ARE YOU A PHARISEE? MATTHEW 16:6,12 NKJ 6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Why did Jesus warn His disciples to beware of the Pharisees? What did they do wrong? (An entire chapter of the Bible (Matthew 23) is Jesus' teaching against the Pharisees.) The Pharisees were conservative, faithful "church" members. They accepted the Bible as the written Word of God. They paid tithes. They believed in miracles (at least in days past). They wouldn't dream of stealing, committing adultery, or such things. You would like living next to a Pharisee as they were model citizens. But instead of having a living relationship with God, the Pharisees took the Word of God and made just another dead religion out of it. The Pharisee way of thinking is: keep up appearances. "It doesn't matter so much what you are on the inside, as long as you keep the rules (at least publicly)." Notice that Jesus likened their teaching to leaven, or yeast. Why? Yeast spreads easily and rapidly. Humans are very susceptible to approaching God in this manner, "Keep the rules. Just do these 10 things and you are OK." Different groups may have different rules, but we all accumulate them. It may be how many times each week you must attend church meetings, or what kind of clothes you must wear, or how you must wear your hair. Or, it may be a list of things you cannot do. But, as long as you meet these requirements, you are in good standing with your group (or denomination). But, good standing with God is based on only one thing according to the New Testament: faith in what Jesus did for us. That alone is what makes us right with God. Not our works, but Jesus' work. LUKE 12:1 NKJ 1 ... He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. The Pharisees were hypocrites. That is, they put on an act. What they pretended to be in public was not really what they were like in private. They claimed to be perfect in keeping God's law, but as humans they were all sinners, just like the rest of the people were. Yet, in public, they insisted that others keep the Law perfectly, or be condemned. They were quick to pass judgment on others, and slow to extend mercy or help. The Pharisees had a legalistic view of God's Word and did not realize that God was merciful and wanted to help people. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:6 NKJ 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Using God's Word to "kill" instead of using it to minister life is wrong. God's Word is meant to help people and lift them up, not place such hard demands on them that they cannot ever measure up. When we load people down with heavy loads of rules to keep in order to be right with God, we are ministers of death. MATTHEW 23:1-5 NLT 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 "Everything they do is for show. . . . If your "Christianity" is nothing more than a list of "do's and don'ts" then you are missing real Christianity, which is a living relationship with Jesus Christ. SAY THIS: Jesus does not want me to act like a Pharisee. God bless you!

GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY You Will Not Finish the Journey by Your Strength Alone Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 23:4; Philippians 1:6 Life is truly a journey, filled with all sorts of seasons—those high peaks and deep valleys, moments of triumph and times of struggle, fresh starts and bittersweet goodbyes. While God doesn’t guarantee that the path will always be smooth, He does promise that His grace will be more than enough for every step you take. When you feel like you’ve hit a wall and can’t go on, it’s in those moments that God’s grace becomes your lifeline. Paul learned this powerful lesson when God reassured him, saying, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). There will be times when you might wonder how you’ll get through, but you’ll find that God provides grace one day at a time. Just like the Israelites received their daily manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4–5), or how Elijah was given supernatural strength when he was at his lowest (1 Kings 19:5–8). David found his courage in God’s presence while navigating through the valley (Psalm 23:4). God may not lay out everything you’ll need for the next decade right now, but He will certainly equip you with enough grace for today’s challenges, today’s battles, and today’s journey. Remember, it’s not helpful to compare your journey with someone else’s. Each person has their own unique timeline and purpose. Some seasons will call for patience, while others will demand courage. Some doors will swing open quickly, while others will require you to wait a little longer. But no matter what season you find yourself in, God’s grace is already there waiting for you. Isaiah 40:31 beautifully reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed. When you’re feeling weak, He’ll lift you up. When you’re feeling lost, He’ll be your guide. And when you stumble, He’ll be right there to help you Keep moving forward. You might not grasp everything that’s happening along the way, but trust in the One who knows where you’re headed. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the God who started a good work in you will see it through to the end. The path may take longer than you anticipated, but you won’t be walking it alone. Grace will be your support, grace will empower you, grace will guide you, grace will uplift you, and grace will safely lead you to your destination. Closing Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that has brought us this far. When we feel weak, be our strength. When we’re feeling down, restore our hope. When we’re lost, direct our steps. Provide us with the grace we need for every challenge and task ahead. Lord, help us to stay strong on this journey. Grant us patience in times of waiting, courage when we need to stand firm, wisdom for our decisions, and faith when the future seems unclear. We declare that we will persevere. Your grace is more than enough for us. We will keep walking, trusting, believing, and following You until we reach all that You have in store for us. Grace for today. Grace for tomorrow. Grace for every step. Grace for the whole journey. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Greetings People of God, here is the continuation of Sunday (8/16/26) Sermon Excerpt, "King David: A Portrait of a Godly Leader" - Life Lessons From King David's Leadership

