Daniel 11:21-28

Almost 2022!  Wishing everyone a blessed New Year!

My peace comes from knowing that no matter what happens…God is in control!

When life feels too hard it could be because we are focusing more on the crisis than on Christ. Looking to God's Word during times of great suffering will help us realize God's plan is still going forward  even in the midst of suffering. Looking to God means we don't try to figure out the why. Instead, we learn to trust God in the unknowns. God says in our weakness, He is made strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Friend, if life feels too hard, lean deeper into God today and let Him carry you through this season. Stay close to Him. Pour out your heart and let Him comfort you as only He can. First5 

Bethlehem was just the beginning. Jesus has promised a repeat performance. Bethlehem, Act 2. No silent night this time, however. The skies will open, the trumpets will blast, and a new kingdom will begin. He will empty the tombs and melt the winter of death. The manger invites, even dares us, to believe the best is yet to be. And it could all begin today. But if it doesn’t, there’s a reason. No day is accidental or incidental. Max Lucado 

Daniel 11:21-28

21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. 25 “He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. 28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. The New King James Version

This world is full of wars and fightings, which come from men’s lusts. All changes and revolutions of states and kingdoms, and every event, are plainly and perfectly foreseen by God. No word of God shall fall to the ground; but what he has designed, what he has declared, shall infallibly come to pass. While the potsherds of the earth strive with each other, they prevail and are prevailed against, deceive and are deceived; but those who know God will trust in him, and he will enable them to stand their ground, bear their cross, and maintain their conflict. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Seleucid Control of Palestine (190 b.c.) 

Antiochus III, king of Syria, expanded the boundaries of the Seleucid kingdom in numerous battles with the Ptolemies. In 221 b.c. he captured part of Palestine, only to lose most of it in 217 b.c. Returning in 201 b.c. he finally defeated the Ptolemies in 198 b.c. with the aid and support of the Jews. Palestine enjoyed freedom from Egyptian domination until 175 b.c., when a new leader, Antiochus IV, became king of Syria. His oppression of the Jews led to the Maccabean Revolt of 167 b.c. and eventual Jewish autonomy in 164 b.c.

The prince of the covenant probably refers to the high priest Onias III, who was murdered in the time of Antiochus IV Probably a reference to Greek sympathizers among the Jews. Those who desired to remain faithful to their Jewish roots far outweighed those who desired to embrace Greek culture. Antiochus’ standard operating procedure was, after infiltrating the wealthiest ranks of society and garnering their support, to be generous to them—almost to a fault. Antiochus attacked Egypt in 170 bc. Ptolemy VI, who was a boy when Antiochus attacked, was poorly influenced by his two advisors, Eulaeus and Lenaeus. Ptolemy VI’s mother was Cleopatra Syra, Antiochus’ sister. Ptolemy agreed to meet with his uncle in Memphis. Antiochus IV feigned friendship and allegedly took control of his nephew’s kingdom. This is not the end. As is typical in apocalyptic literature, events have a predetermined course that cannot be altered. On his way back from Egypt, Antiochus was short on funds and plundered the gold of the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus influenced his nephew, Ptolemy VI, to control Egypt. Faithlife Study Bible

A vile person refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 b.c.), who seized the throne through treachery. They shall be swept away is probably a reference to the Egyptians. The prince of the covenant refers to Onias III, the high priest in Jerusalem who bore that title. He refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The king of the South at this time was Ptolemy Philometor (181–145 b.c.) of Egypt. The trusted counselors of Ptolemy Philometor who ate at his table betrayed him. Both Antiochus and Ptolemy resorted to deceit and betrayal in working out truce arrangements. On his way back to Syria, Antiochus looted the temple in Jerusalem and killed many people. The NKJV Study Bible

Daniel 8:19 And he said, “Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be.

Daniel 8:25 “Through his cunningHe shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.

Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

1 Corinthians 6:18

Mercy always trumps judgment. The couple caught in adultery and the Samaritan woman at the well who had 4 husbands and was living with another are two examples of this mercy. Jesus never condoned sin but forgiveness was always offered. No sin carries more weight than another. We are all sinners saved by His grace.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu 

1 Corinthians 6:18

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. The New King James Version

The Corinthians may have assumed that their physical bodies were not subject to moral instruction thus, they believed that everything is permissible. Paul counters their assumption; he argues that those who sin sexually also sin against their own bodies. Paul asks a question to explain his association of the physical body with holiness. The nature of this question suggests that the Corinthian believers should already know about this truth. Paul’s use of the singular form of “body” may emphasize that each believer is a temple of God. Paul also described the entire church community as the temple of God earlier but now Paul focuses on individual believers instead of the entire church community. In Paul’s time, masters purchased slaves from other masters, thereby issuing a change in ownership for a slave. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God purchased them from slavery to sin and death through the sacrificial death of Christ. Therefore, they belong to God, not to themselves. Faithlife Study Bible

Every sin that a man does is outside the body was another slogan used by the Corinthians to justify their immorality. Paul pointed out that the opposite is true: sexual sin is done against the body, not outside of it. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to flee any temptation to indulge in sexual sin. Bought at a price alludes to someone purchasing a slave at a slave auction. With His death Jesus Christ paid the cost to redeem us from our slavery to sin. The NKJV Study Bible

John 2:21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Mark 6:32-34

God honors our persistence. If we seek Him we will find Him. In Jesus He has given us everything we need. Compassion and mercy are two of the main characteristics of the Godhead.

As the Good Shepherd  Jesus has compassion for mankind and wants no one to perish!

We, as believers, are now given the privilege of being the hands and feet of Christ to show others God’s love for them.  John 3:16  God loved His creation enough to give them His only begotten Son to show them the way home. 

Jesus willingly gave His life in exchange for ours. He did not leave us here to fend for ourselves but gives us Holy Spirit to live in us. In the measure that we allow Him, He will change us to be more like  Jesus! 

There is healing in Gods’ wings.

And where the Spirit is, good can be worked. Peace can be found. Gentler answers can be given. Healing words can be spoken. Balled-up fists can be released. Progress can be made. The enemy can be defeated. God can be glorified. And the watching world can see more and more of the reality of Jesus in us. First5 Lysa TerKeurst

Mark 6:32-34

32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. 33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. The New King James Version

Having described King Herod’s despicable birthday banquet, Mark presents Jesus presiding over an even larger feast as the true leader of God’s kingdom who truly provides for God’s people. Faithlife Study Bible

The Gospels record several times that when Jesus saw a need He was moved with compassion. That compassion led to action, despite an obvious lack of food in this instance. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ’s word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily food. If Christ and his disciples put up with mean things, surely we may. And this miracle shows that Christ came into the world, not only to restore, but to preserve and nourish spiritual life; in him there is enough for all that come. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Numbers 27:17 who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”

Matthew 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Luke 9:11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.

2 Corinthians 1:5-7

God will never leave us or turn His eyes from us. In our weakness and our dependence in Him we are guided into the truth of  His word made flesh,  JESUS. 

We can endure all things in Christ our Lord. He gives us His peace to endure our suffering that is truly beyond our human understanding.

No one wants to suffer but Holy Spirit will take the very things meant to destroy our faith and turn it for  good.

We can trust Holy Spirit to use our suffering to console others  going through the same trials we experienced. 

There is a certain kind of dignity we admire, and to which we aspire, in the person who refuses to meet anger with anger, violence with violence, or hatred with hatred. Desmond Tutu

It turns out, we are not enough. We were never meant to be enough. We were meant to need Jesus. Our inadequacies point us to our Savior. They point us to the One who IS enough. And we can rest in knowing that Jesus is with the Father right now, taking care of everything we need. We can trade our limits of sin and death for His "perfect forever" (Hebrews 7:28). First5 

2 Corinthians 1:5-7

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. The New King James Version

