Video Lesson | Satan Wants You, But God Won't Let You Go - Sifting Season - Part 2 of 2 | Beth Moore

In this second of a two-part teaching series, “Sifting Season,” Beth Moore remarks, "Why did God choose Peter to be sifted and not Judas? We'll open up the Scriptures and understand the vast difference between these two men. And if we'll let him, God will bring success from our failure. Peter is living proof!"

The enemy still wants the saints, he still is looking to pick off the followers of Jesus. Particularly, those that have enough faith to sit at the table with Him, to dine with him, to want to be close to him. The enemy will do anything he can to pick us off.

   

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Luke 16:9, 22:31-32, 60-62; John 11:25, 12:4-6, 21:15-17; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 John 2:19; Hebrews 7:25; 

It's a powerful thing to know that if we can walk from Jesus for good, we have never known Him as Our Savior; we have never known Him as LORD. Something for all of us to consider!

May the Divine Grace Be with You,

~Eve

God's Refining Tests of Faith

"God doesn't test us because He doesn't know how strong we are. Instead, He tests us because we don't know how strong we are -- and we'll only realize it when times of testing come."  - Billy Graham, American evangelist (1918-2018)

Do you remember those "pop" quizzes in school? The teacher would subtly remind us beforehand that one could be given at any time. We never knew when there might be one, so we always had to be prepared.

God sometimes tests our faith, as well. You know the feeling. Everything seems to be going smoothly and on course in your life. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, it seems to all go wrong! "What did I do or didn't do to deserve this?"

The aim of these "tests of faith," however, are not to punish or pass sentence on us, but rather to enhance and develop our faith. As a result of God's tests, our true strengths and weaknesses are disclosed and unveiled (1 Peter 5:10).

God uses them to bolster our character and deepen our relationship with Him. When these tests are presented to us, in the form of trials or challenges, they not only expose flaws in our faith, but give us a chance to flourish and persist (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Saint Augustine of Hippo beautifully summarized it this way, "Trials come to prove and improve us." Think of being tested as similar to the refinement of precious metals in a furnace. 

There, our impurities are eliminated, leaving us purer and more desirable. This also helps us to grow spiritually, and cultivate our character, making us a more mature and consummate believer (James 1:12).

The results of these tests of faith can vary between individuals. Some may come away with a renewed strength in their faith, while others may stumble. Even so, God will not turn away from you. He will help you persevere and not quit (Joshua 1:9).

There are many examples in the Bible of people who were tested. For instance, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22), and Job who experienced immense suffering. 

He already knows the outcome of these tests, and is not doing this out of curiosity or to see if we fail. Testing can reveal whether we truly trust in God's promises or not and are willing to follow His commands, even when it might be hard to carry them out. 

The testing of our faith can be manifested in many different ways, of which some might be:

• Feeling confused, stressed out, having a sense of not being good enough, being irritated or uninspired;
• They may also involve unusual delays, being confronted with situations that appear difficult or impossible to resolve or accomplish;
• Facing adversity and hardship, feeling enticed to compromise, even experiencing silence from God.

In the end, God's tests are intended to increase our strength and character. They make manifest what we are made of, and are never designed to inflict harm on us. Faith is about trusting in God even when we don't fully understand His intentions.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 37:5; Luke 1:37; James 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prayer: "Dear Lord,  I turn to You for strength and comfort when facing trials. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when I don't understand. Give me patience and peace, and guide me through difficult times. In Your name, Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Weekend Message | Ann Voskamp: How God's Love Can Heal Your Hurts & Trauma | Loved to Life | Sheila Walsh on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week we present a full episode of Sheila Walsh on TBN, featuring Bible teacher, author, and television host Sheila Walsh and Canadian author, blogger, and memoirist on themes of Christian women's spirituality, Ann Voskamp. 

© Sheila Walsh on TBN

In this video presentation, both passionate ladies sit down to discuss how God's unconditional love can transform your life through the healing of your hurts and trauma. As Sheila Walsh comments, "When Christ shines light into the darkest places, it shifts everything."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Trusting in God's Faithfulness

"God writes with a pen that never blots, speaks with a tongue that never slips, acts with a hand that never fails."   - C.H. Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist Preacher (1834-1892)

Few things in life are totally trustworthy. And while they might be reliable most of the time, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. It's safe to say that we take a chance in trusting them.

