Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? -- Matthew 26:53

Think of Easter and too often what comes to mind are Easter bunnies, colorful eggs, and plastic grass. We’ve become distracted by the insignificant and forgotten what’s most important: Cross, the Blood, and the Empty Tomb.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! -- Hebrews 9:14

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! -- Romans 5:9

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace . . . -- Ephesians 1:7

It is through the blood of Christ that we are brought near to God (see Ephesians 2:13). It is the blood that frees us from sin and makes us a kingdom of priests (see Revelation 5:1-6). 

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. -- Matthew 28:6

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? . . . But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fall. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. -- 1 Corinthians 15

First the Cross, then the Blood, then the hope—the confident assurance that we will one day rise again to take our place in God’s eternal kingdom.

This Easter let’s remember the willing sacrifice on the Cross that redeems us, the cleansing blood that cleans us, and the empty tomb that fills us with hope.

A reflection on the Disciples’ Prayer ( the Model Prayer) in Matthew 6:9 – 13:

I cannot say ‘our’ if I live only for myself in a spiritual watertight compartment.

I cannot say ‘Father’ if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child.

 I cannot say ‘who art in heaven’ if I am laying up no treasure there.

 I cannot say ‘hallowed be Thy name’ if I am not striving for holiness.

 I cannot say ‘Thy kingdom come’ if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful day.

I cannot say ‘Thy will be done’ if I am disobedient to His word.

I cannot say ‘in earth as it is in heaven’ if I will not serve Him here and now.

I cannot say ‘give us . . . our daily bread’ if I'm dishonest or an “under the counter shopper.”

I cannot say ‘forgive us our debts’ if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say ‘lead us not into temptation’ if I deliberately place myself in its path.

I cannot say ‘deliver us from evil’ if I do not put on the whole armor of God.

I cannot say ‘Thine is the kingdom’ if I do not give to the King the loyalty do Him as a faithful subject.

 I cannot attribute to Him ‘the power’ if I fear what men may do.

I cannot ascribe to Him ‘the glory’ if I am seeking honor only for myself.

I cannot say ‘forever’ if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by the things of time.

~Author Unknown      

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In this episode we discuss the three distinct events of the resurrection of the saints, the rapture, and the second coming of Christ.

Key verses:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

1 Corninthians 15:52

Titus 2:12-13

John 14:1-3

1 Thessalonians 4:18

1 Thessalonians 5:9

Additional resources:

What Does the Resurrection Mean

Revealing Revelation by Amir Tsarfati

Spiritual Warfare

Verse: Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Basics of Spiritual Warfare 1. Spiritual warfare involves the spiritual forces of evil in the unseen realm, led by Satan (the devil), that are at work in the world today to do the following: Tempt - Deceive – Revelation 12:10 – the accuser of the brethren John 8:44 – the father of lies Discourage – Afflict – And even harm people –

2. Spiritual forces of evil originated when Satan led a rebellion in heaven against God and 1/3 of the angels joined Satan in his attempted coup. God cast them out of heaven to the earth.

Here are a few verses to remind us of the destination of the enemy at this current time. 1. Revelation 12:4 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 2. Revelation 12:7-9 Satan Thrown Down to Earth 7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Isaiah 14:12 ESV “How you are fallen from heaven,     O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground,     you who laid the nations low!

Luke 10:18 ESV And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

What are some tips for us?

1. Satan loves to sow discord If something is confusing, chaotic, or doesn’t make sense, it's probably him. We don’t serve a God of chaos, we serve a God of order! A good picture of this is in Genesis 1 and 2

2. Satan loves to attack when you are heading into a ministry opportunity or just coming from one He ramps up the attacks before to derail you from your focus on God! He will push on you after the ministry opportunity to see how serious you are about your walk with God and will try to get you to go back to your old ways or make you feel as though you did not rise up to the expectations and that you are unworthy. He will also try to get you to isolation or back to comfort instead of advancing the kingdom with some opposition.

3. Satan loves to take advantage of us when we are physically weak or emotionally drained This is when we are most susceptible to the enemy's attacks and it is harder to fight back.

4. Satan looks for entry points into our lives Don't give him a foothold! Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. Guard your heart, your thoughts, your marriage, and your children. The enemy knows your wounds and how to manipulate you. He reads our mail He is on a mission to immobilize us and keep us from our mission w/ God

https://debbhackett.com/?s=altebaumer

Here are six signs of spiritual drift:

1. Your interest in God's Word will decrease
2. You spend less time praying
3. You stop worshiping with one another
4. You don't give the minimum of a tithe to God
5. You never talk to anybody about Jesus
6. You don't feel close to God anymore

Previous episodes:

Drawing Near to God

Prayer: Getting Unstuck

Drift Away

Order my newest book here:

Beneath the Broken Oak

God wants us to seek him and Christ not only for our salvation but also for the storms of this life!

Hindsight and to remember means we are able to look back and consider past events.

     Look at all the promises in God's word that He has made and kept.

     God cannot lie, He always keeps His promises.

Look back over your own life for confirmation of His goodness and grace.

     Pray for God to give you eyes to see back in your past

     Look at your past blessings

     Look at your trials and growth – Psalm 121:12

     Remember that trials are as valuable as success

     Remember that God is faithful even when we are not – 2 Timothy 2:13

     Where did you turn in the storms in your life? Where did you seek refuge?

Every Sunday we get the opportunity to gather and remember with God's people!

There are many opportunities to see and recall God's faithfulness!

We must look and remember!

Lord give us eyes to see you and what you are doing in our lives, as well as ears to hear your word being spoken to our hearts of your unfailing love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness in our lives.

Lord's supper – Luke 22:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:24

Memorial – Joshua 4:6-7

God's promises – Joshua 21:45 and Hebrews 10:23

Order Beneath the Broken Oak

There is danger in not knowing or believing in your worth to God. We must believe infGod's promise that once you have accepted Christ as your savior, nothing can seperate you from Him. 

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed - Hebrews 12:12-13

New mystery book releasing Feb 22. Beneath the Broken Oak deals with issues of identity, forgiveness, and finding healling.

Order Beneath the Broken Oak

The Prgression: A Book of Poetry by Nikki Herrin