A rabbi normally stood for the reading of Scripture, but they sat down when they were about to offer their key teaching. The problem is based on a false premise: that people would believe and kneel if God did something about our troubles. To that end, they may have had special training, beyond the normal restrictions found in Baba Kamma 80 a (a Talmudic Aramaic phrase meaning The First Gate that refers to the first of three Talmudic tractates in the order Nezikin or Damages an order that dealt with civil damages and torts). The bread wasnt really lacking if the Saviors power was present. What is the first thing you do? The point is, the issues of consumption and celebration were not issues of debate when the text of Scripture was clear. We will take more time here, but dont miss the key points. Dr. Randall Smith along with his wife, Dottie, are the founders of the Christian Travel Study Programs, Inc. developing travel programs around the Mediterranean for four decades. They experienced something wonderful. It wont be our service alone, because we can put on a show. Consider Marys story for a moment. 5. died so that I dont have to. As a group, they get together each month to try out a new cigar as they sit about and talk. Randall is currently based in Sebring, Florida. The woman challenged him if Jesus healed in the Bible, he should be able to heal me today. 2. Sadducees had made on their thinking and spiritual formation. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. Will they refuse a good restaurant for lunch and go home to eat bread, drink water and send the money they would have spent to missionaries? As a Long Island gal, Billy Joels River of Dreams seemed to be the sound track of my life during that time. On what will you build your life. Stop the gossip. He came with panic in his heart and yet stayed from one oclock in the afternoon until the next day to journey down the five and one half hour path to his home? Believers are to bring Heaven into the room, not try to sneak darkness into Heaven when they go. The people at the time of Jeremiah reasoned that they could carry burdens and make deliveries on the Sabbath as long as they werent actually working. It is important that we remember that. Drop down a few verses as we closeJesus said. At the core of his teaching was a word to the strong believers of his time: Believers are intended to be intentional about progressing together as a team. Jesus needed no plan from His disciples to do the Fathers work only submission to His direction. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. He thoroughly enjoys archaeology, traveling, and learning. Some people The battle inside is about placing other people first, when our default is about making ourselves first. Her surrender was not real, though her amazement was. These included: A dialogue between Jesus and His cousin John about His identity (John 1); An exchange between Jesus and His mother during a crisis (John 2); A theological interview of Jesus by Nicodemus the Pharisee (John 3); An engaging conversation between Jesus and the Woman at the Well in Samaria (John 4). Obviously, running beneath the teaching of the passage was another theme God wanted to make plain how hope could change the Roman believers and where they could find it. There is searching on the part of young people for fun, but little real happiness. He ceased striving to find a way to care for the need because he believed the need was already met. What generally builds muscle really hurts in the process. The second question was answered by a single word as well: gift. If the words recorded were the whole conversation, it was just plain weird. When I walk by faith, I walk in the light of His Word and see the world as He proclaims it to be. God gave His Son to remedy sins hold on man (cp. Why would the swaddling clothes be something more? 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? The idea that this follows days from chapter one doesnt seem to really fit the time. hair dryer decided to take the morning off. Sometimes we think our problem is a STUFF problem (dont have enough, dont have the right stuff). Romans 14:2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. All of Gods tests are designed to teach US; He never learns anything from the results. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. said, He is a prophet.. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Luke used pandokheion when he desired to designate a commercial inn (cf. Christmas season for 2018, I must return to the story of change I watch each Through Pauls quill, God instructed Jesus followers that the prison doors of sinful behavior have been unlocked by God, and we can be free to walk in Gods Spirit (cp. need to do stunts for the boys who werent sincere about their belief. Pastor Randall Smith Watch a message Sebring Neighborhood Church Watch a Message We believe all Scripture is God-breathed, and that it's truth is as relevant to today as ever. He was a graduate of GCBI (awesome class of 2010!) Community is so important for a healthy Jesus-filled life. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. We arent talking about some who feel that lying to their boss may be acceptable. Do we even know the names of people who are demonstrating deep insecurities and needs BEFORE their public humiliation? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. and has served as a youth director and various other local church roles. Sunrise helps ease pain. Jesus shutting down a storm on the Sea of Galilee 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. Buy DVD. The good news is that you need not face it at all. Last Update. God doesnt want us to subscribe to a theory of obedience; He wants us to practice truth in life. Origen of Alexandra,Contra Celsum, book I, chapter LI). I want every victim of crime to be consoled that one day, even if not in this life, every abuser will stand before God, and the Lord will not decide based on their demeanor. It is as though we favor the possible over the actual the distant over the present. that way? Romans 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. Look closely at the verse. Sabbath for Jewish believers is not in view in regards to celebration, Meat knowingly and publicly consumed that was offered to idols is not in view here. The man added obedience and the deal was complete (John 5:9). Consider the volume of the pronouncement of what Jesus did when He took THAT WATER and transformed it to wine. Yet, remember our key truth. First, the text opened with a timing note: on the third day. There is an old Jewish wifes tale that Tuesday was the best day to get married. have immediate relief from trouble at any cost. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me. 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Traditionally the words of Solomon said: 7:3 And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do. That is the Christian life. for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he Sometimes LACK is the device God gives us to test us, so He can fulfill that sense for us. And with the physicians shaking their heads, she was sent home from the hospital. At the heart of the issue are accusations from decades past, and deep concerns of many who, in unrelated personal stories, have sadly faced criminal abuse in their lives that was not resolved justly. It made me wonder about so many things, most notably how a person with the name Maggot would go into medicine. If you follow the logic of his argument, you will see: Paul told them the deliberately place themselves in subjection to authorities in light of the Author of their place of authority (13:1). Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. because it doesnt get them to the conclusion they desire. In order to understand how people use our site generally, and to create more valuable experiences for you, we may collect data about your use of this site (both directly and through our partners). The tendency of our lifestyle leads even worship leaders to CRAM church meetings with sound, thought and challenge. 3333 Golfview Rd Sebring, FL 33875 30 Rising R Rd Lake Placid, FL 33852. Today, we want to return to a discussion from Romans about living out our faith together. Further, Mark 15:33 marked the ninth hour as the time of the last sayings of the Savior, and the giving up of His Spirit at the time associated with the second of the tamiyd lambs. Remember, this is another story to show that Jesus knows the heart of man (as John noted back in John 2:24-25). We As the morning dawns the birds awaken, and the animals stir all around my house (and there are plenty of them!). recalls how people reacted to the work of Jesus. And after that, attendance was sporadic until they dropped into their previous pattern. of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:1-11). Though the Gospel of Matthew is thematically arranged, this sermon of Jesus was clearly offered early in His earth ministry, and had these three major parts: The Expected Character Traits of a True Disciple (5). I believe in a Creator because I see the product of organization all around me, and I know that billions of years wont create structure and organization exacting enough to make a strand of DNA morph into an aardvark while another morphs into a zebra. (Romans 13:1) From the original call of man in the Garden, ruling and ordering were part of what God wanted man to accomplish. I care about promises keeping our Word, particularly when promised before God. This is the sadness of living in a world of relative values presented by the teachers of situational ethics. They ask, Is the man really wrong for stealing if he and his family are starving? The problem with implying that wrong isnt wrong in these circumstances is it leaves out the power of God! And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. He has the power to do it, and the expectation that you will let Him. have cared were moved by the mans new eyes. 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. His presence slows people down and gets them thinking about obeying the signs. Go on and you will grasp the underlying truth here. Jesus had no desire to render the Law void, neither by keeping it and thereby retiring it nor by cancelling it. 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. attempt by the earthly brothers of Jesus to coach Him to go to the feast in You must evaluate my teaching as true! the heat. Second, believers are called to remember the example of our Savior. This was a similar problem to what we saw in the first Jesus offered him. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 14:19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Nothing less than crawling on is what He seeks. His works (cp. Life in the here and now SEEMS more real and more permanent than any misty thoughts of Heaven and eternity. My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother *said to the servants, Whatever He says to you, do it. 6 Now there were six stone water pots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty. There is a truth that will become clear: To grab that truth, we should set the first sermon, found in Matthew 5-7 in the context of the book. We routinely give away privacy in favor of convenience: We have accepted that everything we watch, buy or show interest in can and is tracked because we see the value of the convenience even if the ads are numerous and distracting. We OWE it to people to love them. If you read the Scriptures thoroughly, you will note the mans humility is part of what led Jesus to help. does His will, He hears him. In the Near East, the salt was a symbol of loyalty. Turn to chapter three, where John the Baptizer was preaching from the Jordan, and mark the word Announcements because the arrival of Jesus was publicly broadcast by John even as a thundering voice from the Heavens by God Himself proclaimed His satisfaction on His Sons coming (Mt. This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. Are you hungry right now? I cannot leave the passage without mentioning that if you read the first thirteen verses of the chapter, you will note four times the word hope falls off the page (15:4,12 and twice in 15:13). Can you see it? Third, hope comes from the presence of God Himself, as is clear in the first part of verse thirteen. We pale in comparison to His importance, and He did it willingly for us, and for the glory of His Father. Dr. Randall Smith shows from Zechariah 11 that the God of the Bible is a loving God for sure. It doesnt bode well for you or your children. Randall Smith works at Daily Grace Church, which is an Organizations company. The other day I was driving and I wanted to make a left on Thunderbird Road coming from The Home Depot. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. He wrote: Each year as we approach Christmas and Easter, we are inevitably greeted at magazine racks by news journals trumpeting the latest scholarship on the historical Jesus. The fact that very little of what appears ever has lasting scholarly value seems of little concern to the journals in question. Add to that, the heart of the teaching is not to settle the issues on their face, since they are subjective matters of conviction and conscience and not objective matters of truth. Why is sin rampant and why is the world full of troubles. They were in the place east of the Jordan Rivers entrance, north of the Sea of Galilee, where no kosher delis could be found. immediately see that Jesus sense that some would all inequity in this life was a sign Jerusalem to perform public miracles, and get better known. is the story of a man who felt himself to be a pawn in life a man with few Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for Then to his amazement, God healed hercompletely. First, the strong were to lift, bear and carry the weak who were unable to carry themselves. Conversely, the other use of kataluma in the Gospels is in Luke 22:11 (and its parallel in Mark 14:14) where it clearly does not mean an inn. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Jesus argued forcefully that our words before God matter, and the covenant promises we made in marriage matter. The hardest part of the driving were the one hundred and fifty roundabouts (or circles), because the driver must access them in the opposite direction from what we do here. In John 6, a crowd wanted to proclaim Him to be Our faith is not a competitive race, where we each line up and launch out at the sound of a starting gun, breezing past one another in pursuit of Jesus. He couldnt stop it any other way. High around 80F. It was in his going, not in his arriving that he received the assurance that his faith had been rewarded. We have the story of a fulfilled promise, a miraculous birth, powerful dignitary visitors and brutal political reaction. describe the fight between gatsby and tom. Jesus reaction (on first reading) does not seem loving at all it sounds almost heartless and cold. I looked to my right no one was coming or so I thought. Isnt that often the case? Jesus didnt Dont forget what is at stake! Third, to color in the whole event, John focused on a particular man who became the participant in the work of Jesus there (John 5:5-7). The central issue isnt about who is right at all. had received his sight, 19 and questioned them, saying, Is this your son, who Remember John 5:14 made clear the lame man got that way because of some willful sin in his life. Lets start our investigation early in the account. The notes about the setting gave way to the record of the Miracle (John 5:8-9a). At its root, our problem is to intentionally, willingly, openly invite Jesus to walk with us to solve lifes confounding issues. Because if you are going the right speed, you anticipate he wont stop you. He made the ordinary into the extraordinary when it was set aside for His exclusive use. The answer to their problem wasnt in a lunch box, it was standing in a tunic beside them. It is hiding in guilt and isolation from God, because you dont want to stop doing what you are doing. The plan has 1.74 million members and a 9% share of the market for Medicare drug coverage called stand-alone Part Dsecond only to a much less expensive plan with 3.36 million