• https://youtu.be/b7Nf5bUapyM?si=6IXQ0jxPqF5ygCxh

    Good day, brothers and sisters. I believe you are all blessed and doing well in Jesus’ name.

    I want to share something I’ve created for the glory of God. As I have shared before, I often play the Bible while I sleep and even while I’m at work. However, I’ve found that many audio Bibles on YouTube don’t always contain the complete text of a particular book.

    So, I decided to create my own Audio Bible series, starting with the Gospels. I’m still working on the rest, but I have now completed the Book of Matthew.

    It is not only an audio Bible. The full text of Matthew appears on the screen as the Bible is being read, so you can either listen, read along, or do both.

    You can play it in your home while cleaning, cooking, or doing other things, or you can listen with your earphones while working. You can also download the video through YouTube so that you can listen to it offline without Wi-Fi or mobile data. Of course, you will need Wi-Fi or data initially to download it.

    I also created this because I noticed that some audio Bible videos on YouTube do not always contain the complete text of the book. That is not necessarily wrong, as some may have been created with a particular audience or purpose in mind. But with this series, my goal is simple: the complete text of the book, from beginning to end, without adding to or taking away from the Word.

    My prayer is that you will listen to it, read along, be blessed by God's Word, and share it with others. Let us make disciples and share the Gospel with everyone we can.

    Jesus commanded us:
    “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...”
    Matthew 28:19

    And Scripture tells us:
    “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
    Romans 10:17

    I know that for some people, sitting down and reading the Bible can be difficult. I understand this personally because, with little ones around, it isn't always easy to find the time to sit quietly and read. That is one reason I often listen to the Bible.

    As you listen, don't just let it play in the background. Listen for God speaking to you through His Word. When God speaks to you, pause. Make notes. Go back and study it. Ask questions. Compare Scripture with Scripture. And most importantly, allow the Word of God to transform your life.

    The Bible says:
    “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...”
    Hebrews 4:12

    Let's not simply hear the Word let's live it.

    “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
    Romans 11:36

    May this Audio Bible be a blessing to you, your family, and anyone else who listens to it.

    Listen. Read. Study. Share. Make disciples.

    All glory belongs to God.

    God bless you all, brothers and sisters, in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
    https://youtu.be/b7Nf5bUapyM?si=6IXQ0jxPqF5ygCxh Good day, brothers and sisters. I believe you are all blessed and doing well in Jesus’ name. 🙏 I want to share something I’ve created for the glory of God. As I have shared before, I often play the Bible while I sleep and even while I’m at work. However, I’ve found that many audio Bibles on YouTube don’t always contain the complete text of a particular book. So, I decided to create my own Audio Bible series, starting with the Gospels. I’m still working on the rest, but I have now completed the Book of Matthew. 📖🎧 It is not only an audio Bible. The full text of Matthew appears on the screen as the Bible is being read, so you can either listen, read along, or do both. You can play it in your home while cleaning, cooking, or doing other things, or you can listen with your earphones while working. You can also download the video through YouTube so that you can listen to it offline without Wi-Fi or mobile data. Of course, you will need Wi-Fi or data initially to download it. I also created this because I noticed that some audio Bible videos on YouTube do not always contain the complete text of the book. That is not necessarily wrong, as some may have been created with a particular audience or purpose in mind. But with this series, my goal is simple: the complete text of the book, from beginning to end, without adding to or taking away from the Word. My prayer is that you will listen to it, read along, be blessed by God's Word, and share it with others. Let us make disciples and share the Gospel with everyone we can. Jesus commanded us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” Matthew 28:19 And Scripture tells us: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 I know that for some people, sitting down and reading the Bible can be difficult. I understand this personally because, with little ones around, it isn't always easy to find the time to sit quietly and read. That is one reason I often listen to the Bible. As you listen, don't just let it play in the background. Listen for God speaking to you through His Word. When God speaks to you, pause. Make notes. Go back and study it. Ask questions. Compare Scripture with Scripture. And most importantly, allow the Word of God to transform your life. The Bible says: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword...” Hebrews 4:12 Let's not simply hear the Word let's live it. “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36 May this Audio Bible be a blessing to you, your family, and anyone else who listens to it. Listen. Read. Study. Share. Make disciples. All glory belongs to God. God bless you all, brothers and sisters, in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 🙏📖❤️
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  • Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional.
    Sound the Alarm

    By Jenni Poling

    August 19th, 2026

    “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1

    To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion.

