SIGNAL CHURCH CAPE TOWN: Recent Episodes
SIGNAL CHURCH
.89What is the core message regarding the origin of work?How should one approach their daily work according to the text?What historical example is used to illustrate 'Exiles Build'?
in one's calling.16Season: Recognizing the current phase of one's personal garden (seeking, weeding, seeding, or reaping).17Practice: Assessing the cultivated rhythms used to connect with God, seek His purpose, and maintain faith.18
creating a constant tension between its inherent goodness and its brokenness.Perspectives on Faith
in their own lives, believers are encouraged to practice the following:Practice repentance: Acknowledge wrongdoing and turn back to God.Choose differently: Make intentional decisions that align with God's will.Worship: Engage in dedicated, sacrificial worship.Ultimately, the document underscores the necessity of sacrificial devotion, maintaining that true offerings to the Lord must involve a personal cost.
(or workmanship), created in Christ Jesus specifically to perform good works that God prepared in advance.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wicZO7jhOhQqQdx9RjYiHJSvCu8QKzlF/view?usp=sharing
hidden from previous generations is revealed: Gentiles are invited to share in Israel’s inheritance, becoming fellow members of the body and sharers of the promise.God’s Wisdom: God’s purpose is to make His rich, varied wisdom known to rulers and authorities in heavenly places through the church.Reconciliation: Through the cross, God reconciles both Jews and Gentiles into one body, granting them access to the Father through the one Spirit.Growth and MaturityCalling: Believers are urged to live up to their calling by maintaining unity, acting with humility, and bearing with one another in love.Maturation: The ultimate goal is for the body to reach maturity, measured by the standards of the Messiah’s fullness.Unity: By speaking the truth in love, the body avoids being misled by deceitful teachings, instead growing into the Messiah, who serves as the head. Each member contributes to this growth, allowing the body to build itself up in love.
. Drawing on C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, it describes the Christian faith as a campaign to reclaim this territory for the rightful King. To fulfill this role, the following is required:Military Discipline: Believers are urged to live with military discipline, avoid entanglement in civilian affairs, and strive to please their commanding officer.Spiritual Warfare: The struggle is defined as being against spiritual forces of evil rather than flesh and blood.The Armor of God: Believers are instructed to put on the full armor of God—including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.Persistence in Prayer: Constant prayer in the Spirit, along with intercession for all people and those in authority, is central to this mission.Foundational IdentityThe document references Matthew 16:18, noting that the Church is built upon a rock and will not be overcome by the gates of Hades. In addition to its role as an army, the Church functions as a space for:Learning and growth.Healing and restoration.Belonging and identity.
.4Receiving Healing: Hiding or denying wounds, pride that refuses help, and the risk of transferring pain to others if it is not transformed.5The Invitation:Take Ownership: Engaging curiosity about one's heart, asking God to reveal pride, and committing to the healing process.6Extend Mercy: Choosing kindness and mercy toward others, recognizing that everyone is at a different stage of healing, and loving those in the city who live differently.
Jen Pedersen:- This House Pt. 16 : Why Church? Pt. 1: Familyhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUuUZe9PeG4s6qoN2UZaSouoXYP9b3Cf/view?usp=sharing Living for God is described as an embodied life lived with others in the body of Christ, rather than a life of individualism or solitude.2Community of the Kingdom: The Church is defined as a community created by and submitted to God's rule, entrusted with demonstrating and proclaiming that rule.3Redefining Family: Referencing Mark 3:31-35, the text highlights Jesus' teaching that those who do God's will are his true brothers, sisters, and mother.4Practices and Limits: The document notes that humans are not limitless and emphasizes practices such as eating together and loving one another completely
with a new identity.3Metaphors: The church is likened to a household (family), hospital (healing), army (peace corps), body (multi-gifted), and school (learning).4Divine Purpose: God's intent is for the church to be unified in Christ, matured through teaching, servant-hearted by following Jesus' example, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
prayer and praying in pairs to maintain safety and humility. Eventually, the goal is for individuals to act as vessels for the Holy Spirit, providing whatever is needed for others in a specific moment.
