Truth & Knowledge: Episode 51.4 – “I Am Not Ashamed”

In this episode, Trey Knowles boldly declares his unwavering confidence in the gospel. He speaks on the theme “I Am Not Ashamed,” affirming his faith in God’s truth and his commitment to proclaim it without fear or hesitation. Trey reminds listeners that there is no disgrace in standing firm for what God has revealed in His Word — the gospel remains the power of God for salvation and the foundation of truth.

Scripture Focus: God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
Romans 1:18–32

Paul writes that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness—against those who suppress the truth through their unrighteousness. From the very beginning, God’s divine nature and eternal power have been made clear through creation, leaving humanity without excuse. Yet, though people knew God, they refused to honor or thank Him, turning instead to idolatry and self-deception.

As a result, God allowed them to follow their sinful desires, exchanging His truth for lies and worshiping creation rather than the Creator. Their rejection of God led to moral and spiritual corruption—hearts darkened, minds depraved, and lives consumed by greed, envy, violence, and pride. Despite knowing God’s righteous standards, they not only persisted in evil but approved of others who did the same.

Through this passage, Trey emphasizes both the seriousness of sin and the hope of redemption found only in the gospel—a truth believers can proclaim boldly and without shame.

What Faith Involves

Biblical faith involves three key features:

1. Knowledge

Faith is dependent upon what can be known about God. In fact, the New Testament says that faith involves us coming to know God Himself. In John 17:3, Jesus says, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Note: John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

How can you know God? In the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Speaking of Jesus, John 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” That’s why it is so important to consider the claims that Jesus made: it is in knowing Him that we know God. And it is this knowledge of God that gives us the basis for our faith.

2. Assent - express approval or agreement, typically officially.

In biblical faith, our knowledge of God must then be followed by assent. Once we’ve recognized that certain things are true and are to be believed, we must actually believe them! Biblical faith is certainly more than giving assent—but it is never less.

As we read the Bible and consider the claims of Jesus Christ, we discover in Christ someone who compels people’s belief—sometimes even against their will. We might say to ourselves, “I don’t want to believe in Jesus. I don’t want my life taken over. I don’t want somebody in charge of me.” Yet when we lay our lives open before Christ, when we see Him on the cross, and when we understand that He bore all of our sin and rebellion, He compels our belief. When we see Christ in this way, knowledge will be followed by assent.

3. Trust

Lastly, genuine faith involves trust. Knowledge and assent alone do not make genuine faith. James 2:19 says that “even the demons believe.” Demons are not atheists. They even have an orthodox view of God. If faith, then, is simply about understanding God correctly, we must logically conclude that the demons have saving faith. Yet we know that this isn’t the case.

A simple awareness of facts is not faith. There must be a movement from knowledge to assent that then culminates in trust.

A summons to trust in Christ—actively, not passively—is included in all of His invitations. In Matthew 11, for example, He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (vv. 28–29). Notice the verbs: “come,” “take,” “learn,” “find rest.” These are all action words. They involve doing. You see, faith is not passive resignation. New Testament faith begins in knowledge, leads to assent, and ends in trust on the basis of the knowledge to which we have assented.

A Picture of Faith

A helpful illustration of biblical faith is marriage. Like faith, marriage involves multiple stages. First, you must get to know the individual: you go out for dinner, you walk in the park, you listen to them talk, and you observe them with their family and friends. As you gain knowledge, you begin to ask yourself, “Could I spend my life with this person? Am I willing to commit myself to them?” Then, once you have satisfactory answers to these questions, you begin to tell yourself, “On the basis of the knowledge that I’ve gained, I am prepared to make a commitment. I want to move beyond mere knowledge and assent to trust. I want to give myself to them. I want to know them at the deepest possible level.”

This is the experience of all who place their faith in Jesus. Is it your experience? Are you a person of faith?

 The Weak and the Strong

Romans 14. Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me;

    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[b]

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (edification is the building up of the body of Christ) 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith, and everything that does not come from faith is sin

Notes: Hebrews 11:1 (Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.)

Notes:  Substance Equals Jesus

Notes: All good things come from God above. Which we put our hope in.

Notes: If does not come from Jesus it is sin because it is impure.

Notes: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

When hypocrites judge you they will eat their judgment. The Target Audience of some will miss out on the full picture in this comedy special. The target audience cannot distinguish good from bad and bad from good. The emphasis on one word and the emphasis on what you put in your heart and mind is not the same.

