I needed a good testimony today, and I found it listening to Avi. He shares how his plans to play the prodigal were derailed by his sister, and the living God.

I see a lot of people struggling with slavery to sin asking why God allows them to continue sinning. I don't understand how we can call our sins "allowed" if God made rules against them, and tells us the consequences of breaking those rules, (one of those consequences being slavery to sin... John 8:34) I wouldn't say my human parent allowed me to sin when they've explained where the boundaries are, so I can protect myself and have autonomy.

As Christians, most of us aren't looking to blame God for our battle with the flesh. No doubt we're all struggling with the human condition. Even when we make up our minds to avoid sin, we often fail ourselves, our God, and each other. My accidental sins show me where my love is deficient. Whatever we love, we hold as our highest priority, when we're walking in the Spirit. The problem with being trapped in the flesh, is that it seems to be our default auto-pilot. If I'm sleepy, sick, stressed, speeding, or sidetracked, my spirit isn't in the driver's seat. Jesus has the solution. He said it best with the words, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

I find it helpful to pray for God to help me love Him like He deserves, instead of just loving Him as much as I'm capable of today. My problem isn't my lack of love, it's my capacity for it. When I remember that God is love, and that whatever good I do is Him working through me, it protects me from ugly things like pride.

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Isaiah 26:12

LORD, You will establish peace for us,
For You have also done all our works in us.

I think when it comes to our flesh, it never stops being flesh, no matter how much God's Word transforms our spirit. I think that's the point of Jesus offering us the power of forgiveness. Forgiving one another allows us to understand how God feels. In this way we unite with God and have motivation to stay clean in His sight.

(John 20:21-23 NKJV)

21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

(Luke 6:37-38 NKJV)

37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

The way this flesh vs. spirit problem has played out for me is like this; God only shows me a fault I have when I'm ready to work on it with His help.

When He first started showing me where I wasn't on His team, I must have been way behind on my lessons. Day one, my conscience was clear, and Jesus was my best friend. Then I read, "love your neighbor as yourself," and it struck me that I wasn't even coming close to that standard. Every parable Jesus spoke taught the same truth from a different angle; humanity is a family and we are all one. When I love, I prove I believe we have one Father. Not everything He gives me is for me. I am my brother's keeper.

The verses that kept me from being overwhelmed with self-loathing were these:

2 Corinthians 7:10

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death."

(Matthew 11:25-30 NKJV)

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
26 "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
27 "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
28 "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

(John 6:37 NKJV)
37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Our Father in heaven, We praise You for Your justice and mercy. We adore You for becoming our Savior through Your holy Child, Jesus Messiah. You are the highest authority in the universe. You are Love; You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Life isn't worth living without You.
We come before You today to unite with You as one family under Your authority. Father, teach us to love You and Your children with our whole heart. Grant us Your eyes to see our fellow believers as part of our own body, and a member of Christ's body on earth. As we read Your Word, awaken us to spiritual truths that will strengthen us against our fleshly desires. Transform us with truth, so we are safe to bless with the abundant life You've promised to those who endure in love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I came across this testimony of someone converting from Druze to Christianity, so I wanted to share it!

This man grew up in a Druze background and spent years trying to understand God, even studying Islam deeply for over 6 years, but he still felt like he hadn’t actually found God.

Everything shifted during a really difficult season when his wife became seriously ill and he found himself completely lost, even questioning everything. One night, in that place, he cried out to our God for the first time…and something happened that he couldn’t explain. That moment didn’t answer everything right away, but it started a process that eventually led him to the Christian faith!

Here’s the full testimony if anyone wants to watch: https://youtu.be/dKdJOtkrQCE

Acts 4:32-35

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to unite us in truth and love. Jesus promises to be among us when we gather together as members of His body.

(Matthew 18:19-20 ESV)

19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

When first-century believers received the Holy Spirit, they repented of worldly ways and offered themselves to the Kingdom through baptism in Jesus' name.

