Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the importance of anchoring oneself to truth and scripture, especially during difficult times. Choices made during hardship reveal one's true training, be it worldly or Godly. Conflicts arise when worldly training clashes with Christian hope, leading to fear and hindering faithfulness. God leads people through trials, not around them, requiring endurance. Dr. Smith emphasizes the relevance of Jesus' message to the Church in Smyrna: "Do not fear." Fear is a tool used by the enemy to deter people from following God. The church faced tribulation and poverty for their faith, choosing faithfulness over compromise. They were also facing persecutions and attacks. Dr. Smith challenges listeners to evaluate their own faith and willingness to endure hardship for Christ.
Dr. Smith discusses the church in Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. While not openly rebellious or doctrinally unsound, they had "abandoned the love they had at first." This failure was masked by their many successes, such as their perseverance, purity, and intolerance for evil. Dr. Smith emphasizes that a church should be a museum, hospital, and military outpost for God and should not focus on one aspect to the neglect of others. He stresses the importance of both maintaining doctrinal purity and actively engaging in evangelism, referencing Ephesus's historical impact. He also discusses the church needing to balance guarding the truth with making disciples of all nations.
Dr. Smith discusses the church in Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. While not openly rebellious or doctrinally unsound, they had "abandoned the love they had at first." This failure was masked by their many successes, such as their perseverance, purity, and intolerance for evil. Dr. Smith emphasizes that a church should be a museum, hospital, and military outpost for God and should not focus on one aspect to the neglect of others. He stresses the importance of both maintaining doctrinal purity and actively engaging in evangelism, referencing Ephesus's historical impact. He also discusses the church needing to balance guarding the truth with making disciples of all nations.
Dr. Smith introduces a series on the Book of Revelation, focusing on its message to the seven churches in Asia, emphasizing that it's not a code to be decoded, but a call to faithfulness rooted in history and applicable to all churches. He highlights that Revelation is about God's ultimate victory and the dominion of Jesus Christ, urging listeners to focus on the risen King rather than solely on the trials. He stresses the importance of having an exalted view of Jesus, like the one in Revelation 1, to understand the authority and urgency with which we should approach our mission. The goal is to see Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty, and to understand that we are either part of His kingdom or will face His dominion.
Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes God's holiness and His solution to humanity's sin through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, enabling eternal life. Dr. Smith addresses the dangers of seeking influence without spiritual depth, drawing a contrast between Barnabas' genuine generosity and Ananias and Sapphira's deceptive act. The message calls for believers to actively engage in sanctification, a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, requiring self-denial and submission to God's transformative work. It critiques the church's past pursuit of cultural relevance over holiness, urging a return to biblical faith, repentance, and a willingness to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle. The sermon encourages listeners to honestly assess their spiritual state and fully commit to God's calling.
Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes God's holiness and His solution to humanity's sin through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, enabling eternal life. Dr. Smith addresses the dangers of seeking influence without spiritual depth, drawing a contrast between Barnabas' genuine generosity and Ananias and Sapphira's deceptive act. The message calls for believers to actively engage in sanctification, a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, requiring self-denial and submission to God's transformative work. It critiques the church's past pursuit of cultural relevance over holiness, urging a return to biblical faith, repentance, and a willingness to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle. The sermon encourages listeners to honestly assess their spiritual state and fully commit to God's calling.
Dr. Smith introduces Ben and Melody Pahlow from Africa Family Rescue, praising their dedication and the impact of their ministry. He notes that 98% of donations go directly to AFR, while the remaining 2% supports the Pahlows, which has recently been strained due to donor drop-offs. He urges the congregation to consider supporting the Pahlows personally if they feel led. Ben and Melody express their gratitude, sharing anecdotes about their friendship with Dr. Smith and how they were called to Africa. Melody recounts her initial reluctance and past traumas, emphasizing that God can use anyone, regardless of their background. They highlight the transformative work of AFR, focusing on empowering widows through sustainable businesses and community development, and the importance of persevering through evil with faith.
In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith addresses the series "Reaping Destruction, the Effects of Bad Investments" emphasizing its relevance beyond recent events, attributing it to God's foresight. He asserts a spiritual war for people's hearts is underway, referencing Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as an example of leadership that plays to the crowd rather than leading toward truth. Dr. Smith warns against misusing authority and highlights an experiment illustrating people's tendency to follow authority, even to harmful extremes. Jeroboam, to maintain power, corrupted worship by creating golden calves, rewriting history, and appointing unworthy priests. This, Dr. Smith claims, resonates today as society shifts from holiness to convenience.
