Episodes
![Forget Not All His Benefits](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Forget_Not_5h3aqp_300x300.jpg)
4 days ago
Forget Not All His Benefits
4 days ago
4 days ago
King David’s heart would have been overflowing with wonder and gratitude when he wrote the words of Psalm 103:2; “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
That exhortation is as true today as it was David’s time. In truth, thanks to the work of Jesus, He has done even more for all born again Christians than He did for David; much more. Of course, in order to not forget all of His benefits, we first need to know what they are. There are certainly no shortage of benefits God has lavished upon us. There are so many that it is impossible to fully know and appreciate all of them in this lifetime. It won’t be until Jesus’ future appearance that we can know the true fullness of those benefits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn and remember enough of those benefits today to fill your heart with the same feeling of wonder and gratitude as that of King David.
If you only look, you will find that there is hardly a page in the New Testament of your Bible that does not contain multiple benefits that God has provided you through His son, Christ Jesus. This teaching will introduce you to just a very few of those benefits. Though small in number they are mighty in blessings, enough that you too will say, “Bless the LORD, O my soul.”
![Abraham’s Reckoning](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Abrahams-Reckoning_yciizt_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Abraham’s Reckoning
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
For fifteen centuries following the flood of Noah, the world existed without the written Word of God. Yet, the Creator, in His infinite wisdom and love, did not leave humanity in spiritual darkness. He provided a witness, a tangible proof of His existence and His unwavering love for His creation.
In this teaching we look closely at the book of Romans chapter 4, delving into the profound story of Abraham and his ‘reckoning’ of the stars. This isn’t just a historical account; it’s a powerful testament to the nature of faith and the legacy of believing salvation that resonates across generations.
![The Showdown Between Good and Evil](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/The_Showdown_Between_Good_and_Evil_ig65wk_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 29, 2024
The Showdown Between Good and Evil
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
This teaching explores the pivotal event of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, following his baptism by John. This encounter was a culmination of the devil’s persistent attempts to thwart the Messiah’s mission. God’s allowance of this temptation served as a testament to Jesus’ preparedness for the challenges ahead.
The teaching delves into the role of the Word of God in overcoming temptations. It distinguishes between temptation and sin, emphasizing that sin arises from mishandling temptation. Temptations may originate from Satan or our sinful nature. The teaching provides practical examples of using Scripture to resist temptations related to the ‘lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.’
Join Franco Bottley as he guides us in learning from Jesus’ unwavering example in handling temptation. He highlights the spiritual battle and the significance of obedience to God’s Word for strength and blessings. By embracing these principles, we can foster spiritual growth and enhance our service to God in our daily lives.
![Know Thy Enemy: Standing Firm in the Spiritual Battle](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Know_Thy_Enemy_2_3nyfhy_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Know Thy Enemy: Standing Firm in the Spiritual Battle
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Before you fight a war, it’s always good to know as much as you can about your enemy. Nowhere is this statement more true than in the spiritual realm. Many Christians do not take our Adversary seriously because they simply do not know enough about him. In fact, the Devil’s cleverest strategy is to make people believe that he does not exist, or that he’s not a real threat. The Devil would rather have us fight among ourselves as he stays hidden behind the scenes orchestrating his treachery.
Some Christians do not even believe in a literal devil. Instead, they believe he is a biblical symbol for evil. But that is not the position of the Bible. Satan is every bit as real as God. Besides, it’s impossible for a symbol to do the things Scripture attributes to him: deceiving, murdering, tempting, destroying, lying, accusing, and controlling.
God’s will is for us to obey Him, and that will bring about opposition from His enemies. In this teaching Franco Bottley looks at why it is so important to understand our enemy, and the methods he uses to deceive mankind.
![The Way of Yahweh](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/THE_WAY_OF_YAHWEH_athzwe_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
The Way of Yahweh
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
In 1998 the rock band Chicago released a song titled, “All Roads Lead to You.” The message of that song was that no matter where you go or what you do, you will always be led back to the one you love. Such a warm and fuzzy sentiment, on the surface, certainly appears to offer profound wisdom on the ways of life. However, if the one you Love is God, or you want to know and love Him, holding to that idea, no matter how sincere, will actually lead you far from Him. There is in fact only one road that leads to God and it is the road He Himself maps out in the Bible.
