<a href="https://ref.ly/John%2020.24%E2%80%9331;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">John 20:24–31</a>24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A believer can be strong and utterly convinced one moment and deflated the next. 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  Don’t let your doubts dictate your future. Let your doubts motivate your study.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 John 20:24–3124 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A believer can be strong and utterly convinced one moment and deflated the next.26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Don’t let your doubts dictate your future. Let your doubts motivate your study. 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Brookside Church Podcast

Is It Okay to Have Doubt?

<a href="https://ref.ly/Luke%2010.38%E2%80%9342;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Luke 10:38–42</a>38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.Before she fell at his feet and before she anointed his feet, she sat at his feet.40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” This book is an exploration of a feeling. That caught-by-the-throat feeling so many mothers have today of always doing something wrong. And it’s about a conviction I have that this feeling—this widespread, choking cocktail of guilt and anxiety and resentment and regret—is poisoning motherhood for American women today. Lowering our horizons and limiting our minds. Sapping energy that we should have for ourselves and our children. And drowning out thoughts that might lead us, collectively, to formulate solutions. The feeling has many faces, but it doesn’t really have a name. It’s not depression. It’s not oppression. It’s a mix of things, a kind of too-muchness. An existential discomfort. A mess. (Warner, Perfect Madness, 3–4) 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” <a href="https://ref.ly/Ps%2073.25-26;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Psalm 73:25-26</a>“Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.” Take it Home:1. Repent of making serving him more important than being with him. 2. Create a “Stop-Doing” list. 3. Develop a Sabbath rhythm that facilitates presence while not neglecting performance.

Luke 10:38–4238 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.Before she fell at his feet and before she anointed his feet, she sat at his feet.40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”This book is an exploration of a feeling. That caught-by-the-throat feeling so many mothers have today of always doing something wrong. And it’s about a conviction I have that this feeling—this widespread, choking cocktail of guilt and anxiety and resentment and regret—is poisoning motherhood for American women today. Lowering our horizons and limiting our minds. Sapping energy that we should have for ourselves and our children. And drowning out thoughts that might lead us, collectively, to formulate solutions. The feeling has many faces, but it doesn’t really have a name. It’s not depression. It’s not oppression. It’s a mix of things, a kind of too-muchness. An existential discomfort. A mess. (Warner, Perfect Madness, 3–4)41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”Psalm 73:25-26“Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”Take it Home:1. Repent of making serving him more important than being with him.2. Create a “Stop-Doing” list.3. Develop a Sabbath rhythm that facilitates presence while not neglecting performance.

How Do I Balance Serving God and Being With Him?

<a href="https://ref.ly/Acts%2015.36%E2%80%9341;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Acts 15:36–41</a>36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”37 Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.​ <a href="https://ref.ly/Col%204.10%E2%80%9315;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Colossians 4:10–15</a>10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.​ <a href="https://ref.ly/Philem%2023%E2%80%9324;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Philemon 23–24</a>23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Tim%204.9%E2%80%9313;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Timothy 4:9–13</a>9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.​ Take it Home:1. Pinpoint what caused the severed relationship.​ 2. Be willing to be transparent and accountable.​ 3. Develop and show new habits or attitudes.

Acts 15:36–4136 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”37 Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.​Colossians 4:10–1510 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.​Philemon 23–2423 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.2 Timothy 4:9–139 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.​Take it Home:1. Pinpoint what caused the severed relationship.​2. Be willing to be transparent and accountable.​3. Develop and show new habits or attitudes.

How Do I Deal With Severed Relationships?

