Interestingly, Jesus chose to deliver a sort of "graduation speech" to his disciples at Caesarea Philippi. In that pagan setting, he encouraged his disciples to build a church that would overcome the worst evils.

SEARCH VOLUMES DEVOTIONS LEARN ABOUT LOGIN Gates of Hell SHARE City of Pagans Caesarea Philippi, which stood in a lush area near the foot of Mount Hermon, was a city dominated by immoral activities and pagan worship. Caesarea Philippi stood only twenty-five miles from the religious communities of Galilee. But the city's religious practices were vastly different from those of the nearby Jewish towns. In Old Testament times, the northeastern area of Israel became a center for Baal worship. In the nearby city of Dan, Israelite king Jeroboam built the high place that angered God and eventually led the Israelites to worship false gods. Eventually, worship of the baals was replaced with worship of Greek fertility gods. Caesarea Philippi, which stood in a lush area near the foot of Mount Hermon, became the religious center for worship of the Greek god, Pan. The Greeks named the city Panias in his honor. Years later, when Romans conquered the territory, Herod Philip rebuilt the city and named it after himself. But Caesarea Philippi continued to focus on worship of Greek gods. In the cliff that stood above the city, local people built shrines and temples to Pan. Interestingly, Jesus chose to deliver a sort of "graduation speech" to his disciples at Caesarea Philippi. In that pagan setting, he encouraged his disciples to build a church that would overcome the worst evils. The Gates of Hell To the pagan mind, the cave at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld, where fertility gods lived during the winter. They committed detestable acts to worship these false gods. Caesarea Philippi's location was especially unique because it stood at the base of a cliff where spring water flowed. At one time, the water ran directly from the mouth of a cave set in the bottom of the cliff. The pagans of Jesus' day commonly believed that their fertility gods lived in the underworld during the winter and returned to earth each spring. They saw water as a symbol of the underworld and thought that their gods traveled to and from that world through caves. To the pagan mind, then, the cave and spring water at Caesarea Philippi created a gate to the underworld. They believed that their city was literally at the gates of the underworld%u2014the gates of hell. In order to entice the return of their god, Pan, each year, the people of Caesarea Philippi engaged in horrible deeds, including prostitution and sexual interaction between humans and goats. When Jesus brought his disciples to the area, they must have been shocked. Caesarea Philippi was like a red-light district in their world and devout Jews would have avoided any contact with the despicable acts committed there. It was a city of people eagerly knocking on the doors of hell. '� Jesus' Challenge Jesus presented a clear challenge with his words at Caesarea Philippi: He didn't want his followers hiding from evil: He wanted them to storm the gates of hell. Standing near the pagan temples of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples "Who do you say that I am?" Peter boldly replied, "You are the Son of the living God." The disciples were probably stirred by the contrast between Jesus, the true and living God, and the false hopes of the pagans who trusted in "dead" gods. Jesus continued, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (see Matt. 16:13-20). Though Christian traditions debate the theological meaning of those words, it seems clear that Jesus? words also had symbolic meaning. His church would be built on the "rock" of Caesarea Philippi%u2014a rock literally filled with niches for pagan idols, where ungodly values dominated. Gates were defensive structures in the ancient world. By saying that the gates of hell would not overcome, Jesus suggested that those gates were going to be attacked. Standing as they were at a literal "Gate of Hades," the disciples may have been overwhelmed by Jesus' challenge. They had studied under their rabbi for several years, and now he was commissioning them to a huge task: to attack evil, and to build the church on the very places that were most filled with moral corruption. Jesus presented a clear challenge with his words at Caesarea Philippi: He didn't want his followers hiding from evil: He wanted them to storm the gates of hell. Not Ashamed Jesus' followers cannot successfully confront evil when we are embarrassed about our faith. After Jesus spoke to his disciples about storming the gates of hell, he also gave them another word of caution: "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory" (Luke 9:26). Jesus knew that his followers would face ridicule and anger as they tried to confront evil. And his words came as a sharp challenge: no matter how fierce the resistance, his followers should never hide their faith in God. Jesus taught with passion, even when bystanders may have thought him a fool. And at Caesarea Philippi, he challenged everyone within hearing: "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very soul?" (v. 25). In a city filled with false idols, Jesus asked his followers to commit to the one true God. While false gods promised prosperity and happiness, they would ultimately fail to deliver. Jesus didn't promise an easy life, but he delivered on the promise of salvation;the only kind of prosperity that really matters. Today, Christians must heed the words of our Rabbi, especially when we are tempted to hide our faith because of embarrassment or fear. Our world is filled with those who have "gained the world" but lost their souls. If we hide our faith, they may never find the salvation they need. '� On the offense As we listen to Jesus' challenge today, we as Christians should ask ourselves the important question: When it comes to the battle against evil, are we on defense or offense? In a culture that embraces diversity, it is offensive to suggest that there are certain truths that apply to everyone. Pointing out sin isn't popular and many Christians are labeled as "intolerant" for refusing to accept certain behaviors and ideas. Unfortunately, many people have embraced a distorted Christianity that tries to be "politically correct." They don't want to offend anyone, so they accept sin rather than confronting it. Ultimately, their words of "love" ring empty because they accept sins that ruin people's lives. Other Christians just try to avoid sinful culture altogether. They have been taught to go on the defense%u2014to hide in their churches, schools, and homes and to shut the door on the evil influences of culture. But Jesus challenged his followers to be on the offense%u2014to proclaim the truth without shame. Our schools and churches should become staging areas rather than fortresses; places that equip God's people to confront a sinful world instead of hiding from it. Jesus knows that the pagan world will resist, but he challenges us to go there anyway, and to build his church in those very places that are most morally decayed. As we listen to Jesus' challenge today, we as Christians should ask ourselves the important question: Are we on defense or offense?