Jesus, the living Word of God, was crystal clear in saying that he was the only way that leads to God. He, in complete agreement with his Father, said that the way he prepared for you will lead you to life. To be precise, it will lead you to a life that is more than abundant. Any doctrine or belief of man, including that of the rock band Chicago, that runs counter to the way Jesus paved will inevitable lead you away from that abundant life. Surely that is not what you want, so why go any other way than that which God has so graciously laid out for you in His Word, the Bible? It’ll lead you to the best life possible this side of the new paradise coming when Jesus makes his appearance and we all arrive at the end of the road, the most wonderful and glorious destination to which God’s way inevitably leads.
![Who Am I?](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/who-am-i-r2_gmpmse_300x300.jpg)
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Who Am I?
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
The story of King David teaches us valuable lessons about prayer. In 1 Chronicles 17:1, David is described as sitting in his grand cedar house after defeating the Philistines with the help of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Feeling convicted that God’s dwelling place should not be a simple tent, David expresses his desire to build a permanent house for God to the prophet Nathan. Nathan agrees, thinking it to be God’s will, but they both fail to consult God about their plan. As a result, God reveals that instead of David building a house for Him, He will build a house for David and all of Israel. This was an unimaginable act in the Ancient Near East, leaving David in awe of God’s promise. After hearing God’s plan, David humbly questions his own worthiness, saying, ‘Who am I?’ He is amazed that the Almighty would show such favor to him, a mere shepherd who was elevated to the position of King. David understood the dynamics of his relationship with God, acknowledging Him as his Lord and Master, while also recognizing his own role as a servant – a title he mentions 12 times in this chapter. However, David does not cower or beg at the feet of God, but rather confidently asks Him to fulfill the promises He made. He knows that it is God’s will for him to boldly approach Him in prayer, a principle that still holds true in our present age of grace.
Ephesians 3:12 encourages us to approach God with boldness and confidence, much like David did when he trusted that God would fulfill His promises. Our gracious God eagerly awaits for us to claim the blessings He has promised. You can find them in the scriptures and confidently lay hold of what has already been made accessible to us through Jesus Christ.
![Growing Up In The Lord](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Growing_Up_In_The_Lord_2_w43j7n_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Growing Up In The Lord
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul, in a spirit of loving reproof, told them that they were babes in Christ. He told them that he was only able to feed them with milk, that they were unable to digest meat. He told them the reason for this unfortunate state of affairs was that they were carnal as evidenced by the strife and division that existed in their church. Some said they followed Paul, others followed Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. By all appearances there were four denominations existing in Corinth which ran counter to God’s will that all spoke the same thing, that there should be no division, that they all share the same doctrine and judgment. They understood that Jesus had died for their sins and that he was raised from the dead, but they didn’t quite grasp the fullness of what that resurrection meant for their lives.
But then Paul went on to say that there are certain brethren to whom he was able to feed real meat, namely the ones who did not engage in arguments about who to follow as a source of truth. They knew that the only source for truth is the scriptures, not this man or that man. They too understood that Jesus died for their sins, but, unlike the carnal Corinthians, they were also open to learning about a secret that God had kept hidden up His sleeve until He revealed it to Paul. It is that secret that is the meat that can nourish all Christians and make them fully understand the true greatness of the new birth and the power it conferred upon them to do all the work Jesus did and even more. According Romans 16:25, an understanding of this secret is the only way any Christian can be fully established in the faith and grow up in the Lord.
![Cast Your Cares to God](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/cast_your_cares_to_god_tf5ha5_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Cast Your Cares to God
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
In his first epistle, Peter exhorts you to cast all your cares to your heavenly Father. Furthermore, you are given complete assurance that He is both willing and able to relieve you of those cares, all of them, both the big and the small. But there is a reason beyond your own self that God wants you to allow Him to take those cares upon Himself. While it does indeed bring a calming relief to yourself, it also frees you up to serve others, and that is the main reason God wants to help you. Simply put, God wants to help you so you can help others. By serving others, you not only forget your cares, but you also help a brother or sister as they go through their own trials and tribulations.
God wants all of us to be free from cares so that we can be "clothed in humility," which Jesus exemplified when, shortly before his own ghastly trial was about to begin, he tied an apron around himself and washed the feet of his chosen apostles, even the very one who was about to betray him. When each member of the body of Christ operates within this paradigm of service, the church will become that beacon of light on the hill to which others will be drawn. There is no higher calling, a calling that, if carried out, will bring rewards, not only in this life but in that which is to come. God promises that those who cast their cares on Him and humble themselves in service to others will be exalted in due time.
