#Matthew 3:11

[bojackson54]

Are Eyewitness Accounts Good Enough Evidence to Convict YOU?

The Christmas season always has so much meaning to me that I hate to see it end. But the tree and the Christmas lights are now officially down. Before we get TOO far into 2025, let’s pause to reflect one last time about the Christmas story. I love it because it’s a story filled with humility and surprise, full of unexpected details that validate the arrival of a long-awaited king. I love it…

[tom4jc]

Are You On Fire?

One of the things my wife and I love to do is sit in front of our fireplace and watch it, during the few days it is cool enough to run in Texas. Although our fireplace is a gas fireplace and does not consume anything other than gas, it is great to watch. When we can, we also love to have an outside firepit to watch and roast marshmallows on. Fire is something that many people love to watch. It…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Beatitudes

3 God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!

4 God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!

5 God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!

6 God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!

7 God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!

8 God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!

9 God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!

10 God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.

11 God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. — Matthew 5:3-11 | Contemporary English Version (CEV) Contemporary English Version Bible © 1995 by American Bible Society Cross References: 2 Samuel 17:28; 2 Samuel 22:26; Psalm 25:13; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 107:9; Isaiah 29:19; Isaiah 61:2; Isaiah 66:2; Matthew 5:45; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 6:20; John 16:20; John 19:26; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17; 1 Peter 4:14

Read full chapter

The Sermon on the Mount

[walkswithmyfather]

John 3:26-31 (NASB). “And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease. “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.”

Matthew 11:9-10 (NASB). “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.’”

John 1:29 (NKJV). “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

“Faith to Be Less” By In Touch ministries:

“Smaller roles in God’s kingdom don’t have smaller joy.”

“In today’s passage, we see the disciples of John the Baptist showing concern for their leader, or perhaps for the viability of his ministry. “The one you identified as the Messiah is also baptizing people,” they said, “and everybody is going to him instead of coming to us” (v. 26 NLT). They knew John wasn’t the Messiah, or at least that he said he wasn’t. Perhaps they hoped his ministry would continue to be relevant, and that he’d receive the respect he deserved as a prophet. For these reasons, John’s response may have surprised them.

“This joy of mine has been made full,” he said. “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (vv. 29-30). John’s faith in Christ enabled him to handle being less. His faith meant stepping from center stage into the shadows. But John had no sadness or regret; he felt only complete joy.

The Baptizer understood his role. His faithful service—which Jesus acknowledged after Herod had John arrested (Matthew 11:9-10)—was just that: service. John recognized that his primary work was to set the stage for the Messiah.

Our role in God’s work is similar. Like John, let us find our fullest joy in bearing witness, embracing the lesser role that points to the Savior and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29).

[adventism-atheism-orthodoxy-me]

This Verse Secretly Undermines All of Christianity...

I just saw this and thought I would process it on my own.

This YouTuber doesn't sound like he's explored much beyond mainstream Western Christianity. He makes the bold statement that EVERY Christian sect finds indispensable the idea that Christ died on the Cross "for our sins". Period.

For the longest time I found that challenging too. He goes on to talk about many of the same things I've asked, "Why couldn't God just forgive us outright? Why must he go through a generational pageant to do something the God of the Universe could have done of his own accord in the first place?"

You can say this is a dumb question. I've been told this many times.

Yet I have never been the only one asking this.

Many, if not all Atheists ask this question. Frankly, many "Christian" answers sound a little unhinged.

Now, I don't think that his examples necessarily contradict the prevailing point of view though. All anyone has to do is look at the banking industry to see that credit on future earnings is a valid payment method. Now it's true that modern banking, and especially credit, wasn't developed until the European Jews, unable to make a living any other way, started lending during the medieval period. Jesuits came up with the idea of insurance, which didn't technically fall under the prohibition against usury. And with ongoing innovation, modern financial markets developed.

None of these, of course, would have been understood by the local people of Jesus' time and place.

