Unshakeable Faith
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough • Psalm 27:1–6
In this powerful message from Pastor Steve Blisborough, we're reminded that it is by knowing God that we are able to overcome. God has given YOU the victory today, if we have the faith to believe for it.
Day 7: Saturday In The Tomb
March 30, 2024 • Matthew 27:62–66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40
Jesus' body lay in its https://www.learnreligions.com/israel-tour-pictures-4051289, where it was guarded by Roman soldiers throughout the day on Saturday, which was the https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-shabbat-2076791. When the Sabbath ended at 6 p.m., Christ's body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by Nicodemus: "He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-myrrh-700689 and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus' body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth." (John 19: 39-40, https://www.learnreligions.com/new-living-translation-nlt-700666) Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court that had condemned Jesus Christ to death. For a time, both men had lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent positions in the Jewish community. Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ's death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their reputations and their lives because they had come to realize that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited https://www.learnreligions.com/prophecies-of-jesus-fulfilled-700159. Together they cared for Jesus' body and prepared it for burial. While his physical body lay in the tomb, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. He conquered death, both spiritually and physically, securing our eternal https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gods-plan-of-salvation-700502: "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God." (1 Peter 1:18-19, https://www.learnreligions.com/new-living-translation-nlt-700666) Saturday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.
Holy Week: Good Friday
March 29, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • Luke 22:63—23:56, John 18:28—19:37, Matthew 27:1–62, Mark 15
Good Friday is the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ's journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in the https://www.learnreligions.com/timeline-of-jesus-death-700226 leading to his death. According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning. Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by https://www.learnreligions.com/facts-about-jesus-crucifixion-700752, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-roman-crucifixion-700718 known at the http://time.before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a https://www.learnreligions.com/christianity-symbols-illustrated-glossary-4051292. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers https://www.learnreligions.com/crucifixion-of-jesus-christ-700210. Jesus spoke https://www.learnreligions.com/7-last-words-of-jesus-700175 from the cross. His first words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). His last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last breath and https://www.learnreligions.com/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-700645. By 6 p.m. Friday evening, https://www.learnreligions.com/nicodemus-seeker-of-god-701080 and https://www.learnreligions.com/joseph-of-arimathea-701077 took Jesus' body down from the cross and laid it in a http://tomb.friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.
Holy Week: Passover and Last Supper
March 28, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • Mark 14:12–72, Luke 22:7–62, John 13, Matthew 26:17–75
From Bethany, Jesus sent https://www.learnreligions.com/peter-the-apostle-member-jesus-inner-circle-701069 and https://www.learnreligions.com/disciple-jesus-loved-john-the-apostle-701065 ahead to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how believers should love one another. Today, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-maundy-thursday-700614 services. Then, Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples, saying: "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16, https://www.learnreligions.com/new-living-translation-nlt-700666) As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-sin-700703 and death. During this https://www.learnreligions.com/the-last-supper-700217, Jesus established the Lord's Supper, or https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-communion-700655, instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of https://www.learnreligions.com/christianity-symbols-illustrated-glossary-4051292 (Luke 22:19-20). Later, Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room and went to the https://www.learnreligions.com/israel-tour-pictures-4051289, where Jesus prayed in agony to https://www.learnreligions.com/god-the-father-701152. Luke's Gospel says that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44, https://www.learnreligions.com/english-standard-version-bible-700661). Late that evening in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of https://www.learnreligions.com/caiaphas-high-priest-of-the-jerusalem-temple-701058, the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus. Meanwhile, in the early morning hours, as Jesus' trial was getting underway, Peter denied knowing his Master three times before the rooster crowed. Thursday's events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.
Opposition Brings Strength
March 27, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough • Acts 12:1–7, 1 Samuel 18:29
This message is called "Opposition Brings Strength." Pastor Steve Bilsborough speaks of identifying weakness to find your strengths, and how God has allowed you to have an adversary to expose what you're made of. The goodness of God will always overpower the enemy and your faith will always make you stronger through adversity. Inspire and empower some one you love by sharing this message.
Holy Week: Holy Wednesday
March 27, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
The https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-bible-700735 doesn't say what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of https://www.learnreligions.com/bible-feast-of-passover-700185. Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by https://www.learnreligions.com/raising-of-lazarus-from-the-dead-700214 from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the https://www.learnreligions.com/origin-of-the-son-of-god-700710 and put their faith in him. Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus' sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume.
Holy Week: Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives
March 26, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • Matthew 21:23—24:51, Luke 20:1—21:36, John 12:20–38, Mark 11:20—13:37
On Tuesday morning, Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. They passed the withered fig tree on their way, and Jesus spoke to his companions about the importance of faith. Back at the Temple, religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establishing himself as a spiritual authority. They organized an ambush with the intent to place him under arrest. But Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh judgment on them, saying: "Blind guides!... For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness...Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?" (Matthew 23:24-33) Later that afternoon, Jesus left the city and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, which sits due east of the Temple and overlooks Jerusalem. Here Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He speaks, as usual, in parables, using symbolic language about the https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-rapture-700643 events, including His https://www.learnreligions.com/rapture-vs-the-second-coming-700630 and the final judgment. https://www.learnreligions.com/bible-verses-for-easter-700767 indicates that this Tuesday was also the day https://www.learnreligions.com/judas-iscariot-betrayer-of-jesus-christ-701078 negotiated with the https://www.learnreligions.com/what-was-the-sanhedrin-700696, the rabbinical court of ancient Israel, to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings about the future, once again, Jesus and the disciples returned to Bethany to stay the night. The tumultuous events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse are recorded in Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38.
