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2 Timothy 1:8-10 …So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God's grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives.Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace?Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God's grace so you can share that grace with those you know?And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
The Beatitudes, Pt. 6 | March 30, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisMatthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Poor in SpiritMournMeekHunger and Thirst for RighteousnessMercifulPure in Heart Shalom: wholeness, completeness, fulfillment, inner rest. Living without deficiency or lack.Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. √ He entered into our brokenness.Isaiah 53:3 (NLT) He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. John 11:35 (NIV) Jesus wept.√ He laid down His rights.Philippians 2:6-7 (CEV) Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.√ He took the cost.Colossians 1:19-20 (TLB) It was through what his Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him—all things in heaven and on earth—for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood.PEACEMAKERSI. WALK IN THE POWER OF GOD'S PRESENCE. Exodus 33:12-14 (NLT) One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest.”Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God!John 14:27 (NLT) I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. II. SHARE THE PEACE OF GOD WITH OTHERS.I John 4:20-21 (MSG) If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.John 17:23 (NLT) I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me III. SPEAK PEACE OVER MY SITUATION.Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
Word for Today:1 Samuel 16:18 NLT“One of Jesse's sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.”
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36 NLT) One of the many things we can appreciate about the Bible is that it’s such an honest book. It gives us its heroes, flaws and all. In its pages we find the stories of those who started out with so much promise, but then became spiritual casualties in the race of life. Then there are those who started with little to no promise but finished surprisingly well. Nicodemus comes to mind. In John 3, we read that he came to see Jesus at night. He went incognito, wanting to have a private conversation with the Lord. Maybe that was because he didn’t want to be seen. We might criticize him for that. But in the end, he came through. Let’s remember that in everything, there must be a beginning. Nicodemus turned out to be one of the bravest followers of Jesus Christ. When the body of Jesus was taken down from the cross, Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathea to take it away. He also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes for the burial. He stood up for Christ while His disciples were in hiding. Some people had a great beginning with Jesus, only to deny Him later. For example, Judas Iscariot started out with promise, but we know how his story ended. Then there are those who had a good start, looked as though they were goners, but later made a comeback and got back into the race. King David was one of them. Like Gideon, he was plucked from obscurity as a shepherd. God raised him up to replace King Saul, and for a while, David was the greatest king in Israel’s history. The Bible describes him as a “man after [God’s] own heart” and “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:1 NLT). But then he laid his eyes on the beautiful Bathsheba. He committed adultery with her and then tried to cover it up. And ultimately, he had her husband, Uriah, murdered on the battlefield. It looked as though David was going to follow in the steps of Saul and also play the fool. But he repented and got right with God. He was able to get back into the race and became a picture of someone who ran, fell, and got up again. Peter is another man who started out with great promise, handpicked by Jesus Himself. Sure, he had his blunders. But throughout the public ministry of Jesus, Peter was there. But then Peter denied the Lord. Afterward, he went out and wept bitterly. And then he came back, and he got right with God. In the end, Jesus recommissioned Peter, saying, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17 NLT). God wants every one of us to finish our race. He wants every one of us to win the gold and fulfill our ministry. The question is whether we want to do it. Do you want to cross the finish line? If so, you will. And if not, you won’t. It’s entirely your choice. Invest in evangelism in 2025! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.'” (Numbers 22:32–33 NLT) One important work of angels is to stop people from doing things God doesn't want us to do. Obviously, it's important and serious work, usually done without our realizing it. Sometimes, though, it can take an unexpectedly humorous turn. That's what happened in the story of Balaam and his donkey found in Numbers 22. Balaam was sort of a prophet for hire—more P-R-O-F-I-T than P-R-O-P-H-E-T. Balak, the king of Moab, hired him to curse the children of Israel. Balaam set out on his donkey to do the very thing that God didn't want him to do. So, God dispatched an angel. The angel's job was to stop Balaam from cursing the people of Israel. The angel positioned himself in the middle of the road Balaam was traveling and drew his sword. He was prepared to stop the prophet by any means necessary. Balaam's donkey saw the angel, but the prophet didn't. The donkey veered off the road into a field. The prophet beat the donkey until it returned to the road. The angel moved to a narrow part of the road between two vineyard walls. The donkey tried to go around and pinned Balaam's foot against the wall. Balaam got angry and beat the donkey again. The angel moved once more to a spot in the road too narrow for the donkey to get around. So the donkey simply lay down. Enraged, Balaam beat the donkey yet again. And that's when the Lord opened the donkey's mouth. The ensuing conversation went something like this: “What have I done to deserve your beating me three times?” “You made me look like a fool! If I had a sword, I'd kill you!” “You've ridden me all your life. Have I done anything like this before?” “Well, no.” Meanwhile, the angel was still standing there, visible to the donkey, invisible to Balaam. He finally made himself visible to Balaam. He said to Balaam, “Why did you beat your donkey those three times? . . . Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey” (Numbers 22:32–33 NLT). His words must have unnerved Balaam. The prophet realized that the angel had come to stop him from doing something seriously wrong. What are the takeaway lessons from this story? Number one: Don't talk to donkeys. And number two: When God is trying to stop you, don't keep going in the same direction. How many times have we been headed for destruction when God changed our course by sending an angel to stop us? — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Don't be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (2 Kings 6:16–17 NLT) One of the most awe-inspiring stories about God's use of angels is found in 2 Kings 6. To fully appreciate the account, some background information is necessary. The king of Syria declared war on Israel. The Syrian king devised secret battle plans with his servants. Unfortunately for him, nothing is secret from the Lord. God supernaturally revealed the king's battle plans to the prophet Elisha. Elisha, in turn, relayed the plans to the king of Israel. The king of Israel then made the necessary strategic adjustments to thwart Syria's plans. After being outmaneuvered one too many times, the king of Syria began to suspect that an Israelite spy had infiltrated his inner circle. But then he received word about what Elisha was doing. The Syrian king learned that Elisha was staying in the town of Dothan. He sent an enormous army to surround Dothan. He intended to make Elisha pay for his God-assisted espionage. The scene that plays out starting in verse 14 is almost comic. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, gets up early in the morning while his master is still sleeping and walks outside to begin his day. What he sees blows his mind and shakes him to his core. The entire city is surrounded by Syrian troops and instruments of war. And Gehazi knows why they're there. So, while Elisha is trying to get a little shut-eye, Gehazi starts freaking out. He wakes the sleeping prophet and says something to the effect of, “Master! Master! We're surrounded by our enemies! What are we going to do?” Elisha did not panic when he heard the news. In fact, he was probably a little irritated that his sleep was interrupted. “Don't be afraid,” he told his servant. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” (verse 16 NLT). Obviously, that math didn't make sense to Gehazi. Because he was assessing the situation based on what he could see physically. Elisha asked God to sharpen Gehazi's vision, to reveal what was invisible to the servant, so that he could have a more accurate sense of the situation. “The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire” (verse 17 NLT). Gehazi saw an invisible army of angels, ready to go to battle at God's command. Jesus alluded to a similar invisible army when he rebuked Peter for trying to “save” Him from being arrested. “Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?” (Matthew 26:53 NLT). Angels have our backs. They stand ready to support us whenever God commands. So when you feel alone, anxious, or outnumbered, pray as Elisha did. Ask God to make you aware of the invisible army that surrounds and protects you. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don't participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (Ephesians 5:7–11 NLT) One of the first things God did in creation was to separate light from darkness (see Genesis 1:4). That separation between light and darkness becomes a recurring theme in Scripture. Spiritually speaking, light represents God and His ways. Darkness represents evil. In his Gospel, the apostle John wrote of Jesus: “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:4–5 NLT). The lines are drawn. Jesus is the light. Everyone who follows Him does so in the light. The light can penetrate the darkness, but the darkness can never extinguish the light. Not everyone is drawn to the light, of course. Jesus said, “And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed” (John 3:19–20 NLT). It's not that people don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God; it's that they don't want to follow Him because it means they must turn from their sin. And they don't want to do that. Christians ask, “Why do people attack us for our faith? Why do they oppose us for what we believe? Why do they want to cancel us, our message, our voice, and our culture?” The answer is that we're bright lights in a dark place. The gravitational pull of darkness is strong. We escaped it when we came to Christ. But it's still there, trying to drag us back in. Darkness takes advantage of our curiosity. It exploits our boredom. It urges us to join the crowd. It appeals to our sense of adventure and our impulse to walk on the wild side. In Ephesians 5, Paul counters darkness's pull with a simple caution: Remember who you are. Remember all that you have in the light. Instead of allowing darkness to pull you in, shine your light on it. Expose it for what it really is. If you find yourself in darkness, move to the light. Ask God to forgive you and set you back on the well-lit path. The Bible says, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires” (Romans 13:12–14 NLT). — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parables // Prayer // The Key to Living an Overcoming Life Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain city,' he said, ‘who neither feared God nor cared about people.' A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'Then the Lord said, ‘Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?'” Prayer: The Key to Living an Overcoming Life 1. God uses prayer to guide you in confusing times. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 2. Prayer helps you overcome the temptations that come in the midst of difficulties. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 3. Prayer will steady you in trouble. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Matthew 28:20 (ESV)“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV)“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 4. Prayer keeps you focused on God's character. Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)“do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Closer, Pt. 3 | August 18, 2024 Pastor Wes MorrisLuke 18:1-8 (NLT) One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.'The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'”Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”✓ She was full of passion. ✓ She saw opportunities instead of obstacles. ✓ She was faith-filled. Luke 11:9-10 (ESV) And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.THE POWER OF PERSISTENCEI. SEEK GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART. Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.John 4:23 (NLT) But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. II. BE SURRENDERED TO HIS WILL. Romans 12:1 (MSG) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. III. BE SET APART FOR HIS PURPOSE.Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.Galatians 5:24 (ESV) And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. IV. BE SATISFIED IN HIS PRESENCE. Psalm 63:1 (NLT) O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.James 4:8 (NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
Parables // Object on Road Ahead, Do Not Avoid Luke 10:25-29 (NLT)“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?'The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'‘Right!' Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live!'The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'” Luke 10:30–37 (NLT)“Jesus replied with a story: A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.'‘Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?' Jesus asked.The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.'Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.'”The priest and the assistant. Luke 10:31 (NLT)“he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by”Luke 10:32 (NLT)“A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” Opportunity lost due to personal inconvenience. The Samaritan. Luke 10:33 (NLT)“when he saw the man, he felt compassion”
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 … Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God's peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it's far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude. What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God's hand? Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises… The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:3,5,8,10 NLT THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD. THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence… 2 Peter 1:5 NLT ' “If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Judges 15:20 NIV 'The woman ran and told her husband, “A man of God appeared to me! He looked like osonne of God's angels, terrifying to see. I didn't ask where he was from, and he didn't tell me his name. But he told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. For your will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.'” Judges 13:6-7 NLT One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. The people of Gaza were told, “Samson is here!” So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, “At dawn we'll kill him.”Judges 16:1-2 NIV RARELY DO WE GET TO THE WRONG PLACE IN LIFE BY ONE BAD CHOICE. WE GET THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME, ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND ONE BAD DECISION AT A TIME. WE DON'T BELIEVE OUR BAD DECISIONS OR DISOBEDIENCE WILL COST US. But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. Judges 16:3 NIV Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4 NIV IThe rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” Judges 16:5-6 NIV After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I'll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. Judges 16:19-21 NIV HOW DO YOU PURSUE MORAL EXCELLENCE? So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT 1. GIRD YOUR MINDS So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 NLT But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT WE HAVE TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE YOU LOVE FREEDOM OVER THE CONVENIENCE OF YOUR TEMPTATION So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you. James 1:21 GNB 2. GUARD YOUR HEARTS So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14 NLT Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 NIV 3. GUIDE YOUR LIFESTYLE But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 NLT 'And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COMPROMISE 4 MAJOR TRIGGERS: PLACE TIME MOOD Tremble and in your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Psalms 4:4-5 NIV PEOPLE Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE GOING THE DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Pastor Jon Verwey, Pam McSherry, and Kevin Canham 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. — Genesis 1:1 (NLT) …God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! — Genesis 1:31 (NLT) …One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit […]
A Study In Romans Week 20 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word. That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning… The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5 Healing… Matthew 18:19 Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons… ”One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.“ Romans 14:5 KJV “In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.” Romans 14:5 NLT “One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike [sacred]. Let everyone be fully convinced (satisfied) in his own mind.” Romans 14:5 AMPC ”He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.“ Romans 14:6 KJV “Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.” Romans 14:6 NLT “He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Romans 14:6 AMPC ”For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.“ Romans 14:7-8 KJV “For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:7-8 NLT “None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for] If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:7-8 AMPC ”For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.“ Romans 14:9 KJV “Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.” Romans 14:9 NLT “For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:9 AMPC ”But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.“ Romans 14:10 KJV “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Romans 14:10 NLT “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Romans 14:10 AMPC Romans 10:9-10 Salvation… Romans 10:17 Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16 God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2 Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1 No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19 God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20 Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17 We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8 We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30 100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured
Today we look at the story of Peter's betrayal of Jesus, a classic example of “mission drift” in the Bible. Jesus had called Peter to make disciples, but now his commitment was in question. Peter, as with the other disciples, is brimming with confidence that his faith will not fail. But then it does, in shocking fashion. So that's the famous story, but today we're putting the story in the context of a broader question: Have you ever experienced mission drift?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?Examples in marriage, in the workforceMarriage vows: Chris, do you take Brandi to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live? If so, say “I do”.Kodak: Founded in the late 19th century, Kodak was a pioneer in the photography industry with the mission of making photography accessible to the masses ("You press the button, we do the rest.") However, as digital photography began to emerge in the late 20th century, Kodak struggled to adapt and continued to prioritize its traditional film business. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, a stark reminder of the consequences of mission drift and the failure to adapt to changing market dynamics.What it looks like in Christianity: (Go make disciples…)Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.So many churches just miss this. So many Christians never get it.Before we get to our text today in ch 14, we need to set the stage by going all the way back to chapter 1, when Jesus first called his disciples. Pay attention to where this all happens, because it's going to come up again in ch 14:Mark 1:16-18 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.Talk about mission of Jesus, they left their nets, spent 3 years with JesusAmazing faith! What sacrifice!Their expectation - this is going to be good. We'll be famous! Rich!?Now let's get to our text today from Mark 14. Last week we covered the Last Supper, and Jesus' identification of the one who would betray him. Luke adds context in his account: Luke 22:24 (NLT) Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.Can you imagine? Hilarious! In the Luke account Jesus goes on to define greatness: (NLT) Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.So let's...