In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith addresses the series "Reaping Destruction, the Effects of Bad Investments" emphasizing its relevance beyond recent events, attributing it to God's foresight. He asserts a spiritual war for people's hearts is underway, referencing Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as an example of leadership that plays to the crowd rather than leading toward truth. Dr. Smith warns against misusing authority and highlights an experiment illustrating people's tendency to follow authority, even to harmful extremes. Jeroboam, to maintain power, corrupted worship by creating golden calves, rewriting history, and appointing unworthy priests. This, Dr. Smith claims, resonates today as society shifts from holiness to convenience.
Rick Keunzler's sermon focuses on continuing to invest in the gospel of grace, drawing from 2 Timothy. He highlights Paul's imprisonment and the context of his letter to Timothy, emphasizing the importance of honoring God. Key themes include being strong in grace, making faithful disciples across generations, and finishing well. Keunzler stresses knowing God's will, being thankful, and praying continually. He encourages finding a "Paul" to learn from and a "Timothy" to mentor, stirring up one's gifts, and rejecting a spirit of fear for power, love, and a sound mind rooted in Christ.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the dangers of neglecting one's duties and succumbing to fleshly desires, using the story of David and Bathsheba as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes that David's downfall began when he prioritized comfort and ease over his responsibilities as king, leading to a "small world" where temptations grew and his perspective narrowed. The sermon argues that neglecting God-given duties and becoming complacent in success can lead to a spiritual decline, ultimately resulting in significant problems and a life of sin. The importance of maintaining a broad, biblical worldview and remaining committed to serving God is emphasized.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the dangers of neglecting one's duties and succumbing to fleshly desires, using the story of David and Bathsheba as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes that David's downfall began when he prioritized comfort and ease over his responsibilities as king, leading to a "small world" where temptations grew and his perspective narrowed. The sermon argues that neglecting God-given duties and becoming complacent in success can lead to a spiritual decline, ultimately resulting in significant problems and a life of sin. The importance of maintaining a broad, biblical worldview and remaining committed to serving God is emphasized.
Dr. Roger L. Smith's message focuses on the dangers of pride, especially in leadership roles, highlighting it as an abomination that leads to destruction within churches and personal lives. Pride can be overt arrogance or subtle self-reliance, both rooted in self-focus. The speaker emphasizes that pride stems from fear of man rather than God, leading to control, manipulation, and insecurity. King Saul's story serves as a biblical example of how pride can mar and ultimately destroy leadership. The alternative is humility and service, exemplified by Jesus Christ, who prioritized the good of others. Christians should deny themselves, serve others, and make God's name great.
Dr. Roger L. Smith's message focuses on the dangers of pride, especially in leadership roles, highlighting it as an abomination that leads to destruction within churches and personal lives. Pride can be overt arrogance or subtle self-reliance, both rooted in self-focus. The speaker emphasizes that pride stems from fear of man rather than God, leading to control, manipulation, and insecurity. King Saul's story serves as a biblical example of how pride can mar and ultimately destroy leadership. The alternative is humility and service, exemplified by Jesus Christ, who prioritized the good of others. Christians should deny themselves, serve others, and make God's name great.
In his message, Preston Sanders addresses the common sentiment of questioning God's methods, even among believers. He recounts his experiences, including a Bible study during Desert Storm, highlighting how people often revert to atheism after facing adversity. Sanders argues that people disbelieve because they dislike God's ways or desire to be in His place. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross, acknowledging one's own limitations, and recognizing God's higher perspective, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9. Quoting from 1 Corinthians, he stresses that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to believers, it is the power and wisdom of God.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses neglecting responsibility, illustrated by a restaurant scenario where employees ignored a mess. He connects this to the biblical figure Eli, a priest who neglected his duties and enabled his sons' corruption, leading to dire consequences. Dr. Smith emphasizes that responsibilities to God and neighbor are fundamental, citing the Great Commandments and the Ten Commandments. He argues neglecting these responsibilities, both through actions and omissions, is a sin with far-reaching effects. Dr. Smith urges listeners to accept responsibility, love God and neighbor, and hold others accountable with grace and truth, breaking cycles of neglect and passing on faith to future generations.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses neglecting responsibility, illustrated by a restaurant scenario where employees ignored a mess. He connects this to the biblical figure Eli, a priest who neglected his duties and enabled his sons' corruption, leading to dire consequences. Dr. Smith emphasizes that responsibilities to God and neighbor are fundamental, citing the Great Commandments and the Ten Commandments. He argues neglecting these responsibilities, both through actions and omissions, is a sin with far-reaching effects. Dr. Smith urges listeners to accept responsibility, love God and neighbor, and hold others accountable with grace and truth, breaking cycles of neglect and passing on faith to future generations.
