December 5, 2025 • 27 mins
Imagine looking Santa in the eyes and saying, “Thank you… But the best gift already came. His name is Jesus.”
John 3:16
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John 3:16
We are (LIVE) on our website's [Morning Devo] podcast now!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Morning Family, Good morning, God bless you. Welcome back to
the morning Devo.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Is your bro. Sam Lopez aka Dj sam Rock.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
So winners with his z dot org live do Sole
winners with his z dot org streaming on social media
platforms that allow the stream to go through, also on
x formerly known as Twitter, and of course on a
YouTube page which is simply called.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Dj sam Rock.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
We're here, Amen, It's Friday, and we're back on authentic
imitation knowlogy status.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Amen, it's been a minute.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
But this is actually episode what one hundred and thirty six,
Episode one thirty six, one hundred and thirty six times
that we got together on a Friday and we tried
to authentically imitate the most successful person who has ever
lived on this whole entire planet, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
So we're gonna do it today. It's called greatest Gift,
Greatest Gift. Just imagine. I'm old school, so I'm from
the era where you know, our parents told us that
around Christmas time they spoke about Santa Claus, right, and
(01:10):
you know, whether you believe that or not, it was something,
so imagine just to take your imagination for a minute
and think about it. You ever went to a store
or mall when you were a kid. But if not,
it's okay. This is just I want you to just
(01:32):
put this in your head for imagination purposes. And you
sat down on Santa's lap, right, and Santa asked you
what do you wish you could have for Christmas?
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Right?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
And you started listening all kinds of toys, games. You know,
some people even talk about family structure, you know, they
wish that, you know, their dad was around and mama's around,
and wish they had a family. You know, it could
get deep, but what what it had been? And maybe
some of you did this if you look at Santa
in the eyes and said, listen, I wish for a
(02:07):
lot of things, a lot of gifts in this world,
a lot of things that I could get toys, games
or whatever. But the greatest gift I already have, and
the greatest gift is Jesus Christ. I would have loved
to do that when I was a guy, and I
didn't do it. I'm just saying, imagine and see what
the Santa Claus person would have said back amen, or
(02:30):
see the look on that Santa Claus is in that
Santa Claus's eyes what would that have been? So today,
greatest gift on the Morning Devo Authentic imitationology.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, prayer requests, or
anything along those lines, please don't hesitate to leave it
on the live chat.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That's what we're here for. Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Good morning, sister Joanne, I'll see you. Good morning, God
bless you. Welcome back to the Morning Devo. My sister
and my friend. So just imagine right and now, whether
or not there's still parents out there telling their kids
that Santa Claus is real and all that.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
I don't want to be the scooge like I always
am on Christmas time. But Amen, it's up to you
if you want to go with that story. But I'm
starting to notice less and less kids believe in Santa Claus.
So I guess a lot of parents, the newer parents
out there, are probably not going along with that story
(03:29):
as much as we used to when we were kids.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
Missus Joanne says, I have a child from foster care
and she has asked me for something for Christmas and
I can't give it to her, which is her mother.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Wow, that's deep. See, it could get deep when a
kid asks you.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
A child asks you for something, and you can't give
that child that something.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Amen. It could get deep.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
So the best thing Jo Wearne, you could do for
that foster child, Amen, is to give her or her right.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Her mother so it's her.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Give her the gift of the Gospel, give it a
gift of Christmas, give it a gift of the Christ
of Christmas, and share that story with her, and then
God will fill in all the blanks. That's how good
God is.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Amen. So we're gonna pray first.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
After we pray, we'll shit us out for like sixty seconds,
and then on the other side of those sixty seconds
we'll get right into it. So imagine looking Sands in
the eyes and saying thank you. But the best gift
already came. His name is Jesus. We're going to be
a John chapter three, verse number sixteen, what I think
is the most popular New Testament verse that people know, Amen,
(04:43):
believers and people who don't even believe. John three sixteen. Father,
I thank you for your sacrifice, for your gift. Thank
you for coming to this planet, to this world that
you created in the form of a man named Jesus,
to show us the way and be a perfect example
and be a God who loves, God who saves a guy,
(05:06):
a God who redeems and forgives, a God who inspires encourages,
a God who suffered, a God who is tempted and always,
but yet be himself did not sin.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I give you glory, honor, worship and praise.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Thank you, Lord God, for showing us the way, the
truth and the life, for being the way the truth
in the life, and for guiding us into your presence.