    No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing.

    So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart.

    Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous!

    Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for?

    Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you!

    So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
    Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. Sound the Alarm By Jenni Poling August 19th, 2026 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand.” Joel 2:1 To take a stroll in late summer in Southern Illinois is to be treated to a symphony, day or night. The air is filled with the sound of insects, including crickets, katydids, grasshoppers, and cicadas. There is a seemingly endless array of melody and percussion. No song is louder than that of the cicada, however. In fact the Australian green grocer cicada is considered one of the loudest insects in the world. Cicadas can produce sounds up to 120 decibels—loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans at close range. The male cicada doesn’t deafen himself, however. He is equipped with the ability to protect his own eardrums by shutting them down while singing. So what are these noisy creatures? At first glance, they might appear to be enormous flies, but closer inspection reveals that they have wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings held close to the sides of their body. The largest cicada—the empress cicada—has a head and body length of 2.8 inches and a wingspan of 8 inches! Another amazing fact about the cicada is that it comes engineered with the first known biomaterial that can kill bacteria. Its wing surfaces are covered with nanoscale-sized spikes that simply tear the bacteria apart. Cicadas spend the majority of their life underground, tapping into the roots of trees and emerging for only a few short weeks to mate and lay eggs. There are two major groups of cicadas: the annual and the periodic types. All spend considerable time underground, but the periodic cicada broods are synchronized to emerge all at once every thirteen to seventeen years. And when this happens, it’s quite an event because the sight and sound are tremendous! Cicadas like to sing during the daytime, but especially at dawn and dusk. One evening, while we were on one of our walks, it occurred to me that they sounded like so many alarms going off, and that got me thinking. What are alarms used for? Well, there are alarm clocks to wake you up. There are also fire alarms, burglar alarms, and car alarms, among others. The message of these alarms is about the same: if you want to avoid trouble, get up, get ready, and get going! I wonder, might there also be some internal alarms going off? Alarms that tell us to shake off our lethargy and observe what is happening around us in the spiritual realm? Is there something that tells us to wake up and be roused to action? Listen, because the alarms may be sounding loudly for you! So as you enjoy your evening walks, and if you are in a place where you can hear these “alarms,” think about the message God may be trying to give you. Don’t forget to listen and heed the alarms, trusting God to get you through.
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  • Need to know.
    At the end, humanity is divided into two groups—and Scripture identifies them by their relationship to God’s law.

    The saved are described plainly:

    “Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
    —Revelation 14:12

    “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life.”
    —Revelation 22:14

    The lost are identified by the opposite condition. Jesus does not reject them because they failed to profess His name or perform religious works. He says:

    “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”
    —Matthew 7:23

    John makes the distinction unmistakable:

    “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar.”
    —1 John 2:4

    Obedience does not earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. But Scripture never separates saving faith from obedience. The faith of the saved produces loyalty to God; the rebellion of the lost produces lawlessness.