Caesarea Phillipi,

If you’d like to watch another video about Caesarea Phillipi, click here: http://bit.ly/CaesareaPhilippi

Banias – Caesarea Phillipi The sources of the Banias (in Hebrew: Hermon) River flow at the foothills of Mt. Hermon, underneath the Banias Cave. The sources of the water are rain and snow that fall on Mt. Hermon and permeate through the mountain. It is another place where the Bible comes to Life and where you can also enjoy nature, archaeology & history in one of the upcoming http://bit.ly/ReLIVEtheBibleTours. In the beginning of the 1st century the city of Caesarea Phillipi was built next to the sources of the Banias River. It was named after Phillipi, the son of Herod the Great, who built this city. More than 2,000 years ago, a shrine was built here for the pagan idol named Baal Gad. Nearby, another shrine was built for the pagan idol Pan. The name Banias originated from Pan, Panias, that over the years became Banias. In the Bible, it is mentioned in Mathew 16:13-19 where Jesus brought his disciples to teach them a lesson about the pagans and he said to Peter: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. To watch video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fc7TJ7EnFc Thank you Pastor Andy Cook for this video. Today, it is part of a beautiful National Park with water in abundance, walking trails, and is a great place to walk through and visit and one of the main sources of the Jordan River. If you’d like to watch another video about Caesarea Phillipi, click here: http://bit.ly/CaesareaPhilippi

Today, it is part of a beautiful National Park with water in abundance, walking trails, and is a great place to walk through and visit and one of the main sources of the Jordan River.

Sam Gorenshten shared Israel Tour Guide - Sam Gorenshten's video. July 30 at 7:54pm · Dear friends, in response to some questions from you, I am re-sharing this post. Enjoy. THE GOLDEN GATE is also known as the Mercy Gate in the Jewish tradition. This is one of the city gates that that was not mentioned in the previous video that I shared with you about the Gates of Jerusalem. http://bit.ly/GatesofOLDCITYJerusalem. Traditionally, this gate is very important because we know that the Messiah is going to come through this gate to the Holy Temple area. As is mentioned in the video, the original gate was a little to the South of the existing gate which is now blocked. This video provides us with a good explanation about the dilemma of the Messiah on his way to Temple Mount. I must say that I trust the Messiah doesn't need advice from anyone to do his job :-) and is able to overcome all the obstacles presented in this video . This is also one of the sites we will visit during our http://bit.ly/ReLIVEtheBibleTours. Thank you Jay McCarl for this great video.