The key to resilience isn't stuffing your emotions, it's harnessing them. Feelings aren't sinful. They are signposts to draw us toward greater dependence on God. Our heart determines the outcome of our lives. That means mind, will, and emotions. We're exploring some specific emotions and learning how to harness them for good.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Part 1: Cain's AngerPoint: Anger is often the superficial emotion covering over a deeper, less acceptable emotion. For Cain, God's rejection of his gift was depressing enough to cause him to murder.Genesis 4:3-5 (NLT) When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.Notice two emotions here: anger + dejection. Deeper emotion: dejection. Why?Comparison game: God rejected his gift, accepted Abel's = insecureCan you relate? See 7 Deadly SinsSubstitute anger is a false pathway to control – making you feel powerful instead of vulnerable. Genesis 4:6-7Substitute anger actually causes a loss of control – both emotionally and relationally, and even spiritually. James 1:20, 1 John 3:10The antidote to anger is to be vulnerable and practice silence – just as Jesus did. Psalm 4:4, Ephesians 4:26-27Why was he mad at Able for God's rejection?Possibly stinginess: “some of his crops” vs. “the best portions”It is better to give than to receive (it's true!)The love of money is the root of evilEither way - led to dejection, depression, being downcastGenesis 4:6-7 (NLT) “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”This is what the enemy wants to do: recruit your emotions for evilGod wants you to harness your emotions for goodHere's how Cain's story ended:Genesis 4:8 (NLT) One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let's go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.For Cain, God's rejection of his gift was depressing enough to cause him to murder.Perfect example of “The wages of sin is death.”Q. What has anger killed off in your life?A relationshipA job opportunityYour inner peacePart 2: Moses' AngerPoint: Anger can also boil over from unresolved frustration. For Moses, this is what happened on his way to the Promised Land.Explain the exodus, people complaining (again), God's instructions and...
Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Psalms 112:5 TPT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?' Malachi 3:6-7 NIV “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?' Malachi 3:8 NIV “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9 NIV Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12 NIV 3 UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT TITHING 1. TITHING IS A TEST Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:10 NIV 2. TITHING IS BIBLICAL Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:18-20 NIV this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me. Genesis 28:22 NLT One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy. Leviticus 27:30 NLT And it shall be, when you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground, which you shall bring from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. Deuteronomy 26:1-2 NKJV then you shall say before the Lord your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. Deuteronomy 26:13-14 NKJV Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us… Deuteronomy 26:15 NKJV “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Mathew 23:23 3. TITHING IS A BLESSING Moreover he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 31:4 NKJV As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; also the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the Lord their God they laid in heaps. In the third month they began laying them in heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. 2 Chronicles 31:5-7 NKJV And when Hezekiah and the leaders came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance. 2 Chronicles 31:8-10 NKJV I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 NLT Level 1: Initial Giver… What do I do with my stuff? Level 2: Consistent Giver… What do I do with God's stuff? . Level 3: Intentional Giver… What does God want me to do with God's stuff? Level 4: Spiritual Giver… What does God want me to GIVE from what GOD has provided? Level 5: Surrendered Giver… What does God want me to KEEP from what GOD has provided? If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26 NLT
Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Highest Calling." Key verses: Exodus 3:1-10 NLT “One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it.” When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Sermon Topics: Calling, Obedience
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.””Matthew 16:13-19 NLT“One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.””John 20:24-29 NLT“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.”Colossians 2:9 NLTI am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. . . . Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God. (CS Lewis, Mere Christianity, 55-56)Want to know Jesus? FutureAndHope.orgLooking for a church in St Louis? SLFC.orgEmail me if you want to talk about Jesus and pray with you: joe@joemccall.com
“We love equipping this generation, not just calling them to pray, but teaching them how to pray.” What started with eight high school students praying weekly in a large public high school, has grown to 3,500 student-led prayer groups on middle and high school campuses in 33 U.S. states. Olivia Williamson, Director of Campus Ministries for Claim Your Campus and Enlightened Students, tells us more including testimonies of students whose hearts have been touched by prayer. Find out how your middle or high school students can start praying for their school and participate as a family in the Prayer Walk Project. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST Olivia Williamson serves as the Director of Campus Ministries for Claim Your Campus and Enlightened Students. With a heart for prayer, this next generation, and developing young leaders, she desires to see leaders rise up and take their place in the Kingdom. Olivia is also an engaging speaker, musician, passionate worship leader, and writer. She lives in Kansas City with her husband, Kyle, and their dog, Captain. Kyle previously served as a youth pastor and is now on staff at Claim Your Campus. SCRIPTURES The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NKJV Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Psalm 96:2 NLT May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21 NLT One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4 NKJV LINKS Claim Your Campus & Free Prayer App Claim Your Campus Prayer Walk Project MOMS IN PRAYER · New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started · Sign Up for Our New Online Bible Study · Support Our Mission
2 Kings 5:3 NLT “One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”” This little servant girl shared her faith with boldness and transformed Naaman's life completely. So what lessons can we learn from her?
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 … Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God's peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it's far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude. What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God's hand? Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
We'll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 … So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. (NLT) One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do. Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God. Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives. If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
2 Timothy 1:8-10 … So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God's grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives. Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace? Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God's grace so you can share that grace with those you know? And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Mark 1:17 (NLT) 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” “Discipleship is a defined daily direction not a destination then done” Luke 5:1 – 11 (NLT) One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I'm such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Mark 1:17 (NLT) 17 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” “Come, follow me” Romans 10:9 – 10 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. “I will show you” Ephesians 3:16 – 19 (NLT) 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Acts 4:13 (NLT) 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. “How to fish for people!” Matthew 28:18 – 20 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Here are three clarifying questions: Head: What do I know now? Heart: How does this change me? Hands: What do I do now?
Discover the rarely discussed family life of Jesus and how his family's skepticism towards his ministry approach led to an intervention. Learn how Jesus prioritized faith and how even his family eventually came to believe in him.Skeptical SiblingsMark 3:20-21 (NLT) One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He's out of his mind,” they said.Did you know Jesus had brothers and sisters? He has 4 brothers and at least 2 sisters plus a mom, Mary. Joseph not being mentioned many believe is because he may have passed away by this time.Mark 6:3-4 (ESV) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”Jesus' family saw all that he was doing and were concerned about his radical beliefs that had him serving others and preaching day and night. They were basically rejecting him right along with the pharisees. They were going to take him away to save him and their own family from embarrassment. Is Jesus too radical for you? Do you water down his words? Liberalism. Jesus demands some crazy things. Blessed is he who lays down his life for a friend. Love your enemies, bless those who persecute you. Give to the needy, but don't tell anyone you did it. If anyone would sue you and take your tunic, give him your cloak as well. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away because it's better to go to Heaven with one eye than hell with two eyes. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.What do we do with this abrasive, politically incorrect Jesus? Do we follow Him or do we try to make Him follow us? We learned weeks ago that you can't make Jesus fit into old wineskins, into established religion. Jesus is greater than religion, and he is not to be trifled with. This reminds us of Joseph in the OT when he was having dreams about his siblings and parents bowing down to him. They thought he was crazy and sold him into slavery, left him as good as dead. Yet, Joseph earned his place of honor and authority to later save them and they did bow. (Genesis 37:10, 50:18-21) Joseph was a type of Christ.Genesis 37:10 (ESV) But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?”This can happen in our families as well when we become Christians. Our parents or siblings think we've gone crazy because we don't hold to the traditions and faith that they do anymore. Often times being a follower of Christ does mean that we are serving a lot, bold in our faith and look like outcasts from the rest of society. Always talking about Jesus and the Gospel! This can lead to broken relationships, losing benefits and positions of honor in the family, being labeled the black sheep, some may think we are weird, holier than thou. If only Jesus' family could see what he sees. If only our lost family members could see what we see and hear what we hear and know the lord like we do! (Trans) Now we're going to jump to vs. 31-35 to pick up the rest of the story. Last week we talked about the leaders of the Jewish community rejecting Jesus and committing grievous sin toward God by seriously misunderstanding who Jesus is and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This is what you call an...
Sermon Notes "HELLO, I am ____________." "Whatever word you write in that blank has significant power over your life because everything flows from what we would identify as core to our identity. We have a tendency to focus heavily on behavior and not say much about identity."- Kyle Idleman, Not a Fan Luke 3:16b NLT "...but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals." Matthew 3:13-15 NLT "Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. 'I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?' But Jesus said, 'It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.' So John agreed to baptize him." Luke 3:21-22a NLT "One day, when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove." Luke 3:22b NLT "And a voice from heaven said, 'You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.'" Luke 3:22b NEV "And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my one dear Son; in you, I take great delight.'" Luke 3:22b MSG "And along with the Spirit, a voice: 'You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.'" "After church one weekend I was talking to a fairly successful business guy in his mid-forties. He told me he had been struggling lately with feelings of failure. We talked for a few minutes about where those feelings were coming from. I finally said to him, "It doesn't make a lot of sense. Anyone who looked at your life would say that you are a success." And without pausing to think he added, "Anyone, except for my dad." It turns out that early and often his dad had conveyed the message, you are a disappointment. You are never going to be good enough. You are never going to be successful. And all these years later that's still who he sees when he looks in the mirror. A CEO who feels like a failure." - Kyle Idleman, Not a Fan Philippians 3:7-9a NLT "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him." When your identity is rooted in Jesus, it transforms YOU. Place your identity in Jesus, not your behavior! Repent. Give your life to Jesus. Be baptized. Begin to lead from a transformed heart and mind by making Jesus part of your EVERY DAY. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Pastor John Keating Pastor Brittany Pickering In our new series, we'll have an opportunity to listen & learn from people in our congregation and in our community. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT) One expression of love is how we use the spiritual gifts that God has given us. God's plan for love was to be shown in the world through your prayers, actions, and words – not through pictures or symbols. The ultimate way He showed us, love, was by sending His son. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
How Family Members Help Each Other GrowBy Rick Warren“Since I . . . have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 (NLT)One of the marks of an awesome family—whether it's your biological family, your adoptive family, or your church family—is that you help each other grow. But how do you do that? Let me give you two methods that help people grow and two that don't. These apply in every area of life, not just in families.Listen in to this episode to learn more about what it takes to thrive as a family. For prayer please visit: brothers and sisters in Christ globally will intercede for you: http://bit.ly/rc-prayer-map-submit-request.