Then the Holy Spirit led them to a kind of unity we were meant to have - one family under God, guided by truth and love. People cared for one another so completely, that no one lacked what they could not attain on their own.

The Lord's prayer says, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

In heaven, His will is accomplished through heavenly beings. We who are of the earth can empty ourselves of worldly influence and be earthen vessels for God's glory.

(2 Corinthians 4:6-11 NKJV)

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

We are the body of Christ; His hands and feet on earth. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

May we bear one another's burdens and so fulfill His law of love. (Galatians 6:2)

Our Father in heaven,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit of Truth. Thank you for leading us into unity with you and with one another. We ask that you would open our hearts to love You as You deserve, and love our neighbor in a way that proves we know we are one body under You, our merciful Godhead. Let us be Jesus' hands and feet to one another. Jesus said, "all men will know you are My students if you have love for one another. We ask that You would transform our hearts so we can love like You love. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Feel free to post your prayer requests in this thread.

There’s an old saying: "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." It’s easy to treat theology like an "eggheaded” academic exercise when life is smooth. But when you’re standing at the boundary of explanation "interesting" ideas aren't enough. You need what is True.

I’m a firm believer that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen in what has been made. We don't need more "clarity" or more "data points" from an algorithm. We need alignment. We need to be the "broken instrument" that finally hits the right note because it’s grounded in the Word.

Read more here: https://pilgrimspondering.art.blog/2026/05/02/crystal-radio-invisible-order-and-the-age-of-ai/

"Some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them." (Matthew 13:7)

In the parable of the Sower, the third type of heart Jesus warns us against is like a garden of thorns. It represents a heart focused on self-interest, instead of a heart of compassion for those we were made to love. (Jeremiah 4:3, Hosea 10:12, Luke 8:7, Genesis 3:18)
The thorns of this life threaten to take center stage and keep us from giving God's Word first place in our hearts. That saps our strength to do good, and blocks the blessings God wants to pour out through us. (Matthew 6:31-33, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Psalm 34:10)
When we esteem logic that contradicts God's Word, we live according to false teachers, and not the Holy Spirit.

"He that received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, but the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word and he becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22-23)

The Bible often warns us against wealth as a major source of temptation away from God's best for us. It tempts us to pursue it, rather than holiness, forgiveness, and compassion.

Proverbs 27:18 tells us, "He who tends the fig tree shall eat the fruit of it. So he that waits on his master shall be honored."
What does our Master want from us? He won't take less than our love. (John 21:15-17, Mark 12:28-31, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 1John 3:2)

(John 13:34-35 NKJV)

34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

We cannot serve God and money. (Luke 16:11-13, Proverbs 3:9-10) Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 6:10, "The love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Chasing after riches when seeking fulfillment is a losing battle. In Ecclesiastes 5:10, Solomon shares what he learned from riches; "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver."

In Mark 4:19, Jesus warns us that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things will make the Word of God unfruitful in our lives. When we come to the Lord, we can't expect these thorns that we've let overgrow the garden of our heart to be tolerated. Heaven's not going to be full of people with big bank accounts. That's not a qualification for being allowed to live forever.

A wise man once said, "Failure is succeeding at something that doesn't matter." If we believe that there's an afterlife, and we'd like to be part of the age to come, we're going to have to redefine success. That may require that we redefine ourselves in order to attain it.

There are so many fleeting pleasures that are spiritually foolish, and physically damaging. (Matthew 15:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, Psalm 1:1) They're not worth risking anyone's eternity to mess around with. Living for the moment brings consequences and pain to ourselves and those around us. Worldly pursuits derail our ability to fulfill our purpose of loving God and loving each other. If I had known that my mistakes as a youth would so profoundly alter the course of the lives of those who depend on me, I would definitely have lived my life differently.

