Weekly Message

Do human beings have an immortal soul that will separate from the physical body when we die? Most people assume the belief is taught in the bible but it really comes from somewhere else. Do you actually know where the idea comes from? Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c The idea of an immortal soul does not leap off the pages of the bible… it is not the obvious conclusion drawn from reading scripture. It is an ancient idea, embedded in the traditions we pass down from generation to generation. Furthermore, it is an assumption people have before they ever read scripture... It is a false assumption which lead to false interpretations, false conclusions, and false teaching. [leads to doubt, disillusionment, disobedience] Before we go any further let's summarize what the bible does tells us: humans are mortal/material... we have a spirit component added by God which lets us understand the things of God... the material body dies and dissolves... the spirit component returns to God... that spirit component without a body is not alive... we can be raised to new life... that spirit can be put together with a new body... those in Christ receive a new body composed of spirit no longer subject to death. In between the death of our body and our resurrection there is nothing. Read this message on our blog: 👉 Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The Lake of Fire which permanently destroys all those who refuse to repent is the final step in God's plan for bringing many children into His family. If we are to enjoy a world... an eternity... where there are no tears, no sorrow, pain, violence, envy, or hatred... refusing to repent and obey is a type of thinking doesn't fit in. Even if such people are 100% sincere... even if they truly believe their choice is the best for themselves, and for others... it isn't... and it must stop. And there is an answer for this sad necessity... the permanent destruction pictured by the Lake of Fire. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c God does not give up on people, people give up on God! God gives everyone all the help, encouragement and opportunity for success each and every person needs to inherit eternal life. Each individual shows by their actions that they do, or do not, want eternal life in God's Family—and so God, in love, gives it to some, but not to others. Malachi 4:1-4 ... these are some of the closing words of the Old Testament Revelation 21:7-8 ... these are also some of the closing words of the New Testament Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Daniel's vision of the 4 Beasts concerns the successive kingdoms that will dominate the world of Israel until the end of the present age. At the end of that sequence of earthly kingdoms comes the kingdom of God lead by the Son of Man. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c The Son of Man Daniel 7:13-14 here we find important aspects of the Messiah which were widely misunderstood until the coming of Jesus in the flesh. We are able to connect these verses to the NT explanation through the use of the key phrase, "Son of Man". Two persons are clearly distinguished: the Son of Man, AND the Ancient of Days. This is an OT glimpse into the plurality of the God family... this is later explained in the NT as the Father and the Son. The Son of Man is served and worshiped as a God. Daniel uses this Aramaic word pelak 9 times, every single time it is used as service and worship rendered unto a God [see Daniel 3:14,17]. This is a prophecy of a messiah who is more than just a great, powerful, or wise human being. The Son of Man, is also God... but He is not the Ancient of Days. This does not make sense until Jesus comes in the flesh. The Son of Man comes to earth "from heaven". He does not merely rule in the hearts and minds of believers. His government is clearly depicted as the end of a sequence of earthly kingdoms. The messiah rules all races, cultural groups, and nations... not just believers. o"With the clouds of heaven” is another key phrase NT books use to tie back to this prophecy. The Son of Man operates on the authority of the Ancient of Days. This relationship of authority and submission is explained more fully in the NT as the relationship of a Father and Son. See especially 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The title"Son of Man" is a perfect summary of Jesus Christ. He is a SON - a member of the God family. He is born OF MAN - a member of the God family who took on the form of flesh and blood. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

