The Open Door Church 337

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. ⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. ⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. ⁠https://www.opendoorla.org/

This Easter season our theme is the Work of God in You. We will be posting a devotion or prayer each day from members of our church where they will discuss the work of God in their lives. We pray that this series will encourage you and help you as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. https://www.opendoorla.org/

Message: When the Church first began, they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. These are things that we should still be devoted to. To go along with their devotion, they loved the Lord and their neighbors with their actions. Thye gathered daily, they were unified, and they were grateful for what they had. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. https://opendoorla.org/

Message: After Peter is done preaching his first sermon, the men who are listening have an opportunity to respond. Scripture tells us that they were cut to the heart. With that, the invitation was sent. That invitation was to acknowledge, believe, and confess. It was the invitation to the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.  Scripture: Acts 2:38-39 opendoorla.org 

Message: In Acts Chapter 2, once the Disciples receive the promised Holy Spirit, they go out and they preach the Gospel in Jerusalem. Peter stands up and preaches the first sermon of the new church.  In it, he preaches the message and the miracle of Christ. He preaches the righteousness and diety of Christ, he preaches the death of Christ, and he preaches the resurrection of Christ.  Scripture: Acts 2:1-8 opendoorla.org  

MESSAGE: After Jesus ascended, the Apostles had to go back to the upper room in order to wait on the promised Holy Spirit. So, that begs the question, what does waiting on the Lord mean? And what does it look like? Waiting on the Lord is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise and that He has a purpose in the waiting. It looks like what the Apostles did during this time: they assembled, they prayed, and they prepared.  PASSAGE: Acts 1:13-14 https://opendoorla.org/

MESSAGE: Right before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he promised that the Apostles would receive the Holy Spirit soon. Today, we look at that promise. We see that this promise is the promise of the Father. We see that this promise is the promise of the Restored Kingdom. And finally, we see that the promise of the Holy Spirit is the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit. PASSAGE: Acts 1:4-8 https://opendoorla.org/

Message: Pastor Jeff Williams is beginning a series through the book of Acts. In this first message, he discusses the many infallible proofs that Scripture provides to prove the Gospel. These proofs are: The appearances of Christ, the testimony of the Apostles, the transformation of the Disciples and others, and the personal sacrifices the Apostles made. Passage: Acts 1:1-3 "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 28:9-17 Mark 16:12-13 Luke 24:33-35 1 Corinthians 5:15-16 John 20:19-20; 26-17 John 7:5 1 Corinthians 15:7 James 1:1 Luke 24:44-49 Mark 16:19-20 1 John 1:1-2 2 Corinthians 13:1 Acts 5:28-32 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 Revelation 12:10-11 John 20:30-31 https://opendoorla.org/

Message: In Philippians, Paul tells us to have the same mind in us that Christ has. That means that we must have the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ sees what the Father is doing, it sets our minds on eternal things, it is crucified, and is filled with the peace of God.  Passage: Philippians 2:4-7 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. https://opendoorla.org/

Message: The Lord is inviting us to join in Him.  Before we can do that, we need to understand that there are 3 tables shown to us through Scripture. The first is the table of creation, where we were in fellowship with God. The second is the fall, where we now are invited to seek God, and the third is redemption, where we will celebrate with God. Between the fall and redemption, we find ourselves in the already not yet.  As a part of that, the Lord sets before us a couple of tables. The first is the table of invitation, where the invitation to believe in and be joined with Christ is presented. Then, there is the table of participation where we get to participate in Christ's sacrifice through the Lord's supper. And finally, the table of application where Christ enters us and we live with Him. Passage: Matthew 22:1-13, 26:26-29; Revelation 3:20 https://opendoorla.org/

Message: How do we allow God's good work to be completed in us? We grow in our identity in Christ, we grow in our purpose, and we grow in our practice. We, as Christians, have to understand that our identity can't be found anywhere except for in Christ. We have to commit everything to the Lord and our thoughts and desires will begin to be transformed to His. After that, we have to put off the old man and put on the fruit of the Spirit.  Passage: Philippians 1:2-6 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.”

