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For centuries, people have been looking for signs of the end times. With all that is happening in the world today, it's only natural to wonder if we are living in the end times. While there are many different interpretations of the Bible, there are some things that are generally agreed upon. In this blog post, we will explore some of the signs of the end times that have already happened. The state of Israel The state of Israel is a controversial topic in the world today. Some people believe that the state of Israel is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, while others believe that it is an illegitimate state. There are a variety of different opinions on the matter, but there are some signs that the end times may be near. One sign that the end times may be near is the increased violence in the world. This violence includes both terrorist attacks and natural disasters. The Bible says that there will be an increase in violence in the last days (Matthew 24:7). Another sign is the increasing number of people who are embracing atheism and rejecting God. The Bible says that in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:2). There are also political signs that the end times may be near. One sign is the rise of anti-Semitism. The Bible says that in the last days, there will be a time when “many will fall away and hate one another” (Matthew 24:10). Another sign is the formation of coalitions and alliances between nations. The Bible says that in the last days, there will be “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). Ultimately, only God knows when the end times will come. However, there are some signs that indicate that we may be living in the last days. It is important to stay close to God and to be prepared for His return. The rise of technology The end times are a difficult thing to predict because there are so many variables. However, many people believe that we are living in the end times because of the rapid rise of technology. In the past, it took centuries for new technologies to develop and be adopted by society. However, now new technologies are developed and adopted at an incredibly fast pace. This rapid rise of technology has led to many signs that the end times are near. For example, the Bible predicts that in the end times there will be a great increase in knowledge (Daniel 12:4). This is clearly happening today as we have access to more information than ever before. Additionally, the Bible predicts that in the end times there will be great advancements in transportation and communication (Revelation 11:9). Again, this is something that we are seeing today with the development of things like cars, trains, planes, and smartphones. Of course, not every advancement in technology is a sign of the end times. However, when taken as a whole, the rapid rise of technology does seem to be fulfilling some biblical prophecies about the end times. The increase in natural disasters There has been a significant increase in natural disasters in recent years. Many believe that this is one of the signs of the end times that was prophesied in the Bible. There have been more hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other destructive weather events in the past few years than at any other time in history. This has led many people to believe that we are now living in the end times that were prophesied in the Bible. The Bible says that there will be “wars and rumors of wars” in the end times (Matthew 24:6). This seems to be happening as well, with an increase in terrorist attacks and civil wars around the world. The Bible also says that there will be “famines and plagues” (Luke 21:11). This is certainly happening today, with millions of people starving to death each year due to hunger and disease. All of these things seem to be leading up to something big. We can only hope that it is not the end of the world as we know it. The increase in violence and war The increase in violence and war is one of the most significant signs that the end times are near. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Throughout history, there have been periods of peace and periods of war. However, what we are seeing today is an unprecedented increase in both the frequency and intensity of violence and conflict. In the last century alone, we have seen two world wars with millions of casualties. And currently, there are dozens of ongoing conflicts around the globe resulting in thousands of deaths each year. This increase in violence is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:6-7. We can be confident that we are living in the end times and that Christ’s return is drawing near. The increase in false prophets and false religions There has been a significant increase in false prophets and false religions in recent years. This is one of the most clear signs that we are in the end times. False prophets are those who claim to have a special connection to God or Jesus and who use that claim to make money or gain power. There have always been some false prophets, but their numbers have increased dramatically in recent years. Many of them are very charismatic and convincing, and they can easily lure people into their false beliefs. False religions are based on a distorted view of Christianity or other faiths. They often promote violence, hate, and bigotry. Like false prophets, there have always been some false religions, but their numbers have also increased dramatically in recent years. They are a major threat to the peace and security of the world. The Fall of Babylon The city of Babylon was founded in 612 BCE by King Nabopolassar, who made it his capital. It rapidly became a great metropolis, renowned for its grandeur and luxury. In 539 BCE, Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, and became a province of the Persian Empire. However, the city retained its importance, serving as a center of administration and trade. In 327 BCE, Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia at the Battle of Gaugamela, and took Babylon without a fight. After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, his