James Reed's FORGE James Reed

Jesus and His disciples are now heading south from the mount of transfiguration. Jesus has told them where they are going and what is going to happen. There is a decisiveness as Jesus is passing through Galilee for the final time. Jesus is not going to be stopping. His final destination is Jerusalem. We’ve just read that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. After He is killed, He will rise again on the third day. As we’ve pointed out before, the disciples did not understand this; they were afraid to ask Him about it. I want us to notice today not only what Jesus says, but how He reacts to the disciples.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support

This episode was first posted on March 19, 2024. I had to do some edits. Hopefully, this is the better recording. In this episode, we might begin to understand why people wanted to make Jesus their king. However, what was in the minds of people had more to do with physical healing and free food than with true followership. We are going to further see that Jesus is and was God in the flesh- the same God of the Old Testament is the God of the New!




---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support

Today our attention is turned once again to a demonic confrontation where our Lord Jesus Christ shows yet again His power over evil. This account is also found in Matthew and Luke giving us 3 different witnesses. When taken together we get a full picture of what was going on. In Matthew 17:14-21 we learn that the young boy at the center of this narrative was epileptic and suffered severely. Luke 9:37-43 lets us know that this young boy is his father’s only child. When we put it all together we see a boy who has a mute spirit, foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and suffers from epilepsy or seizers.

These demons are those spiritual beings, corrupt and hostile to both God and man, whom Jesus exorcised from their victims. These disgusting vile creatures are permanently opposed to God, and as such they hate His image bearers (humanity), and they hate the Kingdom of God. Since the cross of Christ, the preaching of the gospel, and the expansion of His glorious kingdom, we do not see their power demonstrated anything like it was before Christ came. Satan is bound, and he is bound right now. I’ve heard it explained like this: Satan is like a dog on a chain. He’s still there and vicious as ever, but he is chained. Christ has permitted him to only go so far. Concerning demons, John Calvin said, “they drag their chains wherever they go.” Just remember, they are chained though. We have seen them time and again recognize and fear Christ, and we’ve seen how they are subjected to His authority. Martin Luther stated that the devil is God’s devil. So, while we may see demonic things, and it may appear that we are surrounded by evil we would do well to remember that these forces have no power over God’s elect. Demons are our Lord’s defeated enemies. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them in it.” Demons are limited in their power and are permitted to do whatever they do only for the glory of God as His people contend and defeat them in the name of Christ. So, as we study this today, do not be afraid.

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support

The text is from Matthew 21:1-11. May this be an encouragement to all who hear it.

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support

This is late getting posted, but there were many audio issues to work out. The text is from Luke 24:13-34. May this be a blessing to all who hear it. This sermon was preached at Green Meadow Community Church (CRC) by Pastor James.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support

Last week we celebrated the Lord’s resurrection. Today, we are going to cover some things which happened in the life and ministry of Jesus before His glorious resurrection. Hopefully this will be an encouragement to you as you continue to walk with Christ. You have heard me say this before, but it bears repeating. Not only is the purpose of preaching to proclaim the gospel of Christ, but for those who are Christians we attend and learn so that we will be equipped to go do the work of the ministry. You have a job to do as a Christian, and I do what I can to equip and teach you for whatever God has called you to do. With that said, I’d like for us to consider Christ’s Glory today in terms of His authority and His return.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-reed877/support