Think about Pauls exclamation of praise for a moment. With current scholarship in mind, it appears we can say this: Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the fruitful region of Ephrath, in a cave included within (and probably at the rear of) a family three room cave-style home, likely in a home associated with oversight of the birthing of lambs used in Temple sacrifice. professor Randall D. Smith, Ph.D has pastored three local churches over the last thirty-five years, while directing international educational programs for Christian Travel Study Programs, Inc ., an organization offering study trips to Europe and Bible lands for more than three decades. In an effort to be more efficient and more productive, we may have lost something in the quality of daily life. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. Because if you are going the right speed, you anticipate he wont stop you. Each has a strong view about what they do. God loves working through us and with us. View Randall D Smith's profile for company associations, background information, and partnerships. People are blessed or cursed in the here and now according to The end of the text calls for us to deliberately change our appearance. theatrical entrance to the city. It serves the budget conscious communicator. I wonder why it is that many a young woman seeks desperate approval by allowing men to misuse her body that God loaned her, as she cries out for love, and few seem to say a word until she is pregnant and alone. As such, consistent with the three-room cave style homes found in Tibe/Ophrah in Ephraim, Nazareth in the Galilee and Bethlehem in Judea (areas with significant chalk geological intrusion) we find remains of caves used as stables in the cold time of year, center rooms used as storage or work space that could be given as a kataluma in the time of guests, and a front room for living space. We KNOW life isnt supposed to run non-stop, but many of us feel out of the loop if it doesnt. Last Name "Smith" 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. MY NEEDS. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord. But we believe them simply because people who did see them have left writings that tell us about them. As a Long Island gal, Billy Joels River of Dreams seemed to be the sound track of my life during that time. At the same time, I think there is something more here. Talk to anyone who doesnt believe in life beyond this one, and you will hear clearly that denial of self in this life is loss even if it is because we know we have been called to do so with a greater life after in mind. Will you pretend to know Him, but not obediently listen to Him? On that fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge was visited by a series of ghosts who took him on a journey to see, perhaps for the first time, his own character. 48 So Jesus said to him, Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe. 49 The royal official said to Him, Sir, come down before my child dies. 50 Jesus said to him, Go; your son lives. The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. These were wrapped or covered, and often cloth was kept in a family home to be prepared for such an eventuality. We must not be hard-hearted toward them when they cannot separate their own preferences from absolute truth. In the fall of 1978, Michael Dertouzos, director of the Laboratory for Computer Science, held a two-day retreat at MITs Endicott House on the future of personal computers, at the time widely called home computers. It was clear that everyday people would soon be able to have their own computersBut what could people DO with them? A desperate man came to Jesus (4:46-49). The man born blind didnt start following Jesus right Leaky faucets are minor league stuff to Him. encounter with Jesus power to change them; that is all it took. A friend sat with her and she told them she felt the Lord calling her to DO something. His letters are filled with the application of Hebrew Scriptures to early church issues, and how to get the timeless principles into contemporary life. beneath the surface. To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 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 Heart of the Miraculous Account: Water was changed into wine. On the better courses, there is a high wall over which each member must pass. We were designed to get the depth of fulfillment from our Creator. If it does, perhaps we need to look further at other possible explanations. Did you notice the seventh hour in verse 52 was the hour that Jesus healed the boy according to verse 53? Hope in the Bible is more than a glancing wish for the future it is an expectation based on a taste of experience already attained. We cannot know what He was thinking, but three things are clear: First, Jesus was not going to allow the ministry timing to be directed by the Believe my Father sent Me (trust the source of my message as from the very Creator). A recent article by two CNN reporters (Rachel Held Evans & Laura Sessions Stepp). He travels much of the year outside the US, meeting groups in various countries and offering a "how does standing on this spot help you understand God's Word . These things amaze me. He knows what He intends Such obstacle courses offer teams a visual opportunity since dealing with obstacles is what a team must learn to do. They thought He was breaking the Sabbath while Jesus made clear He was following God, not fighting Gods standards. Next Sunday, the entire family was there in the front pew, dressed and sparkling. Verse six shared the scope of the miracle by offering us the vat size and number of containers. From the way He worked in the lives of His chosen people, Israel, we can see that He always warns His People in advance.