Gospel Messages

What does "All Things Work Together for Good" really mean in the context of Scripture, and more specifically in the context of Romans 8. How can you know things are working together for good in situations or seasons where it feels like things are impossibly difficult. How can that be good? What is the good that the Apostle Paul is talking about?

What is the New and Living Way? How Should We worship the Lord in light of that. What should "Church" be like? Where the Old Testament (and the Old Way) is sometimes prescriptive (do this; don't do that), the New Testament (the New and Living Way) is focused entirely on an inward new birth transforming the outward life through the Law that is written in our Hearts. There are many examples in the Old Testament—especially in the Books of the Law—of the people being instructed to do specific things in a very specific way. God directed Moses to have the Tabernacle constructed in a very specific manner, by particular workmen. He was building a building which would be the physical place that God would "tabernacle" among the people. There are clear instructions about dimensions and materials and finishes and furnishings, and then the proper protocol to follow when there. It was similar with Solomon's Temple. And under the Old Way (which centered around Temple Worship), even the method is spelled out. How and when to make sacrifice, to give offerings, and to tithe. But under the new and living way, the external structure is not the focus. The Tabernacle and the Temple and the sacrifices and offerings were only a shadow of the Good thing to come. NOW we have seen his glory – Jesus walked among us—and he CHANGED EVERYTHING

Anything we think we are doing for the Kingdom of Christ or for God – if we are not doing it in love and by love, we are not really doing what we think we are doing. You think you can be an effective church member? Not without love.You think you can be a faithful husband? Not without loveDo you think you can be a good wife? Not without loveDo you think you can be a good father or mother? Not without loveDo you think you can be a pleasing disciple of Christ? Not without loveThere is NOTHING we can do to please God without love.Everything that is pleasing to the father is produced in and supported by and leads toward love. True love. Not without loveDoes it matter if I speak all the languages of men? Not without love.Does it matter if I speak the language of Angels? Not without Love. Without love I become a noisy, broken instrumentDoes it matter if I give my body to burned? Not without love.Does it matter if I have the gift of proficy? Not without love.Does it matter if I understand all mysteries? – Nothing in the spiritual realm is hid from me? Not without loveDoes it matter if I have all knowledge? No information is hidden from me? No one is smarter than me? Not without loveDoes it matter if I have all faith – to the degree that I could even move mountains? Not without loveWithout Love I am nothing.Does it matter if I sell everything I have to feed the poor? Not without love.Does it matter if I sacrifice my body as a martyr? – Not without loveWithout Love, there is no profit.Love is patient and long-sufferingLove is kind and mild-manneredLove does not envyLove does not boastLove is not puffed up with pride. . .

As we continue our discussion of "The Gospel and the Gathering," in this, part 3, we discuss:1. Who are the People of God? 2. God does not see as man sees. 3. The only people who are the people of God are sinners.4. Love is the clearest evidence of who the people of God are. 5. The Ekklesia is supposed to be a gathering of these people.

In part 2, we discuss what it means to be the children of God, and how that ought to affect us. We discuss the dangers of pride and the utter insufficiency of any religio-social affiliation to justify us in the sight of God. We continue our discussion of the difference in doctrine and tradition.

In This message, we consider:1. What is the Gospel?2. What is Salvation?3. What is preaching and evangelism?4. What is the Christian Gathering (AKA "Church") 5. What should our Worship Gathering be like? a. How should it be when the Body of Christ comes together?

We have a tendency to forget. We who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ and adopted into his family and reconciled into his fellowship – if we are not careful, can forget what we've been saved from.So, God, in his mercy, places us in the refiner's fire from time to time. He allows us to experience pain and loss and fear – so that we might see clearly everything of ourselves that is not in Him. And this is when we are able to get down to the truth of the matter. What do we love most – the gifts or the gift-giver? • The Lord uses different things at different times in different people's lives. And what is difficult for you might not be so difficult for another. But the Lord knows how to deliver them that are his.o Financial problemso Relationshipso Healtho FamilyWhatever you are going through, God has a purpose, and He can deliver you!

I suspect the prevalence of depression and anxiety and despair (and the destructive outcome of those things) is directly due to people loving the world. We are consumed with the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life. We were made for another world. And one day, those of us who are redeemed by Christ will experience a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Until then, "Walk in the spirit, that you might not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." 1 John 2: 15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

o The House of God should be approached circumspectly – with the same short of circumspection that is expected of a Christian's daily life.We ought to be aware of who we are and who we are not Where we are Who we are around or among or withWhen you come to the house of God, never forget that you are seeking an audience with the king. And we should be wise enough to remember this and conduct our behavior accordingly.

