at war as the people set out to make him king instead of Saul.)
31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were designated by name to come and make David king.
32 Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.
These people knew the times in which they lived, they saw the signs of their time, and knew what to do in response. They were in a war.
Ephesians. 6:10-17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength POWER of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Praying a better way - Make a declaration!
We all have heard of the prayer of Elijah, how he prayed that it would not rain for three years. But we don’t seem to have known just how he prayed, and I think you’ll be surprised when you hear it.
James 5:16-18 KJV
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
1 Kings 17:1 NASB
Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
This prayer was written by Sean Feucht on Instagram. @SeanFeucht
"Tonight I feel compelled to call believers across the world to pray for integrity in the election process.
This is a crucial moment for peace and prosperity of our nation. It should not be the medias right to call an election before every legal vote is counted.
We have the authority in the place of prayer and NOW is the moment we must use it.
Pray for integrity in our election process. Pray that every scheme of fraud, division or chaos will be frustrated in the name of Jesus.
Pray for our nation."
Now, with all this encouragement let's pray and rejoice with out ceasing!
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You are a New Creation - Part 2
This episode is a continuation from last week about understanding that we are a new creation when we are born again, we are a new creature. Knowing this and understanding it are crucial to a victorious walk in Christ.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Galations 6: 15-16 (NLT)
It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
2 Corinthians 3: 12-18 (NASB)
Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (KJV)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
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You are a New Creation
This episode is about understanding that we are a new creation when we are born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says that we are "a new creation." Knowing this and understanding it are crucial to a victorious walk in Christ.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV
But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63 NKJV
See below, our main verse 2 Cor 5:17-18, in the Amplified version. I thought it was good to include it here.
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 AMPC Version
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Getting Understanding
We will be in Mark 4:24 where Jesus is saying to his disciples to take care, take diligence, give effort, to hear and understand the words we hear from God.
Verses to have on hand while listening:
Mark 4:24
Mark 4:24 The Passion Translation
Then he said to them, “Be diligent to understand the meaning behind everything you hear, for as you do, more understanding will be given to you. And according to the depth of your longing to understand, much more will be added to you. For those who listen with open hearts will receive more revelation. But those who don’t listen with open hearts will lose what little they think they have!”
Mark 4:24 The Amplified Bible
And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.
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Psalm 91 Your dwelling place
This episode is about Psalm 91, which today is relevant to so much of what we see going on in the world. This psalm challenges us to dwell in his presence, and to believe in the faithfulness of our God to protect us. This is an amazing psalm.
Scriptures to have on hand while listening:
Psalm 91, Isaiah 26: 3, John 15.
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Our Heavenly Citizenship
We are a kingdom of God people, we live in kingdom ways, not worldly says.
Here are some verses to have while listening:
Philippians 3:20-21
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ ...
Colossians 1: 13 (NASB)
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Romans 5:17 (KJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Hebrews 12: 18-24 (NLT)
A heavenly Jerusalem - A Contrast of Sinai and Zion
18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, ...
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general ...
Kingdom praying
Mathew 6: 9-10
“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
John the baptist talks about the kingdom
Mathew 3: 1-3
Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus talks about the kingdom to Nicodemus
John 3: 5-12
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
Matthew 4:23
Ministry in Galilee
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.
Jesus ministry
Luke 4: 43-44
But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” So He kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Jesus to His disciples
Luke 10: 8-9
Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Mathew 13: 18-19 NASB
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.
Colossians 3: 1-5
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
Kingdom Thinking
Philippians 4:6-9
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ....
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Pray for America
This episode is is so important right now. We need to pray for our nation, and we can't wait any longer. I want to encourage you to pray for any nation you live in, and especially America as we come near to our elections. These are the most important elections we have possibly ever had.
Also please visit: https://www.firewallusa.com
Someone recommended it and I thought this was a great site to help Christians pray together with commitment. Sign up and choose times that you can pray! People will be praying 24/7 all over the nation. They also have a PDF download of prayer directives, showing what we can pray for - it looks really great. Let's stand up and pray as never before for freedom, and our nation to remain the light in the gospel freely! And that other nations will become lights to the world.
Here is another prayer group that is calling for daily prayer that looks good- check it out and see if you like it - let's pray! https://www.dailyelectionprayer.com
Here are some verses to have on hand while listening.
Hosea 4:6 (NASB)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Isaiah 5:13-14 (NASB)
13 Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge;
And their honorable men are famished,
And their multitude is parched with thirst.
Psalms 33:12 (NASB)
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Romans 13:3 (NLT)
3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.