There is truly only one Whom we can trust wholly and confidently at all times. By trusting in God's faithfulness we have been granted confidence that He will support His promises, and act accordingly in any situation (1 Peter 4:19).

Looking at this in a biblical context, "trust" is defined as an unwavering belief in the dependability, certainty, capability, or power of someone or something, explicitly God (Psalm 33:4).

This firm belief, however, is not just a feeling. It is a conscious decision we make to rely on His character, assurances, and direction even when our world seems like it is spinning out of control.  

To say that we honestly trust in God entails truly believing that He is trustworthy and will make good on His promises through hardship and/or uncertainty (Deuteronomy 31:6). This can only come by our knowing His nature, Word, and commitment. 

Scripture provides many instances of God's reliability in fulfilling promises and caring for His people, even as they demonstrate unfaithfulness towards Him (i.e., Abraham and Sarah, His covenant with the Israelites, and promises made to David).

God's faithfulness is the cornerstone faith, establishing that His Word and promises are indeed reliable and trustworthy. It's also an essential quality that makes God an incorruptible source of comfort and hope, and a dependable source of love and grace who is worthy of our trust and devotion.

Scripture: Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:32-33; Philippians 4:19; 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 John 1:9

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to trust You fully, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. Provide me with strength to stay true to Your path, even when it seems difficult or unclear. In Your Name. Amen."

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Video Lesson | Satan Wants You, But God Won't Let You Go - Sifting Season - Part 1 of 2 | Beth Moore

What Satan intends for evil, God can use for good. This happened to Peter at the crucifixion—Satan “demanded” that he be allowed to sift the apostles like wheat. But Jesus prayed for Peter, that he would return to his faith. And boy, did Peter need some sifting!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Join us for this first of a two-part teaching series, “Sifting Season” by Beth Moore and learn about how Peter was sifted like wheat during the lead-up to the crucifixion, what it did for his faith, and how we can view the trials and sifting seasons of our own lives.

Scriptural References: Luke 22: 31-34; Ephesians 6:13

Enjoy!

~Eve

Through His Suffering, Our Salvation

"God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering."  - St. Augustine of Hippo, theologian and philosopher (354-430 A.D.)

To quote the late American pastor Timothy Keller, "Suffering is actually at the heart of the Christian story." Having just observed Holy Week, we can see how especially impactful this statement truly is.

It's no secret that following Jesus Christ is not exactly a cakewalk. Broadly speaking, many good people have suffered and died because of their faith in Him. Jesus Himself suffered and died on behalf of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Our decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ creates friction with the world (Galatians 1:10). In closely observing the teachings of the Bible, we position ourselves for non-acceptance, ridicule, isolation, even treachery (Matthew 5:10; John 15:18).

According to scripture, Jesus experienced suffering in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Apart from this, he also suffered spiritually, including being separated from His Father (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 27:46; 1 Peter 2:23).

Many ask, "Why did Jesus have to suffer so horribly?" First, He didn't have to do anything! It was His choice and mission to do so (John 10:17-18). As far as the incredible suffering that Jesus endured, it was our collective sins that caused it. 

This, even more so than the beatings, whipping, and nails that were driven into His hands and feet on the cross. Jesus suffered and was sacrificed on our behalf so that we could have life. Suffering is an element of sacrifice, and Jesus was "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

Jesus’ physical torture was part of the necessary payment for our sins. We are redeemed or rescued from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:19). This important takeaway cannot be stressed enough!

His suffering on the cross revealed the disastrous nature of sin, God's anger, the savagery of humanity, and the detestation (hatred) of Satan. It was on a skull-shaped hill (Golgotha) in Jerusalem that humanity was enabled to do its worst to Jesus.

Satan probably began to celebrate a perceived victory over the Son of Man. But it was not to be! By way of the cross that was intended to execute and destroy, God subdued sin, death, and Satan (John 12:31; cf. Colossians 2:15). His suffering and death ensured salvation for all who would believe.

Scripture: Psalm 119:50; Matthew 10:39; Romans 8:18; Philippians 1:29 ; 1 Peter 4:1 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, in times of trial, I ask for Your strength. Lift me up when I am weak, and carry me through the dismal and somber moments, Amen."