What was understood was life and death.

And this is where I found my peace.

Sins can easily be forgiven, but sickness and eventual death? That's a whole other nut to crack. Now, to be clear, unfortunately even the most traditional Christian communities have started to obsess about how SIN must be atoned!

But there is a strain in the oldest Christian traditions that it wasn't primarily sin that was destroyed on the cross, but rather death, disease, corruption (of which sin is a derivation to be sure, but not the point).

Now it's easy to look around and say - "Look! it didn't work." I myself have had to say good bye to both my parents over the last several months.

However, there is a resurrection that is promised. And if Christ has done what he said he did, then there WILL be a general resurrection.

The key is to be prepared for that resurrection. Now we could go on about which denomination is best prepared, but I have little faith in denominationalism. I think it's a means to conquer and divide the faithful, pitting follower against follower. Soon the God who's being worshiped isn't the most High God, but the Deceiver who encourages us all to call each other heretics. I do not think most "Christians" are Christian, but rather following their own wisdom (1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 24:11).

Now I may be a false teacher myself for thinking such a thing and putting it out there, but I have faith that God will know his own. And while he loves the rest, and has given them life, that life will be so much less for the fact that they reject what he's given them.

I find the idea of a river of fire helpful - Moses and the Glory of God (Exodus 33:20-23), speaks to the idea that to human senses, God is Fire. The Story of the Three Holy Youths (Daniel 3) has also been seen as an illustration of man abiding in the presence of fire, as a proxy for God, unharmed. Pentecost is God's fire experienced by the faithful after his resurrection. How will Gods fire be experienced by the unfaithful?

I have no idea, but I doubt that it will be pleasant (Luke 16:19-31).

In short, I feel this video failed to land it's point. There's enough diversity in Christianity to survive this argument, though I do not think that most modern Christians are open to my resolution.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy upon me, a sinner.

[disneynerdpumpkin]

~ Scriptures about forgiveness ~

Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Daniel 9:9 "To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him."

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."

Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."

Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Luke 17:3-4 "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Matthew 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isaiah 1:8 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

[jumioxox]

drdttober day eleven - games/late night

[sergeifyodorov]

would you give us your top ten all time?

MY top ten all time...

10 quinn hughes

9 quinn hughes

8 qu

okay real talk uhhhhh. im going to exclude goalies here (like i have in previous Tops lists) because they're kind of difficult to evaluate in relation to skaters. top goalies are roy-hasek-dryden-brodeur-lundqvist-luongo not in that order + incomplete list + i don't know enough about goalies Let's Move On

10. steve yzerman. 7th in points all time, nearly twenty years with the red wings, a 150-point season. three cups, a conn smythe, a selke, one of the youngest ever all-stars, longest-ever serving captain. stevie y is known as The Captain for a reason !!

9. mike bossy. all time goals per game leader. fourth all time in points per game. four cups, three lady byngs, a conn smythe. short career because of injuries but absolutely legendary peak.

8. alexander ovechkin. you know what his deal is

7. bobby orr. getting 100+ points as a defenceman 6 times is insane

6. gordie howe. i feel like ive brought up my neverending affection for gordie in the past but it cannot be overstated because i loveeeeee gordie i would kill and die for gordie he was so Huge and so Nice and got. 41 points. in the NHL. when he was 52. 1979-1980 season he played 80 games and scored 15 goals and 26 assists. he was born in 1928?? anyway. saskatchewan farm boy you have my heart...

5. sidney crosby. SIDCROS 4 EVA

4. jaromir jagr. ppl forget jagr because he was very much the malkinstyle Mysterious Eastern European when ppl were fawning over mario in penguinland but like if you go and check out his career stats it is fucking legitimately insane he only ever won one hart. i think he scored a goal a couple hours ago in kladno actually.