We all know and acknowledge there is evil in the world, but how did it get there? Was it a mistake, or fatal flaw? Some point to the presence of evil in the world as their reason for disbelief in God. If a good God exists why would He allow evil to continue? What does the bible say about the origin of evil and its ongoing presence in our world? Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The God of Peace Will be With You... so rejoice. In this final message covering the letter to Phillipi Paul offers additional insight on how to develop a joyful mindset: - The power of positive thinking & prayer ] - Endurance and perseverance - Gaining perspective on tithes and offerings Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Rejoice - this call to live in a mindset of joy has been one of Paul's great themes for this letter. Rejoice because God is with you "Lord is near". This should be read with a sense of God's presence, walking with you and beside you in your life [not a reference to end-time events concerning the return of Christ]. Psalm 145:18-19; 119:151; 34:17-18. Rejoice always - exert the effort to make this a mental habit not a once in a while fix. Gentleness - the Greek word here is epiekes which is about willingness to meet people halfway, seeking peace through establishing common ground. Here are some places the word is used NT: 1 Timothy 3:3 where it is presented as the opposite of violent quarreling… we don’t settle matters by brute force [in word or deed] Titus 3:2 where it is presented as the opposite of slanderous talk about others… consider the other person’s position and POV rather than trash them with words James 3:17 where it is presented as a) a spiritual attribute / heavenly wisdom b) shows a desire to find peaceful solutions and openness to persuasion 1 Peter 2:18 where it implies equity and fairness Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-god-of-peace-will-be-with-you.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Does it Matter How The Universe Came to Exist? Yes, beliefs about creation will affect your ethical and moral behavior. The bible has a great deal to say about creation, but it is not a textbook of scientific data. This message cites only 4 verses [out of many] to show that the new testament does engage on the essential questions of proof, evidence, reason, and faith. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c We live in the age of technology, or science applied to solving the practical problems of life. Discoveries in physics, chemistry, math have allowed us to develop complex machines, to invent powerful drugs, to peer into the structure of atoms, and to discover truths about the vast universe. Human knowledge and ingenuity have accomplished much. And because of the huge success of technology in addressing the comfort, convenience and needs of human beings... we assume that physicists, chemists, and mathematicians have better answers to questions about life’s origins and purpose. And scientists seem eager to offer their opinions about big questions: Is there anything beyond the material universe? Where does life come from? How did matter become organized and structured? Does God exist? Their speculations have deeply influenced modern thinking. The average person might assume that discussions, questions, and debate about how the universe came about and how human beings came to be are "modern day" questions. Or, that we are only now asking these questions because only now do we have enough understanding about the mechanical functions of the universe to even know what to ask... or even dare to attempt an answer. However, the debate about creation has been going on for a long time. People were debating the same questions back in Jesus day. And some were successfully promoting the same sort of materialist answers as we hear in the 21st century. The debate was put on hold for about 1,200 - 1,400 years because of the tremendous power and influence of the Catholic church. But, now the discussion is back in full fury. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Because we understand the truth of what God is accomplishing in the world we can have a positive, uplifting outlook on the events and circumstances life throws at us. Hebrews 12:2, the joy Jesus had was not based on material circumstances, rather it was based on knowing that what He was experiencing had purpose and was leading toward a positive outcome. This is how spiritually mature people think. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Philippians 4:1 those who are spiritually mature allow this understanding and perspective to give them confidence and joy in their present circumstances as they look toward that goal. Filter everything your think and do through this foundational principle. And in this way "seek first the kingdom of God". Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/10/how-spiritually-mature-people-think.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

We should always work towards living our lives in a manner worthy of the kingdom of God regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c What differs in lives worthy of the gospel is the ethic/motivation. No longer should we view status, honors, or roles as opportunities for self-glory, ego boosting, or material gain. Rather, we should view whatever status or honor we are given as opportunity to do good for others…. especially within the context of regular assembly. Jesus took on the lower status of mortal flesh, among human beings He acted as a servant. Then, he endured a form of death considered most shameful. Paul is emphasizing the lengths to which Christ was willing to go to serve... and presents this as a cure for the party spirit and factionalism in Philippi Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/10/living-worthy-of-gospel.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

In the prophecies of Revelation we find out that the final trumpet is the last in a sequence of 7 trumpets. These 7 trumpets begin to blow in succession with the opening of the 7th seal Revelation 8:1-2. We also learn from the prophecies of Revelation that the last 3 of these 7 trumpets form a grouping, or a subset of the 7 trumpets... referred to as "the three woes" Revelation 8:13. This message will review the final blast of the 7th trumpet as part of this final grouping of three trumpet blasts. In other words, trumpets 5, 6, and 7. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/seven-prophetic-signs-before-jesus-returns Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-three-woes-of-seventh-seal.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Jesus tells us the meaning of the 5th and 6th seals in His prophetic teaching recorded in Matthew chapter 24. The 5th seal will be be persecution upon the people of God. The 6th seal will be signs in the sky. This video will go into detail on two of the signs that immediately precede the coming of Christ. These are the 5th and 6th seals of Revelation 6:9-14. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/seven-prophetic-signs-before-jesus-returns Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-5th-and-6th-seals-of-revelation.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Daniel in the Lion's Den is one of the most well known events in the bible! The setting is the aftermath of the Persian conquest of Babylon. A new government was being formed... very likely within the first or second year 539-537 BC. Daniel was over 80 years old but God still had a few more things for him to do. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/09/daniel-and-darius-mede-thrown-into-den.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

