The term "royal priesthood" thus encapsulates a profound truth about the Christian identity—believers are called to live as representatives of Christ’s kingdom, fulfilling priestly functions in a spiritual sense. This calling involves worship, proclamation, service, and living a life that is distinctly set apart for God’s purposes. It is a high cal…

IT'S A KI-ADI PARTY! Join your favorite Star Wars podcast, the Brick City Blockade, as we break down Episode 4 "Day" of #TheAcolyte. Leslye Headland gave us an absolute masterpiece example of a cliffhanger, and we are quite upset about it in the BEST way possible.What will happen to #YordeHorde and #SolTrain next week? The suspense is slightly kill…

By commanding the man to "get up," Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over illness and physical limitations. The man had been an invalid for thirty-eight years, a condition that seemed hopeless and permanent. Jesus' command shows that He has the power to heal instantly and completely, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.…

Join your favorite Star Wars podcast, the Brick City Blockade, as we break down Episode 3 "Destiny" of #TheAcolyte, and share our Top 5 Sith of All-Time on Episode 67 of the show.Did #TheAcolyte just step into territory we never thought the series would?Plus! Our Top 5 Sith of All-Time. Will Darth Revan make the cut?Is this some of our favorite #St…

Join your hosts of the Brick City Blockade Podcast, New England's favorite Star Wars podcast, as they dive deep into #TheAcolyte and the first 2 Episodes! The crew shares their moments from the series premiere and discusses some of the lore around the High Republic Era. Will we see our masked Sith next Tuesday at 9 PM? #StarWars #DisneyPlusReviews …

Join your favorite Star Wars podcast, the Brick City Blockade, as we Rank our Top 10 Jedi of All-Time. Plus, we've got some #TheAcolyte News, Reviews with The Commander & more! Subscribe to The Blockade on YouTube today: https://www.youtube.com/@brickcityblockade1891May the Force be with you, Always!…

Join your favorite Star Wars podcast, the Brick City Blockade, as we prepare for #TheAcolyte with all kinds of theories and predictions! We've got all the News, Reviews with The Commander & more.Subscribe to The Blockade on YouTube today: https://www.youtube.com/@brickcityblockade1891May the Force be with you, always!…

Join your favorite Star Wars podcast, the Brick City Blockade, as we review what was May The 4th in 2024 and our The Phantom Menace Meet-Up in Greater Boston!Subscribe to The Blockade on YouTube for more awesome fandom content: https://www.youtube.com/@brickcityblockade1891May the Force be with you, always!…

Our scriptural text is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian approach to dealing with temptations. It provides a balance between acknowledging human vulnerability to sin and affirming divine empowerment to overcome it. For believers, it offers a dual assurance: God’s intimate involvement in limiting the challenges they face according to the…

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear" is a powerful assertion that the anxiety and fear that incapacitate us do not align with God’s provision for His people. Instead, God equips believers with strength, love, and wisdom—tools that enable them to live out their faith boldly and effectively, whatever the circumstances. This verse is a corne…

Looking to be the greatest is the way of the world; it is not the way to God’s blessings. The disciples were to be as teachable as children. They were to be humble and obedient, not interested in personal greatness, but interested in fulfilling God’s eternal purposes. Greatness is demonstrated in humbleness. It is servanthood rather than dictatorsh…

In our fallen world, we often live with broken relationships. We face choices just like the father in this parable. We can choose to continue a broken relationship or seek reconciliation and return to fellowship. Our faith in Jesus Christ should lead us to take the lead in seeking reconciliation, even if the problem is not ours.…

God's love for us is profound and encompasses both nurturing and correction. Much like a loving parent disciplines their child, God's chastisement is aimed at our spiritual growth and development, not punishment for punishment's sake. The Scriptures, particularly in Hebrews 12:6-11, explain that "whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every …

Walking in the light as a believer means more than just avoiding sin; it encompasses a holistic approach to living that glorifies God in all aspects of life. It involves a continuous effort to live out our faith in a way that is transparent, holy, loving, and reflective of the truth of the gospel.Por Elgin Carelock

Imagine being there from the beginning and knowing that there would come a time when He would have to be separated from the Father in order to fulfill His purpose and destiny and still going through with it. But His reward was not only resurrection but power! And when He left, He sent the same power to us to live in us in the form of the Holy Spiri…