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: MONITORING OUR CHILDREN IN THIS PERIOD OF AI Main Text: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 4:23; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:15–16 Supporting Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 101:3; Philippians 4:8; Church, we are raising children in a generation where the greatest influence in a child's life may no longer be the person sitting beside them—it may be the device in their hand! A child can sit quietly in the living room while, through a smartphone, they are exposed to conversations, images, ideas, strangers, misinformation, pornography, violence, manipulation, and values that may be completely contrary to what their parents are teaching them. And now we have Artificial Intelligence—AI. AI can answer questions, write stories, create pictures, tutor students, translate languages, generate videos and help children learn. It can be an incredible tool. But every powerful tool must be accompanied by powerful wisdom. The question is not simply: «"Does my child use AI?"» The deeper question is: «"Who is shaping my child's mind, values, identity and worldview while they use AI?"» We cannot afford to be parents who know where our children sleep but do not know what is shaping their minds. 1. OUR CHILDREN ARE GOD'S RESPONSIBILITY ENTRUSTED TO US Proverbs 22: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Notice that Scripture does not say, "Buy the child a phone and let the internet train them." It says, "Train up a child." Parenting is not merely providing food, clothing, education and accommodation. Parenting is spiritual stewardship. God has entrusted children to parents and guardians for a season. That means we must ask: - What are they watching? - What are they listening to? - Who are they talking to? - What questions are they asking AI? - What answers are they receiving? - What ideas are they beginning to believe? - What kind of people are influencing them online? Short Story Imagine a parent who carefully locks the physical doors of the house every night. The windows are secured. The gate is locked. The children are safe inside. But the same parent gives a child an unrestricted smartphone and never checks what is entering through that digital door. The physical door is locked, but the digital door is wide open. Church, monitoring our children is not necessarily an expression of distrust. It is an expression of responsibility. 2. MONITORING IS NOT THE SAME AS SPYING Some parents say: "I trust my child." That is good. But trust must grow alongside maturity. A five-year-old cannot be given the same level of independence as a seventeen-year-old. The Bible says: Proverbs 4:23 «"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."» If we are commanded to guard our hearts, we should also teach our children how to guard theirs. Monitoring should include: - knowing which apps they use; - understanding the AI tools they access; - discussing what they ask AI; - setting age-appropriate boundaries; - checking privacy settings; - teaching them not to share personal information; - teaching them that AI can be wrong; - teaching them to report disturbing content; - creating an environment where they can tell you what they encounter without fear. The goal is not merely control. The goal is protection, discipleship and preparation. 3. AI CAN BE A TOOL, BUT IT MUST NEVER BECOME A PARENT This is one of the deepest dangers of this generation. A child may begin asking AI questions they are afraid to ask their parents. "Why am I different?" "Why don't people like me?" "What should I do about this relationship?" "Am I ugly?" "What should I believe?" "Why does God allow suffering?" "Should I tell my parents this?" AI may produce an answer instantly. But instant answers are not the same thing as godly wisdom. A machine can generate information. A parent provides relationship. AI can imitate conversation. It cannot replace covenantal love, godly correction, spiritual discernment and the presence of a parent. Our children need to know: «"Before you ask the internet everything, you can come and talk to me."» If our children are afraid to talk to us, they will find somebody—or something—to talk to. 4. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THAT AI IS NOT GOD This generation needs digital discernment. AI can sound confident and still be wrong. It can generate convincing information without possessing biblical wisdom. Therefore, our children must learn: AI is a tool, not an authority. The Bible says: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 «"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."» And: Philippians 4:8 «"Whatsoever things are true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report... think on these things."» Teach your children to ask: Is it true? Is it biblical? Is it wise? Is it appropriate? What fruit will this produce in my life? This is the difference between merely raising technology users and raising discerning Christians. 5. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A CRISIS Many parents only begin monitoring when something has already gone wrong. When grades collapse. When behavior changes. When secrecy increases. When the child becomes addicted to a device. When inappropriate content is discovered. When a relationship becomes dangerous. When the child begins withdrawing from family. Prevention is better than emergency intervention. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 teaches parents to speak God's Word to their children continually—in everyday life. That means discipleship should happen before the crisis. Talk about technology at the dinner table. Talk about online friendships. Talk about pornography. Talk about manipulation. Talk about AI. Talk about identity. Talk about truth. Talk about faith. Talk about temptation. If we make every difficult subject taboo, the internet will become their teacher. 6. MONITOR THEIR SCREEN, BUT ALSO MONITOR THEIR HEART This is where many parents miss the deeper issue. You can monitor screen time and still miss what is happening inside the child. A child may spend only one hour online but be deeply influenced by what they consumed. Therefore, don't only ask: "How long were you online?" Also ask: "What did you learn today?" "What did you see that confused you?" "Did anything online make you afraid?" "Did anyone say something to you that made you uncomfortable?" "What do you think about what you saw?" "What would Jesus say about that?" These questions open the heart. 7. PARENTS MUST BECOME DIGITALLY LITERATE Parents, we cannot say: "I don't understand technology." Our children are growing up in a technological environment. We don't need to know everything. But we must know enough to guide them. Learn the basics of: - AI chatbots; - social media platforms; - privacy settings; - parental controls; - deepfakes and manipulated media; - online scams; - inappropriate content; - AI-generated images and videos; - cyberbullying; - digital footprints. Don't surrender the digital world simply because it is unfamiliar. If our children are learning the technology, parents must learn enough to disciple them within it. 8. THE GREATEST FILTER IS NOT A PARENTAL CONTROL APP—IT IS CHARACTER. Technology can be restricted. But eventually, children grow up. They will have their own devices. They will leave home. They will make their own decisions. So our ultimate goal cannot be: "My child behaves well because I am watching." Our goal must be: "My child chooses what is right even when nobody is watching." That is discipleship. Psalm 101:3 says: «"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."» Teach your children that holiness is not merely about avoiding punishment. Holiness is choosing what honors God. DEEP INSIGHT: THE BATTLE IS FOR THE MIND Church, understand this: The battle of this generation is not merely over devices. It is over attention. Whoever controls a person's attention repeatedly has tremendous influence over that person's thinking. Repeated thoughts shape beliefs. Beliefs influence choices. Choices establish habits. Habits shape character. And character influences destiny. Therefore, when we monitor what our children consume, we are not being unnecessarily strict. We are participating in the protection of their minds. Romans 12:2 says: «"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."» AI is not automatically evil. Technology is not automatically evil. But anything powerful without discernment can become destructive. The Christian response is not fear. The Christian response is wisdom. A POWERFUL ILLUSTRATION Imagine giving a child a car. The car is not evil. It can take them to school. It can take them to church. It can take them to the hospital. It can help them serve others. But would a responsible parent hand a young child the keys and say: "Go anywhere you want. I trust you." No. Why? Because power requires maturity. The same principle applies to technology. Access should increase as maturity increases. Freedom should be accompanied by responsibility. REFLECTION Parents, guardians, and the Church, let us examine ourselves. Ask yourself: 1. Do I know what my child does online? 2. Do I know which AI tools my child uses? 3. Have I taught my child how to distinguish truth from misinformation? 4. Can my child talk to me about uncomfortable online experiences? 5. Have I created reasonable digital boundaries in my home? 6. Am I monitoring my child's heart, not just their device? 7. Am I modelling responsible technology use myself? 8. Am I teaching my child God's Word strongly enough that they can stand when I am not there? And perhaps the most important question: «If the world is discipling my child every day through technology, what am I doing every day to disciple my child through God's Word?» THE MESSAGE TO PARENTS Don't be afraid of AI. Understand it. Don't worship technology. Use it wisely. Don't abandon your children to the internet. Walk with them. Don't merely restrict them. Teach them. Don't only monitor their screens. Disciple their hearts. Don't wait for tomorrow. Start today. Because the goal is not to raise children who are technologically backward. The goal is to raise children who are technologically capable, spiritually grounded, morally discerning and deeply rooted in Christ. CLOSING CHARGE Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: «"Train up a child in the way he should go..."» Parents, the world is already training our children. Social media is training them. Entertainment is training them. Algorithms are training them. Friends are training them. And AI can influence them. But God has given parents the assignment of training them too. So let us rise to the responsibility. Let us monitor with wisdom. Let us communicate with love. Let us establish boundaries. Let us learn technology. Let us teach discernment. Let us pray. And above everything else— let us point our children to Jesus Christ. Because technology may shape their environment, but Christ must shape their identity. PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for Wisdom Father, give us wisdom to raise our children in this rapidly changing technological generation. Help us know when