People of the Free Gift

Join the conversation: Cults - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Star Wars - www.facebook.com/starwarsandphilosophy One of the greatest stand up comedians of all time is Jeff Foxworthy. One of the greatest stand up routines is "You might be a redneck ..." Thursday, Sept. 7 - You might be a cult if ... part 4 This is a series of tribute videos to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups.

Join the conversation: Cults - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Star Wars - www.facebook.com/starwarsandphilosophy One of the greatest stand up comedians of all time is Jeff Foxworthy. One of the greatest stand up routines is "You might be a redneck ..." Tuesday, Sept. 5 - You might be a cult if ... part 3 This is a series of tribute videos to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups.

Join the conversation: Cults - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Star Wars - www.facebook.com/starwarsandphilosophy One of the greatest stand up comedians of all time is Jeff Foxworthy. One of the greatest stand up routines is "You might be a redneck ..." Sunday, Sept. 3 - You might be a cult if ... part 2 This is a series of tribute videos to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups.

Sermon Notes Pastor Jason Oakes Emmanuel Baptist Church September 3, 2017   The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30   “For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man traveling into a far country,” (Matthew 25:14)   A FAR country “After a long time”   “[who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” (Matthew 25:14)   HIS servants, HIS goods   “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” (Matthew 25:15)   Equality does not require us to be the SAME   “Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.” (Matthew 25:16)   The 5 talent person   “And likewise he that [had received] two, he also gained other two.” (Matthew 25:17)   The 2 talent person   “But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.” (Matthew 25:18)   The 1 talent person   “After a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.’ His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things,” (Matthew 25:19-21)   Faithful with LITTLE, faithful with MUCH   “I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21)   RULER over many things

This is an upcoming preview of the topics related to cults and star wars videos for the week. This week are the following titles and release dates:Saturday, Sept. 2 - this preview videoSunday, Sept. 3 - You might be a cult if ... part 2Tuesday, Sept. 5 - You might be a cult if ... part 3Thursday, Sept. 7 - You might be a cult if ... part 4 This is a continuation of last week's 2nd most popular upload, a tribute to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups. Monday, Sept. 4 - NEW Rey & Lor San Tekka Theory - NEW Information - Star Wars Episode 8/ The Last Jedi Theory This video will pick up several recent videos I released the last few weeks explaining my NEW theory that Lor San Tekka died for Rey's awakening. This video examines 4 new pieces of evidence I gathered in the last week to support this theory. Wed, Sept. 6 - What if ... Religion was Removed from Star Wars? - Star Wars Theory This video addresses a comment I received on my "What if the force was like Allah, the God of Islam" video. The comment suggested that we keep religion out of star wars. So this video dives into what star wars would be like with all references to religion removed. Friday, Sept. 8 - Is the Force Personal? - Star Wars Explained This video examines the ancient and modern definitions of what constitutes a person and applies that to the force, asking, "Is the force personal?" and should it be? Join the conversation:Cults - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegiftStar Wars - www.facebook.com/starwarsandphilosophy

Thurs, Aug 31 - Great Commission Churches (GCAC; GCI; GCM; GCC; GCLA; GCE) - Sharing Jesus with the Cults This video examines the origin, history, beliefs and mind control practices of the movement started by Jim (James) McCotter known as Great Commission Churches. Why categorize this group as a cult? The simple answer is that they practice mind control, following the B.I.T.E. model - Behavior Control, Information Control, Thought Control, Emotion Control (all documented in video) Join the discussion - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift

Tuesday, Aug 29 - The Pattern that Every Cult Leader Follows - Sharing Jesus with the Cults This video explores the pattern cult leaders use to take their followers and belief systems from point A to Z What is the pattern: Discredit the Bible Redefine commonly used terms New revelation, vision, scripture Diminish the role of Jesus Salvation by works Show that your new teachings with redefined words were taught in the Bible all along Join the discussion - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift  