What agreement is there between the Righteous and Idols of unrighteous behavior? This is a question and a comedy statement that Trey Knowles brings to his Target Audience. Trey Knowles confesses that he wants to stop feeding his mind and heart with unholy things. 

The reaction of some which is called Target Audience will be blessed and some will internally respond differently based on compromise. 

And too those who respond differently based on compromise Jesus declared, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). God and the things of this world are of such opposite natures that it is impossible to love either one completely without hating the other. Those who try to love both will become unstable in all their ways.

This comedy special brings darts of change for those who watch the whole comedy special entirely. It is written in Ephesians 1:4. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

 Get away from human opinions and stay with the word of God

 A Church doctrine does not define me. It is Jesus Christ the son of God who defines me.

Truth & Knowledge: Episode 51.3 – “Pure or Impure” In this episode, Trey Knowles offers a reflective exploration of spirituality and self-awareness inspired by 2 Corinthians 6:16, which asks how the temple of God can coexist with idols. The message reminds us that we are living temples of God and must remove all forms of impurity from our lives. The episode draws a powerful parallel between the scientific and spiritual realms: Pure Substances: In science, pure substances—such as oxygen, water, or carbon dioxide—consist of a single element or compound, displaying consistent and predictable properties. Spiritually, purity mirrors this clarity and consistency. It represents wholehearted devotion, authenticity, and alignment with divine truth, free from conflicting influences. Impure Substances: Impure substances, like air or seawater, are mixtures containing various elements and compounds, resulting in variable properties. Spiritually, impurity stems from inner conflict—attachments, distractions, and divided loyalties—that weaken our connection with God. Through this metaphor, Knowles invites listeners to examine their inner composition and strive for spiritual purity—a state of harmony, focus, and divine alignment. I like to apologize for my video background in the video if anybody got the wrong interpretation of what my background image is saying. What I am trying to say is that I am sacrificing by denying myself, allowing the spirit of God to kill my flesh. Meaning, I allow the Spirit to kill my flesh.

Color does not matter. Culture matters, right or wrong what place do you dwell in?

Truth & Knowledge: Episode 51.2 – “What Jesus Did for Me,” In this episode Trey Knowles shares his personal testimony of how Jesus Christ saved him from sin and transformed his life. He speaks of the deep love of Christ, who brought him out of darkness into light, granting him salvation, righteousness, and a new spirit. Trey expresses unwavering faith and devotion, declaring that nothing can separate him from Christ’s love. He pledges to walk in the ways of the Lord, trusting Him as his light and shield, and to dwell in God’s presence forever. All glory and thanks are given to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who brings life to all.

A shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep. Shepherds tend, herd, feed, or guard sheep. The word "shepherd" comes from the Old English words sceap (sheep) and hierde (herder). 

Shepherds lead a manageable number of sheep from the front of the flock. The sheep follow because they know and trust the shepherd. 

"Shepherd" can also be used as a verb to mean to move and care for sheep, or to lead people somewhere. For example, "Shepherded the student through algebra". 

"Shepherd" can also mean to protect, guide, or watch over a person or group of people. For example, "watch over like a shepherd, as a teacher of her pupils".

A shepherd purposely chooses a green pasture where his sheep can gather to feed, a place where his sheep can lie down without any fear or disturbance, a place necessary for the well-being of his sheep. Likewise, biblical green pastures represent the same thing to us and that is spiritual food.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalms 23:1-4

He Was the Son of Isaac

Isaac, the son of Abraham, was married to Rebecca for many years before being blessed with children. Finally, after 20 years of marriage, they were blessed with twin boys, Jacob and Esau.

Read: Esau’s Autobiography

 He Had Three Names

When Esau was born, he was fully formed and had hair across his body like a full-grown man. This prompted all those present to give him the name Esau (Esav in Hebrew), which translates as made or formed.

At the age of 15, Esau was given a second name, Edom, Hebrew for red. The impetus for this name was his foolhardy decision to sell his birthright to Jacob in turn for a pot of red lentil soup (see below) This name was also associated with the reddish complexion of his skin, which symbolized his propensity for violence.

Some say that Seir, Esau’s residence (see below), was yet a third name of his, after his hairy appearance (hair is se’ar in Hebrew).

 He Was the Eldest

Esau was the older twin. Scripture relates that when leaving their mother’s womb, Jacob grasped Esau’s heel, as if to delay his birth.