I am a certified Tour Guide in Israel, listed on TripAdvisor. My website: www.israeltourguide4u.com Owner at Israel Tour Guide - Sam Gorenshten THE GOLDEN GATE which is also known as the Mercy Gate in the Jewish tradition. This is one of the city gates that that was not mentioned in the previous video t... https://www.facebook.com/211088945658734/videos/816756231758666/ V i d e o Israel Tour Guide - Sam Gorenshten about 12 months ago THE GOLDEN GATE

Dragan Simov "the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God."

AskDrBrown Page Liked · May 28 · Do you agree? Oscar del Rosario LikeCommentShare Top Comments 825 825 354 shares 45 Comments Comments Melissa Miller Melissa Miller No, not entirely. I believe a lot of people disagree with the Bible because they are truly blinded to the Truth inside. I don't believe they are just being stubborn. The enemy has blinded them, and they truly cannot see. Like · Reply · 15 · May 28 at 10:02am Manage 4 Replies Dani'el Diegmann Dani'el Diegmann Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world His invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness, for them to be without excuse." etc... Like · Reply · 4 · May 28 at 12:25pm Manage Dragan Simov Dragan Simov "the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God." (Yochanan 3:19-21) Like · Reply · 1 · May 29 at 3:06am Manage Carlos Ben De Jesus Carlos Ben De Jesus Yes. It is rooted in understanding the word "Convict" if the Spirit convicts the world of sin, then the worlds is convinced. Its actually what the word convicts means. The only reason someone would not believe that statement is if they don't believe in the work o the Holy Spirit as delineated in scripture. Like · Reply · 1 · May 28 at 12:57pm Manage Dave Jones Dave Jones The natural mind does not understand spiritual things. It takes the kind intentional will of God by His grace and mercy for sinners to believe the most fundamental element of the gospel. That is not to say they can't see the words of sin and judgement therein, but the purposeful impact only occurs when blinders are pulled away if even only for a moment Like · Reply · May 29 at 8:51am Manage 2 Replies Daniel Easley Daniel Easley No they reject it because they are truly enemies of God and hate God. They love evil and being blinded is what they desire and choose. People are deserving of hell. I am but by the grace of God He is my saviour and substitute. Like · Reply · 1 · May 28 at 2:55pm Manage 1 Reply View 39 more comments Oscar del Rosario Write a comment...

Yet there are Palestinian leaders who claim that the Jewish people have no connection to the Temple Mount!