The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth Today Salvation Has Come to This House Luke 19:1-10     And [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, [there was] a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the tax collectors, and he was rich. (Luke 19:1-2)   ZACCHAEUS probably designating one in charge of a district, with other tax collectors under him Jericho served as a major customs site for goods entering Israel from the East.   And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. (Luke 19:3)   Physical APPEARANCE means very little Christ was probably traveling with a large entourage of pilgrims to the Passover in Jerusalem. But “the crowd” apparently refers to people in Jericho who lined the street to see Jesus specifically People often gave greater attention to those who were taller (King Saul)   And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that [way]. (Luke 19:4)   Zacchaeus UNDIGNIFIES himself Perhaps news of Jesus being a “friend of sinners” had reached Zacchaeus This kind of tree could grow to 30-40 feet high and had low hanging branches Zaccheus put himself in an undignified position to see Jesus   And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must stay with your household.” (Luke 19:5)   Jesus matches Zacchaeus’ UNDIGNIFIED state Respectable people did not normally request to stay with somebody else’s household “Must” stay at your house implies divine necessity This is the only time in all 4 gospels that Jesus invites himself to stay Table fellowship was a sign of a certain amount of mutual acceptance   And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. (Luke 19:6)   Receiving Jesus JOYFULLY   And when they saw [it], they all murmured, saying, “That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7)   Do what is RIGHT, not what is POPULAR Zacchaeus was hated not just by the religious elite, but by the common people as well   And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;” (Luke 19:8)   ASSUMPTIONS are almost never true In later Judaism, it was considered generous to give away up to 20 percent of one’s belongings   “and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold.” (Luke 19:8)   True REPENTANCE People sometimes paid tax collectors bribes to prevent higher fees being extorted. Zacchaeus’s position would have also allowed him to make false accusations The law required restoring the amount you stole plus a fifth (Leviticus 6:5; Numbers 5:7) Zacchaeus used the restitution requirements for stealing a sheep (Exodus 22:1; 2 Samuel 12:6)   And Jesus said unto him, “This day is salvation come to this household, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9)   Salvation has come to this HOUSEHOLD Zaccheus’ name implies he is Jewish A true Jew—not only of the lineage of Abraham but one who also walks “in the footsteps” of Abraham’s faith (Ro 4:12) Household - Acts 10:2; 11:14; 16:15, 31; 18:8 “This day” salvation has come to “this household.” Previously, he may have been a physical son of Abraham, but by his repentance he has become a spiritual son, and the entire household shares in the blessing. Jesus had just taught (Luke 18) that it is difficult for a rich man to be sav

One of the greatest stand up comedians of all time is Jeff Foxworthy. One of the greatest stand up routines is "You might be a redneck ..." Sunday, Aug 27 - You might be a cult if ... This is the first in what will be a series of tribute videos to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups. You might be a cult if cult Sharing Jesus with the cults cults sharing jesus jesus evangelism apologetics tribute to jeff foxworthy jeff foxworthy you might be a redneck blue collar comedy tour Plan of happiness cult leader Plan of salvation Pre-earth life Pre-mortal life Premortal life Grace What if Salvation (belief) Works The Bible (religious text) Biblical Definition of Grace Theory No God but one origin Our Heavenly Father’s Plan Legalism I’m a Christian Too

This is the first of what I plan to release weekly, an upcoming preview of the topics related to cults and star wars videos for the week. This week are the following titles and release dates: Saturday, Aug 26 - this preview video Sunday, Aug 27 - You might be a cult if ... This is the first in what will be a series of tribute videos to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck." In a humorous way, I try and walk you through dangerous characteristics of cult groups. Monday, Aug 28 - NEW Star Wars Theory - Are Episodes 7-9 Following the Same Pattern as Episodes 4-6? - Star Wars Episode 8 The Last Jedi This video will pick up on two videos I released last week dealing with the connection between Lor San Tekka and Rey as well as the connection between Kylo Ren and Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader) as the chosen one. This video shows the connection between these similarities as well as connections between Luke and Yoda, Snoke and Palpatine, etc... Tuesday, Aug 29 - The Pattern that Every Cult Leader Follows - Sharing Jesus with the Cults This video explores the pattern cult leaders use to take their followers and belief systems from point A to Z Wed, Aug 30 - Top 5 Common Sense Reasons Lucasfilm Did Not Include Legends in the New Star Wars Canon - Star Wars Explained This video addresses the growing concern and rebellion against Disney and Lucasfilm's decision to go to a Star Wars canon and eliminate the legends/EU material (at least for time being). These are 5 common sense reasons why the current star wars canon makes sense. Thurs, Aug 31 - Great Commission Churches (GCAC; GCI; GCM; GCC; GCLA; GCE) - Sharing Jesus with the Cults This video examines the origin, history, beliefs and mind control practices of the movement started by Jim (James) McCotter known as Great Commission Churches. Friday, Sept. 1 - Darth Vader - "You Underestimate My Powers" to "You Don't Know the Power of the Dark Side" - Star Wars Explained This video takes a closer look at the transition from a prideful Anakin Skywalker who insists, "You underestimate my powers" to a humbled Darth Vader who constantly warns, "You don't know the power of the dark side" in Star Wars Cults Cults and Star Wars Star Wars Videos Scheduled to release this week videos videos scheduled release this week videos scheduled this week Plan of happiness Star Wars what if Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi What are your last jedi predictions urban acolyte star wars chat why did anakin lose against obi-wan in revenge of the sith how darth vader killed anakin on mustafar Plan of salvation urban acolyte urban acolyte the last jedi Rey’s lightsaber kylo ren the chosen one snoke theory dash star anakin skywalker episode 8 Grace Star Wars Episode 8 Star Wars Episode 8 Luke Skywalker Star Wars Episode 8 Rey Rey Rey Theory What if urban acolyte the last jedi Solo Kenobi mustafar darth vader mustafar anakin vs obi wan Salvation (belief) Works The Bible (religious text) Biblical Definition of Grace Star Wars movie 2017 star wars chat Skywalker Theory origin snoke ian mcdiarmid Rian Johnson The Last Jedi Star Wars Episode 8 obi-wan kenobi star wars the force awakens theory star wars revenge of the sith snoke han solo darth vader urban acolyte star wars discussion han solo the last jedi rogue one darth vader Star Wars Episode 8 news darth vader episode 8 Legalism Star Wars HQ Star Wars 8 Star Wars Theory kylo ren I’m a Christian Too anakin skywalker star wars episode 8 Darth Vader Rogue One star wars episod

