51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. Finally, hope is driven deep within by the powerful impact of the Holy Spirit. Adam obeyed and God got his attention, gave him holy anesthesia, knocked him out and took out some bone to give him a companion called woman, because she was taken from man. She was born on October 10, 1947 to Joseph. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. It was five oclock in the afternoon and Blondin started the trip that was to make history. Paul would completely understand that thinking. Would you be offended if I noted that many Christians look like spiritual ball hogs? Go to John 5:17 and 18. This related word is the term for something or someone from a royal line. or thirty gallons each. Did you notice the ending verse of our section sounds like Paul broke out in song again? When Jim opened the door, his face went into shock. It was even before Eve was created. John 5:31-35) Jesus cousin, John, did at Jesus baptism and five men decided to follow Jesus. Beyond the Job and Ezekiel references for child care, it is easily attested that such wrappings were widely used for the bodies of the dead. They didnt leave Judaism; they found completion in Jesus as the promised Messiah. John wanted us to know that truth by knowing accounts of His works. Last Update. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] There is another story in the New Testament where Simon Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with edibles dropping from Heaven in Acts 10. He said, Where are WE to buy bread? It is incredibly easy for the disciples to set aside Jesus and NOT include Him and we still do it all the time. Unfortunately I was locked out of my house. To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. They want to walk daily and deeply with God. A third possibility should be mentioned, because there is a reference in the (Apocryphal) Wisdom of Solomon 7:3-6 that may relate the identification of this cloth to the royal line of David. Dispelling Twelve Myths about the Gospel. If you DO know Him as Savior, you have tasted of the sweetness of His ability to transform your life. Obviously, Paul argues that believers are to keep a ledger clear of debt as much as is possible, but recognize there is one part of the ledger that can never be clear: the part concerning our love. Sabbath, commanded to the Jewish believer, was never subscribed to by the believer from Gentile background. After the Setting and the Miracle, John noted the Problem (John 5:9b-16): Now it was the Sabbath on that day. The Master saw through the attempt to railroad the Copyright Great Commission Bible Institute 2023. The village name is clearly part of Luke 2:4 and meant house of Bread (though the name was probably originally derived from a Canaanite unrelated meaning before). He dropped in words of praise in verses five and six: Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, if I forget that is paired in the Word with the sense that I belong to others and they to me, I turn family into footrace and replace team with individual super-stardom. He told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam, which we hope was not a There is searching on the part of young people for fun, but little real happiness. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. Key Principle: In Biblical terms, I dont go to Heaven, we do. On June 30, 1859 the rope was fully in position to cross the falls. have cared were moved by the mans new eyes. It would not be unlikely but is not clearly stated in the text. of judgment. CREATIVE. His decision is described in Hebrews 12:8, he went out, not knowing.. A young woman had become critically ill and her prognosis was grim; she would likely die within the year. As I rode the rapids toward my bone marrow transplant, I could not get over the sheer comedy that comes from trying to live a typical life in such an atypical way. Meat knowingly and publicly consumed that was offered to idols is not in view here since there was a specific command regarding that. His network is ALWAYS ON. For my students, I think that isnt really true. Sometimes we think our problem is a connection problem (we feel isolated and long for connection and affirmation). They carried their heartfelt celebration into the assembly and disdained those who didnt follow suit. This is the home page for the family trees of WMGS Members. I change my behavior. Consider Marys story for a moment. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 For this, YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET, and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of [the] law. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. Though deemed important in rank, the man didnt send one of his people to Jesus. Series: Building One Another Part: 4. Hes ok!. (5:24). Third, Bethlehem was thought to be the place of Messiahs coming, based on Micah 5:2, but the Hebrew prophet Micah may have indicated a more exacting location when he foretold (Micah 4:8): And you, O Tower of the Flock (Migdal Eder), the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto you shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. Jordan Randall Smith (born November 18, 1982) is an American conductor, arts entrepreneur, and percussionist.He is the music director of Symphony Number One and conductor of the Hopkins Concert Orchestra at Johns Hopkins University. Johnny was once a Harlem Globetrotter. The exception: flocks kept for the Temple-services. In putting others before me, I must also put Jesus before me. People were thinking about bread, for the time of matzah was drawing near. The seed of that mans belief became a testimony that when shared sprung up in a tree that sheltered the whole family, and they all believed together (4:53b). Dr. Haddon Robinson writes: Some people are attracted to Christianity because they have a leaky faucet that they want God to fix. Even when my mortal body gives way, it will be swallowed She loves Israel, and she is passionate about making travel to Bible lands accessible to everyone she can. Why is sin rampant and why is the world full of troubles. A true disciple wont just speak as though they know me, but will live according to My teaching (7:21). The first part of the message can be grouped generally into four major character traits Jesus pressed His disciples to exhibit to be a true follower: His opening remarks offered this: You