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Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 & 16-18

Remember, our heavenly Father’s plans span all creation and eternity, and we can know His faithfulness and love even in adversity. Trust in God’s perfect knowledge, wisdom, and love, even when understanding eludes you and hardships assail you. Remember, in every adversity, no matter how problematic, God works for your good and His glory so that you might become complete, lacking in nothing.

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Read Philippians 2:5-11

The Greek male Name Jesus means “Savior” and is derived from the combination of “Ya,” an abbreviation for Yahweh, the Name of Israel’s God, and the verb Yasha, which denotes “rescue,” “deliver,” or “save.” The Name’s meaning reveals Jesus’ mission to save and deliver, as well as his identity as the Savior of the world. His Name is wonderful! There’s victory in His Name.

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Read Genesis 16:13 (ESV)

The word “providence” comes from the Latin, meaning “to see.” The prefix “pro,” meaning “before” or “in front of.” “Providence” literally means “to see beforehand,” referring to God’s foresight. “Providence” refers to God actively governing the universe, seeing everything that happens.

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Read Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)

Prayer is not just a tradition; it’s a lifeline to God. Whether we’re happy, going through tough times, or just dealing with life, prayer is a powerful way for believers to build their faith, find direction, and connect with God. Let’s keep moving forward, using the amazing practice of prayer to engender change in our lives and the lives of those around us.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

Episode Description: The Sermon on the Mount has introduced several phrases now common in Western culture. Today’s passage introduces another: A wolf in sheep’s clothing. In earlier verses, Jesus warned His followers that they must enter the narrow gate and walk the difficult road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). Most people, He said, choose the wide gate and walk the easy path toward destruction. Christ Himself is the narrow gate (John 10:9; 14:6) and the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12). A life of inner righteousness is more challenging than the shallow, performance-based hypocrisy that many exhibit (Matthew 5:20).

Key points

1. Jesus starts with a twofold warning. Here, Jesus tells His followers to beware of false prophets. Jesus will go on to warn about the danger of fooling ourselves (Matthew 7:21).

2. You will know them by their fruit. Grapes and figs were common fruits in the diet of Jesus’ listeners. People quickly learned that the little berries on thorn bushes were not grapes, and the flowers on thistles were not like fig tree petals. In the same way, people may seem impressive at first. They may appear religious and holy. Over time, though, a person’s character is revealed. 

3. The Summary of Jesus’ warning concerning false prophets. Jesus has also made it clear that those who truly fit the category of “false prophets” are not just mistaken in their beliefs. The worst and most dangerous wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) are intentionally deceptive.

Main Text 

Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV)

Read Psalm 32:1–5

If you are a Christian, you no longer need to feel guilt over your past. In Christ, your guilt is covered and forgiven. Should you mess up in the future, sincerely ask Jesus to forgive you. Why? Because all your sins were forgiven and covered by His work at Calvary.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

https://medium.com/@pastorchuckhartman/9c2034dd38d6

Read James 4:13–17

As a new creation in Christ Jesus, let us submit to God's intentions and the enablement of His Spirit so that we may serve as His tools for good in a world that desperately needs Him. It is not our calling to adapt to the culture; instead, we are called to shape the culture and bring honor to God.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

https://medium.com/@pastorchuckhartman/52589a8eab21

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16–21

All our sins were placed upon Jesus, and His righteousness has been permanently credited to our account. Express your gratitude to God, for it is through this expression that we genuinely understand and appreciate the depth of His grace.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

https://medium.com/@pastorchuckhartman/b8728b9154ec

Read Psalm 103:1–18

There is great joy in following God's will, even when His plan seems challenging or unattainable, because the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

https://medium.com/@pastorchuckhartman/77a5cae45694

Read Matthew 7:24–27

We all build our individual lives, and they are all different. What matters is the foundation. Are we hearing Jesus only? Or are we doing what Jesus instructs? Let us be faithful to build our houses on His firm foundation.

We publish on Medium at 5:43 pm (CST)

https://medium.com/@pastorchuckhartman/a290a0cf909b