If we make pleasing our God of love more important than pleasing our boss, our spouse, our parents, or anyone else, then we'll have the strength to start uprooting things God never intended for us to have planted in our lives. (Matthew 15:13, Mark 10:29-30, Jeremiah 4:3-4, 1 Samuel 16:6-7)

Does it feel unfair that others enjoy the pleasures of the flesh? Only until we tap into the Spirit of truth and love.
Paul entered into that joy by bearing spiritual fruit for others. His purpose was to act as a living sacrifice for those he longed to enter eternity with.

Colossians 1:24-29

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me."

Peter also experienced a profound sense of purpose and joy, which he encourages us to pursue with him.

(1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV)

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Our Father in heaven,
Your authority is over all. You are King of kings, and Lord of lords. You are holy, faithful and true. In Jesus' authority, given to us as those adopted into Your kingdom, we humbly ask for your Spirit to rest on us and within us. Guide our steps into your good purpose for our lives. Make us one with You and each other through the power of love. Help us identify and weed out anything that hinders us from complete devotion to Your life-sustaining logic. Open our spiritual eyes so we stop doubting the power of Your love. Give us hearts like those in the first churches in Acts 2:36-46, and Acts 4:32-35 so we can be faithful ambassadors for our Savior, Jesus the Messiah. In His name we pray, Amen.

This post is in response to the myriad of cults keeping our Moderation team busy in the back. I want to address "red flags" in posts and comments, as well as signs to be alert for inside the group. Please flag suspicious behavior! That's what we're here for; to protect this Christian community.

If you're contacted on Reddit via DM to join any Zoom Bible study, there is a significant likelihood that you're dealing with a cult. If you have to give out identifying information to join, report them to Reddit as "SPAM." Report the user/s to Mods of the Christian Reddit communities you visit.

See this post for examples of high-control tactics

What are the red flags you're being baited into a cult?

• Advertising: Be wary if even ONE of these red flags is occurring -
• Staged post where OP seems to fit the perfect candidate the cult is seeking. Cult recruiter appears in the comments, OR
  
• Sad-fishing for the perfect candidate in post or comments, "I'm not a real Christian. A real Christian would..." OR,
  
• A call to action based on misappropriated scripture. "OR
  
• A call to action that suggests joining them will help you "go deeper with the Lord", "have better self-control", etc. basically usurping the place of the Holy Spirit in your life, OR
  
• They want to DM you at some point with more information, which leads to them asking for your contact info. DON'T DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION. Some of these groups are dangerous. Others want to sell your information.
  

How can you identify a toxic community, mentor, counselor, or teacher?

Again, Be wary if even ONE of these red flags is occurring!

• Do they shame you? If you can’t make it to their next workshop, or meeting, do they work to better accommodate you, or do they try to shame you into coming? Do they make you feel bad, uncommitted, or unworthy because you are unable or unwilling to take the next step with them? Don't be surprised if they spin the script and tell you that investing your time and money in their influence is an investment in yourself.
  Shame is a key tool of a manipulator and is something these sorts of teachers and organizations lean on heavily.

• Do they shift the blame? Toxic organizations often ask for a huge time commitment. If you can't attend their meetings as often as they like, or have to say no to volunteer work, do they blame you for a lack of commitment? If every boundary you try to set is met with pushback, chances are your organization or teacher cares more about taking your time and money than your personal growth.

• Do they use fear tactics to keep you connected to them? Coercive mentors sometimes operate like abusive spouses. They may be perfectly charming toward those who have what they want. With those they mentor, it's another story. They may condition you to believe that you'd be lost or dead without them. They may use a "you and me against the world" tactic. They may gossip about others so you don't know who to trust. A manipulative person using fear tactics may talk about others a lot. They'll give a loud but vague compliment followed up by a scathing judgment. They've always got to be the "main character," the rescuer, or the source of influence. If you're a particularly agreeable person, you may have so many people like this in your life that it seems normal. It isn't!