The sufferings of Christ refers primarily to the events Jesus underwent from His arrest to His death. These may also include the persecutions He suffered from religious leaders as well as the sufferings of His followers. Certain opponents in Corinth may have assumed that Paul’s sufferings delegitimized his apostleship, as they regarded suffering as a sign of weakness. Paul reminds the believers that his sufferings brought about the spread of the gospel by displaying God’s power. The view of Paul’s opponents may have stemmed from traditional views of divine retribution. This traditional view—apparent in old testament Wisdom literature —claims that God gives people what they deserve, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. Paul’s opponents believed that Paul’s suffering was evidence of God’s punishment. In this way, they resembled Job’s friends, who mistakenly believed Job suffered because of his own sin. Paul responds to his opponents by demonstrating that his suffering ultimately benefits the Corinthians. The Greek word used here, elpis, refers to a confident expectation of deliverance. It indicates a firm trust that God will fulfill His promises. For Paul, the Holy Spirit provides an assurance of hope while undergoing suffering. Faithlife Study Bible

Christ suffered as a bearer of our sins and as a servant to His disciples. Those who follow Christ also will experience the same suffering while they serve, for which they will receive a reward, “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”. The NKJV Study Bible

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

John 1:12-13

Just BELIEVE!

BELIEVE in the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who gave His life so that you could live!

Yesterday, we lost a hero. Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa's struggle against white minority rule) died peacefully at 90. “In Desmond Tutu’s eyes, we saw Jesus’ love. In his voice, we heard Jesus’ compassion. In his laughter, we heard Jesus’ joy. It was beautiful and brave. His greatest love is now realised as he meets his Lord face to face.” (The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby)

Let us continue to spill the light you spilled, to call out the injustices we see before us and spread joy where and when we can.  Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments”

Our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love one another, to care for one another, and cherish one another and seek the greater good of the other. Desmund Tutu

God is always near us. Always for us. Always in us. We may forget him, but God will never forget us. We are forever on his mind and in his plans. He called himself “‘Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23).

John 1:12-13

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. The New King James Version

Unlike the people who rejected Him, those who accepted Jesus as Messiah are the true “children of God”. John never uses the phrase huioi theou, “sons of God,” to describe believers, preferring tekna theou, “children of God.” As in Revelation, John uses the category of “Son of God” exclusively for Jesus. For John, it’s a title denoting authority and precise relationship; He is from the Father just as an earthly son is from his father. As such, He has been given an inheritance to care for—creation and humanity—as a son on earth is given an estate. Faithlife Study Bible

The phrase believe in His name occurs three times in the Gospel of John. Name does not refer to the term by which He is called, but to what His name stands for—the Lord is salvation. In this context, the phrase means to believe that Jesus is the Word, the life, and the Light—that is, He is the Christ, the Son of God. To them He gave the right refers to the legitimate entitlement to the position of children of God. By believing, undeserving sinners can become full members of God’s family. This new spiritual birth is not of blood, that is, by physical generation or by parents. Nor is the new birth of the will of the flesh, that is, by personal effort. Neither is the birth of the will of man, that is, something done by another individual. Each person must individually trust Jesus Christ for eternal life. It is a gift to be received, not a reward achieved through any human effort. The NKJV Study Bible

By his Divine presence Christ always was in the world. But now that the fulness of time was come, he was, after another manner, God manifested in the flesh. But observe the beams of his Divine glory, which darted through this veil of flesh. Men discover their weaknesses to those most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those most intimate with him saw most of his glory. Although he was in the form of a servant, as to outward circumstances, yet, in respect of graces, his form was like the Son of God. His Divine glory appeared in the holiness of his doctrine, and in his miracles. He was full of grace, fully acceptable to his Father, therefore qualified to plead for us; and full of truth, fully aware of the things he was to reveal. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 11:52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. 

Life Church Vineyard, Lancaster, OH

Retelling the Story of Christmas

Pastor Mitch Price

Christmas is a celebration of God’s great love for us. John 3:16 16 

Christmas is about Jesus, but it’s for you!

Jesus reconciled us to God.

We have been pining for the coming of Christ in the season of Advent. We are now the collective Body of Christ. Messengers that being great hope to a fallen world.

The birth of Christ was happening in a chaotic time with throngs of people coming in to the city for the census. This birth was different and the most significant life changing event in the whole of history.