Message: The Word of God is living and activeThe Word of God never comes back void. The Word shows us our need, and how to trust the Lord in that need. God's Word strengthens us and makes us wise about our days. The Word makes it clear who has rejected Him. The Word of God is about us knowing the Lord. Passage: Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Message: Our theme for this year is COMMITTED TO JESUS. In the passage for today, Paul warns Timothy to not have a form of godliness (pretend to be godly), but rather to be totally committed to Jesus as King and Lord. The 3 essentials to being committed to Jesus. 1) being committed to the sufferings of Jesus, 2) being committed to the lordship of Christ, and 3) being committed to the love of Jesus Christ. Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14 "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed..." ⁠opendoorla.org

Message: This year, we will be focusing on finishing the race together. In our passage, Paul asked the Galatians you were running well, who hindered you? The answer is both the world, and you. That begs the question, how can we hinder each other? By discouraging instead of encouraging, by running in the wrong lane, and by having a little bit of, but not too much, disharmony. Scripture: Galatians 5:6-10 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. opendoorla.org

Message: As we come closer to Christmas, we are anticipating the coming of the Lord. While we are patiently, expectantly waiting on the Lord, we get to grow with Him, learn to recognize Him, labor to be with Him, and enjoy the wait with Him. Scripture: Luke 12:36 opendoorla.org

Message: As we begin our Advent season, we need to remember to keep our lamps burning. We need to be sober-minded in this intoxicating world. We need to gird up our minds against the lies of this world. We must stand on the truth of God's Word. And we must be ready to give an answer; to let our light shine before men. Scripture Reference: Luke 12:25-27 opendoorla.org

Message: The Greek word translated "Forgiveness" literally means "to Let Go!" To forgive debts, like God did for us, is a beautiful work of God in us and towards others. Let's discover in God's word the Beauty of Forgiveness by "Letting Go!" Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:21-22

Message: In this episode, Pastor Jeff discusses the great conflict (struggle) that Paul has for the people of Colossae. He so desired that they would have a full assurance of understanding of who God and Christ truly are. A part of Paul's conflict or struggle was to share the word of God in such a way that they would not hear him, but hear and see Christ. What a great Conflict for all of us to have, to allow Christ to be heard and seen through us! Scripture Reference: Colossians 2:1-3

Message: Have you ever experienced something so good you didn't want it to end? [Testimony of relationships and dating] Psalm 126 is a community song of trust and confidence in God, where the Israelites are asking Him to repeat Himself, proclaiming Him as the One who brings joy out of sorrow, laughter from tears and good out of evil. We often thing things are going to drag out, then God comes through. Then, we want God to keep doing it again, especially doing good when things are bad, where we are held captive or gripped by something. Things of this world are addictive, except God, in Him we choose to be rescued or delivered. 3 key points: Sorrow is essential for the seeds of life to be produced, never wasted by God. Godly sorrow is repentance, worldly sorrow is death. Godly sorrow clears us from fear, indignation, etc., through tears and anguish we still get up. There is a sowing of tears in a field, the world, who is watching and wondering where our strength comes from. The tears in the bag of God are precious, sown in the weeping, the trials and struggle, so Christ is lifted up in our need for Him. The world is watching us harvesting what is precious and valuable for God. It is important to see them as precious and valuable too, sharing with them God's ability to solve their problems. There is a need for more harvesters with a sincere love of God and others. Tears show our compassion and get the Lord involved in the comforting, therein is joy. In Jeremiah 29:11 scripture states the thoughts of God are for our good. Joy is a word from God that goes beyond our circumstances. The world takes pleasure in our sorrow, but in God there is joy no one can take away. Bundles of wheat are called sheaves. The sheaves are harvest evidence despite the conditions of the growing season. [Sheaves testimony from an episode of Little House on the Prairie] [Testimony of biblical Ruth and Naomi gleaming the fields and meeting Boaz] There is a reaping of joy when we let God bring us to the harvest; He will not leave or forsake us. Why does God do it? To show us His faithfulness, to convince us to great joy and for the developing of trust and confidence in His ability to do it again. In Philippians 4:11-13 we are encouraged to be content in the waiting, Christ will strengthen us. Have great rejoicing, be expectant that God can and will come through again and again!! Scripture: "When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south."-KJV

