Podcasts about nlt paul

Colossians 2:6-10 …And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ.What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you?Is there a truth here you didn't know or didn't yet fully understand?The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness.Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.”Let's pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”

How can we stay grounded in an anxious political climate?   Leadership anxiety expert Steve Cuss joins the Good Faith Podcast to help us navigate Trump's turbulent second term without becoming overwhelmed. We explore how chronic anxiety spreads through reactivity, why political leaders and their followers often amplify fear through straw man arguments, and how we can break free from the cycle. Drawing from his experience as a trauma chaplain and beyond, Steve shares practical tools for maintaining spiritual and emotional balance. If political division is making your mind race, heart pound, or body tense, Steve offers wisdom and encouragement to help you find calm and clarity in the chaos.   Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org   Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org   Resources or references mentioned in this episode: Frederick Buechner's Whistling in the Dark The Evangelical vote in 2024 The Los Angeles Times: Is Donald Trump a new King David? “Remember the Lord” from Proverbs 3:6-16 GNT Jacob's assurance from Genesis 28 NLT  Jesus' trial before Pilate John 18:28-40 NLT Paul's trials before Festus and Felix Acts 24-26 NLT Jesus calls Herod a “fox” Luke 13:31-32 NLT Freedom to love others Galatians 5:13 More about Gregory Boyle More From Steve Cuss: Steve's podcast Being Human Steve's book Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs Steve's book The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs and Experience of God Steve's website (free access to the Life Giving List and Conscious List of Relationships) Register for the Illuminate Arts & Faith Conference   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter

Podcast Episode Notes: Desperate for Change | 2 Corinthians 3:18 | Nathan HughesTransformation Series – Week 1Big Idea:God doesn't call us to behavior modification; He calls us to spiritual transformation. True change happens not through our efforts alone but by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.Key Scriptures:2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."Romans 7:15, 19, 24-25 (NLT): Paul's struggle with doing what is right but failing to do so, concluding that Jesus Christ is the answer to freedom.2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (NLT): Paul acknowledges that his transformation is all due to God's grace working through him.Zechariah 4:6 (NIV): “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.”2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT): "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."De

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time Sermon Passage: Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 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.20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Colossians 2:6-10 … And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ. What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you? Is there a truth here you didn't know or didn't yet fully understand? The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness. Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Let's pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”

Pastor Dale Benson Philippians 1:3-11   We have decided that for the month of November, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to you, and that as a church we would turn our hearts and minds toward thanking the wonderful community in which we live.   The passage that we will be starting with during this month is found at the beginning of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi.   Philippians 1:3-11 (NLT) - Paul writes these words to a church in Philippi while he is in a prison. Does that change your perspective on when thanks can be given? - “When I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” - Have you ever considered that your life could be the cause of someone thanking God? - Your life can be lived in such gratitude that your life becomes the cause of gratitude in the lives of others. Have you ever realized that there are health benefits that gratitude can have on your own life. When you are thankful, it can be beneficial to your health. Health Benefits of Being Thankful: - Reduce depression - Lessen anxiety - Support heart health - Relieve stress - Improve sleep - And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Many people think of gratitude as a trait. But if you practice it, focusing on the positive things in life can become a habit and eventually come naturally to you. Tips for Practicing Gratitude: - Writing it down: Take time either at night or in the morning to write down something that went well. Dedicate a notebook or journal to gratitude so you can reflect and remind yourself of those moments. - Hitting pause: Many of us reflexively say “thanks” often. Next time you hear yourself say it, stop and pinpoint precisely what you are thankful for.  - Redirecting your thoughts: You may feel negative or frustrated during the day. When that happens, step back and shift your focus to a positive aspect of the situation. - Sharing your gratitude: Send a quick note telling someone why you are thankful for them or encourage your family to share something they're grateful for each night at dinner. Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)

