Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Talk of JESUS . com Comment on Scripture - Share the Gospel ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://talkofjesus.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [RECENT POSTS](https://talkofjesus.com/recent-posts/) - [Thanks Black Friday Cyber-Santa Specials](https://talkofjesus.com/thanks-black-friday-cyber-santa-specials/) - Looking for Black Friday deals even during your Thanksgiving meal? Come on, admit it. Christmas is crowding out worship of CHRIST. a second look at two Psalms - [We Gather Together](https://talkofjesus.com/we-gather-together-2/) - Perhaps you know the Thanksgiving hymn, "We Gather Together." Look to the lyrics of the hymn of thanks and give thought to them: 1. We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing; he chastens and hastens his will to make known. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name, he forgets - [Encumbrance](https://talkofjesus.com/encumbrance/) - Fragile frame Muscles strained Blood runs thick Thoughts won't stick Encumbrance of flesh Disease of days Befuddle the mind Entangle the soul. ... What weight of life Futility of death Detains our days Distracts our nights. Good God we pray Help us this day. ... Restore my life Renew my mind. ... Lift this burden, Encumbrance - [Teth](https://talkofjesus.com/teth/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Prayer is a conversation with God. He IS God and we are not. Therefore, our attitude is not as adam to another man. We are not equal nor do we deserve anything other than death and punishment for our sins. We - [Waw](https://talkofjesus.com/waw/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Waw 41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; 42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Ah, what sweet words are these; to have the steadfast love of the - [He](https://talkofjesus.com/he/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet He 33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for - [Daleth](https://talkofjesus.com/daleth/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Daleth 25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! Genesis 2:7 KJV And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 3:19 KJV In - [Gimel](https://talkofjesus.com/gimel/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Does your meditation time include prayer and petition to God? Here is a worthy prayer for your whole heart. Gimel 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous - [Beth](https://talkofjesus.com/beth/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Beth 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. Some versions of the Psalm ask: How can a young man cleanse his way? Do you recognize sin for the filth of the - [Hear my prayer](https://talkofjesus.com/hear-prayer/) - Psalm 39 12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!” HEAR my prayer... my cry... see my tears. Is - [This day](https://talkofjesus.com/day/) - Psalm 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Once more the awe of the Lord and His creation have filled me with joy as I have traveled across God's beautiful places of Pennsylvania and Ohio, US, these past weeks. Look around you, even as you pause from this high-speed journey through places - [Psalm 118](https://talkofjesus.com/psalm-118/) - This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 KJV Psalm 118 We can wake up saying: "Good God, morning," or wake up praising: "Good morning, God." Psalm 118 focuses my thoughts on God. I like the King James Version more for the Psalms. It - [Children are a Gift from the Lord](https://talkofjesus.com/children-gift-lord/) - Psalm: 127: ESV Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the - [About the Author John - a story from Zebedee](https://talkofjesus.com/about-author-john/) - We have again been working through the Gospel of John with specific focus on the Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Before moving on to more signs of Jesus as the Messiah, I thought it appropriate to take a brief look at the Gospel's author John. About the Author John In a - [God's Love Through John: Jesus Loves You](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-1-john/) - NEW: Introduction to September 2018 series on talkofJesus.com Christian Social Witness by Roger Harned. God's Love Through John: Jesus Loves You is one of several series & more than 650 searchable posts published since 2013 . Please add your comments & share via social media. Blessings. Roger John, Messenger of God's Love This is the disciple who testifies to these - [The Beginning of the End - A Burden of the Prophets](https://talkofjesus.com/beginning-end-prophets-1/) - Prophets - Predictions of Destruction, Redemption and the Messiah How many Prophets can you name? Why do some prophets have a book and others do not? Is every prophet of God? Why all the predictions of destruction? These are but a few of the unanswered questions about the prophets. Major prophets, minor prophets, false prophets, - [Concerning This Salvation - a letter from 1 Peter - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/salvation-1-peter-1/) - Remembering Our Great Salvation Who needs to be encouraged more than believers in Christ suffering for His sake? And who trusted the Lord for their salvation more than any? First century Christians expelled from Rome and major cities of the Empire. Jews dispersed throughout the Empire, seeking to separate their identities from followers of The - [They Stumble Because They Disobey - 1 Peter 2](https://talkofjesus.com/1-peter-2-stumble/) - The Apostle Simon Peter, who Jesus nicknamed, 'the rock,' warns the church about those who disobey God. He quotes scripture pointing to Christ as the cornerstone of the Temple and as a rejected stone causing some to stumble. As we suggested earlier in Apostates from Jude's letter, these 'religious' opponents of Jesus often sway others - [Sanctification and your Walk Toward Holiness](https://talkofjesus.com/sanctification-and-your-walk-toward-holiness/) - WHAT IS SANCTIFICATION and WHY DOES IT MATTER? Walking instructions to please God more SOUNDS LIKE GOOD FATHERLY ADVICE, doesn't it? Allow me to tell you a story about a letter. ONCE UPON A TIME there were some gentile pigs (as Jews supposed them to be) who having fled their straw and stick houses to - [Anonymous User Comments or Questions](https://talkofjesus.com/2023-news-anonymous-comments-questions/) - NEW TalkofJESUS.com Comment Policy:1 - TalkofJESUS.com user posts a COMMENT.How do you SHARE the Gospel?NOW you can Post your QUESTION anonymously Also NEW: Friday One-Sentence QUESTION Series!Further questions? NEW TalkofJESUS.com Comment Policy: Last Updated January 2023 1 - TalkofJESUS.com user posts a COMMENT. 2- All Comments are moderated. [No change in ten years.] 3- Any - [Social Media is not the world](https://talkofjesus.com/social-media-is-not-the-world/) - Looking back & ahead Once you may have thought of the church as a building. Yet recall from reading your Bible that a true church is its people who love Christ Jesus. Continuing reflection back on my three-score and ten, briefly: Giving up each dream now beyond my reach and touched my the Hand of - [You Scoffers Who Rule Jerusalem – a Bed too Short](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-a-bed-too-short-2/) - Perhaps by now you know from introduction in my previous post that the complainant in this case is the LORD. His indictment of leaders is not my complaint for today, but that of the prophet of Judah in the eighth century BC. Therefore Isaiah approaches these leaders, scoffers who rule Jerusalem with warnings from the - [Happy are you...](https://talkofjesus.com/happy-are-you/) - Happy Birthday. Thanks. Happy Anniversary. Thanks. Did you have a happy birthday? … Hmmm… Quite a different question. By “Happy,” do you mean “BLESSED?” If that is your question, my answer is YES. Aren't happiness and blessedness the same? How does Jesus measure blessedness? Jesus Christ gives us an insight into blessedness and happiness you may - [The Beatitudes and the Multitudes - Part 4](https://talkofjesus.com/beatitudes-part-4/) - Questions for and from the multitude for 'followers' of Jesus (you... and your 'church'): Are you of the house of the King? Are you a child of the Living God? OR are you just one of the multitude who does not have ears to hear and a heart to bow down? Why does the church - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-eden-2/) - Disaster - Why start with Eden? Why should a series whose subject is apocalypse and disaster begin with the paradise of Eden? The obvious answer may escape the eyes of a perishable mortal facing a life-ending disaster. In an instant we may wonder what's next, yet in accelerated times we may not have considered what - [A Psalm of Thanksgiving - Psalm 100, Psalm 50](https://talkofjesus.com/psalm-thanksgiving/) - Psalm 100 Who is giving thanks? And to whom? "For what do we give thanks on Thanksgiving?" The New International Version tells us it is For giving grateful praise. The New King James Version calls it, A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People and the English Standard Version, borrowing from its text reminds us, His Steadfast - [Life Interrupts Life](https://talkofjesus.com/life-interrupts-life/) - LIFE INTERRUPTS LIFE. It may be a marriage, a birth, a graduation, a job change. It could be a death, a divorce, a disaster, an accident. In an instant everything of your mundane or over-stressed daily life comes to a halt and the life-interrupting event changes your entire perspective on this day. Tomorrow will never - [Be it resolved:](https://talkofjesus.com/resolved/) - Do you have a resolution for the New Year? Do you have more than one resolution of some important things you plan to do with your life in 2014? Did you have a list of resolutions for this past year? Did you write any or all of them down? Most of us resolve to do - [January 9](https://talkofjesus.com/january-9/) - Can it have been fifteen years already? Yesterday (which I had incorrectly noted as January 7 as I lost track of days) I stopped by Cracker Barrel for dinner. Near the end of my meal some waitresses came out of the kitchen joyfully with a candle on a desert toward the table next to mine - [40 Years](https://talkofjesus.com/40-years/) - The following is personal in nature and not specifically witness, as are my usual posts. - Roger + It was forty years ago tonight, December 6, 1974, that we celebrated as our first date. It was an anniversary perhaps more important in our memories than a wedding day many months latter in 1976. We were drawn - [Pray](https://talkofjesus.com/pray/) - Pray Created by Roger D. Harned Lyric and music adapted from Erik Satie First Gymnopedie (1888) © Copyright 2000 - Roger Harned - All rights reserved. Music Piano only will open in a new tab {once you skip the ad}. Open, return to talkofJesus.com tab & prayerfully follow the full text below. (Note: a cappella coda (ending) continues in my - [Yesterday I Could Sing](https://talkofjesus.com/yesterday-i-could-sing/) - As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. - 2 Timothy 4:6-7 A Song from our memories Three beautiful young women, gifted beyond measure, shared in ministry to others. - [and fear fell upon them all - Phobias from the enemy](https://talkofjesus.com/fear-fell-upon-them-all-phobias-from-the-enemy/) - FEAR descends upon us without warning when we least expect it. This is what has just happened in places distant from our secure homes and times more near these last days. Acts of the Apostles 19: TODAY we return to Ephesus in the first century of our Lord and then quickly jump forward to fearful - [Death Put Under the Authority of God —Resurrection — in Order](https://talkofjesus.com/death-put-under-the-authority-of-god-resurrection-in-order/) - How can this include DEATH? Is death not the antithesis of LIFE —decay into deep darkness the defeat of created man? How can the resurrection of the dead — even those martyred in Christ — take place? The Apostle Paul continues to address the concerns of the Corinthian church putting all things in order and - [And Now the News - Resurrection of the Dead](https://talkofjesus.com/and-now-the-news-resurrection-of-the-dead/) - Paul first establishes the indisputable facts of the Resurrection of Christ supported by evidence. the Logic of Christ's Resurrection The FACTS established, now the Apostle to the Gentiles must convince believing Corinthians influenced by cultural 'scientists of Promethean logic' about the truth of the nature of the resurrection of the dead. How can worshippers of - [It is finished.. + Death's witnesses](https://talkofjesus.com/it-is-finished-deaths-witnesses/) - The Sorrow of Souls Severed from each other Have you experienced it -- the death of a loved one? Death pierces the flesh of those left to mourning in unspeakable ways, but most of all it severs from our soul that of another to which we have clung. Having breathed His last some time before, - [Kings, Governors, Politicians & Priests - Power in the Palaces of Justice](https://talkofjesus.com/kings-governors-politicians-priests-power-in-the-palaces-of-justice/) - Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. John 18:28 KJV the Praetorium - in the Palace of Power I don't know about you, but the rapid-fire - [HIS Excruciating Death for My Sins!](https://talkofjesus.com/christs-excruciating-death-for-my-sins/) - What does does a scene of Jesus enduring excruciating when being NAILED to a CROSS have to do with us? At the urging of a beloved brother in Christ I will once again witness the ANSWER to my opening question in this UPDATED post ABOUT GOOD FRIDAY from A.D. 2014. What happened April 18, Good - [Philip: Evangelizing Christ's Sheep Beyond Gaza](https://talkofjesus.com/evangelizing-christs-sheep-beyond-gaza/) - How important is Gaza to Philip's Evangelizing Mission? What does Gaza have to do with, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." and evangelizing Christ Jesus?Quote of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark 16:15 We'll talk of JESUS' evangelism model begun in the Apostles and now a command to Philip, - [King for a Common Era Holy Week 4](https://talkofjesus.com/king-for-a-common-era-holy-week-4/) - Captive Jerusalem! A.D. 30 - 2024 C.E. - The Controversial Place of God RETURN to JERUSALEM along the ancient hillside roads from Bethany on this day prior to the Passover Sacrifice with JESUS 'of Nazareth' observing several controversies. Controversies BEFORE CHRIST! Opposition to the Lord God goes back BEFORE DAVID - yes, even before Moses - [in the time of old age](https://talkofjesus.com/in-the-time-of-old-age/) - Funerals and Feasts It seems that Providence has brought me to more funerals than feasts lately. We thank God for those wedding feasts and monthly social gatherings of friends. Births of children and grandchildren bring great joy to the hearts of the living and memories of our aging generation. But now that I have surpassed - [Letters from Proselytes of Galatia to Paul ](https://talkofjesus.com/letters-from-proselytes-of-galatia-to-paul/) - Premise: The Apostle Paul likely received one or several letters to which the Apostle responds with Epistles to several churches and certain important persons. Who wrote to the Apostle Paul? Think about this -- Paul and other Apostles come into your town or city, proclaim some Good News, build a church of Christ followers, establish - [Paul's unfinished business with the Thessalonians - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/pauls-unfinished-business-with-the-thessalonians-1/) - Apostles sent out - Leading through Letters Paul's THREE missions over ELEVEN years from ~ A.D. 49 to ~ A.D. 57 would have included 10 winters. All of the apostles would have had time to write while onboard ships traveling from one Roman port to another. Furthermore all would have had time to write during - [Paul's unfinished encouragement of the Thessalonians](https://talkofjesus.com/pauls-unfinished-encouragement-of-the-thessalonians/) - Previously on Paul's Second Mission The apostles sailed to Macedonia, Greece and Achaia Second major stop THESSILONICA where they proclaim the Gospel to the Jews for THREE WEEKS. THREE WEEKS? Hardly enough time to establish a firm foundation of faith in NEW BELIEVERS! ~A.D. 51 - Paul writes to encourage the Thessalonian Church Certainly Paul - [II Thessalonians Intro - It is meet and right so to do..](https://talkofjesus.com/ii-thessalonians-intro-it-is-meet-and-right-so-to-do/) - We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and - [Thessalonians and the Righteous Judgment of God](https://talkofjesus.com/thessalonians-and-the-righteous-judgment-of-god/) - Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians WHY are the Thessalonians so special to Paul that the Apostle would write not - [A First Letter to the Corinthians Intro](https://talkofjesus.com/a-first-letter-to-the-corinthians-intro/) - in the year of our Lord ano Domini 55 [A.D. 55] & in the context of the culture of Corinth Intro PREVIOUSLY in this Talk of Jesus series from CHURCH LETTERS - IS HE WRITING TO ME? we have glanced at a few of Paul's LETTERS (Epistles) to the Church written during his just completed - [NO Divisions in our Church ?](https://talkofjesus.com/no-divisions-in-our-church/) - I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 New Living Translation 'IMPOSSIBLE !' you say. Impossible in Corinth.. and - [Rebuke of ministers that perish without the Cross](https://talkofjesus.com/rebuke-of-ministers-that-perish-without-the-cross/) - For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1 Corinthians 1:11 KJV Contentions (from the KJV) Sounds rather serious doesn't it? 1 Corinthians 1 - Contentions between Christians In our previous look at Paul's first letter to - [ANNOUNCEMENT of the Testimony of GOD](https://talkofjesus.com/announcement-of-the-testimony-of-god/) - And when I came to you, brethren, came not in excellency of word, or wisdom, announcing to you the testimony of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1 DBY Further rebuke of CHRISTIAN MINISTERS The Apostle Paul begins NOT with a reminder of his considerable credentials but with an apologia for God's evidence in Christ crucified and risen. - [1 Corinthians 3 Meat for Ministers](https://talkofjesus.com/1-cor-3-meat-for-ministers/) - and Milk for New Babes In his letter to the Corinthians the Apostle typically begins with encouragement. I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. Paul's first letter to - [Christ’s Contractor in Corinth](https://talkofjesus.com/christs-contractor-in-corinth/) - You are God's building According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 1 Corinthians 3:10 LSB The Architect of the Corinthian Church ἀρχιτέκτων - architektōn a master builder, an architect, the superintendent in the erection of buildings APOSTLES, all ministers of the Lord - [Ministers of Christ: Faithful Stewards - 1 Corinthians 4](https://talkofjesus.com/ministers-of-christ-faithful-stewards-1-corinthians-4/) - What does a minister do? Paul instructs the Corinthians: you ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed - [Spiritual Pride Immorality Judged 1 Corinthians 5](https://talkofjesus.com/spiritual-pride-immorality-judged-1-corinthians-5/) - Does Spiritual Pride prevent christians who come to church on Sunday from offering more than a cup of coffee (very light with lots of froth) to Corinthians (or Cincinnatians) seeking the Lord Jesus? Previously in this first letter to his beloved believers in Corinth the Apostle has suggested: For the Kingdom of God is not - [How Dare You Defer Discipline 1 Corinthians 6](https://talkofjesus.com/how-dare-you-defer-discipline-1-corinthians-6/) - The Apostle Paul continues his insistence that the Corinthian believers expel a member for his sin and not defer church discipline to Judges of civil courts - [Abide in Marriage, Singleness and Christ - 1 Corinthians 7](https://talkofjesus.com/abide-marriage-single-christ/) - Abide, rare in our thoughts, REMAIN, abide. Paul applies it to marriage and singleness; not to become another or different, to wait for - Abide in Christ - [Commandments of Relationships in the Church 1 Corinthians 7](https://talkofjesus.com/commandments-of-relationships-in-the-church-1-corinthians-7/) - Paul lays out commandments for married and unmarried relationships of the saints of Corinth. He also provides freedom in troublesome times for Christians - [Jerusalem - a City Stirred Up](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-a-city-stirred-up/) - Then the whole city was provoked... Acts of the Apostles 21:30 NASB20 CROWD REACTIONS with violence, retribution and vengeance, WAR between two opposing forces where some claim PEACE while others besiege it with competing claims of war and tolerance... Nothing is new under the sun, most especially in Israel ! Jerusalem, Jerusalem! ~ In the - [DOCTRINE - WHO SAYS?](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrine-who-says/) - GOD IS One and FIRST Is God's TRUTH not found in SCRIPTURE? It's a great QUESTION Elijah asks of men 'limping between two opinions' [LSB]. Wouldn't it logically follow to ASK the same QUESTION of TRUTH? IF Yᵊhōvâ IS ĕlōhîm come to HIM -- the Way, the Truth and the Life. Roger@TalkofJesus.com God's TRUTH As a matter of - [The Holy Spirit IS that I AM](https://talkofjesus.com/the-holy-spirit-is-that-i-am/) - What is JESUS telling us about spirit and the Holy Spirit? Man, like GOD, is spirit. What is Spirit? Definitions from Hebrew and Greek help define the Trinity. - [Hail Mary, humble wife of GOD](https://talkofjesus.com/hail-mary-humble-wife-of-god/) - And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden a Humble mom. - [Idols - Stumbling in Christian Liberty - 1 Corinthians 8](https://talkofjesus.com/idols-stumbling-in-christian-liberty-1-corinthians-8/) - The problem is not that of food or festivals, but the question of celebrating idolatry as saints identified with Christ. 1 Corinthians 8: Idols and stumbling - [What is the Gospel? What are the Gospels?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-the-gospel-what-are-the-gospels/) - Ask five Christians, What is the Gospel? And you may hear THREE different answers, see an empty puzzled look and perhaps hear an honest, "I don't really know; how do you define the gospel?" Go ahead: EMAIL ME your definition BEFORE you read the following OR add your definitive COMMENT at the bottom of this - [Am I not free? Religion 1 Corinthians 9](https://talkofjesus.com/not-free-religion-1-corinthians-9/) - Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 1 Corinthians 9:1 New Heart English Bible Freedom and Religion Eric Kress outlines two main points of application from the previous chapter of 1 Corinthians 8: a. The caution concerning your - [Anoint, Consecrate and Sanctify - more Biblical jargon](https://talkofjesus.com/anoint-consecrate-and-sanctify-more-biblical-jargon/) - And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. Exodus 28:41 KJV Do you understand what takes place when you hear Biblical words like 'anoint?' Can you picture the process - [The Idolatry of Baptism - the Idolatry of Communion](https://talkofjesus.com/the-idolatry-of-baptism-the-idolatry-of-communion/) - What is Idolatry? In this section of his first letter to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul has been addressing idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 1 Corinthians 10:15 NIV For the context of what Paul is about to say about baptism, communion and communion and other feasts take a - [Consecration, Sanctification - more Biblical jargon](https://talkofjesus.com/consecration-sanctification-more-biblical-jargon/) - Do you understand what takes place when you hear Biblical jargon?' The meaning of 'consecration? or sanctification? A look at some nouns from Scripture. - [Consecration, Ceremonies and Rites](https://talkofjesus.com/consecration-ceremonies-and-rites/) - Two weeks ago in my Saturday Post SERIES addressing the jargon of the church I asked, "Can you picture a process of 'consecration?'" You probably picture consecration as a rite of sorts, most specifically a public religious rite. That's right and an important view of occasions of consecration. We also defined anointing, but today I'm - [The Idolatry of Baptism - the Idolatry of Communion - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/the-idolatry-of-baptism-the-idolatry-of-communion-2/) - What IF the Apostle Paul could podcast today's sermon about communion and idolatry to your Common Era church gathering? Picture his cautions of 1 Corinthians 10 - [Christian Roles in Christian Worship - 1 Corinthians 11](https://talkofjesus.com/christian-roles-in-christian-worship-1-corinthians-11/) - What are the roles of men and women in worship? Paul limits the roles of women in 1 Corinthians 11. Our 21st century church may find it culturally challenging. - [Sanctification - saints washed in Christ's Holiness](https://talkofjesus.com/sanctification-saints-washed-in-christs-holiness/) - Sanctification occurs only 5-10 times in the New Testament, while "sanctify" occurs 70 times in 65 verses in the KJV throughout the Bible. Doesn't sanctification require someone or something to be 'sanctified?' What is sanctification? How is it different since Christ Jesus? Sanctification in the Old Testament - [Your Communions in Church and in Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/your-communions-in-church-and-in-christ/) - Communions, gatherings, worship services, church services -- call them whatever you like. But the Apostle Paul provides some pointed correction for the church as we continue in 1 Corinthians 11. Communion - TOPIC on TalkofJesus.com Although our frequent focus on communions often points toward Good Friday, Christians frequently place Holy Communion at the center of - [A Merciful Manger](https://talkofjesus.com/a-merciful-manger/) - A MERCIFUL MANGER Click on the link above to view the poem. - [The Sun and the Moon Stood Still - Why won't we?](https://talkofjesus.com/the-sun-and-the-moon-stood-still-why-wont-we/) - The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Habakkuk 3:11 KJV Sun and moon stood still before God What's the picture? An illustrative celestial EXAMPLE to those created ones of GOD bowed DOWN before the GLORY of our - [The Beginning of the End - A Burden of the Prophets - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/beginning-end-prophets-2/) - Previously - Part 1 The Hope of a Savior King Jeremiah 23: 5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will - [The Beginning of the End - A Burden of the Prophets - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/beginning-end-prophets-3/) - I don't understand what is going on. Who will tell us? Earthquakes, fires, famines, rulers we never thought would come to power... What is going on? It's an age-old question. A king's messengers may proclaim his threats, but who can the faithful believe? Only a true prophet of the Lord. And many have claimed their - [Scandalous Faith - a Millstone around our neck](https://talkofjesus.com/scandalous-faith-a-millstone-around-neck/) - Lent 2023 AD + Original post date: 29 March, in the year of our Lord 2022 Today's topic is scandal! ASH WEDNESDAY in the year of our Lord 2023, we begin with TODAY'S subject: Christians in the shoes of Jonah Lent 2023 AD + Christians in the shoes of JonahJesus Warns disciplesA last-days appeal to - [Prepare Ye the Way](https://talkofjesus.com/prepare-ye-way-talk-jesus-christian-social-witness/) - The following is an UPDATE of an early Talk of Jesus post about Roger, his Christian Social Witness & specifically being born again in the Lord Jesus Christ on a Good Friday ~30 years ago. Prepare to witness JESUSabout RogerWhy Talk of JESUS?Prepare yourself for SOLID FOOD.about Roger receiving the Holy Spirit!Roger's 'teaching' style Prepare - [Doctrines of the Common Era](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrines-of-the-common-era/) - 2025 Common Era christians only Are christian pulpits erasing Christ’s line in the shifting sands of Biblical DOCTRINE? Is our Church proclaiming JESUS Christ in these last days? SATURDAY Series - Biblical Jargon for Common Era Christians JAN & FEB 2025 CE FOR the first two months of 2025 C.E. we examined true teachings of the Bible to understanding - [Son-Man Risen!](https://talkofjesus.com/son-man-risen/) - “Are you the King of the Jews,” the Prefect Pilate had asked JESUS just three days ago? βασιλεύς King ? Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom - [agapē a fruit of Love from a Higher Branch](https://talkofjesus.com/agape-a-fruit-of-love-from-a-higher-branch/) - Charity (agape) This is our chief aim, the unconditional love of the Father given to us through his Son. Affection, friendship and romantic love are each the training ground for charity to grow. It’s also a rival to the three. C.S. Lewis - Four Types of Love Even with a half-dozen mentions of the agape - [All you need is Love Love Love](https://talkofjesus.com/all-you-need-is-love-love-love/) - Christians throw around the LOVE jargon rather vaguely and with much overlap (as does the world). The Greek words for love in the Bible are 4+ words in English. - [Blood on the night in which He was betrayed](https://talkofjesus.com/blood-the-night-he-was-betrayed/) - Hear, O Isra-el And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד׃ We suppose here (though possibly not specifically in celebrating this Last Seder) - [Unless the Father draws you - Bread from Heaven](https://talkofjesus.com/god-father-2-bread/) - Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life...John 6:35a A group of hopeful Jews has begun following this Son of Man from place to place looking for signs that He IS the Messiah of the One God. Now we turn to a sign Jesus shows to five thousand followers in a remote place - [The Last Supper + Communion + a Family Meal](https://talkofjesus.com/last-supper-communion-a-family-meal/) - Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper The following is an UPDATED post from Maundy Thursday of Holy Week in the year of our Lord 2015 about the Last Supper of Jesus and the Twelve and communion of the saints of the Church. - RH Even my close friend in whom I trusted,who ate my bread, - [Thank God](https://talkofjesus.com/thank-god/) - Let us give thanks to the Lord our God for His Spirit and the eternal life made possible for us only by the Blood of Jesus on the Cross. - [Are You the One? - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/one-2/) - Jesus to the multitudes Speaking of John the Baptist... Luke 7 English Standard Version (ESV) 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before - [God's Love Through John: In the Beginning](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-2-beginning/) - No Gospel more familiar than John which begins IN THE BEGINNING was the Word Logos Jesus Christ was and is God (who so loved the world,,) - [By What Authority? - Leaders, Law, Scriptures, God](https://talkofjesus.com/what-authority-leaders-law-scriptures-god/) - What authority in A.D. 2018?Leaders during the time of Jesus' teachingScripturesGodJesus Is Equal with GodThe Authority of the Son What authority in A.D. 2018? Can you come up with a proverb from scripture anymore applicable to leaders of this 21st century? They self-appoint a leader with strong-arm authority as Caesar for life. Or perhaps the rich and - [Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-is-nailed-to-the-cross/) - Roger is born again in the Holy Spirit! I owned a business just across the parking lot and cemetery next to the church where we worshiped each Sunday. It is the church where our daughter was baptized and where I read scripture and ministered communion to shut-ins. I made the short pilgrimage down the sidewalk - [What do I do with this?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-do-i-do-with-this/) - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV Daily we must remind ourselves that God IS. Daily we must recall that Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins - [Preaching Biblical Doctrine to Ourselves](https://talkofjesus.com/preaching-biblical-doctrine-upbuilding/) - FROM the Word of God TO the saints of Christ's Church Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.Second letter of the Apostle John 1:9 - CSB IF you squirmed a - [Church of the Lost Pilgrims](https://talkofjesus.com/church-of-lost-pilgrims/) - The Pilgrim's Progress in our Church Many Christians are familiar with John Bunyan's, THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, but IF you will look around you at church this Sunday, you may be surprised to see some of these allegorical characters sitting right next to you in the pew or carrying on conversation at a table in your - [Convicted Characters of Christ's Church](https://talkofjesus.com/convicted-characters-christs-church/) - Continuing with the characters of Bunyan's allegory, THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. The MAN FLEEING THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION with a burden on his back ASKED EVANGELIST the question every preacher would like to hear: What must I do? And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And - [Which Bunyan character are you?](https://talkofjesus.com/which-bunyan-character/) - Character Reference: Bunyan's characters look like characters from my church (and yours). These past two weeks I've had some brief encounters with other 'Christians' about THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS of John Bunyan. Rather than adding a personal COMMENT to one of my Saturday Posts on Doctrines of the Church, I thought I might ask you directly - [GOD'S WORD for His Church](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-word-church/) - IN THE BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth. IN THE BEGINNING was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. My more recent concern for Church doctrine addressed deconstruction of Bible-based Doctrine presented as a new way to make the church relevant. Why should the sheep become theologians? - [12 Men Texting as their Messiah approaches – Part 3](https://talkofjesus.com/12-men-texting-as-their-messiah-approaches-3/) - The Plot to Murder the Messiah! On the receiving end of these communications from those who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus we find all of the VIP's of Jerusalem's council of leading religious leaders of this captive land. Previously: We have looked at the miraculous sign of the Messiah: Lazarus – HELP from the grave - [Resurrection? + Questions about DEATH and Life](https://talkofjesus.com/resurrection-questions-about-death-and-life/) - DEATH! Everyone must have had questions about the DEATH and life of Jesus now. Resurrection, though they had talked about it -- even witnessed the dead coming to life like Lazarus and others -- resurrection remained far from their minds. The Messiah of Israel, authoritative rabbi, proven prophet, beloved shepherd, gentle lamb of God -- - [Doctrine - GOD IS HOLY](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrine-1-god-is-holy/) - I remember from early days of my childhood growing up 'in church' hearing a cappella worship and the ethereal lyrics of 'Holy, Holy, Holy.' The 'otherness' feeling of these moments of worship transported my soul to a higher undefinable place. It was worship I would not come to understand until until I received the Holy - [James - a Greater Thunder and a lesser king](https://talkofjesus.com/james-a-greater-thunder/) - Who is James? James the greater, James the less and James a brother of Jesus. a Gospel look at these Apostles and the half-brother of Jesus. - [The Gospel: Preached by Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-preached-peter/) - "Listen carefully, all of you... Acts 2: Peter's Sermon at Pentecost 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you - [The Gospel: Preached by Stephen](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-preached-stephen/) - Acts 6: Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number... The multitudes were now part of the way and living as disciples of the risen Christ Jesus. The twelve Apostles (with Mathias appointed to replace Judas) need the help of others. They appointed deacons - seven more men fully filled with the Holy - [The Gospel: Preached by John](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-preached-john/) - Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! - Psalm 84:9 John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was - [The Gospel: Witnessed by the Romans](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-witnessed-romans/) - Acts 10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. Don't miss this: Caesarea is the administrative capital and military outpost of the Roman - [The Gospel of the Kingdom - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-kingdom-2/) - Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom - [The Gospel of the Kingdom](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-kingdom/) - Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. What is the gospel? More specifically, what is the gospel of the kingdom which Jesus proclaimed? To begin, look back to the centuries and millennia at the - [The Fire of His Wrath, The Gospel of His Salvation](https://talkofjesus.com/fire-wrath/) - The fire of the Lord consumes the complacent, The wicked and the righteous fleeing their homes. They flee His great wrath and abandon their plans, The Gospel of His Salvation will comfort or condemn. Revelation 14 King James Version (KJV) NOTE: For ease of reading our contemporary language the ESV is recommended; I have chosen - [Go into all the world (and SHARE the Gospel) - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/go-world-1/) - God came into the world as a man in the flesh to save sinners, yet so many do not know Jesus or turn away from the incarnate and risen Lord. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. - John 1:10" If you believe, - [(Go into all the world and) SHARE the Gospel – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/go-share-2/) - The Great Commission Preach the gospel (KJV & others); proclaim the gospel (ESV & others); share the good news: kēryssō euaggelion - publish good tidings to every creature. "You share everything else on social media, why not share the good news of Jesus Christ" Jesus, the Messiah of God died for our sins and is risen: therefore - [Apocalypse 3 – the Gospel Proclaimed from Heaven to Earth](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-3-gospel-proclaimed/) - What Apocalypse? Or you might ask, 'What revelation?' We defined these last time in Apocalypse 2 - Good News Unsealed from the original Greek of this Scripture - ἀποκάλυψις. apokalypsis of THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST Do you see it behind this graphic? I began by pointing toward an apocalypse from heaven as bad news - [Apocalypse 10 + Gospel of the Seventh Seal](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-10-gospel-of-the-seventh-seal/) - The Seven Trumpets You weren't expecting it... never-the-less, the sound of the coming Wrath of the LORD is come! OR You listened to those who predicted it, yet the Wrath of the LORD was not revealed. So since it's been millennia and the END has not come, it will not … or so you thought. - [Christ's CHURCH -2- His Gospel of the Kingdom](https://talkofjesus.com/christs-church-2-his-gospel-of-the-kingdom/) - Who's Kingdom? Where is it? When? What is the Good News of the Kingdom? All questions of the Church and even those sceptics the Lord will choose -- questions about when God will finally look more like a King in charge of His own Kingdom creation. This post is not exhaustive of course, but it - [The Gospel of an Angel to Cornelius](https://talkofjesus.com/gospel-angel-cornelius-acts10/) - ACTS 10 - of Cornelius - a devout Roman Centurion Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [~600 man] cohort, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. Who do we see here? A Roman - [Opposed to the Gospel at the Gate: Bar-Jesus](https://talkofjesus.com/opposed-gospel-bar-jesus/) - Bar-Jesus is another name for a Jewish influencer on Cypress: Elymas the magician. Acts 13:When they arrived at CypressCypress is Greek, NOT RomanPaphosAphrodite of CyprusBar-JesusBar-Jesus tries to turn the Missionaries awayA Contemporary CautionIdolatry, Charlatans & FaithACTS of the Apostles 13:True visions and True Power Acts 13: Luke chronicles THIS history of the first mission of the - [Jews in Berea receive and believe the Gospel](https://talkofjesus.com/in-berea-jews-receive-and-believe-the-gospel/) - What do Christians mean when they call themselves Bereans? This, of course, was where we left Thessalonica with Paul, Silas and Timothy last time in v. 10a 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that - [I was in the spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/spirit-2/) - I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. - Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John [1:10] We interrupt our series on Psalm 119 for a message about prayer, the Holy Spirit and hearing from God. God willing we will continue tomorrow, 28 - [Jesus said, Follow Me](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-said/) - "Follow Me" Why follow talkofJesus.com? You likely know the most famous Bible verse in the world: John 3:16. What you may not know as an unbeliever or marginal 'christian' is what follows. The Good News of Jesus for some (in this world) is conditional as John clearly states later. John 3: 18 “He who believes - [Emmanuel -1](https://talkofjesus.com/emmanuel-1/) - 7:14 לָכֵן יִתֵּן אֲדֹנָי הוּא לָכֶם אֹות הִנֵּה הָעַלְמָה הָרָה וְיֹלֶדֶת בֵּן וְקָרָאת שְׁמֹו עִמָּנוּ אֵֽל׃ prophesy of Isaiah [יְשַׁעְיָה - Yĕsha`yah] Emmanuel - I AM: born a man, GOD for us As I have written previously, contemporary celebrations of Christmas have been much overblown in our worldly "christian" pageants, performances and present-buying excesses. Our sins - [a Failure of Kings Advent 4 of Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/a-failure-of-kings-advent-4-of-christ/) - Kings leading up to the Christ, The HEBREW descendants of Abraham did not always have kings, nor did the kings of Israel, Judah and Judea always have power. - [Now is the Time Christmas Advent 3](https://talkofjesus.com/now-is-the-time-christmas-advent-3/) - Where do we stand in time? In Advent 3 we examine the timelines and calendar of history which leads us toward Anno Domini 2024 of this Common Era Christmas - [Advent 2 of Christmas Evangelicalism](https://talkofjesus.com/advent-2-of-christmas-evangelicalism/) - What is Advent? The advent of what? Look back Before Christ, even before the shepherd of Bethlehem David and before Moses in our Advent 2 look at Christmas. - [Hebrews 8- Minister of the Holy & true Tabernacle](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-8-minister-holy-tabernacle/) - The Main Point Now the main point of what is being said is this: We have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man. - [Before Christmas Evangelicalism Advent 1](https://talkofjesus.com/before-christmas-evangelicalism-advent-1/) - Before Christ Have you ever thought of the meaning of it? Can we comprehend a time Before the first Christmas? Before Creation And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the - ['You're NOT MY Father!' - the prodigal C.E. Evangelical](https://talkofjesus.com/youre-not-my-father-the-prodigal-c-e-evangelical/) - PART 2 role of the FATHER - doctrines of the Common Era - family relationships parallels from Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (which of course HE is not). - [God our Father estranged from Trinity](https://talkofjesus.com/god-our-father-estranged-from-trinity/) - ESTRANGED? certainly our all-too-common era trouble with the Trinity must lie in a single broken relationship: that of Common Era christians with God the Father - [Jesus Christ 2 the Person and His Roles](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-christ-lord-2-christ-anointed-one/) - Who is this Jesus? Has God sent us the Christ - the anointed Messiah? God and The Person of JESUS "JESUS IS and was and will be. Talk of JESUS .com Jesus Christ IS Lord – 1 JESUS IS God! just as we introduced last time through the beginning in John's Gospel -- "..and the - [Jesus Christ IS Lord - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-1/) - Who IS JESUS? What does the BIBLE say about JESUS? From definitions and descriptions from the four Gospels and Revelation READ why Jesus Christ is Lord - [Jesus Christ Lord - 3 Christ of the Christian Church](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-christ-lord-3-christ-of-the-christian-church/) - Part 3 doctrinal post about JESUS CHRIST LORD: scriptural teaching concerning CHRIST from historic catechisms of the Church AND from the BIBLE. - [Give Thanks to the Lord - Psalm 136 & Psalm 95](https://talkofjesus.com/give-thanks-to-the-lord/) - His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136 I don't know about you, but once again Thanksgiving seems to be upon us as a prerequisite observance preceding the rush of the Christmas holidays. Some would observe in political correctness, 'the holiday season,' which promoted for lights in darkness and gifts seemingly endures forever. I have previously mentioned this hustle - [Theology always Begins with GOD](https://talkofjesus.com/theology-always-begins-with-god/) - Theology EVERYONE studies God, whether they admit it or not. Even the avowed atheist must create an anti-theos atheology AGAINST God - θεός (theos). So what do YOU think about YOUR relationship to GOD? Has mortal man evolved a doctrine from dust and ashes theorizing a theology tolerant of common evil tailored for a Common - [Emmanuel -2](https://talkofjesus.com/emmanuel-2/) - Christmas according to the Gospel Yesterday, in part one of this 3-part Christmas series, I mentioned that 'Emmanuel' is a Latin or romanized spelling of "Immanuel" from the Hebrew. I also remind us that Christmas was a minor celebration, actually banned at times by the church. We began discussion of the Nativity (the birth of - [Between Sabbaths - Convocations and Holiness](https://talkofjesus.com/sabbaths_convocations_holiness/) - Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.Leviticus 23:2 KJV Holy Holidays We've lost something of the holiness of the holidays in the translation. Worldliness seeps steadily into our daily lives and we don't - [Hot Topics from Galatians #2 - Apostasy](https://talkofjesus.com/hot-topics-from-galatians-2-apostasy/) - Apostasy appears throughout the Holy Bible when God's people become unholy. Roger@TalkofJesus.com HOT topic #2 - apostasy Although Paul does not specifically name apostasy for the Galatians he will when writing to the Thessalonians. [Circumcision may be a HOT Topic of the flesh of 2023 CE, but this physical SIGN from a broken covenant was - [HOT topics from Galatians - Perversion of the Gospel](https://talkofjesus.com/hot-topics-galatians-perversion-of-the-gospel/) - Of course when a Bible HEADING for Galatians 1:6 suggests, "Perversion of the Gospel" our twenty-first century first thought is sexual perversion, but this all-inclusive description of unnamed teachers in Galatia encompasses much more. Perversion of the One Gospel Perversion of the Gospel6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called - [Grace for the Everyday Sinner in 2024 C.E.](https://talkofjesus.com/grace-for-the-everyday-sinner-in-2024-c-e/) - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:3 Paul greets fellow Christians What is grace? Are you gracious to others? - [a Brief Apologetic for Doctrine](https://talkofjesus.com/a-brief-apologetic-for-doctrine/) - Doctrine (of the Common Era) Defined A doctrine is a set of principles or beliefs, especially religious ones. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary Synonyms: teaching, principle, belief, opinion Quite simply EVERYONE has doctrines WE believe, beliefs and opinions WE teach unyieldingly or perhaps underpinning our speech subtly. Due to its everyday influence on our lives - [Survey 3 key questions for 2024 of the Common Era](https://talkofjesus.com/survey-3-key-questions-for-2024-of-the-common-era/) - Would you answer just 3 questions about the Bible teaching you believe? The following brief SURVEY is taken from a more extensive examination of doctrines Learn more: Chicago Statement on Bible Inerrancy [1986] COMMENT please on YOUR 2024 CE answers to our Summer 2021 questions about BIBLE teaching in your church. From a 2021 SERIES on - [Roman Oversight of Jerusalem's god](https://talkofjesus.com/roman-oversight-of-jerusalems-god/) - There's been some trouble in town. Now controversary and crowds are nothing out of the ordinary here (or in Roman oversight of Jerusalem), but I have been trying to determine how best to present an equitable view of recent events. Oh, I might mention that today's look back at history incites reaction in some no - [Rumors of Life & Death](https://talkofjesus.com/rumors-of-life-death/) - Reporters of News And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.Gospel of Luke 7:17 - KJV Sojourners become clarions of news to uninformed ears in new places from the places where they have witnessed life. The 'rumour' to which the Gospel-writer Luke refers (above) is Jesus' - [A Witness through John 3:16.. but wait, there's more!](https://talkofjesus.com/a-witness-through-john-316-but-wait-theres-more/) - The Bible’s best known verse Like many I have written about John 3:16 in the past. But wait, there's more. More here in John's Good News than just a pithy reference to love in the Bible. Hopefully you read yesterday's Scriptural Rerun from this same series 'God's Love through John.' Today's post from the same - [My Love - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/love-1/) - Let us not blur the beauty of the loves of God. God has given man (& woman), created in His image, various loves for our pleasure and blessing; love for men and women of His creation to enjoy as God our Father has intended. C.S. Lewis, renowned author of children's stories such as in "The - [Take a look in the mirror](https://talkofjesus.com/take-look-mirror/) - TEXT: Do you love Jesus Christ? No answer Another text (later) No answer So what is a brother or sister in Christ to think? Are you too busy for just a simple answer to a genuine communication in love? Maybe you think: I have other things to do... or when that number comes up on - [Persevering the Social Distancing of Virtual Relationship](https://talkofjesus.com/persevering-social-distancing-virtual-relationship/) - Letters to a Distanced Church A quick glance at the map reveals many first century churches near the Aegean Sea, a long voyage from Jerusalem. Believers of The Way had to depend on distant leaders to sow and nurture virtual relationships: to each other, to other churches (many in local or nearby homes) and to - [Do YOU AFFIRM True & DENY False DOCTRINES?](https://talkofjesus.com/deny-these-truths/) - WE continue in a detailed study of DOCTRINE from three ICBI Chicago Statements of the late 20th century theologians. Let's be clear and concise about DOCTRINE here, etching a LINE which CANNOT BE CROSSED without turning against the way, the truth and the life of the LORD GOD. BY AFFIRMING THESE TRUTHS: you also DENY - [Evil spirits, exorcism, possession of Power](https://talkofjesus.com/evil-spirits-exorcism-possession-of-power/) - ACTS 19: ..and the evil spirits went out of them. Acts of the Apostles 19:12c KJV Acts of God, evil spirits and exorcists In his account of Paul's third missionary journey the physician Luke now records signs YOU may find hard to believe. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS, 21st Century believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? - [Harnedsville - Some Pennsylvania History (c.1763-1783)](https://talkofjesus.com/harnedsville-pennsylvania-history/) - PROLOGUE: My last "blog" post about my personal history was about Cortland Ohio. It featured my hometown and my Grandfather, William Alba Harned. My father was born in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. Both of his grandfathers had farms there and as a young boy I visited western Pennsylvania frequently. For now we will skip the generation of my - [Paul's Letters to Churches he Loved](https://talkofjesus.com/pauls-letters-to-churches-he-loved/) - From time to time Talk of Jesus .com shares sermons from other media which may help connect our current series. TRUTH FOR LIFE PROGRAM Faith, Hope, Love (Part 1 of 2) https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/faith-hope-love Listen to this helpful overview of the same journey of the Apostle Paul we have outlined in ACTS of the Apostles. Soon we'll - [What God Hath Wrought 2](https://talkofjesus.com/what-god-hath-wrought-2/) - Paul's Mission - 2 REPORTS A.D. 57Previously: TO James and the Church: And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry. Acts of the Apostles 21:19 - ASV - Paul's account of his third mission to th James and the leaders - [Prophesying the unseen future](https://talkofjesus.com/prophesying-the-unseen-future/) - Acts of the Apostles 21: Dr. Luke continues his account of their return to Jerusalem and Paul's stay with Philip the Evangelist in Caesarea. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and - [What God Hath Wrought](https://talkofjesus.com/what-god-hath-wrought/) - Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. - Acts of the Apostles 21:17 ASV That's it, really - the end of a THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF PAUL (and many other apostles and disciples of the risen Jesus Christ). THE END of a FIRST MISSION beginning back in - [Returning to seven servants in the Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/returning-to-seven-servants-in-the-spirit/) - Acts of the Apostles 21: Philip the Evangelist and deacon from Jerusalem had travelled to Gaza, then was miraculously taken up to take the Gospel north to Caesarea where he would reside. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities, until he came - [Sailing Home on the Aegean](https://talkofjesus.com/sailing-home-on-the-aegean/) - And when they had come to him, he said to them,“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials.. Acts of the Apostles 20:18-19a LSB - The Apostle Paul bidding farewell - [Doctrines of TRUTH in a Common Era of Lies](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrines-of-truth-common-era-of-lies/) - Introduction to the Common Era WHEN did the Common Era Begin? Was there an unexpected BIG BANG that exploded TRUTH into truths? Did centuries of HISTORY defined by the word of Almighty GOD suddenly fall into a bottomless black hole of godless futility? AND IF, in 2023 C.E. humankind could look back toward 2023 B.C.E. - [52 Topics for YOUR One-Sentence Question](https://talkofjesus.com/52-topics-for-your-one-sentence-question/) - 52 Topics for TalkofJESUS.com QUESTIONS * The following is a RE-POST of TOPICS of DOCTRINE from last year. Please e-mail ANY QUESTION or ask one as a COMMENT on ANY POST. Your NAME will NOT be published & COMMENTS are either posted as "anonymous" OR kept private.- RH Need ideas? Let's try this again. Fridays: - [King of the Jews Savior of Sinners](https://talkofjesus.com/king-of-the-jews-savior-of-sinners/) - Behold, Elijah is here. “How long will you be limping between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him..” But the people did not answer him a word. 1 Kings 18:21 excerpt - Legacy Standard Bible Are YOU of the multitudes? OR one of His disciples? Good Friday has a context we rarely consider: the Passover - [King for a Common Era Holy Week 5](https://talkofjesus.com/king-for-a-common-era-holy-week-5/) - KING jesus! KING jesus! The Prophet who drove the money changers out of God's Temple HAS RETURNED! Holy Week in the year of our Lord 30 Without noting several significant private events and conversations of this holy week, including Jesus' celebration of the Passover meal with the Twelve; let's look once more at the witness - [King for a Common Era Holy Week 3](https://talkofjesus.com/king-for-a-common-era-holy-week-3/) - KING jesus! KING jesus! KING jesus! Gospel of Matthew 21: Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Gospel of Matthew 21:14 - New King James Version MONDAY everybody was asking, “Who is this?” Will this KING jesus now conquer our captors? Every Jew coming to the festival knew all-to-well of - [King for a Common Era Holy Week 2](https://talkofjesus.com/king-for-a-common-era-holy-week-2/) - KING jesus! KING jesus! KING jesus! A.D. 30 WE joined the multitudes with palm branches and our coats spread on the ground before the KING's colt upon which he rode triumphantly to the gate. (I think two or three THOUSAND of US ready to breach the hopeless walls of our captive capital) I wonder what - [King for a Common Era Holy Week - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/king-for-a-common-era-holy-week-1/) - KING jesus! KING jesus! KING jesus! A.D. 30 an account of a single fictional witness Palm Sunday HOSANNA! King Jesus! Thank God for our conquering KING! YESTERDAY was some day with a festive parade into town by our savior king. WE took branches from palm trees and covered the road as our KING ascended into - [Three Years in Ephesus with Tears](https://talkofjesus.com/three-years-in-ephesus-with-tears/) - Paul has just sent for the Ephesian Elders and is about to address them as at the conclusion of his third missionary journey as the Apostle departs for Jerusalem. Serving the Lord with humility and tears The *apostles' tearful departure from Ephesus - Let us recall so many close relationships of those brothers and sisters - [a brief Epistle from Paul to Ephesus](https://talkofjesus.com/a-brief-epistle-from-paul-to-ephesus/) - ACTS 20 - a farewell meeting We have recently been reading some of Paul's early letters to churches. Now the Apostle sends a brief Epistle to Ephesus to set up a parting embrace with the leaders of the Ephesian Church before the apostles sail toward home. Previously we learned that an epistle is not simply - [Paul a Prophet Sent out by Jesus](https://talkofjesus.com/paul-a-prophet-sent-out-by-jesus/) - Great Prophets and Signs from God HOW DO WE KNOW A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD? WHAT is the SIGN of a true Prophet? Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” Gospel of Luke 7:16 ESV A great prophet among us - [Talking for hours with the prophet Paul](https://talkofjesus.com/talking-for-hours-with-the-prophet-paul/) - .. when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them.. Acts 20:7b ESV Talk of Jesus into the late night hours Our focus on this late-night incident in Troas is Paul's midnight talk of JESUS and its impact on the Church. My secondary focus is a role of Paul we may not - [Strategic Retreat of Paul to Troas](https://talkofjesus.com/strategic-retreat-of-paul-to-troas/) - The Apostle's circuitous route home Today we join Paul's in Troas, a strategic Roman port the Apostle visited on his second missionary journey. Acts 20 Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, leads disciples and directs leaders of each church on mission. PREVIOUSLY, Luke records in Acts 20 how and why Paul left Ephesus. Corinth, as - [Mission to Macedonia with more exhortation](https://talkofjesus.com/mission-to-macedonia-with-more-exhortation/) - Now after the uproar had ceased, Paul having summoned and exhorted the disciples, said farewell and left to go to Macedonia. Acts of the Apostles 20:1 Legacy Standard Bible Paul's mission returns to Macedonia When we last left Paul in Ephesus the Apostle had been acquitted of causing a riot and was preparing to sail back to familiar destination of his second mission. Today - [RIOTING TODAY! - Testimony from many stakeholders](https://talkofjesus.com/rioting-today-testimony-from-many-stakeholders/) - RIOT TODAY IN EPHESUS! - READ all about it. The NEWS headline could have been from TODAY! But first we return to this riot mentioned in our last edition and Luke's account of Acts 19. The city was filled with the uproar, and the crowd rushed to the theater together, dragging with them Gaius and - [Lectures in the School of the Master](https://talkofjesus.com/lectures-school-of-the-master/) - Acts 19: Paul Teaching in Ephesus Two Schools of Thought in Ephesus The School of Our Master the Lord Jesus Christ is led by the lecturer Paul; known as the Apostle to the Gentiles and formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. Picture this setting & scene in either the 1st century A.D. where it took - [Powerful Preaching to powerless Christians](https://talkofjesus.com/powerful-preaching-to-powerless-christians/) - Preaching the Lord Jesus What was the difference in the preaching of Apollos and Paul? In Acts of the Apostles 19 Luke gives it to us straight. Paul discovers some disciples who have already heard the powerful preaching of Apollos. Let's take a look at Luke's account translated authoritatively in the King James Version: And - [If God wills - a Mission ends, a Journey Home](https://talkofjesus.com/if-god-wills-a-mission-ends-a-journey-home/) - ACTS of the Apostles 18: θεοῦ θέλοντος - theos thelō - that is: IF GOD WILLS. Not only is this Paul's response to many who urge the Apostle to stay longer on his second missionary journey, but once the Apostle returns home we will see this familiar approach in a third missionary journey. God wills it. WHY - [Do Not Be Afraid of their Attack](https://talkofjesus.com/do-not-be-afraid-of-their-attack/) - "..for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you.." Acts of the Apostles 18:10a ESV - the word of the Lord κύριος to Paul in a vision A failed attack on Paul in Achaia Even as Paul has journeyed into all the Roman world since his conversion as an itererate - [From now on I will go ethnos](https://talkofjesus.com/from-now-on-i-will-go-ethnos/) - ACTS 18 continued.. Paul's persistence in ACHIA for 18 months Our 2nd mission to Jews and the ethnos so far.. As we near the end of Paul's second missionary journey the author of Acts who is also witness to this part of it shows his readers how the ethnos (gentiles) continue to be a challenge - [Corinth - 1st Church Plant in ACHAIA](https://talkofjesus.com/corinth-1st-church-plant-in-achaia/) - So why did Paul leave Athens, Greece? These apostles to the Gentiles are sent to Corinth by the Holy Spirit to plant a church in Achaia. ACTS of the Apostles 18: THIS summary of Paul's first two missions INCLUDES a 20 YEAR TIMELINE OF THE EARLY CHURCH. Now when they heard of the resurrection of - [Apollos and Paul - Apostles crossing paths](https://talkofjesus.com/apollos-and-paul-apostles-crossing-paths/) - Apollos arrives in Ephesus Acts 18: [No mention here of Silas, Luke or Timothy also part of this 2nd mission. Email me or comment if you know where these apostles of the church might be as Paul begins his 3rd missionary journey. - Roger@TalkofJesus.com ] Notice where Ephesus fits into our A.D. 51-52 timeline as - [The Connection of Christ's Missions](https://talkofjesus.com/the-connection-of-christs-missions/) - a timeline of ACTS of the Apostles Twenty-first century followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and believers less immersed in Scripture tend to oversimplify the journeys and any connection of apostles of the first century church. Our helpful, but partial view tends to look something like this: A.D. 30 - Peter and the Twelve APOSTLES - [70 Years (or so)?](https://talkofjesus.com/70-years-or-so/) - 70 years (or so)... In the sweat of your face you shall eat breadTill you return to the ground,For out of it you were taken;For dust you are,And to dust you shall return.”Genesis 3:19 NKJV Remember... you are dust We've all heard it: "Remember, you are dust" or some graveside equivalent from the Law of Moses - [Ashes of Ash Wednesday + a Preparation of Repentance](https://talkofjesus.com/ashes-ash-wednesday-preparation-of-repentance/) - Ash Wednesday We pause momentarily today [AD 2022] from consideration of God's love to prepare for the season of Christ's Blood of Sacrifice. Consider your own unrighteousness to receive any grace. Bow down in the dust of your crumbling bones; cover with ashes your sin-consumed flesh. Will the LORD not have mercy on me, a sinner? - [Time Beyond Years - Omega](https://talkofjesus.com/time-beyond-years-omega/) - Revelation 1:8 KJV I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Briefly, we considered creation (day 1 before measurable time). Look at the timeline of man's history as if the mark on the left is creation. Suppose man - [An Adjudicator of Grace in Every Era](https://talkofjesus.com/an-adjudicator-of-grace-in-every-era/) - What is the first SCRIPTURE that comes to mind when I ask you to tell me about GRACE? Go ahead and COMMMENT with the first BIBLE verse YOU recall. & Tell us what it speaks to YOU that exemplifies GRACE. Since only 15 of the 132 verses naming Grace occur in the Old Testament chances - [a Who's Who of Paul's Three Missionary Journeys](https://talkofjesus.com/whos-who-pauls-missionary-journeys/) - Now that we have settled the 'Where Next?' of Paul's second missionary journey (after his separation from Barnabas), before we proceed further let's take a helpful glance at the 'Who's Who' of Paul's missionary journeys. From ACTS 9 Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. - [When HE takes Vengeance](https://talkofjesus.com/when-he-takes-vengeance/) - DOES THE FIRE OF GOD'S ANGER BURN WITH VENGEANCE? Paradise on fire - Idolatry consumed! Remember the lyric of lament over a lost love? Won't you look down upon me, Jesus? You've got to help me make a stand You've just got to see me through another day My body's aching and my time is - [Sons of Tradition](https://talkofjesus.com/sons-of-tradition/) - Two thousand years ago: the setting in Judea, a leavened relic of a Roman province once known as Judah; in fact a thousand more years before, a respected United Kingdom of Israel. Yet Solomon's kingdom was split, David's power long lost, Moses' Law long debated and Abraham's history much distorted. Temples destroyed. Temples rebuilt. Religion - [Protestant, Catholic & Jewish Sons of Tradition](https://talkofjesus.com/protestant-catholic-jewish-tradition/) - Tradition History of Faith vs Traditions of History In our previous Summer Rerun, I mentioned the Great Schism of the Christian Church & later divisions of the Protestant Reformation. Before then, however, Christianity originates from the faith of Judaism. In a prior Summer Scriptural Rerun we quote Jesus telling the Jews, “You are mistaken, since - [Personal Letters from Nicopolis - Intro](https://talkofjesus.com/personal-letters-from-nicopolis-intro/) - Personal Instructions and Greetings When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Letter of the Apostle Paul to Titus 3:12 Legacy Standard Bible We have been following the missions of Paul and others in Acts of the Apostles - [Who shall we send? Barnabas and Saul](https://talkofjesus.com/send-barnabas-saul/) - + a Brief Summary of Acts [ABOVE] covers 10+ years. First Missionary Journey of Paul & Barnabas In this introduction to what Christians typically refer to as the THREE Missionary Journeys of Paul, I would prefer to get us thinking about the chronology, context and characters (yes, plural) leading these missions into all the world - [Jesus - The Last Prayers of Gethsemane](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-the-last-prayers-of-gethsemane/) - “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins..." After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matthew 26:27b-28, the words of Christ Jesus to the Apostles; v.30 NASB Departing for Death The Lord blessed the - [Author website](https://talkofjesus.com/author-website/) - Am I talking to myself? FYI: I have been on an internet/phone fast (again) in order to get some work done on my book. IF anyone is even following my formerly regular posts, I apologize for no advance notice of this. I do have some additional writing to post at a later date (& no, - [The Demagogues of Democracy in an Idol-led Empire](https://talkofjesus.com/demagogues-of-democracy-op-ed/) - Labor Day in 2023 of the Common Era What is more common in this Common Era of a 2024 Presidential election than demagogues landing like locusts on our popular propaganda screens like ants at a Labor Day picnic? Demagogue: a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to - [I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills - Psalm 121](https://talkofjesus.com/lift-eyes-hills/) - Psalm 121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. I don't know about you, but I have had a rough week. Perhaps you have had a tough month or maybe this past year didn't go how you had hoped. So we come to a Sabbath rest, a time - [Taw - Psalm 119](https://talkofjesus.com/taw/) - Psalm 119 Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet This is the final letter of the acrostic poem, a series of posts which began with the Hebrew letter Aleph. Most Bible references are from the resource: http://www.biblegateway.com/ and most research references, including KJV linked to Strong's Concordance, are from the extremely helpful online site: http://www.blueletterbible.org/ - [That Unwelcome Quiet Time](https://talkofjesus.com/quite_time/) - STRESS!! It consumes, divides and doubles. You would think that a little quiet time would be welcome, but that's not always the case. In fact, for many of us quiet time may invite the most intimidating minutes of our day. A quiet awakening I should have welcomed opportunity for more sleep, for my night had been - [Judgment among the gods - Psalm 82](https://talkofjesus.com/judgment-among-the-gods/) - A Plea for Righteous Judgment Where, O Lord, will we find righteous judgment, truth of testimony, a jury of understanding? If not at the Throne of Heaven, give us gods among us with Your own heart for justice and mercy. Have mercy upon us, heavenly Father, for all men are sinners. Yet let us know - [Are we children of Ephraim? - Psalm 78](https://talkofjesus.com/are-we-children-of-ephraim/) - A child of blessing Ephraim was the second child of Zaphnath-Paaneah and Asenath. His father's high position second only to Pharaoh gave Ephraim every advantage as he was brought up with all the riches of the palace. You may recognize him as brother of Manasseh and both brothers known as sons of Joseph, son of - [SHAKEN ! PRAYER IN DIFFICULT TIMES - Psalm 60](https://talkofjesus.com/shaken-prayer-in-difficult-times/) - The following 4-post series is an update of commentary on the January 6th crisis of 2021 following the insurrection and assault on Capitol Hill - a lingering malignancy which not-so-amazingly continues to shake the very foundations of freedom of WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES of America. Have WE prayed to the God in - [Confidence in Troubled Times - Psalm 94](https://talkofjesus.com/confidence-in-troubled-times-from-times-before-christ/) - (from times Before Christ) Confidence in troubled times (even Before Christ) WE THE PEOPLE of every nation have heard it before. 'NO CONFIDENCE' Today's Short Take on Scripture for ASH WEDNESDAY in the year of our LORD 2022 may help your perception of confidence in these contemporary troubled times. Our Scriptures from Psalm 94 and - [a study in LIGHT - Truth for Life](https://talkofjesus.com/a-study-in-light-truth-for-life/) - TalkofJESUS.com recommends witness from other sites from time to time. Today's Good News for you with ears to hear is from Truth For Life a ministry of Alistair Begg. - [Ghosts of Christmas' Past](https://talkofjesus.com/ghosts-of-christmas-past/) - We are of course familiar with the image of ghosts of Christmas' past thanks to Charles Dickens, 'A Christmas Carol,' penned in A.D. 1843. Dickens points toward a morality of generosity during a great 19th century division between a well-off gentry class and the working poor. Even today his theme of the repentance of Scrooge - [Emmanuel -3](https://talkofjesus.com/emmanuel-3/) - Introduction to God in a Manger We glanced at the introduction of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark and John in part 1 of this series. Yesterday in part 2 we examined issues of the virgin birth from the Gospel of Matthew. Today, Christmas, we conclude with scripture from Luke, our most familiar source of - [Recovering Christ at Christmastime](https://talkofjesus.com/recovering-christ-at-christmastime/) - https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/recovering-christ-at-christmastime We should not be surprised that Jesus isn’t the center of attention at Christmas if He is absent from our thoughts throughout the year. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the need to refocus our affections on Christ. 5 min 25 sec - link includes transcript I found this particularly encouraging this morning after a hectic - [Thanks-taking feasts of C.E. humankind](https://talkofjesus.com/thanks-taking-feasts-of-c-e-humankind/) - A BIG meal of little thanks in a long season of thanklessness. Giving Thanks to the LORD O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16: KJV - v.34 16:34 הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה We know the concept well -- yāḏâ Yᵊhōvâ, from the Hebrew. This instance - [Thanksgiving: We're a little late and Christmas a little early](https://talkofjesus.com/thanksgiving-were-a-little-late-and-christmas-a-little-early/) - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! - 1 Corinthians 15:57 What's wrong with this picture? Or this one? We may chuckle at these common images of two typically American holidays, but much more is at stake here than changing traditions. Looking for thanks. Watch for the coming 'blitzchris' - [COVID - The Sĭn'ch WHO Stole Thanksgiving](https://talkofjesus.com/covid-the-sin-who-stole-thanksgiving/) - You know the imagery -- and it could include Christmas -- WHO knows? Then all the Whos down in Who-villewill all cry BOO-HOO!Dr. Seuss Scrooge, Santa & the Grinch in days of sadness Before we address this current crisis and holiday (Thanksgiving), let's glance at childhood images of joys embodied in Christmas. Looking back chronologically: - [The Tongue is a Fire! - Politics](https://talkofjesus.com/tongue-fire-1-politics/) - In politics bitter tongues spew hatred from each side over the airwaves and into our devices. Broadcasters claim a 'balanced,' supposedly unbiased approach, while we ask: 'What now? Will this never end?' Oh, the hateful words of a tongue on fire! Media broadcasts them every day, sometimes even minute by minute. BREAKING NEWS! (Politics, again) - [christianity-lite - ERASING Scripture, "It is written.."](https://talkofjesus.com/christianity-lite-erasing-scripture-it-is-written/) - christianity-lite & the C.E. challenge of Scripture "christianity-lite is weightless witness of Christ-less preaching to the Scripture-starved chaff of Common Era culture. Roger@TalkofJESUS.com As I noted last time, SOMETHING CHANGED (in the year of our Lord 1950 when God determined that I should be born or sometime during the early years of my mortal life). - [christianity-lite Doctrines of the Christ-less Era](https://talkofjesus.com/christianity-lite-doctrines-christ-less-era/) - a Christ-less Church of the Common Era JESUS Christ was the SON worthy of Christians who once worshiped like this: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from - [So help US god - intro to christianity lite](https://talkofjesus.com/so-help-us-god-intro-to-christianity-lite/) - In God WE trust? Perhaps it strikes you as strange that I introduce a treatise on Christianity, God and doctrine with an illustration from the coinage of a 20th century A.D. world power like US, The United States of America. Yet in this not-so-brave new world of the 21st century Common Era WE spend countless - [The Three o’clock Prayer Service](https://talkofjesus.com/3-pm-prayer/) - CHRISTIAN NEWS HEADLINES You will not see these HEADLINES in the Jerusalem News twenty-one centuries ago or even now. MIRACLE! ישוע המשיח עלה! Changes in Worship Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. Acts:3:1 NLT Post-resurrection Christians frequently miss some subtlety of detail in - [Creeds, Catechism, Confessions & Christ – What does your church teach?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-does-your-church-teach-catechism/) - Credo, meaning, “I believe.” Catechism - Teaching Church Doctrine summarized by Questions & Answers, formal teaching of Doctrines to members of a Church utilizing verbal recitation of questions and answers. Confession that Jesus is κύριος – Lord would have been a first Creed of the Way (Christians). What does your church believe? After glancing at a - [Bill Harned - 100 years ago in Smalltown, America](https://talkofjesus.com/bill-harned-100-years-ago-in-smalltown-america/) - Bill Harned, my dad as I remember him Bill Harned had been the dad in the 1960's with his Kodak 8mm movies of everyone else in our family then later endless slide shows and even a poster-board chart of our family tree. I remember this photo of him in his new uniform after his promotion - [About Cortland Ohio VFD](https://talkofjesus.com/about-cortland-ohio-vfd/) - OCTOBER is FIRE PREVENTION MONTH Cortland Volunteer Fire Department (1960's) Chief? How are you today, Chief? (As I recall, I wasn't even in my teens and 'chief' of nothing.) The question came from the always-smiling face of Herm McLaughlin who actually had been the Chief of the Cortland Volunteer Fire Department. He lived next to - [In God We Trusted - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/god-trusted-5/) - The political 'spin' has been spun. The gradual fall is begun. How? lament the People... Why? In God we trusted. “Lamentations” was derived from a translation of the title as found in the Latin Vulgate (Vg.) translation of the Greek OT, the Septuagint (LXX), and conveys the idea of “loud cries.” The Hebrew exclamation ekah - [Some thoughts about 10 years and more](https://talkofjesus.com/some-thoughts-about-10-years-and-more/) - Some LIVE thoughts from Roger Thought 10 years later: Twitter is now brand X - Facebook is now Meta - JESUS IS still ONE with GOD! Series of thoughts about EMPIRE We live in a FALLEN world where Christ followers are aliens (not truly citizens) in FALLEN EMPIRES. Roger@TalkofJesus.com - 21 August in the year - [Many of His Disciples Left Him - John 6:66](https://talkofjesus.com/many-of-his-disciples-left-him-john-666/) - Updated August 21, 2023 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. John 6:66 Walking away from Christ Here is a Gospel commentary you might not consider Good News. It looks like the church is walking away from Jesus Christ. And church leaders do very little to take the 'controversial Gospel' - [GOD Allows Violence](https://talkofjesus.com/god-allows-violence/) - O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. Habakkuk 1:2 If God did NOT allow violence, the blood of Christ’s Cross could not have been sacrificed for our sins. This is a time that Muslims spend in study and prayer. - [The Believer's Final Rest - R.C. Sproul](https://talkofjesus.com/final-rest/) - [Eschatology - a walk from Thessaloniki to the holy city](https://talkofjesus.com/eschatology-a-walk-from-thessaloniki-to-the-holy-city/) - Paul has already given the Thessalonians walking instructions to please God more. So why does the Apostle to the gentiles proceed toward eschatology and their walk in the last days? 1 Thessalonians 4: Consequently, he who sets this aside is not setting aside man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. 1 - [Not ME - the deception of SIN](https://talkofjesus.com/not-me-the-deception-of-sin/) - "Not me," we boastfully sang out as children. We gleefully sang each verse of the children's song so familiar we knew the continuous scratches in our 45 rpm record. Who's afraid of the BIG BAD WOLF? -- a story also told on our little black and white television and eventually in living color by Walt's - [How WE can get God's Word right?](https://talkofjesus.com/how-we-can-get-gods-word-right/) - Podcast - 3 min 30 sec From time to time we recommend other sources of Scriptural resources to help Christians like you with your own personal social witness. Barry Cooper explains how translations of the Bible from Latin, Greek and Hebrew led to the Protestant Reformation. https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put Ad fontes is a Latin expression which means - [My HOT reaction to a 1st. c. Hot Topic](https://talkofjesus.com/my-hot-reaction-to-a-1st-c-hot-topic/) - As I read my own contemporary REACTION to Paul's epistle (letter) to the 'foolish Galatians' I realized that the Apostle had provoked PREACHING in my own commentary. Which HOT Topic that matters to YOU will push your button of REACTION? WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO PERVERSION? OR YOUR REACTION TO HYPOCRISY? HOW DO YOU REACT - [Roger Harned – a history of faith](https://talkofjesus.com/roger-harned-history-faith/) - As you will find elsewhere in my ‘online profiles,’ it’s not about me. This website is NOT a blog about me. Obviously this site is about Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. http://talkofJesus.com is a place for ALL to COMMENT & SHARE about Christ Jesus and anything that will help you and me talk of - [About Roger, a 21st c. Christian Author](https://talkofjesus.com/roger/) - I first wrote for myself Roger Harned, born in Ohio in the USA. I grew up in a small village listening to many stories of family and others every day. I grew up listening to good preaching as well. I'm a storyteller, some may say an author. I read and write out of my love - [New Testament Epistles - Apostolic Letters to the Church](https://talkofjesus.com/new-testament-epistles-apostolic-letters-to-the-church/) - Epistles of the Apostles Epistles are a type of letter. Have you ever received a letter with GOOD NEWS? And consequently didn't these epistles or letters fill you with joy upon reading from the thoughtfulness of this sender of GOOD NEWS? Just a reminder from our previous post about the HOT Topics of AD 50 - [IMPORTANT HOT TOPIC of A.D. 50](https://talkofjesus.com/important-hot-topic-of-a-d-50/) - The following is a re-post from ACTS 15 originally shared in January 2023. https://talkofjesus.com/acts-15-epistle-council-jerusalem-to-gentiles/ - [Epistle from the Council of Jerusalem - Acts 15:20](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-15-epistle-council-jerusalem-to-gentiles/) - The Council of Jerusalem has come to a decision. They will write an epistle of instruction to the gentile churches. Let's focus for a moment on a HOT TOPIC of A.D. 50 on which future missions of the apostles hinged. (HOW will JEWS worship with other CULTURES?) Church leaders ANSWERED with an EPISTLE from their - [Death, Judgment and Resurrection in light of your own](https://talkofjesus.com/death-judgment-and-resurrection-in-light-of-your-own/) - The Good News of Death! The Apostle Paul has just proclaimed Jesus Christ to a LARGE PUBLIC gathering of Greeks in Athens as an unknown god. Had this been the 20th century you might have expected an altar call at Mars Hill as public witness of the Apostle's anointed mission. But that's not what he - [Lectures about God in Athens' University of Idols](https://talkofjesus.com/lectures-god-athens-university-idols/) - Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. - Acts of the Apostles 17:16 TO THE UNKNOWN GODActs 17:God who made the worldα - θεός (theos) does not live in temples made by man β - ἀνθρώπινος (anthrōpinos) - [Approaching Athens 2 - Addressing gods and goddesses](https://talkofjesus.com/approaching-athens-2-addressing-gods-and-goddesses/) - The Apostle's introduction and approach are most gracious in addressing a crowd of men whose religious celebrations of their gods and goddesses would seem most sinful to every Jew in Athens. Mars Bringer of War - Listen This hill belonged to (Ares) Mars and was called Mar's Hill; so called, because, as the story went, - [Approaching Athena the ruling goddess of Athens](https://talkofjesus.com/approaching-athena-ruling-goddess-of-athens/) - The Lord's apostle to the gentiles -- Paul, or Saul of Tarsus, a Roman citizen of CILICIA -- has hurriedly fled Thessaloniki and Berea MACEDONIA sailing south along the Aegean coast of ACHIA to Athens. Previously we addressed the 'Greek' influence of Alexander the Great and Macedonian culture. But when her masters saw that their - [A.D. 2023 + Easter + Resurrection Day](https://talkofjesus.com/a-d-2023-easter-resurrection-day/) - Easter + Resurrection Day archive Due to much resistance to Christ by the enemy of Almighty God and Jesus Christ our Lord, I have no additional Christian Social Witness for Resurrection Day this year. Please COMMENT & SHARE one from our previous 10 years. Roger Harned + A.D. 2021 A.D. 2020 from the Gospel of - [Is Your Faith Futile?](https://talkofjesus.com/faith-futile/) - If in Christ we have hoped in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19 Walk up to an unbeliever and tell them, 'Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.' What will they think? What will they say? Will an unbeliever have hope in the resurrection? - [I AM the Resurrection and the Life](https://talkofjesus.com/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life/) - “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: The Word Became FleshJohn 1 (ESV)Genesis 1:Genesis 3:By FaithHebrews 11 English Standard Version (ESV)Ezekiel 37: Jesus Raises a Widow's SonLuke 7:The Death - [Lazarus - HELP from the grave](https://talkofjesus.com/lazarus-help-from-the-grave/) - Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake. עָזְרֵ֤נוּ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י יִשְׁעֵ֗נוּ עַל־דְּבַ֥ר כְּבֹֽוד־שְׁמֶ֑ךָ וְהַצִּילֵ֥נוּ וְכַפֵּ֥ר עַל־֝חַטֹּאתֵ֗ינוּ לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ Psalm 79:9 - NASB, Masoretic Text Where does my help come from? I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, - [Resurrection: So What?](https://talkofjesus.com/resurrection-so-what/) - Do you believe in Jesus' Resurrection? Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” It was her own brother who had just died.. Do you believe this? Do you believe that Easter is a celebration of life like no other? Lots of talk about resurrection; - [Death's Melancholy: Resurrection's Rapture](https://talkofjesus.com/resurrections-rapture/) - "Then beginning with the scriptures of Moses and from all the prophets he uncovered the things concerning himself." - the good news of Luke 24:27 Scripture taught along a road from Jerusalem One of the the most remarkable verses in scripture comes to us from witnesses on a road to Emmaus from Jerusalem. Though less - [Behold the Light of a New Covenant Rises from an Empty Tomb](https://talkofjesus.com/behold-new-covenant-rises-empty-tomb/) - The Solid Promise of a Covenant And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you. Genesis 9:9a And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. Exodus 24:8 The LORD works miracles for those He - [I Have Seen the Lord!](https://talkofjesus.com/i-have-seen-the-lord/) - Hear what so many witnesses to the Resurrection have to say about Jesus. The Gospel of JohnJohnΜαγδαληνή - Mary MagdaleneMary returns to the tomb The First WitnessΣίμων Πέτρος - Simon PeterἸάκωβος - James, Son of ZebedeeΘωμᾶς Δίδυμος - ThomasΜαθθαῖος לֵוִי - Matthew LeviThe Gospel of MatthewThe Gospels of Mark and LukeJohn - Much more to - [11 Witnesses to Jesus Risen! – the Eleven](https://talkofjesus.com/11-witnesses-to-jesus-risen-the-eleven/) - Christ Born & Witnessed, Crucified, Risen, Ascended..Continuing Witness to Jesus' Resurrection!Witnesses to Jesus Risen! – Mary MagdaleneJohn 20 continued(Not Twelve, but the Eleven - one)The Holy Spirit & Forgiven SinsMinistry of the Twelve (then Eleven)Matthew 10:Matthew 10: continued Complete Jewish Bible [CJB]John 20 continuedNext: Christ Born & Witnessed, Crucified, Risen, Ascended.. If you haven't been - [Witnesses to Jesus Risen! - the Eleven, a Passing Witness](https://talkofjesus.com/witnesses-to-jesus-risen-the-eleven-2/) - The Gospel of JohnReminder to 21st. Century Readers of John’s Gospel:John 21:Fishing in GalileeChildren, you do not understandObeying His commandPause.. to 'fast forward'1st c. A.D QuizAnswer Key1st c. A.D. - EventsRomeJudea, Galilee, SyriaPolitical Turmoil & Martyrdom of the ApostlesSimon Peter Foxes description of Peter's death. The Gospel of John We have nearly reached the conclusion - [Witnesses to Jesus Risen! - Thomas](https://talkofjesus.com/witnesses-to-jesus-risen-thomas/) - Jesus is risen! .. You can't prove it, can you? Christ Born & Witnessed, Crucified, Risen, Ascended..The Witness of ThomasJohn 20 (continued) Believe it .. or notWitnessed Crucified; Witnessed RisenDepicting Christ Crucified and Jesus Risen to Life!Believe by faith Christ Born & Witnessed, Crucified, Risen, Ascended.. It's really easy to hear someone's story of a - [Witnesses to Jesus Risen! - Mary Magdalene](https://talkofjesus.com/witnesses-to-jesus-risen-mary-magdalene/) - John's Gospel - Witnesses to Jesus' Resurrection!Understanding John's Good NewsJohn 20:Mary MagdaleneLuke 7:From Magdala to JerusalemLuke 8:1-3John 20: Jesus' Resurrection Appearance John's Gospel - Witnesses to Jesus' Resurrection! Understanding John's Good News of Christ Crucified, Risen, Ascended & Returning Without dwelling on detail, note that: Jesus was crucified around the year AD 30 The last - [Jerusalem Defiled Awaits Her King](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-defiled-awaits-her-king/) - THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED POST ABOUT JERUSALEM by Roger Harned originally published on TALK OF JESUS .COM APRIL 14, A.D. 2014 about Palm Sunday in Jerusalem~ A.D. 30CLAIM to Jerusalem is importantפֶּסַחpesaḥ [Passover]THE TEMPLEKing David brought the Tabernacle to Jerusalem. Israel's false client Kings, The Herod'sOne more thing about Jerusalem and its buildings: إشعياء - [An Impossible Assignment + Disprove the Resurrection](https://talkofjesus.com/an-impossible-assignment-disprove-the-resurrection/) - NEED an apologetic? LISTEN to one of the best arguments of Christians to refute the nonsense of supposedly "scientific" skepticism about the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST after 3 days in a guarded grave. SHARE "So if they were interested in affirming the fact of his death, all they had to do was take the body - [INTRO to our Story of The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-story-intro/) - INTRODUCTION: Once upon a time... I love a story that begins, Once upon a time, don't you? Your parents may have used different names for stories like this: Fairy Tales, Fables, Adventures, Fantasies, Science fiction. (I think Disney has a 'LAND' for every one of them.) Romances... (You know, ".. AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER - [Breaking NEWS from ACTS 9!](https://talkofjesus.com/breaking-news-from-acts-9/) - Saul, of Tarsus [Turkey] meets Jesus Christ, risen Son of God along a road to Damascus ACTS 9: a History of the First Century Church and the beginning of persecution of the faithful CLICK HERE to READ Acts 9 in your language TRANSLATE our Posts from the Bible into YOUR language AND please COMMENT + - [Holy Week + in the year of our Lord 2023](https://talkofjesus.com/holy-week-in-the-year-of-our-lord-2023/) - Today we look forward to Holy Week. In fact we also look back -- to previous posts on TalkofJESUS.com in Holy Week and extended months of previous years, as well as centuries Before Christ in Prophesy … We have looked at ASH WEDNESDAY which began 40 days of Lent. .. and as Christians we look - [12 Men Texting as their Messiah approaches - Part 1](https://talkofjesus.com/12-men-texting-as-their-messiah-approaches-1/) - Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince… Daniel 9:25 - [12 Men Texting as their Messiah approaches – Part 2](https://talkofjesus.com/12-men-texting-as-their-messiah-approaches-2/) - A Context to Texting You may find the photo headline of this post somewhat whimsical, but my incongruous placement of 21st century communications devices into first century Jewish hands comes with a purpose. Just imagine yourself in this scene of controversy. The very irony of our recent look back at the seriousness of what Daniel - [for it was not the season for figs – 8](https://talkofjesus.com/conclusion-not-season-figs-8-bethany-an-unripe-fig/) - The Fig Tree Languishes In this concluding part of our 8-part series we draw our conclusions of why JESUS on his way to Jerusalem cursed the fig tree. [circa 835 BC] The Prophet Joel: 1:3 Tell your children of it,and let your children tell their children,and their children to another generation... Generations recall what has been - [for it was not the season for figs – 7](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-7/) - The Lord Christ Jesus preaches the Prophets as well as the Law. Read Habakkuk or any prophet and see the Lord predicted in days & centuries Before Christ. Jesus shares scripture in ways few understand. Application may well apply to these last days as well. RH Roger@TalkofJesus.com This series from summer 2017 began here. https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-prologue/ - [for it was not the season for figs – 6](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-6/) - When I would gather them, declares the LORD,there are no grapes on the vine,nor figs on the fig tree;even the leaves are withered,and what I gave them has passed away from them.” Jeremiah 8:13 Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem's crowds Recall the fig tree and all the symbols of Jerusalem. You can almost hear Jesus lamenting: - [for it was not the season for figs – 5](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-5/) - The Lord vs. Kings We began this series examining an incident of the Lord Jesus cursing a fig tree. It seemed so unlike the Son of Man who would a few days later sacrifice His own blood as perfect Passover sacrifice for the sins of man. In the Beginning: It is in Eden where we - [for it was not the season for figs – 4](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-4/) - Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:15 Conspiracy to force Jesus to be King Returning to Galilee, held by Rome.. Jesus faced crowds with different motivations than the Lord God on occasions other than His - [for it was not the season for figs - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-3/) - You will break the oppressor’s rod,just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. Isaiah 9:4b NLT the Oppressor’s Rod We expect a powerful King to save us, not a loving, all-powerful King. "..and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3 We - [for it was not the season for figs – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-2/) - … and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” - Zechariah 3:9b-10 [circa 519 B.C.] Looking Back to the Prophets From Moses to the late Prophets at - [for it was not the season for figs - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-1/) - Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,and he who guards his master will be honored. - Proverbs 27:18 Consider the Creator of the garden approaching a fig tree before its season. Who will guard the Son of Man as He enters the Temple and fast-approaches the reproach of the Cross? Prologue to this series - [for it was not the season for figs - prologue](https://talkofjesus.com/not-season-figs-prologue/) - Lost in the glory of the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday we find a brief story much overlooked. The story of Jesus cursing a fig tree not only seems much out of character for the Lord, but relatively insignificant. I cannot recall ever hearing it preached simply on its own merits. In - [Your Mistake - You Don't Know the Power of God](https://talkofjesus.com/your-mistake-power-of-god/) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. Matthew 22:29 NLT The Power of God Psalm 68: God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! 