According to the historians Xenophon and Herodotus Belshazzar's feast happened October 12 539 BC. 30 years had passed since the death of Nebuchadnezzar… a new king was on the throne… and Daniel the prophet was an old man [probably 80 years old]. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/09/belshazzars-feast-handwriting-on-wall.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

I you do the work of reorganizing our priorities and broadening your perspective to embrace eternity you will see purpose in your life... and when you see that purpose you will find joy... no matter what! Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/why-were-you-born Rejoice, Because Your Life Has Purpose A great and horrible lie taken root in our society... the lie is this: "human life has no purpose". We are not created beings with a great destiny to fulfill. We are a highly improbable accident that came about by a series of random events. We come from nothing and our end is nothing. In between the best we can do is grab a bit of pleasure and enjoyment until the day we die. God's message to you is that your life does have purpose... and knowing that purpose is the way to find great joy... no matter what your circumstances. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/08/knowing-gods-purpose-for-your-life.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

At the end of the book of Proverbs we find a character sketch of a woman… she’s a good woman, she’s a wife, she’s a mother. Through her we are given a short summary of the practical wisdom presented in the book of Proverbs interpreted in the setting of a happy home. In biblical thought, true wisdom is pictured by contentment with diligent work in a safe, peaceful, structured family setting…. We must actively teach this Godly wisdom to our children. We must do this in word and in deed. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/marriage-and-family-the-missing-dimension Read this message on our blog: 👉https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-proverbs-31-woman.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God. Is it a place in time or is it a something more... Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/the-gospel-of-the-kingdom Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/07/seek-first-kingdom-of-god.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Daniel was placed, by God, into an important position within the court of the Babylonian King. He was put there to witness to God's sovereign power over all nations. The lesson for you and me is this: because God controls and directs the affairs of the earth kingdoms we should be mindful that He can and does control the events of your life. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/you-can-understand-bible-prophecy God was working with Daniel and his companions through the power of His spirit. God gave Daniel spiritual and intellectual gifts. He understood the literature, culture and wisdom of Babylon... but it would be the interpreting of dreams that would cause Daniel to rise to power in the king's court... where he would serve as God's witness. Daniel had proven his obedience through the simple test of not defiling himself with the royal food [either unclean or having been offered to idols]. This is why the book of Daniel begins with a test of obedience! Acts 5:32 "God gives His spirit to those who obey Him" Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/06/daniel-and-magicians-of-babylon.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The bible revelation tells us there is the Father and there is the Son, and they are God. They are two beings in a relationship based on love and commitment. Their example gives us spiritual guidelines for building Godly marriages... each partner fulfilling distinct roles in a spirit of unity. On the flip side, actively seeking to build a Godly marriage can help us understand the mind of God and what He's up to. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/who-is-god Read this message on our blog: 👉 Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

