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This is a weekly Christian Blog we are currently studying through the Book of John.

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  • God is Still With Us
    by Cas Medlin
    Cross
    https://youtu.be/2vYciP1mCdQ

    God is Still With Us

    “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23)‬ ‭Immanuel, God with us, that is what makes Christmas so special, the fact that God came down and became both fully God and man. It is so easy to look at the Christmas account and miss its significance because many of us are abundantly familiar with these events. But, many of us miss the fact that God is still with us. Jesus came to die for our sins, so we could live forever with him, he did not come to overthrow an earthly kingdom, but to set us free from the power of sin and death, taking all power from the enemy over the earth and over you. The enemy no longer has any power over you unless you let him. The beautiful thing is that when Jesus died, He did not stay dead but rose again and then ascended to the Father. But, that does not mean that God is no longer with us, because He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in each and every person who puts their trust in Him. God is still with us and if you are a Christian He dwells within you and we can not miss the significance of this. I mean seriously, the One who speaks and nothing becomes everything that has ever been. He loves you and wants to be with you forever, that is incredible and is the true meaning of Christmas. 

    Son of the Most High‭‭

    Let’s look at the Christmas story, I hope that you have been reading the Christmas accounts, as I have encouraged you to and it has given you a new desire to study every part of the Scriptures. The first thing we see in this Christmas account, is that God again sends Gabriel, he was sent this time to a virgin in Galillee, whose name was Mary and she was betrothed to Joseph, they were both descendants of David. Gabriel said to her, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke‬ ‭1:28‬) Mary was greatly troubled and was trying to determine what type of greeting this was. Gabriel continued by saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke‬ ‭1:30-33) I think that this passage is one of those passages, that we overlook or do not fully grasp its significance. Jesus is the Son of the Most High, the very son of God, who will reign forever and whose Kingdom will have no end. We so often focus on Him being the Messiah, that we miss the fact that He is also our King, Priest, and Intercessor. Not that it is bad for us to focus on Him being the Messiah, but when we do this exclusively, without studying the other parts of His roles, we miss so much beauty and truth. Many societies have come to distrust kings, priests, and intercessors because many think of the ways that sinful men have abused and taken advantage of people in these roles. But, each of these roles was set up by God, and our good and perfect God fulfilled what these roles were supposed to be through Jesus, doing what man could not do in these roles, because of our sinful and rebellious hearts. 

    But I am a Virgin

    Mary was confused and said how will this be since I am a virgin? I think this is interesting for several reasons, first, Zechariah asked a similar question to the angel and was punished in accordance with what he said. Let’s quickly compare what they each said. Zechariah said “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:18‬)  and Mary said, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”. Notice the obvious differences, Zechariah was looking for a sign/questioning the word of the Lord, whereas Mary was wondering how God’s words would be fulfilled and not questioning that it would come to pass. How their questions were phrased was different, but I do not believe that is why they received different responses, I think that it is likely Zechariah’s doubt and Mary’s faith, and the response of their hearts to the word of the Lord that caused the Lord to respond differently to each of them. When you look at the Christmas account, all throughout it, you see that this is God’s plan and He is the one who initiated and orchestrated each and every circumstance. Gabriel continued by telling Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:35-37‬) Mary said, to let it be according to Gabriel’s words, then he departed from her. Mary, now aware of her relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy, went to visit her. The reason Mary did not know about Elizabeth’s pregnancy until now, was because Elizabeth had hidden herself after she conceived (Luke 1:24). Mary, now aware of her relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy, went to visit her. When Mary’s voice reached Elizabeth, John jumped inside of her. Immediately Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out blessings and prophesy.  

    The Only Truly Spotless One

    The Word of the Lord took place exactly how the angel told them. When Mary was in the last days of her pregnancy, a census took place, so they had to go to Bethlehem, the city of David, because that was where their family was from. See, unlike today when the government takes the census to see how many and where the people are, they would require you to return to your ancestral hometown to be counted for taxation purposes. In this, we see God was even using the kings of other nations to fulfill His plans. This is still true today, God uses government leaders to fulfill His plans, even if we do not see or understand it. So, when they were in Bethlehem for the census, it came time for Mary to give birth. Then, she gave birth and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, the same cloths that a baby lamb would be wrapped in, then He was laid in a manager. Foreshadowing what He was here to do, that He was the only truly spotless One, that would die for the sins of everyone.