2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive - [A.D. 49 - the Council at Jerusalem](https://talkofjesus.com/a-d-49-council-at-jerusalem/) - Acts 15 - a council of the Apostles in Jerusalem King Herod Agrippa I Acts 12:19 .. he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there. A.D. 44, in addition to imprisoning Peter, Herod Agrippa had executed the - [Our Lament and Weeping](https://talkofjesus.com/our-lament-and-weeping/) - Have you ever considered the connection between Jeremiah's two books or the cause of our lament and weeping? - [Our Lament and Weeping -4- unless You have completely rejected us](https://talkofjesus.com/our-lament-weeping-4-rejected-us/) - We began by outlining his Lament over Jerusalem and continued with Judgment on Jerusalem and Hope through God’s Mercy, where Jeremiah pleas for mercy based on his own suffering. After the four elegies he described the suffering of God's people. Terrors of the Besieged CityLamentations 5: Woe to usYou, Lord, are enthroned foreverunless You have - [Our Lament and Weeping -3- What city has not terrors?](https://talkofjesus.com/our-lament-weeping-3-city-terrors/) - God's repeated warnings to repent had been ignored and destruction of the land follows with terror and deaths as he now joins the captives driven from Jerusalem. From Terror to ElegyElegyTerrors of the Besieged CityPunishmentWrath of the LordWhy?No help without the Lord Listen, you scoffers From Terror to Elegy After the terrors of Jerusalem at - [Our Lament and Weeping -2- Judgment](https://talkofjesus.com/our-lament-weeping-2-judgment/) - Previously, we asked of Jeremiah's lament for Jerusalem, "For what hope have any who have turned against the Lord?" He has just said, "For my groans are many, and I am sick at heart. - Lamentations 1:22b And now his elegy will address a just judgment on Jerusalem by the Lord. Judgment on JerusalemLamentations 2Judgment - [That you may have Certainty -3- Transitions](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-3-transitions/) - That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain TimesThe Messiah of God: humiliated, tortured and executed as a spectacle on a Roman cross!The LORD's promise is a promise of certainty.Joshua 8:Are you a King? That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain Times Can you think of any transitions of our years more difficult than - [Signs of Release from the Bondage of Culture](https://talkofjesus.com/signs-of-release-from-bondage-of-culture-acts-16/) - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. - ACTS 16:25-26 ESV Wooden bonds shackled to - [Three Weeks in Thessalonica- Acts 17](https://talkofjesus.com/three-weeks-in-thessalonica-acts-17/) - Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Acts of the Apostles 17:1 ESV Luke summarizes an 80-90 mile [~130 km] journey from Philippi by these apostles of Christ in a single verse. And the men and women we baptized were Romans, - [take up a song of mourning: the coastlands shake](https://talkofjesus.com/take-up-a-song-of-mourning-the-coastlands-shake/) - Take up a song of mourning for what God is about to do to you; For a nation led by the ungodly was never great And a nation will never build again an altar to Molech or a goddess of the virgin Earth. SHAKEN! part 1 - Jan. 22, 2021 - "God, you have rejected - [SHAKEN 4 - His voice shook the earth](https://talkofjesus.com/shaken-4-his-voice-shook-the-earth/) - Hebrews 12:Looking only at Jesus, the Leader and perfecter of the faith..Do not regard lightly the discipline of the LordIN GOD WE TrustedWarnings against Rejecting God’s GraceThe Unshaken NationIs your soul shaken by this? Hebrews 12: Looking only at Jesus, the Leader and perfecter of the faith.. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews - [SHAKEN 3 a great cloud of witnesses over our head](https://talkofjesus.com/shaken-3-great-cloud-of-witnesses-hebrews/) - TODAY we move forward in time from about 520 B.C. to around A.D. 100 and 'a great cloud of witnesses' from the New Testament book of Hebrews. This cloud of witnesses, however, goes back to the Old Covenant and continues until this day. Epistle of St Paul [*] to the HebrewsGod spoke of old by - [SHAKEN 2 “Think carefully about your ways](https://talkofjesus.com/shaken-2-think-carefully-about-your-ways/) - SHAKEN 2 of our 4-post series is an update of commentary on the January 6th crisis of 2021 following the insurrection and assault on Capitol Hill - a lingering malignancy which not-so-amazingly continues to shake the very foundations of freedom of WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES of America who must agaub think carefully - [Why worship legends, idols and false gods?](https://talkofjesus.com/why-worship-legends-idols-and-false-gods/) - Why worship legends or stone idols or false gods of mythology? Statue of Hermes (who the crowds called Paul) in front of Grand Central Station NYC US Why are you treating men like God? Why do you worship legends of culture - idols of stone? Why do you believe the myths of what cannot possibly - [Who is the HOLY Spirit?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-is-the-holy-spirit/) - Third Person of the Trinity of One God This week's one sentence question: Who is the Holy Spirit? Once again this Friday our QUESTION does not come from a TalkofJESUS.com READER COMMENT, however after listening to this ANSWER from Ligonier, a trusted theological source, please feel free to ask your additional question in a comment - [What does the Bible say about Death?](https://talkofjesus.com/questions-about-death-what-does-bible-say/) - QUESTIONS about Death from our 52 TOPICS list - RH Do you have Bible verses to comfort family and friends of a man who died last week? How can we answer questions about death they will pose at his 'viewing' or funeral service? What Scripture about Death and Resurrection comforts you most? Please comment. RH - [Acts 15:39 Barnabas Sails off to Cypress](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-15-39-map-barnabas-cypress-paul-cilicia/) - Second Missionary Journey[s] - Departures: Acts of the Apostles 15:39 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, Paul is stranded in Antioch [see map] NEW PLAN: DO NOT PASS GO Go BACK to Jerusalem Bring Silas along to Antioch GO BY - [The Keeper of the Philippian Prison](https://talkofjesus.com/keeper-of-the-philippian-prison-acts-16/) - What is your experience as the keeper of something important? Have you ever been the one of importance kept safe in some place? (Were YOU ever the prisoner OR a jailer guard charged as the keeper a prisoner for justice?) ACTS 16: 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments - [A cultural clash at the Agora in Roman Philippi](https://talkofjesus.com/cultural-clash-agora-roman-philippi/) - a Roman Government of Greek Culture The Roman-built forum in Philippi with its bustling traditional Greek agora resembled the forum in Rome (cover-photo remains of the Roman forum pillars shows some of the grandeur of these most-public areas of the Empires greatest cities. Similar-sized pillars in the foreground of the Philippi Forum and agora (to - [A Python of Prophesy Stalking Paul in Philippi](https://talkofjesus.com/a-python-of-prophesy-stalking-paul-in-philippi/) - Who is this soothsaying python of Philippi? Luke mentions this woman in Acts 16 who follows Paul, Silas and Timothy around as they frequent a place of prayer down by the river. She may not have had such a nickname but her presence foretells the inevitable upcoming skirmishes between good and evil in Europe. READ - [Lydia a Worshipper Down By The River](https://talkofjesus.com/lydia-a-worshipper-down-by-the-river/) - Lydia, a worshiper of God A brief outline of the opening of Europe to the Gospel of Jesus Christ beginning with the baptism of Lydia, a Jewish woman near a city with with few Jews. I'll take you back to Philippi, Macedonia (geographically part of Greece) in the 1st c. superpower Empire of Rome and - [OMG! - What 'god' are they talking about?](https://talkofjesus.com/omg-what-god-talking-about-what-is-god-define/) - omg! from September 22, 2014 - Topic: God or god? - [Your Mistake - Leaders Handling Controversy](https://talkofjesus.com/mistake-leaders-controversy/) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. Matthew 22:29 NLT An Answer to Controversy How do leaders under constant scrutiny of the public eye handle controversy? Perhaps a leader or two from our times may come to mind. A typical scenario: A leader makes - [Come over to Macedonia and Help us](https://talkofjesus.com/come-over-to-macedonia-and-help-us/) - 1st c. Roman region of Asia lies between PHRYGIA to the S & MYSIA to the N Last time we mentioned the beginning of their land journey, but these few verses provide no account of which towns or how long these men stayed in this part of the central plain beyond Lystra, Derbe and Iconium - [REPENTANCE! Rated 'R' - but Not for Revival](https://talkofjesus.com/repentance-rated-r-not-r-for-revival/) - I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. Hosea 13:14 KJV Job 6: "my complaint is just.' BUT finally the LORD answers Job in a whirlwind - [COMPLAINT!](https://talkofjesus.com/job-replies-my-complaint-is-just/) - Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just 6 Then Job answered and said: 2 “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! Ever had a bad day? The Lord had already put on my heart to write from Job's experience as continuation for our Lenten preparation in consideration of the cost of - [Asia - Let's Not Go There - Acts 16](https://talkofjesus.com/asia-lets-not-go-there-acts-16/) - The importance of this juncture in Paul's journey, now with Silas and Timothy, cannot be overemphasized as these apostles are sent out beyond Asia into all the world of Euro-Asia. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were - [What is the Chief End of Man? - Our #1 question](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-the-chief-end-of-man-our-1-question/) - Perhaps you know this first QUESTION (What is the chief end of man?) of the Westminster Divines, actually a shortened version of the original. What is the chief and highest end of man? What is the Highest Goal of Mankind?Who do you live your life for?Answer to question #1It is written from the Gospel:Does GOD - [He Leadeth me beside still waters - Psalm 23](https://talkofjesus.com/he-leadeth-me-beside-still-waters-psalm-23/) - He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He Leadeth Me from Psalm 23 YET in our DOUBT and FEAR, let us remember the place of peace by which we may have quickly passed in Psalm 23. for Thou art with me I cannot cross into the Light with you. The lonely - [Circumcision < Saul's Extreme Cultural Cut of Timothy](https://talkofjesus.com/circumcision-acts-16-sauls-cultural-cut-timothy/) - Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked - [5 friends, a few mentors and family](https://talkofjesus.com/5-friends-a-few-mentors-and-family/) - Paul - Barnabas and other FriendsRecalling our journeys with friendsActs of the apostles' friendsThe apostle PaulReflections on FriendshipPaul's friends and MentorsJesus' friends, followers and familyGospel of LukeQUESTIONS for each of us to ask.Who is an apostle, a disciple, a brother, a mentor, a friend?Acts of friends & apostles of Jesus Paul - Barnabas and other - [Second Missionary Journey - Acts 16](https://talkofjesus.com/second-missionary-journey-paul-acts-16/) - ACTS 15:36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Our conflicting Christian maps of what WE THE CHURCH plan to do in our MISSIONS to preach the Gospel to all of - [Hiking up to Antioch Pisidia from Perga](https://talkofjesus.com/hiking-antioch-pisidia-from-perga/) - A long journey covered in a short verse: Now after Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch. - ACTS 13:13-14a Hiking from Antioch to Antioch Of course Barnabas and Paul could not begin their first missionary journey with a point to point hike between - [Acts 13.4 Sailing to Salamis Cypress](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-13-4-1st-missionary-journey-salamis-cypress/) - Peter goes to the home of Mary mother of Mark AFTER Herod Agrippa died [A.D. 44]: Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, fulfilling their ministry, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. - Acts of the Apostles 12:25 NOW, nearly three years later [~A.D.47]: FIRST PORT of the FIRST Missionary Journey - - [Acts 8:1 Syria - Strategic Map into all of the world](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-8-1-syria-strategic-map-into-world/) - Our cover photo may look like an intelligence map for a modern military operation in Syria. That's right. War in Syria is hardly anything new under the sun. Watch a little to see the terrain of Syria near Israel if you would like Contemporary Squabbles, Wars, Conflits, etc & so on.. [Read more] ARGUMENT An - [Acts 5 Not so fast to justice - Gamaliel - גַּמְלִיאֵל](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-5-gamaliel-not-fast-to-justice/) - Who is this man Gamaliel? An angel brought the Apostles out of their prison cell, unbeknownst to the ruling council of Jerusalem who are about to try them for speaking the Name of Jesus AGAIN. When they discover that the Apostles somehow once again preach to the people in the Temple, they order the captain - [Stephen: Witness and Martyr](https://talkofjesus.com/stephen-witness-and-martyr/) - 'Call your next witness, counselor.' Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. Acts of the Apostles 6:8 CSB But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing - [Philip: Preaching to Good and Bad Samaritans](https://talkofjesus.com/philip-preaching-good-and-bad-samaritans/) - ACTS of Philip the Evangelist Φίλιππος Philip who? Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod [Antipas] was tetrarch of Galilee and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis .. (No, not that Philip, whose wife - [Acts of the HOLY SPIRIT](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-1-holy-spirit/) - “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” Gospel of John 3:8 - Jesus Christ teaching on the Holy Spirit God is spirit, and those - [Preaching Good News then a Parting of Paths to the Gentiles](https://talkofjesus.com/preaching-gospel-parting-paths-to-gentiles/) - The Council at Jerusalem sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.. down to Antioch. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren - Acts of - [What is Atonement?](https://talkofjesus.com/questions-atonement/) - (Of course Christians are supposed to know about atonement for sin, but can YOU explain it?) Here is just one example of a question YOU could ask. Questions Christians are Afraid to ASK ASK any brief question like this and we will not only post it on Talk of Jesus .com but begin a comment - [Apostles Sent to the Gentiles with a Letter of the Council](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-15-22-apostles-sent-gentiles-council/) - Will any of the Twelve travel to Antioch Syria from Jerusalem? Or will the Apostles send their Epistle to the Gentiles with other reliable messengers? Acts 15:19-20a - James: Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them.. Acts 15: 22 Then - [Truth for Gentiles who turn to God](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-15-gentiles-who-turn-to-god/) - How will the Jerusalem Council judge Gentiles according to the Jewish Law of Moses? Acts 15 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. Simon Peter has testified. “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear - [According to the Custom of Moses](https://talkofjesus.com/according-to-the-custom-of-moses/) - Paul and Barnabas have returned from Cypress and the mountain cities of nearby Asia minor after nearly two years of an amazing first missionary journey from Antioch. But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts of - [The Cross Town Christmas Championship Bowl](https://talkofjesus.com/cross-town-christmas/) - Football Holiday Championships WELCOME DISCLAIMER: This is Fiction. The following presentation of football in the Christmas Bowl is fiction, making fun of US with our competitive gamespersonship represented in spoof, hyperbole, fictional events, characters and entertainment and in no way is intended to offend an persons, places, religions, mascots, colors, brands or any other real - [Advent for a too familiar Nativity](https://talkofjesus.com/advent-nativity/) - GOOD NEWS! Aren't you glad you're NOT a preacher this 'Christmas' season? After all, how much more can we say about the nativity of the Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. WE have preached the Gospel every year -- the openings of the Gospels applicable to our pageants, programs, concerts, carolings, Christmas Eve services, Midnight Masses, Christmas - [Christmas Concert TODAY Christ in a Manger](https://talkofjesus.com/christmas-concert-today-christ-in-a-manger/) - I'll be brief. The following is an audio from Truth For Life asking you to consider which part of the audience you are as we all participate in the celebration of Jesus' birth. The text of our sermon is from Paul's letter to the church at Galatia. (You may safely click on any link in - [Matthew 25 - Parable of the Ten Virgins](https://talkofjesus.com/matthew-25-parable-ten-virgins/) - Awake, the voice is calling us! "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (literally: Awake, the voice is calling us) is a Lutheran hymn written in German by Philipp Nicolai, first published in 1599 together with "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern". It appears in German hymnals and in several English hymnals in translations such as "Wake, - [The Christ Child bound in the womb of eternity](https://talkofjesus.com/christ-bound-womb-eternity/) - A human life is bound in the womb of eternity. In one sense a child is not fully born by its mother into the fullness of life -- but only into a helpless and limited mortal life -- where babe may become child, child may become man or woman -- this quick-passing human life bound - [and new things I now declare – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/new-things-3/) - Advent 3 For those unfamiliar with Liturgical seasons like Advent, its most significant impact may be a calendar of study of appropriate scheduled scriptures. During Advent we celebrate the incarnation of Jesus, the Messiah who would have been well familiar with seasons celebrated in scripture and we celebrate the continuity of the Light of Christmas by - [and new things I now declare - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/new-things-1/) - What's new? Certainly not Christmas, for we now trivialize a pivotal time in human history with never-ending 'holiday' things. "Where are our new toys," 'holiday season' commercials lead us to ask? Most years I share a series celebrating the Advent of the joyous season of Christmas. This year's four-part Advent series will focus on the prophecy - [Through Many Afflictions Saul and Joseph return to Antioch](https://talkofjesus.com/afflictions-saul-return-antioch/) - What afflictions, which tribulations will we suffer for our witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? ~AD 49 - a return journey [Just a reminder that Paul is a more local name for Saul from Tarsus beyond the imposing Guyik and Taurus mountains and many brothers address Joseph of the island of Cypress by his - [The gods have become like men](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-become-like-men/) - Idolatry - Men create their gods Imagine an EMPIRE - like the powerful GREECE of Alexander the Great. The number of Greek gods may be more than 3000, with 1-4 dozen main gods including Zeus and other 'family.' For a humorous look at the idol gods: - visit this source about the god Hermes [pictured - [The Lame Walk a Sign from God](https://talkofjesus.com/lame-walk-sign-from-god/) - A Sign of Faith in Capernaum ~A.D. 27 - Jesus in Galilee “But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic— “I say to you, get up, and, picking up your stretcher, go home.” Good News of Luke 5:44 Of course, a - [Acts 14 Pursued through Lycaonia](https://talkofjesus.com/pursued-lycaonia/) - Fleeing Persecution After having fled Pisidian Antioch, Roman capital of the Galatian district of Lycaonia, Barnabas and Paul must again go into hiding as they escape persecution in Iconium. Luke's detailed account of Paul's first missionary journey in Acts 14 shows us what will frequently take place in many cities throughout the world. His historic - [Iconium - A Pattern of Persecution](https://talkofjesus.com/iconium-pattern-persecution/) - But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they went to Iconium. Acts of the Apostles 13:51 LSB Their journey of about 90 miles on a Roman road connecting these two capital cities of Asia Minor through the mountains would typically take about a week on horseback or on foot. Paul and - [An Antioch Blueprint of Church Evangelism](https://talkofjesus.com/antioch-blueprint-church-evangelism/) - Antioch - a Crossroads Church of the Gospel 'Christians' - an all-too-familiar label 'christians' don't understand Hundreds of disciples of Jesus Christ were first mocked in Antioch as 'Christians.' The Church now claims this defining label as our connection to Christ. You know this Scripture concerning the label 'Christians.' But do you know the significance - [Unworthy of Eternal Life](https://talkofjesus.com/unworthy-eternal-life/) - Acts unworthy of God-seeking men יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Isaiah) 49:6 וַיֹּאמֶר נָקֵל מִֽהְיוֹתְךָ לִי עֶבֶד לְהָקִים אֶת־שִׁבְטֵי יַעֲקֹב ונצירי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהָשִׁיב וּנְתַתִּיךָ לְאוֹר גּוֹיִם לִֽהְיוֹת יְשׁוּעָתִי עַד־קְצֵה הָאָֽרֶץ׃ ס Acts 13: in Pisidian Antioch This scene unfolds on a second Sabbath when Saul of Tarsus and Joseph of Cypress have been invited back to share their GOOD NEWS of Israel's Messiah at the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch. On the the previous Sabbath: When the congregation was - [Do you FEAR Almighty GOD!?](https://talkofjesus.com/do-you-fear-almighty-god/) - In the year of our Lord, 2022: God What do you believe about God? Short takes from Scripture: וְהָאָרֶץ הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ וְחֹשֶׁךְ עַל־פְּנֵי תְהוֹם וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּֽיִם׃Bereishit (Genesis) 1:2 :: Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC) Do you believe in God? - אֱלֹהִים Is your god or are your gods the God of Scripture? - [That's Not Fair! Possessions and Community](https://talkofjesus.com/thats-not-fair-possessions-community/) - The Saga of Ananias and Saphira From a background of my own evangelical christian American thinking I had always squirmed with a certain sense of unfairness that Ananias and Saphira died instantly at Peter's feet when the Apostle confronted them about a sale of THEIR OWN possessions. Wasn't the profit from THEIR MONEY from a - [Who has believed our message?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-has-believed-our-message/) - יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Isaiah) 53 :: מִי הֶאֱמִין לִשְׁמֻעָתֵנוּ וּזְרוֹעַ יְהוָה עַל־מִי נִגְלָֽתָה׃ and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? Paul and Barnabas SENT with the Gospel Now in the church that was at Antioch [Syria].. .. the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ACTS of the - [Sons of Abraham's Family - Saul's Conclusion in the Synagogue](https://talkofjesus.com/abrahams-family-conclusion-synagogue/) - Proselytes, Sojourners and Jewish visitors Who are we preaching to? (Paul knew.)Everyone, of course; but mostly to proselytes, the faithful souls seeking God. Keep in mind that Joseph of Cypress (Barnabas) and Saul of Tarsus (Paulos to his Greek friends) are visiting Jews to the synagogues of Antioch Pisidia and Jewish towns and cities where - [Exhortation from the Jew of Jews Saulos Tarseus :שָׁאוּל](https://talkofjesus.com/exhortation-jews-sauls-sermon/) - Saul's sermon in the synagogue of Antioch We must leave behind us any notion that Paul's exhortation to the Jews in Antioch Pisidia would have much effect by proclaiming the Gospel as Paul had to the Roman ruler Sergius Paulos in Paphos Cypress or to the faithful 'Christians' of the church at Antioch in Syria. - [An Invitation to Exhortation](https://talkofjesus.com/an-invitation-to-exhortation/) - NOTE: Reading time of this post is longer than average due to extended passages of Scripture usually excerpted and linked being included in full. - RH Exhortation - paraklēsis - is probably not what you think it is. After Barnabas and Saul reach Pisidian Antioch we will look closer at its role in preaching AND - [A Parting of Mission in Perga](https://talkofjesus.com/perga/) - Acts of the Apostles 13: The Christians of the Church in Antioch sent a contribution to the brothers of the Church in Judea for famine relief by the hand of Barnabas and Saul of Tarsus [Paul]. - Acts 11:28-30 They return to Antioch. And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, fulfilling their ministry, taking along - [Best NOT Preach This](https://talkofjesus.com/not-preach/) - Last time in our Saturday Post series on Doctrine (of and for the Church) we examined some DISTINCTIONS of D. Martyn Lloyd Jones on the Christian Life from a Jason Meyer biography, DOCTRINE AND LIFE AS FUEL AND FIRE. This Saturday we will not only continue with some of those distinctions, but I will introduce - [Distinction between the Kingdom and the Church of Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/distinction-kingdom-church/) - Kingdom OR Church? Is distinction lacking in the Gospel of YOUR Church? WE like to think that OUR Church has a great vision of Gospel grace, but do we PREACH any distinction between DOCTRINES and the WORK of evangelical 'christians' from OUR stages of worship? For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for - [Divinity, Doctrine and Denomination](https://talkofjesus.com/divinity-doctrine-denomination/) - As I pointed out in our last Saturday Post WE, the church, seem to have some differences dividing our approach to divinity. What does it mean to be called a “Christian?” Who are all of those 'denominations' that call themselves, 'Church?' And what do doctrine and divinity have to do with it? Divinity Scripture tells - [Acts 13.2 - Sailing from Antioch](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-13-2-antioch/) - ON OUR JOURNEY AHEAD from Antioch I'll show you a 21st century view of Paul's missionary journey from GOOGLE EARTH guided by brief scripture for each part of Paul's first missionary journey. What do you know about Antioch? In my introduction to the first missionary journey of Paul we introduced you to some representative faces - [Denominations / Why can't we all just get along?](https://talkofjesus.com/denominations-just-get-along/) - It's a great question isn't it? And from this street-level philosopher we might extrapolate questions like: "Why can't all the church just get along?" or "Why can't churches of ALL denominations just get along?" or "Shouldn't OUR church teach tolerance of all poor street philosophers and inclusively preach THEIR philosophies from every religion?" THEIR Two-faced - [NEW: ACTS on MISSION](https://talkofjesus.com/new-acts-on-mission/) - Don't miss a SYNOPSIS of ACTS 1-12 linked on our Main MENU ABOVE. https://talkofjesus.com/acts-mission/ - [What happened to Peter?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-happened-to-peter/) - Jerusalem must have been all abuzz with the questions of yet another unfolding mystery involving the Apostles. What happened to this Apostle of Jesus? What happened to Simon Peter? How did this leading Disciple of Jesus escape? Peter could not possibly have come to our gate since Herod has him under the guard of sixteen - [Ezekiel An Unbelievable Scene](https://talkofjesus.com/ezekiel-unbelievable-scene/) - Ezekiel 1: Context: TIME ~570 years Before Christ; PLACE - Tel-Abib in Babylonia, [later Persia, then Seleucid Empire (Greek) in 21st c. Iraq; PROPHET - yᵊḥezqē'l, captive priest and prophet of Israel taken to Babylon while in his 30's along with his wife and family, the prophets Daniel and Jeremiah (who are in their 50's) - [Two-faced Tolerance :)(: of the Church Against Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/two-faced-tolerance-church-antichrist/) - “But there are some of you who do not believe.” “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?”Gospel of John 6:64a, 70b LSB [in context] Jesus chose Judas as a Disciple of his master's teaching [doctrine], yet Judas betrayed his lord Jesus with a greeting of love. - [Evangelical Deconstructionism](https://talkofjesus.com/evangelical-deconstructionism/) - Evangelical Deconstructionism - a Biblical CAUTION: See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.Paul's letter to the Church at Colossae 2:8 - Legacy Standard Bible [context 2:6-15] From time to time I share other media on TalkofJESUS.com which I recommend strongly for readers and in this - [Church: Religion? Philosophic Discourse? or Cultural Calling?](https://talkofjesus.com/church-religion-philosophic-discourse-or-cultural-calling/) - The instant you say, 'church,' you dip your toe into waters of reactions which you know not how hot or cold, how shallow or deep, how stagnant or storm-tossed the hearer of your faith. Do you dare even ask? Are YOU a CHRISTIAN?Where did you worship last Sunday?Do you belong to OUR church?What are you - [His Angel at the gate](https://talkofjesus.com/his-angel-at-the-gate/) - A messenger after an angel Today we'll move around between scenes and times hoping for a glance at an angel. (Have you ever seen one?) Acts of the Apostles 12: So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.Acts of the Apostles 12:5 ESV But an - [He distinctly saw an angel of God](https://talkofjesus.com/angel-of-god/) - “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. ACTS 10:4 of angels Sir, yes Sir!?! ACTS 10: of an angel & a Roman warrior What an unlikely scene in this new missionary journey of Twelve Jewish Apostles of JESUS the Messiah of Israel. Luke records - [Syncretism - a little leaven added to Christ's Church](https://talkofjesus.com/syncretism-leaven-christs-church/) - Leaven & Syncretism In an earlier Saturday Post in this series I coined the teaching, preaching and study of Everythingology – definition: 1. Endless study of everything; 2. Theoretical theology of humanity as god. Today our focus turns toward the 'isms' applied to the Church. Specifically, syncretism is form of everythingology stirred into the beliefs of Christians - [Herod Vexing Opposition of the Church](https://talkofjesus.com/herod-vex-opposition-church/) - Acts 12: of Herod vs Jesus' Apostles Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. Acts of the Apostles 12:1 King James Version A contest is about to begin between: King Herod Agrippa verses the Apostles of Jesus. Today we'll read the King James Version of - [Church - Questioning Preaching and Teaching](https://talkofjesus.com/church-questioning-preaching-and-teaching/) - What are OUR answers? The Questions so far: Did God really say, Church? Who believes that God created the CHURCH?Did Scripture really say..? From our site moderator and author, Roger@TalkofJESUS.com [Your response or question by email is welcome.]Does the preacher of the Word who shepherds your church have the integrity to ALWAYS use the written word - [Did God really say, Church?](https://talkofjesus.com/did-god-really-say-church/) - Yes! God said, "CHURCH." Let's be clear up front. I can assure you through Scripture (the written word of God we call THE BIBLE) that our Creator said, "Church." So that we are on the same page (so to speak) I will get to a written definition of Church shortly. But first -- and perhaps - [Is the CHURCH still Christian?](https://talkofjesus.com/church-christian-denominations-evangelicism/) - What makes a church Christian? Can we tell from it's SIGN on the DOOR or internet invitation? Does a traditional denomination make a church Christian? OR does its NAME etched in its brand guarantee preaching of Biblical Christianity? Defining & Refining CHURCH Labels As we observed last time concerning labels like 'evangelical Christians,' labels don't - [Atheology- Expelling Christology](https://talkofjesus.com/atheology-expelling-christology/) - What makes GOD so offensive to the a-theist who avows opposition to the LORD? In a WORD: CHRIST + Atheology - Scientific study of Everythingology The Religion of A-theism likely has as many branches as Protestantism, which also continues to splinter into several inclusive branches teaching humans Everythingism. The Letter of Paul to the Churches - [Everythingology for an all-inclusive church](https://talkofjesus.com/everythingology-for-an-all-inclusive-church/) - When did astrology become astronomy and science become 'everythingology?' Each time adam sought to explain life separate of the glory of God and science dismissed the study of God.Roger@TalkofJESUS.com Let's study it: The SCIENCE of false premise Last time I asked you, (my fellow 'Christian' with little interest in 'theology'): AND I warned that not - [Predictions of Prophets and missions of gods](https://talkofjesus.com/predictions-of-prophets-and-missions-of-gods/) - Cover photo: statue of Emperor Claudius as the Greek god Jupiter. Some Prophets from Jerusalem Now in those days, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.ACTS 11:27 Legacy Standard Bible A believer in Christ, follower of a false prophet, worshiper of an ancient god or iconic contemporary might easily miss the significance of these - [This Prophecy will surely happen](https://talkofjesus.com/this-prophecy-will-surely-happen/) - We continue to look at prophecy of the past as it relates to the Good News of fulfillment in the Christ Jesus, a reason that Jews who studied and obeyed their Scripture listened to their own prophets who by the Holy Spirit predicted a famine and worked signs and miracles by the hand of God. - [Is the Evangelical Christian?](https://talkofjesus.com/is-the-evangelical-christian/) - What's YOUR image of the evangelical christian? What is it that they do? Where do YOU hear about them? How do YOU become one? (Would you even want to add YOUR name to a list of evangelical Christians?) This all-American anomaly does seem more prevalent in certain months of certain years. It's practically an insult, - [A look back at a Treasurer of Egypt - צָֽפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ](https://talkofjesus.com/a-look-back-at-a-treasurer-of-egypt-צָֽפְנַת-פַּעְנֵחַ/) - Zaphnath-paaneah This Egyptian ruler was not unlike a later Candace of Ethiopia encountered by the evangelist Philip. You know this treasurer of Egypt as Joseph At first glance of Acts of the Apostles we hardly notice so many parallels in encounters between important men of the past. Men like Philip (who is not even an - [And in the end - worship of the world](https://talkofjesus.com/and-in-the-end-worship-of-the-world/) - GOOD NEWS & BAD NEWS The Gospel of John contains some Good News. Jesus Christ came into the world to save those He loves. John's letters also encourage a growing church (in the first century) who increasingly face challenges of the self-reliant contemporaries of their world. (Sound familiar?) Some of today's Scriptural Rerun from John - [a Word about the beginning](https://talkofjesus.com/a-word-about-the-beginning/) - λόγος It's NOT just any 'Word,' but implies theologically important meaning. READ this Summer Scriptural RERUN This relates closely to my previous Saturday Post " Everythingology for an all-inclusive church - [John: seven centuries after Ezekiel](https://talkofjesus.com/john-seven-centuries-after-ezekiel/) - In the year of our Lord Twenty Twenty-one I did a series on the apocalypse familiar to most as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John." A single scene from Revelation will look familiar to any who have studied the prophet Ezekiel. Here is last years post of prophecy. - [Apocalypse 6 - the Face of Justice](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-6-the-face-of-justice/) - If I sharpen My flashing sword,And My hand takes hold on justice,I will render vengeance on My adversaries,And I will repay those who hate Me.Deuteronomy 32:41 NASB What is already begun And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, - [Can anyone withhold Baptism from Gentiles?](https://talkofjesus.com/baptism-gentiles/) - Acts of the Apostle Peter 11: link above to NASB, KJ21, Orthodox Jewish Bible, SBL Greek New Testament; MOBILE Friendly LINK to ACTS 11 21st Century King James Version only Peter has no sooner returned to Jerusalem from his first mission trip to Joppa, Lyda and Caesarea when traditional worshipers of the Lord question what - [Investing in your Local Church](https://talkofjesus.com/investing-in-your-local-church/) - What image describes your Local Church? Have you ever experienced the glorious architecture of a grande cathedral (like Notre Dame {pictured})? Even the grandest of church buildings -- ancient monument of faith or contemporary construction of a multiplying church -- cannot convey fully the glory of Christ Jesus or the grace received by so many - [The Temporal Reign of Queens and Kings](https://talkofjesus.com/temporal-reign-queens-kings/) - Today's Scriptural Rerun from the first of a three-post series in A.D. 2013 only includes one verse, Genesis 1:2a from the King James Version; however I share much about the history of King James, sovereign forefather to the current queen celebrated today, 2 June, in the year of our Lord 2022. FYI HRH (Her Royal - [EMPIRE Fallen; Church Divided - Part 1](https://talkofjesus.com/26/) - 8 August, 2013 A.D. - This time in history. Genesis 1:2a King James Version - And the earth was without form, and void… Creation, mankind, nations, the church, families and individuals ALL have a history. “Most history is untold and unknown to most. We look at history as a timeline of what someone has suggested - [Stand fast therefore in the liberty](https://talkofjesus.com/stand-fast-therefore-in-the-liberty/) - It's Memorial Day (celebrated holiday in the not-so-united States). Flags for freedom flown for feasting leaders of the free world or drawn to half staff for some politically offensive act of violence by an ungodly man. Hardly a memorial to any who have died for the freedom of any man or woman who suffers the - [Gardener, Shepherd and Hunter: 7 Scenes Unseen by Man](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-7-scenes-unseen-by-man/) - ACT 2 - Scene 1 - in an unseen place Where am I? I have brought you to a place unseen by man. You showed me a scene I had never seen of the death of Abel.. and Eve mourning the loss of her son murdered by her other son... and about sin in Eden. - [Gardener, Shepherd and Hunter: 6 - Synopsis ACT 1](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-and-hunter-6-synopsis-act-1/) - The Scenes Once upon a time... An illustration of times in life beyond the bounds of time and place. We learned (with our eyes closed) that sometimes the only way for the blind to see beyond the ends of the infinite line of time is to listen to our Guide rather than than embrace the - [Gardener, Shepherd and Hunter: 4- Tragic Death of a shepherd](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-4-tragic-death/) - I had opened my eyes (just for a moment) and thought that I saw a sunrise from long long ago.. Watching for a long time (it seemed) or maybe for just an instant (I could not tell). I then observed the sun waning beneath the surface of this paradise. Tragic DEATH! This instant of time - [The Holy Ghost! Fear of GOD also ignites the Gentiles](https://talkofjesus.com/holy-ghost-fear-of-god-gentiles/) - The Question of those 'chosen' Fact is that many religious men do NOT fear God. It is true of many 'christians' in this 21st century -- it was true of all but a remnant of faithful 'jews' in the first century in which the messiah Jesus lived, died and was risen -- and it was - [Gardener, Shepherd and Hunter: 5- the Hunter](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-and-hunter-5-the-hunter/) - the hunter Do you see him? I strained my eyes to look back beyond the time when I had just witnessed the killing of Abel by Cain. Not only was he not the hunter, but I could no longer see him in the chaotic mist of that place beyond the field of Abel's blood. In - [Friends, Romans, Brothers: Lend me your ears](https://talkofjesus.com/friends-romans-brothers-acts-10/) - When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. An angel brought Peter and a group of faithful Jews from Joppa at the invitation of their Roman occupiers. (What an odd scenario, it would seem.) The Roman Legion of the Italian Cohort, a highly regarded army of Caesar, has invited - [Caesar's Palace East welcomes PETRUS](https://talkofjesus.com/caesars-palace-petrus/) - Peter in Roman Sin City A background behind Caesar's Palace in Judea Initially, a few decades before.. Caesarea is sixty some miles northwest of Jerusalem. Herod had expanded it to become one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, which would later serve Rome as Judea's capital. (Yes, it would later have a - [Looking back at The Lord's Day](https://talkofjesus.com/looking-back-at-the-lords-day/) - The Lord's Day in years just past You have heard this day called Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday or perhaps Pascha. But today, on the 17th day of April in the year of our Lord, 2022, I would simply like to look back at celebrating 'the Lord's Day' as followers of Christ Jesus have done since - [DEATH cries out! from many perspectives](https://talkofjesus.com/death-cries-out-from-many-perspectives/) - A poem of death's despair. From cries of pain Surrounded by suffering Entombed in death Men and women Hung their heads In death's despair. + His pain I now know His suffering I deserve From this dark place of justice My sorrow must pierce. Roger Harned - TalkofJESUS.com “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?”22:1 אֵלִי אֵלִי לָמָה - [The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter: a shepherd](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-3-able/) - Once upon a time there was a man named Kahyin Smith. (His friends called him Cain, a nickname long forgotten since his time near the beginning.) Now I know that if you think back to ACT 1, SCENE 1 or most recently SCENE 2 of our story that you might think of Cain in Moses' - [The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter: Cahyin - a Gardener](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-2-cahyin/) - .. near the beginning .. Scene Two: a First Garden (& its early harvest) An illustration of times in life beyond the bounds of time and place The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter - 2 Cahyin K'naw Once I closed my eyes and looked again into the far reaches of the line the man - [What's good about Good Friday?](https://talkofjesus.com/whats-good-about-good-friday/) - 15 April, in the year of our Lord, 2022: Looking for a question that will trip-up nearly any 21st c. christian? And since I have answered it before rather than answering it yet once more today on this GOOD FRIDAY, I will point you (my christian, jewish and anti-Christ friends) to previous Good Friday posts - [The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter: a Garden](https://talkofjesus.com/gardener-shepherd-hunter-1-a-garden/) - The Gardener, the Shepherd and the Hunter - [Preparation of a New Lunch Menu in Joppa](https://talkofjesus.com/new-lunch-in-joppa/) - And Peter stayed in Joppa many days with a tanner named Simon.ACTS of the Apostles 9:43 NASB20 In fact, an angel has just told a Roman centurion the day before where he can send his ambassadors to find Simon Peter. What's for lunch? - a scene in Joppa Some quoted text from NASB20 + CLICK - [You will not be led 3 intro - Lot's wife turns back](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-3-intro/) - WARNING from an angel What do you think. An angel warns you. Do you obey? How many of us really have looked at the detail in this story of Lot's wife? OR other warnings in the Bible delivered by an angel? I hope the contemporary illustrations and video put you into this horrific scene. CLICK - [A Priest, a Rabbi & a Stranger ...](https://talkofjesus.com/a-priest-a-rabbi-a-stranger/) - A 21st Century Parable You know the old story (actually, several variations on a theme). Three men (but today you might have to include other designations) encounter the same situation and the third one gets the punch line. That's not quite what happened to me recently as I witnessed the following story (which also includes - [A Brief Glance at Paradise](https://talkofjesus.com/a-brief-glance-at-paradise/) - Where can I Find Paradise? We all know the story of Eden as a former place of paradise on earth from where Adam and Eve were evicted by God because of sin. But where can we find paradise in the Bible now that mankind has lost it? Today's short take from Scripture will take us - [Another Resurrection in Joppa](https://talkofjesus.com/another-resurrection-in-joppa/) - Death's Vigil If you should pause briefly near death's vigil, you may see some soul precariously perched on a precipice above the dark shadows of hades; yet.. lifted to light of life after death.. another resurrection in Christ to eternal glory with God Who Saves. Peter and another resurrection as witness Even as Peter travels - [No Longer Paralyzed: Walking in Lydda](https://talkofjesus.com/no-longer-paralyzed-walking-in-lydda/) - Paralyzed until Peter's missionary journey What must it be like to be paralyzed, either from birth or as the result of a traumatic impact of this fragile flesh and bones at any time? We have seen paralyzed men many times in Scripture. And Simon Peter had met paralyzed or lame men at various times in - [Honor and Glory be to God in the Highest](https://talkofjesus.com/honor-and-glory-be-to-god-in-the-highest/) - A protest song? I grew up in the 1960's, a time full of protest songs. And this was one of my favorites, an a capella version in English from a German composer. So what qualifies this as a protest song? BACH was a Protestant. For years his hymns and music heavily taken from Scripture were - [.. because the days are evil](https://talkofjesus.com/because-the-days-are-evil/) - What will it take to convince a world of universal appeasement of all enemies of God that these last days are in action and in deed: evil? A Caution about Evil for Christians What's the Good News in this (if any)?Do you know the next line of this caution to a Church witnessing to a - [Saul's Unwelcome Return to Jerusalem](https://talkofjesus.com/sauls-unwelcome-return-to-join-the-church/) - (to join the Church!) When Sha'ul had come to Yerushalayim, he tried to join himself to the talmidim; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a talmid.ACTS 9:26 Hebrew Names Version Do you take this man .. ? Have you ever wanted to JOIN a group of people who really - [Be Kind to One Another before..](https://talkofjesus.com/be-kind-to-one-another-before/) - "Be kind to each other before you must say, 'I'm Sorry.'" Be kind to one another.. Some children (it seems) never say 'I'm SORRY,' after they do bad things to you. But I know that you do because you are a kind child of God. Sound familiar? The parental leading or teacher's prayer of repentance - [Saul: Encouragement in Christ from Cypress](https://talkofjesus.com/saul-encouragement-in-christ-from-cypress/) - Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement) owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.ACTS of the disciples of the Apostles 4:36-37 NASB20 Encouragement of Christ's Apostles by Joseph - [Who is this Saul, Apostle to the Gentiles?