Message: Revival is a refreshed hunger, a desire for righteousness and to know God. Our desire should be to make Jesus the Lord of our lives. In the reference scripture, a man blind from birth, was healed. The Pharisees would not accept the healing and questioned the man, having predetermined Jesus as a sinner, not of God. In his frustration, the man questions their motives. The Pharisees had no desire to be disciples of Jesus. The man heard Jesus and responded in obedience, the aspects of a disciple. The Pharisees rejected Him choosing to follow the Laws of Moses. Moses had take the place of Jesus in their minds, so they could not hear it, see it and therefore would not believe it or respond to it. Men cannot fix himself, others cannot fix us. Only Jesus can, when we take His teachings and find rest, it's a choice. We stumble to be disciples, turning to the system or classes in place instead of Jesus. We must fully surrender to Jesus as Lord. Fully resting in Him and opening our hearts to truth and wisdom, we are blessed. The Pharisees missed who Moses wrote about, they let their pride and Laws get in the way, putting their faith in another man. In rest, the Spirit is noticeably different, in whatever state there is contentment. The Pharisees chose to serve a man and reject God. It is our plight as well, the cost of our unsettled lives. In our choice to follow Jesus, we choose love, forgiveness and are a disciple of His ways. The Pharisees did not understand that the words of Moses which they trusted for salvation and righteousness. His words were dishonored by their behavior, because He wrote of Jesus. Believing in Moses was to believe in Jesus. Will you be His disciple? Psalm 121:1-2 and Hebrews 12:2-3 points to help as we consider Christ's sacrifice when we get tired or weary. Scripture: John 9:27-28 "He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. - KJV

Message: Maybe you had to choose between two things? Hard-pressed is having a difficult decision and choosing which way to go, better or best, or the better over the more needful. [Testimony of Better and Best, Salt and Light] What is better and what is best or needed? Accepting Christ is a newest, an abundance, but it is also a life of affliction and sacrifice for others and yourself. Christ gave Himself for us so we could give for others. There are 2 things going on in today's scripture regarding difficulty in the decision making process. It is two good things, serving Christ is this world and enjoying Him in another. One is better and the other is best, living for Christ and living with Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul chooses "better" which are perilous times, so through him others would find Christ and rejoice. In Philippians 2:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 16:22, there is a call to love others, live out an abundant life because Jesus will live out His promises, and a warning of being cursed without Christ. It is a call not to be the same as the world, and an expectation which exalts Christ. When we answer the call and wholly commit to be used by God on this earth, we will be hard-pressed but not unto death, with a promise of a coming life. While we are waiting, experience His abundant life in this world, making a difference in this time and place, so others see Jesus in us and cry out to Him. Let the world see our neediness for Jesus. Living according to His will; it will let them see a reflection of His image, life and work. The transformed life is an example to others, leaving no argument. Seek the Lord to give you a voice and opportunity to increase the boundaries of your territory, letting Christ be seen in us is to have Him high and lifted up. Let the light and salt of Christ come out in you, someone way want what you have. We are encouraged in Jude 1:21-22 to make the most of opportunity to make a difference with your hands. In having compassion, you may help pull somebody out of the fire. Let God use your story, your hard-pressed times, to display a life undefeated and joyful. Scripture: Philippians 1:21-24 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." - NKJV

Message: Intro [A personal story reflecting on a lesson in learning to drive in a bottleneck with rubberneckers] We can rubberneck scripture, passing it by without understanding it. The scripture passage is Jesus on the cross being mocked by passerby's for not using his power to save Himself. There are three groups of passerby's: 1) the casual people who have heard His claims to be the Son of God without any understanding. 2) the scribes and elders who examined Him and knew His works. They represented Jerusalem, the center of power and faith. 3) the thieves who were in the same state of judgement and affliction. The three represented the whole world during a dangerous and politically charged time of Passover. There were thousands, some scholars estimate millions, gathered to see the Savior, the Passover Lamb and the Messiah. They mocked from a refusal to believe and trust God for themselves. They mocked Him to save Himself, but it was because He didn't, we are saved. This was the peak of God's love, to endure the cross for our salvation, but it was also the summit of man's hatred of God. Don't take a careless stance of Jesus Christ in your life. Today with all the endless suffering of society, we can become insensitive and lose compassion [25:26-27:30, Testimony of driving in the snowmegeddon of Texas] Allow yourself to be crucified to the old self and let Christ come in, this is faith. The magnitude of His love is not a fleeting passerby, but an intentional, caring, protecting and covenantal love as prophesied in Ezekiel 16:4-8. He is a God with a plan and a purpose of atonement which leaves us speechless against Him. How often do we pass by what God is doing? Never forget how God rescued us and when we see Him doing it for someone else, rejoice. Let us proclaim Him as the Son of God, keeping our eyes fixed upon Him as we encounter the world, becoming sensitive to God's work and having an answer from faith of Christ who lives in us. Scripture: Matthew 27:39-44 "And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.' ” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing." - NKJV