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Faith, Hope, Love, These Three - Part Two
This is the second episode of this new series taken from Paul's writing on love, and especially how faith, hope, and love work together. Understanding this is life changing when you begin to see what treasures God has given us in these three powerful forces in our lives; faith, hope and love.
In today's episode we'll concentrate on the following:
1. Faith, hope and love always produce LIFE.
2. Fear, lies, doubt and hate always produce death and corruption.
3. We live by the word of God. His Truth gives us life - always.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
1 Cor. 13: 13
13. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV)
So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.
Mathew 4:4 (NKJV)
Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
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Faith, Hope, Love, These Three
This new series is taken from Paul's writing on love, and especially how faith, hope, and love work together. Understanding this is life changing when you begin to see what treasures God has given us in these three powerful forces in our lives; Faith, Hope and Love.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 (NKJV)
8. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (Metaphor)
12. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
- Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 3: 14-19 (KJV) Paul speaking about God’s plans for the gentiles.
14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
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Nothing shall be impossible for you - Part Two
In this second episode we continue with Nothing shall be impossible for you, which is something Jesus said to several people who he came in contact with. It was to let us know that God is with us, and he has an abundant life to give us - a life in which we can believe that with God, nothing is impossible if we believe.
Good verses to have on hand while listening.
Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
John 6: 28-29
Matthew 17:20
Hebrews 11:1-3
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Nothing Shall be Impossible for you
In this episode we talk about something that Jesus said, “Nothing shall be impossible for you.” Jesus said this to his disciples, and he meant it. I love that Jesus challenged his disciples to believe bigger than what they could have ever imagined. And that is what this episode aims to do; encourage you to believe in a greater way than ever before. Please listen with us today to grow your faith and be blessed!
Good verses to have on hand while listening.
Luke 1:37 (NASB)
37 For nothing will be impossible with God."
Mark 9:23 (NASB )
23 And Jesus said to him, " ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes."
Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
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Too Much Grace? Part 2
This is part two of our series called, “ … too much Grace?”
My wife Lisa and I continue the conversation about Grace, and what it means in our lives.
In the first episode Lisa and I covered a lot of ground on the topic of Grace. In this second episode we answer some important questions that many believers ask about Grace, and we answer them from a biblical point of view. If you haven't heard the first episode I encourage you to do so, then come back to this episode. Enjoy!
Here are some good verses to have on hand while listening:
John 1: 14-17 (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Romans 4:2 (NASB)
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
2 Corinthians 12: 8-9 (NKJV)
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
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... too much Grace?
Please join Lisa Strazza and myself on the week's episode about grace. Grace is a hot topic in the church! This episode aims to bring some clarity and understanding about the grace of our heavenly Father that was given to us through His son Jesus.
Good verses to have on hand while listening.
*Romans 6: 1-2, 15 (NASB)
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! 2 How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
- What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!*
*Colossians 3: 1-10 (NLT)
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.*
Enjoy this episode and be blessed!
John Strazza
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Let's talk about Love - Part 2
This is a continuation of last week's episode on Love. In this episode we go into 1 John 4:7-21, where the Apostle John talks about love; God's love for us, and our love towards God and to others.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
1 John 4: 7-21, 1 Corinthians 13
Please share this podcast with someone you know and love - it will be a blessing to you and your family and friends. Enjoy this episode!
Please click the Support the show link below to support this podcast ... Thank you!
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Let's talk about LoveThis episode is all about God's love, and we go into 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul's famous chapter on love, to see what God's love actually looks like.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4: 7-10.Please share this podcast with someone you know and love - it will be a blessing to you and your family and friends. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode we're talking about Natural vs Spiritual.
Or, more precisely, we're talking about what it means to be natural minded vs being spiritual minded.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
John 3: 1-12, 1 Cor. 3: 1-3, 1 Cor. 2: 12-16
Romans 12:1-3 (NASB)
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
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He is Life - continued.
This is a continuation from last week's episode - He is Life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Important verses to have on hand while listening, and after to study and meditate on. Let this grow in your heart.
John 10:10, Isaiah 54:1-3, Isaiah 54: 17
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He Is Life
Important verses to have on hand while listening, and after to study and meditate on. Let this grow in your heart.
Romans 4:17
as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you” in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives LIFE (to make alive, give life, quicken, vitalize) to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
Lit: calls the things which do not exist as existing. God is a creator!
John 11: 20-26 Lazarus, Mary, and Martha
Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha *said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the LIFE; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 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. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, Life, Light
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was LIFE, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
1 John 1:1-5 The Word of LIFE, God is Light
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of LIFE— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal LIFE, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
Philippians 2:14-16 Holding fast the word of Life
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of LIFE, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Zoe is Greek word for life. The life that is God. The life of God. Some may say: The life that sustains God.