Deconstruction - Week 1Is It Okay To Doubt?Doubt is natural. We all question our faith at one time or another—but then what? Most of us need to take time to think hard, research, and go deep into God's word to figure out what parts of our faith can and should be thrown away and what parts need to be added. In week 1 of the series, Chase Gardner teaches that the best way to handle a crisis of faith is not just to deconstruct, but to reconstruct on the foundation of Jesus.#deconstruction #doubt--Message NotesWhat does it mean to “deconstruct” your faith, and how can you help people come through it with a stronger foundation?   Deconstruction is the process of questioning and dismantling historic Christian beliefs. Jesus wants us to inspect the foundation of our faith.Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT) Thomas had his doubts after seeing Jesus crucified on the cross.John 20:25b-28 (NLT) Paul had to leave behind his misconceptions about Jesus to have a new foundation that would transform his life and ministry.Galatians 1:13-18 (NLT) In America, many people have been brought up in a biblically naive and culturally influenced form of Christianity. The wise way to handle a crisis of faith is not just to deconstruct but to reconstruct on the foundation of Jesus. The foundation of Christianity is a man who lived, died, and rose from the grave named Jesus.  Deceptive teachings that undermine our faith have been with us since the beginning of Christianity.Jude 1:3-4 (NLT)Jude 1:10-13 (NLT)Jude 1:17-18 (NLT)Jude 1:20-23 (NLT)--Helpful LinksGive to Hope Where You Are Campaign here: https://www.gethope.net/hwya/Subscribe to Family Conversations for weekly prompts and resources: https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnePageReg/2451Get connected with a small group: https://gethope.net/smallgroups/If you'd like to receive regular updates on what's happening around Hope, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://gethope.net/enews/If you're new to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here: https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnlineReg/2048To support this ministry financially to help us continue to love people where they are and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, click here: https://gethope.net/give/Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/2XBbBxqStay Connected with Hope:Website: https://gethope.net/Hope Community Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchHope Community Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/Hope Community Church Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeHope Community Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurchSubscribe to Our PodcastHope In Real Life YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeInRealLifeHope In Real Life Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eifzI0r9uY8rUaBMGs7q1Hope In Real Life Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-in-real-life-with-jason-gore/id1691710678?uo=4

RATE! SHARE! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions: caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Listen and enjoy! Show Notes: § Galatians 2:1-10 (read in NLT) § Similarly to how chapter 1 ended, with Paul defending the fact that the gospel message he was preaching to the Gentiles came from God and not from man, not even the apostles, chapter 2 is a continuation of those thoughts ( to the audience: read chapters 1 and 2 together for better context when studying) § The last time Paul was in Jerusalem was 14 years previous, when he went to stayed with Peter for 15 days and also met with James, Jesus's brother (who wrote the Book of James which we did a series on) § Paul came back to Jerusalem because God revealed that he should go (a revelation) § He went and met with the church leaders to make sure that the message he had spent the last 14+ years preaching was in agreement with the gospel message the other apostles where preaching § In verse 4, Paul brings up how false believers came in to take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, and force us to follow their Jewish regulations (or the Old law) § Paul mentions how Peter is the apostle to the Jews while he is the apostle to the Gentiles, and that Peter, James and John consider Paul and Barnabas to be co-workers, encouraging them to keep preaching to the Gentiles § Galatians 2:11-21 (read in NLT) § Paul confronts Peter □ Paul publicly opposes Peter to his face (not behind his back) about the inconsistency and hypocrisy of Peter's actions towards the Gentiles. ® (We will get more into "holding ourselves and our brothers and sisters accountable later on in Galatians) ® Acts 15 is an account of another situation where Pharisees or legalists tried to say that the Gentile believers had to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses, and in Acts 15, Peter and James, saying the same thing that Paul says here in Galatians 2 ◊ (read Galatians 2:16) § Verses 20 & 21 □ Read Colossians 1:26-27 □ Read Ephesians 2: 4-10 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

Colossians 2:6-10 … And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ. What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you? Is there a truth here you didn't know or didn't yet fully understand? The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness. Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Let's pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”