Message: Peter is talking about the sufferings of the world and brings in spiritual gifts. Why don't we get involved? We know our flaws and mistakes. [04:16-08:20 Tim Wilcox's Testimony - God had a purpose] There's a lot of labor that goes into running a church, but there's also spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given to everyone who is a believer, to minister the grace of God to others. Ask yourself, "what does it mean to serve?" God has a plan for you. He wants to use you where you are with plans He has for you. We can look in the mirror and not believe who God says we are, because of our strength and weaknesses. The weaknesses are for our reliance on others. Find people in your life who you can be open and honest with, so they can place strengths around you. We as stewards of God's grace, will give an account for our lives before God for the abilities He has given us. The gifts are to show how good God is in our lives, resulting in joy. If there's no joy, you need to reflect on your reason for serving. Don't misunderstand the grace of God, it's Jesus doing everything and we just respond to Him. 1 Peter 4:11 is an overview of spiritual gifts, citing two categories, speaking and serving. Everything can be grouped into these two, one is upfront and the other is going on behind the scenes, respectively. God wants the glory. He has given you all these things in Jesus Christ for the His kingdom. The saying goes,"It doesn't matter who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory." We surrender and ask Him to control us, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us; it's a continuous process. It's an opportunity to live out the love of God, to live out His praises and His love. Use your gifts for the glory of God. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - NKJV

Message: In a society and church where where we are made to feel dispensable, not needed, unnecessary and expendable, God never will. There are many parts making up the family of God, and every part is indispensable. In Corinthians 12, the church is starting to have division based on the importance of spiritual gifts. The message of this chapter is to value the place God has given to every member of the body. Paul explains the focus on the gifts can cause us to miss the point of them, to build the body of Christ in love. The gifts are a blessing, vital and needed in God's kingdom. The viewpoint can get distorted when gifts are seen as greater or weaker based on outward or inward application; also seen greater or weaker based on value. All gifts are valuable to the kingdom of God, the riches only having value in heaven, where He gives honor to those lacking it in the public forum. The passage of scripture addresses how we measure the gifts strength, what we view as honorable gifts and what we perceive as presentable gifts, but God places value on them all, everyone important. [22:15-34:45] A testimony about the value of godliness in crisis. We are valuable beyond measure, moving, guiding and directing the body into great glory for God's kingdom through us. Each and everyone of us are indispensable. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:22-25 "No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another." - NKJV

Message: We need someone to speak for us sometimes when we're going through a hard time. [testimonial of advocacy] Scripture expresses the full fellowship we can have with God, Jesus Christ and should have with others. These relationships should grow in the abiding love of God. John wants us to know his reason for writing is to introduce the Advocate. There is an ongoing defense and comfort for our sin, but in Christ there has already been reparation for our sin. There two methods of purchase used by Christ. He died for our sin debt and us as the redeemed of the Lord. Secondly, redemption is the spilling of blood on the earth at His death, the earth also purchased. The "payment is full" was for the people and the place. Christ finished the work so we wouldn't have to stand for ourselves. Christ as the defender took authority, but there is one who accuses us before heaven, so He defends us before heaven. Even with Satan's limited access, he has not stopped trying to judge and condemn us, so Christ is there to remind him, "It is finished!" Psalm 94:22, "But the Lord is my defense and my God is the rock of my refuge." Christ is pleading our cause with God, seated on the right hand, defending and advocating, throwing out the accusations. In Romans 8:34, Christ died for it all, rose again and sits at the right hand of God, that our relationship with the Father would continue to grow, our faith not fail, our inner man be strengthened and our weapons be mighty with none greater. This is so the good work begun in us by God, faithful and just, will complete it until the day of redemption. Christ as comforter through the Holy Spirit, acts as advocate in a distressed world, when we have fallen short, reminding us Christ is righteous and our faith belongs to Him now and forevermore. When our flesh and Satan brings lies about who we are, the Comforter guides us in the truth, John 16:7, 12. This is not advocating ease, letting Christ do all the work. In Matthew 11:28-29, we are to take His teaching and instruction, learn to be like Christ and find rest there. The stirrings of the world will not so easily unhinge us when there is strength in the inner man and trust in God's unchanging Word. Our remembrance of the Way, the Truth and the Light, will be the things we can trust in, no matter what the world throws at us. Our strength is in His might, we are set free in His truth when we put on the new man, Christ's character and attributes, Colossians 3:10-12. Sin hinders our relationship when we take our eyes off God, but we are righteousness in Christ gives all access to the throne of God. Through convictions and chasenings of our sin, we are trained and disciplined to grow and produce peace with Him and within ourselves. [Personal testimony of Christ's defense and steadfast love] In Romans 5:1-2, Christ will not allow us to be accused of the things He's paid for, so we could have peace with God. Let us rejoice in the hope of this glory. Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." - KVJ