    Came for All

     Then God yet again, sets in motion the next part of the account, by sending an angel of the Lord to tell the Shepherds of Jesus’ birth. It is interesting that God would tell the shepherds for several reasons, first, Shepherds were some of the lowest on the social ladder, second, I wonder if it was a nod to David, who may have kept sheep in the same fields or ones that were not far from it. The shepherds came and worshiped Him. Jesus came so they could live forever with Him and they did not need to bring gifts other than their worship. The next people who God notifies of Jesus’ birth are the wise men, it is unclear whether the celestial body appeared before or after the shepherds were told of Jesus’ birth. We know several things about the wise men, first, we know that they are most likely extremely wealthy, but were not kings, instead they were advisors to the kings. Where they were from was uncertain, there is a possibility that these were the descendants of the wise men Daniel trained in Babylon and that is where their knowledge of the Jews and the Messiah came from. Since the shepherds were at the very bottom of the social ladder then, the wise men were at the very top of it. They were Gentiles which is important because it shows that from the very beginning of God’s redemptive plan, that His plan was for Jesus to love and redeem both Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor. No matter who you are, Jesus came for you so that you could live forever with Him. So, this Christmas hold on to that precious truth and make it real in your life, whether that is a reminder of what He has already done for you or you realize that you need Him to redeem you for the very first time. Also, remember that Jesus is in Heaven at the right hand of the Father, but that does not mean that God is no longer with us.  He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you, which means God dwells in you and is always with you. The true reason Christmas is so important is that God is with us and now dwells within us, because of what Jesus did on the cross. 