Rhythms | Part 2January 15, 2023 | Pastor Wes MorrisCurrent Series Resources: https://baychapel.churchcenter.com/pages/prayerBefore Jesus begins his ministry he goes through a season where he disconnects from the world and gets away with God in the wilderness. We often think of our “wilderness seasons” as painful or a negative experience, whereas it is actually a blessing! In this message for the new year, Pastor Wes Morris challenges us in a couple of ways that we are distracted from our wilderness opportunities and 3 ways to embrace and fully experience our wilderness time with our creator. We hope you'll be encouraged through this message.Mark 1:9-13 (NLT) One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.Subscribe to receive our latest messages.——Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connect——Bay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/give
Well, hey there! Thanks for checking out The Burt (Not Ernie) Show & this special episode with a release from the vault! I hope it blesses and encourages you today & reminds you that the Lord's promises to you are sure, certain, steadfast and guaranteed. Be sure to sign up for my email list at my website, JanLBurt.com, and get "The Runway" in you inbox as a way to be encouraged, renewed & refueled. I'm cheering you on as you live out God's good plans for your life! Enjoy this special episode from the vault! ~ Jan L. Burt ~ ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES FOR EPISODE 32 ~ Acts 2:39 - The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call. When God gives us something that we can grab hold of & hang on to & believe Him for individually (as in, just for us as His dearly loved child) it's terribly comforting. It's very personal. When God gives us as His whole body, His whole Church, a promise, that's just plain beautiful. And when God gives us promises that are generational - as in, for those who will come after us (specifically our children and our grandchildren and so on) --- well, that is something else entirely! When you spend time in prayer for your children - which I hope happens every single day - don't fail to utilize and make the most of the promise from this New Testament verse. I want to encourage you to use this verse in your beseeching (and if your prayers aren't exactly "beseeching" the Lord for specific things for your offspring, I guess this is your challenge to make sure they become "beseeching" prayers!). Please be willing to pray God's Word back to Him on behalf of your loved ones. Don't miss this!! It delights Him when His children know His Word and speak His Word in prayer. Praying in this manner reveals that we believe His Word is true. It reveals our faith in Him when we pray His promises in belief. Ask God to give you specific promises for your children. And be sure to write those promises down where you will see them often and pray them often. Be sure to put them down in ink, not with a pencil. God's promises are not able to be altered or erased, so don't treat them as if they might be "erase-able" by writing them down with lead rather than with ink, if you get my meaning. Have you ever met a kid who just sort of keeps on this type of rant: "But you promised! You said you would do that! You said! But you said...!!!" Believe it or not, we need to behave a bit more like this in our prayer lives and a whole lot less timidly. (God's Word tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace to find help in our time of need --- check out Episode #1 of The Burt (Not Ernie) Show to hear more about that verse from the book of Hebrews). We need to become more importunate in our praying. Let's look at these words from Jesus when He taught His disciples about prayer: Luke 11:5-10 (NLT) - Then, teaching them more about prayer, He used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this - thought he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you as for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 18:1-8 (NLT) - One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. "There was a judge in a certain city," He said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!' " Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?" Definition of IMPORTUNITY: persistence, especially to the point of annoyance --- shamelessness --- lack of modesty --- urgent request In the King James Version, Luke 11:8 uses the word IMPORTUNITY where the NLT uses the phrase "shameless persistence". This is, my friend, how the Lord Jesus TAUGHT His disciples to pray. And it is how He wants us to pray. *** Quick Side Note for Those Who Do Not Have Children *** You are a child of God. There is nobody - and I do mean absolutely nobody! - on the outside looking in when it comes to the Kingdom of God. I want you to take it from me - take this from me right now and don't set it down somewhere...take it and hold on to it, please! - You are not an outsider. You are absolutely and insider in God's Kingdom. You matter. Did you hear me? I said, YOU MATTER!!! Having or not having children does not mean you matter more or less - and this podcast episode is a promise for those who don't have children just as much as it is for those who are parents. Remember, you matter! There are no outsiders in God's family. You truly do matter. Ask the Lord to lead you to godly friendships, to places where you will not feel as if you are on the outside looking in, but are on the inside inviting others in to join you. Don't give up hope - pray to the God of all hope to give you a place where you can know you belong and not feel as if you are merely tolerated. Don't resign yourself to staying on the outside and looking in longingly...that is not what Jesus died for. Never forget, you matter! Now, let's take a look at the remainder of the promise in this verse. This promise is for all whom the Lord our God will call. There is a sense of the future tense in this verse. This is for all who will ever be called by the Lord. And we know that He wants everyone, as in all of mankind, to be saved and none to perish, so He is calling out to everyone. We can pray big prayers based on this promise! Pray God's promises and pray them again tomorrow and then the next day and just do not stop praying!! God's promises are for you ... & for your family... & for your circle of influence. So pray that way, believe this promise because it is 100% the truth.
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 … Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God's peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it's far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude. What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God's hand? Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
We'll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 … So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. (NLT) One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do. Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God. Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives. If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://beaverton.cc/community • Growth happens best in community Find Care • https://beaverton.cc/care • BCC strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support. What's Happening at BCC • https://beaverton.cc/whats-happening • This page is kept up to date, so you always know what's happening at BCC! Sermon Sync Notes - May 22, 2022Acts: The Church - A Church for Everyone - Jon Furman Acts 10:1-2 (NLT)In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. Acts 10:3-6a (NLT)One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. Acts 10:9a-14 (NLT)The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray… He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” Acts 10:15-16a & 19-20 (NLT)But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven… Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:24-26 (NLT)They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!” Acts 10:28-29 (NLT)Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 10:34-38 (NLT)Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:39-40a & 42 (NLT)“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day… And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:44-47 (NLT)Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” I Peter 5:5b-6 (NLT)…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Let Humility draw you close to God. Let Humility draw Godly people close to you. Let Humility put you in your place.
The flavor of favorColossians 1:12 NIV Give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light2 Sam 9:1 (NLT) One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul's family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?” Galatians 4:6-7 NLT And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.' Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.2 Sam 9:2 (NLT) He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied. 2 Sam 9:3 (NLT) The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” 2 Sam 9:4 (NLT) “Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.” 2 Sam 9:5 (NLT) So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home. 2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson.2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.” 2 Sam 9:7 (NLT) “Don't be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness (favor) to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king's table!” 2 Sam 9:8 (NLT) Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 2 Sam 9:9 (NLT) Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 2 Sam 9:10 (NLT) Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will eat here at my table.”2 Sam 9:11 (NLT) Ziba replied,“Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David's table, like one of the king's own sons. Galatians 4:7 (NLT)you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
The flavor of favor Colossians 1:12 NIV Give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light 2 Sam 9:1 (NLT) One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul's family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?” Galatians 4:6-7 NLT And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.' Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. 2 Sam 9:2 (NLT) He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied. 2 Sam 9:3 (NLT) The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” 2 Sam 9:4 (NLT) “Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.” 2 Sam 9:5 (NLT) So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home. 2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. 2 Sam 9:6 (NLT) His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.” 2 Sam 9:7 (NLT) “Don't be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness (favor) to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king's table!” 2 Sam 9:8 (NLT) Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 2 Sam 9:9 (NLT) Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 2 Sam 9:10 (NLT) Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will eat here at my table.” 2 Sam 9:11 (NLT) Ziba replied,“Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David's table, like one of the king's own sons. Galatians 4:7 (NLT)you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
2 Timothy 1:8-10 … So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God's grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives. Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace? Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God's grace so you can share that grace with those you know? And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
Season 02 / Episode 02 God and the Gospel are unchanging, but societies and cultures are changing constantly. One of the challenges to helping people follow Jesus in nominally-Christian and post-Christian cultures is generally low engagement with the Bible. “Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NLT) One of the principle ways in which people hear the Good News is from the Bible. But how will they hear it if they aren't engaging with it? In this episode, Mike and Nate talk about Discovery Bible Method, a tool that facilitates evangelism and discipleship by making reading the Bible easy and accessible. DBM and its various iterations are having a major impact around the world and the western Church has much to profit by adopting its principles. (Recorded April 2022)
(Japanese) このメッセージでは登牧師がどれだけ私たちが幸せなのかについて以下の2つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Noboru talks about how we are too blessed to stress in these 2 points: (マタイ5:1-3 JCB) ある日、大ぜいの人が集まって来たので、イエスは弟子たちを連れて山に登り、そこに腰をおろして、彼らにお教えになりました。(3)「心の貧しさを知る謙遜な人は幸いです。神の国はそういう人に与えられるからです。 (Matthew 5:1-3 NLT) One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, (2) and he began to teach them.(3) “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (マルコ10:17-22 ERV訳）イエスがその場から立ち去ろうとすると、ある男が駆け寄ってイエスの前にひざまづいて、聞いた。「素晴らしい先生！私が永遠の命を得るためには、私は何をしなければなりませんか？」18) イエスは答えた。「なぜわたしを素晴らしいと呼ぶ？神のみが素晴らしい。19) それに、神の掟ぐらい知っているだろう？『殺さない、結婚した異性以外とセックスをしない、盗まない、ウソをつかない、だまさない、父と母を敬う』と・・・」20) 男は言った。「先生！もちろんです！私は幼いころから全部！この掟を全て守り続けています！」 21) イエスは心から彼のことを思い、こう言った。「まだ1つ必要なことが残っている。自分の持っている物を全部売り払うんだ。貧しい人たちにお金を与えなさい！そうすれば、あなたは天で富を得る！その後、わたしについて来るんだ！」 男はすごくお金持ちだった。そのためイエスにお金を諦めるようにと言われた時、その男はすごく腹を立てた。こうして、彼は悲しくもその場から立ち去った。 (Mark 10:17-22 NLT) As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (18) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. (19) But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.'” (20) “Teacher,” the man replied, “I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” (21) Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven't done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”(22) At this the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 1.感謝の心を取り戻す Come Back to Thankfulness (１テサロニケ5:17-18 ERV訳) 絶えず祈って！ (18) 何があっても、どんな時も、感謝の気持ちを切らさずに！これこそ神がイエス・キリストに属するあなた達に望んでいることなのだから。 (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NLT) Never stop praying. (18) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1コリント8:5-6 ERV訳) 天や地に神々と呼ばれる存在がいたり、ある領域をつかさどる霊的な存在が実在するのかしないのかの議論は、本当に重要なことではない。 6)私たちにとって神が唯一であり、神が私たちの父だ。つまり、全てが神から生まれ、全てが神のために存在している。そして主人であるイエス・キリストも唯一で、全てがイエスを通してつくられ、イエスを通して私たちはいのちを持っている。 (1 Corinthians 8:5-6 NLT) There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. (6) But for us,there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. 2.心の成長を求めてこう Grow in Your Heart -How to Do より How to Be を大切に！ (1コリント13:13 ERV訳)その上で、永遠に残るものは3つ。信仰、希望、そして愛。その中でも他の全てに勝るもの、それが愛だ！ (1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
(Japanese) このメッセージでは太助牧師が本当の幸せについて話します。 In this message Ps Tasuke talks about happiness: (マタイ5:1-3 JCB)ある日、大ぜいの人が集まって来たので、イエスは弟子たちを連れて山に登り、そこに腰をおろして、彼らにお教えになりました。(3)「心の貧しさを知る謙遜な人は幸いです。神の国はそういう人に与えられるからです。 (Matthew 5:1-3 NLT) One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, (2) and he began to teach them.(3) “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (マタイ16:13-18 JCB)ピリポ・カイザリヤに行った時、イエスは弟子たちに、「みんなは、わたしのことをだれだと言っていますか」とお尋ねになりました。(14)弟子たちは答えました。「バプテスマのヨハネだと言う人もいますし、エリヤだと言う人もいます。また、エレミヤだとか、ほかの預言者の一人だとか言う人もいます。」(15)「では、あなたがたは、どうなのですか。」(16)シモン・ペテロが答えました。「あなたこそキリスト（ギリシャ語で、救い主）です。生ける神の子です。」(17)「ヨナの息子シモンよ。神があなたを祝福(マカリオス)してくださったのです。それを明らかにしたのは、人ではなく、天におられるわたしの父です。 (18)あなたはペテロ（岩）です。わたしはこの大きな岩の上にわたしの教会を建てます。地獄のどんな恐ろしい力も、わたしの教会に打ち勝つことはできません。 (Matthew 16:13-18 NLT) When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (14) “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”(15) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” (16) Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (17) Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. (18) Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 1.神様のことばがマカリオス(幸せ)をもたらす！ God's word brings ‘Makarios (Happiness)! (箴言29:18 JCB)神を知らない民は好き勝手に振る舞い、手がつけられませんが、国中の人が神の教えを守ろうとする国は幸い(マカリオス、アシュレ)です。 (Proverbs 29:18 NLT) When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful (makarios, ashre).