enrollees. Where and how do we find truth? That isnt their job. We need to consider these words carefully. Many were captive there, and God wasnt content to let darkness prevail. It is clear from our reading, this man was both changed and Morbid humor is truly something that must be embedded in ones DNA, because it can seem really inappropriate at times. It isnt more real; it is fleeting. Listen to his words carefully. Even mature believers can forget He knows what He intends Instruction Four: Believers are to learn to put on Jesus character and choices. that brought fear to His disciples (John 6:16-21). He needed to be able to see Jesus for Who He is, so that Luke made clear there was no room in the kataluma which was a makeshift guest space in the family home Joseph. Yet, He also served the Gentiles and fulfilled some promises that were more cryptic, but nevertheless included in the Scriptures. Sources of that period echo each other. His son was facing death. 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. room wanted, and that changed what their own eyes beheld. Yet, if you keep reading, it was outside the For instance, Jews were not allowed to eat pork and that was specified. What did God do about mans rebellious and languishing state? They arent a problem; they are a blessing. could see the truth about who cared for him and who cared for their reputation. 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. Apparently, some concluded the best way to avoid the problem was to simply become a vegetarian. God gives us all time, talent and resources so we can share them with others. I think that may affect believers who have been fully marinated in American juices when they attempt to meaningfully stop for an hour on Sunday morning at church and worship. 2:1:12). Randall Smith in Kansas We found 84 records for Randall Smith in Ozawkie, Olathe and 36 other cities in Kansas. Instruction Three: It isnt our job to focus on what is right for others, but we are called to focus on Jesus ownership of us all. The man replied, Once that preacher got in the wagon those mules couldnt understand a word I said!. 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. Po Box 86 Bat Cave NC 28710 1398 Gerton Hwy Hendersonville NC 28792 466 Etowah School Rd My wife was in the car and it was raining. Note the areas: Partying to release us from responsible action, sexual indulgence to release us from the tensions of desire, sensual feeding to grow the fallen natures hold within us, fostering anger and division to feed our ego and the stirred broken spirit within us. (and they ostensibly had the training the man on the hot seat didnt have)! He was acknowledging a truth we must ponder to stay on track: We dont belong here. 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. At the risk of sounding obvious, let me caution you about requesting perseverance from God. In the verses of John 4:46-54, the writer revealed a second miracle performed by Jesus. Design requires a designer in every area I can grasp. The teamwork that results from the strong helping the weak is part of the design of the body of Christ. This isnt about ME as much as it is about US. The matter is speculative, and though it could conceivably have been part of the events of Luke 2, it is worth noting the shepherds appear to have been outside Bethlehem and came INTO the village to find the baby. Mary Elizabeth Smith, age 75, of Sebring, Florida passed away on January 31, 2023 in Sebring, Florida. There is no prize to the guy who finishes eating first at the banquet. That one is still just plain water. Jesus wants to take your longings and completely, utterly, entirely and unreservedly transform them by His touch. In other words, I believe it on His authority. Jesus first allegiance is to the plan of God, not to our intermediate comfort. Notice how Jesus spoke to the man. He called His followers to judge people properly (7:1-5). bills to all new attenders here at church, but that doesnt mean they will Randall Smith in Sebring, FL Randall Smith may also have lived outside of Sebring, such as Montverde, Casselberry and 2 other cities in Florida. had those days. We will be set free. Rand all received a doctorate degree from Conservative Theological Seminary and a degrees from Conservative Theological Seminary. There is plenty of struggle upward, but we continue to sink lower. According to Jesus conversation with the man after his healing, the illness was because of some sin in his life that the man was fully aware of (So Jesus told him in John 5:14: sin no more using the term may-ket-ee: no further any longer). 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. As I close, I want to echo the words offered by Billy Graham a few years ago, before he entered the presence of the Savior on February 21, 2018: There is no doubt that our generation suffers from moral uncertainty. How can I cast off sins hold on my life as a follower of Jesus? John attends a monthly cigar club. In my case, nearly 100 percent of the time, most people, when totally surprised or unguarded, responded with kindness and genuine compassion. $499. What begins with a move of God in the heart can quickly get covered in the ice of rules and regulations and become a religious exercise with little heart remaining in the mix. 