I pray, Holy Spirit, that you will continue to guide
those in this season that we call Christmas Season to
your glorious presence, and that those who are in need
that low guid that you will feel those needs, and
(05:43):
not only physical or materialistic needs, but an internal and
supernatural spiritual needs as well. I pray by faith that
you would guide us, guard us, and protect us. Thank
you for every step, Thank you for your health, Thank
you for your mercy and your grace. Louw God that
you have supplied to us. And I pray that over myself,
my wife, our children, our grandchildren, our family members from
(06:06):
the very oldest to the very youngest, and every single
person in between. That man, my mom. Thank you Jesus
for still having her here on this planet with us. Amen,
and I pray that over every single person on the
other side of the screen and.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
On the other side of this mic.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Oh God Ess, we're heading towards a season where people
have difficult times, other people have joyous times. But no
matter what, we have, you lo God, the greatest gift,
and we thank you for it is Jesus Holy Name.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Amen to the Amen.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
If let's go for it, family, let's shut us out
for sixty seconds, than when we come back, we'll get
into John chapter three, verse sixteen. Yes, the verse that
we're more familiar with. A lot of people are familiar
with that verse. But let's see what the Lord will
do with that verse today, his word today when it
comes to the greatest gift. Amen's sister Joyce, I see you,
(06:58):
good morning, God, bless you, bless you and your family
as well.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Thank you for blessing the group. Amen.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
And of course the prayers and the words of God
every day are so valuable. It's the greatest gift that
we could have, Amen to share together. So thank you
so much for your presence, my sister, my friend sixty second,
helping me share this side. When we come back. We'll
get right into it. I'll be right back. M m.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Heymen.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Thank you so much for all those who are sharing
this out. Thank you for all the groups that allow
me to share this on your group pages.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Very grateful for.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
That helps out, Amen tremendously when it comes to expanding
the mission of the ministry is which is which actually
to encourage people to get into the Word of God
from themselves and stop believing the hype of the fault.
You know digital disciples online that are trying to manipulate
people into believing all kind of fantastic ideas about the
(09:07):
scriptures instead of encouraging people to read the scripture for
themselves so that the way they could get the inspired
Word in their mind and their hearts and God could
do the transformation and the changing.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
God is good all the time a man he knows
what he's going to be or need anybody like me
to do what we do as talking heads, or what
he does. He uses us for his glory, Amen, to
encourage people to go to Him, which he is the
author and perfector of our faith. He's the greatest gift
that we could ever have in this lifetime.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Amen. As a matter of fact, for all eternity.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
But let's start where we are right now today on
this side of eternity, and know that he is the
greatest gift. Amen, during Christmas season, during any season, Jesus
Christ the Lord is the greatest gift. So let's get
into it. Let's see the word of God. For those
who are listening at CELEI Radio Network, thank you so
much for listening. Also, if you're on the website someone
(10:05):
is with a z dot org, there's a live stream
tab and right underneath the live stream there's a live
chat there as well, if you want to connect with
me over there as well. So let's go forward. Let's
see what the word has today. On Authentic Imitationlogy. It's
good to be back on the series Amen for episode
one thirty six. Greatest Gift, Amen, And the Bible says
(10:28):
a lot of popular this is like, I don't know,
maybe I gotta look this up. How popular is this verse?
I believe so many people know this verse, but there's
not a lot of understanding probably about this verse, because
people understood what this was all about. Amen, I think
a lot more people will honestly, honestly come to a
realization that Jesus is Lord John three sixteen. For God
(10:54):
so greatly loved and dearly prize the world, that he
gave his one and only begotsen son, so that whoever
believes and trusts in Him as Savior shall not perish,
but have eternal life.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
So we know God, the Father loved God.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
The Father is the one who loves right, and the
Father sent his son, the one who saves. So this
is an amazing gospel. This is an amazing truth. This
is an amazing idea that God made it. This is
(11:44):
his idea, Amen, that he gave us what we ultimately
would need to live a life, that we could be
grateful to live, to live a life full of love, grace, mercy,
to live a life on purpose for a purpose, to
live a life to supply us to give to others
(12:08):
the gift of eternal life, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
So hold that in your mind for a second as
we go and take you to the notes. But the
greatest gift is found, Amen, and the one and only
begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Now I notice this
brings up a lot of questions for a lot of
people right now that are into different religions. A lot
(12:33):
of people that are into Jehovah witness practice, they say,
you see, he says it right there that he sent
his son. Although Jehoah's witness thinks that the Father created
the son.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
But they won't find that a scripture. But you know,
they finesse the scripture to make it seem that way.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
I don't know what the benefit of that would be,
but you know, shout out to Jobah witnesses. But the
scripture says that the son was sent right. The Father
loved the world so much that he sent his only
begotten son to save. Who save us, who qualifies to
be saved, whosoever believes is qualified to be saved. That's
(13:17):
why this is a gift. It's nothing that we could
do to earn the salvation or the favor of God.
There's nothing we could do to get into the Kingdom
of God. There's nothing we could do. Like if you
had a scale and decide is the good side decides
the bad side of whatever ways heaviest amen will determine
whether or not we get into the Kingdom. That's not
(13:38):
the Gospel message or the Lord Jesus Christ. That's not
the Christmas season message. That's not the Bible. Amen, that's
not the inspired word of God. The world doesn't say that.
We're not living this life built on scales. Oh, if
I do more good and bad, then you know God's
gonna receive me. Thank you Jesus. That's not the way
it is. Because how much good would you have to
(13:59):
do to get the favor of God? And how much
bad would you have to do not to get the
favor of God? I mean, who has these equations? Who
has these measurements? A man who could tell you whether
or not you're doing enough good or doing bad too
bad to get in or not to get into the
Kingdom of God.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
No, it's a gift. God's gift is eternal life. Amen.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
For all those whosoevers who call upon the name of
the Lord to be saved, not just for Israel. To
shout out to my Hebrew Israelites, not just for Israel.