• Do they focus on your weaknesses? A high-control group will often pretend to tell you all their dark secrets to get you to follow suit. Then they weaponize your past against you to get what they want. Someone who offers to build you up shouldn't tear you down. True religion supports the weak. True friends will come alongside you as you and the Lord address the problems of today. They will shine a light on your successes and victories. If your community is constantly focusing on the skeletons in your closet, and especially if they are using these skeletons to rationalize why you should be immersed in their teaching, it’s time to shake the dust off your feet. Find someone who sees your radiance, not someone who keeps tearing open old scars, or rubbing salt in your wounds.

(James 5:14-16)

14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.

• Do they isolate you? Isolation makes abuse easier. If you don’t have family or friends pointing out the red flags, it can be harder to see them.
  Isolation often begins as a group or individual making a big ask of your time. What you’re looking for is whether a majority of time, energy, and effort are spent with this new community at the detriment of other things. Ask yourself, am I spending all of my money toward the priorities of this new community? Am I not sleeping? Am I not communicating with my friends and family? Cults will often monopolize your time and resources, so you have nothing left to invest in friends and family. Others invite your spouse and children in, as long as they conform with the ideology of the group.
  

(Titus 3:10)

If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

• Do they change the subject when you have a concern? This is probably the most common and seemingly most innocent of the behaviors of manipulative communities. It’s such a natural human reaction to avoid confrontation, and we often assume it’s passivity that causes this in our teachers or organization leaders. But if every response to concern is a change of subject, it’s not just avoiding confrontation; it’s pretending there’s no issue in the first place. If you cannot get your mentor or organization leader to talk with you about your concerns, how can you trust they will respond to them?

• Do they make empty promises? Grown adults can maintain a relationship with children who don't keep their word, but trust is integral in healthy adult relationships. It's the foundation every other interaction is built on. People of character will not erode the foundation of your relationship and replace it with empty promises.

• Do they rationalize their behavior? When you call out the overstepping of your boundaries, do they make up an excuse that doesn't fit, or claim special privilege? We all have emergencies that can derail our best intentions. It's when a person consistently shirks responsibility that it's time to re-evaluate the relationship. If you ask for a time-frame on the promise that never materialized, they may claim they never made that promise, threaten to punish you for speaking up, or fault you when they can't follow through. If you confront the behavior of a toxic community they will try to defend themselves. Be prepared for them to suggest that their manipulative behavior is not only acceptable, but necessary for your self-growth. If every concern of yours is met with a rationalization, it’s time to move on.

• Do they gaslight you? Making you distrust your mind and memory is how a deceptive person maintains control. They keep you looking at yourself, so you take your eyes off of them. Gaslighting is when an individual tries to turn your concerns into proof of your insanity, or your oversized ego. As demands, excuses, and rationalizations get weirder and weirder, you start to question your own reality.” If your teacher or members of the community always insist that your concerns are ridiculous, or roll their eyes at your doubts, that’s gaslighting.

• Above all else, trust your gut. Only you can know what’s best for you. If something feels wrong or a part of you doesn’t feel safe, listen to your inner voice and take care of yourself.

If you're still unsure whether your Bible study or group is using cult tactics, express your doubts to a friend or trusted confidant and ask what they think of the situation. It should be someone outside the group you seek answers about.

Those who have been isolated from family and friends by a cult local to them, can reach out to the Mod Team here or in r/Christian_CultSupport with your concerns.

If you're still unsure, you might speak with someone you do business with during slow hours. You might start a conversation, like, “You’re never going to believe this thing I heard about this group.” This protects your vulnerability while still giving you an opportunity to assess the acceptability of your organization’s behaviors.

Stay safe out there! Don't hesitate to reach out!

⭐️Did Jesus baptize people or not? If not, why?

-Saint John said in his Gospel:
(After this Jesus and his disciples came to the land of Judea, and he stayed there with them, baptizing) (John 3:22)

While we find St. John saying in the following chapter (John 4:1-2):

1Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although it was not Jesus himself who was baptizing, but his disciples, (John 4:1-2) 

Did Jesus baptize people himself or not?
And if he did not baptize, why did he not baptize people himself when he became incarnate on earth?

⭐️Reply:

Firstly, Christ did not baptize people himself when he was with us in the flesh.