In Christ's Love,

Alissa

Easter Message | Contemplating Easter Sunday | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In commemoration of the Holy Week, we are delighted to present a special Easter Sunday video message from Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore. 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

You're probably already familiar with the events that occurred on Easter morning. Mary discovered an empty tomb, and not too long after, meets the risen Jesus. But sometimes, a familiar story can take on brand new meaning when we hear it in a different way. 

Join in as Beth Moore delves into the interaction that took place between Mary and Jesus in this brief but powerful Easter Sunday message. I encourage you to follow along as Beth refers to John 20 as the the basis of her message.

May your Easter be filled with joy and love,

~Eve

Holy Saturday | A Time of Silence and Anticipation

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  - Hebrews 11:1

Following Good Friday and preceding Easter Sunday is Holy Saturday. Scripture informs us that the body of Jesus rested in the tomb on this day. Holy Saturday is noted for the silent anticipation by the Christians as they awaited His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Let's consider Holy Saturday further. As mentioned, after His crucifixion on Good Friday, Jesus' body was placed in a nearby tomb where it remained throughout Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53-54; John 19: 39-42).

Churches that customarily observe Holy Saturday regard it as a day of somber meditation. It is a time best used for thinking about the bleak and dismal world that could be without the optimism and promise of Christ's resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Mark 14:50 records the dispersion of the disciples after Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following this incident they then spent the first Holy Saturday hiding in fear of being arrested themselves (John 20:19).

One can only imagine the grief, shock, and confusion felt by the disciples as they tried to process the events leading up to this point (i.e., Jesus's murder, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, not to mention having their hopes crushed.)

Although Holy Saturday is mentioned in each Gospel, Luke 23:55 provides us with a peek inside the law supporting this particular day. After Jesus's body was wrapped in linen and placed in the tomb, the women from Galilee saw this and returned home to prepare spices for a proper burial.

However, by the time the preparations were finished the Sabbath had started and was against the law for the women to set up the spices to anoint His body. The women obeyed the Sabbath commandment by resting and postponed the anointing until Sunday (the first day of the week). 

After the conclusion of Sabbath on Sunday morning, they returned to Jesus's tomb and tried to honor His body. It is at this point that the glorious miracle of His resurrection was revealed to them, as seen in Luke 24. 

The Gospels share very similar accounts of what transpired in the time between the death of Christ and His resurrection (cf. Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; and John 19). That everything happened this way wasn't just a random occurrence but has a deeper, heavenly explanation.

One can confidently say that Holy Saturday is a time for us to to trust in God, seek His presence, and allow Him to guide and shape our lives, even in difficult times. It's an excellent day to avoid asking for anything, and just spend time with God.

Scripture: Isaiah 52:13; Matthew 27:62-66; John 2:19-21; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 12:2

Prayer: "Lord, provide us with  a heart full of joyful anticipation while we await the resurrection, knowing that through Christ's victory, death has been conquered and new life is offered to all who believe in Him, Amen."

Wishing you peace and grace always,

Serenity

Good Friday | He Who Suffered on Calvary

"This is the center of the gospel - this is what the Garden of Gethsemane and Good Friday are all about - that God has done astonishing and costly things to draw us near."  - John Piper, American theologian and pastor (1946-Present)

In Christianity, Good Friday is a sacred day that observes the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a time for contemplating the sacrifice of Christ and the deep, intense meaning of his death. It is typically honored on the Friday before Easter during Holy Week.

We can find the documented incidents of Good Friday in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The account is set in motion with the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper with His disciples.

Following His betrayal by Judas Iscariot in the garden, Jesus appears in front of the Sanhedrin, where He is incriminated and convicted of blasphemy (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:66-71, John 18:19-24).

Jesus is then taken before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, who cannot find any fault in Him but caves in to the demands of the crowd's demands for His crucifixion (Matthew 27:11-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16). 

Pilate then symbolically washes his hands and declares himself innocent of Jesus' blood (Matthew 27:24). The governor’s soldiers then took Jesus into the Praetorium (the governor's headquarters), where He was mocked and scourged before putting a scarlet robe on him and placing a crown of thorns on His head (Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3).

The soldiers then lead Jesus to Golgotha (the place of the Skull), and crucify Him between two criminals (Matthew 27:32-38, Mark 15:21-28, Luke 23:26-33, John 19:17-18).