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-is-this-saul-apostle-to-the-gentiles/) - Acts of Saul in Damascus Click for English, Ukrainian & Russian translations of Деяния 9 10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street - [Nehemiah 9 - The People Confess Their Sins](https://talkofjesus.com/nehemiah-9-confession-of-sins/) - Today's Short Take on Scripture focuses on confession. Yesterday this personal conviction came to mind from imprinted corporate confession of the church. (You're church may not use such a confession, but should they lead us in this way?) Confession of Sin Before Communion From the Anglican BCP [Book of Common Prayer] (public domain, source not - [Damascus Road: Witness into all the World](https://talkofjesus.com/damascus-road-witness-into-all-the-world/) - Witness from Jerusalem to Damascus Of all places the Apostles would not have ever thought the risen Christ would anoint yet another Apostle, a road to Damascus likely would have been the last place to come to mind. Jesus had led them to places beyond Galilee (now formally a part of Syria under the administration - [σκληροτράχηλος - a stiff-necked people](https://talkofjesus.com/a-stiff-necked-people/) - I must confess that one of my favorite phrases of conviction today comes from one of several sermons which was not well-received by its audience: Stiff-necked! σκληροτράχηλος - stiff-necked Strong's G4644 - sklērotrachēlos - Pronunciationsklay-rot-rakh'-ay-los (Has a rather guttural insulting tone to it, don't you think?) We might easily dismiss this insulting word from Stephen - [The Golden Rule](https://talkofjesus.com/the-golden-rule/) - Read: Luke 10:24-26 (Don't miss the question which sets the stage of this most famous parable of Jesus.) Parable of the GOOD Samaritan A Democrat, a Republic and an Indian were going down from Washington to.. NO, that's not it. An evangelical christian, a jew and an Indian were going down from the Capitol to.. - [What hinders me from being baptized?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-hinders-me-from-being-baptized/) - “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” It's a life-changing question the Kandake's official asks Philip after reading about the Messiah Jesus from Isaiah. Perhaps you have asked yourself this same question about conversion to Christ. ACTS of a Queen's servant on the road to Gaza If you have not read our previous scene - [God’s Love Through John: A God-sent Baptist](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-4-john-baptist/) - 28 All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. To be continued... - [The Testimony of Christ by Stephen](https://talkofjesus.com/the-testimony-of-stephen/) - “But be on your guard; for they will hand you over to the [Sanhedrin; or Council] courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.Gospel of Mark 13:9 - Reply of Jesus to Peter, James, John and Andrew about - [Do YOU affirm this TRUTH? - Affirm/Deny](https://talkofjesus.com/do-you-affirm-this-truth/) - Do you affirm or deny what the Bible says? Can you affirm ALL or just some Scripture? Take this overview of a quiz from those theologians who do. Will you Affirm this DOCTRINE? Your identity in GOD, my witness of the Gospel, our witness as Christians proclaiming Jesus Christ to the world as our Lord - [JOHN 2020 Good News for A.D. 2020](https://talkofjesus.com/john-2020-good-news-a-d-2020/) - Intro to the Gospel of John John 3: “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” … Teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus said: Gospel of John “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away - [Wailing in all the Public Squares (Social Media?)](https://talkofjesus.com/wailing-in-all-the-public-squares-social-media/) - Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says: (As you can see, I shared a brief series from Amos as recently as March 2020.) Did you Comment on it in the 'public square' of your Social Media? Stephen commented on Amos in the public square of his trial in Jerusalem - [God will raise up for you a prophet](https://talkofjesus.com/god-will-raise-up-for-you-a-prophet/) - I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM Stephen: 'God will raise up a Prophet like Moses' As he stares intently into the souls of those leaders of Jerusalem who have brought him to trial for preaching about Jesus Christ, Stephen continues to compare Jesus to Israel's ancient fathers. He also compares these judges he faces - [Understand today the discipline of the LORD your God](https://talkofjesus.com/understand-today-the-discipline-of-the-lord-your-god/) - Do YOU, (children) claiming God as your Father and Jesus Christ as YOUR Lord know this one? 11:1 וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָׁמַרְתָּ מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ וְחֻקֹּתָיו וּמִשְׁפָּטָיו וּמִצְוֺתָיו כָּל־הַיָּמִֽים׃Devarim (Deuteronomy) 11 :: Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC) What is the difference between Discipline of the LORD & the Punishment of God? Water covers the earth! The LORD - [Good, good, very good & the knowledge of Good and Evil](https://talkofjesus.com/good/) - January 4, In the year of our Lord, 2022: Good What do you know about good and evil? Short takes from Scripture: God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.And God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of the waters He called “seas”; and God saw that it was good.The earth produced vegetation .. according to their kind; and God saw that it was good... day and the night, and - [for the earth is filled with violence](https://talkofjesus.com/for-the-earth-is-filled-with-violence/) - January 5, in the year of our Lord, 2022: Violence. What to do about violence Can WE prevent it?Who should judge it? The world of this 21st century A.D. remembers, in a moment of silence and more months of rage, those acts of violence WE THE PEOPLE have brought upon ourselves. I will return to - [a Year of Disaster & Death for the earth](https://talkofjesus.com/a-year-of-disaster-death-for-the-earth/) - January 6, in the year of our Lord, 2022: Remembering a Year of Disaster Note: Realizing that this 'quick take' includes several statistics, a quick scan of these will get you to the point of these few Scriptures and their implication for our future at the mercy of our Lord. (I also project some political - [Your Mistake – You don’t know the Scriptures - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/mistake-dont-know-scriptures-2/) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. Matthew 22:29 NLT Pharisees We began this series with the priest of the second Temple Ezra, Looking Back at times preceding the fall of Jerusalem and the first Temple. Continuing with contrasts of Looking Back in real - [Crucifixion! – Scripture Fulfilled](https://talkofjesus.com/crucifixion-scripture-fulfilled/) - Crucifixion! - The Spirit of Grace .. this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 2:23And how is this the Spirit of Grace? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only - [The Veil torn on Good Friday + Witness of a story & Scripture](https://talkofjesus.com/veil-torn-good-friday/) - How does a veil torn in the Temple on Good Friday connect all Jews to Christians of the 21st century Church? Good Friday Before we turn to the actual script of this pivotal event in history, allow me to place you into a fictional Good Friday scene as one witness to what is about to - [TRUE or FALSE? Teachers, Preachers, Doctrine, Scripture.. God?](https://talkofjesus.com/true-or-false-teachers-preachers-doctrine-scripture-god/) - POP QUIZ - T or F? from August 13, 2013 - Topic: Heresy - [Matthias - Scripture fulfilled in Jerusalem - מַתַּתְיָה](https://talkofjesus.com/matthias-scripture-fulfilled-in-jerusalem-מתתיה/) - Choosing Matthias And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.Acts 1:26 NASB20 Matthias fills a position of an Apostle from off the bench (so to speak) as a substitute for Judas who had betrayed Christ and then took his own life. This new Twelfth Apostle gets little mention as we - [Your Mistake - You don't know the Scriptures](https://talkofjesus.com/mistake-dont-know-scriptures/) - Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.Matthew 22:29 NLT כְּתָב - a writing, document, edict Scriptures, the written word of God First, let's understand scripture. It's written down, recorded, a message of importance with authority; but scripture is much more than that. a written - [Have you taken a minute in God's Word?](https://talkofjesus.com/have-you-taken-a-minute-in-gods-word/) - Read the Bible. I asked in part one if you have taken a minute for prayer? Now I ask if you read the Bible. Scriptures Hebrews 4:12 Ephesians 6 Previous talkofJesus.com post - [A Personal God - Jesus](https://talkofjesus.com/personal-god-jesus/) - Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:4 ESV ... and he would have given you living water.” - John 4:10b "I and the Father are one.” - John 10:30 Setting aside for a moment your personal preferences for worshiping God; whether ritualistic routine, overflowing emotion, singing, shouting, - [Stephen: Brothers, Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?](https://talkofjesus.com/stephen-who-made-you-a-ruler-brothers/) - Simon Peter had already preached in the Temple what Stephen would say once again about Moses. “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did...“Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR COUNTRYMEN; TO HIM YOU SHALL LISTEN regarding everything - [Stephen: Indictment of our Founding Fathers](https://talkofjesus.com/stephen-indictment-of-our-founding-fathers/) - All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.ACTS 6:15 :: Hebrew Names Version (HNV) Another Trial before Judah's Ruling Fathers Let's be clear who Jerusalem's fathers, in charge of these trials, are: A new trial now of StephenTwo previous hearings or - [Stephen, Dynamic Preacher of God's Word](https://talkofjesus.com/stephen-dynamic-preacher-of-gods-word/) - We return now to Jerusalem in c.A.D.30, from where Luke left us with the Apostles' appointing seven men to help minister to the needs of a growing Church. Today we begin with a look at this first named deacon, Stephen. The word [from the Apostles] found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, - [An Apostolic Model: Administration of a Growing Church](https://talkofjesus.com/apostolic-model-administration-church/) - Now that we have defined some key terms of the church (including 'church' - ἐκκλησία), we can proceed to examine the administration of disciples following the Lord Jesus Christ ('Christians). If you missed this defining first post about ACTS 6, you may want to visit some of the secure links included in Ministering to a - [Luke 2 - The CHRIST of CHRISTmas](https://talkofjesus.com/luke-2-the-christ-of-christmas/) - The Gospel [good news] of Luke 2: 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem.. In case you missed CHRISTMAS, A.D. 2020 + Last year's Christmas message, - [An Apostolic Model: Ministering to a Growing Church](https://talkofjesus.com/apostolic-ministering-to-a-growing-church/) - How did Twelve Apostles minister to multitudes of disciples of a growing Church? Who would lead change after hearing their murmurings, (And THAT, knowing that some came to Christ from one TRADITION, while others came to the Lord from diverse ethnic standards of community, family and worship of God.)How can WE help relieve so many - [A Church Seized by Signs and Wonders](https://talkofjesus.com/a-church-seized-by-signs-and-wonders/) - ACTS of Signs and Wonders What has just happened? At this point in Luke's account of the ACTS of the church we encounter an unexpected sign and wonder which struck great fear into the church. Two believers lied to the Holy Spirit, after which each immediately met withthe judgment of God - death. Don't miss - [Voices of Angels for Shepherds near Bethlehem](https://talkofjesus.com/shepherds-2/) - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. - Isaiah 40:11 In case you missed part 1 of our story, you can read about the shepherds of Bethlehem here. The Shepherds and - [Arrested AND Released](https://talkofjesus.com/arrested-and-released/) - ACTS of Arrests witnessed by the Apostles Politically motivated religious leaders of Jerusalem now begin to develop a dossier of accusations against Peter, John and the Apostles, because as disciples of the Messiah Jesus they boldly proclaim the Lord's resurrection from His horrific death on a cross. As they once again imprison the Apostles, let's - [Speaking the Word of God with Boldness](https://talkofjesus.com/speaking-the-word-of-god-with-boldness/) - The Believers Pray for Boldness DO YOU?How do YOU ACT Confidently in Christ Jesus? After having been arrested, imprisoned overnight and then released, Peter, John and the Apostles will continue to preach with boldness. ACTS of Confidence and Boldness ACTS of Jerusalem's First Century Believers 4: The believers continue to lift their voices together with - [Why DO the nations rage?](https://talkofjesus.com/why-do-the-nations-rage/) - Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?The kings of the earth set themselves,and the rulers take counsel together,against the Lord and against his AnointedPsalm 2:1b-2 ACTS of the disciples of the Apostles 4: If you READ this section of Acts 4 carefully, you will discover that unlike the earlier acts focused - [Constant Faith: They lifted up their voice to God](https://talkofjesus.com/constant-faith-they-lifted-up-their-voice/) - When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.ACTS of the APOSTLES (Peter & John) 4:23 NASB20 Constant companions of the Church We might easily dismiss the community to which John, Peter and the forty-plus year old healed man - [What's the occasion? Festival of Weeks + Pentecost](https://talkofjesus.com/whats-the-occasion-festival-of-weeks-pentecost/) - When the day of Pentecost [was being fulfilled] had come, they were all together in one place. “Observe the Festival of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest..Exodus 34:18a From a Festival of Weeks to Pentecost How is Pentecost the firstfruits of these last days? Have you ever thought about it? Followers of Jesus - [Does YOUR church preach Christ Jesus?](https://talkofjesus.com/does-your-church-preach-christ-jesus/) - Remembering the souls of the victims of 9/11/2001. An unbeliever walks into your church and what do they seek? Good teaching for their kids? Perhaps a trendy King opening heaven's wide gate? Does your Shepherd preach Christ Jesus? The Apostles did! They preached the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully, even though the first century church faced - [Acts of ALL with one accord](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-with-one-accord/) - The Holy Spirit Promised AWESOME! JESUS ascending.. AND angels... What could possibly be next? Ten days of the Apostles we may have missed As Christians, now that we have begun Luke's prologue in Acts and read his account of the AWEsome ascension of Jesus into the clouds, we can hardly wait for the powerful bestowing - [Miracles, Wonders & Signs: Peter's Amazing Answer](https://talkofjesus.com/miracles-wonders-signs-peters-amazing-answer/) - Peter's Answer to the Acts of Pentecost How does the anointed follower of Jesus Christ answer the unanswerable questions from the multitudes? Luke records not only the truly awesome events of Pentecost and bewilderment by the crowds, but also the Apostle Simon Peter's amazing answer to thousands gathered in Jerusalem. Acts 2: And suddenly there - [The Heart-piercing POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT!](https://talkofjesus.com/heart-piercing-power-of-the-holy-spirit/) - The POWER of the Holy Spirit in ACTS What have we observed most in Luke's early accounts of Acts? Clearly, the further power of the Holy Spirit, which Luke also notes in his Gospel as having descended on Jesus. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a - [Be saved from this perverse generation!](https://talkofjesus.com/be-saved-from-this-perverse-generation/) - Do perverse leaders not manipulate the crowds of every generation? Not everyone had ears to hear Peter on Pentecost, nor were all touched by the Holy Spirit. Public trials and crucifixions of the first century included a mocking of criminals, a public perversion of the LORD's mercy for the Jews, theatre for the mobs at - [By what power? Political prowess by the powers that be](https://talkofjesus.com/by-what-power-political-prowess/) - “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” ACTS of the Apostles of Jesus Christ 4:7b Previously and Prior to that.. Their Previous Scene at the Temple Solomon's Porch (portico) among the grand columns of HEROD'S temple, lasting project of a previous administration also pretentiously guarding what little power Rome would allow, may - [Peter Replied: Signs Preached from Solomon's Porch](https://talkofjesus.com/peter-replied-signs-from-solomons-porch/) - ..all the people ran together to them at the portico named Solomon’s, completely astonished. But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people..Acts of the Apostles 3:11b-12a NASB20 It's MASSIVE and Magnificent! Herod the Great left a temple to Jerusalem's elite where MULTITUDES could enter stadium-sized courts rivaling Rome's great temples. Jewish religious officials - [Preaching from Herod's Porch](https://talkofjesus.com/preaching-from-herods-porch/) - You've never heard it called 'HEROD'S PORCH,' but certainly that must have been the inferred imagery when Herod the Great named it, 'Solomon's Porch,' (porticum Salomonis, in the Latin of Herod's Roman friends). Now while Kefa and Yochanan were being held by him, all the people ran together to them at the Portico which is - [We are Beggars in the House of God](https://talkofjesus.com/we-are-beggars-in-the-house-of-god/) - Begging for Blessing You may have had a beggar at your door recently. My new neighbor asked me if he should expect any 'trick or treaters' invading our neighborhood. Probably not, I responded. We generally have sweets here for ourselves that I could give away to a beggar, I assured. But he thought it might - [Sola Protestants: 5 Differences](https://talkofjesus.com/sola-protestants-5-differences-reformation/) - ONLY FIVE - 5 Sola's of the Protestant Reformation You likely understand something of the history of the Church, especially if you've followed my previous Saturday posts on Doctrine or our current series in ACTS. Sola in celebration of 'Reformation Day' of the Protestant Church, I'll ask: 'Do you know what Protestants were protesting about - [Building a New Synagogue of Simon - שִׁמְעוֹן](https://talkofjesus.com/building-a-new-synagogue-of-simon/) - (I know you're thinking 'church' and not 'synagogue' and Christians always think like a gentile only calling the Apostle Peter, but today we need to look at ACTS through first century eyes, having ears to hear Simon Peter preach the Person of Christ Jesus who he knew and loved personally.) Today's look at ACTS OF - [Pentecost - a narrative of the fifty days fulfilled](https://talkofjesus.com/pentecost-a-narrative-of-the-fifty-days-fulfilled/) - And in the day of the Pentecost being fulfilled, they were all with one accord at the same placeActs 2:1 YLT 50 days later: Pentecost Please discard your New Testament notions of Pentecost for a moment and allow me to narrate what has just taken place for the Apostles in first century Jerusalem which the - [Is it still necessary to join a local church?](https://talkofjesus.com/local-church/) - Can you say that you BELONG to our Church or YOUR Church? IF NOT, GO there Sunday & join it! Here in a post by Alistair Begg listen why YOU must join your LOCAL church & be part of it. https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2021/08/21/unity-in-diversity-part-2-of-4--/ I listen to their podcast daily & so could you. Want to greet me - [Christ IS risen, IS with us and will return](https://talkofjesus.com/christ-risen-with-us-will-return/) - Luke-Acts, a Gentile Witness of the Christ What witness of the ascension of the risen Christ shall we share? Our witness of Christ two-thousand and some years after the resurrection and ascension is different than first century believers. Some, but not all, had had encounters with the risen Christ! Many were Jews and some Gentiles, - [Labor Day - Harvest is past, Summer is over](https://talkofjesus.com/labor-day-harvest-is-past-summer-is-over/) - Labor Day Scriptures: Jeremiah 8:18-22 Context of the quote above Matthew 11: Original talkofJesus.com Post - [Creeds, Catechisms, Confessions & Christ - What do you believe?](https://talkofjesus.com/creeds-and-christ-what-do-you-believe/) - Why Creeds, Confessions of Faith & Catechisms still matter to Christians Today I invite you to examine what you believe through the eyes of centuries old teachings of the Christian faith. Maybe your worship service includes one of the obligatory Creeds or other Confession of faith ALL must recite. And by repetition these words flow - [Vinny LaGuardia, a Life interrupted](https://talkofjesus.com/vinny-laguardia-a-life-interrupted/) - Vinny, interrupted by death I was writing Christian fiction and starting a website to promote a book which needed an audience. Then my first month's posts on talkofJESUS.com eight years ago in 2013 were interrupted when my good friend from church was murdered. Even as he and I both witnessed for Jesus Christ in our - [Perseverance - Share your Christian social witness for Jesus Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/share-perseverance-for-your-christian-social-witness/) - Galatians 5:7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Philippians 2:16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by - [Follow After Me 8 - Carnal Ones](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-8-carnal-ones/) - And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there - [for by strength shall no man prevail](https://talkofjesus.com/for-by-strength-shall-no-man-prevail/) - Refugees have no strength Do you recognize the caution from 1 Samuel 2:9b? The attached summer rerun is repetitious as war and suffering. It noted Iraq. Since then Syria or any number of countries in Africa or Asia or South and Central America could have been our examples. Today we have finally 'ended' a 20 - [The Inerrancy Crisis by Stephen Nichols](https://talkofjesus.com/the-inerrancy-crisis-by-stephen-nichols/) - INERRANCY: 'Why is THAT important,' we ask? If you have been following my Saturday posts on Doctrine you will note at least three things: I believe the BIBLE.You should study the BIBLE.Other theologians can explain the BIBLE better than me. Last Saturday's post with its focus on inerrancy precedes a post which will 'call the - [Cultures of Conquest and Times of Evil](https://talkofjesus.com/cultures-of-conquest-and-times-of-evil/) - Before America & hence: NO limit of Evil Looking back: before America, before England, before Rome, before David and Israel; looking back to cultures of conquest and times of evil: Scriptures And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. And the Lord sold them - [CODE RED Crisis on the 1's - More Days of Difficulty](https://talkofjesus.com/code-red-crisis-on-the-1s-more-days-of-difficulty/) - Code Red again, Alert.. I told you so.. Difficulty Ahead CODE RED! Isn't it a sensational ALERT from media yesterday? (Next I want to say, "Tune in at 10" or something like that.) What I will actually point out is that we have heard these sorts of warnings before. BREAKING NEWS - Now seemingly constant. - [Sunday Rest - a Commandment ignored by 21st c. christians](https://talkofjesus.com/sunday-rest-a-commandment-ignored-by-21st-c-christians/) - Just another Senseless Sunday A Sunday REST? Some will remember the alliterative song, "It's Just Another Manic Monday." Now we rush through our senseless Sundays no differently than a 'manic Monday.' In that sense, recalling when everything once CLOSED ON SUNDAY, now we long for those Sundays when the supermarket wasn't overcrowded and our mail - [Another Sabbath: No Rest](https://talkofjesus.com/another-sabbath-no-rest/) - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy:Exodus 20:8 Sabbath? So what? We were making plans for Sunday shopping after church, but then we missed church. Some Sundays we hurry out of time-extended gatherings at our church to join the crowds in local restaurants. This week we had no Sabbath and no rest. As Christians - [Inerrant TRUTH: Our reasoned Biblical Faith](https://talkofjesus.com/inerrant-truth-our-reasoned-biblical-faith/) - WHY would you study the HOLY BIBLE? For inerrant truth! Do we believe by faith? YES, but not a fantastical faith or unrealistic religious calling to that which cannot be known. In most circumstances and communications, truth matters to me and also to you. Certainly God speaks only truth and the Bible is where 'it - [King over the Abyss of Darkness](https://talkofjesus.com/king-over-the-abyss-of-darkness/) - Judgment from the places of Darkness Jesus Christ defeated the accuser of the world in a most unexpected way. The Lord died sinless on a Cross, descended into Hell, then rose again to the throne of Heaven to judge the living and the dead. God had banished an angel from heaven just as the Lord - [John 3:16 - God's Love](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-10-john-316/) - so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - [John - Sign of a Raised Serpent](https://talkofjesus.com/john-sign-of-a-raised-serpent/) - That Raised Serpent! - Symbol of Evil & Death In the year of our Lord 2018, I wrote a brief series: God’s Love Through John which includes Scripture from his Gospel, letters and Revelation. Last year in A.D. 2020 we explored John's Gospel in more detail. Our next three Scriptural Reruns explore John's look at - [God's Love Through John - Sign of a Raised Serpent](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-9-serpent/) - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: John 3:14 KJV - [A Witness through John - King of the Darkness](https://talkofjesus.com/a-witness-through-john-king-of-the-darkness/) - And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 9:11 Light from Darkness What do you believe about light and darkness, about good and evil, about God and the opponents of - [Christ's CHURCH + His 'saints' on MISSION](https://talkofjesus.com/christs-church-his-saints-on-mission/) - Christ's CHURCH - Vision and Mission From July 17, 2015 - Topic: Mission - [Scripture Teaching Survey - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/scripture-teaching-survey-1/) - Do you believe THAT? A Scripture Teaching Survey. (Does your Pastor preach THAT?) (Have you read that in your Bible?) Would you answer 3 questions about Bible teaching you believe? YES no Simply answer YES or NO to a few fundamental questions about Scriptural teaching you have heard and believe. 1. Is Scripture the word - [yāḏaʿ yāḏaʿ yāḏaʿ - Surely you know: יָדַע](https://talkofjesus.com/yaḏaʿ-yaḏaʿ-yaḏaʿ-surely-you-know-יָדַע/) - Whatever.. Yada, yada, yada.. Someone tried to share some wisdom with you, perhaps a Proverb or something, and you stop them short. You THINK you understand OR more likely there is NO WAY that you can ever understand. Really, they speak a language you DON"T understand, perhaps Yiddish, or God-forgive, Hebrew. yāḏaʿ (yaw-dah') - יָדַע - [Prophesy in a Proverb](https://talkofjesus.com/prophesy-proverb/) - Hear and understand what is not of your own tongue or written with words of your understanding: Proverbs 30: דִּבְרֵי אָגוּר בִּן־יָקֶה הַמַּשָּׂא נְאֻם הַגֶּבֶר לְאִֽיתִיאֵל לְאִיתִיאֵל וְאֻכָֽל׃ כִּי בַעַר אָנֹכִי מֵאִישׁ וְלֹֽא־בִינַת אָדָם לִֽי׃ וְלֹֽא־לָמַדְתִּי חָכְמָה וְדַעַת קְדֹשִׁים אֵדָֽע׃ מִי עָלָֽה־שָׁמַיִם וַיֵּרַד מִי אָֽסַף־רוּחַ בְּחָפְנָיו מִי צָֽרַר־מַיִם בַּשִּׂמְלָה מִי הֵקִים כָּל־אַפְסֵי־אָרֶץ מַה־שְּׁמֹו וּמַֽה־שֶּׁם־בְּנֹו - [Therefore encourage one another, members of Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/therefore-encourage-one-another-members-of-christ/) - How do your encourage one another? Beloved brother in Christ, dear sister in our Lord -- encourage one another. This is the message of the Apostle Paul to the Church. And recall Jesus' new Commandment to 'Love one another as I have loved you. Agape love must be both active and personal in the believer - [The LORD God speaks - Doctrine of the Bible - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/god-speaks-doctrine-of-the-bible-3/) - GOD SPEAKS! And who heard Him? What did the LORD God say to a man? Where can we see what the LORD said when God speaks? Introduction to this post The Bible unveils the word and purposes of God. Some refuse to believe ScriptureWhile others will never consider its truth. THE LORD GOD SPEAKS! The - [Woman of Clay - Linda Caddick](https://talkofjesus.com/woman-clay-linda-caddick/) - a journey of the heart The following is a re-post of an earlier Christian Fiction review from our "Christian Authors." Linda's Author Bio can be located at Linda Caddick - Christian Author Roger Harned, site administrator, Christian Social Witness UNCONVENTIONAL BIBLICAL FICTION WITH PRESENT DAY RELEVANCE Please visit Linda Caddick's blog to see other reviews - [But IF: the Consequence of broken promise - Will the LORD not surely do -2](https://talkofjesus.com/but-if-the-consequence-of-broken-promise-will-the-lord-not-surely-do-2/) - So what! Did you HEAR the consequences? What is the consequence of broken promise? WE seldom consider CLEAR consequences. Whether Old Testament Commandment, warning of a Prophet or New Testament Command of the Lord Christ Jesus, SO OFTEN WE do not have 'ears to hear' the promised consequence of disobedience to God. DO YOU REMEMBER - [your heart turns away… Will the LORD not surely do -3](https://talkofjesus.com/your-heart-turns-away-will-the-lord-not-surely-do-3/) - Preaching Consequence! WE do NOT like to be told the consequence of our SIN against the Lord. Preaching consequence of turning against God often begets more sin. Jesus was crucified on a Cross and Prophets of Israel suffered for preaching what God Commanded in the Law. Blessing IF you obey OR Curse IF your heart - [Will the LORD not surely do what He has said? - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/will-the-lord-not-surely-do-what-he-has-said-1/) - Scripture is what He has said If you have been following this summer's series of Doctrinal posts on talkofJESUS.COM you have just read about Sola Scripture, that is: Only Scripture. And IF you believe 'what is written' then you know that both blessings and curses are conditional. Scripture also speaks for the LORD! God commands. - [ONLY SCRIPTURE: The Highest Authority of GOD!](https://talkofjesus.com/only-scripture-the-highest-authority-of-god/) - What is perhaps the most divisive issue of the ages? THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE! - ONLY Scripture. And GOD SAID..! Who said, God said this or that? Must we consult the authority of a man? Dare we follow such a teacher? How can I know IF God really said it and where can I find - [Let's cut the crap! Are we under Construction?](https://talkofjesus.com/lets-cut-the-crap-under-construction/) - What Crap? 'Our CHURCH has no crap to deal with,' you say. Nonsense! In a brief post by a reader he addresses such crap using an illustration from Nehemiah. Definition usually vulgar : FECESusually vulgar : the act of defecatingslang, sometimes vulgar : NONSENSE, RUBBISH also : STUFF (O.K. Maybe we don't take any time - [Seven Seals! and Seven Trumpets!](https://talkofjesus.com/seven-seals-and-seven-trumpets/) - We have all heard about the Great Apocalypse of THE END! Scripture reveals this fulfillment in many places: Daniel, Matthew, Revelation & other Books from Scripture. Seven angels, seven seals, seven trumpets and consequently seven bowls of God's wrath! Listen & read on.. As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the talmidim came to - [Blessed are those who may enter by the gates](https://talkofjesus.com/blessed-are-those-who-may-enter-by-the-gates/) - From November 27, 2013 - Topic: Doxology - [Who will keep watch at the gates?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-will-keep-watch-at-the-gates/) - From the Watchtower Are YOU a watchman on the watchtower of Scripture given by God?Does your Shepherd preach TRUE Scripture without distortion? Note from Doctrine of the Bible: Some contemporary ‘translations’ of the Bible are *biased against true Scripture and do NOT actually translate Scripture from the original Hebrew and Greek. *Examples of Anti-Trinitarian bias - [The Dung Gate](https://talkofjesus.com/the-dung-gate/) - The dung gate…When the people of God rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem they also rebuilt the dung gate. Nehemiah 2:13, 3:14. Thoughts in my mind: 1. The city had a dung gate for a reason. 2. If a church begins to stink maybe it doesn't have a dung gate. 3. Our ears are not the - [Blessed be God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/blessed-be-god/) - PRAISE & WORSHIP GOD! (as faithful worshipers have blessed God and been blessed by God for generations...) Genesis 1:21 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”Genesis 5:2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created.Genesis 9:1 And - [The pronouncement which Habakkuk the prophet saw](https://talkofjesus.com/habakkuk-the-prophet/) - PROPHETS – WARNINGS FOR 21ST CENTURY ‘CHRISTIANS from August 17, 2013 - [James and Jerusalem's Controversy - 7](https://talkofjesus.com/james-and-jerusalems-controversy-7/) - Jerusalem's controversy at the time of Jesus and James continues to this day, yet goes back to the centuries before Christ. "ירושלים, ירושלים, ההורגת את הנביאים ורוגמת באבנים את שליחי אלוהים, פעמים רבות חפצתי לקבץ את בניך כתרנגולת המקבצת את אפרוחיה תחת כנפיה, אולם לא הנחתם לי.הבשורה על-פי לוקס 13:34 Habrit Hakhadasha/Haderekh (HHH) I briefly - [The BIBLE is HOLY](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrine-2-the-bible-is-holy/) - HOLY Scripture How does God communicate with man? The Doctrine of Scripture or the Doctrine of the Bible stakes claim to all that is HOLY in the writings of God. Does Scripture have an 'other' holiness?Is the Word of God in writing true? What is Holy? We began this series on Doctrine appropriately with God's - [No Prophet is welcome in his hometown – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/no-prophet-is-welcome-in-his-hometown-2/) - Jesus' reference to the Prophets of Kings This week we have been talking about Jesus of Nazareth and other Prophets of the Old Testament mentioned by Jesus. We continue by asking why Nazarites rejected their local Messiah who had worked miracles like these Old Testament Prophets. What do you know about the two Prophets of - [No Prophet is welcome in his hometown - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/no-prophet-is-welcome-in-his-hometown-1/) - Last time in Nazareth of Jesus - Rejected by your hometown (from a 2017 post) we mentioned a few prophets from the Old Testament. These men of God would have been familiar names in the hometown of Jesus Christ, but we are a little less familiar with many of these other prophets in this year - [Nazareth of Jesus - Rejected by your hometown](https://talkofjesus.com/nazareth-of-jesus-rejected-by-your-hometown/) - And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read..Luke 4:16 NASB20 Teaching Scripture at your own Church Is it the Nazareth of Jesus? OR was this 'Son of Man' someone from an OTHER place? Throughout the - [Hebrews - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-1/) - 1:1 πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι ὁ θεὸς λαλήσας τοῖς πατράσιν ἐντοῖς προφήταις It's Greek to me... multifariam et multis modis olim Deus loquens patribus in prophetis God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hebrews 1:1 KJV In our עִבְרִי Hebrews Intro I suggested that we will explore some translation back to the Greek and - [Hebrews - 2 - Pay Attention](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-2-pay-attention/) - προσέχω - prosechō - Pay attention! For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.Hebrews 2:1 CSB Does this sound familiar? (Perhaps a teacher comes to mind.) Take heed; beware; pay close attention and remember what I taught you before. We began by mentioning - [Nineveh - Preaching to a cruel enemy](https://talkofjesus.com/nineveh-preaching-to-a-cruel-enemy/) - Repent (They did.) Remove your masks of hypocrisy, claimants of Christ. Let God's enemy see your true face -- that you DO NOT want them to be saved. Nineveh initially didn't even see the back of Jonah's head as the man of God faced away from the will of the LORD. Yet the LORD God - [Did God really say..? – DOCTRINE of the BIBLE - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/did-god-really-say-doctrine-of-the-bible-2/) - What DOCTRINES do you choose? Do you choose what God said selectively from among scriptures? I am a theologian; that is, I study God. Yet how? And where do I seek answers about God? Which books of the Bible? What verses? Who should I believe in my choices about the Doctrine of Scripture? You won't - [The Beginning of the End - A Burden of the Prophets - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/beginning-end-prophets-4/) - Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” Remember the predictions of the holy prophets Previously: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is - [A Remnant called to REPENTANCE](https://talkofjesus.com/a-remnant-called-to-repentance/) - Repentance, or else! We don't like ultimatums. YOU MUST REPENT, or else the Lord will do 'this or that.' No wonder the Prophets of the LORD were often rejected in their own land. Repentance, or else, becomes a recurring theme before the coming of the Messiah Jesus and before the long silence of the LORD - [Help wanted](https://talkofjesus.com/help-wanted/) - 26 October, 2013 update: Would you like to collaborate in our Christian Social Witness? Two or three bloggers needed for postings, editing, graphics, WordPress & Social Media help. Please visit our page .. May our Lord, Christ Jesus bless your day for sharing your Christian Social Witness. Roger Harned, Site Administrator - [Impersonal, Indifferent](https://talkofjesus.com/impersonal-indifferent/) - Your Christianity is too impersonal for me, dear brother. Your claim of Christ is too distant from me, dear sister. Your cause of Christ is too narrow for me, dear born again believer. Your concern of Christ to me seems indifferent, dear spirit-filled singer. Your text is too convenient, Your facebook page too unfriendly, Your - [That you may have Certainty – 6 – Gentiles](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-6-gentiles/) - “I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles... Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah - [D.C. al Coda – if your heart turns away..](https://talkofjesus.com/d-c-al-coda-3-if-your-heart-turns-away/) - It was part of Moses' warning, wasn't it? The LORD will bless you, BUT IF YOUR HEART TURNS AWAY, woe to your children cursed for your disobedience. from July 26, 2014 - Topic: Turning away from God - [D.C. al Coda – Deuteronomy - But IF..](https://talkofjesus.com/d-c-al-coda-2-deuteronomy-but-if/) - :אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר מֹשֶׁהDevarim (Deuteronomy) 1:1a Devarim - “These are the words.. But IF we do not remember or believe or obey, what then? Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.'” - Exodus 4:1And - [D.C. al Coda - (Deuteronomy Calls out the Ending)](https://talkofjesus.com/d-c-al-coda-1/) - Original post April 10, 2014 - Topic: Faith after death - [Obituary 3: Searching for Purpose for my life](https://talkofjesus.com/obituary-3-searching-for-purpose-for-my-life/) - Questions of meaning We've been asking our SELVES in this series the questions of life, as well as questioning our purpose memorialized at our own funeral. Songs mentioned in previous posts resound in our thoughts from time to time - limited time in this fragile mortal frame. Some ask of meaning while others speak of - [Obituary 2: Searching for souls of my family](https://talkofjesus.com/obituary-2-souls-of-my-family/) - Giving up on God Today we hearken to the cries of family and the hearts of souls seeking lost meaning not only for the lives of dead (or nearly dead) loved ones, but also crying out for meaning to their own lives. We were born connected to the souls of a family and lament at - [Obituary: Soul-searching men & women of Dust](https://talkofjesus.com/obituary-soul-searching-1/) - Obituary - a Haunting Melody This may seem like a new series, but I want to add insight to three original posts from July 2014. And what does an obituary of sweet Georgia Brown have to do with it? Simple, her life little remembered resounds in a melody which has always haunted my mind with - [Families of Faith: Preacher’s Kids – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/p-k-3/) - Appeal to a P.K. Paul makes clear his intention of duplicating righteous leadership to the child of his own mentoring, Timothy. In advice to his church it seems that P.K.'s (Preacher's Kids) are all who are raised in Christ by the teaching of the Gospel. Conclusion of 3-part series to the stray sheep of the - [PK’s, EK’s, DK’s: Our kids; God’s kids - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/pks-eks-dks-3/) - The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. - 1 Timothy 1:5 NLT Continuing in the series of (our Saturday posts) our focus is on 'Preacher's Kid's, Elder's Kids and Deacon's kids and the focus of scripture from Paul's letter - [Families of Faith: Preacher’s Kids – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/families-of-faith-preachers-kids-2/) - INTRO In case you missed the intro to this three-part series, we are talking about the fishbowl of Preacher's kids and the qualifications and qualities of church leadership. ALL looking into the families of faith we call 'church' from the outside expect much moral modeling, love and grace. (Oh, by the way, in that sense - [Families of Faith: Preacher's Kids - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/families-of-faith-preachers-kids-1/) - Our 'Father,' "Our FATHER..," we pray. And Jesus said, I and the Father are one.https://talkofjesus.com/father-the-hour-is-come-2/ Does that make us 'preacher's kids?" Qualifications to Teach God's Word It’s a long list of higher standards to which we should hold the leaders of our church. I do not even qualify. Do you? How about your church leaders? - [The Christian Hypocrite?](https://talkofjesus.com/the-christian-hypocrite/) - Worship & Hypocrisy? The family rushed into the church building catching the last praise song before the sermon. LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE. They applauded. (In fact, they noted, it was the colorful writing imprinted on the wall of the building that confirmed this love.) He loves us. We love Him. Such a general good feeling - [The Christian Like Jesus?](https://talkofjesus.com/the-christian-like-jesus/) - If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.Matthew 10:20 Jesus & Christians: Hypocrites Do you realize that the religious leaders of Jerusalem called Jesus a hypocrite? You are NOT the Son of God, they accused. And the world accuses any who strongly associate - [Have you taken time for fellowship with God's church?](https://talkofjesus.com/have-you-taken-time-for-fellowship/) - Love God's Church = Fellowship with each other As I observed the comings and goings of families to a gathering of the church we call worship it seemed all hurried in from some early morning herding of the young sheep into vehicles and in just an hour herded them out into the parking lot of - [Have you taken a minute for God?](https://talkofjesus.com/have-you-taken-a-minute-for-god/) - Do you pray without ceasing? (Of course you don't.) I must confess that I don't. Scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Original talkofJesus.com post - [By faith, Abraham –4 - Prince of a Promise](https://talkofjesus.com/by-faith-abraham-4-prince-of-a-promise/) - "Before Abraham was, I AM" As you follow the journey of Sheik Abram from Ur to Haran through Canaan to Egypt and back to the land of the Lord's promise we see Abraham's enduring faith in the LORD. Moses records it, the writer of Hebrews references it and the Lord Jesus speaks of a father - [By faith, Abraham –3- Haran halfway from home](https://talkofjesus.com/by-faith-abraham-3-haran-halfway-from-home/) - Haran, halfway to the Promised Land from Ur Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.Genesis 27:11 KJV Some born in the 20th century to a generation of the 80's may recognize a love song about 500 miles. Or if you were born to an earlier - [Church Divided / Empire Fallen 3](https://talkofjesus.com/church-divided-empire-fallen-3/) - Before the Church Divided To further understand modern church history let's go back before the Great Schism to look at some early fathers of the church. Scriptures Revelation 18: Matthew 24: Timeline of the early Church A.D. 258 - Martyrdom of Laurence & other martyrsAD 306-324 – Civil war between the two halves of the - [By faith, Abraham – 2- Sheik](https://talkofjesus.com/by-faith-abraham-2-sheik/) - Abram, Sheik of Ur - Blessed by God My original posts from this series reveal why we can call Abram a Sheik. Our focus, however, is why the Messiah Jesus responds to claims of religious or cultural traditions of Abraham and Moses. “We are offspring of Abraham." In effect Jesus tells us, 'Yes, the Jews - [Abram - Sheik of Haran](https://talkofjesus.com/abram-sheik-haran/) - Once again, I ask you: Who leads your journey? Who leads your family? Who leads your city, your nation – who leads the people who are part of your everyday mortal life? For Abram, it was his father Terah who led the family from the former Kingdom of Ur, part of the Kingdom of Sumer and away - [By faith, Abraham - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/by-faith-abraham-1/) - a series on Abram or Abraham You have heard it: "BY FAITH ABRAHAM.." and you know it from Scripture. Abram was blessed by God, called on to leave his ancestral home on a journey to a promised land. By faith Abraham believed God that his own son would inherit the promises of God's covenant. But - [Abram: Sheikh of Ur](https://talkofjesus.com/abram-sheikh-ur/) - Why would I call Abram a Sheikh? (That's probably not how you think of the Abraham of the Bible account.) Terah took Abram his son ... and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. - Genesis 11:31 - [Whom shall I fear?](https://talkofjesus.com/whom-shall-i-fear/) - Who do you fear (or revere)? Can any man, creature or situation bless you more than the Lord God? If a mere mortal will curse you will you fear them? Scriptures Deuteronomy 11 Proverbs 28:14 Acts 9:31 Psalm 111:10 2 Kings 6:17 Original talkofJesus.com post - [Blessed fear](https://talkofjesus.com/blessed-fear/) - What is blessing? What causes curse? Deuteronomy 11:26 “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am - [EMPIRE Fallen: Church Divided - Part 3](https://talkofjesus.com/empire-fallen-church-divided-part-3/) - 10 August, AD 2013 - This time in history. The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of - [Church Divided / Empire Fallen 2](https://talkofjesus.com/church-divided-empire-fallen-2/) - Church History before King James In part 1 we examined the history of the Bible and specifically how it relates to King James and pre-colonial America. Next we will go back to a time when the church divided into various branches. Take a look at the graphic from the early church to the Reformation and - [EMPIRE Fallen: Church Divided - Part 2](https://talkofjesus.com/empire-fallen-church-divided-part-2/) - 9 August, AD 2013 - This time in history. Genesis 1:2a King James Version - And the earth was without form, and void… ‘without form’ - tohuw – place of chaos; “Most history is untold and unknown to most. We look at history as a timeline of what someone has suggested has relevance to our - [Church Divided / Empire Fallen 1](https://talkofjesus.com/church-divided-empire-fallen-1/) - History 100: of Bibles & Empires - Introduction No man on earth has ever completely understood history except the Son of Man, Christ Jesus. You don't and I certainly do not know near enough about the history of the Bible and history attested to by the Bible. We know very little of Empires other than - [Philosophy - A horse is a horse, of course of course](https://talkofjesus.com/philosophy-a-horse-of-course/) - Or (logically speaking), is it? I preface our upcoming Christian conversation about doctrine with a caveat caution about philosophy and its pitfalls to our denominations of belief. If we are to stand near to the Lord God, man must choose in this mortal life between fruit from various trees of doctrine. Mr. Ed & Balaam's - [You (still) don’t know the Scriptures - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/scriptures/) - Why don't you read the Scriptures? We begin this journey into the Reruns of Summer as a focus on the Bible. Do you know the Scriptures? In fact, most Christians read more world-focused social media than actual word of Scripture from their Bible. In fact many, (dare I say, 'most') Christians do not read much - [Does your church believe?](https://talkofjesus.com/does-your-church-believe/) - What DOES your Church believe? What do you as a member of a 21st century church believe? Scriptures: Luke 23 & 24: Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 2-3 from the Prophets: Isaiah 3Jeremiah 2Hosea 4 Psalm 49 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me…Psalm - [True of False Teaching?](https://talkofjesus.com/true-of-false-teaching/) - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will privately bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. - 2 Peter 2:1 - Webster Bible How is it that you can listen to false teachers - [RZIM Apologetic @Dartmouth College](https://talkofjesus.com/rzim-apologetic-dartmouth-college/) - please-pray-for-ravi-zacharias at-dartmouth college Oct. 10 2013 - [Harlotry of worship](https://talkofjesus.com/harlotry-worship/) - http://www.rzim.org/just-thinking-broadcasts/foundations-of-contemporary-discipleship-part-1-of-4/ - [Have you received the Holy Spirit?](https://talkofjesus.com/have-you-received-the-holy-spirit/) - What does Christ say about the Holy Spirit? And the Holy Spirit for the Church: .. knowing, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction..Paul's first letter to the - [A Personal God - The Holy Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/personal-god-holy-spirit/) - Can you look in the mirror and see your soul? Neither can you look upon the Heavens or the earth and see the Holy Spirit. "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24 Acts 1 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many - [Explaining Christ's Resurrection](https://talkofjesus.com/explaining-christs-resurrection/) - No Memorial for the Risen Body of Christ! How do you explain Christ's resurrection and ascension? This week in the year of our Lord 2021, Americans celebrate Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May honoring those who died in war serving their country. Luke, - [Until He Was Taken Up](https://talkofjesus.com/taken/) - Jesus IS risen from death on a cross! Then after appearing alive is again taken up into heaven. Witness after witness has told you what our Lord has done. Jesus appeared not only to the Apostles and family, but the risen Jesus also appeared to other witnesses. How can we explain this singular pivotal event - [The Paraclete of Pentecost - Christ our Advocate](https://talkofjesus.com/paraclete-of-pentecost-christ-our-advocate/) - I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper [paraclete], so that He may be with you forever..John 14:16 NASB20 Pentecost WE, as Christians, tend to compartmentalize the tenants of our faith. FATHER, that is GOD of the Old Testament. And then the SON, Jesus born, crucified buried, resurrected in body and - [God's Personal Love -5- for flickering flames of Faith](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-personal-love-5-for-flickering-flames-of-faith/) - Golden Lampstands with flames from flickering faith Darkness dominates a cold place behind the veil of the Holy of Holies - an unseen flickering faith of worshipers of the LORD. The Temple had been Jerusalem's replica of a former glory now departed - a white-washed façade of cleansing since the broken covenant of its faithless - [God’s Personal Love -4- from Him who is to come](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-personal-love-4-exhortation-from-him-who-is-to-come/) - A Letter from Him who is to come Whatever does that mean: a letter from Him who is to come? We receive a letter (email or text, if you will) from a person about to visit us here in the certain place where we live. They are a friend or family member who will return - [as to a lamp shining in a dark place](https://talkofjesus.com/lamp-shining-in-a-dark-place/) - Perhaps you look at Biblical prophesy as something of darkness from the past. Maybe in this 21st century we just don't believe the lives and words of men like Jeremiah or Isaiah could shed any light on the struggles of our life. If God has spoken through certain men of old, why send Jesus to - [God’s Personal Love -3 Brothers Beloved & more](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-personal-love-3-brothers-beloved-more/) - Father, Sons & Brothers - a more Personal love We have begun this series about God's love for us and see a MOST PERSONAL love between Jesus the Son and the Father God! Here we will glance at the personal love of Jesus' brother Jude, a personal love of brothers, of sisters -- family connections - [God's Personal Love -2 His Love of the Church](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-personal-love-2-his-love-of-the-church/) - Jesus Loves the Church If you picture Jesus' Disciples as a blueprint of His church you will observe God's love for the Church by Christ's love of them. The Messiah Jesus had been with the Twelve for over two years when the Lord asked them about the crowds of disciples who followed them. Matthew 16: - [God's Personal Love -1-See how He loved him?](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-personal-love-1-see-how-he-loved-him/) - Series Introduction: We hold many different understandings of love and views of those who receive God's love. Perhaps no Image of God's personal love imprints the minds of man more than that of the Son of Man, Christ Jesus. Jesus embodies the Father's love of others and God's love of the world in so many - [The Mirror of Church Hypocrisy](https://talkofjesus.com/church-hypocrisy/) - The hypocrisy of Christians becomes most evident in the issues we pursue and the righteousness we do NOT pursue. I would like to help the unbeliever understand the motives of christians of the church and the issues we most frequently address in the public arena, while ignoring the log in the eyes of our christian - [+ talk of Jesus .com](https://talkofjesus.com/subscribe-new-post-series/) - LATEST POSTS A.D. 2021 - Talk of Jesus .com TOPICAL POST SERIES New Post Series to be continued... Think of our post series as reading a continuing story in several scriptures from the Bible on a TOPIC relevant to 21st century Christians. ADD your questions or thoughts as a COMMENT on any post. APRIL 2021 - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden – Commandments and more](https://talkofjesus.com/redemption-4-commandments/) - Moses Descends With Commandments of the Lord Moses has before saved Israel from destruction, but this time an angry Lord God could have justly killed these covenant-breaking Hebrews, who heard the Commandments of the LORD God! Do you recall how when Israel had first heard the voice of the Lord speaking the Commandments to them - [In God We Trust - Hope](https://talkofjesus.com/god-trust-hope/) - The Lamentations asking "HOW?" are really questions of hope for a fallen nation. Christians hold onto hope. In God we trust (at least, some of us.) No Biblical consideration of our present and passing crisis would be complete without hope. Recalling from our parallel to Lamentations some of the earlier history of this young nation: - [He was what? A Man of sorrows?](https://talkofjesus.com/he-was-what-a-man-of-sorrows/) - I'm beginning to fear that I may be becoming like Jesus in ways I had not anticipated. The morose line from scripture which stalks my days? Think about living like the Messiah of mankind. Forgiving? Sure. Sometimes I want to forgive others. Loving? Definitely! The Lord Jesus exemplified love of those who seemed not to - [Jerusalem, Jerusalem](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-jerusalem/) - Matthew 23:37 [also Luke 13:34] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me - [You Will Not Be Led -8- All but Two](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-7-all-but-two/) - Joshua & Caleb Observe carefully those faithful to the LORD and also leaders faithful to Moses. Then listen to the grumbling rabble of the disobedient and see a stark contrast. Two faithful successors stand out because these contemporaries of Moses (who began this forty year exodus at age 80) stood faithfully with the LORD's anointed - [You Will Not Be Led -7- Korah's Rebellion](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-7-korahs-rebellion/) - מִדְבָּר The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, forgiving iniquity and rebellion. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generation.Numbers 14:18 CSB Numbers 15: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons - [You Will Not Be Led -6- Rabble & Rebellion](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-6-rabble-rebellion/) - Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out.Numbers 9:22 NASB95 From Exodus to Obedience Previously in You Will Not Be Led -5- - [You Will Not Be Led -5- Disobedience to Witness](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-5-disobedience-to-witness/) - We stand daily on the precipice of loving the LORD our God or turning away toward the pit of our destruction.Roger @ talk of Jesus {dot}.com From Awe to Law AWESOME! Amazing beyond human comprehension (if you were not there); not only the Red Sea crossing but more so the appearance of the LORD at - [You Will Not Be Led -4- Death in the Wilderness](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-4-death-in-the-wilderness/) - The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go up from here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt.... But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people..Exodus 33::1a,3b CSB Sojourning through the Shifting Sands of a Wilderness Encounter What happened? Did the LORD GOD change His mind? - [You will not be led 3 - Lot's wife turns back](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-3-lots-wife-turns-back/) - WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?! Have you forgotten what happened before? Did you hear the WARNINGS? Flee from the midst of Babylon,And each of you save his life!Do not be destroyed in her punishment,For this is the LORD'S time of vengeance;He is going to render recompense to her. - Jeremiah 51:6 NASB Do NOT look back at - [You Will Not Be Led -2- Lot's Wife](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-2-lots-wife/) - WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?! As the world reports with great frequency, something BIG just happened (somewhere); and now you ask (if again threat of impending doom is not dire), "What does this have to do with Lot's wife?" If kings or enemies have caused it, let's quickly CONVICT them so they cannot do this to US - [You Will Not Be Led into the Promised Land](https://talkofjesus.com/you-will-not-be-led-1-into-the-promised-land/) - Introduction: This brief NEW series is about God and the LORD's own relationship to man. It follows a pilgrimage from which many turn away. These human failings by some from the Bible serve as cautions to those journeying toward the eternal place where the Lord welcomes those who do not refuse to follow. :וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים - [Judge Not, Advice Ignored by Presidential candidates](https://talkofjesus.com/judge-not/) - Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1 NKJV An oft quoted Bible verse Most people know and many misuse the often quoted advice of Jesus, “Judge not, that you be not judged." It's a quote probably most often used by non-believers against Christians, but also spoken in anger by christians, rather than used as Christ intended. - [Apocalypse 9 - the Wrath of the Lamb](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-9-the-wrath-of-the-lamb/) - Disaster on the Whole Earth Perhaps you remember recent disasters or recall the terror of some singular event of history. Deadliest Natural Disasters From The 20th Century Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafterThe Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 1:19 KJV In - [Apocalypse 8 - Martyrs + the saints cry out](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-8-martyrs-the-saints-cry-out/) - “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” Revelation 6:10b NASB - the cry of the martyrs from beneath the altar Martyrs UNANSWERED Questions of those who died for their faith in Jesus Christ: Where is JUSTICE for those who - [Apocalypse 7 - Death & Hell follows him](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-7-death-hell-follows-him/) - When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come!”Revelation 6:7 Four Living Creatures: "Come!" Note the description of this fourth beast and the other living creatures who have summoned John to the apocalypse of the Book (scroll). Recalling that the four living creatures worship the LORD - [Apocalypse 5 - the Beginning of The End](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-5-beginning-of-the-end/) - AWE of things unseen uncovered, creatures of Heaven hardly imagined and devastations of earth unimaginable! This is what the Lord Jesus Christ reveals [ἀποκάλυψις - apokalypsis] to the Apostle John. Excepts from Revelation 4: The Throne Room of Heaven .. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come - [The Gatekeeper & the Shepherds](https://talkofjesus.com/gatekeeper-shepherds-1/) - Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.”2 Samuel 18:16 Of Gatekeepers and Watchmen It would have been a Roman Centurion, Roman guards at the gates of first century Jerusalem. - [The Gatekeeper & the Shepherds - the Door](https://talkofjesus.com/gatekeeper-shepherds-2-the-door/) - After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”The Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John - - [Apocalypse 4 – Tribulation begins - The End Revealed](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-4-tribulation-the-end-revealed/) - For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.Gospel of Mark 13:19 NKJV HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.. Looking for the coming of the Kingdom of all Righteousness? 1:15 אֲהָהּ לַיּוֹם כִּי קָרוֹב יוֹם יְהוָה וּכְשֹׁד מִשַׁדַּי - [Apocalypse 2 - Good News Unsealed](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-2-good-news-unsealed/) - ἀποκάλυψις apokalypsis or apocalypse We often associate apocalypse with the dramatic catastrophic events of the Book of Revelation from the Bible. To begin with a definition, note that an apocalypse is not necessarily an unseen disaster (although it may be for some). laying bare, making nakeda disclosure of truth, instructionmanifestation, appearance In this case: 'the - [Apocalypse - a mystery of Good News Unsealed](https://talkofjesus.com/apocalypse-1-good-news-unsealed/) - Good News & Bad News Which would you like to hear first? Invitation 'Apocalypse? How can Good News come out of inescapable consequence,' you ask? I'll answer this mystery as our series progresses, but first please accept my invitation to subscribe to my February 2021 series for Scripture's answers to some of our most difficult - [Return Journey of a Church from Prison to Paradise](https://talkofjesus.com/return-journey-church-from-prison-to-paradise/) - We began from a dream of beloved relationship in a sinless paradise. But then our security met with unexpected interruption when our eyes opened to a scene east of Eden. There we discovered dependence on prayer and seeking the Lord's direction. What if there is no escape from this misdirected chaotic place, even from a - [Loneliness in the Solitary Confinement || Distanced from Friends](https://talkofjesus.com/loneliness-solitary-confinement-2-distanced-friends/) - Security Story of a man awakened I'd like to continue from what I told you last time. You need to know what happened after a rude awakening from my dream of when my wife and I were in Eden walking with God as if HE Who Created All was my friend! You know of course - [Loneliness in the Solitary Confinement of Social Distancing](https://talkofjesus.com/loneliness-solitary-confinement-social-distancing/) - Security We lay intertwined embraced in warmth flowing from fingertips to toe. Our paradise shattered as I awoke to a loud knock on the door... We will return to my reaction to this awakening later, but for now we must leave the security of our dreams to a new reality of this prison of our - [The Unfaithful City](https://talkofjesus.com/the-unfaithful-city/) - Isaiah:1: 21 How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice! Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your best wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow's cause does not - [The Time Is Near For Our Church - Thyatira](https://talkofjesus.com/time-is-near-thyatira/) - The Revelation of Jesus Christ John to the seven churches Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the - [COVID - the Affliction of Social Distancing - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/covid-affliction-of-social-distancing-2/) - Affliction Our hearts in this year of our Lord 2021 still struggle with the affliction of COVID and restless crowds of displaced people displaced from work. All the world suffers a great loss of normalcy as we cry out, "HOW?"COVID - the Affliction of Social Distancing - 1 + talk of Jesus .com Even though - [COVID - the Affliction of Social Distancing](https://talkofjesus.com/covid-affliction-of-social-distancing/) - Solomon's Jerusalem - the end of an era Until the death of Solomon in 931 B.C., a glorious city of Jerusalem overlooked a great empire blessed by the LORD God, but then the politics of Israel divided the great land. In just a few generations Israel (Samaria) succumbed in 722 B.C. and Judah when Jerusalem - [The Hour Is Come](https://talkofjesus.com/the-hour-is-come/) - These words spake Jesus .. and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come...The Gospel of John 17:1a KJV The Gospel introduction to perhaps Jesus' most pivotal prayer varies in other translations but agrees in the Lord's focus on the moment: "Father, the time has come."Father, the hour has come - [Do you believe in the Son of Man?](https://talkofjesus.com/believe-son-of-man/) - “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.The witness of Jesus to Nikodēmos - John 3:13-15 NASB(the world - [Christmas: past, present, future](https://talkofjesus.com/christmas-past/) - BAH! humbug! You know the story; but the man is converted in the end by what has been, what is, and what will be. What about you? Do you have a Christmas story to warm our hearts? Please share it, by way of a COMMENT. Your witness is important to me and to others. Here - [Witnesses to Jesus Risen! – Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/witnesses-to-jesus-risen-peter/) - “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.John 21:12 CSB 3 Questions & more.. As you read previously in Witnesses to Jesus Risen! – Simon Peter this third encounter of the Disciples with the risen Jesus includes John and - [Witnesses to Jesus Risen! – Simon Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/witnesses-to-jesus-risen-simon-peter/) - The Gospel of John What does a DEATH have to do with GOOD NEWS? Read any obituary of a famous teacher, even a celebrity leader of men and you will discover one thing: They left behind everything. Now the legacy of this body buried or scattered to the dust of the earth must decay. We - [a Gift You Cannot Touch & a God You Can Embrace](https://talkofjesus.com/a-gift-you-cannot-touch/) - What are your expectations for Christmas? What are your memories of gifts and special moments past seasons? What gift have you given? What gifts will you receive? We hope anew for each Christmas to bring light into the darkness of our disappointments, discouragement of days past, present and future. What was it like when you were - [The Scandal of a Virgin](https://talkofjesus.com/scandal-of-a-virgin/) - Everything seemed to be in chaos; no real leadership to speak of in households in my country or surrounding countries. Armies of men, young men and even boys terrorizing our lives, then running away. Soldiers, they call themselves; robbing homes, taking what they please and offering it back to helpless widows. The men flee and - [Another Day of Silence at the Grave of a Loved One](https://talkofjesus.com/another-day-of-silence-at-the-grave-of-a-loved-one/) - It's a familiar scene -- loved ones mourning their loss in silence once the dead body can no longer be embraced by eyes or arms. All that remains are our fleeting memories of a life which has passed into lifeless dust. I have been there. Likely you have as well. It happens that the Beloved - [A Day of the silence of the Passover Lamb](https://talkofjesus.com/a-day-of-the-silence-of-the-passover-lamb/) - The Son of Man is Slain “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! - John 1:36 From the day the Son of Man is delivered into the world and laid in a manger the shadow of the Cross foretold Christ's Sacrifice. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among - [A COVID Christmas - Shall we take Jesus out of the box?](https://talkofjesus.com/a-covid-christmas-shall-we-take-jesus-out-of-the-box/) - Happy Holidays NO, I'm not taking a trip to relatives or friends and setting Scripture aside for a time. (And it has nothing to do with #socialdistancing.) Maybe some us heard the true meaning of Christmas from A Charlie Brown Christmas. -talkofJesus.com - https://talkofjesus.com/?s=christmas The church continues to tell the story of a Virgin birth - [Defending GOD!](https://talkofjesus.com/defending-god/) - Apologetics You may know of a Christian ministry or witness whose stated purpose is to defend God. RZIM.org and others focus on apologetics witness Jesus Christ to unsaved souls, comparing Christianity to other religions -- even to atheism. Some have come to Christ through these ministries by learning the logic and love of the Lord - [CRUCIFIXION! - The Pangs of Sin](https://talkofjesus.com/crucifixion-the-pangs-of-sin/) - So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.John 19:16 NASB Tarrying on the road of Suffering "Father, the hour is come," the Lord Jesus had prayed in a most personal prayer just hours before. Then in the darkness of Gethsemane Jesus had asked Peter, "Am I not to drink the cup the Father - [Crucifixion! - The Spirit of Grace](https://talkofjesus.com/crucifixion-the-spirit-of-grace/) - Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”John 19:19 NASB More Mockeries of the Son of Man on the Cross of Sacrifice Even today mockery of Jesus Christ is as common as rejection of the Lord God. In CRUCIFIXION! – - [The Last Word on Authority - Jesus Son of God](https://talkofjesus.com/last-word-on-authority-jesus-son-of-god/) - John 19: Previously, Pilate had questioned Jesus apart from the crowds and asked if He is a king. Now, after having had Jesus scourged 39 times and coming out to the barely controlled crowds of Jerusalem, Pilate will question this 'man' a second time in his judge's chambers within the palace. What has prompted Pilate's - [What is Truth-2-Scourging your enemy](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-truth-2-scourging-your-enemy/) - Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him.John 19:1 NASB A Contest to Govern Contests to govern are always waged between the wealthy in charge and the wealthy who would rather be in charge.Roger Harned- talkofJesus.com Why is God about to suffer by the hands of His enemies? To fully understand what is about to take - [CRUCIFY! CRUCIFY iēsous Crucify ben 'elyown 'elyown](https://talkofjesus.com/crucify-crucify-jesus-son-of-the-most-high/) - Crowds incited against all righteousness Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him; for I find no grounds for charges in His case!”John 19:6b NASB Justice of the Crowds Though the politician in charge who happens to be Governor and Judge finds no case against Jesus Christ and mockingly charges those politicized religious - [What is Truth?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-truth/) - Opinion Poll | Vote today: Which politician do you believe? democrat republican NONE of the above in 2020 Who will vote for Truth? A vile venom of political and religious rhetoric is nothing new under the sun in the 1st century A.D. or this 21st century. If you share any of my political views or - [A Foundation of Truth](https://talkofjesus.com/foundation-truth/) - My father was a builder when I was a boy. He and my uncle and the men who worked for them built houses from the ground up. My dad could look at a piece of ground and survey it with his eyes and see a finished house. What just looked to me like piles of - [Are You a King?](https://talkofjesus.com/are-you-a-king/) - Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”John 18:33 NASB The Politically Charged Question Pilate interrogates Jesus by beginning privately with a loaded question. As Governor AND presiding judge (in chambers), the Prefect questions the defendant already declared guilty by the Jews, - [1st century Rome - an awkward embrace of RELIGION & politics](https://talkofjesus.com/1st-century-rome-religion-politics/) - Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death”John 18:31 NKJV As a reminder from our study of John 18, the Messiah Jesus was seized by officials of the Temple in Jerusalem, - [Kings, Governors, Politicians & Priests 2– Pontius Pilate](https://talkofjesus.com/kings-governors-politicians-priests-2-pontius-pilate/) - Τίνα κατηγορίαν φέρετε κατὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου“Tis katēgoria pherō kata ho anthrōpos hoytos?John 18:29 – question of Pilate to the Jews who brought Jesus before him “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” Pilate's question to those who brought Jesus before him is most appropriate for any judge of a man brought to law - [Page TWO - Christ Jesus, Lord for a 21st c. Church](https://talkofjesus.com/page-two-christ-jesus-lord-for-a-21st-c-church/) - NEW - Page TWO This NEW approach for talkofJesus.com posts replicates an interactive technique used for centuries: introduce the story and characters, then interrupt the storyline briefly to provoke thought about the story. The author's design is for you to respond to the storyteller. As author of most posts here I ask you: Do you - [The Politics of Religion - Righteousness on Trial](https://talkofjesus.com/the-politics-of-religion-righteousness-on-trial/) - The Malignant Leaven of Religious Politics The religious rulers of the Temple discussed ad nauseam different approaches to God-justified righteousness for preservation of their personal political influence in Judaea, imperial procuratorial province of Rome. We have slowed down our examination of the Gospel of John like politicians seeking convicting evidence against an opponent. Let's dig - [the son of perdition vs. The Son of Man](https://talkofjesus.com/the-son-of-perdition-vs-the-son-of-man/) - “While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.John 17:12 NASB - High Priestly Prayer of Christ Jesus Judas vs. Jesus We have entered Gethsemane - [Jesus Leading Toward Gethsemane](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-leading-toward-gethsemane/) - PAUSE -- for a moment -- & look out over the Kidron Valley as the Disciples would have done when Jesus led them from the Holy of Holies in an upper room in Jerusalem to their quiet gathering place at Gethsemane. Toward Gethsemane Toward Gethsemane In the previous few chapters John sums up for us - [What now?](https://talkofjesus.com/what-now/) - talkofJesus.com Christian Social Witness “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.Mark 16:15 - the words of the Messiah Jesus Seven Years by Roger Harned Over 800 posts Mostly exposition of Scripture from nearly every book of the BibleSearchable by topic or keywordlinked to secure reliable sourcesreaching five continents and translatable - [From This World to the Next - Truth](https://talkofjesus.com/from-this-world-to-the-next-2-truth/) - Jesus continues to pray for those the Father has given Him:And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.John 17:19 KJV What is truth? 'What is truth?' Pilate will soon ask the Creator of all things who came to this world of His creation. Yet prior to the - [From This World to the Next - Sanctification](https://talkofjesus.com/from-this-world-to-the-next-sanctification/) - Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.John 17:17 CSB - Jesus' prayer for disciples Between life & Eternal Life As Jesus intercedes for disciples our Master has just prayed: "I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." Jesus, the Eternal - [Protect Them from the Evil One](https://talkofjesus.com/protect-them-from-the-evil-one/) - Keep Them I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.John 17:15 CSB JESUS prays fervently in an upper room in Jerusalem. He intercedes for disciples of every era, not for everyone but only for those the Father has given to Him for - [No More in the World](https://talkofjesus.com/no-more-in-the-world/) - And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world...The prayer of Christ Jesus - Gospel of John 17:11 KJV Prayer for disciples In answering the question, 'Who Does JESUS Pray For?' we have clearly determined that Christ Jesus prays for us as High Priest and intercessor before God our - [Who Does JESUS Pray For?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-does-jesus-pray-for/) - Eternal Life, But For Whom? We have entered the Father's house of prayer through the sacredness of scripture. And before us in this holy upper room in Jerusalem stands Christ Jesus, arms lifted toward heaven and praying as a High Priest beyond the curtain. Along with John and the eleven remaining Apostles we hear the - [Jesus' Power to give Eternal Life](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-power-to-give-eternal-life/) - ... and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.John 10:28 NASB Power and Authority From the Gospel John 17 we have begun to study the Lord's High Priestly Prayer in The Hour Is Come and also recently addressed The Authority of - [The Authority of Jesus, His Power over all flesh](https://talkofjesus.com/authority-of-jesus-power-over-all-flesh/) - He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh...John 17:1b-2a NASB Let us pray: LORD, help us to understand the Person of Your Son Jesus Christ through His prayer to the Father. Amen. We have begun our look at - [The Hour Is Come - Glory to the Son AND the Father](https://talkofjesus.com/the-hour-is-come-glory-to-the-son-and-the-father/) - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer of intercession begins simply and humbly. Even from the confines of a dark upper room in Zion which Judas has now left on the eve of Jerusalem's great darkness, Jesus looks up to the light of a glory the Son once had - the glory of the LORD God our Father - [Father, the hour is come](https://talkofjesus.com/father-the-hour-is-come-2/) - Jesus uses 'Father' as a relational approach to God, just like the trust which the boy Jesus surely must have had with Joseph, husband of His mother Mary, many times. Yet what does this mean to a disciple of Jesus' teaching to address the Lord God as Father? Father, the hour has come There's a - [Beyond Nazareth](https://talkofjesus.com/beyond-nazareth/) - Taking the long view - Beyond Nineveh and Nazareth Our long journey began in Beyond Nineveh with a look at Jonah, a reluctant Prophet who preached repentance to the largest city on earth. {Read about the beginning of our journey in the link above.} From Jonah's home in the Galilean hills, Jerusalem would have seemed like a modern - [God's Nation under No One](https://talkofjesus.com/nation-under-no-one/) - Leadership Crisis Ahead for the Nation Although things have been going along well for the past few decades, change is inevitable. As we think back to the differences between past leaders of our nation, we must tremble for the day fast-approaching of a choice between the lesser of two evils. A nation cannot long endure divided by strife - [He will give you another Helper - the Holy Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/another-helper-3-the-holy-spirit/) - “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. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”John 4:23-24 NASB The Messiah Jesus has been with His Apostles for - [He will give you another Helper - Jesus' promise](https://talkofjesus.com/another-helper-2-jesus-promise/) - תהילים 42 5 אֵ֤לֶּה אֶזְכְּרָ֨ה׀ וְאֶשְׁפְּכָ֬ה עָלַ֨י׀ נַפְשִׁ֗י כִּ֤י אֶֽעֱבֹ֨ר׀ בַּסָּךְ֮ אֶדַּדֵּ֗ם עַד־בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים בְּקוֹל־רִנָּ֥ה וְתוֹדָ֗ה הָמ֥וֹן חוֹגֵֽג׃ Why are you in despair, O my soul?And why have you become disturbed within me?Hope in God, for I shall again praise HimFor the help of His presence.Psalm 42:5 NASB The Issue is HELP " He will - [He will give you another Helper](https://talkofjesus.com/he-will-give-you-another-helper/) - Our situation now appears desperate in this place isolated from the world. In the past three years we have come to know what to expect, but now it seems that everything will change. Can you relate? In case you missed it, Church.., we've reached a pivotal point in the history of the world where the - [In case you missed it, Church..](https://talkofjesus.com/in-case-you-missed-it-3-church/) - "that you also love one another! This is the NEW COMMANDMENT of Jesus. The Lord Jesus does NOT instruct followers to 'love the world' (as God so loved-the world...), but HIS first NEW commandment is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Jesus asks the Apostles who have been together for three years as a church, iterate followers - [Amos - For those who turn justice into wormwood](https://talkofjesus.com/amos-2-justice-into-wormwood/) - Whatever is wormwood? Sometimes when we read the Bible, especially the Old Testament and specifically the true Prophets of Scripture, we fail in the imagery of the language of centuries and millennia long past. Amos uses a word "לַעֲנָה" we translate into English as wormwood and most of us naturally ask, "whatever is wormwood?" Truly, - [Reflections: Jerusalem - a city of Kings](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-city-of-kings/) - talkofJesus.com [ Lament over Jerusalem ] “O Jerusalem,Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! - words of Christ Jesus - Mathew 23:37 1 Chronicles - [In case you missed it, disciple](https://talkofjesus.com/in-case-you-missed-it-2-disciple/) - Disciples receive a New Command John witnessed previously a NEW COMMANDMENT of Jesus, who also said: You are My friends if you do what I command you. John 15:14 The setting was the table of Communion of the 'last supper,' our picture of the scene most likely too Italian and not accurately set in first century Jerusalem. So - [In case you missed it, friend..](https://talkofjesus.com/in-case-you-missed-it-friend/) - “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.John 13:34 NASB 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” In case you missed it Christ Jesus, the Messiah of Israel - [While we wait... DEATH and Resurrection](https://talkofjesus.com/while-we-wait-death-and-resurrection/) - While we must wait... Life has not been progressing even remotely how we had planned. Here we are locked up as if in the prison of death. All normal life interrupted by events of recent days. Yet what next -- what now? For the church in the year of our Lord, 2020 of these last - [A King Unexpected](https://talkofjesus.com/a-king-unexpected/) - Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” - John 18:37 We want - [HOLY | separated](https://talkofjesus.com/holy-separated/) - Leviticus 11:45 & John 6:69 Roger@talkofJesus.com reading today's devotional scriptures Isolation Observe how some react to isolation (as in #StayatHome #Pandemic etc.) and you might just wonder how any wall of separation can exist between mankind. Human beings made in the inage of God are social. We must live and work together as families, as - [Jesus - Traveling to and from Bethany](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-traveling-to-and-from-bethany/) - Departing Bethany Jesus the Messiah has just given the Jews of Judea a sign proving that He IS the Son of God. For after traveling some distance on foot to Bethany the Lord arrived to find his friend Lazarus dead. Then to the amazement of all, Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb. The Messiah gives - [Lazarus - the Dead Man came out!](https://talkofjesus.com/lazarus-the-dead-man-came-out/) - Witness of a Dead Man What must it be like to be dead? (Have you ever thought about it?) You get sick and perhaps pain increases. Your loved ones begin to look at you in a different way than when you participated in life with them. Although John's Good News focuses on Jesus, dear friend - [Lazarus - Death and Resurrection](https://talkofjesus.com/lazarus-2-death-and-resurrection/) - Death and Resurrection Hosea 13:4 I have been the Lord your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and no Savior exists besides me. 5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought. "Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the - [If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly](https://talkofjesus.com/if-you-are-the-messiah-tell-us-plainly/) - The Messiah at Festivals So what does the Messiah of Israel do at festivals and feasts? How does the Messiah lead followers to worship the Lord our God, our Father in heaven? It was the Feast of Hanukkah at Yerushalayim.John 10:22 Hebrew Names Version Yeshua mashiyach Just a reminder to Christians of this 21st century, - [Amos the Seer: "I told you so (5x) - GOD showed me](https://talkofjesus.com/amos-i-told-you-so-god-showed-me/) - I told you so! Don't we hate to hear it? While occupied in our own daily trespasses we stop up our ears to any who would warn of our sins: "Thus the Lord GOD showed me, and behold..." And to make things worse, in the day of our demise the seer such as Amos could - [Amos - Not immune from judgment](https://talkofjesus.com/amos-not-immune-from-judgment/) - We interrupt the Good News of John for an urgent warning from the Prophet Amos. “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, And I will destroy it from the face of the earth Amos 9:8a NASB We are NOT IMMUNE to the #pandemic of sin! A familiar forgotten history Even - [Christ Our Hope in Life and Death](https://talkofjesus.com/17515-2/) - “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” New Easter hymn from Getty Music! - [Jesus - Siloam - "I washed and I see](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-siloam-3-washed/) - “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he left, washed, and came back seeing.John 9:7 CSB Sight to a blind man Previously we looked at John's introduction to Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth. We left off with the Messiah sending the man to Siloam - [Jesus - Disaster & Sin - Tower of Siloam](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-sin-siloam-2/) - "I tell you, no! But ... What day's NEWS doesn't HEADLINE: DISASTER? The world asks why God would allow this. Were those killed worse sinners than others, so God punished them by death? This is how we think. Even if we acknowledge sin (in others) we want to blame God for punishment, especially in providential - [Jesus - True Light Siloam the Darkness](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-light-siloam-darkness/) - Who sinned? What an odd question we think. Disciples of Jesus ask Him as they observe a man blind from birth. Their rabbi instructs them that neither the sin of the man nor the sin of his parents caused his blindness. Then amazingly Jesus puts mud on the man's eyes and sends him to the - [Ashes to Ashes](https://talkofjesus.com/ashes-ashes/) - Genesis 18:27 KJV And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Do you know the context of this? (Answer in a moment; but first another quote and some additional background.) Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take - [Before Abraham was, I AM](https://talkofjesus.com/before-abraham-was-i-am/) - “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:6 KJV 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, - [Who May Judge SIN?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-may-judge-sin/) - Continuing in the Gospel of John 'Who made you judge and jury,' some ask the Christian who applies the Law? "Don't judge sin," some even preach deceptively. Many a sinner will quote Jesus to you: “Judge not, that you be not judged. - Matthew 7:1 We have been following the Good News of the Messiah - [The Way is Narrow & FEW find it](https://talkofjesus.com/paul-washer-youth-sermon/) - The road is BROAD that leads to DESTRUCTION. Matthew 7: You with ears to hear, listen to this message below. 57:35 Paul Washer - HeartCry Missionary Society - 2006 message to Youth Conference 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are - [About the Author John -2- Sons of Zebedee](https://talkofjesus.com/about-author-john-2-zebedee/) - Have you ever considered that Jesus may have called James and John the 'sons of thunder' because their father Zebedee, a businessman and owner of a Galilean fishing fleet may have best described as thunderous? And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), and James, the son of Zebedee, and - [Complaint to the Lord](https://talkofjesus.com/complaint-lord/) - Job 6 English Standard Version (ESV) Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just 6 Then Job answered and said: 2 “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in - [Mission 2 - Vision of your end](https://talkofjesus.com/mission-2-vision-end/) - Is your mission a path to a vision for your life? Is it a vision of your own only? Will you accomplish what you alone have planned? What if something goes wrong and your mission becomes impossible. What then? A righteous man lived a long and blessed life, yet near the end of his path of - [Job 27:11](https://talkofjesus.com/job-2711/) - Job 27:11 I will teach you concerning the hand of God; That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. This verse speaks to my teaching gifts. The application for all of us is that Jesus IS God. He has not concealed that He will return in victory over all suffering, sin, and death. I - [Job's Wife](https://talkofjesus.com/jobs-wife/) - Job 2: 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his - [Days of Despair](https://talkofjesus.com/days-of-despair/) - In Christ we have a Light of hope in a season of our dark despair. Job 30: 16 “And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. 17 The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest. Have you ever had a bad time in life like - [A Crying Out to the Wind](https://talkofjesus.com/crying-wind/) - Prelude to Disaster When life has been comfortable for you, do you cry out in amazement at a turn of events? Let's take a look at a righteous man from the oldest book in the Bible and later examine Job's pleas to the Lord after his friends have offered no help. Should we cry out - [The Curse of Disease and Death](https://talkofjesus.com/curse-disease-death/) - We don't understand death. Illness, disease and all the relatives of pain. These challenge our sense of mortality and question our grasp of purpose. Why did God make it this way? Wrong question. God created mankind in his image. Sin brought forth death and suffering out of our disobedience to a Father's command. Just like - [Life in the Holy Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/life-spirit-2-holy-spirit/) - Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to those God the Father draws to Him, but Who is this unseen spirit from the LORD God? "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him - [Life in the Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/life-spirit-1/) - What is life? The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.John 6:63b CSB the words of Christ Jesus Look intently into the eyes of anyone. Who do you see? What makes this mortal son or daughter of man so different? King or commoner, young or old, rich or poor -- - [Unless the Father draws you - Signs](https://talkofjesus.com/god-father-1-signs/) - Signs from God the Father Perhaps as one of the multitude hearing the preaching of Jesus you may have missed His relational claim to God as His Father. Even now as one seeing signs on a mountainside and your amazement by the Lord's miracles, your ears failed to hear His mention of the Father. And - ["Follow Me](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-me-2/) - "Follow Me" - Jesus “If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.The words of the Messiah Jesus from the Good News of John 12:26 CSB I mentioned previously in "Jesus said," that God's love for the world - [Shiloh IS Come - From Everlasting](https://talkofjesus.com/shiloh-is-come-from-everlasting/) - 5:2 וְאַתָּ֞ה בֵּֽית־לֶ֣חֶם אֶפְרָ֗תָה צָעִיר֙ לִֽהְיֹות֙ בְּאַלְפֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה מִמְּךָ֙ לִ֣י יֵצֵ֔א לִֽהְיֹ֥ות מֹושֵׁ֖ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּמֹוצָאֹתָ֥יו מִקֶּ֖דֶם מִימֵ֥י עֹולָֽם׃ “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From - [Shiloh IS Come - Immanuel](https://talkofjesus.com/shiloh-is-come-immanuel/) - [Shiloh IS Come](https://talkofjesus.com/shiloh-is-come/) - ... until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. לֹֽא־יָסוּר שֵׁבֶט מִֽיהוּדָה וּמְחֹקֵק מִבֵּין רַגְלָיו עַד כִּֽי־יָבֹא שֶׂילה וְלֹו יִקְּהַת עַמִּֽים׃The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.Genesis 49:10 WLC; KJV - [WE Have Been Here Before – Expectant](https://talkofjesus.com/son-of-man-4-expectant/) - An Expectant Gift Premature Our anticipation of Christmas each year points more toward the expectant gift than the expected Messiah. The world rushes about all around us, no prophet has been heard from for centuries and evil prevails in the palaces of power. We tell the child to play this game and ignore that evil. - [WE Have Been Here Before – in Awe of JESUS](https://talkofjesus.com/son-of-man-3-awe-jesus/) - We show no awe of Jesus in our no-salt 'christian' lives. Oh, perhaps in a stanza of singing, a sentence of sermon or a moment of compassion in our encounter with another; but for the most part we Christians fail to show any awe of Jesus in our worship or daily lives. Our church and - [WE Have Been Here Before – Prophecies](https://talkofjesus.com/son-of-man-2-prophecies/) - Prophecies of Christ's Birth We have been here before in scripture. You likely know Bethlehem from the New Testament, yet this little town's importance derives from prophecies in the Old Testament. The Messiah is predicted in prophecies of Isaiah, who we met previously and also Micah of Moresheth-Gath. Bethlehem ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, - [WE Have Been Here Before - the Son of Man in a Manger](https://talkofjesus.com/son-of-man-1/) - Born the Son of Man Oh, the humility and love of GOD to be born as a Son of Man!Roger Harned - on the birth of the Messiah Jesus Think of it - consider the concept of The Almighty LORD God, born as a human being through a woman. In this sense Jesus, the Christ, - [You Scoffers Who Rule - a Bed too Short](https://talkofjesus.com/bed-too-short-1-isaiah/) - Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people... Have you ever wanted to say that to those who claim to represent you in this government of the people? I have and suspect that most do as we helplessly watch the unraveling of rule which makes much sense or holds hope - [The Tongue is a Fire! – Speaking of Christians](https://talkofjesus.com/tongue-fire-3-christians/) - If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.James 1:26 CSB Contents of 3-part series We began this forum for freely speaking whatever is on your mind with the substance and consequences of speaking out in POLITICS. November in the U.S. is always a contentious time - [The Tongue is a Fire! – Religion](https://talkofjesus.com/tongue-fire-2-religion/) - The Fire of the Tongue, the Rhetoric of Politics and Religion In our previous look at public controversy in the media we began with the clash of politics, mentioning the trial of Socrates in 399 B.C. Today we begin coverage of the clashes of religion and the church with everyday culture. For, “THE ONE WHO - [Because the days are evil – Prepared for Judgment](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-prepared-judgment/) - Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign LORD, for the awesome day of the LORD’s judgment is near. The LORD has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen their executioners.Zephaniah 1:7 NLT Not so Prepared Where is my hope now? What will happen to the one who has not anticipated - [Because the days are evil – 6 - put on the armor of light](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-6-armor-light/) - The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.Romans 13:12 NKJV As these days of darkness slowly impinge upon the light which brought joy to our days and shortened our nights, we despair. The enemy somehow - [Because the days are evil – 5 – a Perilous Dark Path to Perdition](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-5-perilous-path-perdition/) - But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.1 Timothy 6:9 KJV Destruction and Perdition Perdition. Now there's a word rarely heard in these last days. Do you know what it is? Of course we can imagine several - [Because the days are evil – 4 - The Devil made me do it.](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-4-devil-me-do-it/) - and do not give the devil an opportunity.Ephesians 4:27 The Lie of the Devil There's an iconic TV character who we know for a common excuse for sin, "the devil made me do it." We laughed because we have heard it (or something like it) from our friends and loved ones so many times. Inside - [Because the days are evil - 3 -satan.שָׂטָן](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-3-satan-שָׂטָן/) - Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.Psalm 109:6 KJV Previously we observed the existence of Satan in the Supernatural Before Adam as a serpent tempting man to question God. If you acknowledge the Almighty Creator of all things and all men, yet recognize that evil pervades creation - [Supernatural Before Adam - Because the days are evil – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/supernatural-days-evil-2/) - Demons, evils spirits and of course Satan are all part of the unseen supernatural. They oppose the Lord and deceive many, but Jesus knew them all and exercised power over their evil. We introduced this series, Because the Days are Evil, with a quote from a letter written to the first century church at Ephesus. - [Because the days are evil - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/days-evil-1/) - See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV Intro to October series on evil Choose any month of the calendar year and assign it to good or evil. The newness of our January resolutions seem to evoke a new good in - [Elders - a letter from Peter - 9](https://talkofjesus.com/elders-1-peter-9/) - Peter has just cautioned the church that judgment begins with God's household. He encourages all the believers suffering for Christ to keep fervent in your love. And in an appropriate exhortation for leadership of the family Peter urges wives to be submissive to your own husbands. Now the Apostle specifically exhorts the elders of the - [Good Works - a letter from Peter - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/good-works-1-peter-3/) - What do our good works have to do with faith? Peter opens his letter to a persecuted church concerning this salvation with blessings. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of - [Judgment begins with God's household - a letter from Peter 8](https://talkofjesus.com/judgment-1-peter-8/) - Our Attitude in these Last Days For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?1 Peter 4:17 KJV I begin with Peter's pointed call to account of the church - [The End of the Living - a letter from Peter - 7](https://talkofjesus.com/living-1-peter-7/) - Living toward the End Peter challenges persecuted believers to Suffer for Good and trust God to punish those who do evil. He then proceeds to warn of the judgement and the end of those living souls as well as for those who are dead. Just as the end of all life will come, so must - [Psalm 34: Like-minded with Peter - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/psalm-34-like-minded-1-peter-5/) - We might describe Peter and David as like-minded, that is, men after God's own heart. Of course, Psalm 34 is a Psalm of David. So what does this Psalm have to do with a letter from Peter (where we left off previously by asking, 'Why Submit?')? Psalm 34 would have been familiar to first century - [Suffer for Good - a letter from Peter - 6](https://talkofjesus.com/suffer-good-1-peter-6/) - To do good or evil? Previously, from the background of Psalm 34 Peter urges the church to be like-minded in doing good. The Christian Standard Bible labels these verses, "Do No Evil" and the New King James Version, "Called to Blessing." Yet just five verses later Peter calls on us to suffer. Our action? "Seek - [Why Submit? - a letter from Peter - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/submit-1-peter-4/) - Why should we submit to anyone? If a follower of Christ Jesus encounters difficulty from your community, your boss, your spouse or anyone else, why submit to their will rather than your own? We began last time with Peter telling us the purpose of our good works through Christ Jesus: Submit to every human authority - [Jude -3- Apostates](https://talkofjesus.com/jude-3-apostates/) - Why did Jude write to the churches about apostasy? What is apostasy and how do we recognize apostates? As we learned previously in the study of Jude's reason for exhortation, certain intruders have joined the churches to which he writes. Jude describes them as ungodly people who pervert God's grace. He accuses these apostates of - [Jude -2- Necessity is the Father of Exhortation](https://talkofjesus.com/jude-2-exhortation/) - To Correct or Encourage? Do I just keep encouraging my child, servant or follower, or must I instruct them with words of exhortation? Every parent, master, or leader must judge between the value of correction versus positive reinforcement. Jude, a leader of the church no less loving of the recipients of his letter than the - [Jude - Now I will praise the Lord](https://talkofjesus.com/jude-1/) - Who is Jude? The first thing I want to know about any letter I receive is who sent it to me. So as a leader or member of one of several churches we would want to be certain of the identity of the author of Jude and the authenticity of Jude's message. Jude, a bondservant - [Construction Ahead](https://talkofjesus.com/construction-ahead/) - Please be patient... Progress & Change Not that many have noticed, but talkofJesus.com is about to begin our seventh year of publication this August. Few have noted more than 700 posts to date for a small but international readership. This Christian Social Witness began before that with a series of posts in the writer-unfriendly unlikable - [Stuck in our Sin](https://talkofjesus.com/stuck-sin/) - Isaiah 63:16-17 For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name. O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Return - [James - Above all - 9](https://talkofjesus.com/james-above-all-9/) - But above all things, my brethren, swear not...James 5:12a KJV You had begun to count the barrage of important words to the congregation. "FINALLY," says the preacher after a lengthy sermon, as our dull ears and glassy eyes slowly return, "point number nine." Peter, Paul and others frequently conclude with 'finally,' James closes his letter, - [James - Come now, brothers - 8](https://talkofjesus.com/james-come-now-brothers-8/) - Our church receives a pastoral letter from James by messenger. We know James and trust his wisdom and leadership. He addresses us familially as brothers, opening with encouragement, 'count it all joy when you experience trials.' Come now, brothers, James urges, be wise, repent and do what the Lord wills. Unlike the church nearer the - [James - Teachers and Wisdom - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/james-teachers-and-wisdom-5/) - Worldly Wisdom~Biblical Wisdom Did you wonder, who's the smartest person I know? Perhaps a contest of quick recall or someone other than our letter writer comes to mind. Our contemporary thought quickly dismisses wisdom. Yet the Lord gives us all multivarious knowledge and wisdom. The Greek philosophers who lived and died three centuries before Christ - [James and Jesus: Brothers - 6](https://talkofjesus.com/james-jesus-brothers-6/) - Although we took an initial look at the identity of the letter writer in Witness of a Converted Brother, before we ask ourselves about the conclusion of James' letter, I would like to go back to take a look at the relationship between James and Jesus. James, Bond-servant of his Brother Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου - [James - Count It All Joy -2](https://talkofjesus.com/james-count-joy-2/) - Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials...James 1:2 RSV πειρασμός Trials & Temptations Messengers from Jerusalem arrive with a letter from the leader of the church. (Can't wait to hear their good news.) So what is the first thing James has to say to all of us? Consider all of the - [James - Preaching to a Worldly Church - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/james-preaching-worldly-church-4/) - Worldliness in the Church These people create divisions and are worldly, not having the Spirit.Jude 1:19 Jude, brother of James and also witness of Jesus risen from death, stands with all the Apostles when he urges us, "Contend for the faith." He cautions, "some have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace - [James - a Word on Works - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/james-word-works-3/) - In a visual word about works. James entreats us, "let everyone see your works," in this proverb of James, 'be doers of the word.' What does it have to do with his initial advice, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials?" James details the connection as he continues - [James - Witness of a Converted Brother](https://talkofjesus.com/james-witness-converted-brother-1/) - We've just looked at testimonies of several witnesses to Jesus, risen in the flesh, in I have Seen the Lord. Here we will take a look at one witness converted by Jesus' resurrection, James. He frequently spent time with Jesus, heard His preaching, yet his name is not even mentioned in John's Gospel. Was he - [For you will always have the poor – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/poor-3/) - For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.' - Deuteronomy 15:11 Certainly Jesus could have been referring to this command of Moses. Thus far we have examined two of the - [Festival of the Passover](https://talkofjesus.com/festival-of-the-passover/) - No holy holiday surpasses peçach, the festival of the Passover, in the calendar year of the jews. In a previous post, Josiah – a Good King also Dies, we discovered that Passover had been completely forgotten by the Judah. The Law had not been read and Kings before Josiah had done evil in the sight - [Josiah - a Good King also Dies](https://talkofjesus.com/josiah-a-good-king-also-dies/) - We recently observed one of the falls of Jerusalem in the Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah. Now we look further back in time to the king who almost restored Israel before its fall, King Josiah of Judah. Scripture summarizes the reins of so many kings, 'He did evil in the sight of the Lord,' but - [Hebrews 12- Reject Not God's Grace](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-12-reject-not-gods-grace/) - Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak kneesHebrews 12:12 NET The author of Hebrews assures us: "We have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us;" therefore do not grow weary and lose heart. Life's race shall not be to the finish of death, but to our completion in eternity. In Christ we have grace. - [Citizen of Heaven](https://talkofjesus.com/citizen-of-heaven/) - Philippians 3:20 tells us: “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the SAVIOR, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.” .. AMEN!! Submitted by: Ro Murante - [Jeremiah 31:3](https://talkofjesus.com/jeremiah-313/) - I have loved thee with an everlasting love. - Jeremiah 31:3 Witness of Jasmeane Kumari. - [Logos](https://talkofjesus.com/logos/) - John 1 English Standard Version (ESV) The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made through 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 The - ['elohiym](https://talkofjesus.com/elohiym/) - Genesis 1:1a In the beginning, God... 'elohiym "God," 'elohiym, is plural. By definition: masculine noun; plural or plural intensive with a singular meaning. GOD created (v.1) GOD moved (v.2) GOD said (v.3) GOD divided (v.4) GOD called (v.5) GOD made (v.7) GOD blessed (v.22). These are just a few references to 'elohiym - GOD: He (plural intensive with - ['adam](https://talkofjesus.com/adam/) - Genesis 2:7a And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground... Genesis 2 English Standard Version (ESV) Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them... The Creation of Man and Woman 4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that - [spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/spirit/) - Genesis 6:3a And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man... Flesh is that which we can see. Bones is that which we can almost touch - bones which will decay once more into the dust of time. Spirit is quite something else: inexplicable, incomprehensible, immeasurable, untouched, unheard, misunderstood and mysterious to the simpleness - [Time](https://talkofjesus.com/time/) - Genesis 1:1a In the beginning God... Was it the beginning of God? No! God IS. What are these beginnings? Creation. Heaven and earth and man and animals and plants all had a beginning. Genesis: NOT a big bang... from nothing... from the void of non-existence. ONLY GOD who IS could create all this from nothing! - [You are my Son](https://talkofjesus.com/you-are-my-son/) - Acts 13: “‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ 34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ 35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, “‘You will - [Time After Time](https://talkofjesus.com/time-time/) - Death is never so real as when a soul is torn from you or is life so temporal as when death overcomes your loved one. Ignore it as we will, we will die and we can only watch our loved ones wither into dust or be taken from us. A flesh falters and bones do - [Rejoice & Prepare for Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/rejoice-prepare-christ/) - Note about the upcoming wedding: Prepare. Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself - [Hebrews 13 -Remain in Philadelphia](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-13-remain-in-philadelphia/) - 13:1 ἡ φιλαδελφία μενέτω [menō philadelphia menō] Philadelphia? 'Wait,' you say. Philadelphia - stay in Philadelphia? If your familiarity of the New Testament extends beyond the Pennsylvania 'city of brotherly love' in the U.S., you may recall the importance of one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. Not that Philadelphia either. The author of - [Hebrews - Benediction](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-benediction/) - What is a benediction? Where did it originate and why is it the most appropriate closing to this or any letter? Perhaps you have heard a benediction or two, in Latin or another language, words sung closing a worship service. “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will - [Hebrews 12-Grow Not Weary and Lose Heart](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-12-grow-not-weary-lose-heart/) - For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.Hebrews 12:3 NASB Endurance for the race Life wears me out - daily and year to year. My faith fades into a fog of uncertainty as I wonder if the Lord has any use - [Hebrews 11- a Genealogy of Faith](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-11-genealogy-faith/) - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Faith is the Substance What is your greatest hope? Your eternal longing? ἐλπίζω elpizō - to hope How can you be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see? Matthew used this same - [Hebrews 10- Come in, Fear not](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-10-come-in-fear-not/) - Dominus autem in templo sancto suo sileat a facie eius omnis terra! וַֽיהוָ֖ה בְּהֵיכַ֣ל קָדְשֹׁ֑ו הַ֥ס מִפָּנָ֖יו כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ פ The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. Habakkuk 2:20 VUL, WlC, NIV Draw near to meet the LORD Hebrews 10: 8 First he said, “You neither want nor are you pleased - [Hebrews 10- Sacrifice and Offering](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-10-sacrifice-offering/) - I waited patiently for the LORD; 40:6 זֶ֤בַח וּמִנְחָ֨ה לֹֽא־חָפַ֗צְתָּ אָ֭זְנַיִם כָּרִ֣יתָ לִּ֑י עֹולָ֥ה וַ֝חֲטָאָ֗ה לֹ֣א שָׁאָֽלְתָּ׃ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Psalm 40:6 Masoretic Text; NKJV The Perfect Sacrifice The author of Hebrews states that in Christ we - [Hebrews 9- Covenant Ministry](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-9-covenant-ministry/) - Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.Hebrews 9:15B NLT It's not an exact translation from the Greek, but the heart of the author's message from his letter to the Hebrews. He now proceeds from the main point in Hebrews 8 that Christ is - [Emmanuel](https://talkofjesus.com/emmanuel/) - YOU need to stop thinking of Jesus as if He were historical, like a dinosaur or a Caesar. Jesus IS. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. - Matthew 1:23 KJV Let us turn back - [GOD! Why have you forsaken me?](https://talkofjesus.com/god-forsaken/) - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!? The familiar words from Psalm 22 must have still been ringing in the ears of the mourners at the Cross. Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not - [Christ's Corporate Community - a Christmas Question](https://talkofjesus.com/a-christmas-question/) - Isaiah 7 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter - [Jesus, a Refugee](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-a-refugee/) - 'Can you explain the church?' An unbeliever or a follower of another faith notices your joy for Christmas. Maybe you just wished them a 'Merry Christmas' and they sensed your sincere joy in the Lord. A flesh and blood friend, a friend with a soul, wants to know from you something about Christ's corporate community, the church. - [The Defeat of a Nation, Birth of a King](https://talkofjesus.com/defeat-nation-birth-king/) - Note: This is the fourth message in my 2014 Advent series. Christmas, 1944, would be his last. His circumstances seemed dire, the cause lost and darkness descending on the faithful. A Christian pastor had stood boldly in witness for Christ against the powers of evil. When Visser’t Hooft, the General Secretary of The World Council of - [Light of Life](https://talkofjesus.com/light-life/) - My wick was dry and lifeless Until I beheld Thy Light. Witness the touch of Christmas, the distant focused look at the burning bush of Christ Jesus through eyes drawn from darkness to the love of the Lord, which He has planted in our distant cold hearts. Come unto me and I will give you rest... God - [Conquest of Love; Sin Slain at the Gate](https://talkofjesus.com/conquest-love-sin-slain/) - Philippians 2: And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and - [An Acceptable Sacrifice](https://talkofjesus.com/an-acceptable-sacrifice/) - Psalm 50 The Acceptable Sacrifice A Psalm of Asaph. 1 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a - [No Foolin'! Satan seeks christians](https://talkofjesus.com/no-foolin/) - April Fools! (Don't get caught, child of God.) Proverbs 10:23 KJV It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. And note from the definitions that in addition to stupidity, the attitude of a fool could include arrogance. Let us not as Christians believe that only unbelievers are - [Light Has Come](https://talkofjesus.com/light-has-come/) - Did you miss it? Did you miss the Good News of Christmas? How we take the Christmas season for granted! Yet centuries had passed in darkness while God kept silent. Interesting Facts About Isaiah Barnes’ Bible Charts MEANING: Isaiah means “Yahweh is salvation.” AUTHOR: Isaiah TIME WRITTEN: Isaiah’s long ministry ranged from 740 B.C. to 680 - [Renaming of the Holiday](https://talkofjesus.com/renaming-of-the-holiday/) - A major corporate advertiser brazenly changed Thanksgiving this year to 'Thanks-getting.' It is not an inaccurate description of our 21st c. consumer attitude about the purpose of the holidays. Add to that: Black Friday, which hemorrhaged forward into the traditional dinner hour of Thanksgiving Day; Small Business Saturday, a local attempt to hold onto business closer - [He hath led me (into darkness, not light)](https://talkofjesus.com/he-hath-led-me/) - He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day. He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old. He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made - [In the beginning, and through time...](https://talkofjesus.com/in-the-beginning-and-through-time/) - "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; - Hebrews 1:10 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are - [The Burden of the Word of the Lord](https://talkofjesus.com/the-burden-of-the-word-of-the-lord/) - The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. מַשָּׂא דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּיַד מַלְאָכִֽי׃ We have heard it before: a 'burden,' a weight laid upon the back of a mortal soul, an oracle from the LORD laid upon the tongue of a Prophet. Malachi was the last Prophet of Judah. Israel (Samaria) - [Stubble & Chaff - Repentance before the Lord](https://talkofjesus.com/stubble-chaff-repentance/) - “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1 NKJV The prophesy is clear from Malachi, Prophet of - [A voice was heard in Ramah](https://talkofjesus.com/a-voice-in-ramah/) - A baby born in a manger.. What a peaceful scene to make us think of children. What does Christmas, in the year of our Lord, 2015, have to do with the birth of Christ in a manger in Bethlehem? Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping - [The Voice of a Shepherd in the Wilderness](https://talkofjesus.com/shepherd-1/) - A Flawed Shepherd We’re flawed – very flawed; you know what I mean? A Shepherd is sorta an outsider, you know. The people in town wear fine clothes, woven from the well-washed wool of our flocks, yet they turn away from us repulsed by the scent of our lowly work as shepherds. Mostly we live in the wilderness - [Hebrews 7- Melchizedek king & priest](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-7-melchizedek-king-priest/) - This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him.Hebrews 7:1 NLT We've heard this before Who was this Melchizedek? The writer of Hebrews is about to give us - [Hebrews 6-Our Inheritance through Faith & Perseverance](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-6-inheritance-faith-perseverance/) - I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply you.Hebrews 6:14; Genesis 22:17 What an inheritance we expect from God! A blessing passed on from generation to generation, then unto us and eventually to our heirs. No chosen people can claim any inheritance like the Jews. From a detailed Commandment and covenants of scripture - [עִבְרִי Hebrews - Intro](https://talkofjesus.com/עִבְרִי-hebrews-intro/) - What does it mean to be Jewish? Does it mean something entirely different to be Christian? How does the Hebrew Bible fit with the Christian Bible? All important questions of faith, along with other foundational tenants of belief in the Lord God. Authorship Every authentic book of Scripture has at least two authors, the LORD - [Hebrews 5- Christ a High Priest](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-5-christ-high-priest/) - וְהַכֹּהֵן֩ הַגָּדֹ֨ול מֵאֶחָ֜יו אֲֽשֶׁר־יוּצַ֥ק עַל־רֹאשֹׁ֣ו שֶׁ֤מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה֙ וּמִלֵּ֣א אֶת־יָדֹ֔ו לִלְבֹּ֖שׁ אֶת־הַבְּגָדִ֑ים אֶת־רֹאשֹׁו֙ לֹ֣א יִפְרָ֔ע וּבְגָדָ֖יו לֹ֥א יִפְרֹֽם׃"'The high priest - who is greater than his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured, who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments - must neither dishevel the hair of his head nor tear his - [Hebrews -4- Rest Promised or Pursued?](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-4-rest-promised-or-pursued/) - But the message they heard did not benefit them...Hebrews 4:2a CSB Previously I asked, "Will you enter into God’s perfect rest?" The author of Hebrews traces our Hebrew heritage and history back to Moses and then states, "So we see that they were unable to enter [rest] because of unbelief." It is significant warning to - [Hebrews - 3 - Jesus, our Apostle & High Priest](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-3-jesus-high-priest/) - Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. Hebrews 3:1 CSB Why a Priest? What do you think of when someone mentions a priest or a high priest? A religious ceremony? A regal religious robed man in charge? As mentioned previously in - [Hebrews - 2 - Pioneer of Perfect Salvation](https://talkofjesus.com/hebrews-2-pioneer-perfect-salvation/) - In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.Hebrews 2:10 NIV But we see Jesus... Hebrews 2:9a The author begins his letter to his Jewish brothers stating that G_d's final word is through the - [A Witness through John - Samira سمير](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-11-samira/) - Samira سميرة‎ - a woman at a well in Samaria John 4:7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus: Give me a drink. Samira: How is - [God's Love Through John: Signs](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-7-signs/) - “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.” - [God's Love Through John: Light of a greater testimony](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-6-light/) - “John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.Jesus, of John the Baptist - John 5:35 CSB The Illustration The Apostle John makes more references to light in his Gospel than any other New Testament writer. Job, Psalms and Isaiah in the Old Testament also - [God's Love Through John: Disciples](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-5-disciples/) - “If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.John 12:26 Preachers, Teachers & Disciples We've all seen them, the up and coming preachers who gain a public following. Of course appointed religious officials would like to be the - [God’s Love Through John: Of water and the Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-love-3-spirit/) - “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.Christ Jesus - Gospel of John 3:5 The Apostle John begins his Good News with creation then proceeds to verify the identity of Christ as prophesied and witnessed in Jesus' earthly ministry. Previously I addressed - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden – Redeemer](https://talkofjesus.com/river-redemption-9-redeemer/) - For I know that my Redeemer lives,and at the last he will stand upon the earth. - Job 19:25 ESV Redeemed from what? Scripture records that Job is a righteous man. Can you say that? Most assuredly, I cannot. A great and powerful leader loves God and does everything right, yet the Lord permits Satan - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden – Justice](https://talkofjesus.com/river-redemption-8-justice/) - Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you. -Deuteronomy 16:20 ESV - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden - 7 - Upstream in History](https://talkofjesus.com/river-redemption-7-upstream/) - Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” - John 1:45 ESV What does it mean to look upstream in history? Those seeking eternal truth look back through the eyes of scripture. A Basis - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden - Joseph](https://talkofjesus.com/redemption-6-joseph/) - Joseph Unlike Moses “Can we find anyone like this, a man who has God’s spirit in him?” ... Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh and no one will be able to raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt without your permission.” Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah... - Genesis 41 None - [until he brings justice to victory](https://talkofjesus.com/until-he-brings-justice-to-victory/) - The death of justice occurred not a week ago, but in centuries past. Justice.. such a noble ideal. Yet what is justice, but a separation of evil from good? This world and this country, the unseen victims of our streets and countless peoples fleeing violence are destined to suffer injustice since the fall of man - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden – to Goshen](https://talkofjesus.com/river-redemption-5-goshen/) - Pulled from the Torrent, a Redeemer Forgotten Perhaps you recall that the name Moses or מֹשֶׁה Môsheh means drawn; from drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued. He is revered as a rescuer of Israel, but how did Moses get to Egypt in the first place? As a baby fleeing harm in a wicker sarcophagus, Moses was plucked from certain death - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden – The Ten Commandments](https://talkofjesus.com/redemption-3-ten-commandments/) - Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.” So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord. - Exodus 19:8 CSB Everyone knows The Ten Commandments - As we noted previously, commandment implies both authority and relationship. Jesus' answer to a lawyers' question, "Master, which is the greatest commandment?" did not mention even - [A River of Redemption Flowing from Eden - Commandment](https://talkofjesus.com/redemption-2-commandment/) - Master, which is the great commandment in the law? - Matthew 22:36 KJV Commandment צָוָה tsä·vä' - to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order The King James Version of the Bible uses 'Master,' rather than teacher in this most important question. Our contemporary culture dilutes both the teaching component of leadership and the - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 8](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-savior-8/) - A Savior From Before Eden I introduced this series about a savior, Christ Jesus, who had confirmed to the religious authorities: "Before Abraham was, I AM!" Our evidence in Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 1 points back toward Jesus, our personal savior, who was here before the first adam. We then examined Adam's relationship with - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 7](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-7/) - By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. - Hebrews 11:7 KJV Godly Fear Most of us have a challenge to - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 6](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-6/) - Instruction in Good and Evil This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12 The Lord loved the work of His creation, especially man, made in his own image. Adam and Eve were more special and blessed than any of God's created ones. The Lord had been like a - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 5](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-temptation-5/) - Temptation: "Did God really say...?" Genesis 3: The Temptation and the Fall 3 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” Here it begins, original sin. I - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 4](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-eden-4/) - He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. John 1:10 What did God intend for man in paradise (Eden) in the beginning? Creation of Adam Genesis 2: 7 Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-fall-angels-3/) - The Fall before the Fall ... so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:28 HCSB In 'Disaster From Disobedience 2' we considered the 'In the beginning' creation narrative. Genesis - [Disaster From Disobedience, A Savior From Before Eden - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/disaster-disobedience-1/) - Disaster because of Disobedience Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which is the way to what is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves. But they protested, “We won’t!” Perhaps in these last days one might ask, who wants to hear from - [That you may have Certainty – 7 – An outsider’s view from a Gentile](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-7-view-gentile/) - That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain Times Our post-resurrection series is witness from the introduction of Luke-Acts and Jesus’ assurances to followers. In our previous post we pointed out: "The ultimate outsiders were Gentiles, and Luke emphasizes that God’s salvation extends even to them.” We began with a Hebrew view of a Gentile, noting that - [That you may have Certainty – 5 – A King of the Jews](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-5-king-jews/) - King of the Jews And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” - Luke 23:3 They had remembered hearing the indictment of this gentile governor while hiding their faces from his Roman judgment seat. Although complicit in Jesus' prosecution, an illegitimate half-jew Herodian sat powerless while Roman troops - [That you may have Certainty - 4 - But you have not obeyed](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-4-not-obeyed/) - That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain Times Recall the guiding theme of our post-resurrection series is witness from the introduction of Luke-Acts and Jesus' assurances to followers. We continue with the uncertain entry into Canaan after the death of Joshua. Our further focus looks at the consequences of those who had not obeyed - [That you may have Certainty - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-2/) - That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain Times In our introduction to this post-resurrection day series, I suggested that we live in uncertain time. I also inquired into the nature of the news we digest. And I might ask you today if this week's news brings any more certainty? Our series will examine the - [That you may have Certainty in these Uncertain Times](https://talkofjesus.com/certainty-uncertain-times/) - Certainty? Who has Any Good News? Luke addresses uncertainty in uncertain times with a comforting witness: .. many have undertaken .. a narrative .. from eyewitnesses .. .. it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, .. that you may have certainty concerning the - [You're a Damn Sinner](https://talkofjesus.com/youre-a-damn-sinner/) - Sinners and Damn Sinners Are you offended by me calling you a damn sinner? I must confess: I'm also a sinner every day; in thoughts, words and deeds. In that sense I'm just like you. Lord, forgive us our treapasses. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God... - Romans 3:23 (but - [Looking Back - The Evil Before US, a history from Ezra](https://talkofjesus.com/looking-back-before-us-ezra/) - Ezra, Looking Back Picture the priest Ezra speaking to the builders and worshipers in Jerusalem: You know well how we have come to this place and the work which is before us. In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, - [Looking Back - Chronicles of the Years](https://talkofjesus.com/looking-back-2-chronicles/) - “So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. – 2 Chronicles 15:6 NKJV Chronicles is more than just recording the history of the hebrew people. Kings and other historical books of the Bible record the events of a nation. Why would someone write out a history - [Looking Back - Nations in the eyes of the LORD](https://talkofjesus.com/looking-back-1-nations/) - “So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. - 2 Chronicles 15:6 NKJV History from an eternal perspective We have begun this year of our Lord, 2018, in consideration of eternal time. Time beyond years and measurement shows a perspective of man peering beyond the beginning - [WE do not presume](https://talkofjesus.com/we-do-not-presume/) - God's Righteous Judgment Romans 2: .. do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment - [Time Beyond Years - Alpha](https://talkofjesus.com/time-beyond-years-alpha/) - Time before the beginning 'I AM the alpha and the omega," says the LORD! What can it mean? Can you, o man, measure the time before the beginning? The alpha of man's measurement of days and years: Consider generations, centuries, the millennia of temporal days beginning with the creation of man. How can the created - [Feasts: Thanksgiving to God](https://talkofjesus.com/feasts-thanksgiving-god/) - “These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them. - Leviticus 23:4 Feasts, Fasts & Festivals Americans view Thanksgiving as a defining national holiday, complete with feasts focused on our Utopian culture of American families. Yet a stark reality lingers as a less than an alternative - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom – 7](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-7/) - A casual quest for wisdom's banquet We have explored wisdom in this series for the most part from the Bible's book of Proverbs. Solomon's fame, fortune and riches brought leaders to his court seeking 'words of wisdom.' I suppose they would ask: What can I learn about the success of this wise King? Perhaps if I - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom – 6](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-6/) - The Parable of the Wedding Feast Matthew 22: And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. If - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom – 5](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-5/) - Wisdom and King Solomon 2 Chronicles 1: Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. In case you came into our series late, Part 1: We have explored great wisdom shared with us mostly from Proverbs, wisdom of kings and - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom – 4](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-wisdom-4/) - No one is established by wickedness The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. - Psalm 53:1 Proverbs 12: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-wisdom-3/) - Words of a Wise King or Prudent Messenger Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2 NLT Listen, you broadcasters of contention and messengers of alternative truth. Integrity and importance no longer occupy the seat of honor in your palaces! Righteous kings and true messengers choose their words well, while evil - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-wisdom-2/) - "Lord, Lord" You are about to sit in the presence of the King. Yet with the hearing of the wisdom of the King comes responsibility. “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?' - Luke 6:46 LUKE 6:49 “But he who heard and did nothing is like a - [Banquet of the King in the House of Wisdom](https://talkofjesus.com/banquet-king-wisdom-1/) - The House of Wisdom Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? Proverbs 8: NKJV 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the - [Times of Difficulty - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/times-difficulty-5/) - Godlessness in the Last Days 2 Timothy 3: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, - [Times of Difficulty - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/times-of-difficulty-4/) - Who will you believe? “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. The Lord commissions the prophet Jeremiah, who must warn nations of their sins against God. Like any true prophet, Jeremiah has nothing to gain by the Lord's choice to make him a messenger. Who will believe the Lord's message and messenger? Jeremiah 1: And - [Times of Difficulty - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/times-difficulty-3/) - Watch Yourselves Luke 21: 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all - [Times of Difficulty - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/times-difficulty-2/) - Signs of the Times [Introduction to this this series - part 1, in case you missed it.] Matthew 16: And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. Pharisees, teachers, men of authority, including Sadducees who wielded great power over corporate worship want to - [Times of Difficulty](https://talkofjesus.com/times-difficulty-1/) - Joel 1: Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. While disasters loom and chaos rules, talking heads debate over who said what about the rein of evil isolated - [For you will always have the poor – 5](https://talkofjesus.com/poor-5/) - Help the poor later or honor Jesus now? Sell everything you have and follow me. Leave your hometown and follow me. Give up you job and follow me. These things Jesus had asked of his followers and for three years they all followed on foot. The culmination of events, so it seemed, came two days before - [For you will always have the poor – 4](https://talkofjesus.com/poor-4/) - ἀλάβαστρον - alabastron The alabaster receptacle of the anointing oil To understand why Jesus would say, "the poor are with you always," we must understand anointing as commonly understood in the culture of the day. People traveled to and from homes with no running water mostly by foot and anointing is often associated with washing or cleansing. Jesus instructs - [For you will always have the poor - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/poor-2/) - “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” - John 12:1 NKJV This remark of Jesus cuts right to the quick, does it not? A sense of urgency here: the Son of Man is about to depart from the company of those the Lord came to save. An - [For you will always have the poor](https://talkofjesus.com/poor-1/) - Why mention the poor? Once again, Jesus makes what appears to be an offhand remark about the poor. Jesus often criticized the leaders of Temple and Pharisees for their treatment of the poor; doesn't this remark catch you off guard? It would be easy enough to lose the context of Jesus' apparent ambivalence toward the - [Ordinary Men -2](https://talkofjesus.com/ordinary-men-2/) - Acts 4:5-7 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you - [Ordinary Men - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/ordinary-men-1/) - ... he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. - Acts 4:10b Suppose you were arrested and brought before a court of leaders asking how you had healed a lame man. Would you witness Christ? The Apostle Peter in effect told the very - [Summer Construction](https://talkofjesus.com/summer-construction/) - Regular Posts will continue... The sign up ahead: CONSTRUCTION Website changes in process. Since TalkofJesus.com is not the full-time work of this writer & webmaster, readers may encounter a few different looks in the upcoming weeks. Please continue to read, comment & SHARE. Current continuing series is from the Acts of the Apostles. Christian Social - [Beyond Nations and Coastlands](https://talkofjesus.com/beyond-nations/) - The Servant of the Lord Is Jesus Savior of the nations, good news to the coastlands and Messiah of the elect? Prophets and kings of Israel have looked forward to the incarnate Son of Man. Yet the Messiah of Israel did not suffer, die and rise to glory only for Jacob. The Lord is lord - [Beyond Nineveh](https://talkofjesus.com/beyond-nineveh/) - Taking the long view - Beyond Nineveh and Nazareth “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. Ezekiel 18:23 NLT You may remember the story of the Prophet Jonah, a 'follower' of God who turned - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 14](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-14/) - As I walked through the brilliance of a field now bathed in light, through gentle caressing breezes which flowed over lily and daisy, I basked in the warmth of something I had never known: a love of God. I now embraced a love and tenderness toward Jesus I had never sought, but now had found. - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 13](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-13/) - “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” echoed the near-silent words of the graveside. I thought of the stark contrast of the graveside scene to the love and glory of the depiction of Heaven in the little girl’s picture. I smiled with joy. “Amen,” the words of the graveside service confirmed in my heart. They now seemed - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 9](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-9/) - The born again crowds all seem to have a plan for our salvation and confident assurance of a place in Heaven… I just don’t see it in most of their lives. I see people who talk about Jesus and Heaven differently in different places. I don't even think that they understand the salvation they preach. - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 8](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-8/) - My eyes drew back from their distant stare to gaze away from the picture. I gazed back from yesterday and looked intently toward the cross at the front of the church. I wondered: How does Jesus fit into all of this? I had never quite seen the connection between Jesus and all of the pictures - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 10](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-10/) - As I sat there in the church staring at the CROSS up front. I thought about a recent broadcast about Heaven from a world-famous MEGA-Church, led by a christian couple, well known and followed by christians on their trips for Jesus throughout the world. (I don’t remember a cross in their church, just a big - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 11](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-11/) - (For those of you who missed our last episode, these are the roaming thoughts of a man at a funeral.) QUOTES from: “Ten Shekels and a Shirt,” Paris Reidhead, (1919-1992) Sermon on Judges 17, c.1945-47 For a long time, I had thought about the missionary’s words, yet hadn't thought of it again until now. I - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 7](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-7/) - I once went to a church with a friend, where eventually everyone was jumping up and down to the music. They were smiling and shouting like they were in heaven on earth. Thing is though, that we couldn't stay there. My friend, as I recall, had a pretty tough time of it in ordinary life - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 6](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-6/) - I swallowed hard and looked away as a tear came to my eye. Of course, I thought, maybe that’s her mommy in the casket. I had not had time for thought of all of the family connections of my lost loved one. Friends…dear and rare friends… become just like family. We don’t really know them. - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 5](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-5/) - [In case you are joining our serial short story about grief a little late, here is a link to the beginning.] “Do you see all those stars,” the little girl asked? “There are more of them in heaven than sand on the beach. Know how I know?” I nodded that I didn’t and her dad - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 4](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-4/) - When we were children, all of us remember “visiting” some favorite great grandpa, or grandma, or aunt or cousin… (The connections of the generations do keep getting closer, don’t they?) … and we had to file past an open coffin with a corpse, all the time thinking things like, ‘Grandpa never wore a suit,’ or - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 3](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-3/) - As I looked about the church, I noticed a former love of my youth and recalled retreat from my initial impression. I looked forward with some hesitation to some later inevitable conversation between us. I thought of others about whom I had also been quite mistaken: some by positive first impression, others by discovery of - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 2](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-2/) - (In case you are just joining us: https://talkofjesus.com/grief-a-picture-of-heaven-prologue/) In days long past I had experienced love at first sight. The initial picture of my lover and the happy endings of our life had been one of grand ceremony; great recognition and perfection of a bride, processing down that long aisle, adored by her groom and taken - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 1](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-1/) - A Picture of Heaven Chapter 1 (of 14 episodes) (Just in case you missed it, here is a link to the Prologue,) The day and the weeks of that time had begun like any other day in any other week of any other month of any other year. I say that they had begun that - [Grief: A Picture of Heaven - Prologue](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-prologue/) - With real life comes real death. With death comes grief. Sometimes immediately, sometimes later... always lasting for loved ones. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. – Luke 20:36 NLT This story is not a real picture of - [The Curse of Disease and Death – 3](https://talkofjesus.com/curse-disease-death-3/) - Moses & Joseph, Two Paths to the Palace Joseph suffered prior to his blessing more like Job than Moses. He had no choice in his suffering, except his choice of response. Isn't that how our suffering most impacts others, by our godly response? Blessed be the Lord! In part two of this series about our - [The Curse of Disease and Death - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/curse-disease-death-2/) - Moses, Privilege of the Wilderness In part one of this series about our attitude toward disease and death we briefly examined a story from the oldest book of the Bible, Job. Job was well-to-do, he had then lost nearly everything including his health, yet he blessed the Lord. Today we examine part of a too-familiar story - [Moving on.. 2](https://talkofjesus.com/moving-2/) - I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14 Matthew 10:11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but - [Be My Valentine - What Love Is Not](https://talkofjesus.com/love-not/) - Not Alone The Lord reminds me in solitude and in silence: we are not alone; for he is always with us and never will leave us. So much passing talk of love, yet what is love? Who loves me? Truly, who do I love? I may have known love, you may think. Or love has - [Who are my brothers?](https://talkofjesus.com/my_brothers/) - Family! Gotta love 'em I have two brothers and a sister, not to mention other challenging family members who generally disagree with my considered path which seldom offers the least resistance. Lately we've had some 'family disagreements.' Has that ever happened with you? We're all hard to convince on important points of life, so in - [Padiddle](https://talkofjesus.com/padiddle/) - Padiddle 'Padiddle,' it came to me as I was driving home at dusk one evening. Padiddle, where did that come from? Then I remembered. I had not grown up with it, for our family had played other travel games in the car. In fact, as I observed a car in traffic with no lights on - [Balaam – Inauguration of a Politician’s Prophet – 2](https://talkofjesus.com/balaam-2/) - Previously For those of you who missed Part 1 of our story of Balaam, we began by noting Balaam's best inaugural speech in Numbers 24, to which we will return chronologically in Part 3. Now turning back to some background and the beginning of our story, King Balak of Moab sent diplomats to Balaam to - [Balaam – Inauguration of a Politician’s Prophet - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/balaam-3/) - Journey to an Inauguration Interrupted [In case you missed Part 1 or Part 2 of our long journey] We heard Balaam's inaugural address in part in Numbers 24:3-9, first introduced in Part 1. Now we return to his journey toward the ceremonies of that momentous occasion. [ctt title="Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and - [Balaam - Inauguration of a Politician's Prophet - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/balaam-1/) - Prophesy of a man with eyes to see Numbers 24: “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, 4 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: 5 How lovely are - [Tribulation? Cheer up.](https://talkofjesus.com/tribulation-cheer-up/) - 2017: Keep on for Christ's sake. I'm not invoking a phrase of cursing here, rather I call on the saints who hold fast to Jesus Christ to continue in faith. This is no new calling out in times of difficulty or anticipated times of trouble. We anticipate tribulation in the world. Solomon may have come - [Teach these new disciples...](https://talkofjesus.com/teach-new-disciples/) - The Great Commission Have we missed the point of the Great Commission? "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel;" that is what we all know (and have heard preached often). We'll send a missionary and we'll fund some missions. There: done, because our church has funded others to carry out the 'great commission. - [and new things I now declare - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/new-things-4/) - Isaiah 48: 3 “The former things I declared of old; they went out from my mouth, and I announced them; then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. 4 Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass, 5 I declared them to you from of old, - [and new things I now declare - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/new-things-2/) - and new things I now declare -Advent 1 A background to prophesy God's chosen people defeated and the LORD's city of Jerusalem faces destruction. The kingdom of glory won by the LORD for David and the Temple of King Solomon destroyed centuries prior, Isaiah cries out to the people 700 years before Christ, repent! "The - [Do not lose heart over tribulations & sufferings - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/tribulations-2/) - Paul's encouragement for the church at Ephesus 'Faint not at my tribulations or do not 'lose heart over what I am suffering for you.' The Apostle Paul writes these words differing some by translation [KJV or ESV]. διὸ αἰτοῦμαι μὴ ἐκκακεῖν ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσίν μου ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἥτιςἐστὶν δόξα ὑμῶν - Ephesians 3:13 Do you lose - [Do not lose heart over tribulations & sufferings - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/tribulations-1/) - Faint Not Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. - Ephesians 3:13 KJV The Apostle Paul encourages a church of central importance with a letter written to followers looking toward an uncertain future. His comforting call from one saint to another urges them to not lose heart - [To Die is Gain](https://talkofjesus.com/to-die-is-gain/) - Philippians 1: To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain Christians have heard it, perhaps even others: [ctt title="Phil.1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. " tweet="Philippians 1:21 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Who in the 21st c. church longs to be with - [Follow After Me - a series on Christian life in the 21st c.](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me/) - Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Matthew 16:24 Who do you follow? It seems in this 21st century that following Jesus is NOT the thing to do. Worshiping GOD seems to be a thing of the past. Tolerance - [Follow After Me -2- Released from My Prison](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-2/) - Some Disciples left everything to follow Jesus about 2000 years ago. They were sinners, family men, working men, men like you and me in every way. Although these men and women led simple lives, just like you and me they had problems. Their country had fallen to enemies centuries ago. Prophets of God had asked centuries - [Follow After Me -3- The Holy Bible](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-3/) - It is written... And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. - Deuteronomy 9:10 All scripture - [Follow After Me -4-Evangelist](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-4/) - I looked then, and saw a man named Evangelist coming to him, and he asked, “Wherefore dost thou cry?” He answered, “Sir, I perceive, by the BOOK in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment, and I find that I am not willing to do the first, - [Follow After Me -5- Obstinate](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-5/) - Obstinate Anti-Christs leading our Cities of Destruction U.S. Presidential Politics seem to offer us daily portraits of obstinate stances poised against godliness. Are these last days of the 21st century after Christ so different from in Jesus' day? Are politics and leadership in the U.S. and other powerful countries not just as corrupt as ancient Rome and captive Jerusalem? - [Follow After Me -6-Pliable christians](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-6/) - Warning! 'Coexist' & 'Tolerance' are tools of false teaching, unscriptural paths away from the truth of Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Savior. Pliable 'christians' follow Christ quickly So many churches full of tradition but not worshipers. So many 'christians' full of themselves but not the LORD. Pliable christians are dazzled by the picture of heaven, but - [Follow After Me 7 - Despondency](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-7-despondency/) - When we last looked at a view of a Christian following after Jesus we had met one of many pliable Christians. Perhaps you saw a few of these unfamiliar faces in church Easter Sunday. (Perhaps you are one of them.) We get inspired to join the crowds following Jesus with a commitment not unlike those - [Follow After Me 9 - Exhortation from an Evangelist](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-9-exhortation-evangelist/) - John 20:27b “Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” REPENT! Isn't that your first impression of exhortation from an evangelist? What is the mission of the evangelist? Is it not to get all of those sinners to come to Christ? Yes. It is. For if any man love another, is it not the duty of every - [Follow After Me -10 - Take Heed](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-10-take-heed/) - Psalm 2: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed... 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of - [A Word to the Cunning](https://talkofjesus.com/a-word-1/) - A Word to the Wise We would typically think of the Proverbs of Solomon, or perhaps anyone else as being a 'word to the wise.' Although my introductory focus looks to the early thoughtful expressions of this oft' quoted book, I direct your attention to those leaders of this day who seemingly ignore these time-tested - [A Word to the Cunning - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/a-word-to-the-cunning-2/) - Cunning Defined NOUN 1[MASS NOUN] Skill in achieving one's ends by deceit. Thesaurus: [Nouns] cunning, craft; cunningness, craftiness; subtlety, artificiality; maneuvering; temporization; circumvention. chicane, chicanery; sharp practice, knavery, jugglery; concealment [more]; guile, doubling, duplicity (falsehood) [more]; foul play. diplomacy, politics; Machiavelism; jobbery, backstairs influence. art, artifice; device, machination; plot (plan) [more]; maneuver, stratagem, dodge, artful - [A Word to the Cunning - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/word-cunning-3/) - God's plans change hearts We have been examining the wisdom of Proverbs and advice to the cunning. An evil man or woman has two choices: continue in cunning evil or turn to the wisdom of the Lord. One such repentant man was Simon the magician. Several men and women never turn back to the Lord. - [Swords & Sickles](https://talkofjesus.com/swords-sickles/) - Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joel 3:9-10 Consecrate them, says the LORD! Yes. It is a - [Seven Seals](https://talkofjesus.com/seven-seals/) - A scroll or proclamation sealed by the One of Authority Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. - Revelation 5:1 The King James Version of the Bible uses the word 'book' in the place of scroll - [Behold, the days are coming](https://talkofjesus.com/behold-the-days-are-coming/) - In case you missed the introduction to this post and if impressions of the post image below lead you to current impending events, we are continuing here in Jeremiah's prophesies about Judah in the 7th c. B.C. https://talkofjesus.com/nation-under-no-one/ Jeremiah 8: Sin and Treachery 4 “You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord: When men fall, do - [Some Shall Stumble Before the Finish](https://talkofjesus.com/stumble/) - The Race of our Days 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I - [Part-time life: Full-time Witness](https://talkofjesus.com/part-time-life-full-time-witness/) - Witness under Construction John 7:24 English Standard Version (ESV) 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” It seems that our business gets in the way of our witness. Nevertheless, let us not fail to progress in our mission to spread the good news of the hope we have in Christ Jesus, - [Parable of the Talents and Barns - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/talents-barns-2/) - https://talkofjesus.com/talents-barns/ Parable of the Talents (conclusion) 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. - [Parable of the Talents and Barns](https://talkofjesus.com/talents-barns/) - Parables The word “parable” comes from the Greek word παραβολη parabolee. In the Greek para means beside, and ballo means to cast or throw. So parable, in a very basic sense,means to cast beside. The word “parable”, in its more developed sense, still retains that underlying meaning. [source] We know parables as stories Jesus would use to - [The Mystery of Melchizedek - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/mystery-melchizedek-3/) - Genesis 14: In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). Before we - [The Mystery of Melchizedek - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/mystery-melchizedek-2/) - And His tabernacle is in Salem, And His habitation in Zion. - Psalm 76:2 YLT Hebrews 7 (ESV) The Priestly Order of Melchizedek For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth - [The Mystery of Melchizedek](https://talkofjesus.com/mystery-melchizedek/) - Psalm 110: A Psalm of David. The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” 2 The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in - [Abraham, Prince of a Promise](https://talkofjesus.com/abraham-prince-promise/) - Genesis 12: 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” Abram is no longer a Sheik of Ur. He is no - [Abram - Sheikh of Ur - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/abram-sheikh-ur-2/) - Sheikh - شيخ‎‎ Shekh— is an honorific title in the Arabic language. It commonly designates the ruler of a tribe, who inherited the title from his father. "Sheikh" is given to a royal male at birth. It is a question of leadership, is it not? Who leads your journey? Who leads your family? Who leads your - [Fully Trained - 9](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-9/) - The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts of numerous historical citizens of the first century. Luke 6: Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea - [Fully Trained - 8](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-8/) - A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? - Luke 6:40-41 The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts - [Fully Trained - 7](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-7/) - My son died... my only son. He was still in the womb when we first heard Jesus teach in the hills of Galilee. The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts of numerous historical citizens of the first century. The following is a fictional representation continued from our previous episodes of eyewitness by - [Fully Trained - 6](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-6/) - And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. This is what Jesus had told all of us back then on the hillside that day, other times in - [Fully Trained - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-5/) - [ctt title="“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." tweet="“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. - Luke 6:40 from 'Fully Trained' serial http://ctt.ec/86L38+" coverup="86L38"] The gospel of Luke carefully records truth - [Fully Trained - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-4/) - The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts of numerous historical citizens of the first century. The following is a fictional representation continued from our previous episodes of eyewitness by one of Jesus’ first disciples. More and more of us became convinced as we journeyed with Jesus that He IS the Christ, the Messiah - [Fully Trained - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-3/) - The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts of numerous historical citizens of the first century. The following is a fictional representation continued from our previous episodes of eyewitness by one of Jesus’ first disciples. Jesus continue to show His authority, not just over demons and spirits, but over flesh itself. We began to - [Fully Trained - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained-2/) - The gospel of Luke carefully records truth from eyewitness accounts of numerous historical citizens of the first century. The following is a fictional representation continued from our previous episode of such eyewitness of one of Jesus’ first disciples. As I said before, we followed Jesus when the angry crowd drove him from our hometown Nazareth. Some - [Fully Trained - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/fully-trained/) - ...everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. - Luke 6:40b What do these followers of Jesus look like? Would you recognize a disciple in a crowd? When the Lord, Christ Jesus began His three-year teaching mission He called disciples and from them appointed twelve Apostles, an inner circle of leaders among many - [Who IS this man?](https://talkofjesus.com/who-is-this-man/) - Isaiah 42:1-3 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a - [Perfectly Changed](https://talkofjesus.com/perfectly-changed/) - Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. Philippians 3:15 HNV How can a sinner like me be perfect? Of course, I cannot. Our perfection is only in Christ Jesus. Once we are changed into a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ - [Reprogramming Our Brain](https://talkofjesus.com/reprogramming-brain/) - Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. What does it mean to make Jesus your Lord and Master? Our 21st century thinking is clouded with - [..that he may encourage your hearts](https://talkofjesus.com/encouragement/) - If Christians are known for nothing else, the world has witnessed the love of Christ through the way we stand by those in need. Christian friends show empathy for the real-life challenges and heart breaks of others. We show compassion. We are called to show the love of Jesus to all. Do you need encouragement? Does - [The Unspoken Question of our own Sin](https://talkofjesus.com/unspoken-question-our-own-sin/) - "How long will God contend with their evil?" we ask. Paul addresses many sins of evil-doers in his letter to the Romans. Yet Paul is more concerned with the state of the souls of those listening to God for answers to our own sin. Romans 2: Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one - [God's Wrath & Our Unrighteousness](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-wrath/) - "I am eager to preach the gospel to you also... I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... Paul, to the saints (believers, mostly former pagans now Christians) in Rome. God's Wrath on Unrighteousness Romans 1: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed - [so also are those who are of the dust](https://talkofjesus.com/those-who-are-of-the-dust/) - flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. whoever does not believe is condemned already. John 3:18b As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. - - [Endurance Toward the Cross](https://talkofjesus.com/endurance-toward-cross/) - ...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame... Hebrews 12:1b-2a Jesus had walked... for three years (by comparison to eternity, a blink of an eye). Having been handed the - [Reflections: Jerusalem - a city of sacrifice](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-a-city-of-sacrifice/) - [ Lament over Jerusalem ] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! - words of Christ Jesus - Mathew 23:37 The Temple of - [Interrupting Jesus 5 - persistent faith](https://talkofjesus.com/persistent-faith/) - And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. - Luke - [The Time Is Near For Our Church - Pergamum](https://talkofjesus.com/time-near-church-pergamum/) - The Revelation of Jesus Christ John to the seven churches Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the - [The Time Is Near For Our Church - Smyrna](https://talkofjesus.com/time-is-near-smyrna/) - The Revelation of Jesus Christ John to the seven churches Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the - [Shin](https://talkofjesus.com/shin/) - Psalm 119 English Standard Version (ESV) Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet Sin and Shin [Schin] 161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. Consider for a moment, authority; both legitimate and illegitimate. Government: leaders and those with power over other people. Explanation of "Princes," used here holds complexity - [Saints & Martyrs; Bishops & Pawns - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/saints-bishops-pawns-2/) - 1 Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. Yet as the Lord lives, evil reigns in the dark places of the lands. No man: rich or poor, Arab or Jew, Westerner or Easterner, religious or godless - no - [A Picture of Heaven - Chapter 12](https://talkofjesus.com/picture-heaven-12/) - A moment of silence... We were asked to stand as the music began once more in our surroundings of the darkened church. It seemed sadder than before. I looked toward a glimmer of sun breaking through a window and reflecting off the brass cross on the altar. I looked down at a hymnal … to - [RSVP by your comment: "How should Christians respond to grief?"](https://talkofjesus.com/christians-respond-grief/) - Please click this link: How should Christians respond to grief? (Summary below) SEE the full article by clicking the link above. How do you respond to someone who has lost: a parent? a child? a spouse? a friend? How have others responded to you when you were grieving? What responses were helpful or - [Follow After Me -1-Hope for the Guilty](https://talkofjesus.com/follow-after-me-1/) - And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4:19-20 They're after me. And after all, though I had better intentions, I'm guilty. I have trespassed the Law. I am, therefore, a sinner, deserving of punishment. Where is my hope? Do - [As for me and my house - God's family?](https://talkofjesus.com/gods-family/) - As Christians we no doubt know Joshua's quote: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 If you are old enough to remember the Saturday Evening Post you likely recognize the Norman Rockwell painting depicting family prayer at the dinner table. It is a picture of many faithful Christian - [Imperfect Family](https://talkofjesus.com/imperfect-family/) - The Son of Man - an imperfect family man Have you ever thought of Jesus as an imperfect 'family man?' 'What?' you may react! God Incarnate in the Person of Jesus imperfect as a 'family man?' I thought Jesus is supposed to be God the Father's Perfect Human (Son of Man) example to each of - [Hate](https://talkofjesus.com/hate/) - Paris - 13 November, 2015 It seems that hatred headlines will overwhelm the news once more. Not that it ever left our consciousness, but often hate will lose momentum in the mundane or even be displaced by love's compassion. Desperate followers of evil men willingly sacrifice innocents by the intentional lie-driven sacrifices for the glory of their own - [a 21st c. Tempest](https://talkofjesus.com/21st-c-tempest/) - And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. - Mat. 8:24 KJV It seems the winds of change come upon us suddenly and violently. We resist the inevitable, either turning toward the strong winds of change or looking aimlessly askance at the - [Crushed](https://talkofjesus.com/crushed/) - Let's get something straight: You are not good enough for Heaven. I am not even good enough for my church, my wife or my child. If we cannot do enough good works to earn our place with a Holy God, how will we ever pay what we owe for our many sins? Answer: We can not. - [Israel's First King - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/israels-first-king-3/) - And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. - 1 Samuel 12:21 Good advice for an aspiring politician (prospective leader of the people), is it not? A young Saul is anointed King of Israel and the heavy mantle of leadership soon burdens Saul's shoulders. 1 - [Credentials for Christ](https://talkofjesus.com/credentials-for-christ/) - It seems I am unqualified by all measures for employment in the service of Christ. I have no Doctor of Divinity. I've never been on a church staff or even served time as a youth pastor. My vocations have been beyond the walls of the church in the everyday lives of common men. My family life - [Israel's First King - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/israels-first-king-2/) - 1 Samuel 8: When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel... 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us - [Israel's First King](https://talkofjesus.com/israels-first-king/) - Israel. Let us first recall that Israel is a person, a people and a place. A nation with the promise of God bears that name and witness of the LORD's covenant with Abraham and the generations. Israel is the LORD's name for Jacob, son of Issac, son of Abraham; not any other of the forefathers - [Interrupting Jesus 12 - interrupting sin](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-12-interrupting-sin/) - `... to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy... build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince... the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in - [Interrupting Jesus 11 - a last supper in Jericho](https://talkofjesus.com/a-last-supper-in-jericho/) - Jericho, best known as the place where the Hebrew nation, led by Joshua, began their conquest of Canaan with a march around the walls of Jericho, strategically central to inland trade routes to the Mediterranean. Along a barren highway to the west, about a 15 mile walk to Jerusalem after an ascent from the small town of Bethel. Galileans, - [Interrupting Jesus 10 - a child of God](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-10-a-child-of-god/) - Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. - Proverbs 20:11 KJV The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Proverbs 23:24 KJV Before we look at the role of children and a - [Interrupting Jesus 9 - not too dirty for God](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-9-not-too-dirty-for-god/) - Cleanliness is next to Godliness. You know the old saying (based on an old Hebrew proverb) and preached by John Wesley, among others. Can one so dirty in sin or lifestyle approach God? We are all sinners and none is clean enough without the Living Water. You and I may be able to think of - [Interrupting Jesus 8 - late to a funeral](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-8-late-funeral/) - Are the moments of Jesus' earthly mission so different than yours? What unexpected event interrupts your week? Who interrupts your daily journey though life? How will you touch their lives? How will you fit everything and everyone in? Jesus, the promised Christ of GOD the Father, had an earthly mission to accomplish in just 3 years. - [Interrupting Jesus 7 - a lowly woman](https://talkofjesus.com/a-lowly-woman/) - Luke 7: 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. Nice. One of the leading men of your church asks you to dinner. Jesus did just what we would do: He accepted. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was - [WAR ROOM - A Movie about Prayer](https://talkofjesus.com/war-room-movie-prayer/) - Do you need prayer? I have needed prayer for so many different things in my life... mostly relational things... for those I love. Yet I still do not pray enough. We just saw WAR ROOM, ***** a tremendous MOVIE about the real power of prayer. I cannot say enough good things about how it could - [Interrupting Jesus 6 - Jesus of Capernaum](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-of-capernaum/) - Who are you, really? I was raised in Cortland, Ohio U.S.; therefore you might call me: Roger of Cortland. Yet is that really who I am? No, of course not. I now live somewhere else and who I am or what I do is not related to where I live. We often make a mistake in looking back on the - [Interrupting Jesus 4 - Samaritans & family black sheep](https://talkofjesus.com/samaritans/) - Israel. Let's get something straight: There was NO Israel in the Roman Empire. (Just take a look at the map). Call it Israel or call it Palestine; you will see that to the Romans, Judeans and Samaritans, Israel does not exist except as part of a long-gone past. A certain hatred existed in the days of - [Interrupting Jesus 3 - interrupted by academia](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-3-nicodemus/) - We've all met them: the academicians, professors, learned men of logic with indisputable researched proofs of their position; the Doctors of Divinity and PhD's of wisdom: we've all met them. If you have not read the books of wisdom in the Bible, notably Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, you have neglected your own education by God. Of - [Interrupting Jesus 2 - gift for a bride & groom](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-2-gift-for-a-bride-groom/) - “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” - John 2:4 A young Jewish man from an insignificant town of Nazareth in Roman occupied Galilee, though only thirty years old, begins to gain a following. He is unmarried and head of his family, consisting of a widowed mother and younger brothers. Disciples of this - [Interrupting Jesus - a series on the people of our mission](https://talkofjesus.com/interrupting-jesus-1/) - 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.' Have you ever thought about how you should do it? Have you ever considered how Jesus spread the Gospel in just three years of His earthly ministry? We know the stories. We proclaim the miracles. We know the ending (the Cross) which our Lord's hearers did not - [Mission 3 - Who?](https://talkofjesus.com/mission-3-who/) - Whatever your mission, whatever the corporate mission of your church: People are more important than things. Our mission is not so much what we do or where we go, as it is who we do it for. My personal mission, your personal mission and the corporate mission of our churches must minimally include two VIP's: THE LORD GOD - [Mission - 1 - What?](https://talkofjesus.com/mission-1-what/) - What is your mission in life? Do you have one? Have you ever thought about your daily life in terms of what GOD wants you to do? Christians typically don't think of our day to day life in terms of mission, but rather we 'send missionaries' away to other places to 'spread the Gospel.' The Apostle - [What do I do with this? - Grace](https://talkofjesus.com/what-do-i-do-with-this-grace/) - 'Grace' is a continuation from the 'Law.' The Law convicts us of our sinfulness. Some leaders of God's people and teachers of God's word use the Law to convict ALL of our sinfulness. (And well they should; for who among us is without sin?) Yet those who have no regard for GOD have no regard for - [Seeing the Invisible Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/seeing-the-invisible/) - How does the LORD use the Bible? How do we use the Bible to show others the Lord Jesus? All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV Peter's powerful sermon of - [What do I do with this? - Law](https://talkofjesus.com/what-do-i-do-with-this-law/) - “You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always. Deuteronomy 11:1 Think of our everyday life as a brief journey to a place of which we have only dreamed. How do I get there? (I don’t even truly know where I am now?) I know God - [What do I do with this? - LORD](https://talkofjesus.com/what-do-i-do-with-this-lord/) - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV Don’t we ever-so-briefly ask of our Bible verses and stories: “What do I do with this?” Of course we do. And if it is true of Jesus' parables and illustrations of teaching - [Blessings and Woes - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/blessings-and-woes-2/) - “Blessed are you who are poor... “Blessed are you who are hungry now... “Blessed are you who weep now... 