    One group keeps the commandments of God. The other does not. There is no third group.
    Need to know. At the end, humanity is divided into two groups—and Scripture identifies them by their relationship to God’s law. The saved are described plainly: “Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” —Revelation 14:12 “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life.” —Revelation 22:14 The lost are identified by the opposite condition. Jesus does not reject them because they failed to profess His name or perform religious works. He says: “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” —Matthew 7:23 John makes the distinction unmistakable: “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar.” —1 John 2:4 Obedience does not earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. But Scripture never separates saving faith from obedience. The faith of the saved produces loyalty to God; the rebellion of the lost produces lawlessness. One group keeps the commandments of God. The other does not. There is no third group.
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  • Did you know?
    Abraham gets called by God, a covenant, a near-sacrifice. Jacob wrestles an angel, gets renamed Israel, dreams of a ladder to heaven. Moses gets a burning bush, parts a sea, receives the Law. David kills a giant, becomes a king. Isaac digs a hole.
    Out of every major name in the Bible, Isaac is the quietest. No new name. No vision. No miracle attached to him at all. In Genesis chapter twenty-six, the only story he really gets is this: the Philistines had filled in every well his father Abraham ever dug, packing them with dirt out of spite. Isaac didn't build anything new. He just went back and re-dug his father's wells, one by one, and gave them the exact same names Abraham already gave them. No rebranding. No legacy of his own. Just restoration.
    The Philistines picked fights over two of the wells, Esek and Sitnah, meaning "argument" and "hostility." Isaac didn't fight back either time. He walked away and dug again somewhere else. The third well, nobody contested. He called it Rehoboth, "room enough," and said, "Now the Lord has made room for us, and we will flourish in the land."
    No miracle. No confrontation. No moment of his own. Just a man who kept digging until the fighting stopped.
    Maybe the quietest name in the Bible isn't the empty one. It's the one patient enough to hold onto what was already good.
    Did you know? Abraham gets called by God, a covenant, a near-sacrifice. Jacob wrestles an angel, gets renamed Israel, dreams of a ladder to heaven. Moses gets a burning bush, parts a sea, receives the Law. David kills a giant, becomes a king. Isaac digs a hole. Out of every major name in the Bible, Isaac is the quietest. No new name. No vision. No miracle attached to him at all. In Genesis chapter twenty-six, the only story he really gets is this: the Philistines had filled in every well his father Abraham ever dug, packing them with dirt out of spite. Isaac didn't build anything new. He just went back and re-dug his father's wells, one by one, and gave them the exact same names Abraham already gave them. No rebranding. No legacy of his own. Just restoration. The Philistines picked fights over two of the wells, Esek and Sitnah, meaning "argument" and "hostility." Isaac didn't fight back either time. He walked away and dug again somewhere else. The third well, nobody contested. He called it Rehoboth, "room enough," and said, "Now the Lord has made room for us, and we will flourish in the land." No miracle. No confrontation. No moment of his own. Just a man who kept digging until the fighting stopped. Maybe the quietest name in the Bible isn't the empty one. It's the one patient enough to hold onto what was already good.
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  • The Advent Truth.
    John 13:34 is one of the most misunderstood verses in Scripture. Many claim Jesus replaced the Ten Commandments with one new command: “Love one another.” But is that what He actually said?

    First, loving your neighbor wasn’t new. Leviticus 19:18 had already commanded God’s people, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

    Jesus said, “As I have loved you.” He was calling His followers to the self-sacrificing, cross-centered love that He Himself demonstrated. The command wasn’t replacing God’s law—it was revealing its fullest expression.

    In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus summarized the law with two great commandments. But notice where He quoted them from. “Love the Lord thy God” comes from Deuteronomy 6:5, and “Love thy neighbour as thyself” comes from Leviticus 19:18. The context of both passages is obedience to God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 6 follows the repetition of the Ten Commandments in chapter 5, while Leviticus 19 repeatedly calls Israel to keep God’s statutes and includes commands that reflect the second table of the Decalogue. Jesus wasn’t replacing the Ten Commandments—He was summarizing them.

    What does loving God look like? Worship Him alone. Don’t make idols. Honor His name. Remember His Sabbath.

    What does loving your neighbor look like? Honor your parents. Don’t murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Don’t covet.

    Paul agreed. In Romans 13:8-10 he quoted commandments against adultery, murder, theft, and coveting before concluding, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.”

    John agreed too. The same apostle who recorded John 13:34 later wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3).

    The Bible never pits love against obedience. It unites them.

    The world says, “Just love.”

    Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

    It’s not my opinion, it’s the Advent Truth.
    The Advent Truth. John 13:34 is one of the most misunderstood verses in Scripture. Many claim Jesus replaced the Ten Commandments with one new command: “Love one another.” But is that what He actually said? First, loving your neighbor wasn’t new. Leviticus 19:18 had already commanded God’s people, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Jesus said, “As I have loved you.” He was calling His followers to the self-sacrificing, cross-centered love that He Himself demonstrated. The command wasn’t replacing God’s law—it was revealing its fullest expression. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus summarized the law with two great commandments. But notice where He quoted them from. “Love the Lord thy God” comes from Deuteronomy 6:5, and “Love thy neighbour as thyself” comes from Leviticus 19:18. The context of both passages is obedience to God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 6 follows the repetition of the Ten Commandments in chapter 5, while Leviticus 19 repeatedly calls Israel to keep God’s statutes and includes commands that reflect the second table of the Decalogue. Jesus wasn’t replacing the Ten Commandments—He was summarizing them. What does loving God look like? Worship Him alone. Don’t make idols. Honor His name. Remember His Sabbath. What does loving your neighbor look like? Honor your parents. Don’t murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Don’t covet. Paul agreed. In Romans 13:8-10 he quoted commandments against adultery, murder, theft, and coveting before concluding, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” John agreed too. The same apostle who recorded John 13:34 later wrote, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3). The Bible never pits love against obedience. It unites them. The world says, “Just love.” Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) It’s not my opinion, it’s the Advent Truth.
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  • In Colossians 1, Paul uses two closely related but distinct concepts to describe the unmatched status of Christ. To understand the distinction, we have to look at the flow of Paul's argument and the specific Greek words he uses.

    The Distinction in the Text

    Preeminence (πρωτεύων - *prōteuōn*)
    In verse 18, Paul writes that Christ might be preeminent (or "hold the first place") in everything. The Greek word prōteuōn is a present participle meaning "to be first in rank, influence, or position."

    Preeminence speaks to rank, dignity, and rightful position. It answers the question: Where does Christ stand in relation to all other things? The answer is that He stands at the absolute top. He holds the chief place. In the immediate context of verse 18, this preeminence is specifically tied to the new creation—He is the head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from the dead. Because He conquered the grave, He rightfully holds the highest rank in the renewed creation.

    Supremacy (πρωτότοκος - *prōtotokos*)
    While English translations sometimes use "preeminence" and "supremacy" interchangeably, the concept of supremacy in this passage is anchored in the word prōtotokos ("firstborn"), used in verses 15 and 18.

    Supremacy speaks to authority, power, and sovereign right. In the ancient Near East, the firstborn was not just the oldest child; he was the heir who held the highest authority over the household and received the double portion of the inheritance. When Paul says Christ is the "firstborn of all creation" (v. 15) and "firstborn from the dead" (v. 18), he is not saying Christ was created. He is declaring Christ's supreme authority over creation and over the new creation. Supremacy answers the question: Who has the power and the right to rule? Christ does, because all things were created through Him and for Him (v. 16).

    How They Work Together

    Think of it this way:
    Supremacy is the basis of His authority. He is the sovereign heir and creator. He has the absolute right to rule because He is the agent of creation and the victor over death.
    Preeminence is the result of that authority. Because He is supreme, it is only fitting that He holds the first place in rank, honor, and affection in all things.

    Paul builds this argument to counter the early heresies creeping into Colossae, which suggested you needed Jesus plus something else—angelic worship, secret knowledge, or ascetic practices (Colossians 2). Paul's response is that Christ's supremacy and preeminence mean He is entirely sufficient. The fullness of deity dwells in Him bodily (1:19). There is no higher rank to reach, no hidden knowledge to acquire, and no spiritual power to supplement. He holds the first place in everything.