The Midrash relates that Jacob was actually created from the first drop of semen, while Esau was created from the second. Similar to two spheres in a tube, in which the one inserted last exits first, Esau exited Rebecca’s womb first, and Jacob exited second. From this perspective, Jacob was essentially the firstborn. This is why he tried to delay his brother’s birth, so that he would be born first just as he was created first.5

Read: Jacob and Esau

He Was a Hunter

While Jacob was an ardent student, Esau was more inclined to spend his days in the fields, hunting animals and birds.6 It is told that Nimrod, a master hunter himself, was in possession of a cloak that had been passed down from Adam, which attracted wildlife when worn, facilitating his hunting abilities. Esau strongly desired this cloak, to the extent that he plotted against Nimrod, murdering him and securing the cloak for his personal use.7

His Father Loved Him

While Rebecca favored Jacob, Isaac showed a preference to Esau, as Esau would prepare him delicious meals.8 The Midrash adds that Esau tricked his father by leading him to believe that he was pious. One way he did this was by asking Isaac detailed questions involving Jewish law, such as whether it was necessary to separate tithes from salt and straw.9

Read: Why Did Isaac Love Esau?

He Sold His Birthright

One day, 15-year-old Esau returned home after a long day of hunting. (Our Sages add that it was the day he had murdered Nimrod—see above.) Weary and hungry, he encountered his brother cooking a pot of red lentils. Jacob was planning to give the dish to his father, who was mourning his father Abraham, who had passed away that very day.

When Esau asked Jacob for a portion of stew, Jacob stipulated that he would only share it with him if Esau would sell him his birthright. Knowing the special status Judaism accorded the firstborn, he did not want it to be bestowed upon a wicked person like Esau. Esau agreed. He sold his birthright and was duly given a lavish meal of bread and lentil soup.10

Read: Beans and Birthrights

He Married at 40

At the age of 40, Esau married two Canaanite women: Adah, daughter of Elon the Hittite; and Ahalivamah, daughter of Tzivon the Hivite.11 His wives made his parents miserable, blatantly sacrificing incense to pagan deities.

Twenty-three years later, he married a third wife—his first cousin, Basmat, daughter of his uncle Ishmael.

Read: Esau and His Wives

Jacob “Stole” His Blessings

The friction between the two brothers escalated one spring day, when the elderly, blind Isaac instructed Esau to hunt some game and prepare it for him, after which he would bless him. Wanting Jacob to receive the blessings, Rebecca prepared a dish of goat meat and instructed Jacob to masquerade as Esau. Jacob did as he was instructed, and indeed received his father’s blessings.

When Esau discovered what had happened, he was furious at Jacob and wanted to kill him, forcing his brother to flee the home. Jacob spent 20 years at the home of his uncle Laban in Haran, who also became his father-in-law when Jacob married his daughters Leah and Rachel.14

Read: Was Jacob Right to Take the Blessings?

He Later Made Peace With Jacob

After many long years, Jacob finally made his way home, only to be told that his brother was marching towards him with a large army. Alarmed, Jacob prepared for war, prayed to God, and sent gifts to appease Esau. When they finally met, Esau fell on his brother’s neck and kissed him, and finally, the brothers were at peace—or at least so it seemed.

There are various opinions among the Sages as to what truly happened. Some say that he was overcome with compassion—at least temporarily—and kissed Jacob wholeheartedly, while others say that the kiss was half-hearted. Yet others say that his real intent was to bite him at the neck, but G‑d miraculously thwarted his plans by causing Jacob’s neck to become stiff like marble.16

Read: Why Does Esau Hate Jacob?

He Lived on Mount Seir

While Jacob was in Haran, Esau acquired an estate in the land of Seir, then inhabited by the Horites. After his brother’s return, he decided to employ more drastic measures. Taking his family with him, he returned to Seir and waged battle against the Horites, conquering their land. From then on, Mt. Seir became the homeland of Esau’s descendants, known as the nation of Edom.

On their way from Egypt, the Israelites wanted to cross Mt. Seir on their way to the Promised Land, but the Edomites stubbornly refused, forcing the Jews to take a circular route.

His Head Is Buried Near Jacob

The fates of Esau and Jacob merged even at death. Jacob passed on in Egypt, and his body was taken by his sons to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah in the Land of Canaan. To their consternation, however, there was Esau, laying dubious claims to the last remaining plot in the cave. While the quick-running Naftali was dispatched to retrieve the bill of deed, Hushim, the hard-of-hearing son of Dan, inquired as to the cause of the delay. When he was informed that it had to do with his uncle Esau, he dealt him a mighty blow that brought about his demise.