Message: A letter of Paul to Timothy as he nears the end of his life as he has kept the faith and awaits the crown of righteousness. Paul has been isolated and imprisoned, relying on the support of friends for survival. Paul reflects on his life in Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit, caring little for his life, but that he might finish with joy in the plan God had for him. God has a plan and purpose for each of us, carrying it out in and through us. Paul is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and it allows us to see ourselves. In 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, we sing the praises of God together , but his grace should not be taken for granted. God has delivered us and salvation is critical. In all things we are in a fallen world and are in need, but are not to be part of this world. There are trials, because we proclaim the name of Christ, it arises from nowhere, so we're reminded of prayer, patience and God's plan. *IN-BY-AS In faith* we're called to finish the course, letting nothing forfeit us. By* God, by the supernatural power in us, defensively and offensively, we are to fear nothing, He is greater than any situation. Nehemiah 4:14 is an encounter with overwhelming forces. It's a reminder to remember the Lord, fight by* the power truth and Word of God. People call us out, treat us wrongly, but God has another report of you. We are known and beloved by* Him. As* we are in the middle of battle, there is a power available to us, when we walk in God's strength. The strength is His truth and promises as* our identity, that others my see us in Christ. There are many crowns awarded to believers after salvation. The Greek word for crown in stephanos, royalty and honor, such is the name of Stephen the martyr. In the New Testament, it refers to the reward for the faithful, not to seize unearned, but for a follower of the Lord, obedient to stay on the course God had laid out. A crown of righteousness is given to those who long Christ's appearance and those in the struggle to keep Him first. With lamps lit and oil full are those living for His appearance in their life as Savior and Shepherd, seeking Him in prayer, studies, and testimony, anticipating His return. Everything we've done, outside the righteousness of God will be consumed by fire. In this there is conviction for the things we prized in this world above God, thereby missing the reward He has for us. It's a reminder to lean on the Lord as course to follow, as a ministry to finish, which produces an opportunity to reveal Himself and a good God to others. They're examining us, "reading our book", to see if we're holding fast to our profession of faith and the calling placed on us. Maybe it's someone you know who persecutes Christians, what's your response going to be? When you are challenged, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?", do you say, "Yes, I do!" The crown of righteousness is for believers, purchased by Christ and bestowed to the saints who love His appearing, putting everything else secondary to His work, calling and leading. Will we say, "I do!"? The crown is a symbol of trust and desire to be with Christ in every aspect of our lives, given by the righteous Judge to all those who love His appearance and anticipate it. This is not our safe place, be expectant of Him; He is excited about you. Trust and lean upon Him, fighting the fight of faith, not only for eternal life but for the crown of righteousness of God, of Christ, in you. Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." - KJV

Message: Have you ever been in a place where things don't go your way, trouble on every side? God is there. In the scripture reference, Israel has been exiled, but God has a plan for deliverance from Babylonian captivity and restoration for the faithful remnant. Have there every been times when it's not easy to see God working, seeming long and feeling forgotten? Israel felt that way. Similarly, we often try to fix problems with church programs instead of Jesus Christ when we feel forsaken. There are 3 key points to being sought by God often and not forsaken. 1. Your Salvation is coming. God desires to deliver us in the physical and also in the spiritual, a laying down of the natural for the supernatural. God has a plan to bring it all together and will not rest. All the while Israel is waiting to be rescued from exile. God is not resting until salvation is in every aspect of our lives. God will not hold His peace, wanting to redeem us into righteousness and reflect His image. Hebrews 7: 24-25 points to a continuous light, eternal salvation to the uttermost, which is a reflection of the completeness of the saving, a perfection, holy and without blemish. It is a salvation that frees us from the wages of sin and the chains of sin. No matter what it looks like from the natural eye, it's a never-ending presence. 2. His reward is with Him. A spiritual good work is being accomplished that is worthy of reward. Isaiah 62:6 reveals God's love sets watchmen over us to protect us. God is saying He will save Jerusalem and us, it will make praise in the earth. The watchmen have a constant duty. They are to discern and be prayer warriors for a people who are under attack from Satan who wants to steal, kill and destroy. God calls us to pray without ceasing, giving Him no rest. God reciprocates with reward, allowing us to trust in His name. Simply, we can trust God the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. It is important to be ready for His reward. Isaiah 35:10 encourages of God's ransom for us will return. Hebrews 6:11 encourages us to be seeker of Him, the sacrifice will be worth it. For the unbeliever, Luke 13:27-28 warns of being unknown while working themselves. 3. His work is before Him. In Isaiah 62:10 we are called to prepare a highway for people, removing distractions to the way of the Lord, let them see Jesus at the center of it all. We are to prepare our hearts to receive Him and not miss opportunities. Ephesians 2:10 makes us a part of His workmanship. In us and through us, Christ is a living word for someone to see and desire salvation. He wants to use us to uplift His Kingdom as we fix our eyes on Christ as the reference point in our lives. [Testimony of Godly care] God is ever-present and trustworthy all our days. Scripture: Isaiah 62:11-12 "Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming;Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.' ”And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