empire was divided among his generals. Seleucus I Nicator established the Seleucid dynasty and made Antioch his capital; however, Babylonia continued to be an important part of his realm, with Babylon serving as a secondary capital. In 141 BCE, the Parthian Empire conquered Babylonia; however, it was later retaken by the Romans under Emperor Augustus in 1 CE. Although no longer a political power center, Babylon remained an important commercial city until its decline began in the 3rd century CE. A number of factors contributed to this decline: changes in trade routes, repeated invasions and natural disasters. The final blow came in 1258 CE when Mongols sacked and destroyed the city. The Rise of the Antichrist The Bible prophesies that the end times will be marked by the rise of the Antichrist, a global leader who will deceive many people into following him. The Antichrist will bring about a time of great tribulation, during which God will intervene to protect his people. While there are many different interpretations of how these events will unfold, there are certain signs that indicate that the end times are near. Here are some of the signs of the biblical prophesied end times that have already happened: 1. The world is becoming increasingly evil. This is evident in the increasing number of natural disasters, wars, and acts of terrorism. 2. People are becoming more and more materialistic and self-centered. This is reflected in the rising levels of greed, selfishness, and envy. 3. Moral values are declining. This can be seen in the acceptance of abortion, pornography, and other forms of immorality. 4. There is a growing hostility toward Christianity. This is evidenced by the persecution of Christians in many parts of the world and the efforts to silence them in others. 5. The nation Israel is under attack like never before. This is one of the most significant signs because it was prophesied that Israel would be restored as a nation just before the end times began (Ezekiel 36-39). continued here   Read the full article

Zeb Prays And Shares Thoughts About Faith And Works And Using One's Musical Talents To Worship and Glorify Jesus Read the full article

Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling…” I’ve sung these lyrics from “O Come to the Altar” countless times. I’ve heard the song at church, at conferences, in my car … but never did I expect to hear it on a hit Netflix show. It wasn’t just the song. The entire church scene from Beef felt pulled from my life. As the worship band sang, the camera panned through the room to reveal congregants with their eyes closed and hands raised, a sea of black hair swaying in a rhythm that I knew all too well. The sanctuary was well worn and outdated, the kind of space that could easily be converted into a multipurpose room. Mismatched chairs in rows served as pews, and the tilted commercial vertical blinds didn’t really block out the light. The doughnuts after the service were all too familiar. The only way it could’ve been better is if they had eaten rice, kimchi, and bean sprout or radish soup. In the Netflix dark comedy Beef—currently the most popular show on the platform—actor Steven Yeun costars as Danny Cho, a struggling contractor who gets involved in a road rage incident. He’s had a hard life, and in a rock-bottom moment, he walks into a church sanctuary. Danny feels out of place in a room that aesthetically is anything but conducive to worship, yet he gets immersed in the communal praise around him. He cries, and a pastor comes to pray over him. The worship hit especially close to home for me; not only did it remind me of nearly every Korean American immigrant church I attended growing up, but I also used to serve at the Los Angeles church whose band appears in the show. Hearing lyrics about God’s grace extended to us in our brokenness was so familiar that it felt exposing, nostalgic, and even embarrassing at the same time. The experience was so authentic, it almost felt contrived. For many who grew up in the Korean American church—or in Asian American Christian communities whose church experiences were shaped by Korean American Protestantism—the worship scenes from Beef were instantly recognizable and generated a visceral response. And the reactions proved to be a bit of a Rorschach test. For some, the scene evoked fond memories of growing up in the church in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, or 2000s. It brought to mind those powerful spiritual moments at church that marked their weeks, months, or even years. It brought them back to a time and space where they felt like they truly belonged—a place of shared culture and shared faith. Viewers who knew these kinds of churches may have longed for the communities they had growing up, imperfect but loving in their fellowship. One Korean American pastor friend shared that it reminded him of the moment he said yes to Jesus in college, even though he grew up as a pastor’s kid. Others saw Danny’s tearful visit to the church more negatively. They remembered the ways they were manipulated by church leaders, disillusioned by a performative spirituality, and hurt by the people they were told to trust. The church sanctuary in Beef took them back to spaces where they were ostracized, exploited, and even abused—toxic and traumatizing places that they have worked hard to escape. One reason the worship scenes felt real to us and could immediately trigger our memories may be that the worship was real. That’s what Citizens LA pastor Jason Min, whose praise band played for the church scenes, shared with me. By Min’s account, they were actually leading worship before the cameras, not performing or pretending to do so. Many of the extras in the congregation came from Citizens LA church, and they worshiped like they do each Sunday morning. I know because they were my worship band when I lived in LA. Their worship in Beef resonated before it even aired. The show has an all-Asian cast, and many of those who were working on the set or in the background commented that the worship set scenes impacted them. Min told me that people at the filming commented on the peace they felt or said that singing the lyrics to “O Come to the Altar” a hundred times did something to them. They shared that they didn’t know whether it meant they would go to church or go back to church but that they would be sitting with what they experienced for some time. Article is finished at its source Read the full article

