*The Winnowing Tray...*

"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31)

When the Lord Jesus Christ lived on earth as a man, He spoke to His disciples about His approaching death. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:32).

When grain is placed in a winnowing tray and tossed, it is thrown up and down repeatedly. Only the grain itself knows the agony it endures until it is purified. Similarly, Satan obtained permission from Jesus to sift the disciples. After granting this permission, Jesus declared, "I have prayed to God that your faith may be strengthened."

Just as Satan had requested, Peter endured imprisonment, beatings, and great suffering; yet, the Scriptures testify that he fought the good fight and remained a faithful witness for the Lord until the very end.

True to Jesus' command—"When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren"—thousands upon thousands of people were saved through Peter. God performed mighty works through Peter's hands: 5,000 people were saved in one sermon, and 3,000 in another. There were even those who were healed simply by Peter's shadow falling upon them (Acts 5:15).

Even though he was the same Peter who, just days earlier, had denied Jesus, wept bitterly, and sworn oaths... The Lord took him into His hands. God preserved him so that his faith would not depart from him.

With the Lord's permission, we too may have passed through experiences where we were winnowed like grain. Our faith, too, may have been tested on many occasions. We must realize that it is only because the Lord intervened in our lives that we have not turned away from God to this day.

*He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold* (Job 23:10).

Amen.

All are classified by how great are their Oaths...

#Oath #Oaths #all #allClassified #classified

All are classified by how great are their Oaths...

#Oath #Oaths #all #allClassified #classified

Matthew 14:1-13

Matthew 14 opens with the explanation of why Herod had John the Baptist beheaded at a feast. The rumors of miracles being performed, the dead being raised has Herod thinking back on the forced execution of John the Baptizer.

John had been imprisoned for approaching Herod and rebuking him for stealing his brother's wife. Understand this, John knew that taking this stand would result in his death. And at a party where Herod was content with leaving John locked up forever, but his manipulative new wife was anything but content. She wanted blood.

So she manipulated her daughter, likely Herod's niece into dancing seductively for her new stepfather, the king. She was promised in a moment of hubris on Herod's part anything her heart desired. And with one consultation with her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

And despite his fear of John's followers, he listened to his wife, which honestly is the source of many a man's downfall. It is this depiction of his execution that the producers of the Chosen have brought to life the tragedy and hope John the Baptist had at his time of death.
I encourage you to watch that scene if you haven't already. As he is led to the chopping block, the wry grin on his face as he says, “I've never been to a banquet.” And as he kneels to see the lamb in front of the setting sun as the axe falls, the irony of his first banquet being his last is felt.

The actor captures all of that emotion with a look. He is amazing. When you watch, remember, this is the man Jesus said was the greatest man alive. Fortunately, not all believers are called to die for their faith but we are all expected to do so if it comes to it. So will we approach our end with the same faith John had?

We can only pray that we would remain faithful with His strength. We can only in these times do as he did and look to the lamb. And maybe, with this faith, look forward to the banquet we will be welcomed to when we open our eyes in death the first time.


[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, [2] and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he himself has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” [3] For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. [4] For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” [5] Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. [6] But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, [7] so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. [8] And after being prompted by her mother, she *said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” [9] And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and his dinner guests. [10] He sent word and had John beheaded in the prison. [11] And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. [12] John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus. [13] Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Matthew 5:33-37
Oaths
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Fear not Man, Fear the One True God NKJV

Proverbs 1:7-10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
27- An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Job 28:20-28 "From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?

Is it hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the air.

Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard about it with our ears.'

God understands its way, And He knows its place.

For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees under the whole heavens,

To establish a weight for the wind, And apportion the waters by measure.

When He made a a law for the rain, And a path for the thunderbolt,

Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.

And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'"

Matthew 10:28-31 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a cooper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from you Father's will.

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered,

"Do not fear therefore; you are more value than many sparrows.

2 Timothy 1:7-9 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our LOrd, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings fro the gospel according to the power of God,

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Romans 8:12-19 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

For if we live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

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.

For I consider that the the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

1 John 4:17-21 Love has been perfected among us in this; that we may have have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

We love Him because He first loved us.

If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

And this commandment we have from Him; that he who loves God must love his brother also.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Fear Not man, Fear the One True God-Long Version NKJV

Proverbs 1:7-10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

Proverbs 29:22-27 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.

A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Job 28:20-28 "From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?

Is it hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the air.

Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard about it with our ears.'

God understands its way, And He knows its place.

For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees under the whole heavens,

To establish a weight for the wind, And apportion the waters by measure.

When He made a law for the rain, And a path for the thunderbolt,

Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.

And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'"

Matthew 10:27-33 "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered,

"Do not fear therefore; you are more value than many sparrows.

"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

"But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

2 Timothy 1:7-12 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Romans 8:12-21 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

For if we live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

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.

For I consider that the the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope,

because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

1 John 4:17-21 Love has been perfected among us in this; that we may have have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

We love Him because He first loved us.

If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

And this commandment we have from Him; that he who loves God must love his brother also.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Fear God Only Genesis 42:18-Deuteronomy 28:59 NKJV

Genesis 42:18 Then Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God:

Deuteronomy 4:9-10 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

"especially concerning the day you stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

Deuteronomy 5:29 'Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My comandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statues and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess,

"that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statues and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.

"Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you--a land flowing with milk and honey.'

Deuteronomy 6:13 "You shall fear the LORD your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 6:24 'And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statues, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8:6 'Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.

Deuteronomy 10:12-14 'And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

"and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statues which I command you today for your good?

"Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it.

Deuteronomy 10:20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 13:4 "You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Deuteronomy 13:10-11 "And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

"So all Israel shall hear and fear, and not again do such wickedness as this among you.

Deuteronomy 14:23 "And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

Deuteronomy 17:12-13 "Now the man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest who stands to minister there before the LORD your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall put away the evil from Israel.

"And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 "Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites.

"And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statues,

"that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.

Deuteronomy 19:18-20 "And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother,

"then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.

"And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.

Deuteronomy 21:20-23 "And they shall say to the elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.'

"Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.

"If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree,

"his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.'

Deuteronomy 28:58-59 "If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD,

"then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues--great and prolonged plagues-- and serious and prolonged sicknesses.

The Sacramental View-
What happens?:
God imparts grace through the elements
The Elements:
Change in substance or carry real spiritual presence
Primary Goal:
To receive divine blessing and spiritual sustenance

The word "sacrament" stems from Latin roots associated with holy oaths and mysteries.

Sacrament (Conveys Grace): In liturgical
traditions (like Catholic, Eastern Orthodox,
and Lutheran churches), a sacrament is
viewed as a physical "means of grace." They
believe God uses the physical elements of
bread and wine to supernatural work inside
the believer, directly imparting saving or
sanctifying grace.

While this word refers to Christian practices like baptism and communion, the choice of terminology reflects a profound difference in what churches believe happens during the practice.

The Catholic Church, along with many other Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran churches, observe the Lord's Supper as a *sacrament.*

Deuteronomy 10:20 NKJV “You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast. And take oaths in His name.

Matthew 5:

"1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."