Pathway Dallas Church
It is extremely crucial to continually refresh our minds with the truth of the Gospel and be awestruck by its beauty. It functions as a form self-examination to see what our lives are built on and built with. Today, we embark on journey to revisit the famous parable of the wise and foolish builders with a Gospel-centered perspective. When the storms of life overwhelm us, what is the reason for the hope that we have to remain firm and withstand the elements?
Jesus addresses an important issue in the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Luke: confusion of worship with service. In Martha's frustration with having to serve alone, Jesus redirects her heart toward worship by pointing to Mary who was listening at His feet. We learn that though toiling for the kingdom is a noble necessity, we must not confuse it with worship and devotion; these two are meant to exist in harmony at the core of our being in Him. Jesus wishes us not to neglect dwelling at his feet for our engrossing works. We are also reminded that we were made for Him and by Him, therefore, our fellowship with Him should be first and foremost.
What do you do when your theology clashes with reality? How do you hold to the conviction that God is good when life stinks? We're going to hear in today’s message some of the things that sometimes go unsaid about our struggles, our depressions, when we feel so alone and have no ready answers. To help us, we will turn to the Psalms, where the raw emotions of real people who just hit the wall are expressed, and where deep reservoirs of truth are found that can help you through. And what we'll see is that just when we think God is nowhere to be found, GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. Psalm 73 is our passage and the title is “Comparison Is The Thief of Joy.” Theodore Roosevelt is known for potentially saying that statement. And it’s biblical. Psalm 73 is a psalm that starts out with a man named Asaph, who’s convinced he’s been given a raw deal in life. Anybody relate? Ever care to ask if it even pays to serve God? When you did the right thing, but got the back of the hand anyway. Have you ever been betrayed? Ever been gossiped about? Who did you in financially? Who put the screws to you? Who did something unfair to you at work? Maybe it happened at home with a parent or grandparent, your husband or wife or best friend. If you've ever had something happen to you that was out of human control but seemed so unfair that you don't understand how a good God could let it happen, then you need to sit awhile with a choir director named Asaph. Asaph was one of three directors who worked under King David. He was one of the great worship leaders in the OT. And he's about to get as real as it gets.
The parable of the Prodigal Son offers a moving demonstration of the Gospel. It is also the third parable Jesus tells in order to emphasize a crucial point. In his seemingly convoluted response to the pharisees' judgement over the sinners he associated himself with, we witness a son leave out of rebellion and return due to the kindness of his father. Today's message implores us to identify God and ourselves in this story; to refresh our minds of the grace He lavishes upon us and upon those that have gone astray.
Have you ever been the outcast? The person who was rejected by your family, excluded from your friend group, or divorced by your spouse? You are not alone. The Samaritans were an outcast people, and one Samaritan woman was even outcast by the outcasts. Unlike the other women who would make the daily walk to the well each morning before the blazing heat of the day, this woman went to the well alone at noon because she was rejected, dejected, and unwanted. Amazingly, the only person who sought her out for a relationship was Jesus Christ. Jews did not befriend Samaritans, men did not befriend women, and holy people did not befriend unholy people. Nonetheless, Jesus knew that she needed a healthy, holy, helpful relationship. Perhaps an abuse victim whose father was either dead or a deadbeat, this woman had been divorced five times and was living with a man who did not give her the honor of making any marital commitment to her. Perhaps Jesus would have been the first man in her life to give to her instead of take from her. This scene reveals a number of hope-filled promises: (1) Until our relationship with Jesus is healthy, none of our other relationships will be. (2) Just like our bodies need water, our souls need worship. (3) Worship is not just part of what we do, it’s always what we do. (4) Who or what we worship not only gets us into trouble, worship is what also gets us out of trouble. (5) Under every issue is a worship issue. (6) Jesus is prepared to cross any line to have relationship.