cannot be about YOU and ME (5:1-12) at the same time! Jesus expected His followers to be other person centered. Lets take a look. He was an electrician, and he worked a number of years for EMC. Yet, it was the tendency of the disciples to LEAVE HIM OUT, not His desire to be excluded. At our core, we are to learn that getting there together is more important than getting there first. A single act of faith led to a life of faith. He mentioned God doing it for Jews, but he drove it home repeatedly in the case of Gentiles, because it was something harder for the people to believe. What does Paul mean by make no provision for the flesh then? Randall Smith in Sebring, FL Randall Smith may also have lived outside of Sebring, such as Montverde, Casselberry and 2 other cities in Florida. He said: Go, your son lives, (John 4:50a). boys. First, we should understand that historical memory includes the fact that babies were wrapped after birth in various ways in the Biblical period. You may be right but your view may not take into account other things that go beyond your culture, your life experience and your personal connection to God. Yet, if you keep reading, it was outside the Paul sought to make clear that in many respects Christianity is a team sport. the holiness standard of marriage in exchange for some lawlessness people would place in the time. Jesus Later, in Exodus 20:8-11, God told the people not to work in a way that would add to their wealth and comfort. And after that, attendance was sporadic until they dropped into their previous pattern. maintained if they acted on their angry emotion. place the man really got his spiritual eyes opened. miracle at Cana, where Jesus was being pressed by His mother to deal with a Romans 6-8). Relationally, Devon and Caroline have the specific privilege and responsibility of building intentional, discipleship relationships with the GCBI students throughout the year. Note that his problem led him to seek Jesus, and meeting Jesus met more needs than he anticipated. What should a healthy walk with Jesus look like in practical and daily lifestyle? I was responding to what I saw, but not what was truly there. randall smith sebring church. The Pharisees pressed Jean Francois Gravelet, also known as The Great Blondin, was the first tightrope walker to appear at Niagara Falls. Jesus then, made clear He wanted God-reliant, team-oriented and openly outreaching people to be His followers. As a Long Island gal, Billy Joels River of Dreams seemed to be the sound track of my life during that time. I have repeated to youwhat Isaiah foretold about the sign which foreshadowed the Cave. Though wed prefer everyone join us in person, we know these times make gathering together difficult for some. If we put other people before us, we demonstrate maturity and care. It is important for us to note that when God calls for us to give honor, fear and treasure to civil authority, He has the right to direct my finances. Jesus could claim to heal him, but the man wouldnt be able to immediately check. learned skeptics. The central teaching here shouldnt get buried in detail: Dont think that because you are certain you shouldnt do something, that everyone else who doesnt see it your way is somehow smaller in the eyes of God. Some people are so molded by peer pressure; no evidence really matters much to the view they hold. I suspect posts would have highlighted concerns, and perhaps even voices of outrage at the following realities: Economic Inequity: The world seemed very economically divided between those who possessed the best things this life could offer and those who had hardly enough to survive, or were living paycheck to paycheck. We obey these things, we make these changes, because the alarm clock is about to snap us awake from this sleepy existence (with its unreal and dreamy qualities). does not want to hear the truth. Do we take the time? We have spoken about care for and appreciation of other believers and their gifts (Romans 12), as well as submission to authorities outside the church (Romans 13), but now we turn our attention to a n issue of contention among believers: Romans 14:1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Ho! Bypass judgment and LIVE NOW! Check social media profiles, photos and videos, places of employment, public records, resumes and CV, arrest records, business records, memorials and work history . The Greek word for hope is elpis taken from elp, to anticipate or welcome). There is an indication in verse one and two that Mary was already at the feast, at the time when Jesus and His disciples arrived on the third day. Matthew chapter five opened the preaching message of Jesus beyond the summary words He preached repentance and the arrival of the Kingdom from chapter four. 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. From that point forward, I knew that funny, illogical, and nonsensical stuff happens every day and will continue to be there even when you are thrust into a gushing river of unfair stuff. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Hungry for a righteousness denotes they dont have, and are not self-satisfied (6), Strife: eris; someone who brings wrangling and dissention with gossip and trouble making. Despite the hair loss, chemo, and keeping an Excel spreadsheet of my kids schedules and sleepovers with friends and relatives, the lunacy of it all did not escape me. judicial behavior. Jesus said to him, Get up, pick up your pallet and walk. 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. of Galilee and they were stunned, excited and full! We can give away $100 The issue with these sources is the many historical details that Justin Martyr and others of his time added to the story for the purposes of showing Jesus to have fulfilled prophecy. People are blessed or cursed in the here and now according to It was a term that could be used in its time for a hall, as in a place refitted for occasion. He ceased striving to find a way to care for the need because he believed the need was already met. Instruction Three: Believers need to learn to see others through eyes of love and act in ways respecting them and their things. Groups are a great place to start. When the Word so well. It sounded like He said (apparently to the crowd around Him): Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you dont believe. Why take a seemingly desperate man and hold out on him like that? With more people, the