Summary

This episode speaks of murder that begins in the heart of man. The commentary of the Full Life Bible states; To call one in anger … raca … fool; Jesus is not speaking of righteous anger at those who are wicked and unjust but is condemning the vindictive anger that would unjustly desire the death of another. “Raca” is a term of contempt and probably means “empty-headed fool.” To call a person a “godless fool” in anger and contempt may indicate a heart attitude that places one “in danger of hell fire.”

Let’s remember that the tongue is a tiny member yet it can carry the weight of death and put one in jeopardy of hell’s fire. 

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

FL 

Transcription

Summary

This episode presents The Sermon on the Mount from the 5th chapter of the book of Matthew. The main theme in the Sermon on the Mount is true righteousness. The religious leaders had an artificial, external righteousness based on law. But the righteousness that Jesus described as a true and vital righteousness that begins internally, in the heart. The Pharisees were concerned about the minute details of conduct, but they were neglecting the major matter of character. Conduct flows out of character.

To be “poor” or “poor in spirit” means to be humble, and to have a correct estimate of oneself (Rom. 12:3). It does not mean to be poor-spirited and have no backbone at all. It is honesty with ourselves: We know ourselves, accept ourselves, and try to be ourselves to the glory of God. 

We mourn over sin and despise it. We see sin the way God sees it and seek to treat it the way God does. Those who cover sin or defend sin certainly have the wrong attitude. 

Take a listen to the episode then let me know what you think.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

FL/Wiersbe

Transcription

Summary

This episode presents The Sermon on the Mount from the 5th chapter of the book of Matthew. The main theme in the Sermon on the Mount is true righteousness. The religious leaders had an artificial, external righteousness based on law. But the righteousness that Jesus described as a true and vital righteousness that begins internally, in the heart. The Pharisees were concerned about the minute details of conduct, but they were neglecting the major matter of character. Conduct flows out of character.

To be “poor” or “poor in spirit” means to be humble, and to have a correct estimate of oneself (Rom. 12:3). It does not mean to be poor-spirited and have no backbone at all. It is honesty with ourselves: We know ourselves, accept ourselves, and try to be ourselves to the glory of God. 

We mourn over sin and despise it. We see sin the way God sees it and seek to treat it the way God does. Those who cover sin or defend sin certainly have the wrong attitude. 

Take a listen to the episode then let me know what you think.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

FL/Wiersbe

Transcription

Summary

The reading of Matthew 5:13 is the beginning of a series presented with commentary flow. Matthew 5 speaks of the Salt & Light. Salt is valuable to give flavor and to preserve from corruption. If salt should lose its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?  Hence, the believer and the church are to be godly examples in the world and to resist the moral decay and corruption that is evident in society today. 

Churches that become lukewarm, quench the power of the Holy Spirit, and cease to resist the prevailing spirit in the world, will be “cast out” by God. They consequently will be “trodden underfoot of men”, those who are lukewarm. We are valuable in our role as disciples of Christ, it is by the indwelling spirit of God that we lead others to Christ. An imposter is thrown out and trampled underfoot because they hold no effectiveness in the service of the LORD. 

The reflection of the light of Christ shines within you. Jesus compared Christians to a city that is set upon a hill that cannot be hidden, you are a beacon so that all men can see the Christ that shines from within you. You are the Church, an earthen vessel. Preserved until the day of the LORD’s return, until then let your light so shine that men may see your good works, and then they shall Glorify the Father, our Father which art in Heaven.

I pray that you will enjoy the Matthew series. 

Blessings

Elder Barbara Hayes

Wiersbe/Full Life

Transcription

Matthew 13:44 says this; The kingdom of heaven is like a [very precious] treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy, he goes and sells all he has and buys that field [securing the treasure for himself]. This episode of The Church Within You!, is presented by the men’s meeting group of Iron Sharpen Iron out of Rochester, NY under the leadership of Bro. J.E. Booker. This group of men gathers from various states through the USA via conference line every 2nd Saturday of the month. 

The message presented here provides the hearer a view of the power in the treasure that lies within you.  The main point here is the immense value of the kingdom, which far outweighs any sacrifice or inconvenience one might encounter on earth.  God’s Kingdom is a hidden treasure, we must seek Him, follow Him, and trust in Him knowing that as He reveals Himself to us the wonder of eternal life exceeds any value that we could place on anything on this earth. 

The power of Jesus is the hidden jewel that lies within the believer’s heart. Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Reach for the power that lies within you, for you are the earthen temple where He resides when He comes into your heart. 

I welcome you to take listen to this message presented by the Iron Sharpen Iron Men’s Day speaker, Deacon Carmichael. 