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  • God is Still With Us
    by Cas Medlin
    God is Still With Us “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23)‬ ‭Immanuel, God with us, that is what makes Christmas so special, the fact that God came down and became both fully God and man. It is so easy to look at the Christmas account and miss its significance because many of us are abundantly familiar with these events. But, many of us miss the fact that God is still with us. Jesus came to die for our sins, so we could live… Read more: <strong>God is Still With Us</strong>
  • Treasuring this Christmas!
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭This Christmas‭‭ It is hard to believe, that it is only three weeks until Christmas, so we are beginning our Christmas study. We will be focusing on Luke’s account, not every point or story arc will be discussed. I will be going where the Spirit leads. I will be reading Luke and Matthew chapters one and two and I hope you will join us in reading through them, at least once a week, if not daily until Christmas. Many of us are very familiar with this and may not believe there is anything more we can glean from the Christmas… Read more: Treasuring this Christmas!
  • ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭How to Find a Great Local Church?‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭How to Find a Great Local Church?‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ In this blog, we are going to discuss how to find a great church and the reason it is important to attend a local church. When looking for a church the best thing you can do is to pray and ask God where He would have you to attend and for His guidance to be upon this extremely important choice in your life. God does have a perfect church for you that will encourage you to grow in your relationship with Him right where you are. Let’s start by defining what church is:… Read more: ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭How to Find a Great Local Church?‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
  • Why was Jesus the first one to heal the blind?
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭9:1-11‬. Let’s read the passage, “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of… Read more: Why was Jesus the first one to heal the blind?
  • Top 10 BEST Christian Podcasts you must Listen To!
    by Cas Medlin
    Top 10 BEST Christian Podcasts you must Listen To! Listed from one to ten. 1. Bible Project podcast https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/ 2. Spoken Gospel https://www.spokengospelpodcast.com/ 3. Unashamed Podcast https://www.unashamedtruth.com/ 4. Ten Minute Bible Hour https://www.thetmbh.com/podcast 5. Back Porch Theology https://www.accessmore.com/pd/Lisa-Harpers-Back-Porch-Theology 6. Remnant Radio Podcast https://theremnantradio.com/ 7. Passion City Church DC https://passioncitychurch.com/podcasts/passion-city-church-d-c/ 8. Passion City Church https://passioncitychurch.com/originals/messages/ 9. Fresh Life Church https://www.freshlife.church/messages 10. Community Bible Church https://communitybible.libsyn.com/ Join our newsletter
  • Why did Jesus hide Himself and leave the temple?
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭8:51-59‬. Let’s read the passage, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of… Read more: Why did Jesus hide Himself and leave the temple?
  • Why Jesus didn’t respond to being called a “Samaritan”
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭8:48-50‬. Let’s read the passage, “The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.” ‭‭‭He Loves You‭‭‭‭ In this blog, we are studying John 8:48-50, we will discuss the beautiful reason why Jesus did not respond to being called a Samaritan. We will also discuss demons… Read more: Why Jesus didn’t respond to being called a “Samaritan”
  • Who is your father? (John 8:38-4)
    by Cas Medlin
    ‭‭The Passage This week we will study ‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭8:38-47. Let’s read the passage, “I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of… Read more: Who is your father? (John 8:38-4)
  • Abide in His Word (John 8:31-37)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-37. Let’s read the passage, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the… Read more: Abide in His Word (John 8:31-37)
  • Choosing Life (John 8:21-30)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭8:21-30. Let’s read the passage, “So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am… Read more: Choosing Life (John 8:21-30)
  • Who Will He Be To You? (John 8:13-20)
    by Cas Medlin
     The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭8:13-20. Let’s read the passage, “So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I… Read more: Who Will He Be To You? (John 8:13-20)
  • Reflect the light of Jesus (John 8:12)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study John‬ ‭8:12. So let’s read the passage, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Statements Reveal In ‭‭John‬ ‭8:12,‬ we see that Jesus declares His second, I AM statement. There are seven I AM statements in the book of John, each one is extremely important. There are three things that all of the I AM statements reveal, first they all reveal something about Jesus’ character, second they all reveal Jesus is the… Read more: Reflect the light of Jesus (John 8:12)
  • The Last One Standing (John 7:53,8:1-11)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study John 7:53,8:1-11. So let’s read the passages, [[They went each to his own house, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what… Read more: The Last One Standing (John 7:53,8:1-11)
  • Is this the Christ? (John‬ ‭7:40-52‬‬‬‬‬)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭7:40-52‬‬‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then came to the chief priests… Read more: Is this the Christ? (John‬ ‭7:40-52‬‬‬‬‬)
