Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Welcome back to a week where we're dealing with gray areas that surface when we follow Jesus. We've established that love should be our guiding principle when the Bible doesn't give us clear direction, and we've seen how Paul applied this. Today, we'll look at how Paul lived out this principle in his own ministry in a very practical and powerful way. 

In 1 Corinthians, believers were struggling with whether they should eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols in pagan religious practices. Today we're going to dive into Paul's answer about how the principle of love plays out in making difficult decisions. His response is both practical and profound.In the gray areas of life, are you being driven by what you have the right to do or by what love would do?

On many things, the Bible is absolutely black and white. But what about those gray areas where the Bible doesn't say anything specific? What do we do then? What are the principles that guide us when we're walking in uncertain territory?Paul gives us some incredible insights in 1 Corinthians 8-10, and that's what we're going to be unpacking over the course of this week.In the gray areas of your life, are your decisions being driven by knowledge or love? 

The parable Jesus told wasn't just a nice story about wine-making practices in ancient times; it was a powerful illustration of how God works in our lives and what He expects from us as His followers. We'll give some practical thoughts about what this means for your life. Remember, God doesn't just pour new wine into your life. He makes you into a new wineskin, flexible and expandable, ready to accommodate all the good things He wants to do in and through you. That's the miracle of transformation.

Is God doing a healing work in your life emotionally, relationally, spiritually, or even physically?When we remain in our connection to Jesus, His spirit in us produces the power to face our circumstances.

There are two kinds of people seen in church: those who have transformed a lot and those who have barely transformed at all.What's the major differentiating factor between those two kinds of people? The word YES. We were all really failures at one time or another, but failure is not fatal. But even when we fail, God loves us and shows up for us.

We'll continue to look at the parable of the wineskins from Luke. We'll review the context of when this parable was told.Do you prefer the old way of doing things when God is doing something new? Do you resist situations he is calling you into simply because you don't like being put in those kinds of situations?

Sometimes we're not as prepared as we think when God does something new. New spiritual goals require new ways of pursuing them.Jesus explained in Luke that new wine in old wineskins could lead to a mess. This week, we'll explore the topic of being ready and empowered to act when God does something new. Have you been feeling a little insecure at changes that may be coming your way? Does it seem like God is not showing up in the same way as he did in another point of transition in your life?

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:Romans 3:23 says, “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God has extended an outrageous invitation of life and grace, but He's waiting for each of us to accept it. In today's episode, Gene clearly lays out the path to living a life of true freedom. 

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:Many of us are serious about following Jesus but still have bridges back to our old lives that need to be destroyed. When you have sin in your life, it blocks you from hearing what God wants to say to you and prevents you from experiencing true freedom.

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:It is easy for Christians to fall for the myth that says religious activity equals personal transformation. True freedom isn't found by just going through the religious motions. James 1:22 challenges us by saying, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS.”

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:Christianity isn't just a good way to die, but it's the best way to live. While we fear God is going to take away our freedom and make our lives miserable, Jesus painted quite a different picture. Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:Since the Garden of Eden human beings have been saying, “Don't mess with my FREEDOM.” The reality is that FEAR of God's law prevents many from experiencing the best way to live -- fear that it will restrict us from our desires rather than set us free. In this week's podcast series, Gene shares the best path to freedom, a freedom that deep down, we all long for.

From the archives - it's the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer editionHow do you cope with pain and loss? Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” And as we learn to live in its pages, the Bible, and the Savior it points to, lives in and through us.

From the archives - it's the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:What would you say if you were asked to explain what the Bible is all about? How would you clearly and briefly articulate this powerful library of 66 different books? In today's episode, Gene simply outlines the story of the Bible so that we can be more equipped and less intimidated by God's Word.

From the archives - it's the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:In Genesis 12, God makes three promises to Abraham that set His plan in motion to restore the relationship with people like us. And when you understand these three promises, it's like a KEY that unlocks the rest of the Bible.

From the archives - it's the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer edition:The only way you can love authentically is if you have the free will not to love.In the beginning, God's very Spirit was inside of Adam and Eve. After the choice was made that led to spiritual death, His Spirit left them. And now people like us are in need of a new birth. Thankfully, we can be renewed by power of the Holy Spirit.