tension of the kingdom. Additionally, the document highlights the global growth of Christianity, specifically noting the rapid rise of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the global South.1
. The Contrast:Unlike the traditional Western evangelical focus on individual forgiveness to reach heaven, the Kingdom Gospel emphasizes the union of heaven and earth and the restoration of God’s reign over all things.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HdRVKL02HUCzFQ2j8A7SHX3OuDE--LvD/view?usp=sharing
of money. Church leaders are provided with specific scripts to frame the offering as a transition from being a consumer to a contributor and as an expression of gratitude for God’s provision. Practical applications mentioned include supporting local missions like Straatwerk and various youth ministries led by staff members.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvCIe6SLYGHlzjiIl-JUuqmErsqPo917/view?usp=sharing
individuals, where prayer transcends personal needs to become intercession for the household of God, ultimately restoring relationships and personal integrity.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0HgpyywzE2OsLEvUR_lBSTZwnr3iKR-/view?usp=drive_link
of God’s victory through Jesus. This mission is not something the church does, but rather what the church is—a people called to demonstrate God's kingdom and make disciples of all nations as they go.
For the past few weeks we have been highlighting different serving teams across our church and different ways you can get involved. Last week Mike Sadie shared powerfully about how God has met him through serving. If you would like to find out more about serving at Signal Church, email hello@signalchurch.co.za
We had our first Team Sunday several weeks ago! Mike Day, our lead pastor shared on Signal’s culture of serving one another as a community of brothers and sisters, who make up God’s house. If you would like to find out more about serving at Signal Church, email hello@signalchurch.co.za
Hannah Brown :- This House Pt. 4 : The Big Story: From Promise To Fulfilmenthttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1D3dhoK7ijz2WCQ463ruEOYT5MfstkIEy/view?usp=drive_linkhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/17CaWoW9sRyityv5fOeABTFE9qHhLAtqH/view?usp=sharing
impacts every other aspect of the community.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ycs_ebxTXgEoll0J7sqjITZ0ZIROGpSX/view?usp=drive_link
Tenille De Kock:- One Thinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cj7tixvm63zbojQGI2EPdgPAK662lXwL/view?usp=sharing
Julie Williams:- A Prophetic Message To Signal: Outward/Downward/ Upward/Outwardhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/14WKEG4pfmeJB_KRH1h-X5vrq0p5x1Hbt/view?usp=drive_link
Mike Day:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus & Fruitful Living Pt. 18https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NsWcaipqcSPXL5ScuE9p-ErwZyLc8wQF/view?usp=sharing
Hannah Brown:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus & Children Pt. 17https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k9B4ALM6qUE8hYcIyk3exwJ2wuS_DRGE/view?usp=sharing
Julie Williams:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus & The Better Choice Pt.16https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Ff6PT_X27wCbexJUbv56Yeejc2DgzFa/view?usp=sharing
Terran Williams:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus On Worry Pt.15https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-XtMs1Niw0vLWu9hegjgqvec0ZbD7n89/view?usp=sharing
Costa Mitchell:- Jesus: Jesus On Leadership Pt.14https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMpXWS22PmnVW_72wxqgymemFs2xTxVB/view?usp=drive_link
Julie Williams:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus + Peace Pt.12https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdzBUmiWkp0fOeYkULh4VfJKbd7ATwgK/view?usp=sharing
Day:- Jesus Our Teacher: The Sheep And The Goatshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1jcsTXFqgr0FPm_2ls8e0KrEoeZYMIXas/view?usp=sharing
Guy Chennells:- Jesus Our Teach: Religion Roast Pt.10https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ulFnfPv_DoApnOCPDu1zmk0E0u-uYGiT/view?usp=drive_link
Gareth De Kock:- Jesus Our Teacher: Jesus On Enemies Pt.9Pt.8https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IKdmDGIiR3FrcqjonrmTWq_54c3nDIkj/view?usp=drive_link
Gabe Phillips:- Jesus Our Teacher: Money Heist-Taking Back What The Devil Has Stolenhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1QFbKFxBiKbLIeJvRUmSQ1ArT9PtUQ8xS/view?usp=sharing
Terran Williams: Jesus Our Teacher: The Church Jesus Prayed For (JOHN 17:1-23) Pt. 6 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNgRGeN0uOWPVOkp9zsMiZHz3kWsVKxv/view?usp=drive_link
Julie Williams: Jesus Our Teacher: The Parable Of The Lost Son Jesus Pt.5https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RKFzFGNpRfdk-dtTQa4k_k0IdA3AIBL/view?usp=sharing
Terran Williams:- Jesus Our Teacher: Lessons From The Phariseehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1jJ3eTrnFhF68762L7sDox47gOPbi6W3C/view?usp=drive_link
The Parable Of The Four Soils Pt.3https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H-1eqDQwec_2TXiYcGPTQBZi0qQBonmh/view?usp=sharing