3. connor mcdavid. 3rd all time in p/pg. awkward. ginger. about as many assists as the second best in his draftyear (mitch) has points. perfect to me. if he wins a cup before the leafs im going to kill myself (oilers cup 2k24 you heard it here first)

2. mario lemieux. being top 10 in points all time with less than 1000 games played is insane. the next player on the all time points ranking with fewer than 1000 games is peter stastny, who is 42nd AND HAS PLAYED MORE GAMES THAN MARIO LEMIEUX

wayne gretzky. it's wayne gretzky

[cinemgc]

The Mandalorian (2ª Temp.)

Episodio 3: “Chapter 11: The Heiress“

• Dirección: Bryce Dallas Howard

• Guión: Jon Favreau

• Cinematografía: Matthew Jensen

• Cast: Pedro Pascal

[martyschoenleber]

Jesus is Coming

Some years ago I was walking around the reception tables after a wedding I had performed. An older woman approached me with a question. Almost everyone present at this particular wedding had come from a high church liturgical tradition. In their tradition, they had sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly recited either the Apostle’s Creed or the Athanasian Creed. But apparently, she hadn’t been…

[drshermaines-wisdomnuggets]

"GOD SEES YOUR POTENTIAL"

Judges 6:15-16, “But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.” The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.” (AMP) There was a sign that read Antique Auto Show, so Rob and his wife…

[bojackson54]

Eyewitness Accounts: Are They Good Enough Evidence to Convict YOU?

The Christmas season always has so much meaning to me that I hate to see it end. But the tree and the Christmas lights are now officially down. Before we get TOO far into 2024, let’s pause to reflect one last time about the Christmas story. I love it because it’s a story filled with humility and surprise, full of unexpected details that validate the arrival of a long-awaited king. I love it…

[possil]

CHRISTIANITY IS A DOWN AND DIRTY FAITH

Due to its wimpification the church in the West is declining in terms of numbers and influence. Christianity is no longer a culture-challenging force; rather it has become a meek handmaiden of progressivism. Amongst denominational hierarchies their greatest fears are the frowns of the chattering class. In mainstream denominations surface evidence of decline in belief is widespread. Pride flags…

[walkswithmyfather]

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16

“In all circumstances part 1: trust in God's character” By Antique Candle Co.:

“Why is it that we most often seek the Lord during the valleys of life? We know from His Word that He wants us to seek Him in every season. During the peaks, with moments of great joy and celebration; during the valleys, in times of worry and uncertainty. Not only does He desire His children to seek Him out, but He calls us to be faithful in all circumstances.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding...” —Proverbs 3:5

Trusting in the Lord's character allows us to find hope in every situation. It's not just about trusting God to get us through the difficult moments, but fully trusting in who He is, which extends to every moment of life.

So what is God's character? Many things. God cannot be compared to anything else in all creation. He created all things. Therefore, there are some attributes of Christ we can and cannot understand. We can't understand being 'unchanging' or 'all-knowing' ourselves because, as we are finite beings, we are neither. However, His Word tells us these truths about Him so that we may trust the characteristics that are unique to God alone. We can see and acknowledge the truth of His character in the Word and in our own lives.

GOD IS UNCHANGING:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” —James 1:17

GOD IS FAITHFUL:

“...if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” —2 Timothy 2:13

“The Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.” —Psalm 100:5

GOD IS ALL-KNOWING:

“He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge—the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.” —Psalm 94:9

GOD IS SOVEREIGN:

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” —Romans 11:36

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” —Ephesians 1:7-8

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:14

Place your trust in a God who is unchanging, faithful, all-knowing, sovereign, and so much more. In all circumstances, His character is something that will never fail.”

[Read the whole of this encouraging Blog post here.]

[inspiredbyhisword]

Bible Study: Building Deep Roots

This journal entry captures a heartfelt reflection on your spiritual and professional journey. It highlights your desire to deepen your relationship with God, find balance, and discern His will for your future. Let’s analyze the themes, provide biblical context for study, and offer guidance for further reflection and prayer.