A Bible is full of scriptures. And I know they
like to use the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant,
and you will see that God came for yes, his people.
(14:43):
But then he started, you know, looking at the other nations.
They needed him too write. So his grace was there
since the very beginning. Amen, look at the story of
in Genesis of Adam and Eve and their children. There
was grace found there. They disobeyed God, and the grace
of God allowed them to live after they disobeyed him
(15:07):
and just kicked him out of the garden. Yes, they
lost the eden that they had, they lost the perfect garden. Amen,
But then that set up a need for redeemer. And
that redeemer still lives, and that redeemer's name is the
Lord Jesus Christ. So tell Santa, right, if you send
your kids to sit on his lap in the mall
(15:28):
or in the store or whatever you go, tell Santa
that Jesus is the best gift.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Tell your kid to shock Santa.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
When that kid is sitting on Santa's lap, tell your
kids to shock them and say, I got the best
gift already.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
That's the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Maybe that Santa is not saved, Maybe that Santa is
like struggling during Christmas season. Maybe that Santa right needs
to hear the gospel message. Maybe that Santa is wishing
for a gift himself. So tells Sansa that Jesus is
the best gift. Right, because here's the truth, Santa, sharing
(16:11):
that story with your kids. Santa can give you something
for Christmas, right, Maybe he could give you a gift
card or something right down the spot. He's not coming
down on chimneys and all that stuff, but Jesus and Jesus,
only Jesus can give you something that changes your life.
(16:36):
So we've been talking about gift giving, the joy of
giving gifts. We've been talking about that. We know that
you know, in this world we get beautiful gifts. Sometimes
you know I'm not the best gift giver.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
My wife could tell you that I run out of
ideas real quick.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
I'm sort of ideas.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
But anyway, you could get a nice gift, But those
gifts are temporary. Right, Only Jesus, listen to this, can
give you a gift that changes your life for all eternity.
So how short does Santa fall during Christmas season? It's
an amazing right, amazing idea. John three sixteen is God's idea, Amen,
(17:19):
And his idea stands regardless whether you believe in him
or not. His word stands. Truth stands regardless of my
belief or your belief. Truth stands. The Gospel. Truth stands
by the eye and I see you. Good morning, God,
bless you. Welcome to the one to deve with my
brother and my friend. So, Santa could give you something
for Christmas. Your parents could give you something for Christmas.
(17:42):
Your children could give you something for Christmas. Your family
could give you something for Christmas. You could get something
for Christmas. But Jesus alone is the one who could
give you something, a gift that could change your life
forever forever. I mean it's just like not even an exaggeration.
He could change your life forever. Right, So think about it.
(18:05):
Santsa could bring your presence, but Jesus brings presence.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Yes, I'm doing the word play.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
The Christmas presence p r E s E n c
s that you see.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
Under the tree. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
They could give you some some smiles on your face,
give kids some excitement.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Amen, temporary joy I call it.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
But Jesus brings presence p r E s E n
c E presence.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Yes, it's a word game.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Yes, I'm playing with words, amen, because sometimes when we
hear it like that, we understand it more better, Amen,
and know what's up at me. Santa fills stockings with
little little gifts, but.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
Jesus fills your heart. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
I know this is like way over the time, like
you're doing too much, Sam. You know, let's just celebrate Christmas.
People will actually tell me, let's just celebrate Christmas. We
don't need Jesus. That's crazy, right, Or some people were
saying Christmas is a pagan holiday. Why would you celebrate that. Listen,
we're not celebrating a treat. We're not celebrating the gift.
We're celebrating the fact that the Lord Jesus was born.
(19:17):
I could celebrate that any day, every day.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Amen. He was born from a virgin Mary. Amen.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
And then he lived a life, perfect life for thirty
three and a half years, sacrifices, laid down his life,
sacrifice itself on the cross for us.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
Amen. So if it wasn't for.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
The birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior,
Apostle Paul said, we won't have no gospel. We be
the most PITEO is the most pitied of all.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
If there was if that was not true, if Jesus
did not resurrect, So I could celebrate Jesus every day
if I wanted to, and so can you. But during
this Christmas time, we can focus on his birth, his life. Man,
Come on, But some people hate that. That's pagan, that's this,
that's that because I thought I was a scrooge. But
I've met people that are way more scroogeous than me, amen,
(20:07):
if that's a word. And they don't want no parts
of Christmas. They don't even want no parts of the
Lord Jesus Christ. And it's sad because Jesus is the
greatest gift. Brother Frank, I see you, good morning. God
bless you, my bro. God bless you, Brother Sam and
your family and everybody on the morning. Devo love you,
Love you too, brother Frank. It's good to see you
on the morning. Devote my bro and my friend.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
So right.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Santa brings presence, you know, tangible things, but the Lord
brings presents his presence, which brings love, grace, mercy, freedom.