    When you read this passage, you are looking at a deliberate, poetic structure where Paul establishes Christ's supremacy over the original creation (vv. 15-17) and then His supremacy over the new creation through redemption (vv. 18-20), culminating in the conclusion that He alone is preeminent in all things.
    In Colossians 1, Paul uses two closely related but distinct concepts to describe the unmatched status of Christ. To understand the distinction, we have to look at the flow of Paul's argument and the specific Greek words he uses. The Distinction in the Text Preeminence (πρωτεύων - *prōteuōn*) In verse 18, Paul writes that Christ might be preeminent (or "hold the first place") in everything. The Greek word prōteuōn is a present participle meaning "to be first in rank, influence, or position." Preeminence speaks to rank, dignity, and rightful position. It answers the question: Where does Christ stand in relation to all other things? The answer is that He stands at the absolute top. He holds the chief place. In the immediate context of verse 18, this preeminence is specifically tied to the new creation—He is the head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from the dead. Because He conquered the grave, He rightfully holds the highest rank in the renewed creation. Supremacy (πρωτότοκος - *prōtotokos*) While English translations sometimes use "preeminence" and "supremacy" interchangeably, the concept of supremacy in this passage is anchored in the word prōtotokos ("firstborn"), used in verses 15 and 18. Supremacy speaks to authority, power, and sovereign right. In the ancient Near East, the firstborn was not just the oldest child; he was the heir who held the highest authority over the household and received the double portion of the inheritance. When Paul says Christ is the "firstborn of all creation" (v. 15) and "firstborn from the dead" (v. 18), he is not saying Christ was created. He is declaring Christ's supreme authority over creation and over the new creation. Supremacy answers the question: Who has the power and the right to rule? Christ does, because all things were created through Him and for Him (v. 16). How They Work Together Think of it this way: Supremacy is the basis of His authority. He is the sovereign heir and creator. He has the absolute right to rule because He is the agent of creation and the victor over death. Preeminence is the result of that authority. Because He is supreme, it is only fitting that He holds the first place in rank, honor, and affection in all things. Paul builds this argument to counter the early heresies creeping into Colossae, which suggested you needed Jesus plus something else—angelic worship, secret knowledge, or ascetic practices (Colossians 2). Paul's response is that Christ's supremacy and preeminence mean He is entirely sufficient. The fullness of deity dwells in Him bodily (1:19). There is no higher rank to reach, no hidden knowledge to acquire, and no spiritual power to supplement. He holds the first place in everything. When you read this passage, you are looking at a deliberate, poetic structure where Paul establishes Christ's supremacy over the original creation (vv. 15-17) and then His supremacy over the new creation through redemption (vv. 18-20), culminating in the conclusion that He alone is preeminent in all things.
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  • www.100Words.ca
    This Daily Bible Study / Blog by the late Rev. David Mainse , a renowned Christian leader in Canada.
    It is edited by Rev. Ron Mainse and is also available by EMAIL
    Visit the website at http://www.100words.ca/ to request it.
    ~ Read & Study the complete Bible in TWO years. START ANY DAY~
    ( Robin Stephen Aldrich: I am much Blessed and Instructed as I follow this Ministry from a great man of God who founded Christian tv and much, much more in Canada and worldwide. I highly recommend that you sign up to receive the daily emails. Click on the link and you will find the email sign on the RIGHT of the page )

    www.100Words.ca This Daily Bible Study / Blog by the late Rev. David Mainse , a renowned Christian leader in Canada. It is edited by Rev. Ron Mainse and is also available by EMAIL Visit the website at http://www.100words.ca/ to request it. ~ Read & Study the complete Bible in TWO years. START ANY DAY~ ( Robin Stephen Aldrich: I am much Blessed and Instructed as I follow this Ministry from a great man of God who founded Christian tv and much, much more in Canada and worldwide. I highly recommend that you sign up to receive the daily emails. Click on the link and you will find the email sign on the RIGHT of the page )
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  • Matthew 20:17-34

    Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed.

    Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask.

    He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes.

    And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her.

    She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles.

    James was the first Apostle to die.

    Acts 12:1-2
    [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword.

    Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles.

    After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide.

    And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him.

    Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally.

    Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them.




    [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

    Matthew 20:17-34 Jesus was always clear that He demands it all from us if we are to follow Him. And during this journey of miracles, feedings and teaching Jesus again warns them of the fact that when they arrive in Jerusalem that He would be handed over to be killed. Now what the disciples were thinking I can't tell you. Maybe they thought that if they ignored it long enough it just won't happen. Maybe they thought this was another parable they didn't understand fully, yet. But they were too scared to ask. He told them He would be raised on the third day but that good news didn't really get through their heads. Because to accept the good part they had to mentally accept the bad part. A ‘raising from the dead’ can't be done before the death part comes. And it is in this context I believe that James and John’s mothers’ prayer for her sons was answered. Her prayer? That it would be her sons seated at Jesus’ left and right hands in the Kingdom. No doubt being the Jewish mother of all mothers she wanted her boys on the leadership council when He takes his Kingdom. She wanted them to be preeminent amongst all the disciples and Jesus is horrified at the request because he knows what it will mean for them and her. She was thinking they would be powerful, Jesus knew it would cost their lives. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink? He asked, are you able and willing to die for this position? And they affirmed it. And that is the point that God made these two men the effective book ends for the Martyrdom that would claim the lives of all apostles. James was the first Apostle to die. Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. [2] And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. Herod was insane, but he was a people pleaser and when the church began making inroads into Jewish life and James’ death marks the beginning of the effort that led to the continued persecution of the church and the death of the apostles. After James’ death, the enemy used the one tactic that would continually fail throughout history, persecution. Yes, some solid Christian leaders fell to the violence, but persecution always spurred on mighty works of the Spirit which grew the church. The one strategy the enemy believed would discourage the church became the catalyst for rapid expansion of Christianity worldwide. And it was encompassed by these Bookends of Martyrdom, James and John. A position their mother believed would be an honor to them not realizing that honor would claim their lives as James became the first and John the last to give their lives for Him. Think of the reception in Heaven when these young men arrived. Their arrival is a victory celebration in eternity while those who believed they were in the right for killing them celebrated here, temporarily. And now they suffer eternally. Be careful mothers about what you pray for. You may end up getting it. The passage ends with healing blind men on their way. And amongst his warning of His impending death, His followers' fates and a prayer for a blessing she didn't fully comprehend Jesus has compassion and heals them. [17] As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, [18] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, [19] and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up.” [20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. [21] And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” [22] But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” [23] He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” [24] And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” [29] As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. [30] And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” [31] But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” [32] And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [33] They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” [34] Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
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  • 1 Corinthians 15:28 (ASV)

    "And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all."

    Here is the consummation of the entire plan of redemption. Yeshua HaMashiach, the one to whom all authority has been given, the one before whom every knee will bow, the one who will reign until all enemies are under His feet—this same Son will, at the end, subject Himself to the Father. Not as a defeated enemy. Not reluctantly. But as the obedient, loving Son returning the kingdom to the One who gave it.

    This verse shatters every notion of a co-equal, co-eternal trinity. The Son is not the Father's equal in position. He is the Father's agent, the Father's appointed ruler, the Father's only begotten. He reigns because the Father gave Him the kingdom. And when the work is finished, He hands it back. The Father alone remains supreme. Yahuah is all in all.

    But it also shatters something else: the fear that Yeshua's kingdom is about His own glory. It is not. It never was. From the beginning, His entire mission was to glorify the Father. He came to do the Father's will. He lived to reveal the Father's character. He died to satisfy the Father's justice. He rose to complete the Father's plan. And at the end, He will lay everything at the Father's feet and take His place as the eternal Son, forever subject to the One who is all in all.

    This is not a demotion. It is the perfection of love. It is the Son showing the universe, for all eternity, what true submission looks like. It is the Son's delight to honor the Father, now and forever. And in that eternal act of loving surrender, we see the very character of Yahuah reflected perfectly.