Message: Why do people refuse to believe in God when He is evident in all of creation? Most people suffer with pride, not wanting God to run their lives, which results in losing the meaning of life. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” - Psalm 14:1. In Mark 9:14-29 The disciples are unable to heal boy with a mute spirit. The boy's father has brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus heals the boy on the belief of the father, who repents of of his unbelief, but He has scolded the disciples for being faithless. By the actions of both and our actions now, we show our unbelief. Hebrews 11:1-3 defines faith as visualizing God's plans before reality. As we trust, His plans become steadfast and secure. The man's trust was shaken, wondering if even Jesus could heal his boy. He cast his sight on the natural, where eyes can be deceived. As his eyes left Jesus, his belief waned. The emphasis is a continual trust, regardless of what our natural eyes see. The man acknowledged his failure to believe and and asked for help from Jesus to believe. The power to heal came from his trust in Jesus. In our lives when the the Lord showed up, it was preceded by the thought of being alone, but He was faithful to be there, building our trust day by day. All things are possible to the believer with trust and faith. Faith is described as a mustard seed, small, but with everything it needs to flourish. At the moment an unsuitable environment changes to a condition conducive to growth, it explodes with life. The mustard seed is the natural, but the spiritual is the seed of Christ that will grow when nourished. Nourishment is a continual relationship as the branch is to the vine, connection is critical to growth. Our connection is with Christ and in Him we keep His commandments and experience joy. Let us be conscious of our unbelief, seek Him, trust Him and cry out His help as we journey with Him. Take the step of faith to make the Jesus the Lord of your life. We are to glory in Him, not in ourselves. He is excited about the day of our acceptance. Scripture: Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” - NKJV

Message: Studies say every 1 to 2 years we have a huge transition and every 3 to 5 times in a life we have "life quakes". We have 2 responses: we lean into the Lord or we back off. Israel is an example of these responses. The context of Deuteronomy 30 is Israel's captivity, exodus and entry into the promised land. Out of fear they stay away from the promised land, instead dwell in the wilderness for 40 years. The older generation dies and Moses reaffirms the blessings and curses of the Law according to their obedience. Their transitions are the death of Moses, accepting the leadership of Joshua, moving into the promised land and having to conquer the land. They still have the responsibility to follow the Lord and have to make choices such as, life and good, death and evil. Immediately after Joshua dies, they choose death and evil. Hebrews 4:1-11 stresses obedience resulting in rest and a hardened heart of disobedience resulting in unrest. So in times of change we also have the chose to lean on God before and after, the reward is eternal rest from believing in Jesus. Hebrews 10:26-31 explains deliberate sin resulting in death and a fearful expectation of judgement and losing their land. For those rejecting Christ is the fear of falling into the judgement of God. As with the Israelites, we also have difficulty choosing God, trying to handle it on our own. In Deuteronomy 30:11 trust is simple. We are to come as we are to God, believe in our heart and confess with our lips Jesus is Lord. The difficulty is getting over ourselves and believing everything the bible says about Jesus is true. It says, we are sinners accountable for what we've done and saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Rejecting God gave the Israelites freedom to do what was in their hearts, to make up their own rules and be the authority. The book of Judges is a great snapshot of what we are like without God. We have the same frame mind and the same options. God gives us opportunities to respond to the gospel and hear what Christ has done for us. God gives us reminders of His faithfulness in hard times. It's something we wrestle with, what is going to be your choice? Scripture: Deuteronomy 30: 11-20, The Choice of Life or Death

Angela Nicholas shared on fear, anxiety, and worry at the Women of Wisdom brunch on July 29.