There is a new world order coming... but not the way people imagine it. There is "one world government" coming... but not as people hope or fear. The groundwork for the "new world order"... "one world government" is being prepared by God through His Church. Everything God is currently working on is directed toward the restoration of His will upon earth. Everything we are doing now is preparing for that next step... which is the return of Christ. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/the-gospel-of-the-kingdom Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/06/prepare-now-for-whats-coming-next.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Babylon was [and still is] a cultural, social, and political model of human self government with its own standards of righteousness... standards that are presented as the alternative to the righteousness, and authority of God. Daniel's life in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon called upon him to take a stand for obedience to the living God rather that human government. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Daniel was given a commission in the service of Nebuchadnezzar. If he had never gotten himself into his controversy over unclean food he probably would have obtained some minor position in the Babylon’s court and gone on to enjoy a nice life. But Daniel's resolve and commitment to obey God also set him up to be a servant of God in a big way. God gave him special gifts of knowledge and understanding. He would be a witness of God's truth to the first of the great gentile kingdoms, he would become a prophet to his own generation and to ours. And it began with obedience Acts 5:27-32. You cannot serve God... you cannot, be a witness of His true message, you will not properly represent Him in a hostile world... if you do not obey. Daniel was trained in the literature and culture of Babylon... laws, mathematics, astronomy, etc. He would have also learned about their religious system, their customs, and moral code. Some of it would have been value neutral. Some of it would have been opposed to God. To be an effective servant of God Daniel needed to understand the Babylonians, what they taught, what they believed. He knew all this but was able to hold himself apart from it. You and I are in the same position. We need to understand what is going on in the world… but not be sucked into its ways. We Also Live in a Babylon World God has not called you so that you can be whisked off to a safe place somewhere off the grid where you can practice your religion without conflict, questioning, or trials. You have been called to serve him as a witness of His ways 1 Peter 3:13-18. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/05/daniel-in-court-of-king-nebuchadnezzar.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Daniel was a man called to serve God in a strange, unexpected and frightening way. Daniel was a teenager who was taken captive by Babylonian army in the year 605 B.C. He would be used by God to record important prophecies concerning the course of human history from the fall of Israel through to the end of age and the return of the Messiah. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c In the eyes of the watching world YHWH was broken and defeated... Daniel's purpose and calling was to speak the truth to these powerful rulers... Do not mistake YHWH's discipline upon Israel for weakness on His part... YHWH the god of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Daniel remains the almighty God... He is supreme over all. Daniel was a man called to serve God in a strange, unexpected and frightening way. Who knows what you or I might face in the years ahead… Through it all Daniel was able top remain faithful to God and true to himself. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/05/life-and-times-of-daniel-prophet.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The proper response to the deliverance made possible through Christ is obedience and effort to overcome sin. The back-to-back biblical festivals of Passover and Unleavened Bread picture the effort God is expecting us to make after He has redeemed us from the penalty of sin. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-the-promise-of-hope-for-all-mankind The Proper Response to God’s Deliverance is Obedience To keep us mindful of our necessary follow-up to our personal forgiveness and redemption embedded in Passover. God has given us the festival of Unleavened Bread. Each depicts a separate and unique step in God’s plan but there is no pause or break between the two. Prominently built into the 7 days of Unleavened Bread is a powerful and clear symbol of sin... the common household ingredient LEAVEN. We are commanded to put it our of our homes and not put it into our mouths for the entire 7 days of the festival. It is a reminder that after deliverance we are to be actively engaged in putting sin out of our life… and putting Christ into our life. To observe the Passover and neglect the day of unleavened bread [as some do]... is comparable to accepting Christ's sacrifice and then neglecting to exert any effort in overcoming sin. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/04/christ-does-his-part-now-you-need-to-do.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Each of the 7 festivals pictures a necessary, and distinct, step in the work God is doing. They are a road map for the process of our own spiritual creation... and for God's large scale plan of filling the universe with life. They cover past, present, and future... They address all the known universe... They are for every man, woman, and child who has ever drawn the breath of life. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c 📚 Dig deeper into your bible with this helpful bible study guide: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/gods-holy-day-plan-the-promise-of-hope-for-all-mankind Read this message on our blog: 👉 Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ The people of Israel never understood how the holy days pictured God's plan of salvation and spiritual birth... their lack of understanding was not because they were stupid... but because they did not have God's holy spirit within them… and they did not accept the messengers God sent them. In history and in time, God used Israel to establish the physical routine of keeping these days... and it is through Israel that the holy days have been recorded and preserved throughout history Romans 3:2-4. Leviticus 23:1-2 These are not "festivals of the Jews"... God says, "these are MY APPOINTED TIMES". The job of Israel and the Jews was to proclaim them! We owe Israel a debt of gratitude for the role Israel has played in preserving these days. But, we do not look to them for understanding of what these appointed holy days of God mean. Israel foolishly rejected the Messiah king sent to them [Jesus].... without an understanding and appreciation of Christ no one can understand the spiritual lesson of the holy days. The holy days and festivals are about what Jesus Christ has done, what He is doing right now, and what He will yet do in the future.