Where the spirit of the Lord is there is what
there's liberty. That's freedom.
Speaker 2 (20:42):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
Santa fills stockings, Jesus feels hearts. Santa gives toys, and
those toys fade. As a matter of fact, if you're
a young parent, hold on to some toys that you
see that love like trending during your time. Hold on
to them put them away, amen, because later on in
life they become very valuable. Had I had Joe toys
(21:07):
I had, if I would have kept those toys, had
Star Wars toys, original Star Wars toys, if I would
have kept those toys in good condition, Amen, I could
have benefited all of those things.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
So that's just the word of advice to young parents
out there, and man, hold on to it. I know
you might be like, man, I don't have no place
to put it. Find a place put in storage. Trust me.
Twenty thirty years from now, a man, if we're still here,
if Jesus don't come back and get us, those toys
might be valuable.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
I learned that. I learned that, and I don't have
those things that I used to have. I should have
kept them.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
It's not all about women. It's about serving the Lord Jesus.
I guess you meant to say it's not about presence.
I don't know, but it's about serving the Amen. Amen,
Sister Joan, I see that that comment is good. Santa
gives toys that fade, but Jesus gives hope that lasts forever. Yes,
(22:00):
I'm over spiritual. It's not even an over spiritualization. This
is based off of John Fi sixteen of what God
gave us. He gave us his very best.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
So when you have the story of Santa, then you
have the reality of Jesus.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
Amen. It just doesn't compare.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
But just use your imagination, right, you know, bear with
me because I don't know whether or not you're still
going with the story of Santa with your kids or
your grandkids, but that you know, that's between you and
the Lord.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
But you could use it as something beautiful.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
And tell your child, your grandchild, your relatives. Hey, when
you go to see Santa at the restaurant or at
the mall, at the store, go tell them thank you
for the gift. But the best gift already came. The
best gift is Jesus.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
So Tanta gives toys that fade, Jesus gives hope that
lasts forever, and even Santa himself. Every symbol of generosity
and that we celebrate right points to a greater giver,
points to a greater gift, points to a greater savior,
points to a greater joy, points to a greater love. Right,
(23:11):
For God so loved the world, the Father so loved the.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
World, that he gave his only.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Begods and son, his most valuable treasure.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Gave, not created Jesus, he sent his son. He gave
his son to us so that way he could do
what the prophets knew he was gonna do. According to
the prophet Isaiah, he was he to come and rescue
the world. Save the world. Amen, Amen, redeem the world.
(23:42):
Amazing story of the Gospel. So even Santa himself cannot
outgive God during Christmas.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Amen, use your imagination.
Speaker 1 (23:54):
Let's just say that Santa was real and he had slave,
and he was going through the world and dropping gifts,
going down Triminey's and all that. If that was true,
even Santa couldn't outgive the Lord's gifts a man, which
is the greatest gift, the greatest gift, the one who
loved us so much, right, the Father loved us so much.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
The Bible was so clear on that.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
I mean, I know, people take love and they put
it in all different kinds of categories in this community
out there that say love is love and everybody should
be you know, accepted a man and tolerated and man,
I'm forgetting that word again every time I bring up
this subject a man God probably the Holy spirits telling
(24:40):
me just stay away.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
From that for now.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
But God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world
that he did something. He gave his one and only
begotten son for just the religious people know it was
for who ever believes in trust in him.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
I was on BTS Jonathan Beasley's Bible Studied last night
a man from the time of his recording, and he
said that he believes that there are a lot more
believers than followers, and man, he hit a chord. I
was like, I totally agree. People believe, but they don't
follow what they believe. People believe, but they don't follow
(25:26):
who they believe. So let's be believers and followers.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
Whosoever believes and trust in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life. Let's believe that we have what God
said we have, and then let's follow who God sent
a man. The will of the Father is for us
to believe, and the one who he sents in you know,
fairy tales or maybe folk law or people that really
(25:54):
didn't do exactly what people said they did. But we
know Jesus did exactly what the law it said. He
did what God the Father said sent his son to do,
which was him himself in the form of a man
named Jesus. Amen, the second person of the Triune God.
I know it's people there say, oh, he's a Trinitamian.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Whatever. We're talking about the greatest gift during Christmas season.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Amen, We're not talking about, you know, concepts of man.
We're talking about the idea of God.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Amen, what he did. But I'm out of time. Amen.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
I don't know why I started preaching Lord a little bit,
but for God's so love, so he gave Amen. So
this Christmas, just smile, enjoy the lights, the songs, and
if you want to enjoy Santa, go ahead and enjoy Santah.
But remember, let the world know with confidence that the
greatest gift isn't delivered by a slay a man in
(26:48):
the red jacket or red suit. The greatest gift was
delivered in the manger. Jesus is the best gift we
will ever receive. Amen, And that we will ever need
to live this life out John chapter three, verse sixteen, Rito,
whole chapter of John chapter three, You'll be amazed, and man,
it will settle some things in your heart and your mind.