    That door is worth walking through. What lies beyond it is the beautiful, biblical truth of the Father and the Son—two distinct beings, perfectly united in love, with the Father supreme and the Son exalted. Not a trinity. A family. A Father and His only begotten Son, who loves the Father so completely that He will be subject to Him forever. That is the gospel in its final, glorified form.

    #Christ #Yahuah #Yeshua #victory #trinity #Father #OneGod
    1 Corinthians 15:28 (ASV) "And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." Here is the consummation of the entire plan of redemption. Yeshua HaMashiach, the one to whom all authority has been given, the one before whom every knee will bow, the one who will reign until all enemies are under His feet—this same Son will, at the end, subject Himself to the Father. Not as a defeated enemy. Not reluctantly. But as the obedient, loving Son returning the kingdom to the One who gave it. This verse shatters every notion of a co-equal, co-eternal trinity. The Son is not the Father's equal in position. He is the Father's agent, the Father's appointed ruler, the Father's only begotten. He reigns because the Father gave Him the kingdom. And when the work is finished, He hands it back. The Father alone remains supreme. Yahuah is all in all. But it also shatters something else: the fear that Yeshua's kingdom is about His own glory. It is not. It never was. From the beginning, His entire mission was to glorify the Father. He came to do the Father's will. He lived to reveal the Father's character. He died to satisfy the Father's justice. He rose to complete the Father's plan. And at the end, He will lay everything at the Father's feet and take His place as the eternal Son, forever subject to the One who is all in all. This is not a demotion. It is the perfection of love. It is the Son showing the universe, for all eternity, what true submission looks like. It is the Son's delight to honor the Father, now and forever. And in that eternal act of loving surrender, we see the very character of Yahuah reflected perfectly. That door is worth walking through. What lies beyond it is the beautiful, biblical truth of the Father and the Son—two distinct beings, perfectly united in love, with the Father supreme and the Son exalted. Not a trinity. A family. A Father and His only begotten Son, who loves the Father so completely that He will be subject to Him forever. That is the gospel in its final, glorified form. #Christ #Yahuah #Yeshua #victory #trinity #Father #OneGod
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  • THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP

    “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33

    It has been said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”

    This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled. He had great influence and affluence. Yet despite all his accomplishments, there was something missing in his life. He asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (verse 16 NLT).

    “‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments’” (verse 17 NLT). Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved. Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin.

    “‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (verse 20 NLT).

    I think Jesus probably smiled at this. He saw what this man was really all about. So, He took it up a notch and said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21 NLT).

    Verse 22 says, “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (NLT).

    Jesus knew the problem with this young man was that possessions had possessed his soul. But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else. What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person.

    Jesus revealed the hard truth about discipleship in Luke 14:33: “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (NLT). Nothing should be more valuable, more precious, or more important to us than our relationship with Christ.

    Jesus drives this point home further in Luke 14:26–27. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple” (NLT). Nothing should ever be more important to us than our walk with Christ.

    That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly come before Jesus and ask, “Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” We must be willing to do what the rich young man would not and sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our spiritual growth.

    God bless you!
    THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33 It has been said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled. He had great influence and affluence. Yet despite all his accomplishments, there was something missing in his life. He asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (verse 16 NLT). “‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments’” (verse 17 NLT). Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved. Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin. “‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (verse 20 NLT). I think Jesus probably smiled at this. He saw what this man was really all about. So, He took it up a notch and said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21 NLT). Verse 22 says, “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (NLT). Jesus knew the problem with this young man was that possessions had possessed his soul. But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else. What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person. Jesus revealed the hard truth about discipleship in Luke 14:33: “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (NLT). Nothing should be more valuable, more precious, or more important to us than our relationship with Christ. Jesus drives this point home further in Luke 14:26–27. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple” (NLT). Nothing should ever be more important to us than our walk with Christ. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly come before Jesus and ask, “Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” We must be willing to do what the rich young man would not and sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our spiritual growth. God bless you!
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