What does it mean to be reconciled?In this message, we discuss Reconciliation in Christ, Reconciliation by Christ, Reconciliation through Christ, and Reconciliation for Christ.

In this culture in which we live – this Post-Industrial Western culture – we have developed the idea of retirement – That you can work until you get to a place that you no longer need to. That you will finally be able to relax and stop worrying – that things will just be taken care of. In a sense, that things will finally be easy and we can relax. We have somewhere absorbed the notion that we should be able to get to a place where we are able to be where we should be spiritually and emotionally. . .that we should just be able to stay there. But REST in this life is not the goal. Jesus's call to his apostles is not "find rest." It is "follow me." If we seek to follow Jesus, we will find rest when we need it most; if we seek rest, we may find ourselves in a state of dejection or depression or just simple laziness. God made you what He intended you to be, and your path is not necessarily the same as another person – even a revered brother or sister. Be careful that we don't look up to someone with respect and honor and then begin to assume that person's experience is the ideal – or what we should be striving for. We should not ever strive to experience another person's experiences – we are instead called to FOLLOW Jesus. Jesus had a different calling and path for each of his disciples. And he had a different calling and purpose for example, for Peter and Paul. Peter was such an integral part of the early church, and yet God chose to raise up another apostle who was very different than Peter – someone who was outside the religious system so that he might see the faults that were developing within it. Jesus Christ is the standard, and the one who upholds us.

Our culture has implemented and then assumed certain techniques for "evangelizing" people. Are these methods scriptural? Mainstream evangelicals have reduced the gospel to a simple transaction in which you follow the ABC's and declare yourself justified. Other groups, in response to that error, have gone perhaps too far in other directions, for example OVER-emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God. But what is the appropriate scriptural way to evangelize? What did Jesus do? What did He say. Specifically, what gospel did he preach regarding himself:In essence, He preached, "If you want to follow me, it will cost you everything."

Is Your Religion Separating You from the Love of God-- -Is your religion making you more or less like Jesus Christ----In this message, we consider-The Dangers of Religious 'isms -Some Religious -ism's- that separate you from the love of God---Religious Elitism--Religious Legalism--Religious Colonialism--Religious Tribalism

When we think about Solomon, we tend to think of His wisdom, his wealth, or his women.We don't typically think of His humility. But Solomon, at this point in his life, had a consuming hunger for the presence of God and an accurately low view of himself. And he held in his heart an all-compelling purpose to build the House of God.

Is Your Religion Separating You from the Love of God? Is your religion making you more or less like Jesus Christ?In this message, we considerThe Dangers of Religious 'isms Some Religious "ism's" that separate you from the love of God:-Religious Elitism-Religious Legalism-Religious Colonialism-Religious Tribalism

2 Chr 20- 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them-- for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us- neither know we what to do- but our eyes are upon thee.

Matt 6- -KJV- 19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal- 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal- 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.--Every time I have heard this scripture preached, it has been used as a warning against materialism. Even to the extreme of suggesting money is bad, and if you have too much of it, you are bad. --But was that the original focus of this verse-- --When Jesus says, -Lay not up treasure on earth,- could it be that this is a warning against holding too tightly to whatever you have -how little or much it may be-, rather than a mere warning against obtaining material blessing -however it may arrive-.---Let's take a fresh look at this familiar passage together, with the Lord's help.

Proverbs Lesson 8- Responsibilities for Men.--In this message, we explore Solomon's wisdom from Proverbs 4, especially as it relates to husbands and fathers. --If you are a man, or if you are raising men, or if you have any influence at all over young men, this message is a must-listen-

2 Chr 20: 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Solomon's admonition in this chapter is simple- Get Wisdom. Who you associate with influences who you are. And you get wisdom largely by who and what you are exposed to. --Do not enter the path of the wicked. Sometimes we think we can be strong enough, but God never meant for us to be. He just meant for us to avoid that path or situation altogether. --As a child of God, there are people and situations and people we would be wise to avoid. --Your willpower is limited. You aren't supposed to rely on your willpower to protect you from things that wisdom is supposed to protect you from. --Let your questions be prompted by wisdom and in pursuit of wisdom. The more you pursue wisdom, the more you will be equipped for wise questions, and further understanding of wisdom.