Jesus Our Teacher: Brilliant Teacher,Brilliant Mind Pt.1https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sx7kg-G1JgMGaGVveWomJfVF_8doUw_e/view?usp=drive_link
Hannah Brown: -Daniel: A Vision Of The Resurrected Jesus Pt.7 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W2UFt1Cy4VicU9xf1hzioTj6Dq1i8Gix/view?usp=drive_link
Daniel 3: Three Men In A Furnance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rfWTDAy83II0TShE39s6lOCma1Y1MYq3/view?usp=drive_link
Let Us: Draw Near To God Pt. 1https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UqslbT4TdmUPpQV9xvMj7bJ-fl4xik-u/view?usp=sharing
Jesus Eats with Ushttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1OPqzjwm-9rmv-niPP7QOirgrQjJdiY0r/view?usp=drive_link
Jesus, The Friend Of Sinnershttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1gqPBm4txV3cYuM4Bpeew3IImIBGYx5rf/view?usp=drive_link
BUILD: I will Build My Church...https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sf0wwlx0eQQtBbnbzbG4yQOBh3SbZLI-/view?usp=drive_link
Build pt.1Terran Williamshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xb2HxObpQtyDMuEENhN-SMbZLQs1GHiQ/view?usp=drive_link
Guy Chennells 14 July 2024A Day In The Life Of Jesushttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1hMKwj2ReoKHP-vRy9aIRMe4fdMInFFPX/view?usp=drive_link
Julia DayThe Call Of Peter:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rc25ScNcyf1a1biGRmGNUVLQq3uoKPa4/view?usp=drive_link
Jessie Hayden:- Jesus: Jesus Inaugurates The Kingdom. Pt.21https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RdH70zZxeyMlUlmPu3euxYxBjIQUo_yC/view?usp=drive_link
Jesus And The Dragonhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1kjge_b8uxczZuknFG0eIpe7V4EhV0X8a/view?usp=drive_link
Jesus vs Satanhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1g_lbAog3oIZE67-AZEa-5Q4jcuIwAhH1/view?usp=drive_link
Jesus: Baptism & Kingdom Pt.17https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d4wd7uxPpYbVjTKhCRFZXP4FNkjiF52m/view?usp=sharing
Jesus' Baptism - Julie Williamshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1PqD1eWgA6LZz3lmsgzQwaQXByOq9MS00/view?usp=drive_link
Baptism And Kingdomhttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vjf94oHdjEu7qUQ6cqONuuWTPFiV1Oyh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116282224099995020122&rtpof=true&sd=true
Video Link - Tree Of Lifehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6GaAoEVPA5E&pp=ygUWdHJlZSBvZiBsaWZlIG1hbmVuYmVyZw%3D%3D“A person has to be thoroughly disgusted with the ways things are to find the motivation to set out on the Christian way. As long as we think the next election might eliminate crime and establish justice or another scientific breakthrough might save the environment ... we are not likely to risk the arduous uncertainties of the life of faith. A person has to get fed up with the ways of the world before he, before she, acquires an appetite for the world of grace.” (Eugene Peterson)Psalm 120“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.2 Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.Psalm 134Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.”Travailing Prayer“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”(Romans 8:26–27)…but how?Prayer and FriendshipTestimonyWitnessing Circle20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20
Mary and Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38)Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)Mary and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25Mary and the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 1:18-25)Mary takes Jesus to the temple (Luke 2:22-38)Mary flees to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)All Mary’s children (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3)Mary and young Jesus (Luke 2:41-52)Mary at Cana with Jesus (John 2:1-11)Mary and Jesus’ brothers try to deter Jesus (Mark 3:31-35)Mary at the cross (John 19:25-27)Mary at the cross (John 19:25-27)Mary amongst the 120 (Acts 1:14)
The Times Of Jesus:Luke 2:1-41 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.
Jesus’ FamilyRead Matthew 1-25[John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.] [Genesis 12:2“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a] 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”][Genesis 22:18 and through your offspring[b] all nations on earth will be blessed,[c] because you have obeyed me.”][Isaiah 11:1A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.][Luke24:33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.][1Cor 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.][Galatians 3:26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.]The summery in verse 17 is in 3 groups of 14’s:1st 14 – the rise of David’s family.2nd 14 – the flourishing years (greatness) of David’s family.3rd 14 – the decline, dwindling to a family of a poor carpenter![Isaiah 11:1A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.]Vs 22-23: In Christ God has come to be with us!! Immanuel meaning God with us![John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God][Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.]