lack of supply quickly became apparent. Jesus came and found the man who was on the street again. Coming to Jesus didnt lift their restriction, despite some who have tried to say otherwise. We dont know all they said to one another. Will you choose to follow Him even if it is not popular? Dr. Randall Smith shows from Zechariah 11 that the God of the Bible is a loving God for sure. 7:6 So Jesus said to 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Look at the WAR WITHIN YOU as a believer for a minute. Listen to what Jesus said about the Law: Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.. God has put within man a sense of the society in which they live. offer public teaching on the last day of the feast according to John 7:37. This became very pointed when Paul connected the truth of submission to our use of money to demonstrate submission and honor. John 9:24 So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and It isnt all about speed and progress it is about the whole team moving ahead in spite of the hurting. A new day was about to dawn. Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do they seem like the kind of people who CARE about symbolic things? use this mans eyes to point a sign toward Jesus identity. The text argued as though the wrapping cloth was symbolically related to the fact that he was of a kingly line. He didnt get attached to another. They werent sure what the Emperor would tweet next. I dont keep seeing as others see! . With the very same voice, I want to say without qualification the Bible supports real tenderness for those who have been victims, and every attempt should be made to be sure we care for the hurting as best we can (cp. The pain will go away. As we keep reading from this letter, we will also find another tendency that has traveled with the church down through the centuries the tendency to think of Christianity in individual terms. That is called parenting. The fog of putting hope in my body and its pleasures will be lifted. the feast, Jesus was in the temple courts and the leaders thought of a way He noted: Romans 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [rulers] are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Lisa must stop believing she is the only one with the Spirit at work in her. When Benjamin Franklin wished to interest the people of Philadelphia in street lighting, he didnt try to persuade them by talking about itinstead, he hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket before his own door. Long ago, the work of a pastor at Ephesus (today in western Turkey) named John the evangelist offered a series of testimonials about Jesus activities in the first century. The text also reminds us that people of faith follow Gods Word closely, and must always be careful not to equate their preferences and deductions as equal to GODS STANDARD. Ironically in the passage, they couldnt agree Either the death of the body is the beginning of judgment, or it is the end of it and the beginning of uninterrupted joy. Look for a moment at the opening of Matthews Gospel. f you have been paying close attention to the habits of people in our time, you know that most of us spend much more time conversing electronically than we do face to face. Randy studied in Jerusalem & holds degrees in Near East Archaeology & a Doctorate in Comparative Religion from Conservative Theological Seminary. The opening two verses provide both the cast of characters at the event, as well as the specific setting of it. autumn. MY STATISFACTION. These opening words are called the Beatitudes. The setting was a hillside on the north of the Sea of Galilee, where Matthew noted: Matthew 5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. We need signs and symbols of authority to remind us to obey because we can get feisty or thoughtless and do what we want, even if it isnt right. For most, I dare say, they prefer to control the length and depth of the conversation and avoid the time saving greetings and niceties. We can ask what we want, and get what we need no extras. These were wrapped or covered, and often cloth was kept in a family home to be prepared for such an eventuality. Ask George Mueller who prayed when his orphans were hungry, only to discover the bread truck that broke down outside and offered them plenty to eat. In Romans 14:1 he admonished the strong believers to invite into the fold the weaker, but to be careful with them as it regarded their convictions. He can make plain His GLORY and offer you something from Heaven. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. She really likes to join groups, and even operates her own escorted travel programs with local guides under the label "Israel Personally Yours." He kept it up until a hunter tracked the sound and shot him The moral of that story: When youre full of bull, keep your mouth shut. Remember John 5:14 made clear the lame man got that way because of some willful sin in his life. Dont gloss past verse four. Great News for Great Commission Bible Institute in Sebring, Florida! The birth date was listed as June 1, 1965. Instruction Two: It isnt our job to decide if the others convictions are warranted for them, but it is our responsibility to recognize we all serve the same Master, Who alone is the proper judge of each of us. He is also a Visiting assistant professor of Music and Director of Orchestra at Susquehanna University. least according to their misguided teaching). Many in Jewish circles still echo that. True faith requires of us a change. Dr. Randall Smith is a respected Bible teacher who has lived and worked in the places of the Bible for more than a quarter of his Life. As the morning dawns the birds awaken, and the animals stir all around my house (and there are plenty of them!). Now the man could see. Or maybe they have broken relationships that they want God to mend. I am a Pennsylvania native and quick to correct the pronunciation of Lancaster. Basileus is the term for a king. This guy was a somebody in the celebrity category. Did you ever see a team take on a group-oriented obstacle course? What He brings is more than they could understand, ask, think or expect. attempt by the earthly brothers of Jesus to coach Him to go to the feast in If we took the time to read Paul description in detail of the works of the flesh that he wrote not long after, it would sound like this: Galatians 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.