Dr. Smith discusses self-denial and true faith, emphasizing that faith begins where self ends. He uses the story of Esau, who traded his birthright for stew, to illustrate the consequences of prioritizing immediate gratification over God's promises. Dr. Smith warns against living at the mercy of one's urges, as it leads to destruction. He highlights self-control as a key to avoiding this, discussing excesses in physical pleasure, money, and emotional indulgence. He emphasizes the importance of enduring temptation and seeking God's way of escape, rather than expecting temptation to disappear, drawing on scripture to support the idea that God provides a way to endure.
Dr. Smith discusses self-denial and true faith, emphasizing that faith begins where self ends. He uses the story of Esau, who traded his birthright for stew, to illustrate the consequences of prioritizing immediate gratification over God's promises. Dr. Smith warns against living at the mercy of one's urges, as it leads to destruction. He highlights self-control as a key to avoiding this, discussing excesses in physical pleasure, money, and emotional indulgence. He emphasizes the importance of enduring temptation and seeking God's way of escape, rather than expecting temptation to disappear, drawing on scripture to support the idea that God provides a way to endure.
Dr. Smith discusses how some people seem to easily accumulate wealth, a gift he believes is divinely bestowed. He cautions against obsessively chasing riches, citing Proverbs. Those blessed with financial success are often generous, not controlled by materialism. He uses the biblical story of Lot to illustrate the dangers of prioritizing worldly gain over spiritual integrity. Lot chose to settle in Sodom for its fertile land, disregarding its wickedness. This decision led to compromise and dire consequences for his family. Dr. Smith emphasizes that choices based solely on outward appearances often lead to overlooking deeper, more important matters. He urges listeners to seek God's wisdom to look beyond surface level. Ultimately, Dr. Smith concludes, investment is a generational choice. He encourages listeners to make sure their lives and investments honor God and reflect values that are good for their children.
Dr. Smith discusses how some people seem to easily accumulate wealth, a gift he believes is divinely bestowed. He cautions against obsessively chasing riches, citing Proverbs. Those blessed with financial success are often generous, not controlled by materialism. He uses the biblical story of Lot to illustrate the dangers of prioritizing worldly gain over spiritual integrity. Lot chose to settle in Sodom for its fertile land, disregarding its wickedness. This decision led to compromise and dire consequences for his family. Dr. Smith emphasizes that choices based solely on outward appearances often lead to overlooking deeper, more important matters. He urges listeners to seek God's wisdom to look beyond surface level. Ultimately, Dr. Smith concludes, investment is a generational choice. He encourages listeners to make sure their lives and investments honor God and reflect values that are good for their children.
Dr. Smith discusses the difficulty of waiting in a modern, on-demand culture, contrasting it with the abundance and convenience of modern life. He references Isaiah 40:28-31, emphasizing that those who wait on the Lord will be strengthened and blessed. Waiting on God requires hope, expectation, and trust, binding oneself to Him. It's not passive but an active faithfulness, accepting truth and reality, even when obstacles exist due to the fallen world. He uses the story of Ruth and Boaz to illustrate faith, integrity, and trusting God's ways, even when desires aren't immediately met.
Dr. Smith discusses the difficulty of waiting in a modern, on-demand culture, contrasting it with the abundance and convenience of modern life. He references Isaiah 40:28-31, emphasizing that those who wait on the Lord will be strengthened and blessed. Waiting on God requires hope, expectation, and trust, binding oneself to Him. It's not passive but an active faithfulness, accepting truth and reality, even when obstacles exist due to the fallen world. He uses the story of Ruth and Boaz to illustrate faith, integrity, and trusting God's ways, even when desires aren't immediately met.
Dr. Smith explores the Book of Ruth, emphasizing faith and obedience. Even when confused or hurt, trusting in God is paramount, as demonstrated by Ruth and Naomi. Ruth's decision to glean wasn't a demand but a trust in God's existing provisions for the vulnerable, like widows. This act showed faith, not expecting miracles, but relying on God's established ways. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of storing God’s word in our hearts before crises arises, enabling us to act in faith, not panic. Faith invests effort, as Ruth did, leading God to direct her to Boaz's field. God wants our hearts and obedience, even without knowing the outcome. True belief manifests in action, not just intellectual agreement.