Message: Have you ever pondered the question, What is Life? There are different thoughts that go through our minds. There are also many quotes about life. Thomas Edison, an American inventor, once said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how lose they were to success when they gave up." In 2018, LIFE magazine published one of their issues with the title, "Miracles Of Faith: Inspiring stories from the Bible, history and the lives of Saints." Also, in 2019, LIFE magazine published another one of their issues with the title, "Jesus: Who do you say that I am? 1 John 5:11-12 breaks down the definition of life in reference to Jesus Christ and 1 John 1: 1-4 there is a deeper detail as Christ is the completer of our joy. On the surface life and death seem easy. We see death as the end of physical life and life being everything previous to death. However, both are also defined in the spiritual sense as death as eternal separation from God, life being eternally in His presence. In Genesis, we see whereas Adam was made in the image and likeness of God, Adam's sinful flesh and likeness passed on to all mankind. Jesus, born of a woman was not exempt, being flesh, yet, as God would be the the sinless sacrificial offering for the debt of our sin. In our flesh we battle in our Spirit over sin, a rebellion against trusting God using the free will He gave us. In John 3:3-7, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the need for rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God, a birth of the Spirit which comes after our fleshly birth through the waters of our mother. There are 3 key points to this life the message attempts to make: Be born of God, love God and keep His commandments. To be born of God is to believe in Jesus the Christ and recognized God as your Father. [Personal Testimony] When we love God, we love His children and through Him keep His commandments. It is meant by God to be life giving, not burdensome. In John 10:10, life abundant is God's plan, whereas the enemy wants to destroy life. God's plan is to overcome the world being born in Him, then through His forgiveness, we are able to get up to walk in faith again. Our victory is to trust we have overcome the world in Jesus the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Scripture: 1 John 5:11-12 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" - NKJV

Message: Have you ever see something you've been captivated by? We can see God working today with Jesus at the center of it all. In Luke 10:9, Jesus sends out the seventy-two people to share that "the Kingdom of God is now". Allowing only the provisions of the Lord, they went out and returned rejoicing from their encounters with the power and authority they had been given. In comparison, in Acts Jewish exorcists tried to cast out demons in Jesus's name, but lacked the relationship. In Luke 10:18-19, Jesus reflects on the day Satan was cast down when he turn his heart away from God and rejected God's authority. In Ezekiel 28:14-19 Jesus's authority is illustrated over Satan, "unrighteousness was found in you..I destroyed you...I cast you to the ground..consumed you with fire..turned you to ash..you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever" In order to be blessed to see, you must make and appointment, prepare for resistance and be like a child. To make an appointment is to be sent out and it is not to be missed. It is to know Who is making it and to make it. Seasons and times pass by, in them there are appointments and destinations for the plans of God. There's going to be be who refuse Jesus, kick the dust off your feet and leave. There is also going to be resistance in and from yourself to do what you are asked to do when it it looks tough. The Lord is at work, move on and see His plans unfold. Natural eyes are not always aware of the spiritual struggle taking place, but God will see it through. In Luke 10:21, a little child can get the simplicity of the gospel. Our knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The love of God is simple, it's Jesus in your heart which is used to share the gospel. Let us not become wise in our own eyes, not to see the unfolding plan of God, it's supernatural. Salvation is easy enough for a child to get it, but we have a hard time getting to the point of needing Jesus. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read of the love of the Lord is never ceasing, mercies never ending and of His great faithfulness. Jesus rejoiced deeply in the Spirit when His nameless children trust in Him and see Him. Don't get too mature and too safe as to miss the works of God or miss the simplicity of His love. Back to the disciples in Luke 10, Jesus turns to them to point out the how blessed are those who see what you see, rejoicing and excited of the things of the Kingdom of God on earth. [Pastoral testimony from 37:42-42:20] When we step out in faith and trust Him, He is rejoicing in our midst for the new course of life which privileges us to see His wonderful works. Scripture: Luke 10:23-24 "Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” - ESV