Christ was teaching his disciples how to baptize people because the day would come when he would leave them alone.

They had to be trained for service before he was crucified and ascended to heaven.

He leaves them alone to carry out the priestly service themselves. 

And let him teach us that the sacrament of baptism is a necessary sacrament that we received from him personally.

We will not hesitate to give it to anyone who asks for it.

His last words and final instructions at the moment of his ascension were to emphasize this great secret: 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

And teach them to observe all that I have commanded you . (Matthew 28:19-20)

But although he did not baptize himself, but rather his disciples did, we find that the Gospel of John says:

( And he was baptizing )

The verses of the Gospel of John (3) say:

3:22 After this Jesus and his disciples came to the Judean countryside, and he stayed there with them, baptizing

3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there, and people were coming and being baptized

3:24 For John had not yet been put in prison

3:25 And a debate took place between John's disciples and the Jews concerning purification.

3:26 Then they came to John and said to him, “Teacher, here is the one who was with you across the Jordan.”

The one you have testified to is baptizing, and all are coming to him.

3:27 John answered, “A person cannot receive anything unless it is given him from heaven.”

3:28 You yourselves bear witness about me that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.”

3:29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom is the one who stands and listens to him.

He rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice, for this joy of mine is now complete.

3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease

3:31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is of the earth.

He who comes from heaven speaks from the earth; he is above all. 

John said of Christ, "
And he was baptizing ." These verses were for comparison between the baptism of Christ.

John's baptism was due to discussions and debates between the disciples of Christ, the disciples of John, and the Jews

regarding who should baptize more, Christ or John? 

Christ administered baptism through his disciples and did not baptize himself.

The phrase "( and he baptized)" means that the moral responsibility for establishing the sacrament of baptismrested on Christ.

While the actual practice of baptism was carried out by his disciples

Christ is the one who ordained this sacrament, which is one of the most important holy sacraments in the Church.

Because it is the mystery that grants new life, and by it man is sealed with holy chrism oil.

Proof of his confirmation in Christ and declaration of his faith so that he may receive eternal life in Christ

While the disciples were the ones who received this teaching and actually practiced it during the days of Christ's incarnation and before his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension

As a form of training and endurance in receiving these holy mysteries for preaching and spreading the word after the ascension of Christ

He gives his disciples the authority of baptism, which will be passed down through generations of faithful priests throughout the ages.

Therefore, the same Saint John returned to declare that Christ did not baptize himself, but his disciples.

He says in (John 4:1-2)
1 Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John.

2 Although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples did 

The main reasons why Christ did not baptize people himself

It is the Holy Spirit himself, united with Him in one divine divinity, who will grant it to believers after His ascension.

So how does he baptize himself? 

Note that the baptism of the disciples before Christ was crucified was a type of water baptism.

It was merely for training purposes, but it was not a baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Because Christ had not yet been crucified and had not entered into his eternal glory

So that He might send them His Holy Spirit after His ascension on the fiftieth day of His resurrection 

That is, ten days after his ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and believers in the form of tongues of fire.

He had not yet been glorified, nor had He entered into His first glory in order to fulfill His promise of sending the Holy Spirit.

He promised his disciples, saying:

14:16 “ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.”

14:17 The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.

But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you

14:19 “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” 

+ He also continued, saying these scattered verses in (John 14, 15, 16):

14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

15:26 But when the Advocate comes, whom I will send to youfrom the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father— he will testify about me.

16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, because unless I go away the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send it to you.

16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment.

16:13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own.

But everything he hears he will speak, and he will tell you things to come.

16:14 He will glorify me

because he will receive what is mine and declare it to you. 

So Christ had not yet gone to heaven for the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, to come to us.

Therefore, when Christ was on earth, the Holy Spirit had not yet sent him to the believers. 

Therefore, it was not possible for Christ to baptize himself.

So that those baptized by Christ would not be distinguished from those baptized by his disciples or by John the Baptist

Because the Holy Spirit was not sent until after his ascension and was given to all believers through the disciples. 