Persistent Praying | The Prayer Experience with Pastor Dele | Fri 29th April 2022 Pastor Dele leads the Prayer Experience Community this afternoon in a session of prayer and intercession. We continue to pray without giving up. [Luke 18:1 NLT] One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Let us Pray. Amen www.theprayerexperience.com
Matthew 16:24 NLT // Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Give up. Take up. Follow. We've settled for a comfortable faith. We need to trade our comfortable faith for a functional faith. Matthew 4:18-22 NLT // One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. 1. Listen to Jesus Jesus called, they listened. 2. Follow Jesus wherever He leads Matthew 4:19 // Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” You have to learn before you lead. You attract who you are. 3. Release the things that keep us from Jesus Matthew 4:22 NLT // They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. What are you holding onto that is holding you back from all that God has for you? Matthew 16:24 NLT // Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. You can't carry your cross and your opinion at the same time. 4. Receive the authority of Jesus Matthew 10:1-8 NLT // Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Your mission is collaborative and collective in the church. Your gifting is unique.
Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Method, Message, Messiah." Key Verse: John 12:9–13, 17–26, 31–37 NLT “The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There's nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this to indicate how he was going to die. The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?” Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.” Matthew 12:38–39 NLT “One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Sermon topics: Messiah, Message
Faith happens when you don't have formulas. “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” -Hebrews 11:1 NCV When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” -Matthew 11:1-5 NLT, Matthew 11:6 NKJV Believe God for the best, but trust God no matter what. “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:” -Revelation 3:7 NLT “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'” Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” -Luke 18:1-8 NLT KEEP COMING. “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” -Luke 6:21 NIV “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” -Hebrews 10:36 NIV “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 NIV “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” -Romans 8:18 NIV “…Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” -Psalms 30:5 NLT “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” -Psalms 126:5 NIV
I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Sermon Notes - March 13, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - March 6, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
Praying for the Nations | The Prayer Experience with Nigle Turton | Fri 4th March 2022 Nigel Turton leads the Prayer Experience Community in prayers and intercesssion this afternoon. Please join us and let us seek the Lord together. [Luke 18:1 NLT] One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Let us PRAY. Amen #deletalksmediauk For more, visit www.thekingdomlife.co.uk
I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Sermon Notes - February 27, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT) One of my favorite activities to do when I am blessed to go someplace tropical is snorkeling. Strap on the mask, put on some fins, don the snorkel, and I'm in the water checking out the marine life. I've been blessed to see hundreds of different types of fish, sting rays, sea turtles, eels, and even a nurse shark. There's just something cool and calming about floating up on the sea while looking down at a very unique world. Of course, getting distracted by what is happening below can often times lead to disaster if you don't occasionally look up to see what's going on. That was the case in Maui a few years ago. I was so busy watching two sea turtles eating algae off of rocks below me that I didn't notice that the swells (the waves of the ocean) had picked up size and pace. All of a sudden, I felt myself being thrust forward toward the sea turtles. This is bad for many reasons. One of the main ones is that it is a federal crime to touch one, as they are an endangered species. So, I began furiously swimming against the current. Just then, the swells let up, and I rocketed in the direction I was kicking and found myself in very shallow water. Which was another issue. Beneath me was a coral reef. It's also a federal crime to step on a reef. So, I tried may hardest to get away, but the swells came back and knocked me down into the reef. Those things are sharp! I ended up with cuts on my legs as a result. Luckily, I caught a break when the swells let up once more and I swam away from the reef into deeper water, then back to shore. Getting caught in a loveless relationship (friends or otherwise) is like being caught in shallow water. When something goes wrong, you get hurt. You get cut. You get scars as you are slammed against the sharpness of harsh words or actions. Shallow love is no fun at all. Peter had some wisdom on this topic, when he wrote, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” In other words, we need to show real love, we need to act love, we need to demonstrate love, we need to overflow love towards our friends and family. Our love can't be shallow. Shallow love leads to hurts. Deep love helps protect us from the scars of life. It keeps us afloat. So today, and every day, demonstrate deep love toward others.
Join us for week 3 of Choose. Every choice we make takes us somewhere, and we sometimes end up in unexpected places because of it. In our new series, Choose, we will be exploring the book of Ruth and learning that, whatever path we are on or choices we make, God is never too far away to meet us there. I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community Sunday February 6, 2022- Grant Hickman - Ruth 1:9 (NLT)May the LORD enable each of you to find security in the home of a new husband. Ruth 2:12 (NLT)May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 3:1-18 (NLT)One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it's time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he's been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don't let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don't worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. But while it's true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” So Ruth lay at Boaz's feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town. When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?” Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'” Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won't rest until he has settled things today.” Ruth 3:1 (NLT)One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it's time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Ruth 1:8-13 (NLT)But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers' homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept. “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.” But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents' homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” Compare: Ruth 1:8 & Ruth 3:1Ruth 1:8 (NLT) But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers' homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.Ruth 3:1 (NLT) One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it's time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. God's liberating work is accomplished in and through the lives of godly people… Ruth 3:3 (NLT)Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don't let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. Ruth 3:9 (NLT)“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer. Ezekiel 16:8 (NLT)And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine. Ruth 2:12 (NLT)May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” God's liberating work is accomplished in and through the lives of godly people; it restores hope and secures the future for others. Romans 1:7 (NET)To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Sermon Notes - February 6, 2022Choose: Ruth - Chapter 3 - Jon Furman Ruth 3:1-6 (NLT)One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it's time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he's been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight, he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don't let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. Ruth 3:7-9 (NLT)After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” כָּנָף Kanaph: Corner/Edge/Wing Faith believes that the God who got you here won't leave you here. Ruth 3:10-11 (NLT)“The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don't worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. Faith believes that God has more to offer than he's already provided. Ruth 3:12-13 (NLT)But while it's true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” Every act of faith produces, and requires, new acts of faith. Ruth 3:18 (NLT)Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won't rest until he has settled things today.” Prepare Your Mind.Prepare Your Heart.Prepare Your Pitch. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Find Community • https://beaverton.cc/community • Growth happens best in community Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - January 30, 2022Choose: Ruth - Chapter 2 - Jon Furman Ruth 2:1 (NLT)Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech. Ruth 2:2 (NLT)One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” Faith moves us to do what we need to do, trusting that God will do what only He can do. Ruth 2:3a (NLT)So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz… Ruth 2:4-5 (NLT)While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” Ruth 2:6-7 (NLT)And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes' rest in the shelter.” Ruth 2:8-9 (NLT)Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don't go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Faith sustains us in doing what we ought to do, preparing us for what God is about to do. Ruth 2:10-11 (NLT)Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. Ruth 2:12 (NLT)May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Faith praises the hand of God for working to do everything that we cannot do. Ruth 2:20 (NLT)“May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law… That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” Choose to Surrender the Big Picture Isaiah 46:10 (NLT)Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. Choose Sacrifice in the Small Things Choose Gratefulness and Give Glory
Prayer can be complicated. But it doesn't have to be. So join me over the next few weeks as we look how we can get a better understanding of prayer so it doesn't have to be complicated. [1] “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” - Mark 1:35 NIV “Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.” - Matthew 14:22-23 NLT “Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, ‘Sit here while I go over there to pray.'” Matthew 26:36 NLT “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.” - Luke 6:12 NLT [2] “‘Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'” - Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG [3] “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34) “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46)
When I was raised in Puerto Rico in the 60's, we celebrated Christmas, but "Reyes" or "Kings" was THE celebration of when the three Kings or Magi came to worship Jesus. The night before Three Kings Day celebrations on January 6 were special nights. Children all over the island would leave grass out (generally by a manger built or prepared for the occasion) to feed the camels of the Three Kings, and they in turn would leave presents. Many times, Reyes was a much bigger celebration than Christmas. We loved Reyes! As you grow up, and begin to follow Jesus, you learn a few things if you will study. For example, the names and the numbers of the wise men that came from the East are never mentioned in the New Testament. Not only that, but the word that is translated as wise men (magoi) is not the Greek word for kings (basileon)! Oops! So much for the tradition of the Three Gentile Kings that came to worship baby Jesus, all based on human invention. None of it is Scriptural! The above may be disconcerting for the unlearned, but the truth will not oppress you. The truth of God's Word will make you free from the traditions of men, if you will allow it. (John 8:32) Here comes much food for thought. The Wise Men that Came to See Jesus were Magi - Astrologers? Does anybody but me have a problem with the tradition that the wise men were astrologers of the Magi caste from Babylon? I hope not. For many years, as a Christian, that “scratched” at me on the inside. We know from Scripture how much God despises all the pagan practices of idolatry that include sorcery (deals with potions and spells), witchcraft (those that cast spells -incantations and curses and invoke (evil) spirits to get their will done), necromancers (those that attempt to speak to the dead, mediums), soothsayers (fortune tellers, and that includes the Ouija boards of today, tarot cards, divination, psychics), spiritists (those that channel evil spirits to tell your fortune), and astrologers (those that tell of events past, present, and future by “reading” the stars and planets). Here are a few verses of Scripture that put in view God's perspective: Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:31 NLT) I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community. (Lev. 20:6 NLT) Men and women among you who act as mediums or who consult the spirits of the dead must be put to death by stoning. They are guilty of a capital offense. (Lev. 20:27 NLT) And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead… The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things. (Deuteronomy 18:10-11, 14 NLT) Manasseh also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the LORD's sight, arousing his anger. (2 Kings 21:6 NLT) God calls these practices evil and wicked in the sight of the Lord, arousing His anger, spiritual prostitution, and a capital offense. He is the same today. He has never changed His mind on the subject. (Malachi 3:6) Here is one portion in the Scripture that specifically referred to the astrologers of Babylon (Isaiah 47:1- 5), the very caste that the wise men that came to worship Jesus were supposed to belong to! So, disaster will overtake you, and you won't be able to charm it away. Calamity will fall upon you, and you won't be able to buy your way out. A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared. “Now use your magical charms! Use the spells you have worked at all these years! Maybe they will do you some good. Maybe they can make someone afraid of you. All the advice you receive has made you tired. Where are all your astrologers, those stargazers who make predictions each month? Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds. But they are like straw burning in a fire; they cannot save themselves from the flame. (Isaiah 47:11-14 NLT) God mocks them! They cannot save themselves from the flame! Destruction was coming to them for their evil and wicked practices. Yes, these calamities will come upon you, despite all your witchcraft and magic. “You felt secure in your wickedness. ‘No one sees me,' you said. But your ‘wisdom' and ‘knowledge' have led you astray, and you said, ‘I am the only one, and there is no other.' So, disaster will overtake you, and you won't be able to charm it away. Calamity will fall upon you, and you won't be able to buy your way out. A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared. (Isaiah 47:9-11 NLT) There are a few references in the New Testament to witchcraft, fortune-tellers, and those practicing the magic arts. The story of the woman with the evil spirit (spirit of divination) and practiced fortunetelling (which was cast out by Paul- Acts 16:16-18) is one of them. Then, there is the story of Bar-Jesus the magician-astrologer (Acts 13:6-11). Paul called him “full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness!” That, my brethren, is the Holy Spirit's take on all that practice such things! It was the Holy Spirit that anointed Paul to speak a command to blind the sorcerer. Also, the Apostle Paul mentions sorcery (NLT, NKJV, etc.) or witchcraft (KJV, NASB, etc.) as a desire of the sinful nature, and the fact that those practicing it will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21) In Revelation, it is written that after devastating plagues hit many parts of the earth: But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood— idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20-21 NLT) One more to clench the nail on the back of the board: But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Rev. 21:8 NLT) Those Scriptural references just threw off for me all the connection of the wise men to the caste of Magi from Babylon, but let's read the New Testament text, and move on from there. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men (Gr. magoi) from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1, 2 NKJV parenthesis- my addition) The star that they saw related to the King of the Jews was prophesied by none other than Balaam in his fourth prophecy. (Numbers 24:15-19) Balaam is a whole other problem, but I will summarize it the best I can. Balaam was a backslid prophet and became a “prophet for hire.” Balaam would bless or curse people for a price. Do we have similar “prophets” today? A few of those covetous and likeminded prophets are roaming around today among Christians. Who are they? They are those that for a fee will send you a personal “prophetic word.” The more money you send, the more personal the “word” will be. They are in the same category as Balaam was, a conniving and money hungry swindler! Because Balaam was backslid, he was a false prophet whose teaching was despised by the Lord Jesus. The Lord denounced those who followed the doctrine of Balaam because it led to eating things sacrificed to idols and to committing sexual immorality. (See Revelation 2:14, Numbers 31:16.) Yet, in all the prophet's madness, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through Balaam's mouth, and a grand prophetic word from the Lord came forth about the future King-Messiah. You may be wondering how could God possibly use a “false prophet” to bring a real word from the Lord? He anointed a heathen king to help Israel. His name was Cyrus! (See Isaiah 43:1-10, Ezra 1). There are numerous examples in the Scripture of the Lord using pagans for his purposes. So, in the case of Balaam, the Lord anointed him to speak prophetically on a certain occasion. That does not mean he was right or accepted before the Lord, but that God used him on a selected occasion to express a prophetic utterance from the Lord. Here is the prophetic Word that the wise men followed into Israel in search of the King-Messiah. …The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, and the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened; The utterance of him who hears the words of God and has the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open: I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel… (Numbers 24:15-17 NKJV) The wise men saw the star rising out of Jacob or Israel and followed it from the East. Their point of origin was in the East, presumably from Babylon. Why Babylon? The word used for “wise men” is the Greek word magos (magoi- in the plural form indicating more than one “wise man”). In Spanish, no bones are made about it, and the three kings are called the three magician kings, "los tres Reyes magos." That is really a mess in my estimation. The tradition runs deep and scholars have not helped much in this area because they have more readily assumed the position of tradition instead of finding a solution to the dilemma. The Complete Word Study dictionary of the Bible (coded to Strong's Concordance numbers) indicates (G3097) that the word magoi is of foreign origin from the Hebrew (H7248); a Magian, that is, Oriental scientist; by implication a magician: - sorcerer, wise man. Notice what Thayer's Greek- English Lexicon says about the same word magoi. The name given by the Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreter of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers, etc. It goes on to say that the oriental wise men (astrologers) who, having discovered by the rising of the remarkable star that the Messiah had just been born, and that therefore thy came to Jerusalem to worship him.[1] The acclaimed and scholarly Bauer's “A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature” (BDAG) basically says the same thing as the other two dictionaries mentioned. So, there is a case for the magoi (plural)- wise men to have been of this caste of astrologer-soothsayers. There is also the fact that magos was used referring to the false prophet Elymas (Bar-Jesus) in Acts 13:8. Also, God has at times used the ungodly for His purposes. Yet, that the magoi were sorcerer magicians doesn't sit right with my spirit and the witness of the Holy Spirit concerning the story of the wise men that visited Jesus. Too many Scriptures condemn the practices of the astrologers and sorcerers. There is too much evidence in Scripture of God's eternal displeasure with those that practice such things. God hates all of it! Could there be something else going on that has been ignored for centuries? In my heart, to believe that the magoi that visited Jesus were soothsayers- astrologers sounds like this: “Wait a minute! Do you mean to tell me that astrologers and soothsayers (practitioners of witchcraft or sorcery) came to worship the Messiah because they saw the star of the Messiah-King manifested in the sky? How did they know anything about that prophetic word in Number 24:17? Does that sound right to you? Do you mean to tell me that Joseph and Mary (strict Jewish followers of Torah) would have received heathens from hell that were astrologers, soothsayers, and served false gods? Would they have received myrrh, frankincense, and gold from these pagans?” Knowing something about Judaism in the first century, I would have to say emphatically, “No way Joseph and Mary would have received them!” The first foreign dignitaries to visit the child Jesus were magicians (wizards) and astrologers from Babylon? Yuk! The idea makes me throw up a little in my mouth because I know all those other Scriptures that I gave you above, where God rejects (and detests, hates) all forms of witchcraft and sorcery, including astrology! Scripture should be primarily interpreted with other Scripture. I think the story of the wise men has been interpreted without reference to other Scripture that should have made us reassess our conclusions. That time is here and now! If these magoi were pagan devils, they would never have been received by Joseph or Mary or anybody of the Jewish faith that was present that day. Jews had strict laws concerning receiving pagans into their home or going to visit pagans and coming under their roof. It was considered a violation of the law of Moses. To have received foreign devil worshippers into their home would have defiled them and left them in ritual impurity. Jews did not associate with pagans! Did you know that Jesus' first followers and converts after the day of Pentecost were ONLY Jews and their half-brothers, the Samaritans (Acts 8)? There were no Gentiles among the believers for at least ten years after Pentecost. Read Acts chapters 2-10 as a reference. It took a supernatural vision coming to the apostle Peter in Acts 10 to open the way for salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be preached to the Gentiles. Until then, it was taken for granted that association with the Gentiles was verboten, and the gospel message was only for Jews. Again, there was a separation of the Jews from pagans until salvation and the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and all his house as Peter preached to them. (Acts 10). Ok, if the magoi couldn't have been pagan, astrologer, devil worshippers that came to worship the King Messiah, and I have presented Scriptural evidence that would contradict the notion that they were, what and who were they, and can it be proven? Do you remember that I stated above that The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Bible says (G3097) that the word is of foreign origin from the Hebrew (H7248)”? H7248 in Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew- English Lexicon gives us these foreign words: rab-saris (H7249) and rab-mag. [2] It says these words are of Assyrian or Babylonian influence and “titles of As.-Bab. officers (that) are prob. loan words in Hebrew.” [3] Rab-mag could be a chief soothsayer (and I think that is the point that confused scholars), but BDB states this is equal to rab-mugi (chief of princes). BDB further states that rab-sarisis usually in Babylon chief of eunuchs, but it is equal to rabu-saresi, chief of the heads (the principal men). So, both titles could refer to government dignitaries that had little to nothing to do with astrology-sorcery. Chief of eunuchs (rab-saris) was also a minister or officer of the state, such as a general, governor, or prince. See the reference to the master or prince of eunuchs (sar-saris) [4] responsible for teaching a few selected children of Israel in all the learning and the tongue of Babylon. They (and Daniel was among them) were to be skillful in all wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understanding science. (See Daniel 1:1-21.) Wow!! Does that not start to make you think differently? Are you beginning to get some light about this? The definitions above from the Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon of the Old Testament (BDB) leads us to believe that the magoi from the East that came to visit Jesus could have been governmental leaders like the Hebrews that were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and later exalted to governmental positions overseeing his realm. Also, note the use of the word rab in the titles of these officials. You will see below why that word is so important. Do you remember that Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he refused to tell the magicians and sorcerers? He wanted someone to tell him the dream AND the interpretation. God gave Daniel the dream and its interpretation, something only God could do. With that supernatural event, proving that Jehovah God was the one and only true God, Nebuchadnezzar exalted Daniel and made him chief (rab) of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:48) It would make perfect sense that these magoi from the East were Hebrew dignitaries from the eastern lands where Babylon and many other cities existed during the time of Jesus. That could satisfy our search. Did you know that there was a robust Hebrew or Jewish presence in those towns and cities of the East? Though the info is relatively sparse compared to other timeframes, some kings, queens, and whole areas seemed to have converted to Judaism. See references to the conversion to Judaism from paganism of the Adiabene kingdom in the first century. In the account of the ancient historian Josephus in his writings the Antiquities of the Jews (Book XX: Chapter 2), it shows that there was a substantial Jewish population in the kingdom. It led to the establishment of a prominent rabbinic academy in Arbela. There were Jews in many cities of the Parthian (Arcesid) empire. One prominent city with many Jews was Babylon. Historically, not all Jews left Babylon after the return to the land of Israel under Ezra and Nehemiah. Synagogues and academies were established in many cities under the Parthian and Armenian Empires. This trend of an increasing Jewish population in the Eastern lands continued for centuries. The largest rabbinical academies were in the East. I am emphasizing that because students of the Scripture in rabbinic schools would have read and understood the prophetic Word about the star of the Messiah-King rising out of the land of Israel. It would have signaled the coming of this Anointed one. The Jews would have sent their most able and learned leaders to investigate the matter. Now, that makes complete spiritual sense to me, especially when you begin to see that the title rab was given to especially gifted rabbinic leaders or chiefs. Rab was the title of the Babylonian sages who taught in the Babylonian Jewish academies. The titles "Rabban" and "Rabbi" (the root word being rab) are first mentioned in first through fifth century Jewish literature in the Mishnah and the Talmud. The term was first used in the Mishnah for Rabban Gamaliel the elder, Rabban Simeon his son, and Rabban Johanan ben Zakkai, all of whom were patriarchs or presidents of the Sanhedrin in the first century. The word rabbi occurs fifteen times in the New Testament (in the NKJV) speaking about Jesus or others. Jesus was called rabbi in the first century, and He was THE Greatest of the Great Rabbis! The root word of rabbi is rab! All that leads me to believe that the magoi were not devil worshipping astrologers, but they were the most honored Jewish religious leaders from the East that knew the prophetic Scripture and came to worship the King-Messiah Jesus! Now that agrees with my heart in the Holy Spirit! That I can believe! I can now understand how the strict Jewish family of Jesus and all the Jews of Bethlehem saw nothing wrong with visiting Jewish religious leaders from the East worshipping the King-Messiah. Joseph and Mary probably felt honored and received with great joy these Jewish leaders among the sages in Babylon! It was all good! Much more info could be included here, but I will let it be for now. Be blessed! Jesus was born to die in our place and to redeem us. That was the purpose of His birth, to get God's Son into a human body! Only a perfect human without sin, the Second and Last Adam, could pay the eternal price for a guilty humanity. It was a great plan, one that changed things forever! Have you ever read my 244 page book, The Story of our Great Redemption? This is the link for the free download of the book! Today's podcast gives you the story of redemption in a nutshell. Be blessed with the Word! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! NOTES: [1] Downloaded from Thayer's in the Mantis Bible Study app. [2] BDB p. 916, 7248-49. [3] Coded to Strong's numbers, p. 913, and see 7227 for both rab-mag and rab saris. I transliterated the words from the Hebrew found there. [4] Daniel 1:3, 7 and look up the two titles rab-saris and sar-saris in CWS. Rab-mag and rab-sarisis also found in Jeremiah 39:3, 13. These titles referred to Babylonian princes.
Prayer for the Nations | The Prayer Experience with Nigel & Louisa | Sun 12th Dec 2021 Nigel and Louisa are leading the Prayer Experience Team in prayers today. We continue to stand in prayers for our world trusting God for spiritual awakening in nations. [Luke 18:1 NLT] One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Let us PRAY. Amen
You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them. ~ 2 Samuel 22:28 (NLT) One of the shows my family and I enjoy watching is America's Got Talent. This show features people from all over the world using their gifts (singing, dancing, illusion, comedy, etc.), to try and wow the judges, win over America, and eventually be crowned the winner. A couple of seasons ago, the show brought back nearly all of the former winners from past seasons and the runner-ups. It was the cream-of-the-crop. The talent was amazing. The stories of many of the artists were truly inspirational. But what struck me the most was two of the contestants from England. Susan Boyle and Paul Potts. Both have extraordinary singing voices, yet don't look the part of international superstars. They have both gone on to sell millions of albums and perform for sold out shows all over the world. Yet, every time someone paid them a compliment, they reacted with absolute humility. They weren't the divas that singers often times can be. They answered with a simple, genuine “thank you.” They never pumped their fist, thumped their chest, or jumped up and down. They didn't wear a cheesy grin. They simply were thankful for this moment in life. Humility has a large roll to play in our faith. In fact, it probably is the most important thing for us to practice as Christians. Why? Humility means that the focus is always on something greater than us. Humility also dictates how close God is in our lives. Check out our verse today, “You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them.” Notice, God is close to us, He is rescuing us because we recognize our need of our Lord and Savior. But, when we think we somehow can manage areas of our life apart from Him, we will be humiliated when we discover that our human abilities, our human minds, cannot give us the joy and love which can only come from God. When we tell God, “I know better than you” in any area of our life, He honors our decision, steps back and allows the train wreck to happen. It is our choice to be prideful, after all. Today, and every day, humble yourself before God. Accept that you need Him in control of every area of your life – career, school, friendships, finances, romance, family, church, where you live, and on and on. Then, be humble enough to let Him.