When we truly embrace the promises secured by Jesus' resurrection, we can lead lives marked by profound peace and unshakeable hope, knowing that we are fully reconciled with God and assured of eternal life. This deep belief transforms our everyday existence, enabling us to live with boldness and purpose, as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to ov…

Discerning the will of God in the face of various pieces of advice requires careful and thoughtful application of these measures. By grounding their decisions in Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, ethical considerations, and the example of Christ, believers can navigate complex situations and make choices that honor God.…

Stay strong and steadfast in your faith, for the Lord's timing is impeccable and His promises are true; your blessings are on the horizon, and your perseverance will soon be rewarded. Continue to trust in God's perfect plan for your life, knowing that every moment of faithfulness brings you closer to the fulfillment of His blessings and the abundan…

Overcoming the fear of giving God control involves a blend of trust, experience, community, and spiritual discipline. It is a gradual process that deepens as your relationship with God grows. Each step of trust makes the next one easier, as you repeatedly experience His faithfulness and love.Por Elgin Carelock

Storms in our lives, while challenging, are essential for spiritual growth and deepening faith, as they teach reliance on God and not on our own strength. These difficult periods also serve to refine character and foster resilience, helping us to mature and develop a more profound trust in God's sovereignty and purpose.…

Brothers and sisters it is this level of understanding that allows us to tap into the fulness of the help we have. From Jesus interceding on our behalf to the Holy Spirit prompting our spirit towards the will of God, to the Father bringing increase in our lives.Por Elgin Carelock

Brothers and sisters, seeing without sight is a call to live a life that is anchored in spiritual realities and God’s promises, rather than being swayed by the often misleading and changeable circumstances that we can see with our physical eyes. It challenges believers to trust deeply in God and to live out that trust in every aspect of their lives…

We are to lift God up and He will draw people to Him. Our journey from the moment we are saved until the Father calls us home is the convergence. As we grow in our trust that God is the answer and understand the power we were given with the Holy Spirit and Jesus, then the life live becomes aligned with God’s will and the level of effectiveness we h…

Brothers and sister presenting yourself to the Lord is a privilege accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Savior. Before there were specific times that sacrifices we made by the priest on your behalf. When we received the Holy Spirit, we now have the ability to hear from the Father through the Holy Spirit and access His blessing thr…

This story powerfully illustrates that obedience to God’s calling, readiness to serve, and willingness to engage with seekers of the truth can lead to transformative impacts far beyond initial interactions. For Philip, a simple act of obedience and a willingness to share the gospel contributed significantly to the foundation of Christianity in a di…

The Book of Nahum presents a powerful message of God’s judgment against an oppressive empire, highlighting His sovereignty, justice, and the assurance that evil will not prevail. For the contemporary reader, Nahum offers a profound reflection on the character of God as both a just judge and a protector of His people, ensuring that evil is eventuall…

God expects believers to actively seek justice, speak out for the oppressed, hold leaders accountable for their actions, and maintain personal and communal integrity. These expectations are foundational to creating and sustaining a community that reflects God’s righteousness and love.Por Elgin Carelock

Whatever that thing is that you can't stop sinning, it is not worth what you lose for not being in right relationship with God. It may be painful, and you may require professional help to accomplish it, but the benefits far outweigh the endurance it takes to truly repent.Por Elgin Carelock

John 15:4-5 uses the analogy of the vine and branches to emphasize the importance of remaining in Christ for spiritual growth: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." This relationship is essential for spiritual vitality and producti…

Forgiveness is a vital part of the Christian faith and, while challenging, it can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. It is an expression of the mercy and grace that God has shown us, intended to free not just the person who is forgiven but also the forgiver from the corrosive effects of holding onto anger and resentment.…

To seek God first means to make Him the highest priority in all areas of life. It involves consistently choosing to align our decisions, plans, and actions with God’s will and commandments, rather than following personal desires or worldly standards. This prioritization affects how we spends time, money, and resources, ensuring that choices honor G…

The peace of God is presented in the Bible as essential for spiritual wellbeing and effective living. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and contentment that comes from a right relationship with God. This peace is available to all who trust in God and is meant to permeate every aspect of a believer's life, in…