While being crucified, Jesus utters several deep and thoughtful statements, including His prayer forgiving His persecutors: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). Furthermore, He promises the penitent thief a place with Him in heaven (Luke 23:43).

About noon, darkness came over the land until three in the afternoon when Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, c lemasabachthani?" ("My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?") Thus indicating the crushing weight of our sin and His estrangement from God (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).

Aware that His mission was now finished, in order to fulfill Scripture Jesus says, "I am thirsty." He is then offered a fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch which was held it up to his mouth. Upon receiving it, Jesus declares, "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

Bowing His head Jesus surrenders His life to God the Father; and not having it forcefully stripped away from Him (Luke 23:46; John 10:17–18). At that moment, the temple curtain is ripped in two, symbolizing the the end of the Old Covenant and the opening the way for humanity to have direct access to God.

This remarkable event was only made possible because of Jesus' crucifixion. He became the ultimate atoning sacrifice (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). The earth also shook, rocks split, and tombs broke open, proving the universal importance of this episode (Matthew 27:51-54).

Unquestionably, Good Friday contains vital theological importance as it emphasizes the doctrine of atonement. The death of Jesus, who serving as the ultimate Passover Lamb that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), is considered the fulfillment of the OT prophecies and sacrificial systems.

The Apostle Paul beautifully expresses this in his epistle to the Romans: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

In closing, I've listed some main points of our discussion of Good Friday below. We have learned that:

• The crucifixion is crucial to the Christian comprehension of salvation, underscoring themes of substitutionary atonement, reconciliation, and justification;
• As a result of his death, Jesus reconciles a holy God and sinful humanity, by offering forgiveness and eternal life to all believers in Him (John 3:16);
• Good Friday is a solemn memorial day in Christianity, observing the crucifixion of Jesus. It signifies a time for reflecting on Christ's sacrifice and the deep meaning of his death.

Scripture: Psalm 22:1; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 2:24

Prayer: "We love and bless you, O Christ, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

He Is Our Strength in an Ungodly World

"Remember Jesus FOR US is all our righteousness before a holy God, and Jesus IN US is all our strength in an ungodly world."  - Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813 – 1843)

It's no great mystery that this "journey of life" is often filled with difficult situations, doubts, and trials that can challenge our faith, determination, and yearning.

Clearly, we are currently experiencing such troubling and confusing times. And there is seemingly no relief from hearing, observing, and talking about it, which only makes matters worse.

All through the Bible, believers are inspired to find resilience in God, who is characterized as a trustworthy tower of shelter and strength; and a source of guidance, direction, and wisdom for daily life. 

This is the right moment to look at the biblical basis for finding strength in God, as we attempt to learn from different texts and topics that draw attention to His place as a sustainer and guardian.

Psalm 46:1 is an excellent beginning. It calls to mind the ever-present, unyielding strength of God. Here, He is portrayed as the last word on strength in troubling times. We are inspired to find inner peace in a chaotic world through His power and sovereignty (cf. Isaiah 40:29-31).

In Proverbs 3:5-6 we discover that faith and trust in God are key to obtaining His strength. The significance of trusting in God's wisdom and guidance, rather than our own limited understanding of making our way through life's challenges, is stressed in this passage.

Prayer also plays a major role by which we can find inspiration in God. As Philippians 4:6-7 accentuates, we can encounter God's peace and strength through prayer which fortifies us against worry and apprehension.

Occasionally we run across statements that seem illogical or contradictory. Such is the case with "finding strength in weakness" in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 and Paul. Here it implies that God's strength is perfectly manifested in times of our weakness.

He loves taking charge of adverse situations where our own human strength has failed and in turn, gracefully provides us with forceful and effective strength vastly superior than anything we could ever summon on our own.

Naturally we cannot complete this discussion without mentioning the example Jesus Christ presents as the ideal example of drawing fortitude and courage in God. This was demonstrated all through His earthly ministry.

He proved his trust and faith in the Father especially during hardships and difficulties. I refer you to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his imminent crucifixion hanging overhead (Matthew 26:39). 

Jesus's obedient compliance to His Father's will profoundly illustrates the strength that can be acquired by trusting and obeying God unconditionally, even during unbearable trials.

