Category Archives: Turning Point

Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Important Church Celebrations: Baptism

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:37-38

Recommended Reading

Acts 8:26-40

Just before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His disciples to preach His message to all the nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). A few weeks later, thousands of people heard Peter’s sermon about Jesus on the Day of Pentecost, and “those who gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). When Philip took the Gospel to Samaria, those who responded, “both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12). When he explained the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, the man said, “What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). When Saul of Tarsus was saved, he was baptized as a public demonstration of his private decision (Acts 9:18). Throughout the book of Acts, the new Christians gave public testimony of their faith through the act of baptism.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Nothing Done for Christ Is Small

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

Recommended Reading

Galatians 6:6-10

We aren’t called to greatness, but to faithfulness. Most of our work is unheralded, and we’re often faced with thankless tasks known only to God. No one sees when we wrestle in prayer for a grandchild, when we place our tithes and offerings in the basket at church, when we rake the leaves for an elderly neighbor, or leave a New Testament at the bedside of a hospitalized friend. Even when we stand before others, the group we’re addressing has no idea how much time and prayer went into our preparation.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Satan Versus the Church

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18

Recommended Reading

1 Corinthians 3:9-11

Life after death was not clearly defined in the ancient Near East. Mesopotamian worldviews have the dead passing into the netherworld through a series of seven gates. Even in the Old Testament, “gates of death [or Hades or Sheol]” are mentioned often (Job 17:16; 38:17; Psalm 9:13; 107:18; Isaiah 38:10). The most well-known instance is when Jesus says “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against [the Church].”

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Pilgrim’s Progress

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 11:13

Recommended Reading

1 Peter 2:11-12

What’s your favorite road trip? The Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s best drives. Ditto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even old Route 66 has its charms. In Germany, try Route 500 through the Black Forest. Travelers in England enjoy trekking through the Cotswolds. There’s a carefree feeling to spending a day on the road, finding overnight accommodations, and continuing the excursion the next day.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Important Church Celebrations: Baby Dedication

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray….

Matthew 19:13

Recommended Reading

1 Samuel 1:24 – 2:1

Every church should rejoice in life’s mile markers, starting with birth, as we dedicate our children to the Lord. This is a biblical practice. In the Old Testament, Hannah brought her boy, Samuel, to the temple. There she dedicated him to the Lord, saying, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition… I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

In the New Testament, Joseph and Mary did the same. In Luke 2:22-32, they brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem to consecrate Him to the Lord.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Remember, Repent, and Return

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Revelation 2:4

Recommended Reading

Jeremiah 2:2-3

Sometimes relationships between people, even between nations, end suddenly because of a single overt act. But most of the time they end slowly. A gradual series of disappointments and unmet expectations produces a downward spiral. Or, as the saying goes, “Death by a thousand paper cuts.” What had been tolerated before now becomes inescapable: The original priorities that led to peace have changed.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Who Loves Their Enemies?

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Recommended Reading

Romans 5:8-10

On September 2, 1945, representatives of the government of Japan came aboard the American battleship USS Missouri to sign the documents that officially ended World War II. Allied and Japanese forces were no longer at war. Peace was conditional upon Japan’s agreement to end all hostility toward America and Allied nations. Because Japan stopped “sinning” against Allied forces, peace was declared. If the nations were still active enemies, there would have been no treaty.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Inseparable

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Recommended Reading

Psalm 63

As Adam and Eve looked back on the Garden of Eden, their physical removal from the Garden was a visual reminder of their break in their relationship with God. Despite their dismal circumstances, God had a different ending in mind. He did not forsake His creation.

God’s affection for us is revealed through His presence. He heard Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish. He sustained David as he waited to become king while being ruthlessly pursued by King Saul. God positioned Queen Esther to save His people from annihilation.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Love Languages: Give Your Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 8:7-9

First John 4:8 says, “God is love.” And John 3:16 says, “God gave.” God’s loving nature was the reason for more than just giving—He created, He redeems, He provides, He forgives, He restores, and more. Yet almost everything God does can be put under the heading of giving.

Everything we have comes from God and comes to us because He has given. As David noted in his prayer, “For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You” (1 Chronicles 29:14, italics added). David’s response to God’s giving was to give back to Him as an act of worship. In fact, the apostle Paul said that giving (to others) is a test of the sincerity of our love (2 Corinthians 8:8). And what example of giving did he cite? The fact that Christ gave (became poor) to us so we might receive (become spiritually rich), (2 Corinthians 8:9).

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – As Time Draws Near

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

Romans 13:11

Recommended Reading

Psalm 91

The morning headlines hit us with alarm as we realize we’re drawing closer to the season of our Lord’s return. One of our great comforts is what the Bible says about the Lord shielding His people in times like these.

  • Psalm 17 says we are hidden under the shadow of His wings.
  • Psalm 27 says we are hidden in the shelter of His tabernacle.
  • Isaiah 49 says we are hidden in the shadow of His hand.
  • Psalm 32 says that God is our hiding place.
  • And Colossians 3 says our lives are hidden with Christ in God.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Spiritual Power

Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Recommended Reading

Galatians 4:1-7

The Bible says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). It says, “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Romans 8:14 tells us to be “led by the Spirit of God.” When Jesus ascended to heaven, He asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to indwell His people and to empower us in our work for Christ. It’s the Holy Spirit who lives the life of Christ through us and who achieves the work of Christ through us.

