Trinity Evangelical CC's Podcast

In reflecting on the Ascension- Luke ends with it as Acts begins with it. What is the Ascension? Is it a necessary step in the power of God working in our lives? The Ascension is the most neglected event in the Christian's life. Why? Because we are not thoughtful of what happened to Christ. It's to our advantage that Christ goes away. Do you desire for Christ to be glorified? Its significance is that it marks the completion of our Lord's work to provide a sacrifice for sin so that the people of God could be forgiven and gathered into eternal heaven.

Purpose Statement: Look at chapter 8:59 about the stone… As he walked by the blind man and wrestled with a question: “who sinned?” What happened? The blind man was anointed with clay on his eyes. What did Jesus say? “Go wash!” What happened? His sight was restored. Is it Jesus or not? How does this relate to us? The convicting power of God sends us to the water of life. There is more to salvation than an intellectual belief. It's a personal thing. We are all personally sinners, and need to be held accountable. What did the Spirit of God do in our hearts?

Purpose Statement: We are here to honor Mother's. What does God expect out of a Christian? In Vs. 14 Be a person who is good. At peace, without spot, and be blameless. We should be good people. The faith that saves us helps to produce good works. What purpose? Titus 2:14 talks about a peculiar people who are zealous of good works, to be a blessing. Why be good? When you are good you are walking in the footsteps of our Lord. What did Jesus do? What are our motivations? Don't be a stumbling block. Have you done something you shouldn't have done since you came to Christ? What are our standards? Why be good? In vs 11 Live holy and godly lives (generous).

Purpose Statement: Nicodemus had a conversation with Jesus. Nicodemus (means innocent blood) a ruler of the Jews was a man that had question's. Who was he? What happened? Who is Jesus, a teacher who was sent by God? How? What did Jesus say to Nicodemus? “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Why? How do we know we are going to heaven? How can I be born when old? Why was Nicodemus confused? Nicodemus asked a question that he did not understand. Do we ask questions? What is the new birth? Have you put yourself in the shoes of Nicodemus? In vs. 5-10 why was Nicodemus confused? Why be born of water and the Spirit?

Purpose Statement: We have received the Gospel message and we are to deliver it! In Vs. 5 these people witnessed Christ after His resurrection. Vs. 13 “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.” How do we know Christ rose from the dead? In Vs. 14 If our preaching is not vain it's proof that Christ is risen. What's the truth about the Resurrection of Christ? The preaching of the Gospel is not in vain because it produced results. Why? Vs. 17 If Jesus isn't preached your faith is vain. Your faith is proof of the Resurrection of Jesus. Is it proof? If we could see something happen in someone else's life, it would be even more of the proof of the Resurrection of Jesus.

The Event – The Triumphal Entry; Palm Sunday. Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem with praise! It looks Triumphant! What did Jesus hope for? The Hosannas died quickly. By Friday, Release Barabas! Crucify Christ! From being hailed as King with praise, hallelujah and hope! The Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth! A reputation of miracles done with large crowds. Word spread and verified throughout Jerusalem. Very hopeful in the life of our Lord changed to disaster. Jesus spent time with friends and with healings at a celebration! Martha served and Mary worshipped the Lord! Judas a thief and a hater. Jesus honored and dishonored at the Passover!

Purpose Statement: Religious leaders, the governor, and Judas witnessed the cross. Had it gone farther than what Judas thought? What happened? The soldiers were present who mocked Jesus. The Centurion was present. They realized that Jesus was the Son of God! The Crucifixion didn't soften the attitude of the religious leaders. These five categories revealed some things. Vs. 1-3 They were so proud of themselves. They were hypocrites. They playacted well. On the inside they were full of dead man bones of corruption. (Number 15:38). The Pharisees thought that they were closer to God. How did they pray? Did Pilate cave in to the waves of the people? He knew that he was wrong and tried to clear himself. He even washed his hands. He said, “It's not my doing.” (Acts 4:24). He is not cleared of guilt. What about Judas? What does that mean? Was it real? What is true repentance?

Purpose Statement: The most basic thing in Christianity is the Cross. One day a savior is coming. Jesus died for our sins. Our salvation depends on what he did for us. He did it on an Old Rugged Cross. Paul says a lot in Galatians 5:11. Paul says, “Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.” That tells me that something in Paul's day and in our world today, that the Cross is offensive. People are offended by the crucifixion. To us, as Christians that's the greatest news. What is it about the cross that is offensive? (Matthew 27:24). Why did Pilate wash his hands of the innocence of Jesus being crucified?

Purpose Statement: Who are the enemies of the cross? Those who are enemies of the cross do not recognize that they are enemies. God knows the truth. How do we identify them? (Four simple points). How is our walk? Is it heavenly or earthly? How do we understand and apply the truth?