\rFrom the time that He gives His warning till the time that it comes true is grace time. Romans 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 5 Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?. Dont stumble over it! Yet, remember our key truth. The final set of teachings show our confidence must be in Gods power, not ours. Fasting for Gods attention alone (6:16-18). Stop and look for a moment, before reading the list of things Paul commanded them to DO in the chapter, at the final command found in the last line of Romans 13, at verse 14: Romans 13:14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts.. Dont forget: Jesus called His followers to be people of FAITH not RELIGION. There are some who insert in the story of the birth the idea that there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the local caravansary, and surmise the parents of Jesus were allowed to occupy one of the attended birthing caves in the hillside. He looked humble, but possessed the greatest of wealth. Sorcery: farmakia; using anesthetizing drugs for release from reality. We bring what was touched by our powerful Masters hand. They just didnt see it I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. randall smith sebring church. Romans 14:15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 60s Randall Lee Smith Ozawkie, KS Aliases Rollin Smith Randy Smith View Full Report Addresses Their ideas may not have been well-founded, but they were deep and caring for them took precedent over some harsh form of crash training. It wasnt that Paul wanted the weak to remain so; it was because he knew that people dont care what you know until they know that you care about them. As we examine the story then, what is faith? Failure to respond in kind comes with severe social consequences. He did it, I believe, to show that Jesus was being pressed to do things to confirm what Mary was told about Him at the time of His conception by the angel Gabriel, was to be put out of the synagogue. because it doesnt get them to the conclusion they desire. Every historical statement is believed on authority. This was part of His objection when Satan wanted Him to jump off the southwest pinnacle of the temple in the temptation (Mt. -From: Dale, Melanie (2016-08-16). Yet things arent as they seem. I have thought long and hard about it, but I just cannot understand where it comes from. that amazed the people around the man born blind. Jean Francois Gravelet, also known as The Great Blondin, was the first tightrope walker to appear at Niagara Falls. Jesus offered eight areas of commitment (Regular Practices) in which His Disciples would regularly engage (6:1-7:12). 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.] I was boldly proceeding as if I knew what was there, but I did not truly see things as they were. Even believers are tempted to light up the phone line when moral failure is apparent, but what about when their insecurities are displayed before. randall smith sebring church Register now and get started. Yet, the underlying system, though at times suffering from later corruptions, is still a reflection of His original establishment. use this mans eyes to point a sign toward Jesus identity. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Christianity isnt an individual thing it is a team thing. Isaiah 55:1 Ho! Sabbath for Jewish believers is not in view in regards to celebration, because Jews were commanded by God specifically for all their generations, forever to celebrate that day. What does Paul mean by make no provision for the flesh then? Peter declined to eat what Scripture said was unclean. Here is the truth: I believe Gods Word when I change my life to conform to what it says. If you read the Scriptures thoroughly, you will note the mans humility is part of what led Jesus to help. Did you notice that Jesus gave sufficient to fill all that were gathered there? Clearly the man expressed he had NO ONE, but was able to obey Jesus ON HIS OWN. The truth is that my senses are limited and can produce a faulty conclusion. Each of these exalts OUR NEEDS over others. Who are you to judge the servant of another? If God commanded it specifically, it was not in view in this passage. Remember, they were revealed to offer long life, security, and propriety as We wont know for sure (this side of eternity) what happened long ago between these people (if anything) by the methods used in this process. There are some memories, based now largely on modern Samaritan practices near Gerizim, that in the lambing season the sheep may have been brought to a specific watchtower location and a lower level of that tower (built on a natural cave) functioned as the birthing room for sacrificial lambs. Will people around us be able to tell?. What should a healthy walk with Jesus look like in practical and daily lifestyle? When asked why she did it, she replied, My church taught me to love people., I am hoping we are teaching that too. Andrew saw the limited resources (lunch box) of the crowd and concluded it was not possible. The last part of the story captured the reaction of both Some would react CNN decided to counsel churches on what congregations needed to do to start appealing to the upcoming generation. John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Theres a car! Blocked by a blind spot on the car at that angle and by my wifes lovely head, I totally missed the view of the car. Contact. Here is the truth: We see differences more easily than we see similarities. The number of lambs needed each year depended upon the length of that year. Second, the time of the healing was given. I will experience the delight of one-ness with God. Since the beginning, God has instructed His people to be generous. He wants to change what comes out of the faucet, not merely stop its leak. Instruction Four: It isnt our job to become life fruit inspectors of one another, but rather we must learn to focus on the gaze of Jesus on our practices and behaviors. Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. There are two things you should note before you take a deep dive into the scene: First, the places are mentioned. It isnt more important; it is temporary. Bear in mind Paul was a Roman, writing during the early years of Emperor Nero. The probatic pools were beside a well-established sheep market, and for a time the area was apparently dominated by a pagan Greek shrine from which the healings were reported in a superstitious way. And then, he announced that on August 19 he would cross the gorge carrying his manager, Harry Colcord, on his back. That is often how it works. Ho! It is found near the end of the chapter. I honestly dont know why. John 6:10 Jesus said, Have the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. You just need to keep looking for it and finding it. Obviously, Mary was (in some way) linked to what could seem to us as an embarrassing faux pas, but it was much more than just a slight to the guests in that time and place. Yet, dont neglect to look at WHAT KIND OF POTS they were. surprised that such a welcome event wasnt being celebrated by people in At the same time, that doesnt make them the dress length sheriff for the church. The face to face conversation of John 5, then, wasnt out of keeping with the book, but became like its connective tissue: one of the series of personal interviews with the Savior recorded to expose His true identity. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus *said to her, Woman, what does that have to do with us? Go on and you will grasp the underlying truth here. As you read the The man knew what caused the problem we dont need to know. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. Revenge He faced His enemy, gathered His first followers and began His ministry now, what did He teach first? Without Him we can do nothing; through Him we can do all things. To look forward properly, lets set the text in the series we have been studying. amount of truth I do not understand and my often ignored inner desire to True faith requires of us a change. They attempt to climb to the top of the wall, and toss their legs over the wall, and then descend the other side without getting hurt or getting hung up in the netting over the wall. Aaron is the single most important part of CTSP -hes also the one writing the Meet the Staff page! have immediate relief from trouble at any cost. We will use God to get what we want rather than allow the struggle to lead us to submission to God. grow quickly violent and reactionary was valid. Must be these glasses [as he wiped them]. His graceful save made me smile, as did his breaking-and-entering skills using a credit card. The passage requires that we openly agree to pay, honor and show respect to those in authority without compromise. I cannot multitask, and being forced to try is honestly one of the things I find most annoying in modern life. 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. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. I am saying that God shared His ethical and moral standards that we would always speak of them with the deep desire to help the one we direct them toward (speaking the truth in love Eph. Today we want to see Jesus heal a man, and then watch how tempting it was for that man to become religious while losing faith. Dispelling Twelve Myths about the Gospel. That is why we teach the principle approach to the Scriptures. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. charge. Jesus identity, character and power. Jealousy: zlos; someone who burns for things that belong to others. with such logic is how much it ignores the stunning It includes separating ourselves from pandering to our physical wants and desires apart from an intimate walk with Jesus. Plentiful sunshine. Alex can drink his beer with his lunch if Jesus said to him it is ok. Drunkenness: methay; someone who refuses to take their pain to their Savior. They werent asking him about the healing out of wonder or fascination but out of a desire to CONTROL the actions of people. Dont overlook that many people will file into a church today looking for Jesus to fix the plumbing leaks of their life. These are seven miracles including: Changing water into wine at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). Obviously, Jesus provided enough for all that they needed to celebrate, and what they needed to start their own label for the next year! His wife questioned him about it and he explained that on his way home he saw his preacher on the road and picked him up. Paul offered several essential instructions to the church: Instruction One: It isnt our job to make everyone agree with our view, but it is our job to regard each other with love and care. Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. He said it was simply because the alarm clock was about to go off. In short, a Jesus follower must become other person centered. Paul later said it this way (when addressing Jesus followers): Philippians 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
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