Message: Have you ever wondered how God works? It's often unclear to the natural eye. We will ask for an open door, or steps, or the shortest route. Whatever the case, His plans are unique to each of us, each a masterpiece. Solomon concluded after trying everything his way, there is some satisfaction in this world, but there is nothing more satisfying than the work of God. Solomon counsels us to consider God's plan and take action, it is our choice, it is wisdom to do so. Wisdom is life; it is the judicious application of knowledge. The parable of the talents is an example of perspectives of using wisdom in faith to what has given to us. God weaves into our lives, first through our parents as visible representation of His desire for us to be His children. In this relationship, there is correction in love for our good. He displays Himself through creation, provision and trials. In considering His work, we are to be thankful for being given purpose and priority. He leaves us no excuse to reject Him, rather He gives us reason to draw to Him as a loving Father. He wants to bless us before Him in our trust. He keeps us with living water, whereas the world will cause death, missing His blessings and constantly needing a "bailout". The portrait of our lives reveals where we are in our trust with circumstances and diversity. We are to see the futility of this world without God, determining nothing comes before Him. He is worthy of all our glory and all our honor. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 "Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him."

Message: Paul is closing his letter and giving final thoughts on salvation to the Jews and Gentiles, to have hope through God's Word. He relates the word to a lamp to tell us where we're heading when we're helping others through the practice of faith in Christ. Paul is speaking into 3 things: 1) Christ bears no reproach, 2) Scripture was written for our learning, 3) Through scripture we might have hope. We have life because Christ bears us, so we could be encouraged. Christ endured our shame and our reproach for our righteousness before God. We learn from scripture not to vindicate ourselves, but to rely on God's plan, as Christ did. The Word is light and truth in our lives, bringing us rest when we want to burden ourselves with the things God never intended. The Word is inspired by God for man's profitability, reproof, correction, instruction and righteousness, however make room for the spiritual maturity of others. Through us, others may have hope and comfort, as they see His patience for us that He may have patience with them, drawing them near. Patience is developed through Jesus by laying aside our sin and embracing the trials with thanks. Often times we are impatient because we think we will lose or be destroyed, it takes trust and belief in Jesus to maintain it. It takes the Holy Spirit to form and grow our patience. He is called for that very purpose, to comfort. This is where patience and comfort are united, enabling us to live as children of God and dispel darkness. Let the reading of the letter and practical daily application bring hope, strength and the ability to suffer. Have confident expectations of His promises; God shows up!! Walk in oneness to glorify the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. You have the ability to be on the journey with one another, ignoring the differences and lifting up the beautiful diversity of God, according to the way Christ loved. Satan cannot overcome or destroy Christ, but he can fragment the body of believers. No longer of one mind, Christ becomes hard to see. Fitly joined together as a body, Christ is evident, visibly glorifying God and His plans. Abound in hope trust God and watch Him do some amazing things. Scripture: Romans 15:3-4 "For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." - NKJV

Message: Have your ever felt there was something you knew was not wrong to do, but you should not do it? Christian liberty is often referred to as freedom with guidelines to serve on another with love. It is freedom from sin as well, but with accountability to Christ as God's standard is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit and His Word. There are areas of freedom less defined, leaving it to our conscience to sort out the evidence of deep convictions and the Holy Spirit to speak to our heart. To go against there convictions is an act of sin. In the early church it was things they ate, daily observances and behavior during the observances which were targeted. Paul is telling us to let Christ convict us on these things that are doubtful. There are many convictions, but it doesn't mean God holds everyone to the same things. We are to ask ourselves, "can I do this with a clear conscience or am I convicted?", according do God's standard to love our neighbor. We are to operate out of faith to allow God's conviction to dictate our hearts, steering us away from rationalizations of the conscience. Rationalizations may develop from scar tissue of past experiences, a lens which blocks us from having the compassion of Christ. [Personal testimony of projecting our conscience on others] This projection leads to subjective legalism, a personal interpretation over the standard law or code onto others. We can share experiences with others to help them avoid pitfalls, but we are to use discernment. Judgement and contempt could cause them to stumble. Don't let spiritual maturity be a requirement for fellowship, use it discern whether it's weakness or rebelliousness. Make room for others to grow in faith, i.e. new believers, legalists, those lacking sound doctrine or just haven't walked it out yet. God is the judge; He makes us stand and transforms us day by day. Flaunting your convictions differing from your brethren and destroying other's convictions is not Christ's love. Be sensitive, because convictions can go both ways, show love by laying down your life. Conscience matters, each of us will give account for ourselves, Christ is the judge for reward. God wants a personal relationship and speak to your heart on the matters He has presented to you. Scripture: Romans 14:12-13 "each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." - NKJV