That God is a reliable source of strength for those who seek Him is consistently affirmed throughout the biblical account.

Through faith, prayer, community, and the example of Christ, believers are well-prepared to face life's journey with confidence and resilience, drawing on the inexhaustible strength that God provides (Psalm 18:32).

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalm 73:26; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; 

Prayer: "God, I pray that you will provide me with the strength I need to overcome whatever challenges I may encounter in life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual; and the comfort in knowing that You are with me always. Amen."

Yours in Christ,

Ashleigh

Walking By Faith | Claiming Ignorance of God's Law Is No Excuse

"Ignorance of Scripture is the root of every error in religion, and the source of every heresy"  - J.C. Ryle, English evangelical Anglican bishop (1816-1900)

The general idea that ignorance of God does not excuse sin is an important theme in Christian theology. It underscores our duty and obligation before God. This central concept is founded on the understanding that God's presence and moral law are obvious in creation and our principles. 

What this means is that simply pleading ignorance about God, or being unaware of His laws, or teachings does not exempt a person from the culpability (guilt) of sinning. Thus, it is inexcusable.

Lacking any clear knowledge of God's commandments, we are still held accountable for our actions and moral choices. This rationale is grounded on our natural sense of right and wrong

Referring to the story of Adam and Eve, following their creation they did not act against God in any manner (Genesis 1:27-31). Being perfectly created in every way, they remained spotless until succumbing to temptation (Genesis 3:6-7).

It is debatable that, never being exposed to death, they were oblivious to the seriousness of sin's consequences (Genesis 3:2). Even so, that did not excuse them from it. 

 

Romans 1:18-20 maintains that God's attributes (characteristics) are visible in creation, revealing His existence and power to everyone. The stifling (suppression) of this truth, instead of ignorance, calls attention to the heart of sinfulness.

"Where exactly does all of this leave us?" Mercifully, Scripture distinguishes between ignorance and innocence. We don't have to be left in the dark about sin. In actuality, we can be well-informed about sin yet keep our innocence (righteousness) about it. 

Above all, one should be blind to all wickedness and immorality (Ephesians 5:11-12). The intentional ignorance of earthly concerns is normal and understandable. However, the intentional ignorance of spiritual issues can result in everlasting torment (Romans 1:18-23).

Naturally, God does not leave us in the lurch, to stumble about aimlessly without direction regarding ignorance. God calls on believers to subdue ignorance through the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that He is willing to provide (James 1:5).

What's more, we are encouraged to concentrate on understanding and applying God's grace, seeking to broaden our relational knowledge of Him through prayer, Bible study, and our service. 

This development is considered an ongoing process that affirms the importance of continual learning and spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18). As we know, God is long-suffering (patient), this includes the ignorant.

No matter how glaring our ignorance may be, God gracefully provides an abundance of opportunities to learn (2 Peter 3:9). This is attested to by the apostle Paul through personal experience (1 Timothy 1:13; Acts 3:17).

Finally, God directs us to repent of our ignorance and seek Him with all our hearts (Acts 17:30; Jeremiah 29:13). Wisdom is the opposite of spiritual ignorance, and we are instructed to seek wisdom above all things (Proverbs 4:7).

 

Remember, each time that Scripture directs us to "pay attention" and "learn," God is providing an offer to exchange ignorance for His wisdom (Proverbs 8:4-5). He has provided His Word to demonstrate how we should live. And we are expected to apply it to our lives.

Scripture: Proverbs 14:18; Ezekiel 45:20; Romans 10:14-17; 1 Corinthians 14:38; Hebrews 5:2

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me recognize and understand your truths; grant me the wisdom to perceive your will. May your Spirit guide my prayers and actions, helping me to live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message | The King is Come (Palm Sunday) – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week we present an audio sermon by the late America pastor, preacher, theologian, and Christian apologist Timothy Keller (1950-2023). This sermon was preached by Rev. Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 2, 1997.

© Gospel in Life

In this sermon, Rev. Keller presents the question: "What do we learn from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?" Jesus is incredibly humble but absolutely immodest. He orchestrates his entry to show that he is the King. His message to everyone is that they can crown him or kill him, but there is no middle way.

The same choice holds true for each and every one of us. In this sermon, we will learn about the nature of the kingship of Christ: 1) The confrontational nature; 2) The paradoxical nature; 3) The transformational nature.