![Embracing Ephesians](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Embracing_Ephesians_jq463k_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Embracing Ephesians
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Ephesians presents a beautiful picture of the Christian life. It reminds us that we are chosen and adopted into God’s family, redeemed and forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This truth fills us with a sense of awe and gratitude, knowing that we are beloved children of God and nothing can ever separate us from His love.
Have we truly contemplated the significance of this remarkable epistle, which stands as the cornerstone of the Church of Jesus Christ? Come with us as we delve into the first three chapters of this remarkable letter, and let the Lord’s work in and for us inspire, uplift, and invigorate us.
![The Supremacy of God’s Word](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/The_Supremacy_of_God_s_Word_dcv85g_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
The Supremacy of God’s Word
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
As believers, we are constantly faced with the internal battle between our flesh and our spirit. This struggle is not dependent on our level of maturity or spirituality, as even the most devout individuals can find themselves in a constant tug-of-war between these two opposing forces.
The battle between the flesh and the spirit is an ongoing struggle for all believers. But we are not left to fight this battle alone. We have a loving and powerful God who is always with us, providing us with the deliverance and direction we need to walk victoriously in this world. So let us surrender our fleshly desires to Him and allow His spirit to guide us towards a life that is pleasing to Him.
Join us as we delve into the deliverance and direction that the Father and His Son give us to walk victorious in this world.
![The Good Shepherd (Part 2)](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/The_Good_Shepherd_xiqsvm_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
The Good Shepherd (Part 2)
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Sheep are arguably the most helpless creatures God created. Being unable to care for themselves, they depend on their caretaker, their shepherd, for food, water, grooming, protection from ravenous beasts, and much more. In the 10th chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus said there is a good shepherd and there is a bad shepherd. The gulf between the two is deep and wide.
Jesus said he was the good shepherd, the one who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep who he purchased with his own blood. In contrast to Jesus’ loving care for his sheep, the bad shepherd, the hired hand who did not own his flock, would flee at the first sign of trouble.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead, we become a member of Jesus’ flock which guarantees that in this life we will get the best care possible. With the sure knowledge that all our needs are always fully satisfied, we can be glad and rejoice in saying, “The Lord is my shepherd!”
![The Good Shepherd](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/The_Good_Shepherd_8ti2mu_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
The Good Shepherd
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Sheep are arguably the most helpless creatures God created. Being unable to care for themselves, they depend on their caretaker, their shepherd, for food, water, grooming, protection from ravenous beasts, and much more. In the 10th chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus said there is a good shepherd and there is a bad shepherd. The gulf between the two is deep and wide.
Jesus said he was the good shepherd, the one who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep who he purchased with his own blood. In contrast to Jesus’ loving care for his sheep, the bad shepherd, the hired hand who did not own his flock, would flee at the first sign of trouble.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead, we become a member of Jesus’ flock which guarantees that in this life we will get the best care possible. With the sure knowledge that all our needs are always fully satisfied, we can be glad and rejoice in saying, “The Lord is my shepherd!”
![Complete in Christ](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/complete_in_christ_2_brscy4_300x300.jpg)
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Complete in Christ
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
The letter to the Colossians is a powerful reminder of the completed work of our savior Jesus Christ. It shows us that we do not have to add anything to what Jesus accomplished in order to be saved and stand as the righteousness of God. Paul wrote this letter in response to those who were teaching that something else was needed to be complete in Christ. Colossians corrects this false concept and shows that accepting the finished works of Christ and living a life of faith and obedience is all the Christian needs for salvation and holiness in God.
Listen as Marc Dickie presents an expository of this amazing letter to see our "response-ability" to the finished work of our complete Savior.
![Our Hope in the Midst of Suffering](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Our_Our_Hope_in_the_Midest_of_Suffering_yybwdp_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Our Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Jesus said that those who made the decision to follow him would experience suffering for having made that decision. The early church soon found out the truth of those words and Peter’s first epistle addresses that development head on. When he wrote it the pressure and suffering had already begun and he said it would get even worse. Of course, he didn’t just warn the church and let it go at that. Instead he exhorted them to always keep in mind the big picture, namely, that although all Christians will experience suffering in this life, it is nothing compared to the unspeakable joy that we will experience when Jesus returns.
The sufferings we experience in this life are both short lived and pale in comparison to the eternal glory which is guaranteed to us at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is our hope and that which sustains us regardless of whatever fiery darts the devil may throw our way.