Solomon's admonition in this chapter is simple- Get Wisdom. Who you associate with influences who you are. And you get wisdom largely by who and what you are exposed to. --Do not enter the path of the wicked. Sometimes we think we can be strong enough, but God never meant for us to be. He just meant for us to avoid that path or situation altogether. --As a child of God, there are people and situations and people we would be wise to avoid. --Your willpower is limited. You aren't supposed to rely on your willpower to protect you from things that wisdom is supposed to protect you from. --Let your questions be prompted by wisdom and in pursuit of wisdom. The more you pursue wisdom, the more you will be equipped for wise questions, and further understanding of wisdom.

This is Lesson 10 of our -Sermons from Proverbs- series. --In this message, we explore Proverbs 4-20-27, in which we are admonished to Listen and Incline to the words and sayings of life. ---Let your eyes look directly forward.- --Ponder the Path of your feet.- --How much of our personal pain, suffering, and sickness is a direct result of the culmination of a lifetime of our own choices--failing to look straight ahead and not ponder the path of our feet- --The Enemy has a demonic agenda to distract us from focusing on and living in Christ. In contrast, Jesus came to give us abundant life. --Jesus is the great healer, and he came to give us life- He is not pleased with our chronic suffering, and He has given us provision in His Holy Word to prevent so much of our chronic suffering. --In this message we also discuss how Jesus came to deliver us from the enslaving nature of our own choices. --Brothers and Sisters, we are called to disciplined lives through the power of God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of His word.

This is Lesson 10 of our -Sermons from Proverbs- series. --In this message, we explore Proverbs 4-20-27, in which we are admonished to Listen and Incline to the words and sayings of life. ---Let your eyes look directly forward.- --Ponder the Path of your feet.- --How much of our personal pain, suffering, and sickness is a direct result of the culmination of a lifetime of our own choices--failing to look straight ahead and not ponder the path of our feet- --The Enemy has a demonic agenda to distract us from focusing on and living in Christ. In contrast, Jesus came to give us abundant life. --Jesus is the great healer, and he came to give us life- He is not pleased with our chronic suffering, and He has given us provision in His Holy Word to prevent so much of our chronic suffering. --In this message we also discuss how Jesus came to deliver us from the enslaving nature of our own choices. --Brothers and Sisters, we are called to disciplined lives through the power of God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of His word.

This is Lesson 10 of our "Sermons from Proverbs" series. In this message, we explore Proverbs 4:20-27, in which we are admonished to Listen and Incline to the words and sayings of life. "Let your eyes look directly forward." "Ponder the Path of your feet." How much of our personal pain, suffering, and sickness is a direct result of the culmination of a lifetime of our own choices--failing to look straight ahead and not ponder the path of our feet" The Enemy has a demonic agenda to distract us from focusing on and living in Christ. In contrast, Jesus came to give us abundant life. Jesus is the great healer, and he came to give us life! He is not pleased with our chronic suffering, and He has given us provision in His Holy Word to prevent so much of our chronic suffering. In this message we also discuss how Jesus came to deliver us from the enslaving nature of our own choices. Brothers and Sisters, we are called to disciplined lives through the power of God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of His word.

Solomon's admonition in this chapter is simple: Get Wisdom. Who you associate with influences who you are. And you get wisdom largely by who and what you are exposed to. Do not enter the path of the wicked. Sometimes we think we can be strong enough, but God never meant for us to be. He just meant for us to avoid that path or situation altogether. As a child of God, there are people and situations and people we would be wise to avoid. Your willpower is limited. You aren't supposed to rely on your willpower to protect you from things that wisdom is supposed to protect you from. Let your questions be prompted by wisdom and in pursuit of wisdom. The more you pursue wisdom, the more you will be equipped for wise questions, and further understanding of wisdom.

Matt 6: (KJV) 19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Every time I have heard this scripture preached, it has been used as a warning against materialism. Even to the extreme of suggesting money is bad, and if you have too much of it, you are bad. But was that the original focus of this verse? When Jesus says, "Lay not up treasure on earth," could it be that this is a warning against holding too tightly to whatever you have (how little or much it may be), rather than a mere warning against obtaining material blessing (however it may arrive)."Let's take a fresh look at this familiar passage together, with the Lord's help.

Proverbs Lesson 8: Responsibilities for Men.In this message, we explore Solomon's wisdom from Proverbs 4, especially as it relates to husbands and fathers. If you are a man, or if you are raising men, or if you have any influence at all over young men, this message is a must-listen!

This was my burden to proclaim to God's people after the attempted assassination of President Trump.

This was my burden to proclaim to God's people after the attempted assassination of President Trump.