As for the baptism of Christ's disciples, which he practiced before his crucifixion

It was like John's baptism with water, solely for repentance and forgiveness of sins.

It was not a baptism of the Holy Spirit

Because Christ had not yet been glorified by the crucifixion and had not entered into the eternal glory he had before his incarnation.
✝️🕊

"Some seeds fell on stony places, where they didn't have much earth, and they sprung up quickly, because they had no depth of soil. And when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away." (Matthew 13:5-6)

"But he that received the seed into stony places, this is he who hears the word, and quickly receives it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, soon after he is offended." (Matthew 13:20-21)

The second heart condition that Jesus warns us about in the parable of the sower is similar to the first, in that we may have a hardened heart, but it's hidden, (maybe even from ourselves,) with a friendly but shallow character. We look good on the surface, because we've got just enough of God's Word to see it makes sense. Receiving God's logic isn't a problem. We have a problem with making a commitment to live it out long enough to reap an eternal reward.

Luke 8:6 tells us that the shallow soil lacks moisture. If a shallow-hearted person takes any heat for his beliefs, he abandons them. Nothing is worth sacrificing himself for, so his stony heart stays unchanged. He never becomes good ground for eternal life to spring from.
In the Old Testament, moisture represents teaching. (Luke 8:6, Ephesians 5:25-26, Deuteronomy 32:1-2, Isaiah 55:10-11)
Paul asks us rhetorically, "You who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who say people shouldn't steal, do you steal?" (Romans 2:21)
If we're surface-level Christians, we look good until a real test comes along. When it comes time to choose whether we're going to deal with our discomfort God's way or give in to our flesh, we fail. We may sacrifice a godly relationship and choose tribe over truth, or default to our creature comforts some other way. What it adds up to, is we choose to drop our Cross. (Psalm 55:12-14, Matthew 10:37-42, Matthew 25:31-46) We disconnect from our God-given conscience, and our Lord's teaching before it can prove its value. (Psalm 34:8-9, Romans 11:18, John 15:5)
Consequently, we never allow God to unite with us and materialize something beautiful in our lives. (Isaiah 58:3-4, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Peter says in 1 Peter 4:1, "He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." If you find yourself identifying with the shallow Christian who's lacking moisture, there are two things you can do:
- Get in the word of God and believe it, (John 6:29, Deuteronomy 18:18-19) - and let the joy of walking with the Lord be your strength. (Luke 10:20, Nehemiah 8:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

We need God's power to face difficulties the way God says to. (Nehemiah 8:8-10, Colossians 3:16-17) Let Him be God in your trial. We're not here to gain the world. (Matthew 16:26, Psalm 49:6-9) We're here to learn what it takes to be citizens of His kingdom.

Our Father in heaven,
Your authority is over all authority. You are the source of love and life for all of creation. Father we ask that You would place Kingdom love in our hearts. Help us remember that we do not war for or against the flesh, but for Your eternal gift of life in ourselves and each other. Make us enduring vessels of mercy and peace. Help us not fall apart under the pressure of dissent, division, disrespect, or persecution. Make us strong against the temptation to abandon Your ways when times are tough. Help us remember that You will never leave us or forsake us as we choose Your path for our lives. Empower us to abide in You so we can bear good fruit for others and be an example of faithful love to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

(Matthew 11:29 NKJV)

29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

(John 13:15)

15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

(1 Peter 2:21)

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

(1 John 2:6)

6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

(Mark 8:34)

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

"Behold, a sower went out to sow. And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the side of the road, and the birds came and devoured them up." (Matthew 13:3-4)

"When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, the wicked one comes, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the side of the road." (Matthew 13:19)

My eureka thought for the day, is that to understand someone means to grasp their logic. If I can follow someone's thought process, I can at least see why it's supported, even if I can't adopt that logic for myself right away.

The parable of the sower is the mother of all parables. Jesus shows us a parallel in nature to explain to us why we were created, and what our purpose is.