AskDrBrown Page Liked · June 11 · Yet there are Palestinian leaders who claim that the Jewish people have no connection to the Temple Mount! Oscar del Rosario LikeCommentShare Top Comments 789 789 511 shares 43 Comments Comments AskDrBrown AskDrBrown Here's my only comment to Naveed: It is we who crucified Jesus -- you and I and every other human being on the planet. We nailed Him to the cross through our sins. And that was His mission! He came to die for us, sent by the Father's love, and if you p...See More Like · Reply · 11 · June 11 at 7:44am Manage View previous replies AskDrBrown AskDrBrown Naveed Ahmed Kahloon one more comment. Please sir. Drop the rhetoric. Your taking over a thread did not make me jealous or scared. You can't be serious! it's just that your post was unrelated to the meme here, hence our guidelines. If you want to inter...See More Like · Reply · 4 · June 11 at 7:59am Manage View more replies محمد مشهراوي محمد مشهراوي Dr. Brown, please refer to your own book, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus, Volume 2. In your own book and words, you quoted many verses in the bible that clearly show that the Jews UNTIL they become righteous, they shall NEVER have a land. I find ...See More Like · Reply · June 11 at 5:32am Manage AskDrBrown AskDrBrown Sir, I appreciate you citing my book, but you're making things up out of thin air. I never said what you claim I said. Also, theology has nothing to do with Israel's historic connection to the Temple Mount. Will you deny facts because of your beliefs? Like · Reply · 7 · June 11 at 7:47am Manage Naveed Ahmed Kahloon Naveed Ahmed Kahloon Biased Dr Brown let me ask you one question who crucified Jesus Of Nazareth ?? Who continues keep calling him a madman and still insult him to this day ??!! Plus a Palestinian leader doesn't represent Islam like you don't represent Christianity !! Because Christianity doesn't teach to go after one set of people and not being fair that is not the teaching of my beloved Jesus Christ Like · Reply · 6 · June 11 at 12:07am Manage View previous replies AskDrBrown AskDrBrown Naveed, please see the comment I made to you separately, a few minutes ago, and be kind enough to honor my request. Thanks! Like · Reply · 3 · June 11 at 7:46am Manage View more replies Gilson Topfstedt Gilson Topfstedt I've recently watched a video showing that the temple was in the "city of David" Exactly there where the single water fountain of Jerusalem have ever existed. In ancient times this water sputtered inside of the temple. On the "Temple Mount" was the place of the "Antonia Fortress" which was like a town on its own. Also, I think the whole discussion is wrong. Like · Reply · 3 · June 11 at 3:07am Manage Jared Lawless Jared Lawless I think both sides r a little bit right and a little bit wrong. I know for a fact both sides have committed atrocities. Both sides are made up of human beings dr brown which I know you know. Which means some things: Both sides r created in the image of...See More Like · Reply · June 11 at 4:14am Manage 2 Replies Christian Morrissey Christian Morrissey As much as I love Dr Brown and his teachings, it is the nation with the best military who has a claim to any territory. This is the history of humanity. If Israel wants the Temple Mount, they must take it and hold it. Americas forefathers did not hug it out with the natives to claim America, they had the military strength to conquer and hold it and here we are today. Like · Reply · June 11 at 4:20am Manage 7 Replies View 37 more comments Oscar del Rosario Write a comment...

Close ရီမယ္ေနာ္-၂ about 2 months ago ဗဟုသုတ အေနနဲ႔ ၾကည့္ေပါ့ ေဘာ္ဒါတို႔.....

ရီမယ္ေနာ္-၂ about 2 months ago ဗဟုသုတ အေနနဲ႔ ၾကည့္ေပါ့ ေဘာ္ဒါတို႔.....

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Ask an Expert: Snakes out Earlier This Year - Eight Things You Should Know