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfil what was said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’). (Matt 1:21-23)For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9)What kind of God Incarnates:1. A God who is vulnerable love2. A God who is humble love3. A God who is approachable love4. A God who is dignifying love
The Child who would be king:The Flight to Egypt”13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”(Matthew 2:13 - 15)Herod Kills the Children”16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”(Matthew 2:16 - 18)The Return to Nazareth“39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”(Luke 2:39 – 40)“We have overprotected kids in the real world and under-protected them online.”Jonathan HaidtThe Boy Jesus in the Temple”41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:39 – 52)"46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:46 - 52)
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register.4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q_mnc9rK84jJ-sycDSULYfFc8CNwZ3No/view?usp=drive_link
”Throughout ancient times God spoke in many fragments and glimpses of prophetic thought to our fathers. Now, this entire conversation has finally dawned in sonship…He is the sum total of every utterance of God.” (Hebrew 1:1 – 3 paraphrased)The Birth Of Jesus ForetoldLuke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Who Is Jesus?He is the Word made fleshProverbs 8:22 “I Wisdom, was with the Lord when he began his work, long before he made anything else..”John 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”Colossians 14:20 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers of authorities, all things have been created for him and through him, and in him all things hold together.”2. He is the ultimate message to all mankindJohn 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”“Until this moment God remained invisible; now the authentic, incarnate begotten Son, the blueprint of our design who represents the innermost being of God, the Son who is in the bosom of the Father, brings him into full view. He is the official authority qualified to announce God.” (John 1:18 paraphrased). Philippians 2:7 “…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.”“Concepts create idols, only wonder comprehends anything.” (St Gregory of Nyssa)Mary's Yes1. She is demonstration of perfect receptivityLuke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
Luke 24: 25-3225 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
“There was also a prophet, Anna, [who] never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to Mary, Joseph and the child, at that very moment, she gave thanks to God. and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36–38)Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:5-7)“When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16–18)Pray and fast for:More breakthrough in your life.More new believers in Signal.More ministry in Cape Town.More guidance for Signal leaders.More Spirit in your life and in Signal.
Jesus On Every Page"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)"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 were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:15-20)"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1 – 4)"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”(2 Corinthians 1:20)"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23)"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Hebrews 12:2)"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”(Revelation 22:13)"They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”(Luke 24:23)
If many biblical prophecies have been fulfilled, then: The Bible is one of a kind.Jesus is it!God is in control.God will keep his promises to you.Obvious propheciesHidden prophecies
The Son is the image of the invisible God… for God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…”1 Colossians 15 and 19“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”
"Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, 'Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.' When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, 'Here is the man!' As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, 'Crucify! Crucify!’” (John 19:4–6)
Isaiah 30: 15-18 God Takes the Time to Do Everything Right15-17 God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel:“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me—The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.You’ve said, ‘No way! We’ll rush off on horseback!’ You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’ Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker. Before a mere five you’ll all run off.There’ll be nothing left of you— a flagpole on a hill with no flag, a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”18 But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
Who am I?Who I am in other’s eyesWho I am in my eyesWho I am in God’s eyesSo from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. (2 Corinthians 5:16–17)I AM DEAD TO SINWe were therefore buried with him through baptism … For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. … Now if we died with Christ, we … will also live with him. … The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. (Romans 6:4–5,8,10–11,13)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…”Ephesians 1:18
I am in Christ & What's Next:God blessed us “in Christ” (1:3) and chose us “in him” (1:4). God has given his grace to us “in the One he loves” (1:6). “In him” we are redeemed (1:7). God purposed his will “in Christ” (1:9), which is to “bring unity to all things under Christ,” including things in heaven and on earth “in him” (1:10). “In him” those who were first to hope “in Christ” were chosen by God (1:11–12). Moreover, we who came to believe “in him” were also “included in Christ” (1:13).WHAT’S NEXT? Let’s facilitate revivalLet’s prepare for an influxLet’s plant Night ClubsLet’s make it all about Jesus
We belong to God and each other I am Precious to God I am Precious to God, I am a Sister or Brother
Our identity as Spirit-indwelt.1)I have the Spirit1.I am Sealed (with the Spirit) 242.I am Indwelt (by the Spirit) 253.I am God’s Temple 264.I am Guaranteed (an Eternity) 27
As we focus in on the “Purpose” aspect of Identity today, I really believe that God wants to remind people of Who & Whose they areI see the Holy Spirit bringing people fresh deposits of Grace & Peace - as He encourages (‘inspires courage’ in) people to step into His story over their lives
I am redeemed (see Colossians 1:13-14) and forgiven (see Hebrews10:19-21).I AM FORGIVENIn [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. (Ephesians 1:7)
Remember Jesus' baptism when the Father speaks words of love and sonship over Jesus and pours out his spirit. Well, I make the point that we are “loved in the Beloved” - that is a template also for God's affirmation and affection and outpouring of presence for us.