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

Summary

This episode provides a view of the Limits of Wealth. This psalm stresses the futility of trusting in riches and the transitory nature of all this earth has to offer. The psalmist declares that the person whose life consists of an abundance of possessions of worldly pleasures or fame (Mat. 6:19-21); Luke 12:15), rather than in seeking after God and His kingdom, will perish (Ps. 49: 12-14, 16-17); on the other hand, those who live for God will be redeemed from the grave.

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Wealth will not determine your destiny, Psalm says this in its 13th to the 15th  13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,  for he will receive me. Selah

For the love of money cannot buy you complete happiness nor can it purchase you the key to eternal life. 

Blessings

Elder Hayes

Transcription

Summary

This episode 4min episode asks a question in regard to correction from disobeying God or perfection when God helps us to grow.  Matthew 14:22 says, “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.” Why was Jesus in such a hurry for everyone to leave? John recorded this reason: The crowd wanted to make Jesus King (John 6:14,15). The LORD knew that their motives were not spiritual and that their purposes were out of God’s will.  

Now the boat was in the middle of the sea, and there arose a storm that cause the boat to be tossed to and fro. The force of the waves causes the disciples to become afraid. Just as the waves began to beat against the sides of the boat, is like when in our lives storms rise and seemingly toss us for a loop and we can’t seem to think nor find our way out. 

Jesus always comes to us in and during the storms of our lives. We must put our trust that the maker of the storm is also the One that can calm the storm. No matter what type of storm it is. A storm of correction to discipline us or a storm that has come to perfect us. God is still in control of your storm, just question yourself which storm would you rather be in. 

Blessings, Elder Hayes

Transcription

Summary

Presented here is a message from three segments from my much earlier days of preaching the Word of God. This message is taken from chapter One of the Book of Acts.  Combined it’s about 9mins in length. The message covers the differences in languages spoken yet they were able to understand one yet to another, it also speaks of the casting of lots after Judas’ betrayal of Jesus to those seeking to take him away. As well as to those that were present.  

Not all of our LORD’s followers were in the Upper Room, for only about 120 were present, and 1 Cor. 15:6 states that at least 500 people saw the risen Christ at one time. Bible scholars do not agree on the size of the population of Palestine at that time; their estimates run from 600,000 to one million. But regardless of what figure we select, the 120 believers were still a minority, yet they turned their world upside down for Christ. 

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.

And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed, Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, You, O LORD, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” And they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. 

Prayer plays a significant role in the story of the church as recorded in this book. The believers prayed for guidance in making decisions and for the courage to witness for Christ. In fact, prayer was a normal part of their daily ministry. Let’s remember, prayer has moved mountains and caused giants to fall! 

Transcription

Summary

This is a very small (3mins) portion of the message “Stiff-necked People”! described to be obstinate and difficult to lead. The Word describes these as having uncircumcised hearts and ears and always resisting the Holy Spirit. As God spoke to Moses, “I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 

The message speaks to those that were serving idols, false gods, and statues that they had molded or carved by hand and paid homage to them as if they were the Living God. It seems when trouble from disease, sickness, or surrounding people after praying to their gods and nothing happened they would then seemingly turn to God, who had on many occasions delivered them. Now once again, they had turned their backs on God and were seeking the prophets to go to God on their behalf. 

However, God spoke and ask them various questions about their fake god, to which they had no answer to His questions. Take a listen to this three-minute portion of, Stiff-necked People!

Transcription

Summary

Exploring this 4m+ episode from the reading of the book of James. Whence come wars and fighting among you? The root cause of every war, internal and external, is rebellion against God. At the beginning of creation was perfect harmony, but sin entered the world, leading to conflict. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4), and lawlessness is rebellion against God. 

God graciously draws near to us when we deal with the sin in our lives that keep Him at a distance. He will not share us with anyone else; He must have complete control. We submit to God’s control by confessing our sins and asking for His cleansing. If we do this, then God will draw near, cleanse us, and forgive us; and the wars will cease! (See v.1.) We will not be at war with God, so we will not be at war with ourselves. This means we will not be at war with others.  

We as Christians need to have discernment, but we must not act like God in passing judgment. We must first examine our own lives and then try to help others (Matt. 7:1-5). To speak evil of a brother or sister and to judge that person on the basis of partial evidence and (probably) unkind motives is to sin against him or her and against God. We are not called to be judges; God is the only Judge. He is patient and understanding; His judgments are just and Holy; we do well and can leave the matter with Him.  

Best said, we need to stay in our own lane, God knows how to drive and He truly knows the path. 

Transcription