Holy Week: Jesus Clears the Temple
March 25, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:12–19
The following morning, Jesus returned with his disciples to Jerusalem. Along the way, he cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God's judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-faith-700722 is more than outward religiosity; true, living faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person's life. When Jesus arrived at the Temple, he found the courts full of corrupt https://www.learnreligions.com/jesus-clears-the-temple-bible-story-700066. He overturned their tables and cleared the Temple, saying, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves" (Luke 19:46). On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and https://www.learnreligions.com/raising-of-lazarus-from-the-dead-700214. Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.
Holy Week: Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:12–19, Matthew 21:1–11
On our first day of Holy Week, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough discusses the profound symbolism in how Jesus entered Jerusalem. This Palm Sunday we encourage you to reflect on the character of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who entered in the most humblest of forms. Each day of this Holy Week, tune in and celebrate the greatest story ever told, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the Sunday before his https://www.learnreligions.com/facts-about-jesus-crucifixion-700752, Jesus began his trip to Jerusalem, knowing that soon he would lay down his life for our sins. Nearing the village of Bethphage, he sent two of his https://www.learnreligions.com/the-apostles-701217 ahead, telling them to look for a donkey and its unbroken colt. The disciples were instructed to untie the animals and bring them to him. Then Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, humbly, made his https://www.learnreligions.com/palm-sunday-story-700203 into Jerusalem, fulfilling the ancient prophecy in Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The crowds welcomed him by https://www.learnreligions.com/palm-branches-bible-story-summary-701202 in the air and shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of https://www.learnreligions.com/king-david-man-after-gods-heart-701169! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" On Palm Sunday, Jesus and his disciples spent the night in Bethany, a town about two miles east of Jerusalem. This is where https://www.learnreligions.com/what-did-lazarus-see-701503, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, and his two sisters, https://www.learnreligions.com/martha-and-mary-bible-story-summary-700065, lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted Him and His disciples during their final days in Jerusalem. Jesus' triumphal entry is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
Day 20
January 20, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
Do you have faith that He will do what He said? Through this time of prayer and fasting, we have been stretched and challenged in the physical and in the supernatural. It is humbling to remember that He is shifting things around for our favor, as we walk in obedience to Him. We pray have you been blessed by our daily video series, join us for our final day tomorrow!
Day 19
January 19, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
Expectation is one of the characteristics of the body of Christ. God designed us to live with a bold faith and a tenacity that He will move again. Truthfully, God is working in our lives daily. Through the power of prayer and fasting, we have eyes to see it and a heart of gratitude to recognize this.
Day 16
January 16, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
Fasting is repositioning your heart to God's heart. Today we talk about not only focusing on the positive benefits of fasting, but also realizing that we are being purged of things we no longer need to take us to a greater level in God. Throughout these three week's we pray that you have not only been strengthened, but that your eyes have been opened to what you cannot carry into your future. Lean into the conviction of the Holy Spirit, knowing that He is preparing you for the battle ahead.
Day 15
January 15, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough • 2 Corinthians 5:6–7, Mark 11
In today's encouraging word, we are reminded that as believers we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-7). We have direct access to the Father, and today He is asking His sons and daughters what we desire most. As you have spent the last two weeks drawing closer to God, challenge your faith this week to ask Him for great things, not things that are comfortable to ask for. Carry confidence today that he hears you, and he sees you even when you feel like nothing is happening!
A Divine Extraction
January 14, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough • John 6:1
In this message called, "A Divine Extraction," Pastor Steve Bilsborough speaks of how you must replenish your anointing consistently with prayer, fasting, and reading God's word. Keeping your focus on Jesus will keep your faith and your anointing strong. Share this video with loved one who may need encouragement in their faith.
Day 14
January 14, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
As we begin the final week of our 21-Day Fast as a church, we want to remind you that we are in forward motion. This time of separation and fasting is enabling us to run the race set before us, and we feel more prepared than ever. As we tune up spiritually, we are more equipped for any battles awaiting us, get ready!
Day 13
January 13, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
What does it truly mean to love God? As we prepare for a powerful year ahead, our prayer is that your eyes are open to true worship and time with God. Enjoy today's word and to get a deeper understanding of today's talk, check out Chapter 13 of Pastor Ellen's book Set Apart.
Day 12
January 12, 2024 • Pastor Steve Bilsborough, Pastor Ellen Bilsborough
Fasting breaks open the Supernatural power of God, empowering you to live in the authority that has been given to you. Your clarity in the Word will fill you with TRUTH, and your separation from fleshly needs will strengthen your spirit. We pray and trust that as you have been setting yourself a part your time with God, your time of worship, and your encounters with His presence have been rich and life-changing. As you step into this day ahead of you, take time to truly worship today, and don't leave until you have touched heaven.
Day 11
January 11, 2024 • Pastor Ellen Bilsborough, Pastor Steve Bilsborough
Today we praise God because of His goodness and His graciousness toward us. Throughout this fast, our desire is to line up our lives with God's will for us, fully submitting to Him. We pray that as you fast your attention is off yourself and driven on getting to the heart of your King.