Being Known 🙌🏽 such a beautiful aspect of our identity in Christ. Praying for people’s hearts to receive the very good news that we not only flourish by knowing God, but the wonderful reality that we are deeply known by Him, and to take up the invitation to Know ourselves in response
Ephesians 1:2-3 “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
The bible and identity
Part 1: First creation —our original glorious identity (Genesis 1)
Part 2: Fall within creation —our damaged identity (Genesis 3)
Part 3: New creation in Christ —our renewed glorious identity (Ephesians1)
Let us make human beings in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26–27)
Genesis 22:20–23:9
20 Now after these things it was told to Abraham, “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21 Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” 23 (Bethuel fathered Rebekah.) These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24 Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. Sarah’s Death and Burial Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. 3 And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, 4 “I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” 5 The Hittites answered Abraham, 6 “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.” 7 Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. 8 And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.”
Genesis 23:10-20
10 Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city, 11 “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.” 12 Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. 13 And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” 14 Ephron answered Abraham, 15 “My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” 16 Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.
17 So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over 18 to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at the gate of his city. 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.
Genesis 22
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey, taking two of his servants and his son Isaac. Having cut wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on, Isaac said, Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”
And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
God Rewards Us With A Richer Relationship With Himself.
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.
God Rewards Us With Intervention.
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
God Rewards Us With A Deeper Revelation Of Himself.
Abraham returned to his servants and set off together for Beersheba, where he stayed.
God Rewards Us With More Joy.
Genesis 21
1 Now the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
Hebrews 11 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past child-bearing age, since she considered HIM faithful who had promised.
Genesis 17 15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarah your wife…I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”
Genesis 18 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”
But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
from Genesis 20:14 - 21:1, where Abraham & Sarah are restored by Abimelek (after saying that Sarah was Abraham's sister AGAIN)
The amazing thing is that Abraham prays for Abimelek at the end of this and his household is restored to having children... and this is followed immediately by God visiting Sarah and doing for her what He had promised.
Genesis 20: 14-18 14 Then Abimelek brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelek said, “My land is before you; live wherever you like.”
16 To Sarah he said, “I am giving your brother a thousand shekels[a] of silver. This is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.”
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again, 18 for the Lord had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah. Genesis 21:1 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised
29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.
Lot and His Daughters 30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth. 32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”
33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab[g]; he is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi[h]; he is the father of the Ammonites[i] of today.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father [d] is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Genesis 20: 1-15 Abraham and Abimelek 20 Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar, 2 and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.
3 But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.”
4 Now Abimelek had not gone near her, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and didn’t she also say, ‘He is my brother’? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”
6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.”
8 Early the next morning Abimelek summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelek called Abraham in and said, “What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” 10 And Abimelek asked Abraham, “What was your reason for doing this?”
11 Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. 13 And when God had me wander from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
14 Then Abimelek brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelek said, “My land is before you; live wherever you like.”
Why and how to pray
When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom. Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” (Genesis 18:16–21)
Genesis 18:1-15
1 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favour in your eyes, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”
But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
Acts 2:2 - 4
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
1 Corinthians 3: 16 – 17
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?
John 16:12 - 13
I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
Colossians 2: 9 - 10
For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete.
Ezekiel 39:29
I will not hide my face from them any longer, because I’ve poured out my spirit. John 15:26
But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Luke 3:16-2116 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[b] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was openedJesus Is Tested in the Wilderness4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]”12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]”13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.Jesus Rejected at Nazareth14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[f]48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”The Ascension of Jesus50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven
Genesis 17:9-11‘Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come by circumcising every male among you. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you...”‘God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.’ Genesis 17:15-16Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” He also said, “If only Ishmael might live underyour blessing!” “Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and he will greatly increase his numbers... But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” Genesis 17-27
The Covenant of Circumcision17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty[a]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram[b]; your name will be Abraham,[c] for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.