This was my burden to proclaim to God's people after the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Sometimes in life things happen that are so painful or difficult to bear, and in those times, we may wonder why. -Why did God let this happen--- But in those moments, we may fail to see the bigger picture. We may not understand. And, indeed, we may never fully understand in this life. But with time and with the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand a bit more of the depth of God's plans and purposes. -The things you experience are for a greater purpose. Though they may feel unbearable at the time, there is a purpose. --Jesus came to BE your comfort.-Jesus came to BE your strength.-Jesus came to BE your hope.-Jesus came to BE your life.-Jesus came to BE your light. -Jesus came to BE your salvation.-Jesus came to overcome death and the grave.--Everything that is so significant about Jesus. . .which is everything. . .is IN HIM.--Whatever you may be enduring, Jesus loves you and he can help you-

Sometimes in life things happen that are so painful or difficult to bear, and in those times, we may wonder why. -Why did God let this happen--- But in those moments, we may fail to see the bigger picture. We may not understand. And, indeed, we may never fully understand in this life. But with time and with the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand a bit more of the depth of God's plans and purposes. -The things you experience are for a greater purpose. Though they may feel unbearable at the time, there is a purpose. --Jesus came to BE your comfort.-Jesus came to BE your strength.-Jesus came to BE your hope.-Jesus came to BE your life.-Jesus came to BE your light. -Jesus came to BE your salvation.-Jesus came to overcome death and the grave.--Everything that is so significant about Jesus. . .which is everything. . .is IN HIM.--Whatever you may be enduring, Jesus loves you and he can help you-

We are at a crossroads in this generation. And we have an opportunity to influence how future generations perceive what it means to serve God. --Are we going to serve the living God, or continue to perpetuate dead religious traditions-- --I pray this message is a help to you all- --- Pastor Josh Gregory --Ecc 7-10 Do not say, -Why were the old days better than these--- For it is not wise to ask such questions.--Isaiah 43- 16This is what the LORD says--he who made a way through the sea,-a path through the mighty waters,-17who drew out the chariots and horses,-the army and reinforcements together,-and they lay there, never to rise again,-extinguished, snuffed out like a wick--18-Forget the former things--do not dwell on the past.-19See, I am doing a new thing--Now it springs up- do you not perceive it---I am making a way in the wilderness-and streams in the wasteland.-20The wild animals honor me,-the jackals and the owls,-because I provide water in the wilderness-and streams in the wasteland,-to give drink to my people, my chosen,-21the people I formed for myself-that they may proclaim my praise.

We are at a crossroads in this generation. And we have an opportunity to influence how future generations perceive what it means to serve God. --Are we going to serve the living God, or continue to perpetuate dead religious traditions-- --I pray this message is a help to you all- --- Pastor Josh Gregory --Ecc 7-10 Do not say, -Why were the old days better than these--- For it is not wise to ask such questions.--Isaiah 43- 16This is what the LORD says--he who made a way through the sea,-a path through the mighty waters,-17who drew out the chariots and horses,-the army and reinforcements together,-and they lay there, never to rise again,-extinguished, snuffed out like a wick--18-Forget the former things--do not dwell on the past.-19See, I am doing a new thing--Now it springs up- do you not perceive it---I am making a way in the wilderness-and streams in the wasteland.-20The wild animals honor me,-the jackals and the owls,-because I provide water in the wilderness-and streams in the wasteland,-to give drink to my people, my chosen,-21the people I formed for myself-that they may proclaim my praise.

We are at a crossroads in this generation. And we have an opportunity to influence how future generations perceive what it means to serve God. Are we going to serve the living God, or continue to perpetuate dead religious traditions? I pray this message is a help to you all! - Pastor Josh Gregory Ecc 7:10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.Isaiah 43: 16This is what the LORD says—he who made a way through the sea,a path through the mighty waters,17who drew out the chariots and horses,the army and reinforcements together,and they lay there, never to rise again,extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:18"Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.19See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland.20The wild animals honor me,the jackals and the owls,because I provide water in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen,21the people I formed for myselfthat they may proclaim my praise.

Sometimes in life things happen that are so painful or difficult to bear, and in those times, we may wonder why. "Why did God let this happen?" But in those moments, we may fail to see the bigger picture. We may not understand. And, indeed, we may never fully understand in this life. But with time and with the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand a bit more of the depth of God's plans and purposes. The things you experience are for a greater purpose. Though they may feel unbearable at the time, there is a purpose. Jesus came to BE your comfort.Jesus came to BE your strength.Jesus came to BE your hope.Jesus came to BE your life.Jesus came to BE your light. Jesus came to BE your salvation.Jesus came to overcome death and the grave.Everything that is so significant about Jesus. . .which is everything. . .is IN HIM.Whatever you may be enduring, Jesus loves you and he can help you!