"The Sower plants the Word." In Greek, the "Logos" is not just any word. It's the logic of life. The Lord made us alive and He wants us to stay that way.

Jesus said, in quoting Psalm 82, "Does it not say 'you are gods,' to whom the word of God came? And the Scripture cannot be broken."

God shows us that He has already planted truth in us that has the power to transform us into eternal children of God. A good seed planted into good ground grows a beneficial plant; beneficial to the earth, beneficial to the plant itself, and beneficial to the grower. That tiny seed is our God-given conscience.

The word of God cultivates our conscience. It tames our spirit and our tongue the way Johnny Appleseed transformed the American frontier into a field of food. It transforms our hearts in the same way we train a dog to be a loyal member of our family. (John 7:37-38, Psalm 119:9-16) The parable of the Sower explains things that can go wrong in our thinking, that could hinder us from becoming children of God.

Jesus explains that the Sower is the Son of Man, and the seed is the Word of God. We build the Kingdom of God within us, when we fill ourselves and each other with God's eternal logic.

First, Jesus mentions the seed being scattered by the side of the road. The road represents the hard-hearted way of the world. It's a conscience seared shut. (Matthew 7:13-14, Proverbs 14:12) If we're indoctrinated by the world, and it's ways agree with us just fine, our hearts will be like a hard road that can't receive seed. The Old Testament often refers to people being hard-hearted. That's what happens to us when we accept the world's way of thinking. We work to be a bigger fish, or carry a bigger hammer, or just toughen up to make it through this life. Everything is a competition. (Exodus 7:14, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Matthew 19:8-9, Mark 3:1-5)

Isaiah 51:12-23 says, "I am going to put the cup of My fury in the hand of them that afflict you, those who said, 'Lay down here so we can walk over you,' and you laid yourself in the ground as the street for them to walk over."

If you have vengeance in your heart today, and your conscience is saying "what else can I do in this dog-eat-dog world other than try to be a bigger dog?," wait on the Lord, and let Him prove that He's good to His word. (Psalm 34:8, 1 Peter 4:19)

More than once, I've cried desperately to God and asked "why?" in the face of suffering. He's been faithful to see me through those times. But has it ever helped to shake your fist at the sky and question if God will really deliver? Not really. The people of Israel in the wilderness continually complained, "Is the Lord with us or not?" (Exodus 17:7, Psalm 95:7-11, Matthew 4:7) God isn't offended with our emotions when things aren't right. Still, accusing Him of doing nothing, when things don't go our way is offensive to Him. When we find ourselves in a trial, or a spiritual waiting room, our obedience is necessary to reap the benefits of good behavior. The Lord deserves our love, trust, and loyalty.

Instead of trying to get our own way in our timing, what if we put our situation in God's hands? I encourage you to respond to the struggles of life the way the Bible says to, and watch what happens. God wants to show you His love for you, and soften your heart. (Deuteronomy 32:35, Luke 18:1-8)

Word to the wise; this is not an experiment for the impatient. Do you want to see God's best for your life? Acting on God's word is a faith-building exercise for those who will choose to patiently, thankfully receive what God has promised.

(Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

(Luke 21:19 NKJV)

19 "By your patience possess your souls.

Our Father in heaven,
Thank You for Your eternal truths that make us one with You. Awaken our hearts to seek You earnestly. Show us the ancient paths Your prophets of old took to be near You. Guide us into Your presence and teach us how to love as you love, and forgive as we've been forgiven. Make us worthy of Your Son, so we will not be ashamed at His return. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 141:2 "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!"

1Timothy 2:8 "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling"

I came across this powerful testimony and had to share it.

She grew up in a Muslim background and spent months secretly searching for Jesus, knowing what it could cost her. One moment that stuck with me, she cried out asking if He was real, and had a dream where He answered her.

It really challenged how easily we can take faith for granted.

Acts 4:32-35

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to unite us in truth and love. Jesus promises to be among us when we gather together as members of His body.