Ask an Expert: Snakes out Earlier This Year - Eight Things You Should Know Snakes Out Earlier This YearUnseasonably warm temperatures this year have caused snakes to emerge early from hibernation. So be aware that just because you didn’t encounter a snake on your outdoor adventure last spring at this time doesn’t mean you won’t this spring. Utah is home to 31 species of snakes. Of these, only seven are venomous and are commonly called pit vipers because of the pit located between their nostrils and eyes. Most pit vipers found in Utah have tails with a series of rattles, hence the name rattlesnake. The venomous snake species in Utah includes the sidewinder, speckled rattlesnake, Mojave rattlesnake, Western rattlesnake, Hopi rattlesnake, midget-faded rattlesnake and the Great Basin rattlesnake. The most commonly encountered of these is the Western rattlesnake. Because most snakes in Utah are non-venomous, most human-snake encounters are generally not dangerous. However, if you encounter a venomous snake and are bitten, the consequences could be serious, so it is important to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Consider this information. * If you encounter a snake, your best strategy is to leave it alone. Every year, hundreds of want-to-be herpetologists and snake charmers are bitten when they try to capture or kill a snake. Even dead snakes have been known to bite by reflex action. More than 7,000 venomous snakebites are reported every year in the United States. Of these, between nine and 15 are fatal. More than half of the reported bites were a result of someone trying to handle or kill the snake. It is always best to leave the area if you encounter a venomous snake. This will greatly reduce your risk of being bitten. * As a general rule, poisonous snakes have elliptical pupils and a single row of scales on the underside of the tail. Non-poisonous snakes have round pupils and two rows of scales on the underside of the tail. * When rattlesnakes are encountered or disturbed, the rapid vibration of their tails will make a characteristic rattling sound to warn the intruder of their presence. However, not all rattlesnakes will “rattle” when disturbed. For this reason, when you are in rattlesnake country, you must pay close attention to where you walk, sit and place your hands. Rattlesnakes can be found throughout Utah in sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, grasslands and mountain forests. They occur at elevations that range from sea level to timberline. * If you hear a rattlesnake “rattle,” stand still until you can locate where the sound is coming from. Do not try to jump or run. If you do, you may end up within the snake’s striking range. * Snakes are classified as non-game animals and are protected by Utah state laws. A person cannot collect or possess a live wild snake without receiving a Certificate of Registration from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. When there are human, domestic pet and livestock safety concerns, a venomous snake may be killed without a certificate. * Non-venomous snakebites are harmless. The only concern may be for potential infection. If bitten, clean and sterilize the wound much like you would a cut or abrasion. Bites from venomous snakes will almost instantly show signs of swelling and discoloration of the surrounding tissue. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation, nausea, rapid pulse, loss of muscle coordination and weakness. Also, bites from rattlesnakes will show two characteristic fang marks (punctures) as well as other teeth marks. * If someone has been bitten by a venomous snake, there are several things that should not be done. Do not allow the person to engage in physical activity such as walking or running. Carry the person if he or she needs to be moved. Do not apply a tourniquet to the area above the wound, and do not apply a cold compress to the bite area. Do not cut into the bite. Do not give the victim stimulants or pain medications unless instructed by a physician, and do not give the victim anything by mouth. Do not raise the bite area above the level of the heart, and do not try to suction the venom, as doing so may cause more harm than good. * All venomous snakebites should be considered life threatening. When someone has been bitten by a venomous snake, time is of the essence. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so anti-venom can be ready when the victim arrives. Until then, keep the victim calm, restrict movement and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom. Wash the bite area with soap and water. Remove any rings or constricting items, as the affected area will swell. Cover the bite with clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort. Monitor the victim’s vital signs (pulse, temperature, breathing, blood pressure). If there are signs of shock, lay the victim flat and cover with a warm blanket. Get medical help immediately. Bring the dead snake in for identification if this can be done without further risk of injury. By: Terry Messmer, Utah State University Extension Wildlife Specialist, 435-797-3975, terry.messmer@usu.edu Published on: Jun 12, 2017 Related Articles Ask an Expert: Tips for Summer Adventures in Utah's Outdoors Ask an Expert: Tips for Summer Adventures in Utah's Outdoors Utah is home to five national parks - Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion - as well as many other amazing outdoor recreation destinations, including 43 state parks. With summer travel plans in the works for many families, consider these tips to help you get the most from your outdoor adventure. Read MoreUSU Extension Hosts Horse Grooming Clinic USU Extension Hosts Horse Grooming Clinic Utah State University Equine Extension hosts a horse grooming clinic featuring professional groomer Elena Nuila on Saturday, April 30, at the USU Livestock Pavilion. Read MoreUSU Extension Protects Sage-grouse by Clearing Confiers USU Extension Protects Sage-grouse by Clearing Confiers Research published by Utah State University Extension specialists shows that the removal of invading conifer trees from sagebrush habitats could help boost success for nesting and brooding sage-grouse. Read More

11 rules you will never learn in school

Close Great Big Minds about 3 weeks ago 11 rules you will never learn in school

May 13 at 9:57pm

Ann F. E. Wynkoop Follow · May 13 · https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211714737897858&set=pb.1650186260.-2207520000.1499321788.&type=3&theater LikeCommentShare 16 16 5 shares 1 Comment Comments Jan Kenolio Jan Kenolio Amen!! Like · Reply · 1 · May 13 at 9:57pm