Dr. Smith explores the Book of Ruth, emphasizing faith and obedience. Even when confused or hurt, trusting in God is paramount, as demonstrated by Ruth and Naomi. Ruth's decision to glean wasn't a demand but a trust in God's existing provisions for the vulnerable, like widows. This act showed faith, not expecting miracles, but relying on God's established ways. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of storing God’s word in our hearts before crises arises, enabling us to act in faith, not panic. Faith invests effort, as Ruth did, leading God to direct her to Boaz's field. God wants our hearts and obedience, even without knowing the outcome. True belief manifests in action, not just intellectual agreement.
Dr. Smith discusses how theological education often fails to prepare pastors for shepherding people through immense personal crises. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and dealing with suffering rather than medicating it away, noting that bitterness and hope can coexist. Using Naomi's story in Ruth, he illustrates how it's okay to be truthful and sad, as God gave us emotions for a reason. He encourages embracing sadness and directing anger towards God rather than withdrawing from God. He highlights that God prefers us to be angry with Him than to withdraw and ignore Him. Dr. Smith urges listeners to be a supportive presence. He encourages being like Ruth, offering loyalty and love instead of trying to fix problems. He reminds everyone that seasons turn and God is at work, even when unseen, guiding believers through their journeys.
Dr. Smith discusses how theological education often fails to prepare pastors for shepherding people through immense personal crises. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and dealing with suffering rather than medicating it away, noting that bitterness and hope can coexist. Using Naomi's story in Ruth, he illustrates how it's okay to be truthful and sad, as God gave us emotions for a reason. He encourages embracing sadness and directing anger towards God rather than withdrawing from God. He highlights that God prefers us to be angry with Him than to withdraw and ignore Him. Dr. Smith urges listeners to be a supportive presence. He encourages being like Ruth, offering loyalty and love instead of trying to fix problems. He reminds everyone that seasons turn and God is at work, even when unseen, guiding believers through their journeys.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses faith in the Book of Ruth, emphasizing that it's about trusting God even without grand gestures. He highlights Naomi's difficult situation and her urging her daughters-in-law to return to their former lives. However, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, demonstrating unwavering faith. Dr. Smith explains that Ruth's vow shows a commitment to faith, choosing a hard path. He contrasts this with Orpah, who returns to her old life. He stresses that investment in God's kingdom is permanent, requiring a willingness to suffer. Dr. Smith concludes by encouraging listeners to make Ruth's vow their own.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses faith in the Book of Ruth, emphasizing that it's about trusting God even without grand gestures. He highlights Naomi's difficult situation and her urging her daughters-in-law to return to their former lives. However, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, demonstrating unwavering faith. Dr. Smith explains that Ruth's vow shows a commitment to faith, choosing a hard path. He contrasts this with Orpah, who returns to her old life. He stresses that investment in God's kingdom is permanent, requiring a willingness to suffer. Dr. Smith concludes by encouraging listeners to make Ruth's vow their own.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the theme of investment, particularly investing faith in God during difficult times. It uses the story of Ruth and Naomi to illustrate this concept, highlighting their decision to leave Moab and return to Judah after a famine. Dr Smith emphasizes that faith often requires making decisions without guarantees, trusting in God's goodness and power even when resources are scarce. It also stresses the importance of recognizing God's work amidst chaos, as demonstrated by Naomi's willingness to follow God's leading despite her dire circumstances. Ultimately, Dr. Smith encourages listeners to become familiar with God's voice and to practice obedience in small things, preparing themselves to take radical steps of faith when called upon.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the theme of investment, particularly investing faith in God during difficult times. It uses the story of Ruth and Naomi to illustrate this concept, highlighting their decision to leave Moab and return to Judah after a famine. Dr Smith emphasizes that faith often requires making decisions without guarantees, trusting in God's goodness and power even when resources are scarce. It also stresses the importance of recognizing God's work amidst chaos, as demonstrated by Naomi's willingness to follow God's leading despite her dire circumstances. Ultimately, Dr. Smith encourages listeners to become familiar with God's voice and to practice obedience in small things, preparing themselves to take radical steps of faith when called upon.
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