(27:09):
That you've been thinking about. I can guarantee you that, so,
God bless you all. I hope you enjoyed the rest
of this weekend. God bless you, God keep you, and
remember always that God is good.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Please
Morning Family, Good morning, God bless you. Welcome back to
the morning Devo.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Is your bro. Sam Lopez aka Dj sam Rock.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
So winners with his z dot org live do Sole
winners with his z dot org streaming on social media
platforms that allow the stream to go through, also on
x formerly known as Twitter, and of course on a
YouTube page which is simply called.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Dj sam Rock.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
We're here, Amen, It's Friday, and we're back on authentic
imitation knowlogy status.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Amen, it's been a minute.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
But this is actually episode what one hundred and thirty six,
Episode one thirty six, one hundred and thirty six times
that we got together on a Friday and we tried
to authentically imitate the most successful person who has ever
lived on this whole entire planet, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
So we're gonna do it today. It's called greatest Gift,
Greatest Gift. Just imagine. I'm old school, so I'm from
the era where you know, our parents told us that
around Christmas time they spoke about Santa Claus, right, and
(01:10):
you know, whether you believe that or not, it was something,
so imagine just to take your imagination for a minute
and think about it. You ever went to a store
or mall when you were a kid. But if not,
it's okay. This is just I want you to just
(01:32):
put this in your head for imagination purposes. And you
sat down on Santa's lap, right, and Santa asked you
what do you wish you could have for Christmas?
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Right?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
And you started listening all kinds of toys, games. You know,
some people even talk about family structure, you know, they
wish that, you know, their dad was around and mama's around,
and wish they had a family. You know, it could
get deep, but what what it had been? And maybe
some of you did this if you look at Santa
in the eyes and said, listen, I wish for a
(02:07):
lot of things, a lot of gifts in this world,
a lot of things that I could get toys, games
or whatever. But the greatest gift I already have, and
the greatest gift is Jesus Christ. I would have loved
to do that when I was a guy, and I
didn't do it. I'm just saying, imagine and see what
the Santa Claus person would have said back amen, or
(02:30):
see the look on that Santa Claus is in that
Santa Claus's eyes what would that have been? So today,
greatest gift on the Morning Devo Authentic imitationology.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, prayer requests, or
anything along those lines, please don't hesitate to leave it
on the live chat.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That's what we're here for. Amen.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Good morning, sister Joanne, I'll see you. Good morning, God
bless you. Welcome back to the Morning Devo. My sister
and my friend. So just imagine right and now, whether
or not there's still parents out there telling their kids
that Santa Claus is real and all that.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
I don't want to be the scooge like I always
am on Christmas time. But Amen, it's up to you
if you want to go with that story. But I'm
starting to notice less and less kids believe in Santa Claus.
So I guess a lot of parents, the newer parents
out there, are probably not going along with that story
(03:29):
as much as we used to when we were kids.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
Missus Joanne says, I have a child from foster care
and she has asked me for something for Christmas and
I can't give it to her, which is her mother.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Wow, that's deep. See, it could get deep when a
kid asks you.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
A child asks you for something, and you can't give
that child that something.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Amen. It could get deep.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
So the best thing Jo Wearne, you could do for
that foster child, Amen, is to give her or her right.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Her mother so it's her.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Give her the gift of the Gospel, give it a
gift of Christmas, give it a gift of the Christ
of Christmas, and share that story with her, and then
God will fill in all the blanks. That's how good
God is.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Amen. So we're gonna pray first.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
After we pray, we'll shit us out for like sixty seconds,
and then on the other side of those sixty seconds
we'll get right into it. So imagine looking Sands in
the eyes and saying thank you. But the best gift
already came. His name is Jesus. We're going to be
a John chapter three, verse number sixteen, what I think
is the most popular New Testament verse that people know, Amen,
(04:43):
believers and people who don't even believe. John three sixteen. Father,
I thank you for your sacrifice, for your gift. Thank
you for coming to this planet, to this world that
you created in the form of a man named Jesus,
to show us the way and be a perfect example
and be a God who loves, God who saves a guy,
(05:06):
a God who redeems and forgives, a God who inspires encourages,
a God who suffered, a God who is tempted and always,
but yet be himself did not sin.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
I give you glory, honor, worship and praise.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Thank you, Lord God, for showing us the way, the
truth and the life, for being the way the truth
in the life, and for guiding us into your presence.