We are multipliers! We are a Great Commission Church and we are an equipping center for disciples. We are multipliers! Individually, we are all responsible to disciple those younger in their faith and invite those far from Jesus into a life-giving community. We are multipliers! Corporately, we are called to plant churches, pastor cities, and father and mother leaders to multiply the Kingdom impact. We are multipliers!   Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT   But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT WE BELIEVE AS A CHURCH IN THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, OR IN OTHER WORDS THE FACT THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11 OVER 300 REFERENCES IN N.T. OF JESUS' RETURN 216/260 CHAPTERS IN THE N.T. REFERENCE JESUS' RETURN 23 OF THE 27 N.T. BOOKS REFERENCE JESUS' RETURN But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? 1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG   Here's what I know great vision takes three things: It takes a Praying Church, a Selfless Church, and a strategic Church.   But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.” But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don't you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn't it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?” Luke 13:14-16 NLT   GOD IS LESS INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND MORE INTERESTED IN WHY YOU ARE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING.   Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT   The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3 NLT   But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.”   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. 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 16:22-26 NLT   “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. Acts of the Apostles 17:6 NLT   Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 MSG   Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 MSG   Most of all, try to proclaim his truth. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 MSG     But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? 1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG

The Supernatural, Divine Presence of Jesus brings hope in the waiting. Courage in our fears. Strength in our weakness. Confidence in our doubts. Comfort in our hardships. Rest in our weariness. Guidance on our journey. Love with us always.   Jesus in us. For us. Guiding us.   Today we invite you to join us in meditating upon breath prayers of affirmation and trust.    I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 NLT   In Philippians 2:9-11 NLT Paul the apostle wrote this about Jesus - "God elevated him to the place of highest honor, and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:9-11 NLT Thank you for listening to the The Daily Still Podcast. If you have benefitted from these meditations, please take a moment to subscribe and rate us. This helps us to be more visible to others.  If you'd like to help support the work and production of this podcast and help keep us ad free, we now have Venmo and Paypal options. Support The Daily Still Podcast via Paypal or Support The Daily Still via Venmo   Paypal: @thedailystill (Cindy L. Helton) Venmo: @thedailystill (Cindy L. Helton)

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.   2 Chronicles 7:14   Prayer is a conversation that leads to an encounter with God.   “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalms 119:103 NLT   But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT   I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT   Paul has 3 desires for them... 1. That Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT   2. That they would be established in the love of Christ.   There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 NLT   But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT   3. That they would be filled with all the fullness of God.   The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT   …to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… Ephesians 3:18 NLT   I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19 NLT   may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:18 NLT   How wide is the love of God...   “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 NLT   He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12 NLT   How long is the love of God?   You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:13-16 NLT     I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:28 NLT How deep is the love of God?   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. Philippians 2:7 NLT   My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39 NLT   “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 NLT   Jesus cried out in a loud voice,...“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NLT How high is the love of God? Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! John 17:24 NLT   'It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 NLT    

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NLT-Paul after praying 3 times for God to remove a thorn in his life receives revelation from God that his thorn served a purpose. God's grace is sufficient for anything you may struggle with!Contact The Life Room Podcast Email us at theliferoomcc@yahoo.com (1) The Life Room | Facebook Liferoomcc.com (Website) "Real Life, Real Christians, Real Struggles" Life Room Community Church

