Sponsored by friends and partners of Kingdom Connection.
Prayers for the telecast to speak a relevant message into viewers' lives.
Focus of the message: The High Cost of Low Living.
Story of Herod and John the Baptist
Herod's Birthday Celebration: Grand occasion with military commanders, friends, lots of drinking and celebrating.
John the Baptist's Preaching: John rebukes Herod and his wife for living in adultery, causing humiliation and anger, particularly from Herodias (the wife).
Herod's Character:
Not inherently evil but weak.
Showed John special favor even in prison.
Lured by lust and pleasure due to the wrong atmosphere and company.
Herodias' Hatred: She wanted John silenced permanently.
The Dance and Its Implications
Entertainment at the Celebration: Herod's stepdaughter performs a dance that pleases Herod.
Meaning of 'Hero': In Greek, 'Herod' means 'hero', symbolizing ego and desire for power.
Pleasing the Flesh: The dance represents feeding carnal desires.
The Request for John the Baptist's Head
Herod's Promise: Offers anything up to half his kingdom in his intoxicated state.
Herodias' Manipulation: Tells her daughter to ask for John's head to silence the voice of repentance.
Herod's Regret: Realizes too late the high cost of low living.
Symbolism:
Herod: Represents our flesh and carnal desires.
Herodias' Daughter: Represents pleasures of the world and temptation.
Herodias: Represents Satan, working in the shadows to manipulate and dictate the high cost of sin.
Consequences of Sin
Cost Determined by Satan: The high cost of low living is determined by Satan, not by us.
Loss of Conviction: Cutting off the voice of repentance by indulging in sin.
Final Payment: Without repentance, the final payment is spiritual death and separation from God.
Call to Repentance
Emphasis on Grace: Urges to stop the sinful 'dance' while there’s still grace and forgiveness.
Prayer: For those seeking change, surrender to Jesus, asking for forgiveness, peace, and salvation.
Importance of Conviction: Conviction is proof of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Losing it is dangerous.
Conclusion
Encouragement: To repent and avoid the high cost of low living by embracing God's grace and forgiveness.
Support: Thanks to partners and supporters who enable the ministry to continue spreading the message.
Invitation: To join Free Chapel and take advantage of their programs and resources.