By praying the Word of God, you not only ensure that your prayers are immersed in truth, but you also enable God’s Word to actively work in your life, transforming you and aligning you more closely with God’s desires. This method strengthens your faith and enhances your relationship with God, making your prayer life a powerful conduit for His work …

For believers, these verses serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation that can occur when God’s people align with His will. It is often cited in calls for national prayer and repentance, suggesting that divine intervention in societal issues is contingent upon the spiritual obedience of God's people.…

Jesus’ assurance to the woman that her faith has made her whole is a declaration of complete restoration, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Him. It is a testament to how faith can bridge the gap between human desperation and divine provision, offering not just physical healing but a comprehensive restoration that touches all aspects…

The wisdom and boldness imparted by the Holy Spirit empower them to speak truth to power and influence societal structures positively. By embodying the love and power of the Holy Spirit, believers can create an environment where God's kingdom values of love, peace, and justice are evident and transformative.…

Micah 6:8 reads, He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? God is faithful and will do His part, are you willing to do yours?Por Elgin Carelock

The Bible provides comprehensive guidance for Christians in the marketplace, stressing the importance of integrity, ethical behavior, fair treatment of others, and the opportunity to witness through one's conduct. These principles help believers navigate the complexities of the business world while upholding their faith and impacting the workplace …

God's expectation for a pure heart and right motives in doing for others is foundational to living a life that is truly reflective of His character and teachings. He desires His followers to act out of genuine love, humility, and a desire to serve, rather than from self-interest or the desire for recognition. Such purity in action cultivates deeper…

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" is a biblical directive that encourages those who have experienced God’s redemption to speak openly and gratefully about it. This practice not only honors God and gives Him the glory but also serves to edify, encourage, and evangelize within and beyond the community of faith.…

When God commanded the Israelites to "Go in and take possession of the land," it was a multifaceted directive that involved physical conquest, spiritual testing, fulfillment of divine promises, and the establishment of a holy community under God’s sovereignty. This command was central to the identity and history of Israel as God’s chosen people.…

God's expectation of humility from believers is deeply woven into the fabric of Christian faith and practice. It is seen as essential for proper relationship with God, fostering community, personal growth, and receiving God's favor and guidance. Humility aligns believers with the example of Christ, who, though being in very nature God, humbled Hims…

The imagery of a nursing mother is inherently one of self-sacrifice. A mother gives of herself physically and emotionally to nurture her child. Similarly, Paul's use of this metaphor suggests a ministry characterized by self-giving love and sacrifice. He implies that their work among the Thessalonians was not burdensome or self-serving but was done…

Living a life of holiness requires intentional actions to avoid circumstances that lead to sin and to engage in behaviors that promote spiritual growth. This practical aspect of sanctification involves both avoiding sin and doing good.Por Elgin Carelock

When Matthew records Jesus using the phrase "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," it serves multiple functions: to call for careful, discerning listening, to highlight the importance of the teachings, to differentiate between those who truly understand from those who do not, and to prompt listeners to action based on the truths they have heard…

To be your brother's keeper is to embody the values of care, responsibility, and community. It calls on individuals to extend beyond self-concern to the active care and protection of others, reflecting a deep understanding of and commitment to the interconnectedness of human relationships, thereby fulfilling the will of God.…

When Jesus spoke of believers doing "greater works" than He did, He was emphasizing the expansive scope and profound impact of the Christian mission after His departure. This promise highlights the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit and underscores the significant role of believers in God's redemptive plan for the world. It is both a promise and…

By having a Savior who put on humanity and walked among us, we have an advocate in Heaven. An advocate that understands what it is like to have thoughts invade your mind based on where you are and many times who you are with. We see the children of Israel get into trouble many times for conforming to the world around them.…

When Jesus declares that if He sets someone free, they are free indeed, He is speaking of a profound spiritual reality. It is an invitation to all who hear His words to come to Him for the true freedom that only He can provide—a freedom that liberates us from the deepest forms of bondage in our lives and leads to ultimate fulfillment and eternal li…

Remembering to thank God is not just a polite or optional part of faith—it's essential for maintaining a vibrant, healthy relationship with Him and with others. It keeps us humble, joyful, and aware of God's constant presence and provision in our lives.Por Elgin Carelock