![Standing Strong with First John (Part 2)](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Standing-Strong-TLTF_2_4wvbx7_300x300.jpg)
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Standing Strong with First John (Part 2)
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
First John is a book of the Bible that speaks of the assurance of God’s love and the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to Him. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder to stand strong in the faith and be faithful in our love for God and for one another. It calls us to keep our eyes on Jesus, to guard our hearts and minds, to live in fellowship with one another, and to remain obedient to God’s commands.
In part 1 of this series, we will explore the importance of standing strong with First John and how it can be applied to our lives today. In part 2, we will look at how we can stand strong in our faith in a culture that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity.
![Standing Strong with First John (Part 1)](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Standing-Strong-TLTF_ibh677_300x300.jpg)
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Standing Strong with First John (Part 1)
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
First John is a book of the Bible that speaks of the assurance of God’s love and the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to Him. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder to stand strong in the faith and be faithful in our love for God and for one another. It calls us to keep our eyes on Jesus, to guard our hearts and minds, to live in fellowship with one another, and to remain obedient to God’s commands.
In part 1 of this series, we will explore the importance of standing strong with First John and how it can be applied to our lives today. In part 2, we will look at how we can stand strong in our faith in a culture that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity.
![Living Out Your Redemption](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/redemption_89e4is_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Living Out Your Redemption
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
As we face the mounting opposition and oppression in our lives, it is important to remember the spiritual reality of our redemption. Our redemption is an eternal spiritual victory in the face of any adversity.
When we face the challenges of life, it is easy to forget this spiritual reality and instead focus on the immediate physical conditions we face. We may feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But, no matter what our current situation may be, we can take heart in the fact that our redemption is real and powerful.
Join us as we look at how to respond to the redemption the Father has provided and the ransom Jesus has paid for us in such challenging times.
![The Dichotomy of Fear](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/The_Dichotomy_of_Fear_3_hmcdky_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
The Dichotomy of Fear
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Since the late 1980s we have all seen tee-shirts and placards displaying the phrase “No Fear”. While this popular mantra may give some degree of encouragement, it can also be misleading. While it may seem sensible to eliminate fear from our lives, not all fear is bad. It is a good thing to fear a sow Grizzly bear with cubs. It is also wise to fear a nearby raging wildfire while camping in the woods. Why does there seem to be this dichotomy of perspective about fear?
The problem arises when we view all fear as “harmful”. Some fears are not harmful, but rather they are wise. The Bible has a great deal to say about fear. In fact, there are nearly two hundred Bible verses that speak of the fear of the Lord. The real question should be this, “What do we fear most?”. If we fear failure, poverty or even death, then our fears are misplaced. But if we embrace the fear of the Lord, all other fears become meaningless.
The Proverbs teach that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and wisdom is the principal thing we should pursue in life. So, if we want to live wisely, then it is imperative that we understand and apprehend the fear of the Lord.
![From Fellowship to Fear](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/Fellowship_to_Fear_stxpkt_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jul 28, 2023
From Fellowship to Fear
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
A common thought about Christian fellowship is that it should produce comfort and encouragement. But how many of us look at fellowship as a source of godly fear? Yet, that is precisely what the first Christians experienced immediately following the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2 informs us that they followed a specific pattern of behavior, but the outcome wasn’t what we normally expect. The outcome was that “fear came upon every soul.”
Godly fear is a good thing. It is something we should all desire more of. Furthermore, it came, it wasn’t imagined or sought out. It was the fruit or result of the four specific behaviors listed in the previous verse.
If we seek to see wonders and signs like those of the First Century church, perhaps we should welcome godly fear and not shun it?
![The War is Here… What Now?](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3793068/spiritual_war_r2_aqwrtt_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
The War is Here… What Now?
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Our world is spinning out of control. The most fundamental realities of life are under assault, and it seems most of earth’s human inhabitants are either ignorant, numbed or jaded about the inevitable outcome if we remain on the sidelines. What should Christ’s followers do? Do we march in the streets? Should we write letters of protest to our elected officials? Or perhaps we can raise public awareness by producing a slick, informative online documentary? Granted many have been and are doing these sorts of things. But our question should be what would our Lord, Jesus Christ have us do?
Gary Lee Corns explores the nature and state of the spiritual war in which we are encompassed and seek out the answer to these very questions… “What has Jesus empowered us to do?” and “What would Jesus have us to do?”