Midrashic sources further state that Esau’s head (severed from the blow) rolled into the Cave of Machpelah until it reached the bosom of his father Isaac, and was buried there.20

Read: The Beheading of Esau

He Is Considered the Progenitor of Rome

Esau’s offspring split into various groups, each one led by a chieftain. One of these groups was named Magdiel, which is identified as Rome. Indeed, there is a longstanding tradition that the Romans were descendants of Esau, and as such, Jewish literature refers to the Roman Empire as the Kingdom of Edom.

Obadiah Compared Him and His Brother to Straw and Fire

Esau was Jacob’s antithesis even while still in their mother’s womb. Experiencing a difficult pregnancy, Rebecca consulted Shem son of Noah, who conveyed to her the word of God.

Two nations are in your womb, and two kingdoms will separate from your stomach. One nation will [alternatingly] be stronger than the next, but [ultimately] the older one will serve the younger one.

The friction between the brothers continued with their descendants for millennia. The prophet Obadiah foretells how this twin-brother drama will conclude:

The house of Jacob will be likened to fire; the house of Joseph, to a flame; and the house of Esau, to straw. They will ignite them and consume them…. Saviors will ascend the mountain of Zion to judge the mountain of Esau, and sovereignty will be to God.

 He Had Deep Spiritual Potential

Chassidic thought gives deeper insight into Esau’s personality and Isaac’s seemingly misled favoritism. Isaac was aware of Esau’s true character, but he also knew that he possessed deep spiritual powers waiting to be unleashed in a positive way. This is also why he planned to bless Esau, hoping this would draw out his hidden potential.

Although the time was not yet ripe, in later generations, Esau’s lofty spiritual source would come to fruition. A number of famous converts traced their lineage to him, among them the prophet Obadiah, Onkelos, and Rabbi Meir. (In fact, Esau himself had the status of a Jew, albeit one who rebelled against God, Moreover, Kabbalistic texts teach that in the Era of Moshiach, Esau and his descendants will be transformed and embrace goodness and holiness.

 The word Cain means: Possessions. Cain ground keeper

The word Abel means: Breath: Abel was the keeper of sheep

Cain was one of the sons of Adam and Eve. His birth is the first one recorded in Scripture, leading us to believe that Cain was Adam and Eve’s firstborn: “Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, ‘With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man’” (Genesis 4:1). The name Cain is based on the Hebrew root word qanah, which means “possession.” Cain was a rebellious man who rejected God’s plan, ignored God’s warnings, and received God’s judgment.

Cain is most infamous for being the world’s first murderer. When his sacrifice was rejected by God while his brother Abel’s was accepted, Cain grew angry (Genesis 4:4–5). God warned Cain against further sin, but Cain spurned God’s warning and killed his brother Abel in a field (verses 6–8). God punished Cain by increasing his hardship and banishing him from society (verse 10–12). But God also marked Cain in some way to protect him from being killed by revenge-seekers (verse 15). Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden, married a sister (or cousin or niece), and had descendants that are listed in the Bible to the sixth generation. Cain built a city (verse 17), and his descendants included nomadic herdsmen, musicians, and smiths (verses 20–22).

Cain’s descendants, some of whom are listed in Genesis 4, grew more and more wicked. Lamech, the fifth from Cain, was a polygamist and a murderer, and he boasted of his sin (Genesis 4:23). All of Cain’s seed were probably wiped out in the flood. Genesis 5 follows the more godly line of Seth, one of Cain’s younger brothers. Seth’s descendants included Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah.

The tragic story of Cain illustrates the damaging effects of anger and jealousy. The willfulness and disobedience of Cain are alluded to in Scripture as a caution to others who might follow in his steps. First John 3:12 warns us against a lack of brotherly love: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” Those who welcome evil into their hearts have a natural hatred for those who are righteous.

Hebrews 11:4 gives us a clue as to why Cain’s offering was rejected: “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.” Abel had faith, and, by inference, Cain did not. Cain did not receive the approval of God because his heart was not right with God. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (verse 6).

Finally, Jude speaks against ungodly men “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). These hypocrites within the church face certain judgment: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain” (verse 11). Like Cain, they have rejected God’s will; like Cain, they proudly continue to ignore God’s warnings; and, like Cain, they will be judged in the end.

The definition of the Firmament can be essentially summarized as the arch or vault over the earth and sky that separates the earthly realm from what is beyond.

Arch- a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.

the firmament as “the vault or arch of the sky; heavens.”

Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven..." (Genesis 1:6-8 NKJV).

It is written Genesis 5:23-24

Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

It is written Genesis 6:9

This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

Abraham Justified by Faith

It is written in Romans 4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.