to permit, when to restrict, when to correct and when to guide, in Jesus' name. Amen. 2. Prayer for Protection Lord, protect our children from harmful content, dangerous relationships, manipulation, exploitation, pornography, cyberbullying and every destructive influence that may come through technology. Amen. 3. Prayer for Discernment Father, give our children the spirit of discernment. Let them recognize deception and distinguish truth from error. Let them not believe everything they see, hear or receive from AI and the internet. Amen. 4. Prayer for Strong Christian Identity Lord Jesus, establish our children in You. Let their identity not be determined by social media, artificial intelligence, peer pressure or worldly standards. Let them know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Amen. 5. Prayer for Parents Father, strengthen parents and guardians. Give us patience, understanding, courage and wisdom. Help us not to be careless with the souls You have entrusted to us. Amen. 6. Prayer for Communication Lord, make our homes places where children can speak openly without fear. Remove unhealthy secrecy and build trust between parents and children. Amen. 7. Prayer for Digital Wisdom Father, teach our children to use technology for learning, creativity, service and the advancement of Your Kingdom rather than for destruction. Amen. 8. Prayer Against Negative Influence Every influence seeking to pull our children away from Christ, lose your hold, in the name of Jesus. Every voice contrary to God's purpose for their lives, be silenced, in Jesus' name. Amen. 9. Prayer for the Church Lord, help the Church understand this generation and respond with wisdom. Raise Christian parents, teachers, mentors and leaders who will guide young people according to Your Word. Amen. 10. Prayer of Dedication Father, we dedicate our children afresh to You. May they grow in wisdom, stature, favor and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. May technology serve them rather than enslave them. May their minds be guarded, their hearts be pure, their purpose be preserved and their lives bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I declare over every child: You will not be a victim of this generation. You will not be controlled by technology. You will not be deceived by falsehood. You will not lose your identity. You will not be destroyed by the influences of this age. Your mind belongs to Christ. Your purpose belongs to God. Your future is in His hands. You will grow in wisdom. You will walk in truth. You will discern good from evil. You will use technology wisely. And in this generation of AI, you will still know, love and serve Jesus Christ! In Jesus' mighty name. Amen! "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." — Joshua 24:15 If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks

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"It’s not just us in this small house; there is a third who holds the weight. Forever grateful for His presence in our journey. #WeddingSong #FaithAndLove" https://youtu.be/sd3dlIDanH0?si=F3jx8ST22_-sgDS3

THE VOICE THAT CALMS THE STORM When Jesus Speaks, Chaos Must Obey Key Scriptures: Mark 4:35–41; Psalm 107:28–29; Isaiah 43:2 Life can throw storms our way that feel completely out of our hands. Sometimes these storms rage around us, and other times, they brew within. You might be grappling with financial strain, family issues, disappointment, uncertainty, illness, or even opposition, leaving you to wonder if God is still by your side. The disciples faced a similar tempest while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. As the waves crashed around them, Jesus was peacefully asleep. When they finally woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind died down, and a profound calm settled in (Mark 4:39). The storm was fierce, but the voice of Jesus was even more powerful. The disciples were filled with fear because they were fixated on the storm's magnitude rather than the presence of Jesus in their midst. Often, our biggest struggle isn’t the storm itself but the beliefs it instills in us. Fear whispers, "You're going to drown." Discouragement insists, "There’s no escape." Yet, God’s Word reassures us, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Having Jesus with you doesn’t mean you’ll never face storms; it means you’ll never have to face them alone. It’s important to note that Jesus didn’t panic when He encountered the storm. Instead, He spoke directly to it. This shows His authority over situations that seem beyond our control. Psalm 107:29 tells us, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." There are circumstances you can’t change through your own strength, connections, wealth, or intellect, but a single word from Jesus can transform everything. When God speaks, chaos can turn to calm, fear can shift to faith, and what seems impossible can become a powerful tesIf you're caught in a storm today, take a moment to listen for the voice of Jesus. Don’t let the chaos of the storm drown out the Word of God. He’s still whispering, "Peace, be still." The storm might be roaring, but God's voice is even louder. The waves may be crashing, but His authority stands even taller. The night might feel overwhelming, yet His presence is right there with you. Remember, your storm has an expiration date. Keep your faith anchored in Jesus, because the same voice that calmed the sea can soothe your heart, transform your situation, and guide you safely to the other side. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude, knowing You are the Lord over every storm. When our hearts are heavy and our circumstances feel chaotic, remind us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us. Lord, we ask You to speak Your peace into every storm we face. Calm the tempests of fear, confusion, financial strain, family struggles, disappointment, and uncertainty. Silence every voice that urges us to give up, and let Your Word ring louder than our challenges. Grant us the faith to trust You, even when the waves are crashing around us. Help us remember that while the storm is fleeting, Your presence is everlasting. Lead us safely to the other side, and let every storm we encounter become a testament to Your power and faithfulness. Jesus, speak into our storms today: "Peace, be still!" Let the winds die down, let the waves settle, and let Your peace reign in our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