This is an inspirational and thought-provoking sermon that welcomes us into Palm Sunday. I hope that it helps prepare your mind and heart for the upcoming Passion Week!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Passion Week 2025 | In Remembrance of Jesus's Sacrifice for Humanity

"He came to Save others, and not to be made a king himself in the sense in which they understood him."   - Charles Spurgeon 

Passion Week/Holy Week 2025 commences on Palm Sunday, April 13, extending through the week and concluding on Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday), April 20. 

The name "Passion Week" is so called because of the "passion" or suffering Jesus endured during the week leading up to his crucifixion. Upon examination of the Greek word for "passion" the reason for its designation is further clarified.

In Greek, the word (verb) "pascho" (πάσχω) means "to suffer," "to have something happen to one," or "to undergo." And is frequently used around the idea of suffering or experiencing something, either good or bad. 

It is important to note that there were several significant events that happened during the week:

• The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey colt, on Palm Sunday, initiates Passion Week (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-44; John12:12-19). This was also prophesied in Zechariah 9:9;
• The second cleansing of the Temple by Jesus (Luke 19:45-46). The first cleansing (John 2:11-12) occurring right after Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana;
• After cleansing the temple, Jesus engaged in disagreements and criticisms with the Pharisees (Matthew 23; Mark 12:35-40; Luke 11:37-54);
• He presented His Olivet Discourse which focuses on the signs or indications of Christ's second coming among other things (Matthew 24:1 – 25:46;  Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36);
• Jesus shares a final meal (The Last Supper) with his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion (Luke 22:7-38);
• He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and suffer great anguish on the night before His crucifixion. Jesus was also betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested there (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:40-53 and John 18:1-11);
• Upon his arrest Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. Consequently, he was taken to the Roman Praetorium, where he was then questioned by Pontius Pilate (Luke 22:54-23:25);
• After Jesus was tried, Roman soldiers beat and flogged him, then was made to carry His own Cross through the streets of Jerusalem (John 19:17 and Luke 23:26);
• His crucifixion takes place at Golgotha on the day before the Sabbath. Jesus was buried afterward in the tomb until Sunday, the day after, and then gloriously resurrected (Matthew 27:27-56, 57-61, 61-66; 28:1-15); (Mark 15:16-45, 42-47; 16:1-8), (Luke 23: 26-52; 23:50-56a, 56b; 24:1-43). 

I have included a simple timeline of the key days of Passion Week 2025 here for your convenience:

• Palm Sunday: April 13th
• Holy Monday: April 14th
• Holy Tuesday: April 15th
• Holy Wednesday: April 16th
• Maundy Thursday: April 17th
• Good Friday: April 18th
• Holy Saturday: April 19th
• Easter Sunday: April 20th

Passion Week (Holy Week), observes the final week of Jesus' life, ending in his crucifixion. It is an occasion for Christians to think carefully and deeply about Jesus' suffering and sacrifice, and the events preceding his death and resurrection. 

Scripture: Psalm 118:26; John 12:13; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:8  

Prayer: "Dear God, as we journey through Passion Week, let us pause to remember the profound love and sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. May this be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and a closer walk with you. Amen."

Wishing you peace and grace this Passion Week,

Serenity

Video Message | Do You Practice Your Old Habits of the Flesh? | Beth Moore

It’s so easy to revert back to our pre-Christian selves. God wants to renew our minds and give us the mind of Christ, but we so often just go back into our old habits of the flesh.

This, in many ways, is because we’ve practiced so long and so hard at being our "old selves." But what if we could learn how to practice being our "new selves;" having the renewed mind of Christ that he wants to give us?

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

 

Scriptural References:  Ephesians 4:22

In this short video, Beth Moore shares some thoughts on what we can do to alter this path of restrictive behavior. We have to put off the old habitual things so that we can be freed up to live in the renewed mind in the imitation of Christ!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Walking By Faith | He Is a God of Mysteries

"A 'mystery' in Scripture is a previously hidden truth now divinely revealed, but in which a supernatural element remains unknown despite the revelation."  - Billy Graham, American evangelist (1918-2018)

"God Moves in a Mysterious Way," a Christian hymn written by William Cowper in 1773, inspires us to trust in God even when His plans seem vague, promising that His reasons are ultimately good and will become clear in His own time. 