We conclude our study of the Book of Ruth with one central goal in mind: a lasting legacy. We have been able to glean from the timeless lessons this story offers as we prepared our hearts to encounter the ultimate Redeemer. Moreover, an overview of what God has been teaching us through this book elevates our perception of work and gives us an awareness of God's desire to bless us through it so that we might bless others. Finally, we learn that Ruth and Boaz knew they were living for something greater than themselves. They were honoring an enduring promise, prepared to be the answers to their own prayers, and most importantly, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
In our study of the Book of Ruth, we are warned against bitterness, encouraged toward boldness, and reminded of God's generous provision. As Ruth executes Naomi's risky plan, we encounter a striking interaction between her and Boaz. They demonstrate how men and women ought to treat each other when pursuing a relationship; risking everything, facing great obstacles, and willing to lose, all for the sake of love.
As we move into the second chapter of the Book of Ruth, we witness yet another beautiful illustration of the Gospel. The favor and kindness with which Boaz treats Ruth is parallel to the one God shows us through Christ Jesus. We also begin to see the superior standard the Bible sets for men and women. It calls us to be more than great--to be the embodiment and demonstration of God's everlasting love.
This week's study explores the definition of the godly man and the godly woman. In the second chapter of the Book of Ruth, Boaz lavishes Ruth with the fruits of his field. In the same way, God lavishes His grace upon us through Jesus Christ. The biblical man not only reflects but manifests the beauty of the Gospel in everything that he does. The biblical woman recognizes grace and finds her identity with in it. Her beauty lies in her loyal and faithful heart. Together, they model the relationship between Christ and the church because their loving-kindness flows from their righteous standing with God rather than their outward appearances or possessions.
Suffering is part of the human experience; even as Christians, God does not exempt us from it, however, He does sustain us through it. Today's message gives us a review of the first chapter from the Book of Ruth and how, from the beginning, God's faithfulness is displayed in the lives of two women experiencing great loss and suffering. Their story encourages us to seek God's face and discern what He has to say as well as what He desires to do in us and through us when we find ourselves amidst troubles.
Sometimes, God pleases to use the very things we believe will hinder us to bring us closer to Him. His providence is evident even in times of suffering. Amidst the panic and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus, we pause our study of the Book of Ruth to survey and remind ourselves of God's faithfulness. As Christians, we are called to be the first responders in times of need, ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us. When multitudes are in distress, we must see an opportunity to heal, redeem, help, and most importantly, shine the light of the Gospel.
The cost of following Christ on earth is nothing compared to the promise of eternal life we have in Him. We witness Ruth as she counts the cost of going to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law. She decides to go despite all the hardships she might encounter. In the same way, Jesus calls us to count the cost of following Him; He requires the same radical trust, devotion, and surrender. Furthermore, we must apply this truth in all areas of our lives as confirmation of what we already know and what has been done for us. This process empties us so that God can fill us up with the perfection of His will and in doing so, demonstrate His unequivocal goodness.
God uses us for the revelation of his glory even when we are poor witnesses of his word, just as he does with Naomi. We begin to see a demonstration of true conversion when Ruth decides to return to Bethlehem despite her mother-in-law's instruction to remain in Moab. Her response displays an unwavering sense of loyalty, devotion, and determination--a response we ought to imitate in our walk with Christ.
As we continue to study the first chapter of the Book of Ruth, we learn that what seemed to be a sin to Naomi was a test of faithfulness to Ruth and Orpha, her widowed daughters-in-law. As God calls Naomi to return to Israel, and therefore, to Him, he demonstrates His providence by giving her an obedient and faithfull companion--Ruth.
This week, we begin a new study in the book of Ruth. Pastor Neb walks us through the historical background of the amazing men and women that make up this beautiful story. As the narrative unfolds, we start to see how obedience despite opposition, corruption, and tribulation takes the shape of true faithfulness--faithfulness that the Lord rewards.
As a continuation of last weeks message, this week, we learn that accountability requires baring of burdens. We are often led to believe that we either have to speak the truth or be loving. However, Ephesians 4:15 tells us that doing both is not only possible, but essential to a healthy church. We ought to practice speaking the truth in love, which is only possible when we strip ourselves of self righteousness and re-examine our definition of love.