<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2011.1;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 11:1</a>In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.But David remained in Jerusalem.<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2011.27;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 11:27</a>But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. <a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.1;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:1</a>The Lord sent Nathan to David. <a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.5%E2%80%936;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:5–6</a>5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.7;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:7</a> Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! <a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.13%E2%80%9314;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:13–14</a>13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. <a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.10;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:10</a>Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.11;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:11</a>This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.14;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:14</a>But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Sam%2012.31;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Samuel 12:31</a>Then he and his entire army returned to Jerusalem. <a href="https://ref.ly/Ps%2051.%201-13;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Psalm 51: 1-13</a>“Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.”“Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me.”“Against you – you alone – I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge.”“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within.” “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”“Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”“Restore the joy of your salvation to me and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you.”

2 Samuel 11:1In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.But David remained in Jerusalem.2 Samuel 11:27But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.2 Samuel 12:1The Lord sent Nathan to David. 2 Samuel 12:5–65 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”2 Samuel 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 2 Samuel 12:13–1413 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 2 Samuel 12:10Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.2 Samuel 12:11This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’2 Samuel 12:14But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.2 Samuel 12:31Then he and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.Psalm 51: 1-13“Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.”“Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me.”“Against you – you alone – I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge.”“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within.” “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”“Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”“Restore the joy of your salvation to me and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you.”

Can I Lose My Higher Purpose?

<a href="https://ref.ly/Gen%201.2;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Genesis 1:2</a>2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.A dove came down!Moses was lifted up out of the water! Israel is my beloved son!  <a href="https://ref.ly/Mark%201.9%E2%80%9311;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Mark 1:9–11</a>9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”1 Corinthians 10:1–21For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. <a href="https://ref.ly/1%20Pet%203.19%E2%80%932;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">1 Peter 3:19–2</a>120…in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…  Acts 2:38–4138 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.<a href="https://ref.ly/Acts%208.34%E2%80%9338;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Acts 8:34–38</a>34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.<a href="https://ref.ly/Acts%2018.8;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Acts 18:8</a>8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. <a href="https://ref.ly/Acts%2010.4;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Acts 10:4</a>7–48Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:22 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.A dove came down!Moses was lifted up out of the water! Israel is my beloved son! Mark 1:9–119 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”1 Corinthians 10:1–21For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 1 Peter 3:19–2120…in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ… Acts 2:38–4138 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.Acts 8:34–3834 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.Acts 18:88 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. Acts 10:47–48Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday

<a href="https://ref.ly/Exod%204.5;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Exodus 4:5</a>“That is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers – has appeared to you.”<a href="https://ref.ly/Exod%2014.31;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Exodus 14:31</a>“The Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians.” <a href="https://ref.ly/Exod%2019.4-5;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Exodus 19:4-5</a>“Tell the people: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.’”<a href="https://ref.ly/Exod%2020.22;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Exodus 20:22</a>“Tell the people, ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.’”  <a href="https://ref.ly/Heb%209.1%E2%80%9314;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Hebrews 9:1–14</a>1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! <a href="https://ref.ly/1%20Cor%203.16;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">1 Corinthians 3:16</a>“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”  <a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Cor%206.16;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Corinthians 6:16</a>“For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them.”

 Exodus 4:5“That is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers – has appeared to you.”Exodus 14:31“The Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians.” Exodus 19:4-5“Tell the people: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.’”Exodus 20:22“Tell the people, ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.’” Hebrews 9:1–141Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!1 Corinthians 3:16“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”  2 Corinthians 6:16“For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them.”

How to Trust a God You Can't See

(<a href="https://ref.ly/Eph%206.12;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Ephesians 6:12 NIV</a>)“Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (<a href="https://ref.ly/James%204.1%E2%80%936;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">James 4:1–6 NIV</a>)1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  Pride postures yourself to satisfy yourself outside of God’s purpose and parameters.(<a href="https://ref.ly/James%204.7%E2%80%9310;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">James 4:7–10 NIV</a>)7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. <ol><li>Develop the ability to resist the Enemy.</li><li>Regularly repent of your sin.</li><li>Plan on his promise to lift you up.</li></ol>

(Ephesians 6:12 NIV)“Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”(James 4:1–6 NIV)1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride postures yourself to satisfy yourself outside of God’s purpose and parameters.(James 4:7–10 NIV)7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.Develop the ability to resist the Enemy.Regularly repent of your sin.Plan on his promise to lift you up.