Christianity tells us that Jesus Christ has a dual nature: He’s God, but he’s also man. Orlando playwright Michael Knight’s “Jesus: Origins,” onstage in a New Generation Theatrical production, has its own duality: It wants to be irreverent (and at times it is) but is also curiously respectful to the central teachings of Christianity. That means much like Jesus’ inner struggles, the play sometimes feels as though it’s fighting with itself over which direction to take. Knight’s idea was to present the story of Jesus in the vein of a superhero origin tale, and the best parts of his comedy are the references to all the tropes such comic and movie stories entail. Jesus faces every budding superhero’s crisis of conscience: “I can’t save the whole world,” laments the young man Christians call the savior of the world. A movie-montage-inspired sequence of Jesus comically learning about his divine power is incongruously set to a live performance of the meditative hymn “Mary, Did You Know?” Knight makes good use of what we are told about Jesus’ life in the Bible — and even better use of the good book’s large gap in Jesus’ formative years. One big cheat: The sword-fighting tacitly approved by Jesus. The stage combat livens things up, but the Bible is clear that even when being arrested at the end of his life, Jesus told his followers to put away their swords. If we are meant to think that Jesus matured into that belief, there’s no foreshadowing of that in the play. But Knight does pepper his script with other foreshadowings, sometimes highly effective, sometimes with an overreliance on cringey references to the Crucifixion in the vein of Seth MacFarlane’s adult cartoons. (This is also reflected in the specialty cocktails on offer, which include a gin and elderflower liqueur concoction called the “Nailed It.”) In one early scene, Jesus’ best friend comments on his obsession with sheep — which frequently feature in the Bible’s parables. “I don’t know whether to call you a carpenter or shepherd,” she says. “Thinking of changing professions?” Knight, who also directed, has a shrewd opening: The king — a descendant of Herod the Great, who ordered the Slaughter of the Innocents at the time of Jesus’ birth — has learned about the new Messiah from his father’s notes. He and his henchwoman set out to find him and destroy him, creating the perfect superhero arch-nemesis. The cast is game. Alexander Mrazek can go from imperious to petulant brat in a nanosecond as the evil king, Hannah McGinley Lemasters and Robie Phillips create a loving couple in Mary and Joseph — a loving couple straight from Queens. You know it’s just a matter of time until Mary squawks to her son, whom she refers to as her “little bubbeleh”: “What, were you born in a barn?” Meghan Mitchell and Deanna Quintero are entertaining as Jesus’ BFF — a foreshadowing of his friendship with Mary Magdalene — and the king’s conflicted adviser, respectively. And Josh Melendez beautifully radiates goodness and kindness and, yes, grace as Jesus. The play is too long for its conceit, and the pacing gets thrown off when Knight gets distracted by philosophy instead of hurtling from action scene to action scene like the best superhero movies. Still, as it plays out on its cross-shaped stage, like “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” before, “Jesus: Origins” succeeds in one important way. It shows these Biblical characters as humans — with hopes and fears, dreams and goals. “Jesus: Origins” never quite soars like the best superhero yarns, but its ultimate message of hope would be right at home in an episode of “Superman & Lois” — or a Sunday sermon. ‘Jesus: Origins’ Length: 2:10, including intermission Where: The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando When: Through April 23 Cost: $15 and up Info: newgentheatrical.org Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at [email protected]. Want more theater and arts news and reviews? Go to orlandosentinel.com/arts. Sign up for email newsletters Copyright © 2023 Orlando Sentinel source Read the full article

Those who read the Bible have “far more hope” than those who don't, according to a recent survey released as the number of Americans who prioritize Bible reading continues to decline. The first chapter of American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report, released earlier this month, analyzed responses to a series of questions that measure an individual’s level of hope. The survey polled 2,761 adults across the 50 states from Jan. 5-30. The questions asked respondents to rank their level of agreement with statements describing their feelings “when an outcome I desire seems unlikely or even impossible.” continued at this article's source Read the full article

Background Text: Luke 24:36-49 Devotional Text: John 21:25 The number 40 appears in the Bible over 150 times. Of those times, the words 40 days and 40 nights are found 24 times. Each time, they denote a significance for God and his people. Before we speak about the 40 days Jesus spent teaching his disciples after his resurrection, let’s look at some of the other references to 40 days and 40 nights found in the Bible to get a perspective on their significance. From the Old Testament we start with Genesis 7:4 when God sent rain for 40 days and 40 nights as Noah and his family would remain alive in the ark. Then, in Exodus 24:18 and 34:28, we find Moses going up Mount Sinai to meet with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights. When he returned to the people he brought with him the Ten Commandments from God. Continuing with a few more from the Old Testament: In 1 Samuel 17:4-7, 16, we meet the giant named Goliath who taunted the Israelites every morning and evening for 40 days. During this time, the faith of the Israelites was severely tested until David came forward to meet the