I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. ~ Isaiah 57:15 (NLT) One of the craziest games I played in high school varsity sports involved a basketball game my senior year. We travelled to play a team we hadn't played before. Of course, going and playing a game on someone else's home court is often times a bit more difficult as they not only practice every day on that court, they also have all of the student body and parents present to cheer them on. This is called the “home court advantage.” As the game began, it was clear that the intensity of the other team was much greater than ours. They jumped out to an early lead and it kept growing and growing. By halftime, we found ourselves down by over 20 points – which, in a high school basketball game, is rarely overcome. At half time, we entered the locker room with our heads held low. The coach just looked at us and uttered the words, “You guys figure it out for yourselves,” and left the room. What proceeded from the team was a shouting match at one another for poor play. However, something unexplainable happened. We began to admit our own failures and apologizing to our teammates for letting them down. It was pretty awesome. As the second half began, the intensity and teamwork belonged to us. We fought. We played hard. We worked together. We won by two points as my friend hit a buzzer-beater to clinch the victory. Our comeback was complete, and we stood victorious. We learned a lot about humility that day. Humility plays a key role in our faith journey with Jesus as well. Check out our verse today, “I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” Humility, for us in relation to Jesus is realizing this: It's not about me. Humility is admitting that each one of us have screwed up, and we need to own it. When we are humble enough to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior, our spirits are revived. When we humble ourselves and seek God's forgiveness, we become courageous. When we submit to His will, His team, we become fearless and confident. But, not for our own purposes. Instead, we become fearless in serving the Kingdom of God. So today, and every day, humble yourself before God. Realize each day your need of a Savior. Ask for, and thank Him for forgiveness. Find restoration. Find courage in Christ.
Open the Heavens! | The Prayer Experience with Pastor Dele | Thurs 28th Oct 2021 Join the Prayer Experience Team as Pastor Dele leads the prayer this afternoon. Everytime the heavens open, there is a divine intervention in the affairs of mankind. [Luke 3;21-22 NLT] One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Let us PRAY. Amen
Prayer for the Nations | The Prayer Experience with Jane Pratt | Sat 25th Sept 2021 Join the TEAM as Jane Pratt leads the prayer session Saturday afternoon. We standing in gap on behalf of the nations across the world.[Luke 18:1 NLT]One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Let us PRAY. Amen Let us PRAY The Prayer Experience is a daily online devotional that airs 1pm on weekdays and 2pm at weekends.(UK Time) Everyone is invited to join in this inspiring time of prayer and intercession on behalf of the Nations, Communities and the Local Church around the world. The Prayer Experience is available on the platform of DeleTalks Media Uk / YouTube, Facebook / Podcasts. For more details visit www.thekingdomlife.co.uk
Don't give up on this season. If you're still in it, God isn't done with it. “From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”” -Matthew 4:17 NLT “Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” -Matthew 6:8-10 NLT One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs. You won't be able to say, ‘Here it is!' or ‘It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” -Luke 17:20-21 NLT “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, preaching the Good News from God. He said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!”” -Mark 1:14-15 NCV “... It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” -Romans 13:11 NCV Action brings hope to life. You won't possess your promise without preparing for it. “He then said, “God's word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here's what will happen—you won't hear the wind, you won't see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill. This is easy for God to do; he will also hand over Moab to you…” -2 Kings 3:16-18 Message The deeper you dig, the more you can hold.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT) One of the best-selling categories of books is the self-help genre. These books promise to give the reader all of the information that they need to attain their greatest desires. Want to become thin overnight? There's a book that will tell you how. Most likely it will tell you to eat better and exercise more. Want to land that perfect boyfriend or girlfriend? There's a book that will give you some awesome pick up lines. Want to become a billionaire? There are lots of books about that. Mostly, though, these books help the authors become billionaires while us poor folk scratch our heads and wonder why we aren't rolling in the cash. Of course, then there is the more modern invention of life coaches. A life coach is someone that you hire to help you navigate through life. Whether it is romantic advice, career guidance, or just someone to cheer you on, you can rent a coach that will do all of that for you. In our Christian walk, sometimes we too look for guidance from various sources. We turn to outside help in order to guide us in the ways of being a good Christian. Whether it is a book, blog, vlog, or sermon, we seek wisdom from others on how to live a godly life. Here's the problem: That's not biblical. As Peter, a guy who walked and talked with Jesus, stated, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” Our source of information on how to live a godly life must come from God himself. So, where do we find the knowledge on how to live a godly life? A couple of sources stand out: 1) Prayer. Prayer connects us with God in a holy conversation. 2) A book. However, this isn't a self-help book. It has all of the knowledge necessary to know God. It's called the Bible. Both of these sources are infallible. In other words, they can't lead you wrong. So today, and every day, spend quality time with God in prayer. Spend time in his book, the Bible. Let God be your life coach. Read His best-seller. You will be blessed.
So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) One of the more intriguing jobs on the planet has got to be working as an ambassador. These men and women literally move to a different country in order to represent the interests of their country of citizenship. For example, we have a U.S. ambassador to China who lives in China and coordinates with the Chinese government to help build relationships, negotiate treaties, and to help ensure that American interests are heard and understood. As a U.S. ambassador, you get to speak on behalf of the President of the United States and the people of this great land. So, not only do you get to immerse yourself into a foreign culture, but you also have the backing of your government to do so. In our Christian walk, we too are called to be ambassadors. No, we don't represent the USA, but we are called to represent the Kingdom of God. We are to be God's mouthpiece here on earth. We are called to build relationships with those outside of God's Kingdom. But, to do so, we are required to step outside of our comfort zone. You see, in order to be an ambassador, you have to leave the confines of your normal, Christian life and take the gospel message to foreign territory. No, you don't have to move to China, or any other country – though God could call you to do so. Foreign territory is anywhere outside of our faith community. Going to church on Sabbath is not foreign territory. Going out Sabbath afternoon and serving the homeless is. Going to potluck is not foreign territory. Going to a non-Christian friend's house for dinner and relationship-building is. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, and we become a Christian, we automatically become an ambassador for God. As such, each one of us is called to fulfill our duty to His kingdom. We are given the privilege to share Jesus with the world. And, it is an honor to do so. So, today, and every day, seek opportunities to be an ambassador for God. Ask Him to show you where to serve and who to connect with each day. Pray that God will give you His words to speak on His behalf. Pray that God will make you a truly awesome ambassador for the Kingdom of God.
Praying God's Word - The Prayer Experience with Jane Pratt (Sat 21st Aug 2021) This Saturday, Jane leads us in prayers for the Nations. God's Word encourages us to never give up and keep standing in the place of intercession. [Luke 18:1 NLT] "One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up." Let us PRAY. Amen The Prayer Experience is a daily online devotional that airs 1pm on weekdays and 2pm at weekends.(UK Time) Everyone is invited to join in this inspiring time of prayer and intercession on behalf of the Nations, Communities and the Local Church around the world. The Prayer Experience is available on the platform of DeleTalks Media Uk / YouTube, Facebook / Podcasts. For more details visit www.thekingdomlife.co.uk
I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Share Your Story • https://beaverton.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - August 1, 2021 The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Uncommon Humility, Part 1 - Acts 10 (NLT) - Jon Furman Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility Philippians 2:5-8You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. “He humbled himself…” Even though Jesus was above everything, nothing was beneath him. Acts 10:1-2 (NLT)In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. Acts 10:3-6 (NLT)One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” Acts 10:9-14 (NLT)The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” Acts 10:15-16a & 19-20 (NLT)But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven… Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:24-26 (NLT)They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!” Acts 10:28-29 (NLT)Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 10:34-38 (NLT)Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:39-40a & 42-43 (NLT) “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day… And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”Acts 10:44-47 (NLT)Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” I Peter 5:5b-6 (NLT)…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Let Humility draw you close to God Let Humility draw Godly people close to you Let Humility put you in your place
Join us as Brian continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Share Your Story • https://willamette.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Sermon Notes - July 4, 2021The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Brian Becker Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility “Some millennials resent church because their parents were good at church but not good at life. They struggle attending a place that consumed their parents time but never transformed their private life.” - Lisa Fields Unless we make room for God in our lives, we'll never be great at making room in our lives for others. 2 Kings 4:8-10 (NLT)One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. 2 Kings 4:8-10 (NLT)She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. 2 Kings 4:10 (NLT)Let's build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” 2 Kings 4:8 (NLT)One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there… 2 Kings 4:8 (NLT)One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. 2 Kings 4:9 (NLT)She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. 2 Kings 4:10 (NLT)Let's build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” #1: Making room for God begins with an invitation. 2 Kings 4:8 (NLT)One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal… Psalm 63:1 (KJV)O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Mark 1:35 (NIV)Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. #2: Making room for God is better in community. 2 Kings 4:10 (NLT)Let's build a small room for him… #3: Making room for God means sacrificing something you have, for something you want more. 2 Kings 4:10 (NLT)Let's build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” 2 Kings 4:16 (NLT)“About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don't mislead your servant!” 2 Kings 4:17 (NLT)But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. We can't make God move, but we can make room for him to move. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
We Do Our Part God Does His | Obedience 6.13.6 Matthew 16:24 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 1 Samuel 15:1-3 (NLT) One day Samuel said to Saul, “It was the Lord who told me to anoint you as king of his people, Israel. Now listen to this message from the Lord! 2 This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies has declared: I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. 3 Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.” 1. God's instructions may not make sense to us, but they are still HIS instructions. 1 Samuel 15:4-6 (NLT) So Saul mobilized his army at Telaim. There were 200,000 soldiers from Israel and 10,000 men from Judah. 5 Then Saul and his army went to a town of the Amalekites and lay in wait in the valley. 6 Saul sent this warning to the Kenites: “Move away from where the Amalekites live, or you will die with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up from Egypt.” So the Kenites packed up and left. 1 Samuel 15:7-9 (NLT) Then Saul slaughtered the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag, the Amalekite king, but completely destroyed everyone else. 9 Saul and his men spared Agag's life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality. 2. There is no such thing as being obedient enough Mark 10:17-22 (NASB) As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 1 Samuel 15:10-15 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul. Someone told him, “Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to himself; then he went on to Gilgal.” 13 When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord's command!” 14 “Then what is all the bleating of sheep and goats and the lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel demanded. 15 “It's true that the army spared the best of the sheep, goats, and cattle,” Saul admitted. “But they are going to sacrifice them to the Lord your God. We have destroyed everything else.” 3. The battle is not ours, and the victory is not ours. 1 Samuel 15:16-22 (NLT) Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! Listen to what the Lord told me last night!” “What did he tell you?” Saul asked. 17 And Samuel told him, “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord has anointed you king of Israel. 18 And the Lord sent you on a mission and told you, ‘Go and completely destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, until they are all dead.' 19 Why haven't you obeyed the Lord? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord's sight?” 20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul insisted. “I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. 21 Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and plunder to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 4. There is nothing more precious to God than your obedience. 1 John 5:1-5 (NLT) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Psalm 119:57-64 (NLT) 57 Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! 58 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. 59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. 60 I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. 61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. 62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. 63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. 64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 … Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God's peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it's far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude. What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God's hand? Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”
Join us as Brian teaches for our first week of The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility. Share Your Story • https://willamette.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - June 6, 2021The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Brian Becker Sermon Notes - June 6, 2021The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Brian Becker Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility Every defining moment begins with a decision. 2 Kings 6:24-25 (NIV)Sometime later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria. There was a great famine in the city; the siege lasted so long that donkeys head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels. Civil War: 1865Bacon: $20/lbLive Hens: $50 eaButter $20/lb 2 Kings 7:3 (NLT)Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates. “Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. 2 Kings 7:4 (NLT)“We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.” 2 Kings 7:5 (NLT)So at twilight, they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 2 Kings 7:6 (NLT)For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. “The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. 2 Kings 7:7-8 (NLT)So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives. When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing. When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. 2 Kings 7:9 (NLT)Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren't sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let's go back and tell the people at the palace.” 2 Kings 7:10-11 (NLT)So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. “We went out to the Aramean camp,” they said, “and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered and the tents were all in order, but there wasn't a single person around!” Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace. 2 Kings 7:12 (NLT)The king got out of bed in the middle of the night and told his officers, “I know what has happened. The Arameans know we are starving, so they have left their camp and have hidden in the fields. They are expecting us to leave the city, and then they will take us alive and capture the city.” 2 Kings 7:13 (NLT)One of his officers replied, “We had better send out scouts to check into this. Let them take five of the remaining horses. If something happens to them, it will be no worse than if they stay here and die with the rest of us.” 2 Kings 7:14-15 (NLT)So two chariots with horses were prepared, and the king sent scouts to see what had happened to the Aramean army. They went all the way to the Jordan River, following a trail of clothing and equipment that the Arameans had thrown away in their mad rush to escape. The scouts returned and told the king about it. 2 Kings 7:16 (NLT)Then the people of Samaria rushed out and plundered the Aramean camp.God provides.They decide.Everyone benefits. The four men of 2 Kings 7:Lepers.Outcast.Dealt a bad hand.Living in pain.Brink of death.Uncertain Future.Finally made it. Way overdue. Legitimate Excuses To Withhold:We did the work.We were smarter.We had more courage.We've had it harder.We'll need more for later. Legitimate Excuses to Withhold:It's my money.I worked for it.I was smart enough to make it.I've had to be courageous.I've had it harder than most.I will definitely need more of it. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Anything we have is a provision from God.Intentional giving changes the world. 2 Kings 7:6-7 (NLT)For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching… So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives. Psalm 24:1 (NIV)The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIRV)But remember the Lord your God. He gives you the ability to produce wealth. Anything we have is a provision from God.Intentional giving changes the world. 2 Kings 7:9 (NLT)Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren't sharing with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let's go back and tell the people at the palace.”What decision do you need to make, in the midst of wherever you are, to share the goods and good news that God has entrusted you with?