Purpose Statement: What truths do we need to consider around the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? (John 3:16) This Scripture is about the greatest love story ever told. His son died on the cross to prove His love for us. What did Jesus do? Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. Jesus knew that the cross was coming. He told the disciples that He would go to Jerusalem to die. He knew the details. What did Jesus know would happen to Him? He didn't enjoy the cross. It's the symbol of suffering and shame. “For He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us.” Not a sin offering. The cross speaks of sin, shame, agony, pain, darkness, separation and death. What's on the other side of the cross? Jesus knows the future from the past. He saw the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). The closer we get to the Lord the more joyful our life should be. As Jesus approached the cross He despised the shame and pain. The shame of becoming sin for us. Describe it. What is sin? Oh death, where is your sting?

Purpose Statement: How are we wise in building our house? How do we live? Do we seem religious in our religious garb? We will be recognized by our fruit. We will be acknowledged by the outcome of our actions. Some people may even stand before God and be turned away. We have to doublecheck our foundations. We will survive the storms in our life? If we ignore the words of Jesus and reluctantly put them into practice what happens?

Purpose Statement: Can someone else handle our worrying? What are the effects of worry? It gives stomachs ulcers, saps vitality and drives people to death quicker. It assists us to make us incapable of handling life's problems. Why worry? What is worry? It's sin. It keeps us from faithfully living for Jesus. Do you worry about worry? What can be done about it? Jay Adams says that “worry is concern for that which we can't do anything about.” (Matthew 6:31). Why focus on worrying? Some people mistaken worry for planning or vice versa. What does Scripture say about worry? (Matthew 25:25). Instead of worrying try doing something else. Answer some questions. How has God worked on your heart to convict of sin? How will God convict us on worry?

Purpose Statement: A few weeks ago we began learning about the Beatitudes and the first few of them where Jesus sat upon the mountain and the disciples came to learn. Jesus says some things about “being blessed.” For Christians we will be blessed if. Behind every beatitude is an attitude, a principal, a promise, and a problem. Maybe I should give you a quiz. The second part of the sermon deals with more beatitudes and right attitudes. God wants full surrender. How will we apply the right attitudes of the beatitudes?

Purpose Statement: Salt and light are both vital elements to life. Long before refrigerators, salt was used to slow decay of food, this making it last longer. Light, available in ancient times only from the sun and fire, is necessary for everyday life: for growing and harvesting food, as well as sight and safety. Christians will help preserve life and truth. How does God want us to be salt and light?

Purpose Statement: The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' teachings from Matthew 5, which includes through Chapter 7. This message takes place at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Jesus describes the defining characteristics of those in the kingdom of heaven-- those who follow and give their lives to Christ. Jesus teaches to a variety of people at different levels and places. Many people are curious about the miracles that Jesus does. First is the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. The word beatitude comes from a Latin word (beatus) that means "happy" or "blessed." This is not a command but rewards of the kingdom for Christians. What does this mean in our life? What is the attitude behind the beatitude?

Purpose Statement: People in the world read us more than they read the Bible. Each of us write a chapter of the Bible by our living that the world sees. What does God expect in the area of discipleship from us? How can we attract an unholy world to a Holy God? Are we willing to become Holy ourselves? What is the responsibility of sanctification in the life of a believer? Christians today are unfamiliar with certain words and vocabulary today. As children of God we are called to be Holy for I am Holy. I have a series of questions for the Believer as we begin 2025. When have you heard about Detrich Bonhoeffer? Why do preachers preach the justification of sins today or Cheap grace? How are we to live? Why do people only come to church to have a good time? If you want revival confront the conformity to the world more than conformity to Jesus. What does Holy mean? Does your attitude reflect the fact that God lives inside of you? What does the Lordship of Christ mean? Do others get a glimpse of Jesus in us?

Purpose Statement: With God all things are possible. Do we believe it? What is the secret to Living by faith? Without faith it is impossible to believe God. Why? Everything comes by faith. Do we take action based on what we believe? You are what you believe. Faith grows based on our use of it. When you go to the gym and say “I'm going to change the fat to not much”---- “I'm going to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.” What does adaptive stress levels do? Faith and exercise have similarities. If you can't believe God for the little things how will He solve the bigger challenges? Believe and exercise. What do you really believe? Faith is believing that God will do for you. What does faith do? What did God do for you? Thirty seconds of faith is worth a year and a half of your tears. How do you exercise faith in God? Faith causes prayer to work. What is faith? By faith what did Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and even Sarah do?