giant. Then we find in Jonah 3:4-5, the Lord’s message that Ninevah would be destroyed in 40 days unless they repented of their evil ways. The Ninevites took the prophet’s words to heart and repented, thus saving themselves from destruction at that time. We find that in each of these examples, something took place associated with those 40 days and 40 nights that changed the future for the various people. Now, we move onto the New Testament and the life of Jesus. In the gospels of Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12,13, and Luke 4:1-13, we read about Jesus being led into the desert by the Holy Spirit following his baptism by John the Baptist. We are told that after he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he was hungry. It was following his fast that satan came to tempt him, while Jesus was hungry and in need of food. I could easily spend the rest of today’s column on this subject of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, but will put it aside for another time. Today, let’s just consider this summary: The significance of these 40 days and 40 nights speak to us about our own times of temptation when we are weak and vulnerable. Through the words of satan, the tempter, and Jesus, the Son of God, we learn how to stand up to temptations. The power of Jesus as he used words from Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16 and 6:13, teach us that we can defuse temptations in our own lives. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus orders satan to get away from him and repeats the words of Deuteronomy 6:13, “Fear the Lord and serve him only...” At these words, satan left the presence of Jesus, and Matthew tells us the angels then came and took care of his needs. After his time in the desert, Jesus came back to the towns and cities to begin his ministry. Finally, we turn to the last days of the life of Jesus on earth, the 40 days after his resurrection in which he opened up the word of God to his disciples, proving that he was and is alive, and both teaching and showing them how to spread the Good News to all nations. Let’s start with the scripture found in Luke 24:44-49. In these last verses from the gospel of Luke, following the resurrection, Jesus explained to his disciples that everything he had been telling them about his death and resurrection fulfilled what had been written about him “in the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Starting with verse 45, we learn that Jesus then opened the minds of the disciples to that which had been written previously about his death and resurrection, adding, “and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in my name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what I promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Then, we go onto Acts 1:1-3, which was also written by Luke, and recalls the acts of the Apostles from the time following the resurrection through the early beginnings and growth of the church. We learn in Acts 1:3 that after his resurrection Jesus “showed himself to these men and gave them many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” article is finished at its source Read the full article

continued from HERE He empowers us to be of service One of the most important ways that the Holy Spirit works in our lives is by empowering us to be of service to others. When we become followers of Jesus, we are called to love and serve our neighbors as ourselves. However, this can seem like an overwhelming task at times. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. He gives us the strength and courage we need to step out of our comfort zones and serve those around us. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank or simply taking time to listen and encourage a friend who is going through a difficult time, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, amazing things can happen. It's important to remember that serving others should never be about earning recognition or praise for ourselves. Instead, it should come from a heart that desires nothing more than to show God's love and grace in tangible ways. When we allow ourselves to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for service, not only do we bless those around us but also experience deep joy and fulfillment knowing that we are walking in obedience with Jesus' commandment to love one another as he loved us. So let's take some time today to ask the Holy Spirit how he might want us specifically use our gifts and talents for his kingdom purposes. And then let's boldly step out in faith trusting that he will provide all that we need along the way! He helps us pray The Holy Spirit helps us pray in ways that we cannot even imagine. He intercedes for us, bringing our prayers before God with groanings too deep for words. The Spirit teaches us how to pray and opens up an intimate line of communication between us and our Heavenly Father. When we don't know what to say or how to pray, the Holy Spirit is there to guide us. He prompts us with prayer requests and brings Scriptures to mind that we can use as a foundation for our prayers. This makes prayer more meaningful and personal. Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers our prayers by aligning them with God's will. We may not always know what is best, but the Spirit does! As we allow Him to lead in prayer, we can have confidence that God hears and answers according to His perfect plan. Praying in the power of the Holy Spirit transforms both ourselves and those around us. It strengthens our faith as well as giving hope and encouragement to others who witness it firsthand. Prayer becomes less of a chore or obligation and more of a joyful privilege when led by the Holy Spirit! He guides us The Holy Spirit is the perfect guide for our lives. He leads us in the right direction and helps us make wise decisions that align with God's will for us. Without Him, we would be lost and wandering aimlessly. The Bible says that those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. One way that the Holy Spirit guides us is through a still, small voice within us. It may be a gentle nudge to do something