Living our relationship with Jesus Christ daily in simple faith.
And this episode Pastor Steve Dupler and Pastor Green discuss the harvest that God will produce when we sow the seed. --- This episode is sponsored by ยท Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this episode pastor Steve and I talk about what it means to put on the armor of God.
Many people are living discouraged downhearted distraught lives today. As disciples of Jesus Christ we want to help improve the quality of their life and introduce them to the one who will keep them and protect them and encourage them.
We may not like referring to ourselves as saints and yet in Romans 1:1-7 that is exactly what we are called to be.
Today's podcast deals with the subject matter of heroes in light of 911 I was reminded of those that were willing to sacrifice for the sake of others which then also reminded me of the sacrifice the Christ made for us.
God's will is readily available to be revealed to those who are desiring to receive it
Tonight we did something different in looking at Ephesians chapter 5 verses 6 to 14 I invited a good friend of mine Dr Steve dupler to join us in this devotion. I trust that you will enjoy our back and forth as we looked at the scripture and examined what it said.
Do you realize how valuable you are to God? Do you realize how valuable he should be to you? Paul says in Ephesians chapter 5 that we were so valued by God that he sent his only begotten son to die for us.
Paul gifts to us in Ephesians chapter 14 verses 17 to the end of the chapter food that will help us to grow spiritually.
God through the Holy Spirit has gifted each one of us so that as we use our gift it builds up the body. The gifts that we have are not for self-glorification but they are for edification of God's children.
Ephesians chapter 4 the apostle Paul speaks of the oneness that we have in Christ Jesus. We are individuals and yet there is one body and we are expected to function as one building up one another and encouraging each other in faith.
Paul in writing to the Ephesians was giving to them words of hope encouragement and victory. His message was that he desired that they become so saturated with the presence of God within their lives that his presence would ooze out of you and on to those around you.
Paul, even though he was a prisoner of the Roman cohort, saw himself as a prisoner for Christ. He did not moan, he did not groan, he did not complain, about his situation. What about you? When you find yourself in an adverse situation do you have a tendency to complain? Or do you turn things over to the Lord?
The body of Christ is meant to work in agreement with one another it makes no difference as to our our place of birth whether we are Jew or gentile What makes the difference is Christ who is our cornerstone who makes us one.
The good news that we find in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 through 10 is that through Jesus Christ we have been made alive. The lives that we once lived we no longer live and the life that we never thought possible is the life that we now live.
We may be uncomfortable with the thought but God refers to his people as saints.
The apostle Paul in writing to the Ephesians states that he is a special agent sent with a message. The message that Paul brings is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John is writing his letter to believers that we might have confidence in faith and assurance that we will be more than overcomers
The apostle John describes for us who can overcome the world and how they can become overcomers. The question is are you in overcomer?
1st John chapter 5 verses 1 to 4 Tell us of how we can be more than conquerors in this world. It is through our persistent faith in Jesus Christ that we become overcomers.
When the apostle Paul reached Rome God's favor still showing upon him. Paul was given luxuries that most prisoners would never enjoy. He was allowed to have company and when people came to visit he had the freedom to proclaim the kingdom of God and the message of Jesus.
The healings that Paul performed on the island of Malta were not healings that he did on his own but it was through the work of God. God is the one and the only one who can heal and give life.
Acts chapter 27 we're told that for 14 days Paul and those sailing with him had gone without food but on the 14th day Paul said to them we need to eat. As I read those words I was reminded of how you and I need to eat daily from the word of God to maintain our spiritual vitality.
The apostle Paul along with 276 passengers were on the sea. The winds were contrary they were in fear of losing their lives. But God showed up and gave to Paul words of encouragement that he then shared with others. In the end Paul states I believe God!
The apostle Paul was standing before King Agrippa giving his defense and his testimony was so great and so compelling that King Agrippa said " I am almost persuaded. " I wonder are you fully persuaded that Christ is who the scripture say he is and that he is done what it says that he has done?
Paul was giving his defense before King Agrippa and he makes this statement: I couldn't just walk away! What Paul was saying is that his mission and calling from God is so great that no matter the consequences he may face, he couldn't walk away.
Paul is standing before King Agrippa and one thing that we notice is that the testimony he gives is consistent with the testimonies that he's given previously. I wonder today is your testimony consistent?
The apostle Paul had gone through many trials as he was falsely imprisoned and accused of wrongdoings. But truth always prevails yet at the same time the innocent sometimes suffer undue justice.
Acts chapter 25 and the first 12 verses we see Paul being brought before a new governor who is going to determine his fate. As you read this passage notice how the governor is more interested in pleasing man than in doing what is right in the sight of God. How about you? Who do you seek to please?
Paul when he was brought before his accusers and when he stood before Felix who was to judge him for his actions, stood firm and confident in the message that he delivered. Jesus was indeed the Way. He was truth, life, and the hope that we have for the forgiveness of our sins.
The apostle Paul was giving a defense for his relationship with Jesus Christ. When he stood before Felix the judge he did not deny that he was a part of a sect that was called the way. Are you a part of the way?
Jesus by me as a reminder that we don't live life alone. In our most difficult times he stands by us and is an ever-present source of help in our time of need.
Paul when he was placed before the religious counsel and called to give an account for his actions said to them, I have a clear conscience before God. He was not saying that he was sinless but rather when his conscience convicted him of a wrongdoing he made it right through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Citizenship makes a difference. The question becomes are you a citizen of the world or are you a citizen of heaven?
My plan and God's plan for me may be two different things. The question become who's playing are we going to desire.
In order to effectively witness to those who don't know Jesus Christ, we need to find common ground with them.
Paul in his journey to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Passover was set. He had one desire and that was to worship the Passover festival and nothing would persuade him not to follow through on his mission. Even though he knew that something bad was going to happen there he was still intent in his purpose.
When all is done and we've done what God has called us to do then we turn it over to him for the results. To God be the glory great things has he done
Paul realized that he had chains and tribulations facing him as he journeyed toward Jerusalem and yet even that knowledge did not prevent him from completing the mission to which he had been sent. How about you? Will you complete your race?
There is but one true God creator of heaven and earth redeemer of mankind and savior of the world. Do you know him?
Once we've accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into our lives there is a gift that God desires for each one of us to have which is the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Have you surrendered your life? Has the Holy Spirit fallen upon you? Having Christ as your Savior is one thing but to have him as Lord of your life is something else.
Every word, every detail, every action, in the word of God, is important. No matter how small or insignificant we may think a word to be it is still important and still has relevance. Notice as you read the word today how these details and actions enhance the ministry.
When we are obedient to God He gives to us success.
The apostle Paul was in Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him. He wanted to wait for their arrival before beginning his ministry to the people in Athensbut he was compelled he was provoked by the Holy Spirit to begin his ministry without hesitation. I wonder today have you ever been compelled to do something and being compelled did you do it?
Paul's message was quite simple he said to the people this Jesus whom I preached to you is the Christ. I wonder today do you know him?
When God asks lives of transformed. In Acts 16 we see the importance of even one person. Journey with me as we examine the story of one man whose transformation also led to the transformation of his household.
Transformation, healing, relationships, find it they're very core, Jesus Christ. He and he alone is worthy of praise, adoration, and Thanksgiving.
There are times in our lives when we may want to do something and it may be good for us to do it but God says the timing is not right. What do you do? Do you forge ahead on your own or do you go with God's leading?
In order for us to grow in our relationship with God we need a teachable spirit.