I pray, Holy Spirit, that you will continue to guide
those in this season that we call Christmas Season to
your glorious presence, and that those who are in need
that low guid that you will feel those needs, and
(05:43):
not only physical or materialistic needs, but an internal and
supernatural spiritual needs as well. I pray by faith that
you would guide us, guard us, and protect us. Thank
you for every step, Thank you for your health, Thank
you for your mercy and your grace. Louw God that
you have supplied to us. And I pray that over myself,
my wife, our children, our grandchildren, our family members from
(06:06):
the very oldest to the very youngest, and every single
person in between. That man, my mom. Thank you Jesus
for still having her here on this planet with us. Amen,
and I pray that over every single person on the
other side of the screen and.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
On the other side of this mic.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Oh God Ess, we're heading towards a season where people
have difficult times, other people have joyous times. But no
matter what, we have, you lo God, the greatest gift,
and we thank you for it is Jesus Holy Name.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Amen to the Amen.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
If let's go for it, family, let's shut us out
for sixty seconds, than when we come back, we'll get
into John chapter three, verse sixteen. Yes, the verse that
we're more familiar with. A lot of people are familiar
with that verse. But let's see what the Lord will
do with that verse today, his word today when it
comes to the greatest gift. Amen's sister Joyce, I see you,
(06:58):
good morning, God, bless you, bless you and your family
as well.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Thank you for blessing the group. Amen.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
And of course the prayers and the words of God
every day are so valuable. It's the greatest gift that
we could have, Amen to share together. So thank you
so much for your presence, my sister, my friend sixty second,
helping me share this side. When we come back. We'll
get right into it. I'll be right back. M m.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Heymen.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Thank you so much for all those who are sharing
this out. Thank you for all the groups that allow
me to share this on your group pages.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Very grateful for.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
That helps out, Amen tremendously when it comes to expanding
the mission of the ministry is which is which actually
to encourage people to get into the Word of God
from themselves and stop believing the hype of the fault.
You know digital disciples online that are trying to manipulate
people into believing all kind of fantastic ideas about the
(09:07):
scriptures instead of encouraging people to read the scripture for
themselves so that the way they could get the inspired
Word in their mind and their hearts and God could
do the transformation and the changing.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
God is good all the time a man he knows
what he's going to be or need anybody like me
to do what we do as talking heads, or what
he does. He uses us for his glory, Amen, to
encourage people to go to Him, which he is the
author and perfector of our faith. He's the greatest gift
that we could ever have in this lifetime.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Amen. As a matter of fact, for all eternity.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
But let's start where we are right now today on
this side of eternity, and know that he is the
greatest gift. Amen, during Christmas season, during any season, Jesus
Christ the Lord is the greatest gift. So let's get
into it. Let's see the word of God. For those
who are listening at CELEI Radio Network, thank you so
much for listening. Also, if you're on the website someone
(10:05):
is with a z dot org, there's a live stream
tab and right underneath the live stream there's a live
chat there as well, if you want to connect with
me over there as well. So let's go forward. Let's
see what the word has today. On Authentic Imitationlogy. It's
good to be back on the series Amen for episode
one thirty six. Greatest Gift, Amen, And the Bible says
(10:28):
a lot of popular this is like, I don't know,
maybe I gotta look this up. How popular is this verse?
I believe so many people know this verse, but there's
not a lot of understanding probably about this verse, because
people understood what this was all about. Amen, I think
a lot more people will honestly, honestly come to a
realization that Jesus is Lord John three sixteen. For God
(10:54):
so greatly loved and dearly prize the world, that he
gave his one and only begotsen son, so that whoever
believes and trusts in Him as Savior shall not perish,
but have eternal life.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
So we know God, the Father loved God.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
The Father is the one who loves right, and the
Father sent his son, the one who saves. So this
is an amazing gospel. This is an amazing truth. This
is an amazing idea that God made it. This is
(11:44):
his idea, Amen, that he gave us what we ultimately
would need to live a life, that we could be
grateful to live, to live a life full of love, grace, mercy,
to live a life on purpose for a purpose, to
live a life to supply us to give to others
(12:08):
the gift of eternal life, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
So hold that in your mind for a second as
we go and take you to the notes. But the
greatest gift is found, Amen, and the one and only
begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Now I notice this
brings up a lot of questions for a lot of
people right now that are into different religions. A lot
(12:33):
of people that are into Jehovah witness practice, they say,
you see, he says it right there that he sent
his son. Although Jehoah's witness thinks that the Father created
the son.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
But they won't find that a scripture. But you know,
they finesse the scripture to make it seem that way.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
I don't know what the benefit of that would be,
but you know, shout out to Jobah witnesses. But the
scripture says that the son was sent right. The Father
loved the world so much that he sent his only
begotten son to save. Who save us, who qualifies to
be saved, whosoever believes is qualified to be saved. That's
(13:17):
why this is a gift. It's nothing that we could
do to earn the salvation or the favor of God.
There's nothing we could do to get into the Kingdom
of God. There's nothing we could do. Like if you
had a scale and decide is the good side decides
the bad side of whatever ways heaviest amen will determine
whether or not we get into the Kingdom. That's not
(13:38):
the Gospel message or the Lord Jesus Christ. That's not
the Christmas season message. That's not the Bible. Amen, that's
not the inspired word of God. The world doesn't say that.
We're not living this life built on scales. Oh, if
I do more good and bad, then you know God's
gonna receive me. Thank you Jesus. That's not the way
it is. Because how much good would you have to
(13:59):
do to get the favor of God? And how much
bad would you have to do not to get the
favor of God? I mean, who has these equations? Who
has these measurements? A man who could tell you whether
or not you're doing enough good or doing bad too
bad to get in or not to get into the
Kingdom of God.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
No, it's a gift. God's gift is eternal life. Amen.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
For all those whosoevers who call upon the name of
the Lord to be saved, not just for Israel. To
shout out to my Hebrew Israelites, not just for Israel.