The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth An Awkward Request Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45   Then the mother of Zebedee's children with James and John came to him, worshipping [him], and desiring a certain thing of him, (Matthew 20:20; Mark 10:35)   Speaking in the NAME of   saying, “Master, we want you to do for us whatever we desire.” (Matthew 20:20; Mark 10:35)   I’ll tell you what I want if you promise me you’ll say YES   And he said unto her, “What do you want?” She said, “Grant that my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom and your glory.” (Matthew 20:21; Mark 10:37)   Good INTENTIONS don’t always turn out so well   But Jesus answered and said, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” (Matthew 20:22)   Aren’t you glad you don’t always get what you ASK for?   They said unto him, “We are able.” (Matthew 20:22)   Know your LIMITATIONS   And he said unto them, “You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.” (Matthew 20:23)   SURPRISE!   And when the ten heard [it], they were moved with indignation and were displeased with James and John. (Matthew 20:24; Mark 10:41)   AWKWARD moment   But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, “You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be servant of all:” (Matthew 20:25-27; Mark 10:42-44)   If you want to LEAD, you have to SERVE   “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)   Our RANSOM     Connect with Us Archived Messages - www.peopleofthefreegift.com/bookstore Facebook - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Choose “Emmanuel Baptist Church Roundup” as your charity of choice on smile.amazon.com Donate - Click on the “shop now” button at www.facebook.com/ebc.roundup Prep for Next Week Begin studying - Today Salvation Has Come to this House - Luke 19:1-10 Pray for an opportunity to invite a friend to church or share the gospel with them Follow-up Discussion Questions Ever have somebody speak on your behalf? Did it turn out well? Do you put conditions on your prayer requests to God? Why is it important to know what you are asking for and think through consequences of our requests? Ever have an unanswered prayer that you were grateful for? Why is it important to know your limitations? What are yours? Why was this request so unreasonable? How did this request strain James and John’s relationship with Jesus? With the other apostles? Why is serving an important aspect of leadership? What does it mean to you that you have been “bought” with a price?  

The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16   “For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which went out early in the morning” (Matthew 20:1)   The HOUSEHOLDER goes out   “to hire laborers into his vineyard.” (Matthew 20:1)   The Householder is looking for LABORERS   “And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.” (Matthew 20:2)   The OFFER of the gospel is clear   “And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; ‘Go also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.’ And they went their way.” (Matthew 20:3-4)   What God has chosen to give you is RIGHT   “Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said unto them, ‘Why do you stand here all the day idle?’ They say unto him, ‘Because no man has hired us. He said unto them, ‘Go also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, [that] shall you receive.’” (Matthew 20:5-7)   The un-HIRED ones   “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, ‘Call the laborers, and give them [their] hire, beginning from the last unto the first.’” (Matthew 20:8)   The day of JUSTICE is coming   “And when they came that [were hired] about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received [it], they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, ‘These last have wrought [but] one hour, and you have made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.’” (Matthew 20:9-12)   Do for the ONE what you wish you could do for everybody   “But he answered one of them, and said, ‘Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not agree with me for a penny? Take what is yours, and go your way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?’” (Matthew 20:13-15)   Is your God FREE?   “Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” (Matthew 20:15)   Is your God GOOD?   “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:16)   God’s JUSTICE is different than ours   Connect with Us Archived Messages - www.peopleofthefreegift.com/bookstore Facebook - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Choose “Emmanuel Baptist Church Roundup” as your charity of choice on smile.amazon.com Donate - Click on the “shop now” button at www.facebook.com/ebc.roundup Prep for Next Week Begin studying - An Awkward Request - Mark 10:35-45 Pray for an opportunity to invite a friend to church or share the gospel with them Follow-up Discussion Questions How does it change the mindset of evangelism to know the “householder” goes out to hire laborers? How do we keep a healthy balance between resting in the grace of God and keeping the mindset of a laborer in the vineyard? What is the gospel? If somebody asked you to share the gospel with them right now, what would you say? Why is comparing ourselves to othe