Purpose Statement: What is prayer? Prayer isn't getting God to do your will. Prayer gets you ready to do the will of God. Prayer is a secret. Prayer can get results that nothing else will do. Prayer doesn't need proof, it needs practice. If your marriage or business is struggling what should you do? If life is empty or seeming to be hopeless what should you do? What did Hezekiah believe about prayer? What does Acts say about prayer? How long did they pray? What does Hebrews say about prayer? What does prayer do when simple people pray? A remarkable quote I heard: “Some prayer, some power; More prayer, more power; Much prayer, much power.” Why pray? Because prayerlessness is sin. Why is a prayerless Christian or a prayerless church?

Purpose Statement: We all have one life. What will you do with it? Life is made up of basically: treasure, time allotted, and the talent that God has given you. James asks “What is your life?” What does our life consist of? In our Scripture we learn about King Jair who led Israel for twenty-two years. He had thirty sons and donkeys. They controlled thirty towns. And when Jair died he was buried in Kamon. When we have come and gone what will be better about the world?

Purpose Statement: In the account of the wisemen and the star Christmas has come for us in different perspectives. Think of the Christmas setting. The greatest event with the Angels stirring. What is it about the star? The birth of Christ? Who do we seek? How does Christ invade our lives?

Purpose Statement: Shepherds kept watch, an Angel appeared, saying “fear not.” A Savior is born. The baby in swaddling clothes and in a messy manger. Suddenly with the Angel a company of Angels sing. Prophecies fulfilled. How does God work? The glory of the Lord shown around the Shepherds.

Purpose Statement: This is a great event surrounding Christmas. How should we observe? A decree went out from Ceasar Augustus went out to everybody in order to register. Joseph and Mary with child went to Bethlehem. How does God motivate? The birth of Jesus is not controlled by mindless fate but by a Sovereign God. How does God show us the fulfillment of prophecy? Where was Jesus laid? Why?

Purpose Statement: The birth of John was celebrated. They broke into music and song. Zachariah's home had a double joy. A great announcement with expectations. Why was Zachariah mute? What do covenants mean? Why was Elizabeth pregnant? How was Zachariah healed? He praises God with joy to bless the Lord.

Purpose Statement: What happened when an Angel announced the birth of Jesus? An angel Gabriel was sent from Galilee to Nazareth to a virgin, Mary, and said “Greetings O favored one.” Mary was troubled. The Angel said, “Do not be afraid…” Mary, “How can this be?” Who is this Holy Jesus? What will He do? Elizabeth will also be pregnant. Mary said, “Behold, I will be your servant?” How should we worship?

Purpose Statement: Life is a journey, who is going with you? How are you packing? What is the nature of God's Son, Jesus Christ? Mary was engaged to Joseph and found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. This was a serious commitment. When Jospeh found out the truth an angel approached Joseph to explain. The baby is Jesus and His purpose is to save people. How did things come about?

Purpose Statement: Paul sums up short, and quick reminders for the Corinthians to learn and remember. A practice in the early church was to help people because there was a famine in the land. There was persecution. A prophet foretold about the famine. They were putting out the call for relief. The purpose of giving was to help those in need. The church came together on the Lord's Day.

Theme of the Week: In David's life he experienced some events. How did he address or define being a Christian? What happens when we experience Christ? When David experienced Christ the Lord he was brought up out of the pit. How did David feel? How do we feel when we are brought up out of the pit? When saved, we are saved from something and for something. What is that? Have you ever heard someone say, “you need to experience this!”? And you find out it wasn't what they said. What song do we have since we came to know Jesus?

Purpose statement: In the first century Church, worship was a spontaneous experience. The printed Bible didn't exist yet. The Corinthian Christians needed to wait on the Lord as the Holy Spirit swept through the church and their worship. All Christians were confident that whatever was spoken, sung, or taught was directly from God for the purpose of edifying, and building up the people and the church. What principles apply? What instructions and rules did Paul give in applying principles to the use of the spiritual gifts in worship? How did the Corinthians see themselves as pacesetters for truth? How do we see and experience worship today?

Purpose statement: We begin chapter 12 about spiritual gifts, and we discover the practice of them is significant in the Christian life and is crucial for worship. Who gives spiritual gifts? These gifts are for the common purpose. How does the Spirit distribute the gifts? Why do various gifts impact the body of Christ for a variety of purposes? What kinds of service is there? God is at work through the Holy Spirit influencing how we exercise our spiritual gifts in our serving God. The Holy Spirit and our spiritual gifts will flow in one direction. How are we building relationships and building up the body of Christ?