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Perfect Peace at all Times
Have Childlike faith/believing in God’s word.
Good verses to have on hand while listening.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.
Proverbs 29:18
KJV says: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.
NIV says: Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
Philippians 4: 4-8 (recipe for peace)
4. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5. Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6. Be careful (take thought, be anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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Perfect Peace in Troubled Times
This episode is about having the perfect peace of God in our lives even when times are troubled. The verses below are used in this episode. You can study them and speak them when you are praying as well! So be blessed today no matter what's going on in your life, or around you. His word is life!
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.
John 10:10
The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
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This episode is about the importance of Hope and imagination when it comes to our Faith. Hope is a necessary ingredient in our faith, so much so that without it our faith may not function well at all. This message speaks broadly of things we all face concerning our faith, but still focuses clearly on the picture of hope, and, how what we see in our hearts, in our imagination, our minds–what we hope–is of great importance in receiving the victory God has already provided for us in our great salvation.
Hebrews 11:1 is a good verse to look at while listening.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1
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We have a special guest today, my beautiful wife Lisa Strazza!
She is the author of a great book titled:
Defeating Your Goliath
Learning to Live in the Victory of Christ
On this episode Lisa and I talk about her book, and why she wrote it. She reads from some chapters as well. It's one of my favorite books, and I refer to it a lot.
Enjoy this special episode! I hope you consider getting a copy of Defeating Your Goliath at this link just below:
Defeating Your Goliath Book
Be blessed today, and thank you for listening!
John
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You Are Forgiven - Part Two
This episode is a continuation of the first episode about the sureness of our forgiveness in Christ. If you haven't heard the first episode, please do, and then come back to this part two.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Mark 2: 1-13, 2 Corinthians 5: 17-19
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This important episode is about knowing confidently that, as Christians, we are forgiven of all sin. If we don't believe that we are forgiven on a heart level, then we will struggle to walk closely with God, because we will feel the shame of some past sin and shy away from Him. This message aims to put an end to you feeling the shame of sin, and walking freely in the forgiveness that was given to you through the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus - once for all.
Important verses to have on hand while listening:
Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 54:4, Jeremiah 31:34, Luke 2:13-14, Psalms 103:10-12, Romans 8:1, 32, Hebrews 10: 14-22
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Incomparable Sacrifice
This episode talks about the power and completeness of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Some feel that Jesus' sacrifice is limited to the forgiveness of sins only, and nothing more. But the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross is very powerful, capable of a whole and complete transformation of our lives; body, soul, and spirit!
Good verses to have on hand while listening: Isaiah 53:1-5, Mathew 8: 16-17, 1 Peter 2: 24, Hebrews 10: 10&14.
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Giving comfort is what this podcast has mainly been about, and here again the Love of God is given to us to be comforted by the God of all Comfort.
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
2 Cor. 1:3-4, John 8:12
Also, it’s on my heart to encourage you to listen my series called: The Kingdom of God is Like… even if you have heard it already, and especially if you have not yet heard it.
Here is a direct link to this series: The Kingdom of God is Like...
All three episodes are on this page for your convenience.
Also, here is a direct link to our Find a Series page where all our series can be found easily. This page has been provided to make it easy to find past episodes. The Find a Series link is in our main menu on strazza.net
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Easter Morning
This is a depiction of first Easter morning when Mary Magdalene ran to the tomb where Jesus was laid, only to find it empty.
I also have a special guest on this episode, my dear friend Liza Tennant, singing a stunning song she wrote called Calvary, with me on guitar - at the end of the message.
Enjoy this somewhat “out of the box” Easter message, intended to show the resurrection of Jesus from a more personal point of view. I hope it is a great blessing to you this Resurrection Sunday.
Important verses to have on hand while listening:
John 14:1,27, John 20:1-18
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This episode is about the importance and power of praise and thanksgiving to God, especially in uncertain times. Praise and thanksgiving are the opposite of fear. Praise builds our faith and focuses our eyes on our savior! More than ever, this is our time to praise God and see the glory of His power in all the earth.
Good verses to have while listening:
Psalm 100, Deuteronomy 28:47, 2 Cor. 12:9, Eph. 3:10-12.
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Part Two of the Uncertain Times series.
This episode concentrates on how we can pray in uncertain times, times of trouble, or, at any time. This is to encourage you to rise up past the, "Oh Lord, I'm overcome with fear, just do something," prayer. Rather, we can use God's Word and pray a prayer that declares His powerful truth, and then stand on His truth. "... and having done all, stand." Eph. 6:13
Good verses to have while listening:
Proverbs 18:21, John 6:63, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Isaiah 54:17, James 5:17, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91, Eph. 6: 13.