Sermon on Conflict Resolution and Temptation

1 .It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.(<a href="https://ref.ly/John%2013.1%E2%80%9317;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">John 13:1–17 NIV</a>)  Take it Home:1. God wants your heart, not your religion. 2. Humility compels you to serve those who betray you. 3. If you want blessed, go where God has already given his blessing.

1 .It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.(John 13:1–17 NIV) Take it Home:1. God wants your heart, not your religion.2. Humility compels you to serve those who betray you.3. If you want blessed, go where God has already given his blessing.

How Can We Be Humble Like Jesus?

Who Is Jesus in Today's World? (Again)

Who is Jesus in Today's World?

Because the darker the world gets, the more hopeful those in Christ become.(<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2010.1%E2%80%933;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 10:1–3 NIV</a>)1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2010.14;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 10:14 NIV</a>)14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2010.16%E2%80%9317;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 10:16–17 NIV</a>)16 “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.” (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2011.21%E2%80%9324;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 11:21–24 NIV</a>)21 “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. 22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2011.25%E2%80%9328;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 11:25–28 NIV</a>)25 “With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. 26 Those who eat from the king’s provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle.27 The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time.28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2011.29%E2%80%9330;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 11:29–30 NIV</a>)29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.(<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2011.31%E2%80%9332;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 11:31–32 NIV</a>)31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2011.36%E2%80%9339;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 11:36–39 NIV</a>)36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.(<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2012.1;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 12:1 NIV</a>)“There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then….”…But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.(<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%2012.10;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 12:10 NIV</a>)10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

Because the darker the world gets, the more hopeful those in Christ become.(Daniel 10:1–3 NIV)1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.(Daniel 10:14 NIV)14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” (Daniel 10:16–17 NIV)16 “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”(Daniel 11:21–24 NIV)21 “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. 22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time.(Daniel 11:25–28 NIV)25 “With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. 26 Those who eat from the king’s provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle.27 The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time.28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.(Daniel 11:29–30 NIV)29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.(Daniel 11:31–32 NIV)31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.(Daniel 11:36–39 NIV)36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.(Daniel 12:1 NIV)“There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then….”…But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.(Daniel 12:10 NIV)10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

God's Plan in Action!

1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed… “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%209.1-4;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 9:1-4</a>) Repentance requires ownership of responsibility. God’s promises are His reputation. 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%209.20%E2%80%9327;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 9:20–27</a>) Take It Home:<ol><li>Build your prayers on God’s promises.</li><li>Don’t quit on the cusp.</li><li>Trust your prayers to His mercy, not your merit.</li></ol>

1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed… “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (Daniel 9:1-4)Repentance requires ownership of responsibility.God’s promises are His reputation.20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. (Daniel 9:20–27)Take It Home:Build your prayers on God’s promises.Don’t quit on the cusp.Trust your prayers to His mercy, not your merit.

How Prayer Helps!

(<a href="https://ref.ly/James%203.17;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">James 3:17 NIV</a>)17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%206.4%E2%80%935;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 6:4–5 NIV</a>)4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” A life of integrity grows out of intentional rhythms. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%206.7;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 6:7 NIV</a>)7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%206.9;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 6:9 NIV</a>)9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%206.10;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 6:10 NIV</a>)10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Vigilance prepares you for surprise! (<a href="https://ref.ly/Matt%2026.40%E2%80%9341;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Matthew 26:40–41 NIV</a>)40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (<a href="https://ref.ly/Dan%206.21%E2%80%9323;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Daniel 6:21–23 NIV</a>)21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Take it Home:1. Our faith is measured by how well we resist compromise.(<a href="https://ref.ly/Heb%2012.4;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">Hebrews 12:4 NIV</a>)“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood,”(<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Cor%204.8-9;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV</a>)“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2. Resilient disciples develop healthy rhythms. (Exodus 20 NIV)“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” (Acts 2 NIV)“They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Hebrews 10 NIV)“Let us consider how we may spur one another one, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (Psalm 1 NIV)“His delight in in the Law of the Lord, and on this Law, he meditates day and night.” 1 Thessalonians 5: “Pray unceasingly” 3. Live with hope by keeping your eyes on Jesus.(<a href="https://ref.ly/2%20Cor%204.18;niv?t=biblia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(67, 138, 200);">2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV</a>)“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