A Bible is full of scriptures. And I know they
like to use the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant,
and you will see that God came for yes, his people.
(14:43):
But then he started, you know, looking at the other nations.
They needed him too write. So his grace was there
since the very beginning. Amen, look at the story of
in Genesis of Adam and Eve and their children. There
was grace found there. They disobeyed God, and the grace
of God allowed them to live after they disobeyed him
(15:07):
and just kicked him out of the garden. Yes, they
lost the eden that they had, they lost the perfect garden. Amen,
But then that set up a need for redeemer. And
that redeemer still lives, and that redeemer's name is the
Lord Jesus Christ. So tell Santa, right, if you send
your kids to sit on his lap in the mall
(15:28):
or in the store or whatever you go, tell Santa
that Jesus is the best gift.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Tell your kid to shock Santa.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
When that kid is sitting on Santa's lap, tell your
kids to shock them and say, I got the best
gift already.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
That's the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Maybe that Santa is not saved, Maybe that Santa is
like struggling during Christmas season. Maybe that Santa right needs
to hear the gospel message. Maybe that Santa is wishing
for a gift himself. So tells Sansa that Jesus is
the best gift. Right, because here's the truth, Santa, sharing
(16:11):
that story with your kids. Santa can give you something
for Christmas, right, Maybe he could give you a gift
card or something right down the spot. He's not coming
down on chimneys and all that stuff, but Jesus and Jesus,
only Jesus can give you something that changes your life.
(16:36):
So we've been talking about gift giving, the joy of
giving gifts. We've been talking about that. We know that
you know, in this world we get beautiful gifts. Sometimes
you know I'm not the best gift giver.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
My wife could tell you that I run out of
ideas real quick.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
I'm sort of ideas.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
But anyway, you could get a nice gift, But those
gifts are temporary. Right, Only Jesus, listen to this, can
give you a gift that changes your life for all eternity.
So how short does Santa fall during Christmas season? It's
an amazing right, amazing idea. John three sixteen is God's idea, Amen,
(17:19):
And his idea stands regardless whether you believe in him
or not. His word stands. Truth stands regardless of my
belief or your belief. Truth stands. The Gospel. Truth stands
by the eye and I see you. Good morning, God,
bless you. Welcome to the one to deve with my
brother and my friend. So, Santa could give you something
for Christmas. Your parents could give you something for Christmas.
(17:42):
Your children could give you something for Christmas. Your family
could give you something for Christmas. You could get something
for Christmas. But Jesus alone is the one who could
give you something, a gift that could change your life
forever forever. I mean it's just like not even an exaggeration.
He could change your life forever. Right, So think about it.
(18:05):
Santsa could bring your presence, but Jesus brings presence.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
Yes, I'm doing the word play.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
The Christmas presence p r E s E n c
s that you see.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
Under the tree. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
They could give you some some smiles on your face,
give kids some excitement.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Amen, temporary joy I call it.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
But Jesus brings presence p r E s E n
c E presence.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Yes, it's a word game.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Yes, I'm playing with words, amen, because sometimes when we
hear it like that, we understand it more better, Amen,
and know what's up at me. Santa fills stockings with
little little gifts, but.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
Jesus fills your heart. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
I know this is like way over the time, like
you're doing too much, Sam. You know, let's just celebrate Christmas.
People will actually tell me, let's just celebrate Christmas. We
don't need Jesus. That's crazy, right, Or some people were
saying Christmas is a pagan holiday. Why would you celebrate that. Listen,
we're not celebrating a treat. We're not celebrating the gift.
We're celebrating the fact that the Lord Jesus was born.
(19:17):
I could celebrate that any day, every day.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Amen. He was born from a virgin Mary. Amen.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
And then he lived a life, perfect life for thirty
three and a half years, sacrifices, laid down his life,
sacrifice itself on the cross for us.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
Amen. So if it wasn't for.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
The birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior,
Apostle Paul said, we won't have no gospel. We be
the most PITEO is the most pitied of all.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
If there was if that was not true, if Jesus
did not resurrect, So I could celebrate Jesus every day
if I wanted to, and so can you. But during
this Christmas time, we can focus on his birth, his life. Man,
Come on, But some people hate that. That's pagan, that's this,
that's that because I thought I was a scrooge. But
I've met people that are way more scroogeous than me, amen,
(20:07):
if that's a word. And they don't want no parts
of Christmas. They don't even want no parts of the
Lord Jesus Christ. And it's sad because Jesus is the
greatest gift. Brother Frank, I see you, good morning. God
bless you, my bro. God bless you, Brother Sam and
your family and everybody on the morning. Devo love you,
Love you too, brother Frank. It's good to see you
on the morning. Devote my bro and my friend.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
So right.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Santa brings presence, you know, tangible things, but the Lord
brings presents his presence, which brings love, grace, mercy, freedom.
Where the spirit of the Lord is there is what
there's liberty. That's freedom.