The angels proclaimed the birth of our King. 

Is He the King of  your life?

Luke 2:8-11

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The New King James Version

God appeared in the humblest manner that He could so that we would know that He came for the common, everyday person. His salvation was Good News for ALL people. In Him we become children of our King. 

The Father gave us His only begotten Son to suffer and die in our place out of the agape love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The New King James Version

Immanuel “God with us”

Jesus has given us the very words of life in the Bible and the way to Him. You can’t claim to love God without loving your neighbor. You can gain the whole world and still forfeit your soul in the process. Whoever loses his life for others gains the true meaning of life in Him. If we fail to read His word and spend time in relationship with God we loose out in meeting Him. Jesus was humble, and gentle but He was also Almighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. He is all powerful, all knowing and all seeing. Because of the mercy and goodness of the Godhead we are not destroyed. 

God is about relationship. And He wants no one to perish but every person to come to Him and live. IN Jesus we live in His righteous. Sin and death no longer have not control over us. We will live a full and complete life in Him and in the power of Holy Spirit. 

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a celebration of God’s love for us. John 3:16. For God so loved His creation that He gave us Jesus. All who believe in Him will not perish but have life with Him eternally. Carla 🎄

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down have a blessed 
And glory shone around
"Fear not", said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind"
(While shepherds watched their flocks by night, Nahum Tate, the year 1700)

Daniel 9:16-19

Without God in our lives we are left on our own. Out of His mercy He gave us the means to survive but sadly as caretakers of His resources we have failed. 

God does not tolerate sin but He offers mercy, forgiveness and restoration through Jesus. His character is unchanging. There is no one righteous but ONE.

Just as in the parable of the prodigal son He is always seeking us out and welcoming us back in to His love. 

Out of  His agape love He gave us JESUS.

Until His return we are His hands and feet. Our actions will direct others to Him or away from Him. All things done in love and in His name will produce results that benefit His Kingdom and honor His name.

God is long-suffering, forgiving and willing to restore our relationship with Him through Christ. In our repentance Holy Spirit will change us from the inside out!

Numbers 6:25 The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

Daniel 9:16-19

16 “O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. 17 Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” The New King James Version

Daniel entreats Yahweh to subdue His wrath and forgive on the basis of His righteous acts—His legacy of saving works. The Israelites are in captivity because of their ancestors’ sin. If the temple associated with the God of Israel has been disgraced, so too has God and the nation to whom it belonged. Daniel’s reference to the desolate sanctuary would have resonated with those living in the days of Antiochus. 

Daniel’s prayer reaches its peak with four imperatives asking Yahweh to forgive and take swift action. The condition of God’s city—the temple—and His people reflects on Him. Daniel pleads for their restoration so that the greatness of God’s name might be restored, not defamed. Daniel is concerned with God’s reputation among the nations; he does not want to bring any reproach on His name. Faithlife Study Bible

It is important to note that the only basis for Daniel’s appeal was the grace of God. Do not delay: These words must be understood in light of Daniel’s reference to the 70 years in verse 2. Daniel knew full well that all of God’s promises had not come to pass, nor had the blessings been conferred on the regathered and restored people. The NKJV Study Bible

Here is a believing appeal to the mercy of God. It is a comfort that God has been always ready to pardon sin. It is encouraging to recollect that mercies belong to God, as it is convincing and humbling to recollect that righteousness belongs to him. There are abundant mercies in God, not only forgiveness, but forgivenesses. Here are pleaded the reproach God’s people was under, and the ruins God’s sanctuary was in. Sin is a reproach to any people, especially to God’s people. The desolations of the sanctuary are grief to all the saints. Here is an earnest request to God to restore the poor captive Jews to their former enjoyments. O Lord, hearken and do. Not hearken and speak only, but hearken and do; do that for us which none else can do; and defer not. Here are several pleas and arguments to enforce the petitions. Do it for the Lord Christ’s sake; Christ is the Lord of all. And for his sake God causes his face to shine upon sinners when they repent, and turn to him. In all our prayers this must be our plea, we must make mention of his righteousness, even of his only. The humble, fervent, believing earnestness of this prayer should ever be followed by us.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Luke 10:17–22

In the name of Jesus, with the power of Holy Spirit, nothing in the will of God fails.

Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door will be opened. Seek and you will find Him.

Luke 10:17–22

17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” The New King James Version

Lord of heaven and earth is a title emphasizing the authority of God over all of creation. Faithlife Study Bible

This verse provides a commentary on what the disciples’ healing ministry meant. The reversal of the effects of sin and death, which Satan introduced through his deception in Genesis 3, are portrayed graphically as Satan falling from heaven. Jesus’ ministry and what grows out of it represents the defeat of Satan, sin, and death. More important than the disciples’ authority over spirits was their position as God’s children. Their names were known to God and were written in God’s book. This was the disciples’ greatest blessing. 

All things have been delivered to Me: This is Jesus’ declaration of total authority as the Son of God. Jesus declares His unique relationship with God the Father. The Lord reveals Himself only through Jesus. To know God, one must know His Son, Jesus. The NKJV Study Bible

All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in that hour in which he saw Satan fall, and heard of the good success of his ministers, in that hour he rejoiced. He has ever resisted the proud, and given grace to the humble. The more simply dependent we are on the teaching, help, and blessing of the Son of God, the more we shall know both of the Father and of the Son; the more blessed we shall be in seeing the glory, and hearing the words of the Divine Saviour; and the more useful we shall be made in promoting his cause. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 91:13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.

Mark 16:18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Acts:11:4-18

God shows  no partiality in the salvation He provides in Jesus Christ. 

ALL are welcome to His table!

There is no room for prejudice of any kind in the Body of Christ.

May this eternal truth be always on our hearts
That the God who breathed this world into being
Placed stars into the heavens
And designed a butterfly's wing
Is the God who entrusted his life
to the care of ordinary people
became vulnerable that we might know
how strong is the power of Love
A mystery so deep it is impossible to grasp
A mystery so beautiful it is impossible to ignore.
FaithandWorship

Acts:11:4-18

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” The New King James Version

While much of this narrative mirrors Acts 10, it focuses on God’s intervention on behalf of the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), showing that Peter has not just accepted the Gentiles as Christians but has become their advocate.

Peter’s language and reasoning here seem to echo Gamaliel’s argument to the Sanhedrin that if God is indeed behind the Church’s message and mission, then no one will be able to stop it. Faithlife Study Bible

Because of the importance of the issue of personal prejudice, Luke repeats the account of the vision of the sheet and the unclean animals that God used to free Peter from his racial bigotry. Peter had wisely taken six brethren with him when he visited Cornelius’s home. He anticipated the argument from “those of the circumcision”.  Apparently Peter considered the words he spoke in Caesarea to be just the introduction to the sermon he had intended to preach. 

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit was the same to the Gentiles at Caesarea as it was to the Jews at Jerusalem. At the beginning is a reference to the Day of Pentecost. Baptism with the Holy Spirit is found seven times in the New Testament. The reference is to a once-for-all act whereby Christ places believers in the care and safekeeping of the Holy Spirit until the day He returns. God granted to the Gentiles repentance to life. It begins a bold new step in the mission of the church. The Samaritans were part Jewish; the Ethiopian eunuch and Cornelius were Jewish proselytes. Finally the Jewish Christians that made up the early church understood Jesus’ commission to them: they were to bring the gospel message to the Gentile too. The NKJV Study Bible

While men are very zealous for their own regulations, they should take care that they do not withstand God; and those who love the Lord will glorify him, when made sure that he has given repentance to life to any fellow-sinners. Repentance is God’s gift; not only his free grace accepts it, but his mighty grace works it in us, grace takes away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mark 1:8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

Acts 10:23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Acts 15:9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Hebrew 6:13-20

King of kings and Lord of lords…Hosanna in the highest blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Our faith in Him is our hope of eternal life with Him.

BELIEVE  in the promises of God!