Was Judas [and the others] becoming impatient with Jesus... wanting to see more action... more implementation of social justice... a more obvious political stance against the Roman oppressors... was there bitterness? ... questions about how money was being handled? Whatever it was, Satan used the opportunity to enter Judas and use him to inflict damage on his enemy... Jesus. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find us on alternative sites: https://https://linktr.ee/UCGRaleigh Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/03/jesus-betrayed-by-judas-for-30-pieces.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ On the 14th of Nisan Jesus and the disciples gathered together for the Passover meal. Judas was there, present as one of Jesus inner circle of friends and comrades. Before eating, the disciples were arguing about who would be the most important in the Kingdom of God [which they all expected to happen at any moment]. Jesus redirects the conversation and tells them that service towards others will be the mark of greatness in the KOG rather than rank or honor. Jesus demonstrated this new attitude about what is considered great through washing the feet of the disciples. So, Judas would have had his feet washed by Jesus. Read John 13:15-18. As they began the meal Jesus was agitated in spirit and told them that one of them was going to betray Him. Naturally, the disciples all wanted to know who it was... Jesus said, "it is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish" Then He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot"... Judas said "surely its not me teacher". Jesus said, "yes its you". Satan once again enters Judas. Judas then leaves to meet up with the chief priests and temple police who want Jesus arrested and killed. After Judas is gone, Jesus tells the remaining disciples the time has come. Then He institutes the new covenant symbols of the Passover... the bread and the wine. I think it is significant that Judas was not present during the taking of the bread and wine.., Christ's blood and body. Afterwards, Jesus goes through a lengthy session of instruction [recorded in John 14-17 which we will read through together on Passover evening]. That night, Jesus takes the disciples to the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem to pray. In the dark Judas leads a detachment of soldiers to where he knows Jesus and the disciples will be. A secluded place far from any crowd. To make sure they arrest the right person Judas walks up to Jesus and greets Him with a kiss of fellowship [which was a pre-arranged signal to the soldiers]. Jesus says "friend, what brings you here" [Matthew 26:48-54]. Jesus is arrested, given a mock trial, and sentenced to death. When Judas hears the news, he realizes what he has done, tries to undo it by giving back the money to the priests and elders. He says I have sinned... this is all a terrible mistake... Jesus is an innocent man. Read Matthew 27:3-10. Embedded in this narrative are two prophecies about the rejection of the Messiah: 1) He will be betrayed by a friend [Psalm 41:9] 2) He will be sold out for 30 pieces of silver [Zechariah 11:13] which will be used to buy a potter's field [Jeremiah 19:1-13, 32:6-9]. What might the significance of these two prophesied details of Jesus' road to the crucifixion be?

Jesus rode a donkey for his final entry in to Jerusalem, on one hand to fulfill prophecy... on the other hand to signify that He comes in peace. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c In this message we have looked at only a sliver of the prophesies God gave to validate His written word. The rejection of the Messiah/ king who came in peace, was prophesied almost 2,000 years in advance. More detail was added through the centuries. God knew in advance humanity would reject Him... and they did. Without intervention from God the human heart will not be ruled by God or conform to His ways. However, through the blood of Jesus Christ you can enter into a new and better relationship with the creator of the universe. A relationship of peace and reconciliation. We will memorialize this bond of peace once again at this year’s Passover. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-king-of-peace-comes-humbly-and.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Your conscience can be trained... for better or for worse. It can be trained to judge rightly by God's word... it can also be trained to trade good for evil. A guilty conscience is there to warn you and help you overcome sin. You can ignore it or you can use your sense of guilt as motivation to change and allow yourself to molded into a fully mature child of God. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-care-and-feeding-of-clean-conscience.html Where Does This Common Knowledge Come From? Romans 1:18-21, 2:14-16 some moral awareness comes from the nature of the creation. Certain forces, laws, order are baked into the physical which we all share. A degree of moral truth is equally available to Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. All share in a common body of moral awareness. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 additional aspects of moral understanding and awareness are known through the revelation of our Creator. This happens on two levels: through His written word which is available to anyone [through preaching or print] through His spirit which is restricted to those whom God chooses to give it Some of what informs the conscience is available through observation. The most important set of information comes from the revelation of our Creator. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/