We return to our study of the book of Judges with chapter 13, part one of the tragic and triumphant story of Samson, looking at the special circumstances and promises of his birth, as God’s intervention was great. Samson has much to teach men of this generation through both his amazing victories and his colossal failures.

At the end of Mark 14, the priests–whose plan to condemn Jesus on false accusations of various sins has failed–switch tactics to accuse Him of the truth instead. Then, when He confesses to being both Messiah and Divine, they condemn Him, mock Him, and beat Him, before taking Him to the rulers of this world, where they will present Him not as the Savior and King the Jews were supposed to give to the world, but as one worthy of death. He had silently taken our sins upon Himself, and would now die for them. In the courtyard in the background, one of His own is cowering in fear and denying Him repeatedly. Christ would face Pilate for sentencing alone, despised, rejected. I hope this sermon video will be a blessing to you.

In Mark 14:43-61, we see Jesus betrayed in the garden, arrested, and taken to trial for His life. There He stands alone and silent in response to the false accusations, in order to plead guilty before the Father for our sins.

The conclusion of our four-part series looking at the great chapter 8 of the book of Romans. We see that nothing–that’s right, NOTHING–can cause us to lose our salvation and eternal life in Christ.

Part 3 of our walk through Romans chapter 8, focusing on verses 18-30, is rich with lessons for us about walking with the Spirit and enduring trials of every kind, as we look forward with sure hope of our glorification with Christ.

There is a skip in the video early on—that happens with livestreams sometimes unfortunately, and this video was originally a livestream. But most of the video is intact and will hopefully bless you.

We continue our look at Romans 8, with verses 9-17, to learn about the power of the Holy Spirit, and of Christ’s resurrection, to give us victory over sin in this life walking with Christ. Listen to this message, and if God’s word blesses you, share the video with others.

Today’s message from the church in Cluj, on Romans 8:1-8

In Mark 14:27-42, the disciples promise unending faithfulness unto Jesus, only to immediately leave Him to face the tormenting hours in Gethsemane alone. Still, His great concern was for their needs, as He pleaded with them to pray, not for His sake, but for their own. That, and other things about this passage, will move you to worship Christ from the heart, as you listen to this sermon.

Sermon video – Mark 14:12-26 – The betrayer is revealed, and forced to enact his plan on Christ’s timeline, not that of God’s enemies. We also look at the last supper and reflect on the wonders of the cross of Christ anew. It was God’s plan, and He alone was in control, even in using the evil actions of the disobedient. In history’s most precious moment, a New Covenant was being enacted. Each person’s response determines his eternal destiny.

In Judges 9, we read the tragic story of Gideon’s son Abimelech, who rises to power on the blood of his brothers, and dishonors God by partnership with idol worshipers, leading to his own demise, as well as theirs. Not a pleasant story is Gideon’s family legacy, but important lessons for us are found in it, particularly coming from the voice of Jotham, who tells his enemies, “Listen to me, so that God might listen to you.”

Sermon video Mark 14:1-11 – Jesus’ enemies seek a way to successfully end His life, and one of the twelve’s reactions to the extravagant act of worship of a woman preparing for His burial prompts him to help them for money. We learn the importance of worship and authenticity, along with the amazing value of the gospel as our life focus.

Mark 13:24-37 – Jesus concludes His Olivet Discourse with the description of His coming to reign and some teachings about the importance of our being ready and waiting.