The Spirit of God has been given to us to empower us in our walk.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Willing to Be Willing

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

John 7:17

Recommended Reading

John 7:10-24

The book Revive Us Again includes the story of Ruth Sundquist, a Moody Bible Institute student in the 1940s who was attending a missionary conference at nearby Moody Memorial Church. The speaker challenged the students to come forward and offer themselves for missionary service, but Ruth didn’t feel willing to go forward. The speaker then said, “If you aren’t willing to go, ask the Lord to make you willing to go.” Still Ruth hesitated. Then he said, “If you aren’t willing to do that, ask Him to make you willing to be willing to pray that prayer.”

Ruth said, “That’s about where I had to start.”1

The Lord has a calling on our lives, and we’ll discover His will as we’re willing to obey Him without reservation. Sometimes it’s hard to say, “I’m willing.” But perhaps, like Ruth Sundquist, you can start by saying, “Lord, I’m willing for You to make me willing to be willing.”

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Tut-tut…

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 89:1

Recommended Reading

Psalm 78:1-4

Speaking a generation ago, evangelist Vance Havner said, “We are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts.”

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Bless to Be Blessed

I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.

Genesis 12:3a

Recommended Reading

Genesis 27:27-29

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is made up of 28 member nations with 37 other nations involved in NATO programs. NATO was formed in 1949 to defend its members against attacks by nonmembers. The basic idea of such a coalition is: Any attack on one is an attack on all.

God’s covenant with Israel is similar. God will bless all nations who bless Israel and will curse any nation that curses Israel. The ancient nations that attacked Israel have long since been covered over by the sands of time. It is no coincidence that America has been the most blessed and prosperous nation on earth while being the chief ally and defender of Israel since her statehood in 1948. The promises of God regarding His relationship with Israel stand as a stark warning to any nation that chooses to be the enemy of Israel. It would behoove America and all nations to stand beside God’s chosen people and pray and act for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Love Languages: Pray Your Love

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.

Romans 15:30

Recommended Reading

Luke 23:34a

In the sentencing phase of a trial, the judge will often allow individuals to address the court to influence the judge’s decision about the sentence. Some are there to ask for a harsh sentence. But others are there out of love. They understand the need for justice, but they also are there to ask for mercy and fairness.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – The God Who Made Us

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36

Recommended Reading

Psalm 8:1-9

Scientists are learning more and more about the lives of animals. Primates have been found to use tools; fish have demonstrated memory and emotion; dogs have been trained to detect and point out human cancers. But so far, there is no record of any members of the animal kingdom contemplating their origin or expressing appreciation for their existence and the blessings of nature.

Self-awareness is on the human side of a large gap that separates the human from the non-human kingdoms. Even the psalmist, when contemplating the wonders of man’s place in God’s creation, notes that God created “the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea”—but makes no mention of those animals’ awareness of that fact (Psalm 8:8). Fortunately, humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) with the same self-awareness possessed by God. And our awareness lets us know that Someone else is responsible for our creation and sustenance.

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The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – Faith and Love

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 5:6

“In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”

There’s an inextricable link between faith and love. It’s impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6) and also impossible to please him without love. This love arises in our hearts only as we, by faith, lay hold of the great truths of the Gospel. To do this, our faith must be constantly nourished by feeding on the Gospel. It’s not the only message we need; we must also hear the requirements of discipleship. But the Gospel is most important because it alone provides both the proper motive and the only enduring motivation to respond to our Lord’s call to discipleship.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Love Languages: Speak Your Love

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1

Recommended Reading

Ephesians 4:15

Famous passages of Scripture are often taken out of context. First Corinthians 13, Paul’s “love chapter,” is such a passage. Why did Paul write his beautiful words about love to the church at Corinth? The answer is simple: They were a carnal, unloving community of Christians! They had an abundance of spiritual gifts, but they used them in unloving ways.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – The Yellow River

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

Matthew 15:19

Recommended Reading

Matthew 15:1-20

Last year the American Environmental Protection Agency allowed an ocean of sludge to pollute Colorado’s Animas River, turning the tributary to a sickening bright yellow. The accident occurred when a crew tried to pump out the polluted buildup of an abandoned mine. The waste overflowed, ruining a hundred-mile stretch of river.

According to Jesus, the human heart is a cesspool of evil, which overflows into our words and deeds. Our world is polluted by the toxic buildup of our hearts. The problem isn’t political, and it can’t be solved by political means. It’s not legal, and all the laws in the world can’t solve it. It’s not educational. If everyone had a doctorate, we’d still have a corrupted culture. It’s not financial; and if everyone were a millionaire, we’d still be in trouble.

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Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – Be Still

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

Isaiah 30:15

Recommended Reading

Matthew 16:24-28

Psychologists are warning we’re losing some basic skills of life by our reliance on mobile devices. People no longer add or subtract, they use the calculators on their phones. We no longer type or keyboard; we punch icons with our thumbs. We don’t worry about memorizing anything; our devices have become our brains. We don’t even think as much because we plug in our earphones and listen to podcasts and music.

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