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With news of the Coronavirus (COV-19) being the talk of the town, and pretty much the whole world, fear has undoubtedly taken a grip-hold of many believers hearts. This episode is for those who are feeling afraid and discouraged. This is to encourage you to remember God's love, His power, and His protection towards you.
For God has not given the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7 (KJV)
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
Psalms 91, 2 Tim. 1:7, Col 3: 15-17
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This is part two of this series called We are Sons & Daughters. This week is a little different in that we are recording outside at the beach in NC, and you might even hear some seagulls and waves. More importantly though, this is a casual, but heart felt, discussion about our place as sons and daughters of God. I feel that this is so important and critical to our Christian lives that I just wanted to sit with you, as it were, on the beach and talk more about this in a personal way.
Note: If you haven't heard part one yet, please do listen, you'll be glad you did, and it will make this important topic come alive for you.
I hope you are as blessed by this series, as I have been.
Important verses to have on hand while listening:
2 Tim. 1: 7, 2 Peter 1:3, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 12: 1-2
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We are sons & daughters
This episode encourages us by saying, "Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." This is a fundamental teaching that is critical to our lives in Christ so we can walk and live in our rightful place as sons and daughters. This is so important...I hope you are blessed by it!
Good verses to have on hand while listening:
1 John 3:1, John 20:17, Matt. 28:10
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My Testimony
In this episode it was on my heart to share my personal testimony. It's certainly not complete, but I do share moments in my life that were very important as a new and very young believer. I hope you are blessed by this real life story in a way that refreshes your memory and love for our wonderful God.
I'm not teaching in this one but these verses will be nice to have on hand: John 14:6, 1 Cor. 6:17, Hab. 2:1-4
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The Heart of the Gospel - Part Four
When we think of the words Gospel, Saved, or Salvation, what do we think they really mean? Is it just about barely making our way into heaven, and nothing more than haphazard and limited life here on earth?
In this fourth episode of The Heart of the Gospel, we look into the vast greatness of what the Gospel really is, and what it means for you to understanding your Salvation! We encourage you to find out what your salvation is all about beyond just "barely getting into heaven." You have so much more, and that's what we are talking about in this episode.
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
Romans 1: 16-17, Romans 8:1, John 8:36, Col.1:13, Eph. 2:5-6
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The Heart of the Gospel - Part Three
When we think of the words Gospel, Saved, or Salvation, what do we think they really mean? Is it just about barely making our way into heaven, and nothing more than haphazard and limited life here on earth?
In this third episode of The Heart of the Gospel, we look into the vast greatness of what the Gospel really is, and what it means to our understanding of Salvation!
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
Romans 1: 16-17, Romans 10:4, 2 Cor. 3:6-9, Gal. 3:13, Col. 1:13, John 3:14-17, Jeremiah 31: 31-34
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The Heart of the Gospel - Part Two
When we think of the words Gospel, Saved, or Salvation, what do we think they really mean? Is it just about barely making our way into heaven, and nothing more than haphazard and limited life here on earth?
In this second episode of The Heart of the Gospel, we look into the vast greatness of what the Gospel really is, and what it means to our understanding of Salvation!
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
Romans 1: 16-17, John 10:10, Deut. 28, Romans 8:1-2,
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
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The Heart of the Gospel
This is a series about the gospel, the heart of the gospel.
When we think of the word Gospel, we think of many different things. We might think of the word truth, or think of books in the bible, or a holy or moral life style, and more. And while all those may be true to degree, they are not at the heart or essence of the gospel.
The gospel changes lives in an instant, from death to life. The apostle Paul learned that the gospel "is the power of God unto salvation." Romans 1:16
This series, on the Heart of the Gospel, reaches far deeper into what the gospel really is at it's heart, and, in turn, I pray that it opens up the eyes of our understanding, that we may know "what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe." Eph. 1:19
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
Romans 1: 1-5, 16-17, Deut. 30: 11-14, Romans 10: 6-8, 9-10
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Walking by Faith - Part Two
In this episode we look at the lives of Elizabeth and Zacharias, the parents of John the Baptist, to see that God always keeps His word. We focus on the fact that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
This episode is particularly special, please take time to listen, as I believe it will be a great blessing for you.
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
Luke 1: whole chapter
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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Walking by Faith - Part One
In this two part series, we look at some examples from the Old and New Testaments of special people who chose to walk by faith, in spite of extreme and opposing circumstances. Abraham and Sarah are the first examples we look at: two amazing people that were willing to walk by faith, who against hope believed in hope,* and walked in the great promises they received only by faith.