From the archives - it's the best of “Understanding the Bible in 5 Days” podcast - summer editionEvery great book starts with the plot. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world because they had a perfect relationship with God. God created mankind because He longed for a relationship with people like us -- but every authentic relationship goes two ways.

From the archives - it's the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:“The more people who are pursuing God and building true community, the more compassion we are going to unleash in a broken world.” In today's devotional, Gene shares his vision for Eastside Christian Church. “And may the day come where it can be said, “and there were no needy persons among them.”

From the archives - it's the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:Jesus had a kind of peripheral vision that saw people who were often forgotten or marginalized because He always looked through eyes of love. In today's devotional, Gene encourages us to see those around us with the eyes of Jesus.

From the archives - it's the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:Sometimes we get so busy, even at church, that we can become blind to the needs of those around us. In today's devotion, Gene invites us to pray this prayer:  “God, put someone in our path today and help us to see them with Jesus' eyes.”

From the archives - it's the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:We all need corrective lenses to see clearly, spiritually speaking. God wants to help us see others the way He does, which is when we can truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. In today's devotion, Gene challenges us this week to do something to intentionally “...serve one another in love.” Gal. 5:13

From the archives - it's the best of “Seeing others as Jesus sees them” podcast - summer edition:Is your vision getting better or worse for the needs of those around you? This week, Gene takes a look at the book of Acts where we read about the founding of the early Christian church. There were “no needy persons among them” because the early church saw people the way Jesus sees them.

From the archives - it's the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:How did the Israelites handle the many obstacles they faced in the wilderness? Hebrews 11:30 says, “By FAITH the walls of Jericho fell...” In today's devotion, Gene shares that when you're navigating change, you've got to live by faith -- moment by moment.

From the archives - it's the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:We all go through seasons where we wander spiritually. And just like the Israelites, sometimes we build our own golden calves to worship instead of “clinging to the Rock.” In today's devotion, Gene challenges us, wherever we are at spiritually, to align or re-align our lives with the God who made us.

From the archives - it's the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:Time and again the Israelites missed out on joy in their lives -- no matter how God provided they slipped back into a posture of ungratefulness. Gene reminds us in today's devotion that the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18)

From the archives - it's the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:Why do we struggle with change?  Why do we glamorize the past? So often we remember the past as better than it really was. In today's devotion, Gene teaches on three factors that contribute to our resistance to change.

From the archives - it's the best of “Navigating through Change” podcast - summer edition:Psychologists say that when we go through too much life change we get on overload, which can lead to all kinds of emotional and physical problems. This week, Gene points us to principles we can learn from the Israelite's 40-year journey -- to help us navigate change in our lives with a sense of confidence and God's presence. 

From the archives - it's the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:It's impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It's realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God's meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God's Spirit.”

From the archives - it's the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:So where do you discover the meaning of your life? Solomon ends his journal in Ecclesiastes by saying, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to these three words -- ‘Remember your Creator.'” 

From the archives - it's the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:After investigating everything “under the sun”, King Solomon writes, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” In today's devotion Gene shares what King Solomon finally discovers --the only way to find purpose is to look to that which cannot be seen.

From the archives - it's the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:There's a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God's purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn't found in the things of this world.

From the archives - it's the best of “The Pursuit of Purpose” podcast - summer edition:Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can't find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn't have a purpose. This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon's quest for purpose.

From the archives - it's the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:No race worth running comes without great effort -- and sometimes it can be painful. Our spiritual journey is no different. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

From the archives - it's the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:When Christ's church is united, it is unstoppable. Yet churches are notorious for losing focus on their purpose and the race they are running. In a year full of so much divisiveness, let's not forget the mission we are on...together.

From the archives - it's the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:There are a couple of habits that frequently happen to many followers of Jesus....without us even realizing it. Thankfully, by God's grace, we can throw off whatever it is that hinders us and find grace for the sin that has us entangled so easily. 

From the archives - it's the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:What hinders you spiritually? In today's devotion, Gene shares two common barriers that pull us away from being fully devoted followers of Christ. If we're going to persevere, we must first eliminate the things that are dragging us down.