or not to do something, but it always lines up with what we know to be true about God's character and His Word. Another way that He guides us is through other believers who speak truth into our lives. Sometimes this can come in the form of advice from a trusted friend or mentor, or even from a sermon at church. We must also remain open and receptive to how God wants to lead us because sometimes His plans for our lives may look different than what we had envisioned for ourselves. Ultimately, when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we experience peace knowing that we are following in obedience to His will for our lives. He empowers us for building the church The Holy Spirit not only works in our personal lives, but also empowers us to build and strengthen the church. When we speak of "church," we are referring to the community of believers who come together to worship God and grow in faith. Building the church involves more than just physical structures or programs; it's about building relationships with one another, sharing Christ's love, and working together for His kingdom. The Holy Spirit gives us the power and wisdom needed to carry out this important task. When we rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance, He helps us discern where there is a need within our church community. We may feel called to start a new ministry or outreach program that will better serve those around us. Additionally, the Holy Spirit equips each believer with unique spiritual gifts that can be utilized for building up others in the body of Christ. Some may have gifts of teaching or hospitality while others have gifts of leadership or evangelism. Ultimately, it is through these various efforts that we are able to fulfill Jesus' commandment to go forth and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). By being empowered by the Holy Spirit for building up His church, we can impact countless lives for eternity. He gives us spiritual gifts The Holy Spirit is not only present in our lives, but He also gifts us with spiritual gifts. These gifts are given to us for the purpose of serving others and building up the church community. One of the primary purposes of these spiritual gifts is to bring glory to God. The Holy Spirit gives different types of gifts such as prophecy, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment and more. Each gift serves a unique purpose in fulfilling God's plan. It's crucial that we use our spiritual gifts properly and for their intended purpose because they were given by God through His grace. We should ask ourselves what talents or abilities have been entrusted to us by God so that we can use them to serve Him better. Using our spiritual gifts requires humility and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It means recognizing that these abilities come from Him alone and using them according to His will rather than our own desires or agendas. As members of Christ's body here on earth, we need each other's help in fulfilling our roles effectively. Therefore it's important that we identify each other’s' strengths so that together we can work towards achieving greater things for His kingdom! Conclusion The Holy Spirit is an essential part of our Christian walk. He works in our lives daily to bring us closer to God and make us more like Jesus. By making known the presence of Jesus, helping us understand the Bible, calling us to work, empowering us to be of service, helping us pray, guiding us and empowering for building the church and giving spiritual gifts; we can truly experience a fulfilled life with Him. As believers in Christ, it's crucial that we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives by being open and receptive. We must cultivate a close relationship with Him through prayer and study of His Word. When we yield ourselves completely to Him, He will empower us beyond measure. Let's always remember that as Christians who have received this precious gift from God - it is not only necessary but vital that we live out every day filled with His presence through The Holy Spirit working mightily within each one of us! Read the full article

9 ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives today Introduction Have you ever felt a guiding force in your life, leading you towards positivity and goodness? That could be the Holy Spirit at work! The Holy Spirit is a powerful force that can transform our lives in countless ways. Whether we’re seeking guidance or empowerment, the Holy Spirit works to help us become better versions of ourselves. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine different ways that the Holy Spirit can work in your life today. Get ready for some inspiration and insight into how this divine presence can make all the difference! What is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is a person, not just an abstract force or power. He is the third Person of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has always been and will always be present in our lives. He is described as a helper, comforter, guide, teacher and advocate. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are given the gift of His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. The presence of the Holy Spirit empowers us for living out our faith on a daily basis. The work of the Holy Spirit cannot be underestimated in our lives today as believers. He leads us into all truth by revealing Jesus to us through Scripture. We need Him every day to help us grow spiritually because without Him we can do nothing. In summary, understanding who the Holy spirit is helps us better understand how He works in our lives today! How to know if the Holy Spirit is working in your life There are times when we may wonder if the Holy Spirit is truly working in our lives. Here are some signs to look for: Firstly, you will have a growing desire to know and understand God's Word. The Holy Spirit helps us comprehend scripture and apply it to our daily lives. Secondly, you will experience an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. Despite the circumstances around us, the Holy Spirit can give us a deep sense