Ask.--How often do we simply Ask God for what we need, or ask Him what He thinks, or ask Him how we ought to proceed-- This is part of child-like faith the Lord desires of us -- To simply ask.

Ask.--How often do we simply Ask God for what we need, or ask Him what He thinks, or ask Him how we ought to proceed-- This is part of child-like faith the Lord desires of us -- To simply ask.

The notion of balance in your life is a man-made weight that you can lay down at the feet of Jesus. Friends, Balance is a myth. We aren't called to balanced lives. We are called to live surrendered lives. We are called to live disciplined lives. But I can't find any scriptures teaching that God expects balance in our lives in the sense we are talking about it. Actually, I'm not sure balance in that sense is even possible. --What do I mean----In this moment, I am preaching. In this moment, that is all I am doing. I am not tending to my wife's needs, although those are important. I'm not tending to my daughter's needs, although those are important. I'm not making money, although that is necessary. I'm not eating, although that is essential. There are many things-good things-that I am not doing right now. Because I am doing this. I want to be fixed on this opportunity with single-minded focus. And isn't that what we are called to-- Isn't that how scripture admonishes us to live----Now, how does this apply to you--

The notion of balance in your life is a man-made weight that you can lay down at the feet of Jesus. Friends, Balance is a myth. We aren't called to balanced lives. We are called to live surrendered lives. We are called to live disciplined lives. But I can't find any scriptures teaching that God expects balance in our lives in the sense we are talking about it. Actually, I'm not sure balance in that sense is even possible. --What do I mean----In this moment, I am preaching. In this moment, that is all I am doing. I am not tending to my wife's needs, although those are important. I'm not tending to my daughter's needs, although those are important. I'm not making money, although that is necessary. I'm not eating, although that is essential. There are many things-good things-that I am not doing right now. Because I am doing this. I want to be fixed on this opportunity with single-minded focus. And isn't that what we are called to-- Isn't that how scripture admonishes us to live----Now, how does this apply to you--

The notion of balance in your life is a man-made weight that you can lay down at the feet of Jesus. Friends, Balance is a myth. We aren't called to balanced lives. We are called to live surrendered lives. We are called to live disciplined lives. But I can't find any scriptures teaching that God expects balance in our lives in the sense we are talking about it. Actually, I'm not sure balance in that sense is even possible. What do I mean?In this moment, I am preaching. In this moment, that is all I am doing. I am not tending to my wife's needs, although those are important. I'm not tending to my daughter's needs, although those are important. I'm not making money, although that is necessary. I'm not eating, although that is essential. There are many things—good things—that I am not doing right now. Because I am doing this. I want to be fixed on this opportunity with single-minded focus. And isn't that what we are called to? Isn't that how scripture admonishes us to live?Now, how does this apply to you?

Ask.How often do we simply Ask God for what we need, or ask Him what He thinks, or ask Him how we ought to proceed? This is part of child-like faith the Lord desires of us -- To simply ask.

This message is about the absolute necessity of repentance for everyone, saved and lost alike. --For the child of God, repentance is a necessary duty, and also offers the most beautiful benefits- --In this message we also discuss real issues like addition to alcohol, pornography, and other vices, and how to overcome besetting sins.

This message is about the absolute necessity of repentance for everyone, saved and lost alike. --For the child of God, repentance is a necessary duty, and also offers the most beautiful benefits- --In this message we also discuss real issues like addition to alcohol, pornography, and other vices, and how to overcome besetting sins.

This message is about the absolute necessity of repentance for everyone, saved and lost alike. For the child of God, repentance is a necessary duty, and also offers the most beautiful benefits! In this message we also discuss real issues like addition to alcohol, pornography, and other vices, and how to overcome besetting sins.

Jesus came to be with you in midst of your life's messes. --Maybe you feel like your life is a mess. Just one big, continual, ongoing mess. Like no matter what you try, you mess it up. Maybe you have even felt like you are one of life's messes. The Enemy might have even convinced you at some point that your life is a mistake- that you are a mistake. But I'm here to tell you today that Jesus came to clean up your messes. He came to be with you in the midst of your messes. He came to help you through your messes. And He came to rescue you from your messes. --Jesus came to seek and save the ones who were lost. He came to love His enemies so purely and selflessly that many would turn to Him for comfort and healing - many would surrender to his irresistible love. --I don't know what you have in your past. But Jesus came to save those with a past.--He's not afraid of the messes we make. And we don't have to clean ourselves up -- He does that for us-