The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth Rich Young Ruler Matthew 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27   And, behold, when he was gone forth into the way, a certain ruler came running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may receive by inheritance eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16; Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18)   Great QUESTION … I think Good “teacher” What “good thing” shall I do That I might “receive by inheritance” eternal life   And he said unto him, “Why do you call me good? [There is] none good but one, [that is], God:“ (Matthew 19:17)   Only God can CALL you good   “but if you want to come into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17)   God is no respecter of PERSONS   He said unto him, “Which?” (Matthew 19:18)   Avoiding the QUESTION   Jesus said, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not defraud, Honor your father and your mother: and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:18-19; Mark 10:19)   An interesting ADDITION   The young man said unto him, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Then Jesus beholding him unconditionally loved him, and said unto him, “If you want to be perfect, there is one thing you lack.” (Matthew 19:20-21; Mark 10:21)   If you want to be PERFECT   “Go [and] sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven:” (Matthew 19:21)   I didn’t SIGN up for that     “and come, take up the cross [and] follow me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he was sad and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:21-22; Mark 10:21)   The call to POVERTY   Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! And again I say unto you, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’” (Matthew 19:23-24; Mark 10:24)   RESEARCH before you pass it on   When his disciples heard [it], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26)   The REAL question   Connect with Us Archived Messages - www.peopleofthefreegift.com/bookstore Facebook - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Choose “Emmanuel Baptist Church Roundup” as your charity of choice on smile.amazon.com Donate - Click on the “shop now” button at www.facebook.com/ebc.roundup Prep for Next Week Begin studying - Laborers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 Pray for an opportunity to invite a friend to church or share the gospel with them Follow-up Discussion Questions Why was the question of the Rich Young Ruler “misguided” at best? Biblically speaking, is there such a thing as a “good person?” Why or why not? If Jesus were to speak to you, what things might he know about you that you don’t want anybody to know about? (For private reflection) H

The Gospels: Full of Grace and Truth Marriage, Divorce, Singleness, Gender Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12   And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings, he arose from there, departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan; And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” And he answered and said unto them, “What did Moses command you?” (Matthew 19:1-3; Mark 10:1-3)   What’s your view on DIVORCE, Jesus?   And he answered and said unto them, “Have you not read,” (Matthew 19:4)   Have you not READ?   “that he which made [them] at the beginning of creation made them male and female,” (Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6)   There is no GENDER or MARRIAGE without creation   And said, “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, (Matthew 19:5)   LEAVE   and shall cleave to his wife: (Matthew 19:5)   CLEAVE   and the two shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5)   REPRESENT   “Wherefore they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matthew 19:6)   SECURE   And they said, “Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?” He said unto them, “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:7-8)   Divorce isn’t the UNFORGIVABLE sin   And I say unto you, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)   And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same [matter]. And he said unto them, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, commits adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:10-12)   But it is still SIN, and is caused by SIN   His disciples said unto him, “If the case of the man be so with [his] wife, it is not good to marry.” But he said unto them, “All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].” (Matthew 19:10-12)   Being SINGLE is good too     Connect with Us Archived Messages - www.peopleofthefreegift.com/bookstore Facebook - www.facebook.com/peopleofthefreegift Choose “Emmanuel Baptist Church Roundup” as your charity of choice on smile.amazon.com Donate - Click on the “shop now” button at www.facebook.com/ebc.roundup Prep for Next Week Begin studying - Infants brought to Jesus Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17 Pray for an opportunity to invite a friend to church or share the gospel with them Follow-up Discussion Questions Do you struggle with the Bible’s teaching on: Marriage Divorce Gender Creation Why is Scripture our only perfect guide for faith and conduct? In your marriage (relationship

Paul Copan, in answering a skeptic's issues with the biblical account of the Fall on the Unbelievable podcast, discussed how creation was called "good" by God, but that doesn't mean it was perfect. That doesn't mean there wasn't death of both animals and humans. It doesn't mean that was the end all of existence. In fact, Paul quotes N.T. Wright as teaching that if Adam died, he would have gone to Paradise like everybody else.  But is all of that true? What does the Bible mean when it uses the word "good?" What are the thoological ramifications of death before the Fall? How then can Revelation use "Edenic" language to refer to heaven?