The One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks—Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.  First Book to the Corinthians. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

“So this is he,” thought Gabriel. “This is God’s gift. A Savior. He shall save the people from their sins.” Gabriel’s heart was full. He turned to Mary as she cradled her child, and he spoke. It didn’t matter that she couldn’t hear him.

“Do you know who you hold, Mary? You secure the author of grace. He who is ageless is now moments old. He who strides upon the stars now has legs too weak to walk. The hands that held the oceans are now an infant’s fist. To him who has never asked a question, you will teach the name of the wind. The source of language will learn words from you. He who has never stumbled, you will carry. He who has never hungered, you will feed. The King of creation is in your arms.” Max Lucado

Hebrew 6:13-20

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. The New King James Version

Abraham is an example of faith and patience in God’s promise. He waited 25 years from the time the promise was first made until Isaac, the promised son, was born. 

Confirmation means “guarantee.” An oath is used to guarantee an agreement.

The Lord confirmed His oath to Abraham by swearing by Himself because He alone is beyond deceit. The two immutable things are God’s Word and God’s oath. Since God does not lie and since He is all-powerful, He will fulfill all His promises. This unchanging nature of God is the believer’s consolation and encouragement.

The believer’s hope in Christ is secure, like an anchor. Furthermore this anchor is not in sand, but in the very presence of the Almighty. Behind the veil refers to the Most Holy Place, the place where God dwells. 

The Greek word for forerunner was used in the second century a.d. of the smaller boats sent into the harbor by larger ships unable to enter due to the buffeting of the weather. These smaller boats carried the anchor through the breakers inside the harbor and dropped it there, securing the larger ship. Forerunner presupposes that others will follow. Thus Jesus is not only the believer’s anchor but He is like a runner boat that has taken our anchor into port and secured it there. There is thus no doubt as to whether this vessel is going into port. The only question is whether it will go in with the sleekness of a well-trimmed sailing vessel or like a water-laden barge. Believers who have such a hope in the presence of God should come boldly before the throne of grace.  The NKJV Study Bible

At several points in the old testament God swears by Himself. Abraham fathered Isaac—the fulfillment of this promise—at an old age. Isaac’s birth represents trust in God to overcome all obstacles. 

Oaths served a legal function and involved calling upon someone to confirm the truthfulness of an assertion. In the old testament, people take oaths in God’s name. In the Graeco-Roman world, people swore oaths with reference to deities, kings, and emperors. In contrast to the fickle gods of pagan religions, God’s character is depicted as unchangeable. God’s truthfulness is certain, unlike human claims to be honest. In this case, followers of Christ have fled from the powers of sin and the devil. The hope in Christ’s work as the forerunner on behalf of believers, allowing them access to God. Jesus does first what others will do after Him. His priestly actions allow believers to confidently draw near to God. Faithlife Study Bible

Genesis 21:5 Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Genesis 22:16 and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—

Genesis 22:17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

Life Church Vineyard, Lancaster, OH

Pastor Ron Grubb

God sent Jesus to reveal to us His character and to save us from ourself.

Love links faith!

Action is to faith as Motive is to love.

Our motive determines our love.

Pray for the good of the people of our country and the world.  Pray the work of  Holy Spirit in all of our lives.  

Recognize  good from evil and place it in God’s hands…He is always in control!

Be nice even when others are not! We need to speak the truth but in the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Jesus uplifted people. God is love. He so loved the world that He gave us JESUS.

Jesus identified wrong but He did not protest against them. Give to Caesar what is Caesars’ and to God what is God’s. His ways are not our ways.

Christmas links us to the love of God!

Love reveals good and evil. Our love is revealed in our commitment to others. 

Good trumps right and wrong. It has to be done in love. We can be so right that we become evil by our intentions. Christians can be saved and still be acting in sin. Only the covering of Jesus lets us stand. Holy Spirit will guide us in living a life of good and not evil. Jesus suffered because He stood up for good. He was not guilty of the crimes He was accused of but He prayed for those who crucified Him…praying for their forgiveness because He knew they did not understand what they did!

1 John 3:11-12

11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.