Acts 14:21-23 (NLT) After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. “Verse 21 “When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples” Verse 23 “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church” Verse 22 “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” . Acts 16:1-5 (NLT) Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey 4 Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day. Our Part: Going, Growing, Supporting and Increasing Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Psalm 96:3 (NLT) 3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Acts 16:6-10 (NLT) Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. God's Part: Opening and Closing Doors Revelation 3:7-8 (NLT) “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: 8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Acts 16:11-13 (NLT) We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. Our Part: Reaching and Teaching Beyond our Current Grasp 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT) But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. Romans 1:14-15 (NLT) For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. Acts 16:14-15 (NLT) One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed. God's Part: Breaking Hard Hearts Wide Open Ephesians 1:15-18 (NLT) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance Romans 3:11 (NKJV) There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. Romans 10:13-15 (NLT) For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? Luke 10:1-2 (NLT) The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.
We'll begin our week with 1 Peter 2:1-3 … So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. (NLT) One of the first signs of personal growth and spiritual maturity is that our desires start to change. Rarely will that take place overnight, but over time. To be blunt, the cravings for sin just start to decrease and the desire for the good, right, and pure things of God slowly overcome old habits and patterns and the replacement process begins. This can be seen in where we no longer wish to go, to people we no longer choose to be around, or things we lose the desire to do. Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God. Take a moment to consider where you know your desires have changed. Relationships, friendships, places, activities? Sometimes we have to stop and realize that we have allowed something to fall away, recognize anything that we have let go of, or something new we have started, as a positive step of growth in our lives. If you realize or recognize a change, celebrate that growth. A win is a win. Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for how You have changed my mind, my heart, my attitude, my taste for things of the past, and my desire for the things of You. Help me to keep growing, one day, one step at a time. As above, so below.”
In our final day on grace, let’s take a look at what we can do after we receive God’s gift. 2 Timothy 1:8-10 … So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. … For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) One of the reasons we must fully understand and receive God’s grace is so we can be a reflection of His grace. We live in a day when people are desperately searching for grace and mercy. Simply showing grace out of an overflow of our hearts can attract people to want to know what creates this in our lives. Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master. … We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. Who in your life is on a desperate search for grace? Could it be that this week was all about you coming to a deeper understanding of God’s grace so you can share that grace with those you know? And never forget—Your salvation is about what Christ has done, not what You can do for Him. And His grace is all you need for His power to be made strong in You through your weakness. Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I surrender my weakness to You. Make me strong in Your grace. Help me to share what You have done in me and for me with those who need You. As above, so below.”
Our weekly worship service and message from St. Augustine, Florida with Pastor Josh Hersey. So glad you are joining in with us for our worship service. New Here? Did you Make a decision to follow Christ today? Fill out our digital connection card: https://www.churchontherock.net/digitalconnectioncard How Can we pray with you? www.churchontherock.net/prayerrequest Give online at: https://www.churchontherock.net/giving NOTES SERMON: Your Ear SERIES: A New Day Lead Pastor: Josh Hersey (Isaiah 43:19 NIV) I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Exodus 3:1-8 NLT) One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” 4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. 5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own good and spacious land. Moses goes to a quiet place. (Luke 5:16 NLT) Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Moses postures himself to receive from God. (John 10:27 NKJV) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Questions to reflect on this week: Where is your quiet place? What is God saying to you? (Romans 10:17 NKJV) Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Bible). This week’s study: Read and ponder Exodus chapter 4
Un$trapped: Biblical Wisdom on MoneyPart 1: Who is First?Matthew 6:24 (MSG) – “You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.Matthew 6:21 (NIV) – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.The First is Given by Faith on the FirstTHE FIRST…Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) – Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.Leviticus 27:30 (NLT) – One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.Malachi 3:8-10 (NIV) – “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?' “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.THE FIRST IS GIVEN BY FAITH…Genesis 4:2b-3 (NIV) – Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering.Genesis 4:4-5a (NIV) – And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor…Hebrews 11:4 (NIV) – By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings….Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) – And without faith it is impossible to please God…THE FIRST IS GIVEN BY FAITH ON THE FIRST1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT) – On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.Mark's Tithing StoryDue to poor decisions I had made, I had been at a point in my life where I did not have any extra money, and at times had to decide which bill I was going to pay and which one could maybe slip a little. I was using credit cards to pay bills, creating a wheel that kept on spinning into frustration and despair financially. I was a financial mess (which affected other areas of my life as well).I was giving to church, but not tithing. I gave a little each time I went, but it was out of what I had leftover, after making decisions on what to pay. It was never very much.The church I was attending began a challenge. The challenge was to tithe (yes, a full 10% of a person's income) for 90 days. Their challenge was that if a person's life did not change for the better within that 90 days, the church would give that money back.The numbers regarding my income and bills did not support doing this. I did not have enough money coming in to pay my bills. How could I possibly give away 10% on top of that. However, after thinking about it a lot, and praying for guidance (admittedly, my faith was not very strong then), I decided to give it a try. I had no intention of asking for my money back after the 90 days if things did not show improvement, but that option was there.I made it through the 90 days of tithing and made all of my financial obligations. I made changes in spending. I was able to earn a little more at work through assignments. My attitude changed, this time for the better. That was a turning point in my life…Now, my tithe to church (based upon my gross income, not my net income) is typically the first “payment” I make each month. Anything else I give is above and beyond the tithe. And I am blessed beyond measure….We are debt free again, and it is a freedom unlike any other. It opens so many doors and opportunities to give. God blesses the giver. My blessings have come in so many ways; from getting a grasp on anxiety, depression, anger, and PTSD issues to simply becoming more aware of the everyday sightings and hearings from God.
The Necessity of Prayer Luke 18:1-8 1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2 "There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' 4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!"' 6 Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. 7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?" Intro: Luke 19:46 (NLT) He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of theives." Always Pray Luke 18:1 (NLT) One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) Never stop praying. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Don't Quit Praying Lulke 18:1 (NLT) One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Romans 12:12 (NLT) Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Be Persistent Luke 18:3-5 (NLT) A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'" Colossians 4:2 (NLT) Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Ask for Justice Luke 18:3-5 (NLT) A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'" Luke 18:6-8 (NLT) Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?" Pray with Faith Luke 18:8 (NLT) I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?
It is the small, consistent habits over time that can change your life. Whether you want to improve your health, start a business or write a book, it takes intentionality with your habits. “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT One of the hardest things in life is to continue doing something despite not seeing the results right away. There are no shortcuts. It takes consistent hard work over the long haul. Doing little things day after day will lead to big results in due time. “We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa MOMENTUM Free 21-Day Move Your Body Challenge We are excited to help you create these small habits by hosting a free challenge we will be starting on January 11, 2020. It's called Momentum: a 21-day move your body challenge where we help you gain momentum in your fitness by encouraging you to move just 15 minutes a day. You'll get free workouts, accountability in our app or online member area, and audios. Sign up now to save your spot and invite a friend to join you here: https://aliveandactivewellness.com/momentum/
1. The church began with a statement of vision for kidsActs 2:14 (NLT) Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants--men and women alike-- and they will prophesy.3 Primary groups1. Older people 2. Young people 3. Sons and daughters.Acts 2:39 (NKJV) “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”The typical church kids numbers...Graphic here2. Jesus has a vision for kids ministryMark 10:13 (NLT) One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.1. Jesus touches children.2. He ministered to the children who were “brought.”2 aspects of bringers.1. The church brings them.2. Parents are the primary bringers. Let your kids see you serve God.Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
A Samaritan Church: Give until it helps by Pastor Courtney McBath Luke 10:27-37 (NLT)One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man […] The post A Samaritan Church: Give Until it Helps appeared first on Wave Church.
A Samaritan Church: Give until it helps by Pastor Courtney McBath Luke 10:27-37 (NLT)One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: […] The post A Samaritan Church: Give Until it Helps appeared first on Wave Church.
Wednesday 11th November 2020. Hello and a lovely Wednesday morning to you in the name of Jesus. We thank God for His goodness; love and we trust Him that this year we are finishing well and strong in the name of Jesus. The Bible says " God is the one who crowns this year for us with His goodness and cause our path to drop with abundance and blessings. May that be our portion in the name of Jesus. We have been looking at imitating Trinity, learning from God, learning the dynamics of teamwork from God and it's interesting the things we are learning. Yesterday, we spoke about the fact that we need to be more proactive in getting our teams and initiate things that we saw in Jesus and we just go a bit further in that. We will read this morning in Luke 6:12-16 (NLT) "One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him)" We see here how important the team selection process is to Jesus and mind you Jesus is still part of the Trinity so we are learning from the Trinity so we saw in our lesson yesterday, how we are to initiate and go out, now we are seeing the power of process. What He did before He went out to choose, because He knew the power of His team and He knew that this was going to be one of the most important, if not the most important team He will have on it because of the responsibility He will give them. The Bible says, " He prayed all night to God" What do you think He was praying about? I think he was praying about these names. Lord should I choose Peter? If I choose Peter, peter is a bit stubborn and brash, what will he do? How about this ? How about that? Lord is this person, right? And He began to ask questions about each of them. Lord should I choose Judas? He said "Choose Judas" but he is going to betray me. He said, "Yes you need someone to betray you, that's purpose" He said "The zealot that one is like a troublemaker, a fighter should I choose him? Yes, you need them." You need the power of love to change their lives and He prayed all through the night asking questions then in the morning He came out, called all His disciples together and He selected twelve from them. It's important that we don't just take team selection casually. A team like we spoke about yesterday could be a marriage, business, ministry team. The more strategic the team is, the more careful we should be in selecting. Jesus knew the power of this team, so He was extremely careful. This is Jesus, part of the God head. He was extremely careful, praying all through the night to choose them. The Bible says in Isa 11:3 it said " He will not choose by the seeing of the eyes or by the hearing of the ears only but in righteousness" Why? because we can be confused by the things we see and by the words we hear. That's why it's important just like we see in Jesus we get divine perspective. Somebody that looks useless today, might be very useful tomorrow. Somebody that looks like a star today might just become a cause of scar tomorrow. Let's take our team selection seriously. That's what we see in Jesus, who is a member of the Trinity. If He took that process well, He had to pray it through the night, we need to do the same. God bless you. Have a Lovely day.
Pour Some Out by Pastor Luke Llewellyn Psalm 23:1 (NLT)The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT)One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the […] The post Pour Some Out appeared first on Wave Church.