Isaiah 46:9-10

Ann F. E. Wynkoop Follow · May 23 · God warns none of His prophecies shall fail . . . "For I am God, and there is no other. for I am God, and there is none like me . . . Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done." () A Future Warning For Israel and the World . . . Remember, God uses prophecy to prove He is who He says His is, and to authenticate all the warnings and the promises found in the Bible . . . The Bible warns a series of prophetic events which will change the world forever would begin to unfold after Israel would once again become a sovereign Nation (after 2,500 years) which was fulfilled on May 14, 1948! God has a covenant with Israel that will never be broken. He has revealed a destiny for the nation Israel which will soon be completed. God has declared a new covenant (see Jeremiah 31:31) and destiny for a people to be drawn from the whole world, through His Messiah, including any and all of the children of Israel who recognize and come to know their Messiah from Scripture. This new covenant is a promise for all who believe in Him (Jesus Christ ... Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) ... also sent forth as 'a light unto the Gentiles') and will accept Him as their Lord and Savior (saving us from our sins and from the darkness and torment of Hell.) Have a hard time believing in God? The above verses are clear . . . Why? God is warning us . . . Please remember . . . The Kingdom of Heaven is available to every man, woman, boy, and girl in this world, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they have done. It is freely offered to any and all who will receive it. Simply learn of Jesus (Yeshua), the promised Messiah, invite Him into your life as Lord, believe He died on the Cross for all of your sins and rose from the grave (proving there is a Kingdom of Heaven ... and a coming resurrection for both those who are going to Heaven and for those who are going to Hell). Learn of Him and believe in Him . . . for He was the only one who has ever loved you enough to substitute Himself for you on the Cross (which represents Hell). He shed His blood, suffered, and died on the Cross to save you from your sins and from the utter darkness, aloneness, and torment of Hell, if you will accept it, believe it, and trust in it. That is why Jesus is called Savior. He now lovingly and graciously offers you life in Heaven (and we are warned it is a "take it or leave it" proposition.) We have to consciously receive it and accept it in faith. If you sincerely admit you have sinned (and need a Savior to get into Heaven) and fully trust in Him alone to save you from your sins and from Hell ... and turn away ("repent") from those things God says are wrong and turn back to God, you will go to Heaven ... and with open arms and tears of joy He will receive all who will come to Him in faith and in love ... It's God's Promise!!! The only unpardonable sin is to reject (or ignore) God's love and His free offer of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven by rejecting His Son ... Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) ... who stepped forth from Eternity ("from of old, from everlasting"... see Micah 5:2) ... not to condemn the sinner, but to save the sinner (from the torment of Hell) and who willingly and lovingly shed His blood and bore all of our sins and guilt on the Cross so we can be "washed clean" and forgiven of all our sins. The Bible warns there will be no peace in our hearts or minds until we make peace with God through His Son, Jesus (Yeshua), the promised Messiah. The Bible also warns clearly there will be no peace in Israel or on Earth until Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah returns . . . Grace and Shalom! http://www.alphanewsdaily.com/Warning%201%20Israel%20Jerusalem.html http://www.israelinbibleprophecy.com/index.htm LikeCommentShare 5 5 1 share 1 Comment Comments Gerri Marshall Gooch Gerri Marshall Gooch Amen Like · Reply · May 23 at 8:50am Oscar del Rosario Write a comment... The Kingdom of Heaven is available to every man, woman, boy, and girl in this world, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they have done. It is freely offered to any and all who will receive it. http://icfkingdomofheaven.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-available-to.html

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV) 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

"We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Therefore, the power of God in 2:5 in which our faith should rest is the divine power unleashed by the death of Christ to save sinners, to justify the ungodly. When Jesus was at his weakest in the agony of the cross, God's power was at its strongest, lifting the infinite weight of sin and condemnation off the backs of all who would believe on him. Because Jesus died and bore the punishment of our sin, all the power of God, who created the universe, was loosed for the benefit of God's elect.