Summary

What does the blessed person do? He/she delights in the LORD’s instruction!  This 5m episode serves as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms. It contrasts the only two kinds of people recognized by God, each with a distinct set of life principles:   (1) The godly, who are characterized by righteousness, love, obedience to God’s Word, and separation from fellowship with the world; (2) the ungodly, who represent the ways and counsel of the world, who do not abide in God’s Word, and who consequently have no part in the assembly of God’s people. The godly person is known and blessed by God, but the ungodly person has no part in God’s kingdom (1 Cor. 6:9) and will perish. 

The separation between these two kinds of people will exist throughout redemptive history and on into eternity. 

The first verse of the book of Psalms emphasizes the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. True believers can be distinguished by the things they do not do, the places they do not go, and the company they do not keep. No person can experience God’s blessing without turning from those things that are harmful or destructive. 

Take a listen to the thought from the TTE commentary in regard to how to become happy or whether would you rather be blessed.

Elder Hayes

TTE/CSB/FL

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Summary

Please note that this 17m episode provides you with a view of the O.T. Prophets, including their place in Hebrew history and as the men and women servants of the Most High. The Hebrew word for the Prophets is Ro’eh.  This Hebrew noun, translated as “seer” in English, indicates a special ability to see into the spiritual realm and foresee future events. The title suggests that the prophet was not deceived by the external appearance of things; rather, he saw issues as they really were from the perspective of God Himself. As a seer, the prophet received dreams, visions, and revelations from God which enabled him to convey spiritual realities to God’s people. 

Nabi‘. This is the main Hebrew word for “prophet,” occurring 309 times in the O.T. (nab ‘im is its plural form). Although the origin of this word is unclear, the meaning of the Hebrew verb “to prophesy” meant: “to put forth words abundantly from God’s mind and by God’s Spirit” (Gesenius, Hebrew Lexicon). Thus a nabi’ was a spokesperson from which our English word “prophet” is derived, meaning “one who speaks on behalf of another.”  The prophets spoke for God to the covenant people, based on what they heard, saw, and received from Him. In the O.T., the prophet was also designated by such terms as “man or woman of God”,   “servant of the LORD” (Is. 20:3; Dan. 6:20), “man or woman of the Spirit” (Is 61:1-3), “watchman” (Ezek. 3:17), and the “the LORD’s messenger” (Hag. 1:13). The prophet also interpreted prophetic dreams (see Joseph, and Daniel) and provided an understanding of history both the present and the future from a prophetic perspective.

A few of the O.T. prophets were Samuel (Israel), Elijah (Israel), Elisha (Israel), Jonah (Nineveh), Amos (Israel), Isaiah (Judah), Miriam (Exo. 15:20), Deborah (Judg. 4:4), Huldah (2 Kin. 22:14-20). 

I recall during my studies a statement made by one of my professors, “Try the prophet by his word”!

I pray you will enjoy listening to this short series of THE PROPHET IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara

FLB:pp1002-1004

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Summary

This episode of the book of Matthew begins his account by giving Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1). He then tells of Jesus’ birth and early years, including the family’s escape to Egypt from the murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. 

The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are supernatural events beyond human logic or reasoning. Because of this, God sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening. Angels are spiritual beings created by God who help carry out His work on earth. They bring God’s messages to people (Luke 1:26), protect God’s people (Daniel 6:22), offer encouragement (Genesis 16:7), give guidance (Exodus 14:19), carry out punishment  (2 Samuel 24:16), patrol the earth (Zechariah 1:9-14) and fight the forces of evil (2 Kings 6:16-18; Revelation 20:1, 2). 

The angel declared to Joseph that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be a son. This reveals an important truth about Jesus – He is both God and human. The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so He could live and die for the salvation of all who would believe in Him. 

Bethlehem of Judaea: The city of David [Israel’s greatest king]. Bethlehem signifies the “house of bread,” the fittest place for Him to be born who is the true manna, the bread which came down from heaven, which was given for the life of the world. written by the prophet: Taken from Micah 5:2, where it is foretold (700 years earlier!) that though Bethlehem is little, it shall be found not the least among the princes of Judah. Bethlehem’s honor lay not in the multitude of the people, but in the magnificence of the princes, it produced. 

Elder Barbara

LA/MH

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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