  • Why the Resurrection of Jesus matters in your life today
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage Today is Easter, the day that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. So let’s read Luke 24:1-12, “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek… Read more: Why the Resurrection of Jesus matters in your life today
  • Only Two Choices | Luke 23:32-43 | A Good Friday Bible Study
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage Today is Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion. So let’s read Luke‬ ‭23:32-43, “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save… Read more: Only Two Choices | Luke 23:32-43 | A Good Friday Bible Study
  • Triumphant Entry (Luke 19:28-40)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage Today is Palm Sunday, so we are going to study Jesus’ triumphant entry. So let’s read Luke‬ ‭19:28-40, “And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say… Read more: Triumphant Entry (Luke 19:28-40)
  • Rivers of Living Water (John 7:37-39)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭7:37-39‬‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” What the Parable Meant In ‭‭John‬ ‭7:37-39‬, we see that… Read more: Rivers of Living Water (John 7:37-39)
  • Who was in Control? (John‬ ‭7:25-36)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭7:25-36‬‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have… Read more: Who was in Control? (John‬ ‭7:25-36)
  • Who are you Glorifying? (John 7:14-24)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study John‬ ‭7:14-24. So let’s read the passage,“About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the… Read more: Who are you Glorifying? (John 7:14-24)
  • Stumbling Block or Cornerstone (John 7:1-13)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭7:1-13‬‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus… Read more: Stumbling Block or Cornerstone (John 7:1-13)
  • The Words of Eternal Life (John 6:60-71)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭6:60-71‬‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are… Read more: The Words of Eternal Life (John 6:60-71)
  • Jesus is the living bread (John 6:41-59)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭6:41-59‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will… Read more: Jesus is the living bread (John 6:41-59)
  • The Food that Endures Forever (John‬ ‭6:22-40‬‬‬)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭‭‭John‬ ‭6:22-40‬‬‬. So let’s read the passage, “On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum,… Read more: The Food that Endures Forever (John‬ ‭6:22-40‬‬‬)
  • I Am He, do not be afraid (John 6:14-21)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we will study ‭‭John‬ ‭6:14-21‬. So let’s read the passage, “When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough… Read more: I Am He, do not be afraid (John 6:14-21)
  • Give your all to Jesus (John 6:1-13)
    by Cas Medlin
    John‬ ‭6:1-13 The Passage This week we are going to study John‬ 6:1-13. So let’s read the passage, “After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to… Read more: Give your all to Jesus (John 6:1-13)
  • Witnesses to Jesus (John 5:30-47)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we are going to study John‬ ‭5:30-47. So let’s read the passage,‭‭ “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive… Read more: Witnesses to Jesus (John 5:30-47)
  • Truly, truly I say to you (John 5:19-29)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we are going to study ‭‭John‬ ‭5:19-29. So let’s read the passage, “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life… Read more: Truly, truly I say to you (John 5:19-29)
  • Not a Burden but a Blessing (John‬ ‭5:9-18)
    by Cas Medlin
    John 5:9-18 The Passage This week we are going to study ‭‭John‬ ‭5:9-18‬, so let’s read the passage, “And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your… Read more: Not a Burden but a Blessing (John‬ ‭5:9-18)
  • Proverbs 6:6-8 #proverbs #proverbs668 #bible #bibleverse #ants #sluggers #bewise #ant #christian
    by Cas Medlin
  • Unexpected Healing at the Pool (John 5:1-9)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Passage This week we are going to study John‬ ‭5:1-9‬, so let’s read the passage, “After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”… Read more: Unexpected Healing at the Pool (John 5:1-9)
  • Start this year off right
    by Cas Medlin
    This week we are going to celebrate the start of the New Year. This is not a Christian holiday, but it is a holiday that starts a new season in our lives. Many will set goals as we go into the New Year. During this time so many of us are thinking over the last year of our lives and looking forward to the coming year. During this time as we are looking back, it is so easy to focus on all the things that we did wrong or that needs improvement. Instead of looking at what needs improvement in… Read more: Start this year off right
  • The Christmas Child (Luke‬ ‭2:1-7)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Christmas Child The Passage This week we are celebrating Christmas, so let’s read ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:1-7, ‭‭“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while… Read more: The Christmas Child (Luke‬ ‭2:1-7)
  • The Wise Men’s Journey (Matthew 2:1-12)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Wise Men’s Journey (Matthew 2:1-12) The Passage This week we are going to look at the wise men, Herod, and the Bethlehem Star, so let’s read ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2:1-12‬, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests… Read more: The Wise Men’s Journey (Matthew 2:1-12)
  • Great News for everyone (Luke 2:8-21)
    by Cas Medlin
    Great News for everyone The Passage This week we are going to look at the shepherds so let’s read the passage, “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city… Read more: Great News for everyone (Luke 2:8-21)