(James 3:17 NIV)17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(Daniel 6:4–5 NIV)4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”A life of integrity grows out of intentional rhythms.(Daniel 6:7 NIV)7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.(Daniel 6:9 NIV)9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.(Daniel 6:10 NIV)10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.Vigilance prepares you for surprise!(Matthew 26:40–41 NIV)40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Daniel 6:21–23 NIV)21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.Take it Home:1. Our faith is measured by how well we resist compromise.(Hebrews 12:4 NIV)“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood,”(2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV)“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”2. Resilient disciples develop healthy rhythms. (Exodus 20 NIV)“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” (Acts 2 NIV)“They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Hebrews 10 NIV)“Let us consider how we may spur one another one, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (Psalm 1 NIV)“His delight in in the Law of the Lord, and on this Law, he meditates day and night.” 1 Thessalonians 5: “Pray unceasingly”3. Live with hope by keeping your eyes on Jesus.(2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Why Does God Allow Us to Face Lions?

In this week's sermon, Eric Dubach explores the themes of pride, accountability, and the consequences of mocking God as illustrated in Daniel chapter 5. Join us as we unpack the historical and spiritual lessons from the fall of Babylon.<ul><li>Announcement on the upcoming annual business meeting and life track classes starting at Brookside.</li><li>Recap of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel chapter 2 and its historical implications.</li><li>Introduction to King Belshazzar and the warning given through the writing on the wall.</li><li>Examination of spiritual arrogance and its downfalls, using the Babylonian King's example.</li><li>Encouragement for personal accountability and involvement in others’ spiritual wellbeing.</li></ul>

In this week's sermon, Eric Dubach explores the themes of pride, accountability, and the consequences of mocking God as illustrated in Daniel chapter 5. Join us as we unpack the historical and spiritual lessons from the fall of Babylon.Announcement on the upcoming annual business meeting and life track classes starting at Brookside.Recap of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel chapter 2 and its historical implications.Introduction to King Belshazzar and the warning given through the writing on the wall.Examination of spiritual arrogance and its downfalls, using the Babylonian King's example.Encouragement for personal accountability and involvement in others’ spiritual wellbeing.

What Happens When We Mock God?

In this week's sermon on Daniel Chapter 4, Eric Dubach dives into the themes of integrity and pride and their relevance in today's world. Learn how to manage pride before it leads to downfall and how to communicate truth with love. <ul><li>The greatest sin according to C.S. Lewis and its impact.</li><li>The importance of managing pride rather than eliminating it.</li><li>King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation by Daniel.</li><li>The significance of speaking truth in love.</li><li>Transformation through divine anointing and humility.</li></ul>

In this week's sermon on Daniel Chapter 4, Eric Dubach dives into the themes of integrity and pride and their relevance in today's world. Learn how to manage pride before it leads to downfall and how to communicate truth with love.The greatest sin according to C.S. Lewis and its impact.The importance of managing pride rather than eliminating it.King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation by Daniel.The significance of speaking truth in love.Transformation through divine anointing and humility.

What Does Daniel 4:34 Mean?

Welcome to the podcast of Brookside Church. Check each week for the latest message to help you live like Jesus! Brookside Church is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Welcome to the podcast of Brookside Church. Check each week for the latest message to help you live like Jesus! Brookside Church is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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The Brookside Church Podcast

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