Genesis 16: 7-157 The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.9 Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”11 The angel of the Lord also said to her:“You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son.You shall name him Ishmael,[a] for the Lord has heard of your misery.12 He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him,and he will live in hostility toward[b] all his brothers.”13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen[c] the One who sees me.” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi[d]; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.15 So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.
Genesis 16: 1-6Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.”6 “Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.
Gen 15:7–207 And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give[a] this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim,
Genesis 15: 1 - 6 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
At the time when Amraphel was king of Shinar Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goyim, 2 these kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley). 4 For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.5 In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim 6 and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El Paran near the desert. 7 Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who were living in Hazezon Tamar.8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five.10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. 11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”
“Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev. Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.”Genesis 12:6-20 NIVhttps://bible.com/bible/111/gen.12.6-20.NIV
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”(Genesis 12:1–2)
Matthew 4:23-2523 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,[g] Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
1 Samuel 3English Standard VersionThe Lord Calls Samuel3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.
Jesus' resurrection means …NEW CREATION.“Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne . . . everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:28–29).
- Feel the privilege2. Affirm his inhabitation3. Welcome his outpourings 4. Build new temples5. Extend each temple
Generosity Encouraged 2 Corinthians 9 vs 6-13 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Now Lot, moving about with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together. Quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. So Abram suggested, “Lot, let’s stop this quarreling between us, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” (Genesis 13:1–9)
The Wise and Foolish Builders 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy Matthew 8:1 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him
Matthew 7:15–23
True and False Prophets 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
True and False Disciples 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Matthew 7:
The Narrow and Wide Gates 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:12
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Luke 24:13-40
On the Road to Emmaus 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples 36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
Matthew 7: 7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:1-6
Judging Others 7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 6:25-34
Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6: 22-25
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Matthew 6:9–12
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6: 5-15
Prayer 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6v1-4
Giving to the Needy 6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 5v38-42 Eye for Eye 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:33-37
33 Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Matthew 5:27-32 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Divorce 31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Hebrews 11:11 And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she[a] considered him faithful who had made the promise. Isaiah 43:18-19 8 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Terran Williams: Sermon on the Mount- Jesus on Anger Matthew 5:21-26 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Julie Williams:- Sermon on the Mount- What does Jesus think about the bible Matt 5:17-20 The Fulfillment of the Law 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Salt the Earth, Light the World Matthew 5v13-16
Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:8-12
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5: 3 - 5
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven … (Matthew 5:1–3)
“Practising Equality:” Applying biblical gender equality to identity, faith, marriage, parenting, ministry, church-life, society's inequality gender inequality, leadership in church, leadership in society plus QnA
In this one, Julie tells her story of why she changed her mind about the place of godly women in marriage and ministry, after years of being a vocal defender of soft patriarchy.
In this one, I explain from Genesis 1–3 why patriarchy—the assumption that men should have predominant power—is an intrusion into God's good creation, and the moment it fell like scales from my eyes.
This past Sunday Terran shared of the woman who washed Jesus feet. This is the start of a new series we have just started. It's titled Count down to the cross.
Have a listen to Terran sharing from God's Word on how Christ's salvation is too important to keep to ourselves.
Join us as we step into week 3 of our series titled Purpose, where Julie shares on Christlikeness.
This week we continue our new series titled, Purpose. Angela shares and encourages us to turn our eyes to Christ Jesus.
Terran gives us a look at the image of a throne in heaven from Revelation 4. Have a listen and we trust that you would be encouraged and inspired by God's Word.
Julie finishes off our beautiful walk through the second letter to the Corinthians. Julie zones in on chapter 13 and closes off the series. Enjoy and God bless.
This past Sunday we had Lee continue our journey through the second letter of Corinthians. Zoning in on the second last chapter of the letter. Chapter 12 verse 11 to 21. Enjoy and God bless.
Listen to Angela continuing our journey through the 2nd Letter of Corinthians chapter 12 verse 1 to 11, this week. The message is titled Humility and Power.
Listen in on this past Sunday's message by Terran Williams, as he continues our journey through the letter of 2 Corinthians. For some reason we miss the first two minutes of Terran's message because of some technical difficulties but the meat of the message is still there. Enjoy and God bless you.