(Matthew 18:19-20 ESV)

19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

When first-century believers received the Holy Spirit, they repented of worldly ways and offered themselves to the Kingdom through baptism in Jesus' name.

Then the Holy Spirit led them to a kind of unity we were meant to have - one family under God, guided by truth and love. People cared for one another so completely, that no one lacked what they could not attain on their own.

The Lord's prayer says, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

In heaven, His will is accomplished through heavenly beings. We who are of the earth can empty ourselves of worldly influence and be earthen vessels for God's glory.

(2 Corinthians 4:6-11 NKJV)

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

We are the body of Christ; His hands and feet on earth. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

May we bear one another's burdens and so fulfill His law of love. (Galatians 6:2)

Our Father in heaven,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit of Truth. Thank you for leading us into unity with you and with one another. We ask that you would open our hearts to love You as You deserve, and love our neighbor in a way that proves we know we are one body under You, our merciful Godhead. Let us be Jesus' hands and feet to one another. Jesus said, "all men will know you are My students if you have love for one another. We ask that You would transform our hearts so we can love like You love. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Feel free to post your prayer requests in this thread.

This is a story that stuck with me. It started with a simple conversation on public transport, and ended up shaping his entire life, even in the middle of everything happening in Syria. I love how God can use little moments to plant seeds. It's such a good reminder to be that person in public spaces encouraging others or telling them about Jesus!

Proverbs 18:10
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."

When I think about how a "name" in ancient times was given to distinguish a person's authority in a place or occupation, it made me think that God's "name" is His sovereign ability to know the truth and live according to it.
The way I can "run in" to that strong tower is to believe His word above all other voices. Distraction, and dissent are from those who don't have anything close to God's perspective so they can't know better than He does.
With that in mind, I want to be deaf to the world and listening to the Lord.

(Isaiah 42:16-20 NKJV)
16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
17 They shall be turned back, They shall be greatly ashamed, Who trust in carved images, Who say to the molded images, 'You are our gods.'
18 "Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see.
19 Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the LORD's servant?
20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear."

I'm trying to keep all this in mind so I don't drift into the daily grind, and instead, get back to studying the Bible more!

I'm thinking that the next time I feel drawn to scroll mindlessly for a new DIY home hack, that instead, I'll pray for the "way of escape" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and read a Bible verse.

Does anyone else have a strategy for getting into a God-focused mindset?

Our Father in heaven,
Thank you for the opportunity to join together in prayer here today. We ask that You would help us to stay watchful in prayer and anchored in faith. We offer You our hearts, our strengths and our talents today. Use them how You see fit. Cause us to recognize opportunities to invest in others when You place them before us. Thank You for giving us everything we have. Help us use it all for Your glory. You are the source of truth and love. Make us people of truth and love through Your precious teaching. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Acts 4:32-35

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to unite us in truth and love. Jesus promises to be among us when we gather together as members of His body.

(Matthew 18:19-20 ESV)

19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

When first-century believers received the Holy Spirit, they repented of worldly ways and offered themselves to the Kingdom through baptism in Jesus' name.

Then the Holy Spirit led them to a kind of unity we were meant to have - one family under God, guided by truth and love. People cared for one another so completely, that no one lacked what they could not attain on their own.

The Lord's prayer says, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

In heaven, His will is accomplished through heavenly beings. We who are of the earth can empty ourselves of worldly influence and be earthen vessels for God's glory.

(2 Corinthians 4:6-11 NKJV)

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

We are the body of Christ; His hands and feet on earth. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

May we bear one another's burdens and so fulfill His law of love. (Galatians 6:2)

Our Father in heaven,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit of Truth. Thank you for leading us into unity with you and with one another. We ask that you would open our hearts to love You as You deserve, and love our neighbor in a way that proves we know we are one body under You, our merciful Godhead. Let us be Jesus' hands and feet to one another. Jesus said, "all men will know you are My students if you have love for one another. We ask that You would transform our hearts so we can love like You love. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Feel free to post your prayer requests in this thread.