PASTOR MIKE FOCHT TEACHES ON “JESUS AND JUDAS” AT THE 2022 WEST COAST PASTORS CONFERENCE.
Mike Focht, assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, PA, felt the Lord encourage him personally as he prepared his teaching on “Jesus and Judas”.
Acts Chapter 1 shows that Judas was a chosen part of Jesus’ original disciples. He was likely baptized by John the Baptist and joined Jesus’ early ministry. He preached, prayed, and received authority to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons.
https://www.calvarychapelmagazine.org/mike-focht-teaching-cca/
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a ...