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! “But woe to you who are rich... “Woe - [Blessings and Woes - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/blessings-and-woes-1/) - If I am wicked, woe to me; Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head. I am full of disgrace; See my misery! Job 10:15 NKJV Jesus taught the crowds blessings. (We all like that.) Yet Jesus also warned of the flip-side of the coin - the curse or the woe of - [And you, who once were alienated](https://talkofjesus.com/and-you-who-once-were-alienated/) - Colossians 1: NKJV 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— + Jesus Christ! Friend or foe? No other Name evokes such controversy and alienation: - [Even unto the end of the world](https://talkofjesus.com/even-unto-the-end-of-the-world/) - The Great Commission 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of - [Broken Together](https://talkofjesus.com/broken-together/) - Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete Could we just be broken together If you can bring your shattered dreams and Ill bring mine Could healing still be spoken and save us The only way we'll last forever is broken together “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except - [Resurrection of Judgment](https://talkofjesus.com/resurrection-of-judgment/) - Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29 We hardly marvel at anything, least of all - [Reflections: Israel - a people](https://talkofjesus.com/israel-a-people/) - Genesis 32: “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” When you hear 'Israel,' think 'Jacob.' When you read Jacob after Genesis 32, remember GOD has renamed him Israel. When you read - [Reflections: Israel - a place in time](https://talkofjesus.com/israel-a-place-in-time/) - To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! - Romans 3 Joshua 1 God Commissions Joshua After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' - [Reflections: Knowledge vs. Life](https://talkofjesus.com/reflections-knowledge-vs-life/) - Man - adam, and woman made from man to be one with man and with God - Eve: now have knowledge of good and evil. NO more Paradise on earth - NO more Eden; no more garden of pleasure hedged in by the boundaries of righteousness. We must judge good and evil for ourselves (rather - [Reflections: man vs. GOD](https://talkofjesus.com/reflections-man-vs-god/) - Eden, as we read previously, was a place - a walled garden - created by God for His pleasure and the pleasure of Adam and Eve: a man, and a woman made for man, joined as one; even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are One. God walked with man in the garden of - [Reflections: Eden](https://talkofjesus.com/reflections-eden/) - Genesis 2 English Standard Version (ESV) 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of - [Reflections: Before adam, I AM](https://talkofjesus.com/reflections-before-adam-i-am/) - Reflect though the window of time on the Person of God. For now we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. - 1 Corinthians 13:12 John 1 English Standard Version (ESV) The Word Became Flesh 1 In the - [Reflections in Windows of Time](https://talkofjesus.com/reflections-in-windows-of-time/) - Looking back, running away from God is nothing new. We who would be so critical of Peter denying Jesus three times have now looked back to others faithful to God with moments of doubt. Note: Our Lenten reflection continues from where 'Running from God' left off - an introduction to examining a history of relationships between God and - [Running from God - 5 - God pursues](https://talkofjesus.com/running-from-god-5-god-pursues/) - Are you running from God? Here we have Elijah sulking in victory and awaiting defeat under the shade of a broom tree. We have heard the same Peter who would glorify Jesus and Moses and Elijah with a shrine, deny knowing Jesus when he risked imprisonment or execution for his confession of Christ. We have - [Running from God - 4 - Elijah's defeat](https://talkofjesus.com/running-from-god-4-elijahs-defeat/) - 'Wait,' you're thinking, Elijah won the contest. 1 Kings 18: 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones - [Running from God - 3 - Elijah](https://talkofjesus.com/running-from-god-3-elijah/) - Are you loyal to God? A fair question. Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. You shall love the Lord your God with ALL. Jesus even adds some definition for us of the well-recited Hebrew in the familiar - [Running from God - 2 - Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/running-from-god-2-peter/) - Stepping back a moment into the opening days of Jesus' earthly ministry we take a look at the Apostle who denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed twice: Luke 9: And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to - [Running from God](https://talkofjesus.com/running-from-god/) - Are you running from God? I have. Do you run after Satan? I have. Do you walk with Jesus and then run away some other direction? I have. Even the most faithful followers of God and closest Disciples of Jesus have turned tail and run from the adversity we imagined is on the road ahead. - [Is anybody out there?](https://talkofjesus.com/is-anybody-out-there/) - Please pray for me, as I also pray for you. I need answers from the Lord. Roger Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll - [lord. What does it mean?](https://talkofjesus.com/lord-what-does-it-mean/) - Jesus is Lord. What does that mean? Is this a Kingly title... like, "Sir Jesus, most exalted ruler" of someone or some land or maybe even some angels? Is that what you mean by, Jesus is lord? I say this tongue-in-cheek, but the question of the title 'lord' probably yields a not much better answer in - [My Love - 7 - Love never ends...](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-7/) - 1 Corinthians 13 The Way of Love (agape) 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. Once again, the 'love' we proclaim though scripture from this letter of Paul to the church at Corinth is the agape love of God. Christ's love and perfect earthly example should permeate - [My Love - 5 - Sex](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-5/) - The lure of eros... as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. - Proverbs 7:23b When a Man Loves a Woman Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for - [My Love - 6 - If I have not love](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-6/) - 'I'm not happy.' 'I met someone' IF you claim to be a follower of the Bridegroom of the church, Jesus Christ and things don't go quite your way, would you tell Jesus to 'get out'? Would you look for someone better, who might make you happy in this world? (Did God really say, "Don't eat - [My Love - 4 - a Love Feast](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-4/) - "There is a love of God inexplicable, except by our inclusion in His love feast. This love of God is to be sought and treasured, though none can earn this highest of all loves. It is the upward call well-known to the world, yet rejected by the worldly. John 3:16 For God so loved the - [My Love - 3 - Affection](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-3/) - Affection! How hurriedly has this love fled our homes in the hustle and bustle of these last days? Hardly a child will remember affectionate extended time with both father and mother at home. It is a great failure of our broken, worldly 'christian' families. How by our selfish quests for 'happiness' in the world 'christians' - [My love - 2 - Friendship](https://talkofjesus.com/my-love-2/) - A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17 [Eleanor Rigby] All the lonely people... where do they all come from? Are you one of them (at least sometimes in your chaotic busyness)? I think we all are at times; yet not for a lifetime, I pray. Can you - [Prayer List](https://talkofjesus.com/prayer-list/) - May our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, who we worship with the Father and Holy Spirit, kneed our impenitent hearts of stone into soft sands of His overflowing love. Amen. To begin, let's not forget that God is a Person who cares about us. In Christ Jesus we have a personal relationship with the Living - [Prayer: Begin with God](https://talkofjesus.com/prayer-begin-god/) - To begin, let us get over how selfish we are, even by our prayers for loved ones. He IS God! and I am not. What is prayer, anyway? (Think about it. What is a prayer? Why would you even bother to pray?) Prayer is many things. Most of our mind and flesh would relegate prayer to a - [Prayer Warrior?](https://talkofjesus.com/prayer-warrior/) - NO! I am no prayer warrior. So what did I do? I doubled the size of my prayer list. I identify with Simon Peter. ... he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” - Luke 5:8b I understand the great remorse and unworthiness expressed by Saul - [Your ATTN: required](https://talkofjesus.com/attn-required/) - 20 Jan, 2015, In the US, President Obama, the most powerful man in this world, gave the President's annual State of the Union address to the US congress and a worldwide audience. (I have neither heard it nor previewed it, but rest assured his priorities are not mine or yours.) 1 January, 2015, You were likely - [Hope deferred, Desire fulfilled](https://talkofjesus.com/hope-deferred-desire-fulfilled/) - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 And so it has been, since twice rejected by the wife of my vows. It is not right in the LORD. Proverbs 30: The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. - [Woe!](https://talkofjesus.com/woe/) - Micah 7: 5 Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms 8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. 9 - [Put away your revelries](https://talkofjesus.com/put-away-revelries/) - and cleanse your whitewashed walls; for the church is a soiled bride and christians no witness of waiting, no longer virgin and spotless, uncovered in view of the world naked before the eyes of the LORD. Ezekiel 16 7 I made you flourish like a plant of the field. And you grew up and became tall and arrived at - [Thank Who?](https://talkofjesus.com/thank/) - Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. - 2 Samuel 22:50 KJV Thanksgiving: celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year... Thanksgiving has its historical roots in - [A Vineyard](https://talkofjesus.com/vineyard/) - Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a - [Rude christians](https://talkofjesus.com/rude-christians/) - I have searched the Gospels, Letters and Old Testament and found NO excuse for rudeness in Christians. Christians claim that God is a God of love. (Scripture confirms this.) We claim that Jesus came to the world because God 'so loved the world....' (Scripture confirms this.) God is love. Jesus is love. The Holy Spirit - [Saints & Martyrs; Bishops & Pawns](https://talkofjesus.com/saints-martyrs-bishops-pawns/) - I want to tread this holy ground carefully, for some of you may be offended; yet please hear me out. We begin with the martyrs of 9/11/2001, a group of men determined for a religious cause, followers of radical Islam with a jihad vision of a Kingdom for Mohammed on earth, an angelic vision given - [Redeeming the time because the days are evil - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/redeeming-time-days-evil-2/) - Do you know that God has enemies - many enemies? You don't have to focus on a few evil men in a place far away; just look all around you. Mention 'Jesus Christ' at work, in school, in homes of your relatives; even in your own home you and your wife claim as 'the Lords.' - [Redeeming the time because the days are evil](https://talkofjesus.com/redeeming-time-days-evil/) - Ephesians 5 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Turn off the noise and media and message of the world (for a moment). Forget about - [Personal Witness of a Personal Love](https://talkofjesus.com/personal-witness-love/) - Luke 10:23 Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Isaiah 53 Who has - [Dearly Beloved](https://talkofjesus.com/dearly-beloved/) - If you think only of a moment of marriage vows for these kind words, think again. How can you claim a relationship to Jesus Christ when you will not witness by your relationships to other Christians that we are dearly beloved by you? Christ Jesus demonstrated a genuine love for sinners. (Do we not all remain - [but you have withheld your love](https://talkofjesus.com/you-have-withheld-your-love/) - Dearly beloved, dear sister in the Lord, Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. This is the urging of Paul and Timothy to Christ's bride, His church at Corinth (therefore they speak in the plural to the brothers, who ought to instruct in the Lord their own Christian wife and children). - [A Personal God](https://talkofjesus.com/personal-god/) - Have you encountered God face to face? "Who, me - a mere mortal?" you ask. Have I met God face to face, like meeting you or another man? Of course not! No man can meet the Living God, Creator of all things, Creator of all men; can we? The Bible points us to a few - [He has put eternity in their hearts](https://talkofjesus.com/put-eternity-hearts/) - It is no longer a question of God: God IS - and we all know it. Our question and quest for knowledge and power over our own lives and circumstances only asks: will I bow down to the eternal God? We have knowledge, near complete and inexhaustible. We have Bibles we refuse to read and - [Define God](https://talkofjesus.com/define-god/) - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke... Hebrews 1:1 excerpt So you 'go to church' to hear a man say what God has said. Or you read a book by a man (supposedly of God) who will tell you what God has said. Or you will agree with nearly anyone who - [Good News, Bad News](https://talkofjesus.com/good-news-bad-news/) - I had dropped off my car for a routine procedure and would pick it up later. Then came the call from the mechanic: "I have good news and bad news." The 'good news' was that I did not need the procedure I thought. So what was the bad news? Isn't that the question always lurking - [Thoughts and Ways](https://talkofjesus.com/thoughts-ways/) - Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. When I study scripture, only then do I begin to understand that I can not see from the height of Almighty God, neither do I embrace wisdom from as near as His Spirit to my soul. Before I read - [Godly Inspirations for the Troubled Soul - Lisa C Miller](https://talkofjesus.com/godly-inspirations-troubled-soul-lisa-c-miller/) - NOTE: This is a re-post of one of our Christian authors. Please comment and Share. RH - talkofJesus.com Christian Social Witness "What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? MK 8:36-37 (NIV) The Letter Do you - [SELF-absorbed](https://talkofjesus.com/self-absorbed/) - Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3 NLT I have a list of texts I have sent to friends and loved ones which end with my request for their response. It seems that we have all become too busy with our own - [Wisdom Cries Out](https://talkofjesus.com/wisdom-cries/) - Proverbs 8: NKJV Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 “To you, O men, - [Sabbath rest...](https://talkofjesus.com/sabbath-rest/) - I will not write unless it is from the Lord. I cannot encourage unless I am encouraged by your comments, dear brother, dear sister in Christ. I will take a Sabbath rest. Please pray for me. Roger - [but have not love, ](https://talkofjesus.com/love/) - 1 Corinthians 13 English Standard Version (ESV) The Way of Love 13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, Let us summarize the list (from the ESV): 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, - [Help us by prayer](https://talkofjesus.com/help-us-prayer/) - 2 Corinthians 1:11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. Who do you help by your prayer? I, for one, do need your prayers; therefore if you can think of no other to bless by your prayer, please - [Encourage](https://talkofjesus.com/encourage/) - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV) 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Please encourage, dear brother, dear sister in Christ Jesus. - [Cliff Hanger](https://talkofjesus.com/cliff-hanger/) - We interrupt this serial presentation of A Temporary Throne for this important message from our author. (Don't you hate that?) :) Sorry. IF you have been following my Christian serial fiction story based on Genesis - as a busy author I have to set this story aside for a while to devote increased time to - [But if the LORD make a new thing](https://talkofjesus.com/a-new-thing/) - Revelation 21: 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Though filled with the LORD's joy and assurance of salvation - [A Temporary Throne - 48](https://talkofjesus.com/att-48/) - CHAPTER 48 As I lay in the darkness of this unknown place I cried out, “LORD! Jesus, Lord save me!” What is this place? I thought again. Is it a grave? A pit? Hell, even? (No, it cannot be hell, I thought.) But how horrid the earthy place to which I was not accustomed and - [A Temporary Throne - 47](https://talkofjesus.com/att-47/) - CHAPTER 47 I awoke suddenly (or so I thought). I looked all around me in disoriented confusion as I sat up in bed. I was not in the Temporary Throne or in Heaven. No sign of Joseph and his brothers, either. No longer was I in the presence of the LORD. I felt an imposing - [A Temporary Throne - 46](https://talkofjesus.com/att-46/) - CHAPTER 46 WOULD YOU SAVE JOSEPH FROM THE PIT? WOULD YOU SAVE HIM FROM HIS STEP-BROTHERS? Once more I sat on the Temporary Throne in the Throne-room of Heaven in conversation with the Living God, Judge of all men. The LORD had shown me the ongoing competition of Leah and Rachel. The LORD had shown - [A Temporary Throne - 45](https://talkofjesus.com/att-45/) - CHAPTER 45 Genesis 37:4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn't say a kind word to him. “I guess I understand the competition between twelve brothers,” I said to the LORD as I observed Joseph in his glorious robes approaching his four half-brothers. YOU - [A Temporary Throne - 44](https://talkofjesus.com/att-44/) - CHAPTER 44 From the vantage point of Joseph, I observed a gathering of four men in a camp at the edge of a valley. I could see hundreds and hundreds of sheep, grouped by separate flocks on four surrounding hillsides grazing on lush green grass – one flock to my left, another further away to - [Blessed are you Poor](https://talkofjesus.com/blessed-poor/) - “Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. “But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger. - [A Temporary Throne - 43](https://talkofjesus.com/att-43/) - CHAPTER 43 The LORD had shown me Cain and Abel. The LORD had also shown me in the family of Noah; the blessing of Shem over Japheth and Ham. Now the LORD had shown me Jacob and Esau. The LORD was showing me his will for brothers. I was reminded once more of what the - [A Temporary Throne - 42](https://talkofjesus.com/att-42/) - CHAPTER 42 Genesis 35: 13 Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15 So - [A Temporary Throne - 41](https://talkofjesus.com/att-41/) - CHAPTER 41 I then saw a tree, beside where the man Jacob stood, before his journey to the time, place and altar the LORD had just revealed. Genesis 35:2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and - [A Temporary Throne - 40](https://talkofjesus.com/att-40/) - CHAPTER 40 Genesis 35:1 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” The LORD then showed me a heap of stones that reminded me of the stone fireplace my grandfather had built with - [Turn in your hymnal..](https://talkofjesus.com/turn-hymnal/) - .. to Psalms - Book II. You probably know that Psalms is the Hymnal of worship in song to the LORD. You may know that Psalms is divided into five BOOKS, which contain a total of 150 songs (Psalms). Most of us know that many Psalms were written by David and most of us could - [... your heart turns away ...](https://talkofjesus.com/heart-turns-away/) - “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. – Deuteronomy 30:17-18a NLT Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his - [A Temporary Throne - 37](https://talkofjesus.com/att-37/) - CHAPTER 37 Proverbs 18: 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. FROM THE WOMB ESAU HONORED HIS FATHER, BUT DID NOT HONOR HIS GOD AND CREATOR. I AM THE LORD. Genesis 27: Now it came to pass, when Isaac was - [A Temporary Throne - 36](https://talkofjesus.com/att-36/) - Previously: COME, ROGER. I WILL SHOW YOU THE LOVE OF TWO BROTHERS. I KNEW ESAU AND I KNEW JACOB. CHAPTER 36 Genesis 25: 21 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her… - [A Temporary Throne - 39](https://talkofjesus.com/att-39/) - The LORD lifted me slowly above the hills of Gilead. I say ‘slowly,’ by comparison to my instantaneous placement from the clouds of glory to the Throne and transport to places near and far. Yet beneath us I observed the place in a way not visible in the print of Genesis. As the families of - [A Temporary Throne - 35](https://talkofjesus.com/att-35/) - Previously: “Dear Rachel,” I cried out (for I was on earth). I had heard her cry from a hill of Benjamin, at the moment Benjamin was born from her womb – a place of a little town of Bethlehem. In case you missed the beginning of our M-F serial fiction which began 2 June: ATT - [But if...](https://talkofjesus.com/but-if/) - “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. - Deuteronomy 30:17-18a NLT God's love for us is unconditional; yet God's blessing is conditional - dependent on our obedience - [Jesus' Commandment](https://talkofjesus.com/jesus-commandment/) - “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." - John 15:13 - NKJV Christ Jesus, who would lay down His life for us as sacrifice and redemption for our sins, tells the Disciples how God's love is unconditional and how God's love is overflowing beyond description. But what about our - [Is that all there is (of my life)?](https://talkofjesus.com/is-that-all-there-is-3/) - And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. - Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV What is the meaning - [A Temporary Throne - 23](https://talkofjesus.com/att-23/) - CHAPTER 23 ALL THESE HAVE STRAYED FROM MY RIGHTEOUSNESS. ALL WILL BOW DOWN IN THE DAY I TEAR DOWN ALL. I AM THE LORD. I MAKE MY COVENANT WITH WHOM I WILL CHOOSE. I COULD BLESS MAN IN CHINA, IN BRAZIL, IN MOZAMBIQUE. I WILL BLESS WHOM I WILL BLESS AND I WILL CURSE WHOM - [A Temporary Throne - 22](https://talkofjesus.com/att-22/) - And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. - Genesis 6:5 KJV CHAPTER 22 THE LORD confused the men who would make a name for themselves. Their babble was unintelligible to me (but I have never - [A Temporary Throne - 21](https://talkofjesus.com/att-21/) - CHAPTER 21 Once more, I was carried above the clouds, above the heavens, and into the Place of the THRONE of GOD. THE LORD walked to a Place near me and in the midst of the GLORY surrounding THE LORD, I was seated as another THRONE suddenly appeared. For an instant I thought I beheld - [Is that all there is (for my family)?](https://talkofjesus.com/is-that-all-there-is-2/) - One day your ‘teen’ or ‘twenty’ reveals first to their friends and then to a parent: I’m ‘in a relationship,’ or I’m gay or I’m a vegan or I’m a witch or I’m quitting school or I’m pregnant or I’m getting an abortion or… or… any one of a number of things YOU as their - [Is that all there is?](https://talkofjesus.com/is-that-all-there-is/) - Does life have meaning? “Does life have meaning?” is not question which probes deepest into the broken hearts of souls. If you would study this question of philosophers and psychologists in depth, examine the life and witness of a man tried in the fire of faith and persecution: Victor Frankl, who after living as a - [A Temporary Throne - 38](https://talkofjesus.com/att-38/) - CHAPTER 38 Genesis 27:41 So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” ESAU HATED A MAN I BLESSED. CURSED IS ANY MAN WHO HATES WHAT I - [A Temporary Throne - 34](https://talkofjesus.com/att-34/) - CHAPTER 34 THE LORD then, in an instant, once more brought me into the camp of Jacob without returning to THE THRONE. (2 Peter 3:8) ROGER, I WANT TO SHOW YOU BENJAMIN. And though THE LORD had brought me to the banks of the Jordan at Jabbok, THE LORD opened my ears to prayers pouring - [A Temporary Throne - 33](https://talkofjesus.com/att-33/) - CHAPTER 33 Genesis 32 9 Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies… 11 Deliver - [A Temporary Throne - 32](https://talkofjesus.com/att-32/) - Covenant - divine ordinance with signs or pledges CHAPTER 32 Genesis 31:3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” 24 But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that - [A Temporary Throne - 31](https://talkofjesus.com/att-31/) - CHAPTER 31 Gen. 29:18 Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.” 19 And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. IT WAS NOT MY WILL THAT LABAN SHOULD GIVE EITHER DAUGHTER - [A Temporary Throne - 30](https://talkofjesus.com/temporary-throne-30/) - Continuing Roger's conversation with GOD of the marriage of Isaac & Rebekah CHAPTER 30 “I had never given much thought to Isaac and Rebekah as a model of marriage and the family.” YET ESAU AND JACOB, SEED OF SETH, WERE ALSO SEED OF ADAM, LIKE CAIN AND ABEL. SIN LEAVENS EVERY LOVE: LOVE OF HUSBAND AND - [A Temporary Throne - 29](https://talkofjesus.com/att-29/) - Previously, we questioned GOD about the three wives of 'Father Abraham.' CHAPTER 29 Genesis 24: 66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after - [A Temporary Throne - 28](https://talkofjesus.com/att-28/) - CHAPTER 28 Genesis 17: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; - [A Temporary Throne - 27](https://talkofjesus.com/att-27/) - CHAPTER 27 Genesis 12: 10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you - [A Temporary Throne - 26](https://talkofjesus.com/att-26/) - CHAPTER 26 Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. YOU KNOW THIS. YOU KNOW YOUR WIFE. ROGER, YOU ARE JOINED TO YOUR WIFE. (THE LORD spoke her name to me, which I am not to speak to you.) - [A Temporary Throne - 25](https://talkofjesus.com/att-25/) - CHAPTER 25 The LORD had given me great latitude from the THRONE of Heaven to make a choice other than HIS ALL-KNOWING blessings (and HIS ALL-KNOWING curses). But how was I to understand HIS UNDERSTANDING of marriage, for which THE LORD had brought me to the very THRONE of Heaven? … (I thought, before proceeding - [A Temporary Throne - 24](https://talkofjesus.com/att-24/) - CHAPTER 24 And I thought more. Could the LORD not choose more than one people? (Perhaps a family on every continent…) Then I remembered: even in Noah’s descendants, sin remained … and more-so in the family of Ham and Canaan, whom God had already cursed. Perhaps if God could model His Righteousness through the descendants - [A Temporary Throne - 20](https://talkofjesus.com/att-20/) - Previously... I WILL TELL THEM ONCE MORE. Genesis 9:7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.” ... I paused to consider God’s covenant with Noah and the few survivors for a cleansed creation. CHAPTER 20 God had once again given man a blessing. God - [PK's, EK's, DK's: Our kids; God's kids - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/pks-eks-dks-2/) - What does the Lord require of the leaders of His church? My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. - from the First Letter of John 2:1 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against - [A Temporary Throne - 19](https://talkofjesus.com/att-19/) - CHAPTER 19 Genesis 8: “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night - [Sexual Devolution](https://talkofjesus.com/sexual-devolution/) - SEX Preaching from Dr. Albert Mohler Contraceptive revolution. Divorce revolution. Premarital sex revolution. even senior citizens 'living together' unmarried & calling themselves christians. Abortions Homosexual agendas Cloning and other sexual issues... much more also in this one sermon http://www.albertmohler.com/about/ A few quotes: "... the exchange of a tradition of moral wisdom that had been shaped - [PK's, EK's, DK's: Our kids; God's kids](https://talkofjesus.com/pks-eks-dks/) - The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. - 1 Timothy 1:5 NLT If you haven't guessed, our focus is on 'Preacher's Kid's, Elder's Kids and Deacon's kids and the focus of scripture is Paul's letter to Timothy, - [A Temporary Throne - 18](https://talkofjesus.com/att-18/) - CHAPTER 18 JUDGE RIGHTLY, SON OF MAN: LET US MAKE OUR COVENANT. THE LORD had shown me HIS Creation from within Eden. I now observed scene of Paradise from HIS Cleansed Creation of the garden planet upon which we dwell. I had never so fully appreciated the glory of the Creation of this earthen speck - [A Temporary Throne - 17](https://talkofjesus.com/att-17/) - CHAPTER 17 NOAH AND HIS REMNANT OF MANKIND I SAVED IN AN ARK. I CLEANSED CREATION. I AM THE LORD. MORE THAN A YEAR NOAH COULD NOT SET FOOT ON THE EARTH. THEN NOAH WORSHIPED ME. I AM THE LORD. WITH A MAN I MADE MY COVENANT. NOAH MADE COVENANT WITH ME: I AM THE - [A Temporary Throne - 16](https://talkofjesus.com/att-16/) - CHAPTER 16 SINCE THE BEGINNING, I HAVE WANTED TO BE NEAR MEN OF FAITH. I thought about Adam, then having to survive outside of the exquisitely beautiful garden. And also I thought about Eve and their young children struggling just to keep alive. I remembered Noah, and I thought of the heart of the LOVING - [A Temporary Throne - 15](https://talkofjesus.com/att-15/) - Previously: “Should the LORD plant the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil?” I asked myself. I had never thought of the connection of my sins to this (really) or of any alternative. CHAPTER 15 I knew that sin had its beginning from the very beginnings of man and there was nothing that I - [A Temporary Throne - 14](https://talkofjesus.com/att-14/) - CHAPTER 14 Paradise? Eden? (Even before ‘adam?) Genesis 2:8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life - [A Temporary Throne - 13](https://talkofjesus.com/att-13/) - CHAPTER 13 The perspective of God from the THRONE of Heaven is like no other! I cannot reveal what only God does see from this PLACE. I may reveal that the sin of the world is uncovered and naked to the eyes of the ALL-KNOWING GOD OF HEAVEN. Every sin. All sins. Fully revealed. From - [A Temporary Throne - 12](https://talkofjesus.com/att-12/) - CHAPTER 12 The LORD then rose from His THRONE and approached me. I remained where I stood, bowing my head in respect, smiling full of joy and trembling in awe, yet not fear – I cannot explain it. The LORD spoke gently to me, FACE-to-face: ROGER, HOW WOULD YOU HAVE ME JUDGE? “LORD, I do - [A Temporary Throne - 11](https://talkofjesus.com/att-11/) - CHAPTER 11 DO YOU LOVE THESE MORE THAN ME? I knew the answer… YOUR SIN IS COVERED BY MY SACRIFICE. YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS. “Thank You LORD!” I thought from my heart; yet surly the LORD heard my thoughts, as I was now aware that the LORD had heard my prayers. YET SIN - [A Temporary Throne - 10](https://talkofjesus.com/att-10/) - CHAPTER 10 I spoke my plea to the LORD, as I had done so many times before pled to Him through prayer: “Lord, You know all things. May Your will be done… on earth, as it is in Heaven… Lord, in my life, may your will be done. All glory to You Lord, for Your - [The Glory of Christ Jesus - 3 ](https://talkofjesus.com/glory-christ-jesus-3/) - doxa - glory: splendour, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty, the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity, the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ, a most glorious condition, most exalted state,! Can ANY description by a man illuminate the glory of Christ Jesus? On - [A Temporary Throne - 9](https://talkofjesus.com/att-9/) - CHAPTER 9 Job 1:1 NLT There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. I confess that I am a sinner. I am NOT a righteous man like Job. I am most thankful for the - [A Temporary Throne - Forward](https://talkofjesus.com/att-forward/) - A Temporary Throne is a fictional exploration of the Book of Genesis with this question in mind: What would I do IF I were God? (Of course, I am not; but what would I do?) It is staged as a serial cliff-hanger-type story, as if we do not know what is coming next (in Genesis). Call it: a - [A Temporary Throne - 8](https://talkofjesus.com/att-8/) - CHAPTER 8 YOU HAVE NOT LIFE EXCEPT I GRANT. Job 6: 8 “Oh, that I might have my request, That God would grant me the thing that I long for! 9 That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off! I smiled in love, as - [A Temporary Throne - 7](https://talkofjesus.com/att-7/) - [I thank you, Lord, for hearing and answering our prayers.] CHAPTER 7 STAND ON YOUR FEET AND I WILL SPEAK WITH YOU. The Lord’s words to Ezekiel had been: Ezekiel 2: NKJV And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.” 2 Then the Spirit entered - [A Temporary Throne - 6](https://talkofjesus.com/att-6/) - CHAPTER 6 PRAYER: An interlude of refreshment… Matthew 11: 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you - [A Temporary Throne - 5](https://talkofjesus.com/att-5/) - CHAPTER 5 SUM, ERGO SUM, ROGER! I lay there in awe and wonderment! I immediately understood the WORD the LORD had spoken to me. Latin: From former thoughts of a man, who after doubting the existence of every man from the beginning of time and questioning everything of God’s Creation had concluded in his own - [A Temporary Throne - 3](https://talkofjesus.com/att-3/) - CHAPTER 3 ROGER! THE LORD GOD MOST HIGH spoke my name (as if HE knew me personally)! Of course -- (I had not really grasped the significance of this on earth) – Of course our CREATOR knows us by name. I recalled: Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the - [The Glory of Christ Jesus - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/glory-christ-jesus-2/) - John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Christ Jesus! The Very Glory of God - in the flesh: a son of man, the Son of God! And the man, Jesus, was witnessed - [A Temporary Throne - 1](https://talkofjesus.com/att-1/) - CHAPTER 1 I DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN. I can’t really say how it happened, but I found myself in Heaven at the THRONE OF GOD. It wasn't at all what I expected. In fact, (if thought or dream could even be spoken of as a fact of reality), I was certain that I had - [A Temporary Throne - 4](https://talkofjesus.com/att-4/) - CHAPTER 4 PRAYER SPEAKS TO GOD: person to PERSON. After my reply, “Here I am, Lord,” I remembered: The purpose of a PRAYER of Samuel’s mother Hannah had been to glorify God -- as had been the purpose of a latter prayer from a just announced virgin mother-to-be of the Son of Man. Samuel 2: - [A Temporary Throne - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/att-2/) - CHAPTER 2 As I lay upon the clouds of Heaven listening for a command of GOD, I became aware of an indescribable GLORY surrounding me and this PLACE where I found myself – or rather I might say: in this place where my soul lay. Unspeakable LIGHT! Unspeakable other sounds and even fragrances wafting into - [In these last days...](https://talkofjesus.com/last-days/) - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of - [New: June, 2014](https://talkofjesus.com/new-june-2014/) - ANNOUNCEMENT: Beginning in June, 2014, I will be testing new formats. When I launched our site for Christian Social Witness, I had hoped for input of many COMMENTS from our readers. At that time I devoted full time to this site and my upcoming book. I envisioned a platform for Christian authors and readers of - [The Glory of Christ Jesus](https://talkofjesus.com/glory-christ-jesus/) - Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an - [Redeemer](https://talkofjesus.com/redeemer/) - How much, O Lord, must I suffer from the coldness of hardened hearts, the darkness of this world of sin, and the hatred of those I love? O Lord, our Redeemer, our days are short and our witness of Your Kingdom falls on deaf ears of unrepentant souls. Why does the one who - [What did they see?](https://talkofjesus.com/see/) - And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the valley. - Ezekiel 8:4 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the vision which the LORD has shown to me: - Jeremiah 38:21 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD... - Obadiah 1:1 The book of - [The House You Build](https://talkofjesus.com/house-build/) - Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is - [Who's House?](https://talkofjesus.com/whos-house/) - I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. - Psalm 84:10b ESV Is your house a house of your God? Is your home a dwelling place of righteousness? Is your soul filled with the Holy Spirit of God? OR Do you build by emptiness of - [Jerusalem, Jerusalem - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/jerusalem-jerusalem-2/) - O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. - Psalm 84:8 Events B.C. ~2000 Abraham meets Melchizedek, King of Salem and Priest of "God most high" (El Elyon), Genesis 14:18 -20, Hebrews 6:20-7:22). Abraham journeys three days from Beersheba or Gerar to Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem to offer his - [Stronger in the LORD](https://talkofjesus.com/stronger-lord/) - They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. - Psalm 84:7 NLT What made weak followers of Jesus stronger after his resurrection and ascension? How is it that the faith of eleven remaining Disciples and a few former followers grew into a boldness in Christ that could not be - [Fire of the Holy Spirit](https://talkofjesus.com/fire-holy-spirit/) - Acts 2: When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (It has been fifty days, nearly two months since the crucifixion and resurrection.) 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. The Apostles are in - [for our God is a consuming fire](https://talkofjesus.com/god-consuming-fire/) - Hebrews 12:18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and - [Fire of the Living God](https://talkofjesus.com/fire-living-god/) - Exodus 3: 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed... God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, - [Until He Was Taken Up - 2](https://talkofjesus.com/taken-2/) - Luke 24:12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles (sixty stadia or about eleven kilometers) from Jerusalem, 14 ## Pages - [Talk of JESUS .com](https://talkofjesus.com/) - Talk of JESUS .com is NOT a personal blog about Roger. IT’S about our Lord JESUS Christ. COMMENT and ask questions [theology]. Talk of Jesus [Christology] .com - [2 Peter - Apostolic Faith Series](https://talkofjesus.com/2-peter-apostolic-faith-2/) - Apostolic Faith SECOND PETER - Introduction to his 2ND LETTER 2 Peter 1:3-11 2 Peter 1:12-21 2 Peter 2: for 2025 Common Era christians An Introduction to the Epistles (Letters) FEATURED LETTERS of 3 Apostles Reply to the Apostle's letter to you - [Apostolic Faith for 2025 Common Era christians](https://talkofjesus.com/apostolic-faith-for-2025-common-era-christians/) - INTRO to Apostolic Letters Do NOT be put off by things Catholic or Orthodox - things Protestant or ancient. 1st c. Apostles of JESUS & 21st c. disciples of Christ Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐχθὲς καὶ σήμερον ὁ αὐτός καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας Iesus Christus heri et hodie ipse et in saecula Jesus Christ is the same - [ACTS of the Apostles 1-6 - Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-apostles-church-history-intro/acts-1-6-jerusalem-apostle-peter/) - Acts of the Apostles 1-6 chronological post from Luke's important account of early church history, a featured series of Talk of JESUS .com beginning in AD 2022 - [ACTS 9-12 Miraculous Missionary Acts of Peter](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-9-12-miraculous-missionary-acts-of-peter/) - from ACTS 5 with John & the Apostles ACTS 8 - Previously - Philip in Samaria Acts 9: Saul & Simon Peter meet Saul of Tarsus no longer brings fear and threats to the Church; for he has met Jesus. But Barnabas took hold of him [Saul] and brought him to the apostles.. Acts 9:27a - [ACTS 6-8: a disciple of the Disciples](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-6-8-disciple-disciples/) - ACTS by new disciples of the Apostles Acts 8: Philip the Evangelist https://talkofjesus.com/syria-strategic-map-into-all-of-the-world Next: SAUL OF TARSUS! - [Returning to Jerusalem - Acts of the Apostles](https://talkofjesus.com/returning-to-jerusalem-acts-of-the-apostles/) - The Apostle Paul now sailing to Rome Acts 27: Acts 28: "Yerushalayim, Yerushalayim, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! a lament of Yeshua - Gospel of - [CORNERSTONE CONTENT](https://talkofjesus.com/cornerstone-content/) - TalkofJESUS.com Cornerstone Content Since 2013 Four cornerstone posts from important TOPICS , foundational Scripture & basic Chrtistian faith. The Beginning of the End - 2017 from the Prophets Leaders Handling Controversy - 2018 from the 4 Gospels God is HOLY - 2021 from Doctrine agapē a fruit of Love - 2025 from Doctrines CE MORE - [Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians - Featured Series](https://talkofjesus.com/1-corinthians-featured-series/) - READ our FEATURED SERIES + Paul's first letter to the Corinthians - CHAPTER links here; Comment on these important Scriptures for the Church. SHARE the Gospel. - [About Roger - 2025 NEWS](https://talkofjesus.com/about-roger-2025-news/) - NEW author photo in my summer office. An Autobiographical Look Back at the Decades My Story Join ROGER as he tells us more about each DECADE of his 75 years. Beginning August first READ my AutobiograpHy below: 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 2010's 2020's These individual ABOUT ROGER posts will be linked as he - [NEW this SUMMER 2025](https://talkofjesus.com/new-this-summer-2025/) - What do you have planned for summer 2025? Continued Bible study? NEW on Talk of JESUS .com + SUMMER 2025 About the Author Summer 2025 update Roger Harned Personal Biography AUGUST 1, 2025 C.E. - For reader-friendly reasons of continuity, the first of my NEW biographical posts leading up to my 75th birthday later in - [Psalms for Summer 2025](https://talkofjesus.com/psalms-for-summer-2025/) - Psalm 19: Psalm 118: Psalms often proclaim important attributes of God. Psalm 146 What PSALM do you want to READ or SHARE? Talk of JESUS .com is an interactive site primarily focused on the Christian community. Please COMMENT on any POST on our site — or email any comment to me: Roger@TalkofJesus.com What is your - [ACTS on Mission Paul and other Apostles](https://talkofjesus.com/acts-synopsis-mission-intro/) - Acts of the Apostles continues on a mission from AD 52-57 with Paul and other disciples of Jesus Christ sent out into Greek and Roman cities. ACTS 1-20 summary - [Lent 2025 C.E. - a time for contrition](https://talkofjesus.com/lent-2025-c-e-a-time-for-contrition-2/) - Lent, in the Common Era LENT - a season of reflection, a time for contrition Close the door of your distracted daily life Set your face toward the quiet narrow path Into the valley of the shadows And gentle night breezes of the olive grove.. For few are your remaining mortal days Perhaps forty or - [Questions](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-doctrine-teaching-accounting/questions/) - NEW Category for your ONE SENTENCE Question or Comment: Ask Any QUESTION about the Bible, God, Jesus Christ. Posts Category - Doctrine + beliefs and teaching of the church. One-sentence Questions may be submitted at any time - most comments posted as anonymous. 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MARCH, 2024 C.E. - TalkofJESUS.com is about to join the Apostle Paul once more as he embarks on a THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY A.D. 49 A.D. 50 A.D. 51 Background of Epistle with a brief comparison of the Greek, Roman [Latin] English Empires MARCH, 2024 C.E. - TalkofJESUS.com is about to join the - [Doctrines CE - Trinity](https://talkofjesus.com/doctrines-ce-trinity/) - Doctrine defined on this SERIES cover page for Doctrines of the Common Era (as in, 2024 CE). Trinity also defined here, briefly God - Father Son and Holy Spirit - [A 21st c. RECALL of the CHURCH](https://talkofjesus.com/21st-c-recall-church/) - Should Christ-followers consider a church recall from false teaching? A recall? What went wrong with our Church? Quick answer: DOCTRINE - Biblical teaching and preaching replaced by false teaching and Scriptureless preaching. Did God really say, Church? July 9, 2022 Church Church - Who are these 21st c. Christians? This will be the last chronological - [What is Doctrine? - Let's Talk about DOCTRINE](https://talkofjesus.com/what-is-doctrine-teaching-accounting/) - TalkofJESUS.com Series on Doctrines: NEW: DOCTRINE in 2024 of the Common Era Check out our UPDATED SERIES or READ about the Church from our previous SERIES on Doctrines https://talkofjesus.com/category/doctrine/church/ GOD IS HOLY (and we are not) What is Doctrine? What do YOU believe, my fellow believer in Christ Jesus? Do doctrines make any difference in - [Privacy Policy](https://talkofjesus.com/talk-jesus-com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is: https://talkofjesus.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from - [Hope for the Guilty](https://talkofjesus.com/talk-jesus-com/hope-for-the-guilty/) - October 12, 2023 C.E. CONTINUE in our FEATURE SERIES in ACTS of the Apostles OR READ & COMMENT on any of our most RECENT POSTS. a Common Era look back at DOCTRINE NEW 2023 series: DOCTRINES of the Common Era: "christianity-lite is weightless witness of Christ-less preaching to the Scripture-starved chaff of Common Era culture - [How should Christians respond to grief?](https://talkofjesus.com/whats-idea-christian-grieving/) - By: Rachel Harned, M.A. Counseling Ministries, Wheaton College * - Original Post Date: September 23, 2013 How do you respond to someone who is dealing with death, sickness or grief of any kind? When I was 6 years old, my mom died. I found out early that many Christians don't know how to handle grief. That - [sleepers a woke = christmas 2022 series](https://talkofjesus.com/woke-christmas-2022-series/) - HUMBUG! would have been the label of an earlier era. But even Charlie Brown (who's a bit old and outdated these days) had to miss Thanksgiving on TV this year. Giving thanks to God and celebrating a birth of JESUS isn't what woke holidays of these enlightened last days is all about. 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