Watersprings Church Podcast Watersprings Church

In the New Testament, persecution of Disciples was never, always, and everywhere. There were pockets and seasons just like in the world today. Therefore, we should remember to pray for those believers who are suffering for their faith even as we gather for worship week by week.

In Hebrews 13:3, we are urged to ‘Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.’ This underscores the unity of the Body of Christ, the universal church composed of all Jesus's loyal disciples, who are bound together by the Holy Spirit. (See John 17:1ff)

Even though the disciples of the first century were still being moved around because of religious persecution, circumstances seem to have changed, with a pause in the aggressive persecution, enough to give the early church and leaders a chance to grow and flourish.

When Peter ventures out to check on the believers, he becomes a vessel for God's miraculous works, which, in turn, lead others to Jesus. This serves as a powerful reminder that the wonderful works of God are indeed transformative. They are His alone, and He deserves all the Glory. If this is not the case, something is amiss.

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Exodus 6:28-7:13

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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Paul was a menace to the early church. But after his debilitating encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, things for Saul changed. They will continue to change as Saul is more and more conformed to the image of Jesus as a disciple. The Holy Spirit will fill and empower him for his new life.

Like many of us, Paul carried the scars and baggage of his old life, a life that was a far cry from the faithful disciple he was becoming. Despite the transformation, remnants of his past lingered, tarnishing his witness. It is a reminder that our faith changes us, but it is our steadfast loyalty to God over time that truly reveals our transformation to others.

For many of us, it has been years, even decades, since we began our journey with Jesus. Yet, some people still struggle to see the new life we are striving to live, choosing to judge us based on our past. But we are not defined by our past. We are, by faith, children of God, and as such, we are heirs to all His promises. And His promises, every single one of them, are 'yes' and 'amen'.

As the apostle Paul, Saul wrote to the churches in Galatia, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26–29)

Can we look beyond someone's past and help them into their future? They are different from what they were but are still growing into what they shall be in Jesus Christ.

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Call us: 208.524.4747
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Exodus 6

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Call us: 208.524.4747
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

One of the most disturbing passages in the New Testament is found in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21–23) 

This shows us that everything about showing an outward “faith” can be faked somehow. The worst part is that those who are deceived are the ones who think that they are doing all the right things. James 1:22, says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” So, there appears to be a contrast between a loyal relationship with God in faithful discipleship and one simply based on just doing the work to try to be seen or appease God. 

Know God is following Him fully. Jesus also asks, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46–49)

Our foundations can be rattled, but if we build our lives on Jesus, we will not be moved! (Psalm 127:1ff; 1 Corinthians 3:11) If we are going to follow Jesus and be His disciples, we need to be with Jesus, learn from and become live Jesus, and do as Jesus would do. This is not always easy, and there are times when we will have many questions for our teacher. Know this: God is not afraid of our questions. Why? Because good students ask questions!

References:
Proverbs 20:22
Psalm 27:14
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
1 Samual 15:22–23

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.

Exodus 6

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Call us: 208.524.4747
prayer@watersprings.net

Online Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.php
Serve at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...

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DISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.