THE VOICE THAT CALMS THE STORM When Jesus Speaks, Chaos Must Obey Key Scriptures: Mark 4:35–41; Psalm 107:28–29; Isaiah 43:2 Life can throw storms our way that feel completely out of our hands. Sometimes these storms rage around us, and other times, they brew within. You might be grappling with financial strain, family issues, disappointment, uncertainty, illness, or even opposition, leaving you to wonder if God is still by your side. The disciples faced a similar tempest while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. As the waves crashed around them, Jesus was peacefully asleep. When they finally woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind died down, and a profound calm settled in (Mark 4:39). The storm was fierce, but the voice of Jesus was even more powerful. The disciples were filled with fear because they were fixated on the storm's magnitude rather than the presence of Jesus in their midst. Often, our biggest struggle isn’t the storm itself but the beliefs it instills in us. Fear whispers, "You're going to drown." Discouragement insists, "There’s no escape." Yet, God’s Word reassures us, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Having Jesus with you doesn’t mean you’ll never face storms; it means you’ll never have to face them alone. It’s important to note that Jesus didn’t panic when He encountered the storm. Instead, He spoke directly to it. This shows His authority over situations that seem beyond our control. Psalm 107:29 tells us, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." There are circumstances you can’t change through your own strength, connections, wealth, or intellect, but a single word from Jesus can transform everything. When God speaks, chaos can turn to calm, fear can shift to faith, and what seems impossible can become a powerful tesIf you're caught in a storm today, take a moment to listen for the voice of Jesus. Don’t let the chaos of the storm drown out the Word of God. He’s still whispering, "Peace, be still." The storm might be roaring, but God's voice is even louder. The waves may be crashing, but His authority stands even taller. The night might feel overwhelming, yet His presence is right there with you. Remember, your storm has an expiration date. Keep your faith anchored in Jesus, because the same voice that calmed the sea can soothe your heart, transform your situation, and guide you safely to the other side. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude, knowing You are the Lord over every storm. When our hearts are heavy and our circumstances feel chaotic, remind us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us. Lord, we ask You to speak Your peace into every storm we face. Calm the tempests of fear, confusion, financial strain, family struggles, disappointment, and uncertainty. Silence every voice that urges us to give up, and let Your Word ring louder than our challenges. Grant us the faith to trust You, even when the waves are crashing around us. Help us remember that while the storm is fleeting, Your presence is everlasting. Lead us safely to the other side, and let every storm we encounter become a testament to Your power and faithfulness. Jesus, speak into our storms today: "Peace, be still!" Let the winds die down, let the waves settle, and let Your peace reign in our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Every wound can become either a hiding place for the ego or a doorway through which grace enters." - agileo... a reflection on 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

This is a photo of one of the two existing slabs of stone that were used as warning markers in Herod's temple in 1st-century Jerusalem. The inscription on them is engraved in Latin and Greek, warning foreign visitors not to go beyond the court of the Gentiles into the inner temple areas. The inscription reads: "No alien may enter within the balustrade around the sanctuary and the enclosure. Whoever is caught, on himself shall be put blame for the death which will ensue.” Those who qualified to travel past these markers, deeper into the Jewish temple, could proceed into a forecourt area, up 14 stairs, into the Court of Women. Only males could travel further, through the Nicanor Gate into a special court where the men could bring their sacrifices to the priests. The priests were separated from those bringing sacrifices by a short flight of steps. Beyond that was a thick, heavy veil hiding the most exclusive room of all. Only one specially selected person from the tribe of Levi qualified to enter the Holy of Holies. Jesus would have seen these same markers and all of the separation...and yet the Son of God gave everybody access to Himself. The Holy of Holies was now walking among Jews and Gentiles, men and women, young and old, rich and poor. He was not hidden from any of them. They could see Him with their own eyes. It is no accident that the veil covering the Holy of Holies was torn in two, from top to bottom, on the afternoon when Jesus died. In the days in which we live, there is still so much division and separation. However, Jesus is still here to heal those divisions... "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ." (Galatians 3:28). May we be Christ's ambassadors and help bring peace to our divided world. (2 Corinthians 5:18).