The word "mystery" is frequently used in Scripture, most commonly in reference to "mysteries of God" or "God's mysteries" (Ephesians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:1). They are considered unfathomable divine truths and plans, revealed only by God through His Word and Spirit.

The generalized idea of divine mysteries is based on the biblical narrative where God slowly uncovers His designs to humanity. Amos 3:7 provides a good example of this concept in the OT.

In this particular verse, the use of the Hebrew word (סוֹד, sôḏ), "secret" or "counsel," alludes to a divine secret that is recognized and perceived only if disclosed by God to His people through the prophets.

Divine secrets are also mentioned in the NT. There, the Greek word for “mystery” or (μυστήριον, mystērion) is used. It refers to a hidden or secret thing not obvious to the understanding. 

During the ancient Greek civilization, “mysteries” were traditional religious ceremonies or rituals known only to newcomers. They were often related to different mystery religions that assured religious insight and experiences.

The term is used regularly by Paul when speaking about the mysteries of God, especially in regard to the gospel and the church, as in 1 Corinthians 2:7. This too, indicating divine secrets or truths once hidden, but now divulged by God.

At this point, I’d like to speak briefly about something that could be perplexing to many. Deuteronomy 29:29 speaks of the "secret things of God." How does this differ from "mysteries of God?"

Although both indicate characteristics of God’s nature and plans that are unseen and incomprehensible, they are not necessarily alike. The difference lies in their relationship with one another.

"Secret things" are what God determines to keep hidden. In other words, it concerns certain things belonging only to God and aren’t meant to be revealed to us yet. This implies that some things are better left to His wisdom and divine plan.

In contrast, “mysteries” are truths that are acknowledged, but demand a more thorough grasp and/or interpretation. Such as the gospel, the plan of salvation, and the essence of God’s kingdom.

Finally, I’d like to leave you with a few points to consider:

• Mysteries are made manifest through the Holy Spirit. Our comprehension of them is both a privilege and responsibility.
• The focal point of these mysteries is Christ. He is the realization of God’s plan and the root of all wisdom and knowledge. 
• Despite lacking the ability to fully understand the mysteries of God, it in no way diminishes the Christian faith. Rather, it reinforces our belief.

I hope that our discussion here will inspire you to investigate this topic further. By the discernment of these mysteries, believers can better grasp the measure and width of God’s love, grace and intentions for us.

Scripture: Matthew 13:11; 1 Corinthians 4:1; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Prayer: Dear God, may I find peace and comfort in the unknown, knowing that you are with me, always. Amen.

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message | I Struggled Reading the Bible Until I Learned These 5 Things | Maryl De Milo

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week we present a video presentation by spiritual transformation coach Maryl De Milo who shares some insightful information on a topic that many can relate to: Reading the Bible.

Let's be honest, the Bible can be bewildering and unclear even to a mature believer; even more so for the new believer! And there certainly is no shortage of advice or methods as to how to read the Bible correctly, and/or gain the most benefit from it.

© Maryl De Milo

In this video, Maryl shares 5 ways of approaching reading Scripture that have helped her to understand and stay consistent reading it. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or disconnected during Bible reading, these workable solutions of coming to God's word will help you to understand Scripture and grow in the love and knowledge of God.

From a religious standpoint, God provided us with the Bible in order to reveal Himself, direct humanity, and offer a means to salvation, including history, poetry, philosophy, and personal letters. That, ultimately teach us about His plan for humanity. 

Make some time to watch and listen to this wonderfully enlightening presentation. I pray that it may enhance the enjoyment of reading and studying your Bible!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Remember God's Faithfulness in Your Life

"The glory of God's faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful."  - Charles Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist preacher (1834-1892)

Most of us lead very busy lives. Practically, every minute of the day is consumed with work, family, and other activities. After that, there is precious little time to spare. No one would argue that!

Still, we may be missing something. Something that has practical implications for any believer in Jesus Christ. What I'm implying is that we need to devote time to remember God's faithfulness.

Remembering God's faithfulness means recognizing and thinking about past instances where God has revealed his love, grace, and provision, developing trust and hope for the future, despite hardships and obstacles.