  • The Family of Jesus
    by Cas Medlin
    The family of Jesus Jesus’ Family For the next couple of weeks, we are going to take a break from our study through John to celebrate Christmas. So this week we are going to start by studying the genealogies of Jesus’ family. The same place Matthew started when recording the story of Jesus and maybe the most skipped passage in the entire Bible. There are two genealogies of Jesus covered in the gospels. The first is in Matthew 1:1-17, this genealogy covers Joseph’s (Jesus’ adopted father) genealogy. One thing that I find most interesting about the genealogy in Matthew is… Read more: The Family of Jesus
  • He is waiting (Study of John 4:43-54)
    by Cas Medlin
    Study of John 4:43-54 The Passage This week we are going to study ‭‭John‬ ‭4:43-54‬. So let’s read the passage, “After the two days he departed for Galilee. (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When… Read more: He is waiting (Study of John 4:43-54)
  • Rejoice and Be Thankful
    by Cas Medlin
    Rejoice and Be thankful The First Thanksgiving This week we are celebrating Thanksgiving and we will continue our study through John next week. Most of us in America probably know the story of the first Thanksgiving, but I will do a brief summary for those who do not. The First Thanksgiving occurred this way, the pilgrims had just arrived in America and that year the winter was very harsh, it was so terrible that it was called the starving time. More than half of the pilgrims died. The reason was from lack of food, sickness, and from having to stay… Read more: Rejoice and Be Thankful
  • The Samaritan Harvest (John‬ ‭4:27-42)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Samaritan Harvest The Passage This week we are going to study ‭‭John‬ ‭4:27-42‬. So let’s read the passage, Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him,… Read more: The Samaritan Harvest (John‬ ‭4:27-42)
  • Thirst no more (John 4:1-26)
    by Cas Medlin
    Thirst no more (John 4:1-26) The Passage This week we are going to study John 4:1-26. So let’s read the passage, “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was… Read more: Thirst no more (John 4:1-26)
  • He must increase, we must decrease (John 3:22-36)
    by Cas Medlin
    He must increase, we must decrease He must increase, we must decrease He must increase, we must decrease Listen or read The Passage This week we are going to study John 3:22-36. So let’s read the passage, “After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.… Read more: He must increase, we must decrease (John 3:22-36)
  • Light into the darkness (John 3:16-21)
    by Cas Medlin
    Listen or read Light into the darkness, This week we are going to study John 3:16-21. This passage has one of the most famous Bible verses of all time, but I very rarely hear the other verses in this passage discussed.  So, let’s read this passage together, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is… Read more: Light into the darkness (John 3:16-21)
  • Born of the Spirit (John 3:1-15)
    by Cas Medlin
    listen or read This week we are going to study John 3:1-15. So, let’s read this passage together, “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be… Read more: Born of the Spirit (John 3:1-15)
  • Our temple cleaned (John 2:13-25)
    by Cas Medlin
    listen or read Our temple cleaned, This week we are going to study John 2:13-25. So, let’s read the passage, “The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple, he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make… Read more: Our temple cleaned (John 2:13-25)
  • Water into wine (John 2:1-12)
    by Cas Medlin
    Water into wine Listen or read This week we are going to study John 2:1-12. So, let’s read the passage, “On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six… Read more: Water into wine (John 2:1-12)
  • Ladder from Heaven (John 1:43-51)
    by Cas Medlin
    Listen or read Ladder from Heaven, This week we are going to study John 1:43-51. So, let’s read the passage, “The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming… Read more: Ladder from Heaven (John 1:43-51)
  • Called (John 1:35-42)
    by Cas Medlin
    Listen or read Study through John 1:35-42, This week we are going to study John 1:35-42, this passage is about Jesus calling the first disciples. So, let’s read the passage, “The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them,… Read more: Called (John 1:35-42)
  • Reflecting on 9/11 and praying for their families
    by Cas Medlin
    Listen or read Today is 9/11, the day that we remember the attack on our nation, when many lost their lives, the ones who were in the buildings, planes, and the heroes who were trying to rescue those who were inside. This is a hard day for our nation, especially for the many who lost loved ones and friends that day. We need to be praying for those who lost friends and loved ones both on 9/11 and the war that followed it. This is especially important this year, because it has been twenty years since 9/11 and over the… Read more: Reflecting on 9/11 and praying for their families
  • Jesus’ Baptism (John 1:29-34)
    by Cas Medlin
    Listen or read Jesus’ Baptism, This week we are going to study John 1:29-34, this passage is about John the Baptist baptizing Jesus and identifying Him as the Messiah. So, let’s read the passage, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to… Read more: Jesus’ Baptism (John 1:29-34)
  • Be Prepared to Give an Answer (John 1:19-28)
    by Cas Medlin
    Be Prepared to Give an Answer (John 1:19-28) Listen or read This week we are going to study John 1:19-28, this passage is about John the Baptist. So, let’s read the passage, “Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally, they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to… Read more: Be Prepared to Give an Answer (John 1:19-28)
  • The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
    by Cas Medlin
