This episode over the Matthew study covers chapters three and four of the gospel book of Matthew. Jennifer and Rebecca will dive into John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and the temptation in the wilderness. They discuss how Matthew keeps pointing to prophecy and righteousness. They point out the importance of John the Baptist fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy as the messenger to Christ, why he needed to baptize Jesus, and then how the Trinity is revealed in that moment. The conversation then moves into chapter 4, where Jesus’ temptation shows both the reality of spiritual warfare and the power and authority of God throughout everything.

Takeaways:

* john the Baptist is the messenger who prepares the way for the Lord, fulfilling Isaiah 40:3

* John’s clothing, camel’s hair and a leather belt, is compared to Elijah, reinforcing the prophetic connection

* Jesus’ baptism is framed as necessary to “fulfill all righteousness,” not because Jesus needed repentance

* The appearance of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the baptism gives a full picture of the Trinity

* The discussion highlights how righteousness comes through relationship with Jesus, not ancestry or religious status

* Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness is all done by God’s authority

* The episode closes with Jesus calling His first disciples and beginning the pattern of teaching, preaching, and healing that defines His ministry

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Pastor Richard shares how, as Christians, our ability to take our stand and stand firm against the forces of evil in this world, is according to God’s power that is at work within us. It is not just according to God’s power, He has all power, but rather according to His power that is at work within us.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca explore the detailed genealogy and early life of Jesus Christ as presented in Matthew 1-2. They highlight the significance of prophecy, lineage, and the obedience of Joseph.

Key Points:

* Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1

* Prophecy fulfillment from Old Testament

* The role of Joseph in Jesus’ birth

* Herod the Great and his dynasty

* Inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan

* Bethlehem prophecy from Micah

* Jesus’ childhood in Nazareth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca introduce Not Our Words Ministry latest Bible study titled “The Gospel of the King | A Call to Righteousness”. The new study goes verse by verse through the gospel book of Matthew. They discuss how Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah and the call to righteousness through a relationship with Jesus Christ. They explain the structure of the study, key themes, and how prophecy supports the understanding of Christ’s fulfillment.

Key topics

* Matthew as the first gospel and its perspective

* Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy

* The call to righteousness through a relationship with Jesus

* The structure of the Bible study and how to engage with it

* The significance of prophecy in proving Jesus’ identity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Emily explore how the fruit of the Spirit helps us live counterculturally. They emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in developing Christ-like character traits such as love, patience, and joy.

Keywords

fruit of the Spirit, living counterculturally, Holy Spirit, Galatians 5, Christian character, spiritual growth

Takeaways

* The fruit of the Spirit is singular, representing the development of the whole person.

* The Holy Spirit is essential for producing spiritual fruit, which cannot be achieved by human effort alone.

* Living counterculturally involves embodying virtues that are often opposed to worldly values.

* Character development in Christ is a lifelong process driven by the Spirit.

* True joy and peace come from abiding in God’s presence, not worldly achievements.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Emily explore how to live counterculturally in love by examining 1 Corinthians 13 and other biblical teachings. They discuss the true meaning of love, how culture distorts it, and practical ways to embody Christ’s love in everyday life.

Takeaways:

* Love is patient and kind, not boastful or proud.

* Genuine love is motivated by Christ’s love for us.

* Culture often equates love with tolerance and self-interest.

* True love rejoices in truth and covers over sins.

* Loving others sacrificially sets us apart in culture.

* Obedience to Jesus’ command to love is countercultural.

Resouces:

* 1 Peter 4:8

* 1 Corinthians 13

* John 13:34-35

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca explore the meaning of fasting and its spiritual significance. They emphasize humility, dependency on God, and the importance of your heart posture.

Takeaways:

* Fasting is an opportunity to humbly come before the Lord and seek Him.

* Fasting is not ritual but a relational act rooted in heart posture and humility.

* The purpose of fasting is to shift dependency from ourselves to God and to seek His guidance.

* Fasting should be done in secret, with sincerity, not for show or ritualistic purposes.

Resources:

* Matthew 6:16-18

* Joel 2:12-13

* Ezra 8:21-23

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca explore the true nature of the Proverbs 31 woman. They discuss her character and how that is the foundation to who she really is. They then discuss practical ways to embody her qualities today.

Takeaways:

* The Proverbs 31 woman is rooted in her fear of the Lord.

* She is proactive, organized, and generous.

* Delegation and time management are key to her success.

* She prioritizes her relationships.

* Practical steps include rising early and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Chapters:

* 00:00 Introduction to the Proverbs 31 Woman

* 02:05 Understanding Noble Character

* 04:36 Practical Applications of Proverbs 31

* 08:40 How Does She Do It?

* 12:04 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca explore the multifaceted nature of worship from biblical perspectives, emphasizing that worship is a continuous posture of the heart involving praise, prayer, singing, and living a holy life.

Chapters:

* 00:00 Introduction to Worship

* 00:27 Understanding Worship Through Scripture

* 03:47 The Heart of Worship

* 07:44 Living as an Act of Worship

Bible Resources:

* Psalm 13:6

* Psalm 28:7

* Psalm 33:1-3

* Psalm 34:1

* Psalm 71:8, 15

* Psalm 95:6-7

* Psalm 143:6

* Psalm 144:9

* Psalm 150

* Jeremiah 20:13

* Acts 16:25

* Romans 12:1

* Romans 14:11

* 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com

In this episode, Jennifer and Rebecca discuss the importance of praying scripture, how it honors God, and how it deepens our understanding and confidence in our prayers. They share personal examples, biblical stories, and practical tips for incorporating scripture into prayer.

Takeaways:

* Praying scripture honors God and shows belief in His word.

* Scripture-based prayers build confidence and trust in God’s promises.

* Memorizing and hiding scripture in your heart enhances prayer and understanding.

Chapters:

* 00:00 Introduction to Praying Scripture

* 02:49 The Importance of Honoring God in Prayer

* 05:30 Examples of Scriptural Prayers

* 08:41 Personal Reflections on Prayer

* 09:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Scripture Resources:

* Luke 24:45

* Ephesians 1:17

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notourwordsministry.substack.com