Purpose statement: This Scripture helps us to end the discussion on Christian freedom. Paul has said if you go to the meat market don't ask if it was sacrificed to an idol or not. It's ok. If (hypothetically) an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, then, do this: eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience (what would violate their conscience?) Don't ask something that would conflict with someone's conscience. Don't ask something that would make someone uncomfortable and just not care. Don't lead someone into doing something that is sinful. It's better safe than sorry. How empathetic are we?

Purpose statement: Paul corrects the Corinthians with how they are messing up the Lord's Table. The early Church had a love feast (Agape feast) and ate a common meal together. At the end of the meal, they would have the common cup. Paul addressed their love feast as they were doing more harm than good. The people in Corinth were getting sloppy remembering and celebrating what Christ did on the Cross. They violated what they were celebrating. They needed better self-examination. How do we celebrate various holidays? They expressed selfish, unloving, and uncaring in their relationships in the body of Christ. What should we be mindful of? (vs. 23-25). The past: Do this in remembrance of me, that Jesus died on the cross. (Other Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-6; 1 Peter 2:24). Vs. 26. Be mindful. How?

Purpose statement: Paul moves through his own example as the right way to utilize Christian freedom. Paul emphasizes the rewards. He boasts in the Lord. Paul claims his freedom, in order to win people to Jesus and that he belongs to no one but Christ. He is a slave to none but Christ. He gives up his freedom. He addresses the Jews, those under the law, those not having the law, and the weak. These groups have different cultural norms of what is acceptable. How does Paul win people to Christ?

Purpose statement: How are Christians free in Christ? Paul begins about “food sacrificed to idols.” The context of the Corinthians church they ate at the church for special things and took home food. When people bought food in the market they didn't know if the food was sacrificed to idols or not. What is agreed upon with Paul? How does Paul qualify his statements? Anytime we think we know more than we do know, it's a sure sign we don't know something.

Purpose Statement: Paul talks about a number of different concerns. How do people look at Christians and the church? In what way should we regard the leadership? How are servants measured about the mysteries of God? A servant has a Master, Christ. Every servant is to do something. The mysteries of what God has revealed. Paul unpacks mysteries that leaders are stewards over. What is required? How are we proven faithful as servants? Are we faithful to God? What discerning does Paul need? The Corinthians have been operating on their human and worldly wisdom.

Purpose Statement: Is your house built out of hay, wood, or brick? Paul's purpose in addressing the Corinthians concerning a Temple. It's not what you think. God gives grace in what comes next. The glory of Paul's work gives God the glory. How wise do you build? How do you help to build? The Church has been established, yet how do pastors and leaders help you build on foundations? It's an honor to build up the church with care. What is good and what is bad?

Purpose Statement: : In this Scripture we see Paul unpack the layers of our walking in faith with the Lord or crawling as infants. Do you live by the Spirit or the world's influence? The Corinthians have the Holy Spirit as Christians; however, Paul can't address them because they don't live by the Spirit. Paul challenges how these Christians think and operate. He challenges how they view good vs. evil. They might know the Lord; however, they are not growing spiritually. It's called infantile Christianity. Paul gave milk, not meat because they are still not ready. Paul explains the reason why the Corinthians didn't grow up. Who plants? Who waters? Who are mere co-workers in the faith? Paul explains that their own labor is a witness to their growth. How is our labor a witness to our faith?

Paul tells the Corinthians that their faith should rest on the power of God, not human understanding. We need to be concerned about spiritual things more than fleshly things. Spiritual life is a mystery to those who don't believe.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and 2 Paul sets the record straight. Paul reminds us that it's only because of the grace of God in our lives when Christ takes over, that He works like an artist on our soul. God lifts the humble up to answer His call.

In 1 Corinthians, we find that the Christians at Corinth playing for the wrong side. So Paul opens God's playbook and explains His truth as something they would never expect or invent: A Crucified Messiah and a Crucified self as the way to salvation. What reminders do we need?

Purpose statement: Paul appeals to the Corinthians in the name of Jesus in order to replace divisions, strife and quarreling with unity and peace in Christ. Some follow Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ (divisively or mockingly).

Purpose statement: We see that God is doing a lot of work in Paul's life, the Corinthians life, and our lives. It's the will of God from the Word of God working in Paul's life for the glory of God. It's the will of God working in the hearts of the Corinthians and you, and I, and this church.

In difficult times, the church is most effective when served by courageous people who are being transformed through the power of the gospel.

Jesus called the two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus that day “foolish and dull-minded” because they did not believe all that the prophets were talking about. They had decided to be on the road again, but their decision was short-sighted because they were not tuned in to the leading of God and His newly sent savior, Jesus Christ. This “on the road” story could be called “Faith in a Nutshell” because it spells out all the basics of how our belief should be. As such, we should refer to it often, and prepare for surprises and for God authored change through the Holy Spirit.