    The Word Became Flesh Listen or read Last week I let you know we were going to start with John and study through the book of John together. This week we are going to start with John 1:1-18. But first we need to give you some background on who John was and the purpose of the book of John. John the son of Zebedee was the one who wrote the book of John. John was also the only gospel written by someone in Jesus’ inner circle. The other gospel writers received some of their information from the three in the… Read more: The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
  • The story behind the blog and the future of the blog
    by Cas Medlin
    The story behind the blog and the future of the blog, Listen or read This week, I am going to tell you the story behind Weekly Biblical Encouragement and some plans for the future. There are several things I need you to know to tell this story. First my name is Cas Medlin, I am only 17 years old, I have attended Christian schools and been in Church my whole life. The Weekly Biblical Encouragement idea first came to mind when I was about fourteen years old, but thinking about my life before that, I can see God was preparing… Read more: The story behind the blog and the future of the blog
  • Can you trust the Bible
    by Cas Medlin
    Can you trust the Bible? This week we are going to show you evidence that the Bible is true. So many people think that the Bible is unreliable, because they have been told this and have not researched it for themselves, but many would trust that we know everything that Plato, Aristotle, or Homer said. The main reason is because the world and school tries to convince us that the New Testament is inaccurate, but they do not question the facts about other ancient texts. Today we only have 7 copies of Plato’s works and the closest copy we have… Read more: Can you trust the Bible
  • Spirit instead of law
    by Cas Medlin
    Spirit instead of law Listen or read This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does… Read more: Spirit instead of law
  • Broken
    by Cas Medlin
    When we look around we are likely to all feel that the world is broken, but none of us know what a perfect world looks like. So where do we get this inherent knowledge that there is something wrong with the world and with us? The Bible says in  Romans‬ ‭8:22-23, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” See,… Read more: Broken
  • To all the earth
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the… Read more: To all the earth
  • Another with us
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start with some verses from God’s word, “But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men… Read more: Another with us
  • Dry or Spirit
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s words, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these… Read more: Dry or Spirit
  • Be Ready!
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, ““For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in… Read more: Be Ready!
  • Our Heavenly Family
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so… Read more: Our Heavenly Family
  • Equipped before the battle
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the… Read more: Equipped before the battle
  • Is it your time
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go… Read more: Is it your time
  • Not how we expect
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word,““There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand… Read more: Not how we expect
  • The gift of the Spirit
    by Cas Medlin
    Today is Pentecost, the day that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles and then on many Christians. Now let’s start off with some verses from God’s word, “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the… Read more: The gift of the Spirit
  • Prompting of the Spirit
    by Cas Medlin
    Next week is Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples, so this week I want to talk to you about the Holy Spirit in preparation for next Sunday. So let’s start off with some verses from God’s word, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful… Read more: Prompting of the Spirit
  • Power of Input
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is… Read more: Power of Input
  • Choose Him every moment
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits… Read more: Choose Him every moment
  • None worthy without Him
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And… Read more: None worthy without Him
  • In Tune
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man… Read more: In Tune
  • Here and Now
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify… Read more: Here and Now
  • Alive and moving today
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the… Read more: Alive and moving today
  • Your choice
    by Cas Medlin
    Today I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is the… Read more: Your choice
  • Palm Sunday
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses from God’s word, “Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the… Read more: Palm Sunday
  • Miracles we miss
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take Him into the boat,… Read more: Miracles we miss
  • Jesus cures hopelessness
    by Cas Medlin
    Since this pandemic started there seems to be this feeling of hopelessness, because we see all that is going on through the distorted eyes of the media. The media is not covering all the good just the bad and if all the interaction we have  with the outside world is through the view of the media, then it is very easy to allow hopelessness to settle in. It is also easy to feel hopeless when all the interaction with our families is  through a screen or from a distance. Another thing that makes people feel hopeless is by being stuck… Read more: Jesus cures hopelessness
  • Our Purpose
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the… Read more: Our Purpose
  • Daily Battles