Analysis and Context for Bible Study

Mark 4:17 – Spiritual Roots and Endurance

The verse reminds us that faith needs deep roots to endure trials and challenges. Your reflection ties beautifully to this truth: moments of spiritual immersion, like church summer camps, filled your heart with joy, but the pressures of life distracted you from fully applying His Word. This echoes the rocky soil, where joy is temporary without depth to sustain it. Developing deep roots requires consistent exposure to God’s Word and persistent prayer, as you noted.

Your desire to integrate prayer into every aspect of your day and approach Bible study with intentionality demonstrates a commitment to spiritual growth. This is a powerful way to build endurance, ensuring your faith isn’t easily shaken by burnout, career uncertainties, or worldly distractions.

Faith Without Works is Dead (James 2:26)

You rightly connect your reflections to the idea that hearing God’s Word isn’t enough—it must inspire action. Faith becomes alive through obedience, whether by prioritizing prayer, seeking clarity in your career, or pursuing opportunities that align with His plan. Your approach to actively applying for positions, researching social work fields, and seeking volunteer opportunities demonstrates a willingness to put your faith into action, trusting that God will guide your steps.

Matthew 7:7 – Seeking God’s Direction

The verse you chose, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, NLT), offers encouragement and a roadmap for discernment. It affirms that persistence in prayer, research, and action will lead to clarity. God’s answers may not come instantly, but your active pursuit shows faith in His timing and trust in His plans.

Professional Reflection in Light of Scripture

Your career path reflects a mix of diligence, uncertainty, and burnout. Balancing a calling to help others with the practicalities of work-life balance and financial stability is a common struggle. Jeremiah 29:11 also resonates here, reminding you of God’s good plans for your future. Trust that He is using this season to prepare you for what’s next, even if the final picture isn’t clear yet.

Your plan to volunteer as a domestic violence/sexual assault advocate shows wisdom. This step aligns with Proverbs 16:9: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (NLT). By seeking experience and networking, you are positioning yourself for clarity while leaving room for God to guide you.

Spiritual Insights and Next Steps

Deepening Spiritual Roots: To build a strong foundation, keep incorporating prayer into every aspect of your day. Use scripture meditation and journaling as tools to internalize God’s Word. Reflect on how each verse applies to your life and transforms your perspective.

Trusting God in Career Decisions: Lean on Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT). Surrender your uncertainties to Him while continuing your diligent research and efforts.

Managing Burnout: Seek moments of rest and renewal, remembering Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (NLT). Find ways to recharge spiritually and physically so that you can approach your current role and future goals with clarity and strength.

Prayers for Guidance and Strength

For Deep Roots: Father, help me develop deep roots in Your Word. Teach me to prioritize prayer and Bible study so that I can grow in my faith and stand firm through challenges.

For Clarity in Career Decisions: Lord, guide my steps as I navigate my career path. Help me to seek Your will above all else and trust that You are leading me toward Your good plans for my life.

For Renewal and Rest: God, give me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to find balance. Help me to trust in Your provision and find peace in Your presence.

For Faith in Action: Holy Spirit, empower me to put my faith into action. Let my decisions and efforts reflect trust in Your promises and obedience to Your Word.

Closing Reflection

Your journal entry reflects a genuine desire to grow in faith and seek God’s direction. Remember, God doesn’t waste any part of your journey—every step, even the challenging ones, serves a purpose in His plan. Continue to knock, seek, and trust, knowing that He will provide clarity in due time. Keep anchoring yourself in His Word, and He will lead you to a fulfilling path aligned with His will.

[touchofgoddotworld]

Knowing the Father’s Heart Removes Doubt and Unbelief (275) – December 7 2024

Choose your Podcast App to Play this episode It is the Lord’s desire, His Will, that you would experience what He has already promised you in His Word. That you would experience Him, to come to Know Him, to remain in divine health, to have your soul prospering amongst other promises.  God didn’t give us all an equal measure of faith just so that we could believe in His Son and receive eternal…