The idea that we can travel the road of faith solely is contrary to what the Bible teaches. God created us for community and fellowship with one another. We need our brothers and sisters because God often uses them to correct, guide, and comfort us. In this message Pastor Nebiye Kelile reminds us that Christ did not reconcile us to God alone, but to each-other as well. The love and good works we exhibit within the church is, therefore, evidence of our faith and the catalyst for its growth.
Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Joshua 24:14-15 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Philippians 3:12-15 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Luke 2:9-11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
As this season of Advent begins, Pastor Neb spurs us to fix our hearts on hope. Psalms 120-134 show us that the song of ascension to the Throne of Grace is the hope of Christ. This hope marks the first, central theme that prepares us for the peace, love, and joy found in the manifestations of Christ--in this case, his birth. Understanding the significance and historicity of this long-lived church tradition also equips us to commemorate the coming of Christ in all its forms; not only for a season but for every single day of our lives.
Gratitude, despite our circumstances, often seems like an unattainable standard of holiness. Most of us struggle with this due to the shame that comes from forgetting God in our abundance. We falsely believe that times of adversity exaggerate God's silence, causing us to run from instead of to Him. This messages points us to people like David and Job who are a testament to the restorative properties of gratitude despite the presence of pain.
The church is made up of people who walk humbly, and therefore, have unity of faith and mind. However, several Christians subscribe to the definition of humility that has no foundation in Scripture: viewing one's self negatively compared to others. Biblical humility is the elevated perception of other people's interests and their significance. This message redirects our hearts toward the unifying nature of the Gospel and the importance of understanding its display of true humility. Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Disappointments are a part of the human experience. When we allow ourselves to be guided by them, however, we tend to gravitate toward the very things God delivered us from; therefore, this message warns us what we consider to be noble and pure, may at times, be tainted by our desire to take control of our disappointment without God. Instead of attempting to remedy our disappointments by reverting to our old ways, We ought to bring our disappointment to God, and see how he works all our disappointments for our good. John 21:1-3 (ESV) After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
It is impossible to achieve any goal without discipline, structure, and self-control. The accumulated interest of small decisions we’ve made in the past shape us into the people we are today. Therefore, in this continuation of the series titled “How to Find your Why,” Pastor Neb exhorts us to honor the time and energy God has blessed us with and presents us with practical steps that show us how to do it.
Wholeness and fulfillment in life is not possible without self-awareness. Only when we discover how weak we are, do we genuinely seek for God’s power and will to work in our life. If we neglect the importance of self-awareness, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to understand God’s will for our lives. We end up struggling to see in the haze of our own making when we can acknowledge and surrender our weakness to the Lord instead. This teaching shows us how to master the art of self-awareness so that we discern our true meaning, purpose, and function in the Kingdom of Christ as individuals. Pastor Nebiye Kelile
We often attempt to convince ourselves that either our relationship with God or our relationship with others is worthy of exclusive devotion. As you listen, we hope that you begin to realize how the dimensions of a Christian life ought to embody both and recognize them as complementary aspects of our lives. Philippians 1:19-20 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Pastor Willie Skinner 1. Compromise is often the result of fulfilling legitimate desires in illegitimate ways. 2. Compromise always has consequences. 3. The Cross has the final word on your Compromise. 4. Compromise doesn’t have to be the end of your story it can be the beginning of a new one. Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV) And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Exodus 2:11-15 (ESV) One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.
Philippians 1:12-18 (ESV) I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Pastor Nebiye Kelile
Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Pastor Nebiye Kelile
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Pastor Nebiye Kelile
Philippians 1:12-14 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Pastor Nebiye Kelile
Philippians 1:9-11 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Pastor Nebiye Kelile
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6-8 Pastor Nebiye Kelile
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-8 (ESV) Pastor Nebiye Kelile
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. Pastor Nebiye Kelile June 30 2019
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