of calm and assurance. Thirdly, you will notice positive changes in your character as you grow more like Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience etc - becomes increasingly evident in your life. Fourthly, there will be moments where you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to act or speak in certain ways. This could be reaching out to someone who needs help or sharing your faith with someone. Lastly but not least important is that your relationships with others become more loving and authentic as the Holy Spirit works through you. It's important to remember that these signs do not always happen overnight; they develop over time as we seek a deeper relationship with God and allow His spirit to work within us. He makes known the presence of Jesus The Holy Spirit works in our lives to make known the presence of Jesus. He reveals Jesus to us and makes His name known. Without the Holy Spirit, we may not fully understand who Jesus is or what He has done for us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to recognize and experience God's love through Jesus Christ. We become aware of His mercy, grace, and forgiveness that was made available through His sacrifice on the cross. As we seek a closer relationship with Him, the Holy Spirit guides us into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and how He desires to be an active presence in our daily lives. We begin to see things from a new perspective as our hearts are opened up to receive all that God has for us. The more time we spend seeking after Him, reading His word and listening for His voice through prayer and worship; The more clearly we can discern when it is truly Him speaking or moving in our lives. Ultimately, it's through knowing Jesus personally that we find true peace and joy in this life. And thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit within us today - We have access to this incredible gift every single day! He makes us more like Jesus The Holy Spirit not only makes the presence of Jesus known to us, but He also works to make us more like Him. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, He begins a transformational work within us. Through His power, we begin to exhibit the same characteristics as Jesus- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our lives as we submit ourselves to His leading. The Holy Spirit guides us in making choices that are pleasing to God. He convicts us when we sin and gently leads us towards repentance. As we yield ourselves more fully to His influence, our minds are renewed and transformed by God's Word. The Holy Spirit helps us develop a heart for others just as Jesus did during his time on earth. We become less self-centered and more focused on serving others with humility and compassion. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives daily through prayer and study of scripture; we experience a greater sense of inner peace knowing that Christ is being formed within us (Galatians 4:19). He helps us understand the Bible The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping us understand the Bible. It is not enough to simply read the words on the page; we need His guidance and revelation to truly comprehend its meaning and significance. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God's Word comes alive within us. We gain insights that we never could have on our own, and scriptures that once seemed confusing or irrelevant suddenly become clear and applicable to our daily lives. As we study God's Word with an open heart and mind, asking for the Holy Spirit's illumination, He begins to reveal new truths and perspectives that deepen our understanding. We begin to see how different parts of scripture connect together in a beautiful tapestry of themes and messages. The Holy Spirit also helps us apply what we learn from scripture into real-life situations. He brings conviction when we stray from God's ways, comforts us when we are feeling lost or alone, and guides us towards decisions that align with His will for our lives. Ultimately, it is through the work of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with scripture that true transformation takes place within us. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God...that may be complete, equipped for every good work." He calls us to work The Holy Spirit is not only concerned with our personal growth and relationship with Jesus, but also with our role in God's mission on earth. One way the Holy Spirit works in our lives today is by calling us to work for His kingdom. This call can come in many forms, whether it be a specific ministry or vocation that aligns with our talents and passions, or simply being faithful to serve wherever we are planted. The important thing is that we respond to this call and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Sometimes this may mean stepping out of our comfort zone or taking risks for the sake of sharing the Gospel or serving others. But when we trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence that He will equip us for whatever task He has called us to. It's easy to get caught up in our own desires and ambitions, but when we surrender them to God and seek His will above all else, amazing things can happen. Through obedience to His call, we not only bless others but also experience deeper fulfillment and purpose in life. So let's listen closely for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He calls us into action for Him! continued here Read the full article

Did you know that Isaiah 53 is a FORBIDDEN CHAPTER in most synagogues? We read this powerful prophecy with Israelis on the streets. See how deeply they were moved as they came face to face with their Messiah! Subtitles in Deutsch, 中文 (繁體/簡體), Español, Português, Polskie & more to come! |  This video has reached almost 11 million views in various languages. Please like, share, and spread the message! God is opening the eyes of the Jewish people to their Messiah more than any time in 2,000 years! To find out more, support, and get our newsletter with inspiring stories, please visit: https://TreeofLifeIsrael.org Read the full article