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,… Read more: Daily Battles
  • Seeking Revival
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:35 ‬ This week I want to encourage you in these words that Jesus said, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I believe that God wrote the desire to help others in the core of our being and that it is a constant battle… Read more: Seeking Revival
  • The Relationship you were made for
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verse,“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father… Read more: The Relationship you were made for
  • Storm Calmer
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to… Read more: Storm Calmer
  • Light or dark
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, ““No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a… Read more: Light or dark
  • Change in direction
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, ‘When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. The Jews objected, so I was compelled to… Read more: Change in direction
  • The power of looking back
    by Cas Medlin
    This week we are going to discuss the power of looking back. So let’s start off with some verses, ‘That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then… Read more: The power of looking back
  • Nothing without love
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‭In these verses Paul tells the Corinthians, if… Read more: Nothing without love
  • Turning walls into doors
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but… Read more: Turning walls into doors
  • Are you His Hands and feet?
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at a table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need… Read more: Are you His Hands and feet?
  • Celebrating Jesus
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time… Read more: Celebrating Jesus
  • Greatest Celebration
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2:11‬; “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:20‬ There are several things we can learn from these verses. The first things we can learn from the wise men and shepherds is that Jesus came for all, from the magi who… Read more: Greatest Celebration
  • Seeing the needs
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25. Some people have been thinking about what a post COVID world looks like and I get it, I am looking forward to that day too, but we as a church and as Christians have an opportunity to step up during COVID. Which may not be in… Read more: Seeing the needs
  • No longer slaves to sin
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with a verse, “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:34‬ ‭In this verse Jesus says that anyone who practices sin is a slave to it and according to Romans 3:23 we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. So we are all slaves to sin, but back in Bible times there was something called the Year of Jubilee where all the slaves were freed every 7 years and were allowed to live as free men or… Read more: No longer slaves to sin
  • Give thanks to your Heavenly Father
    by Cas Medlin
    This week is going to be a little different, I want to remind you that the pilgrims had the first thanksgiving as a thanks to God for bringing them to America and giving them such a successful harvest. I think this has similarities to the Passover in several ways, first where God told them to remember Egypt where He spared them and brought them to the promised land, then in the way they celebrate every year with remembering what God did for them. The pilgrims were a God fearing group that thanked God through prayers and feasting that first thanksgiving.… Read more: Give thanks to your Heavenly Father
  • Do you have a river of living water
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” ‭‭John‬ ‭7:37-39‬ ‭In these verses Jesus says He is the living water and anyone… Read more: Do you have a river of living water
  • Does your life have salt
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:34-35‬ ‭God has called Christians to be the salt of the earth. This means when God looks down at the earth He sees someone who is different from the rest of the world. Salt in ancient times was used for many different purposes, it was a… Read more: Does your life have salt
  • The storm of the Spirit
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with a verse, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13, This week at my house, tropical storm Zeta came through, we had a power outage for 3 days and a bunch of fallen trees. It swept through our entire area and we talked to our neighbors more during this time than in a long time. I was thinking what if the Holy Spirit swept through our land in the same… Read more: The storm of the Spirit
  • God called us to love all
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”  And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”  But he, desiring to… Read more: God called us to love all
  • What is the fruit of your root?
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,  for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:43‭-‬45  In this passage Jesus uses an example of fruit for those who are… Read more: What is the fruit of your root?
  • Our limitless God
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.… Read more: Our limitless God
  • A cultural river
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them  in the… Read more: A cultural river
  • Prayer can open jail cells, what will your prayer do
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said… Read more: Prayer can open jail cells, what will your prayer do
  • He can use even the bad days
    by Cas Medlin
    This week I want to start off with some verses, Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. But striking a reef,  they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.… Read more: He can use even the bad days

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