Speaker 2 (20:42):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
Santa fills stockings, Jesus feels hearts. Santa gives toys, and
those toys fade. As a matter of fact, if you're
a young parent, hold on to some toys that you
see that love like trending during your time. Hold on
to them put them away, amen, because later on in
life they become very valuable. Had I had Joe toys
(21:07):
I had, if I would have kept those toys, had
Star Wars toys, original Star Wars toys, if I would
have kept those toys in good condition, Amen, I could
have benefited all of those things.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
So that's just the word of advice to young parents
out there, and man, hold on to it. I know
you might be like, man, I don't have no place
to put it. Find a place put in storage. Trust me.
Twenty thirty years from now, a man, if we're still here,
if Jesus don't come back and get us, those toys
might be valuable.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
I learned that. I learned that, and I don't have
those things that I used to have. I should have
kept them.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
It's not all about women. It's about serving the Lord Jesus.
I guess you meant to say it's not about presence.
I don't know, but it's about serving the Amen. Amen,
Sister Joan, I see that that comment is good. Santa
gives toys that fade, but Jesus gives hope that lasts forever. Yes,
(22:00):
I'm over spiritual. It's not even an over spiritualization. This
is based off of John Fi sixteen of what God
gave us. He gave us his very best.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
So when you have the story of Santa, then you
have the reality of Jesus.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
Amen. It just doesn't compare.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
But just use your imagination, right, you know, bear with
me because I don't know whether or not you're still
going with the story of Santa with your kids or
your grandkids, but that you know, that's between you and
the Lord.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
But you could use it as something beautiful.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
And tell your child, your grandchild, your relatives. Hey, when
you go to see Santa at the restaurant or at
the mall, at the store, go tell them thank you
for the gift. But the best gift already came. The
best gift is Jesus.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
So Tanta gives toys that fade, Jesus gives hope that
lasts forever, and even Santa himself. Every symbol of generosity
and that we celebrate right points to a greater giver,
points to a greater gift, points to a greater savior,
points to a greater joy, points to a greater love. Right,
(23:11):
For God so loved the world, the Father so loved the.
Speaker 2 (23:14):
World, that he gave his only.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Begods and son, his most valuable treasure.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Gave, not created Jesus, he sent his son. He gave
his son to us so that way he could do
what the prophets knew he was gonna do. According to
the prophet Isaiah, he was he to come and rescue
the world. Save the world. Amen, Amen, redeem the world.
(23:42):
Amazing story of the Gospel. So even Santa himself cannot
outgive God during Christmas.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
Amen, use your imagination.
Speaker 1 (23:54):
Let's just say that Santa was real and he had slave,
and he was going through the world and dropping gifts,
going down Triminey's and all that. If that was true,
even Santa couldn't outgive the Lord's gifts a man, which
is the greatest gift, the greatest gift, the one who
loved us so much, right, the Father loved us so much.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
The Bible was so clear on that.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
I mean, I know, people take love and they put
it in all different kinds of categories in this community
out there that say love is love and everybody should
be you know, accepted a man and tolerated and man,
I'm forgetting that word again every time I bring up
this subject a man God probably the Holy spirits telling
(24:40):
me just stay away.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
From that for now.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
But God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world
that he did something. He gave his one and only
begotten son for just the religious people know it was
for who ever believes in trust in him.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
I was on BTS Jonathan Beasley's Bible Studied last night
a man from the time of his recording, and he
said that he believes that there are a lot more
believers than followers, and man, he hit a chord. I
was like, I totally agree. People believe, but they don't
follow what they believe. People believe, but they don't follow
(25:26):
who they believe. So let's be believers and followers.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
Whosoever believes and trust in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life. Let's believe that we have what God
said we have, and then let's follow who God sent
a man. The will of the Father is for us
to believe, and the one who he sents in you know,
fairy tales or maybe folk law or people that really
(25:54):
didn't do exactly what people said they did. But we
know Jesus did exactly what the law it said. He
did what God the Father said sent his son to do,
which was him himself in the form of a man
named Jesus. Amen, the second person of the Triune God.
I know it's people there say, oh, he's a Trinitamian.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
Whatever. We're talking about the greatest gift during Christmas season.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Amen, We're not talking about, you know, concepts of man.
We're talking about the idea of God.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Amen, what he did. But I'm out of time. Amen.
Speaker 1 (26:27):
I don't know why I started preaching Lord a little bit,
but for God's so love, so he gave Amen. So
this Christmas, just smile, enjoy the lights, the songs, and
if you want to enjoy Santa, go ahead and enjoy Santah.
But remember, let the world know with confidence that the
greatest gift isn't delivered by a slay a man in
(26:48):
the red jacket or red suit. The greatest gift was
delivered in the manger. Jesus is the best gift we
will ever receive. Amen, And that we will ever need
to live this life out John chapter three, verse sixteen, Rito,
whole chapter of John chapter three, You'll be amazed, and man,
it will settle some things in your heart and your mind.
(27:09):
That you've been thinking about. I can guarantee you that, so,
God bless you all. I hope you enjoyed the rest
of this weekend. God bless you, God keep you, and
remember always that God is good.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Please
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The Burden
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.