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. Series: Building One Another Part: 4. That is where we all start in our testimony of God at Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. There is a great deal of canned laughter on television, but it is empty and hollow. Jesus question included HIMSELF. It opened with notes about The Setting (John 5:1-7). Yet, the man changed when he encountered Jesus: At first, he was clearly panicked by the delay and distance (things he could observe with his eyes and heart) and tried to get Jesus to understand the immediacy of the need when he said, Sir, come down before my child dies. (John 4:49). How Tiberius felt and whether or not he slighted some Senator would have been all the rage. Randall Smith's Phone Number and Email. 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. It is not certain that Mary would have felt the need to be outside the house, and the text seems to indicate that she was in the family home, but in the cave at the rear recesses of the home. The fact is: Beyond living out the principles ourselves, many of us have had to learn to project those principles into decisions we made as a family. The man would get We must not be hard-hearted toward them when they cannot separate their own preferences from absolute truth. Jesus didnt do But if the warning is not heeded, the consequences have to be faced.\rThis message is a serious warning to everybody still able to heed the warning of a loving God.\rThis DVD was produced by Kerugma Productions, a faith-based venture that strives to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by means of high quality media productions. Jesus was stating there was an opportunity there, not rejecting the mans request. Consider the forces at work when people say: If God is a healer, then why are there sick children in the world? Alex can drink his beer with his lunch if Jesus said to him it is ok. So she begged and bargained. coming when no one can work. Jesus then, made clear He wanted God-reliant, team-oriented and openly outreaching people to be His followers. It isnt beyond the norm that one would use the allegory of coming to die for the baby in the manger, and this may explain some of the use in the text. Randall D. Smith See Photos Teacher at Great Commission Bible Institute Lives in Sebring, Florida Randall D. Smith See Photos Randall D Smith See Photos Randall D. Smith See Photos Randall Smith See Photos Lives in Marietta, Georgia Randall D. Smith See Photos Lives in Indianapolis, Indiana Randall Smith See Photos Profile @Pea1ne Randall Smith Even those who love to serve get wrung out. John 9:24 So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and We will do so by a process of understanding normal trends of the region in the time, and by examining both text and archaeological evidence. access to public works, etc. blind man, put mud in his eye, and sent him to a public pool to wash it off. Restoring the legs of a lame man at the Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:1-11). made them look bad (see John 7:32), Jesus seemed to disappear into the crowd for the week of the feast, re-emerging to Raising up the dead body of His friend Lazarus at Bethany in Judea (John 11:1-45). He was removing an obstacle in order to make the path safe, and then heading to the temple to worship and be declared clean! She loves Israel, and she is passionate about making travel to Bible lands accessible to everyone she can. Love is about the other person, not about you. concluded: John In an effort to be more efficient and more productive, we may have lost something in the quality of daily life. opened his eyes, we do not know. We learn how to build an image that isnt whole: We construct avatars and selective profiles, and many wrestle with how to say enough to be included in the conversation and judged an interesting person. Many who respond arent the people we were intentionally addressing. Set in this context are the four instructions of the chapter. John John 5:37-47). We are passionate about making a solid Biblical education available at the most affordable rates we can possibly offer. If you dont know who Johnny was, you arent somehow deficient. Stuff breaks on all of us. His coming included Gods use of unexpected people, as in a group of Gentile women like Rahab and Ruth are found on that list and none of us would have made a plan that included them. The point is, the wine seemed to be a sufficient amount until additional people showed up. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. These men broke molds. Larissa manages the CTSP customer accounts and billing department. 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). That pool has recently been excavated, and was elegant for a public watering 2 And His disciples asked Him, We face the grave with our In essence, Jesus said He expected His followers to run from self-reliance into His arms, depending on His strength, not their own. Yet, it may be their life was far easier than others. Sensuality: aselgia; shameless hungers for self-fulfillment. You look down at the speed limit. Jesus spent time with the Father and taught His disciples to spend time with Him in prayer. Paul drove home the point of acceptance by mentioning that Jesus accepted both Jew and Gentile, while he quietly called them to accept each other. Paul put it this way. He Who is the Truth will speak definitively in judgment. We are all facing frailties that come with living in a fallen world.

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