From the archives - it's the best of “Growing in Perseverance" podcast - summer edition:Many of us need to hear from the Lord -- to keep persevering, to keep moving forward, to keep our faith. This week, Gene focuses on perseverance and how we can apply Hebrews 12:1 in our lives.

From the archives - it's the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition: It's impossible to find purpose without handing over the keys of your life to God. It's realizing, “I need Jesus Christ in my life not only to save me from my sin, but to live in God's meaning and purpose for my life, indwelt with God's Spirit.”

From the archives - it's the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition: So where do you discover the meaning of your life? Solomon ends his journal in Ecclesiastes by saying, “If you really want to find purpose in your life it comes down to these three words -- ‘Remember your Creator.'” 

From the archives - it's the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition: After investigating everything “under the sun”, King Solomon writes, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” In today's devotion Gene shares what King Solomon finally discovers --the only way to find purpose is to look to that which cannot be seen.

From the archives - it's the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition: There's a big difference between finding a path in life and discovering God's purpose FOR your life. Solomon was a king and the richest person the world has ever known. The Bible says he denied himself nothing, yet he discovered that true fulfillment wasn't found in the things of this world.

From the archives - it's the best of “Pursuing God” podcast - summer edition: Have you ever wondered why you were born? Deep down you sense there's a reason for being alive, but you can't find it -- you feel stuck. Maybe your life has a path, but you feel like it doesn't have a purpose. This week, Gene focuses on what we can learn from King Solomon's quest for purpose.

We've dedicated this week to the sober topic of David's illicit affair with Bathsheba. While God's forgiveness doesn't minimize the serious consequences of David's sin, it demonstrates how God's grace is greater than our failures.Moral intersections provide two opportunities. By falling into Jesus' arms and experiencing His rest, we can find strength to make good decisions and live well in His name.

As we continue an examination of David's moral failure with Bathsheba this week, we saw first how prosperity can make us vulnerable to choices we would never entertain in any other season of life. Today we'll learn how David decided to toy with the temptation. Flirting with Satan's temptations is a risky, risky business. We're no match for Satan's cunning. Is there a choice in your life that has left you with scars? Are you someone who has been scarred by the bad choices of someone else? Remember, there is hope, because God can save you from the choice if you want him to. His redemption never fails. 

If someone so blessed, so used by God, so spiritually mature could fall so dramatically, what does that say about our own vulnerability? It's been a sober week as we explore a moral failure in King David. What led to David's bad decision? We'll explore that today.

Mistakes will come, and sometimes our greatest strengths can become the context for our greatest weaknesses. But there are always options for a hopeful future. We're exploring a moment in David's adult life that was far from his best moment so we can learn how to do better when we are not in our best moments. Do you see yourself in David's failure? Where are you most vulnerable to bad decision making in your life right now? 

We've all been hurt by the moral crash of Christians we've respected. These moral failures shake our faith in human nature and sometimes even challenge our understanding of God's grace and justice.One moral crash in Scripture that's shocking and instructive is that of King David. We are all vulnerable to profound mistakes, failures and crashes. Consider your failures and how God brought you through it.

As we conclude this weeklong journey through David as recorded in 1 Samuel 17, remember your story is still being written. The giants you face today are no match for the God who has already proven His faithfulness in your life.The same God who helped a shepherd boy defeat a champion warrior is the same God who walks with you daily. Choose courage in the everyday crossroads, and watch how God transforms ordinary faithfulness into extraordinary victory.

​​We've been exploring David's life as a young man and what made him able to slay a giant that threatened his entire nation. Today we are going to learn the key to giant-killing faith.Look at 1 Samual 17: 33-37. Giant-killing faith develops slowly and gradually, day by day, month by month, year by year as you discover the trustworthiness of God in the little challenges of life. 

The whole course of his life, Israel, and even the church was dramatically altered because there was a Goliath in David's life. How you handle the giants of adversity and opportunity may very well determine the entire course and direction of your life. The Goliath crossroads changed David's life. What will you do with your Goliath?