Important scripture verses to have as you listen:
2 Corinthians 5:7,
Genesis 15:4-6, 18: 9-15, 21:1-3,
Hebrews 11:11
Habakkuk 2:4 says: but the just shall live by his faith.
*Romans 4:18
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This is a short update of some new and exciting up-and-coming things that are happening with our podcast. Please take a listen, see what's new, and we'll have the next episode of The Sower's Seeds posted very soon. As always thank you for listening.
John Strazza - The Sower's Seeds Podcast
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and in all thy getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
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This is the third episode of the Kingdom of God is… series. In this episode we go into the fact that the Kingdom of God is near, and not only near but in us when we receive Jesus within our hearts.
Important verses to have as you listen:
John 1: 1-4, 12-14, 1 John 1:1-5, Colossians 1:13, Colossians 3:1-3.
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In this episode we go into a deeper explanation of the parable of the Sower and the Seeds–looking into the four types of ground/heart in the parable.
Along with the first episode, this is a very important and foundational teaching. So much so that Jesus said:
"Do you not understand this parable? How then can you understand all the parables?" Mark 4:13.
Important verses to have as you listen: Mathew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8: 12-15, Proverbs 4: 5-7, 23
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The Kingdom of God is Like… Sowing Seeds
In this first episode entitled, The Kingdom of God is Like…, I'm talking about understanding the value of God’s word and how the kingdom of God works in our lives. Using the parable of the Sower and the Seeds, this lesson depicts and creates a picture of how the kingdom of heaven works, especially concerning sowing the seeds of God's Word in our hearts if we desire a fruitful Christian life. Natural laws are used as examples of spiritual truths and laws. Without understanding of this parable, Jesus said, "How can we understand all other parables?" Mark 4:13. This is an important and foundational lesson.
Important verses to have as you listen: Mark 4:1-9, 13-20, John 6:63
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This episode entitled, Joy and Peace in Believing Part Two, is about how our level of believing is connected to our joy and peace in our Christian life. Believing is a powerful force, and without it we won't fully realize the amazing a salvation we have, and we won't experience the joy and peace that has been given to us, that is rightfully ours to know.
Important verses to have as you listen: Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:6-9
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This episode entitled, Joy and Peace in Believing, is about how our level of believing plays a strong role on the level of joy and peace in our Christian life. Believing is a powerful force, and without it we won't fully realize the amazing a salvation we have, and we won't experience the joy and peace that has been given to us, that is rightfully ours to know.
Important verses to have as you listen:
Romans 15:13, Nehemiah 8:9-12, Psalms 103:1-5, John 14:27-28
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This episode is a continuation of episode one, talking about God's Love for You. I go into more depth in this episode bringing scriptures to show just how amazing our salvation really is. I detail more of what actually happened on the cross and how important that is to us–showing that we have been set free from the dominion of the law, and we have been fully justified by faith in Jesus. We now have an amazing inheritance as sons and daughters of God, all because of God's love for us and what Jesus did for us through the cross and His resurrection.
Important verses to have while listening:
John 3: 14-17, Galatians 3: 13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 8: 36, Psalms 103: 1-5, Hebrews 4: 16, 1 Corinthians 6: 17, 1 John 3: 1-3
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This episode is especially for the Christian. It's about God's unconditional love for you as a son or daughter. If you think that God only tolerates you, or, if you think that God does not like you or is always mad at you, you're not alone. Many believers think that God's opinion of them is poor, and they are afraid of God and afraid to approach Him with confidence as a son or daughter. But God Loves You, and He no longer wants you to live in that fear. This message is a simple overview of the topic of God's Love for You.
Important verses to have as you listen:
Luke 2: 13-14, John 3:16, Romans 8:32, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
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This episode is about the importance of Hope when it comes to our Faith. Hope is a necessary ingredient in our faith that provides an image, a picture, a positive imagination, inside of our hearts that will play an important part of our success in our Christian walk. This hope comes from God's Word.
Important verses for this teaching: Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4:7,
2 Corinthians 5:17, and Philippians 4: 6-9.
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This episode is about the importance of Hope and imagination when it comes to our Faith. Hope is a necessary ingredient in our faith, so much so that without it our faith may not function well at all. This message speaks broadly of things we all face concerning our faith, but still focuses clearly on the picture of hope, and, how what we see in our hearts, in our imagination, our minds–what we hope–is of great importance in receiving the victory God has already provided for us in our great salvation.
Hebrews 11:1 is a good verse to look at while listening.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1
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