Monday 21st September, 2020 Hello and a lovely Monday morning to you in the name of Jesus. We're gradually coming to the end of the month of September and today we'll be starting another series. We've been talking about the power of conviction to conquer. Today and till the end of this month we'll be talking about how to cultivate our conviction. It's important we understand that cultivation conviction is a lot of work, from time to time our conviction will be challenged, sometimes it won't be there at all but it's important to know what to do to cultivate it. If it's there to increase it, if its not there to know what to do to get it there. So we'll be reading from the book of Acts chapter 7 verses 23 to 35(NLT): “One day when Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his relatives, the people of Israel. He saw an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite. So Moses came to the man's defence and avenged him, killing the Egyptian. Moses assumed his fellow Israelites would realize that God had sent him to rescue them, but they didn't. “The next day he visited them again and saw two men of Israel fighting. He tried to be a peacemaker. ‘Men,' he said, ‘you are brothers. Why are you fighting each other?' “But the man in the wrong pushed Moses aside. ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' he asked. ‘Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?' Verse 29: When Moses heard that, he fled the country and lived as a foreigner in the land of Midian. There his two sons were born. Verse 30: “Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight and he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, ‘I am the Lord God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look. “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt. Verses 35: “So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and saviour. Moses had attempted something at age forty. At age forty he was convinced God had raised him as the saviour and deliverer to the children of Israel. He made an attempt to do it but it blew up on his face, he turned around and had to run away from Egypt as a fugitive. He ran to the land of Midian and for forty years he had nothing to do with God, had nothing to do with being a deliverer or a saviour and that was it. One day in the burning bush God picks him up again and God began to talk to him about delivering His people and God sent him back to the land of Egypt to be their ruler, their saviour, God sent him back to be their deliverer. How merciful God is. What was the difference between what Moses was at age forty and what he did at age eighty? Conviction. At age forty when he had that bad incident when he ran away conviction was depleted and his conviction was gone. When he met God on that mountain and God began to talk to him gradually, gradually, gradually his conviction began to build up and God sent him back to the place he had run away before. I trust God as you begin to work on your conviction and begin to cultivate your conviction the place you have failed before you will succeed in the name of Jesus, the people who have rejected you before you will go and thrive in what God has called you. Be strong, be courageous and begin to work on your conviction. God bless you. Have a lovely day.
Today, we continue with King David’s words as he deals with his own sin and forgiveness: Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-5 NLT) David’s detailed and intense description of his battle with sin and confession offers us such a great encouragement to go straight to the Lord and be honest with all our confessions. We see the journey of David trying to ignore his guilt and pain, his loss of even physical health, and then his ultimate surrender of all rebellion. Healthy acceptance of shame through confession brings us in line with authentic humility and our dependency on God. Can you see the power in confession and surrender? Is there something in you life that you need to confess and surrender to God’s grace? Listen to verses 1, 2 and 5 once again—the result of full confession and acceptance of forgiveness: Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! … You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-2, 5 NLT) One thing we can know for certain: refusing to confess sin and trying to hide guilt for very long cannot last. Eventually, like water seeping from a crack in a dam, it begins to leak until a deluge comes pouring out. Today, if you relate to any part of David’s words, take his advice and make things right. Confess and then accept total and absolute forgiveness. Pray with me using David’s words: “Heavenly Father, forgive my disobedience. Put my sin out of sight. Clear my record. Thank You for forgiving me. Now, may I let go of my guilt and accept Your grace. As above, so below.”
Acts 2:39 - The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call. When God gives us something that we can grab hold of & hang on to & believe Him for individually (as in, just for us as His dearly loved child) it's terribly comforting. It's very personal. When God gives us as His whole body, His whole Church, a promise, that's just plain beautiful. And when God gives us promises that are generational - as in, for those who will come after us (specifically our children and our grandchildren and so on) --- well, that is something else entirely! When you spend time in prayer for your children - which I hope happens every single day - don't fail to utilize and make the most of the promise from this New Testament verse. I want to encourage you to use this verse in your beseeching (and if your prayers aren't exactly "beseeching" the Lord for specific things for your offspring, I guess this is your challenge to make sure they become "beseeching" prayers!). Please be willing to pray God's Word back to Him on behalf of your loved ones. Don't miss this!! It delights Him when His children know His Word and speak His Word in prayer. Praying in this manner reveals that we believe His Word is true. It reveals our faith in Him when we pray His promises in belief. Ask God to give you specific promises for your children. And be sure to write those promises down where you will see them often and pray them often. Be sure to put them down in ink, not with a pencil. God's promises are not able to be altered or erased, so don't treat them as if they might be "erase-able" by writing them down with lead rather than with ink, if you get my meaning. Have you ever met a kid who just sort of keeps on this type of rant: "But you promised! You said you would do that! You said! But you said...!!!" Believe it or not, we need to behave a bit more like this in our prayer lives and a whole lot less timidly. (God's Word tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace to find help in our time of need --- check out Episode #1 of The Burt (Not Ernie) Show to hear more about that verse from the book of Hebrews). We need to become more importunate in our praying. Let's look at these words from Jesus when He taught His disciples about prayer: Luke 11:5-10 (NLT) - Then, teaching them more about prayer, He used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this - thought he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you as for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 18:1-8 (NLT) - One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. "There was a judge in a certain city," He said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!' " Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?" Definition of IMPORTUNITY: persistence, especially to the point of annoyance --- shamelessness --- lack of modesty --- urgent request In the King James Version, Luke 11:8 uses the word IMPORTUNITY where the NLT uses the phrase "shameless persistence". This is, my friend, how the Lord Jesus TAUGHT His disciples to pray. And it is how He wants us to pray. *** Quick Side Note for Those Who Do Not Have Children *** You are a child of God. There is nobody - and I do mean absolutely nobody! - on the outside looking in when it comes to the Kingdom of God. I want you to take it from me - take this from me right now and don't set it down somewhere...take it and hold on to it, please! - You are not an outsider. You are absolutely and insider in God's Kingdom. You matter. Did you hear me? I said, YOU MATTER!!! Having or not having children does not mean you matter more or less - and this podcast episode is a promise for those who don't have children just as much as it is for those who are parents. Remember, you matter! There are no outsiders in God's family. You truly do matter. Ask the Lord to lead you to godly friendships, to places where you will not feel as if you are on the outside looking in, but are on the inside inviting others in to join you. Don't give up hope - pray to the God of all hope to give you a place where you can know you belong and not feel as if you are merely tolerated. Don't resign yourself to staying on the outside and looking in longingly...that is not what Jesus died for. Never forget, you matter! Now, let's take a look at the remainder of the promise in this verse. This promise is for all whom the Lord our God will call. There is a sense of the future tense in this verse. This is for all who will ever be called by the Lord. And we know that He wants everyone, as in all of mankind, to be saved and none to perish, so He is calling out to everyone. We can pray big prayers based on this promise! Pray God's promises and pray them again tomorrow and then the next day and just do not stop praying!! God's promises are for you ... & for your family... & for your circle of influence. So pray that way, believe this promise because it is 100% the truth. And a quick FYI - at the very tail end of July/start of August I am going to be hosting an online prayer retreat. It will take place via a Facebook group and all the prayer sessions will be there to watch & rewatch & members will be able to invite friends to join. And it will be totally, completely free. Stay tuned for more info or follow me on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with updates. Lots going on the next few weeks - I would love your prayers as I work overtime to get done in about 10 days what normally has about a 3 month runway...it's gonna be wild! Lord bless you - see you back here next time! JanLBurt.com JanLBurt@outlook.com on Instagram @janlburt
(Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (John 5:5-9 NLT) One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he […]
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html for updates on protecting others and yourself. - We are preparing, listening to the govt, to experts BUT where are we in preparing for the imminent return of Jesus Christ? That’s my focus for tonight. My prayer is that we continue praying, we form solid communities of prayer to seek God’s face. He is our shepherd and in him we have everything we need. You don’t have to be fearful. Scriptures to meditate: - Psalms 51:10 KJV “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 AMP “and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.” Exercise humility, pray and seek God. He is what we ought to be praying for, nothing else is more important. When we pray he will hear us, he will heal us and our land. Let’s us praise God because he forgives us, heals us, he’s merciful and he LOVES us- Psalm 103 - James 1:5 KJV “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” - Luke 18:1 NLT “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Verse 8, “I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” * I challenge you to start virtual prayer chains and just allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into prayer. He’s our intercessor and therefore knows that we ought to pray about that’s in accordance to God’s will. * Take this time to connect with loved ones and be a good neighbor. Spend time with your children, don’t overwhelm yourself with tomorrow- be present.Continue sowing in the many ways the Holy spirit leads you. Love, Una
Fasting is the doing away with food. Most importantly, fasting is the willful or voluntary abstinence from natural pleasure for a spiritual purpose. Matthew 9:14-15 NLT One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, "Why don't your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?" [15] Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Luke 7:36-50 (NLT) One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
This Sunday, February 17, we will continue our 7-week sermon series, "A Firm Foundation." In 6 days there will be a called General Conference (the only body that speaks officially for the UMC) and big changes related to our standards and practices on human sexuality will be debated and decided. While this is the presenting issue, the controversy goes much deeper; for instance, to the way we understand the authority of Scripture and the interpretation of God's Word. This weeks message is "**Loving God with an Undivided Heart**," and our key texts will be [Matthew 5:48; Romans 7:14-15; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25; Ephesians 2:8-10. ](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A48%3B+Romans+7%3A14-15%3B+1+Corinthians+10%3A12-13%3B+Galatians+5%3A16-18%2C+22-25%3B+Ephesians+2%3A8-10&version=NLT) One of the distinguishing marks of the Methodist movement is an emphasis on sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Jesus over time. We cooperate with the Holy Spirit who makes a home in us to experience even more of what God wants to do through us by not only trying to please God, but training to please God. Subscribe to our **New Hope UMC Sunday Sermon Podcast** on: * [Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/new-hope-umc-sunday-sermon-podcast/id1093524425?mt=2) * [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2habfMJ6S8jirQnpimNwHg?si=nKlvpZRrQYKnsJSJc6Du3Q) * [Stitcher Radio](http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87782&refid=stpr) * [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/Ijonx62ajd5qwxv3qgxkizdqnva?t=New_Hope_UMC_Sunday_Sermon_Podcast) * [Subscribe on Android](http://subscribeonandroid.com/findnewhopesunday.libsyn.com/rss) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFZw6j-ZlY45HU-m-lQ5XYuphsrbeJMsk)
When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!” “I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’” So he returned home to his father. (Luke 15:17-20a NLT) One of the most freeing moments in life is when we finally realize just how helpless and hurt we are because of our sinful choices. The light comes on in our hearts and we finally realize something needs to change. In this message we will learn that being honest with ourselves and with God is the first step towards healing.
(Matthew 4:18-19 NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers–Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew–throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will teach you how to fish for people!” […]
Guest Speaker: Kenny Large (Luke 5:1-11 NLT) One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one […]
For the Love How committed are you to who’s important to you? Mark 12:28-31 (NLT) One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which...
For the Love How committed are you to who’s important to you? Mark 12:28-31 (NLT) One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which...
He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee... From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:13, 17 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:18-22 (NLT) Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went... Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT) 1. Occupy with VISION Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God's teachings. Proverbs 29:18 (GW) Without a clear vision for your life, you will just aimlessly wander. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36 (NLT) He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37-38(NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NLT) So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 (NLT) 2. Occupy with AUTHENTICITY …He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Matthew 16:13 (NLT) “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:14-15 (NLT) Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (NLT) And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; Matthew 3:16 (ESV) and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV) God doesn't need you… God wants you. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10(NLT) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) 3. Occupy with FAITHFULNESS “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? Luke 16:10-12 (NLT) People should be shocked by the size of the vision in your heart AND by the dedication to the task in your hand. If you will be faithful with what God put in your hand, He'll make sure you fulfill what He has put in your heart. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it… Romans 12:1-2The Message (MSG)
Pastor Clint Williams Twitter: @williamsclint Facebook: Clint BC podcast on iTunes (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. √ Prayer should be our FIRST RESPONSE not our LAST RESORT. (Luke 18:1 NLT) One day Jesus told […]
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT)One of our strong desires as parents is for our kids to find a place of belonging in the world. We want our kids to know that who they are and what they have to offer is important and valuable, and spiritual gifts are one of the ways God empowers us to find belonging and purpose in the world. Helping our kids discover and use their spiritual gifts well will help them see the bigger picture of how they fit into God's kingdom. God made each and every one of our kids uniquely and he gave them all spiritual gifts. Some of these gifts are: teaching, serving, administration, hospitality, mercy, prayer, and more. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to bring glory to God and using them becomes a testimony of how he has worked in our lives. This week let's pray that as our kids follow the Lord, they discover their spiritual gifts, grow into them, and that they are presented with opportunities to use them to serve God's kingdom. Let's also ask God to help us recognize spiritual gifts in our kids and to share what we see with them. Dear God, thank you for the spiritual gifts that you have given ________________. Please reveal to me and to them what those gifts are and show us how you want to use these gifts to encourage others and bring others to Christ. Help them to start to see your purpose for them and to boldly use their gifts to please you! I know you will use them in mighty and awesome ways! Remind my child to value the gifts that you have given them over the things that this world values. Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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