In fact, the concept of remembering God's faithfulness is deeply embedded as an essential part of Scripture. It serves to reaffirm our faith in God's unchanging (immutable) nature, promises, and acts of deliverance and provision. 

This alone would probably be sufficient, but remembering His faithfulness is more than just food for talk. Recalling God's faithfulness is spiritual training that builds faith and instills discipline.

As this is a consistent theme throughout the Bible, we should examine a few examples of some practical uses there. For instance, in the OT, the Israelites are implored time and time again to remember God's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9).

The Passover itself is another important event that stands as a tribute to God's faithfulness. It honors God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, bringing to the forefront His faithfulness in delivering on His promises (Exodus 12:14).

Proceeding to the NT, we see God's faithfulness manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:9 points out the faithfulness of God inviting believers together with Christ, thereby assuring their salvation and being made holy.

Remembering God's faithfulness can be extremely helpful, especially to us in this "always-on world" in which we live. For believers, many benefits can be derived from this, including: 

• providing the capability to confidently face trials head-on;
• the assurance that the same God who has been trustworthy in the past, will faithfully be available in any future events (Philippians 1:6).

Lastly, the biblical appeal to recall God's faithfulness is a key feature of the Christian faith. It provides believers with a solid foundation for trust, praise, and discipline. 

Scripturally, God continuously reminds us that His faithfulness is steadfast and true, inspiring us to live joyfully by His promises and previous actions of deliverance. I encourage you to pause and remember God's faithfulness in your life! 

Scripture: Psalm 33:4; Lamentations 3:23; Romans 3:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your steady faithfulness. Help me always remember your love and goodness, even in difficult times, and to have faith in your promises. May I always remember your faithfulness. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Ashleigh

We Must Acknowledge Our Need for God

"A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God; of his dependence on Him; of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom; and that it is by God’s power that he is upheld and provided for, and that he needs God’s wisdom to lead and guide..."  - Jonathan Edwards, American revivalist preacher and philosopher (1703-1758)

It is widely acknowledged that food, water, air, and shelter are needed in order to survive. The lack or removal of any of these critical "needs" greatly diminishes our chances of living on.  

However, there is another "need" which is equally as important, but doesn't attract as much attention. And it is the concept of this "need" that will be the topic of discussion here: the acknowledgment of our need for God. 

This concept of acknowledging one's "need", or dependence on God, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It underscores the significance of acknowledging our inherent need for His guidance, strength, and provision in all aspects of life.

Thus, we can subsequently understand that we are unable to solve everything on our own and require divine guidance and support. To get a better idea of how this looks, it might be beneficial to check out some examples. 

The acknowledgement of "need" in the OT is frequently connected to the Israelite's relationship with God. A prime example is the narrative of the Exodus where the enslaved Israelites cried out to God for liberation from the Egyptians (Exodus 2:23-25).

As noted in the passage above, God recognized their distress and recalled His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The acknowledgment of their desperate situation and plea for help was decisive in God's freeing them from bondage.

Prophetic insights were also important as they invoked the people of Israel to recognize their spiritual needs. Isaiah 55:1-3 highlights the need to acknowledge our spiritual hunger and thirst to acquire God's plentiful resources.

A quick look at Matthew 5:3 in the NT, demonstrates how Jesus personified the ultimate provision for fulfilling the spiritual longings and needs of humanity. This principle is further illustrated in Luke 18:9-14.

The Apostle Paul regularly dealt with the theme of human need and the adequacy and fullness of God (2 Corinthians 12:9). Unlikely strength can be found through acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's grace, as indicated in this passage.

Finally, real-world effects can be gained by the acknowledgment that our needs are not simply due to thoughtful and rational recognition, acknowledgment, and understanding. They also require us to seek God in prayer and faith (James 4:10).

The biblical impulse to acknowledge our "need" signifies a deep understanding of our limitations and the adequacy of God's grace. It is an inducement to experience the richness of life that comes from an interdependent relationship with Him.

Scripture: Psalm 14:2; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 10:10; Hebrews 2:10; 1 John 4:15

Prayer: Dear God, I stand before you today, acknowledging your presence and your greatness. Thank you for your unshakable love, your limitless grace, and the infinite blessings you have given me. I humbly seek your guidance and wisdom in every way. Help me live a life that honors you and reflects your love. Amen."

May God richly bless you always,

Leia