Oakwood Connect

Jesus explains how we are to be like him and how to allow his Holy Spirit to dwell within us, which is the only way we can have a true heart change.

How does the kingdom of God grow? The parable of the mustard seed is two fold. It shows how faith grows in us and in turn grows the kingdom of God.

What else can we learn from seeds? Nature has never ending living sermons. We like the seed must cooperate with the eternal life source to bear good fruit.

Jesus tells us the wheat and tares grow together until the end of the age. We have this problem of wanting to uproot the tares instead of focusing on producing fruit. Will there even be tares in the church? What should be done?

As we continue with our look into the parables of Jesus. Jesus answers the questions that humanity uses as “evidence” for it’s unbelief. Why does evil exist? Why does God allow it to continue if He is so good, so loving?

In the parable of the wheat and tares Jesus establishes that there is good and evil. That He is the way the truth and the life. If there is a difference between good and evil then there has to be a unchangeable law that governs that.

Finishing the parable of the sower we take a look at the good ground. What makes this ground suitable for the gifts of God? Why can it be called good?

Jesus said something can actually choke the Word of God out of our lives. He identified them as thorns. What are these thorns? That will be the focus of our study in the episode.

Jesus continues in his parable of the sower and what happens when his seed (his word), grows up with the thorns (the cares of this world). Will we allow the sons of sin choke out are child like faith?

The seed that falls on the rocky area joyfully receives God’s word but has a shallow experience with it. Grace does more than save, it changes the stone and makes it flesh.

As we start our new series on the parables of Jesus, we start to take a look at the soils. The wayside, what happens? Why is this soil so quick to give up?

Before we dive into our new series on the parables of Jesus, we seek to explore why He gave the majority of His teachings this way. It will encourage you and motivate to grow in your spiritual journey.

Is there anything reliable anymore? Everyone goes through life believing in something, but is it solid, never disappointing? A house built upon the rock faces storms but still stands.

“Not all that say ‘Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” Words that bring fear to most Christians. What is the deciding factor in our relationship with God?

Can someone claim to be a messenger of God, sound very nice and still be a wolf in sheep’s clothing? How can we be sure in what we believe?

How is it that the gospel of Christ goes to all and yet narrow is the way? Is there a difference between accepting grace and living a life of faith? If God is in the business of eternal life what keeps us from entering it?

Few will enter the Kingdom of God, but why? If God is in the business of saving then shouldn’t the gate be wide open? Is there a difference between accepting grace and living by faith?

Right after Jesus tells us not to judge, he tells us to use our judgment and know when it’s time to move on from someone. Who, how, why, when should we move on from someone? And is that it? Is there anything we do afterward?

One of the most misused verses today. What does Jesus mean when he tells us not to judge? Is judging people a “Christian” problem or a human problem? How can it be avoided and ultimately is it really part of a bigger problem?

Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God.” Sounds great! But how? With so much confusion about God’s word where should we even start? What exactly are we looking for? What is really the goal?

Often times we ask the question, “What’s to gain by worry?” Really what we should ask is “what do we lose?” Do our pursuits of life, trump our relationship with Christ? Can we have peace without him?

What’s our price? How, who do we allow to decide what we our worth. What, who do we truly value?

Jesus continues to ask us to dig into our hearts and really seek, what motivates us? What is priority in our lives.

Fasting? Ugh, sounds a lot like works. Fasting sounds like more of a Old Testament thing, Jesus doesn’t really care about fasting does he? Is there really any significance?

The act of forgiving, we know we should but why? Why is it so important to Jesus that we forgive each other? Can’t we just believe and not worry about our relationship with others?

Jesus continues to warn us of our issues of pride. But can it really continue over into our prayer life? Is there really a “right way” to pray?

By challenging our motives as it pertains to charity. Jesus is really cutting to the core of what all of humanity struggles with. Pride.

Jesus continues to challenge those who think they are good. Our ideas of justice, who qualifies as our enemy and how to relate to him and others.

Jesus tells us to not “swear any oath”, but why not? What’s the harm? Especially when we promise them with our very best intentions.

Continuing the topic of What Jesus meant when he says, “ I did not come but to fulfill the law and the prophets”. Did Jesus really do away with the Law? Can the law of God and the Righteousness of Christ co exist?

Can the law of God and the righteousness of God co exist? Is it even important that they do? Join us as we begin to understand the consistency of Gods love.

How is the salt Jesus says we ought to be and the persecution Jesus spoke of at the end of the Beatitudes connected? What can a Christian do who has "lost" his saltiness? What is the "light" Jesus is speaking of? How does one make sure it stays lit? These important questions and more are discussed in today's episode of Oakwood Connect. www.oakwoodsda.com

Who would ever intentionally sign-up to be persecuted? Apparently Jesus believes there are humans beings who will willingly endure this experience because they have experienced something greater and more powerful than anything this world can throw at them. We discuss this and more on this episode of Oakwood Connect.

What is a peacemaker? Who’s qualified to be one? Where does peace even come from? Join us as we explore a topic that everyone is searching for.

What does it mean that the pure in heart will see God? How can one have a pure heart. Join us as we explore this topic, and pray you will receive a blessing.

What is mercy? We take a close look at what mercy is, and what we discovered made us uncomfortable and definitely challenged our views of what it means to be a Christian. May it challenge and bless you as well.

Elder John Trombley and pastor Ariel draw practical spiritual lessons that show us how to connect the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. Church Website: www.oakwoodsda.com YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/Cng23G

Elder John Trombley and pastor Ariel draw practical spiritual lessons that show us how to connect the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. Church Website: www.oakwoodsda.com YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/Cng23G

Elder John Trombley and pastor Ariel draw practical spiritual lessons that show us how to connect the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives. Church Website: www.oakwoodsda.com YouTube Channel: https://goo.gl/Cng23G