The gospel of Mark is filled with action, and from the first verse Jesus is at the center of it all. If you wrote a book about what mattered most, what would be the first verse?The BookThe NT begins with four “gospels”These are biographies of Jesus from 1st centuryEach one has a different audience / different purposeTaken together → give us a thorough picture of JesusWho he was / why he cameThe Gospel of Mark is the shortest gospelProbably the earliest - around 55 AD or soMark writes with a sense of urgency = “immediately,” - 40x“Immediately” urgency, gospel in action.1:16-17 (ESV) Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.It's an “action” gospel → least amount of Jesus' teaching of all 4Its description are very vivid Engage: it's a great gospel for today's reader because it moves quickly like scenes from a movie. Engage: This is why when missionaries start to translate the Bible in different languages, they usually begin with Mark. It's the simple basics: a great place to begin.The AuthorEarly church unanimously believed this account was written by John Mark Early Xians writers tell us → Mark gathered info about Jesus from Peter From Peter's preaching / memoirsOrganized it all into a coherent storyEngage: Imagine what it would be like to sit at Peter's feet, hearing all these amazing stories about Jesus!Illus: kind of like all the photos I have laying around of my life / family. Maybe someday someone will compile them all into albums that tell a story. That's like what Mark did with Peter's info.Meet him in book of ActsFirst mentioned in Acts 12:12When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.Cousin of Barnabus Col 4:10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),Traveled with Paul and Barnabas as a young manHelper on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5) but then left themActs 13:13-14 (NLT) Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.Caused some conflict between P & B for second missionary journeyActs 15:36-40 (NLT) After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care.But Mark later became Paul's co-worker → encouragement to him2 Timothy says Paul called for him as “useful” for the gospel!2 Timothy 4:11 (NLT) Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.The AudienceThe original audience → probably Gentile Christians, perhaps in RomeMark explains Jewish customsThe Romans were practical, action-oriented peopleKind of like Americans are todayPossibly written during a time...

FREE AND CLEAR Today's readings are Isaiah 15 – 18 and Hebrews 10.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. How is your conscience?  Is your conscience clean? Is it free?  Have your feelings of guilt disappeared or is going to church just a constant weekly reminder of your shame?   If that's the case then you really haven't understood just how good God is and how much Jesus has done for us on the cross.  God doesn't want your weekly offerings of regret over your past.  That's not the Christian life, and T/hat's not what he has in mind. Jesus says, in verse 9,  Look, I have come to do your will.  For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (Heb 10:9-10 NLT) And in Hebrews 10:12-14 it says: But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. That includes putting his law in our hearts and minds and giving us his very Spirit to dwell in us,  to cleanse our conscience from the torments of guilt.  Verse 22 says, …our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. That's how amazing Jesus is and how good the Gospel is.  You are fully clean, it wasn't your sacrifice of shame and regret that made that so, or even your repentance, it was Jesus sacrifice that made you clean and forgiven, even before you did a thing.  Repentance is a response to what God has done, and who we've become in him.   Elsewhere Paul says: 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. (Phil 3:13-14 NLT) Paul could forget the past because Christ had freed him from his past by the shedding of his blood.  Christian, Paul's conscience was clean.    How's your conscience?  Is it clean?  It can be.  Are you free?  You can be. Do what Paul said.  Focus on that One thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  press on toward the heavenly prize that God is calling you to. He's done for you what you could never do on your own.  Are you tired of coming to church week after week to offer your sacrifices of regret?  Are you tired of coming to each day with shame and regrets?  You don't need to do that anymore.  Christ has shed his blood for you,  once, for all time.  And that is more than enough.  Walk in the liberty and joy of a conscience free and clean, because of what He has done for you.

FOCUSSED ON THE GOAL Today's readings are I Kings 13-14, II Chronicles 12, and Philippians 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Where's your focus?  Is it on yourself, your virtues, and the good things you've done that you think ought to impress God? It was for Paul – he talks about it in Philippians.  Is your focus on your past?  Are you trying to outrun or compensate for something you've done or didn't do?  It's so easy to focus on the wrong things and miss what God has for us right now –  the peace,strength, and joy that are ours, in Him.  Paul tells us, 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. (Phil 3:13-14 NLT) God is calling us to a life of knowing, loving, and living in Him.  That's what Paul is focussed on.  That's where he's going.  He says he considers his past,- all his achievements and virtues – worthless, compared to the infinite value of knowing Jesus as his Lord and his friend. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. (Phil 3:8-9 NLT) Paul discarded everything else – both the things he'd done, that held him back and haunted him, and the things that he thought vaulted him to the front of the line. He counted it all as garbage so that he could gain Christ.  He learned where to focus.     Where's your focus?  Is it on you, your past achievements, or maybe your past failures?  Neither one will do.  In order to focus on what's most important you're going to have to let some things go.  You're going to have to cling to the one thing that is of infinite value – knowing Him. This is the goal – the life that we've all been waiting for.  We need to keep our eye on the prize, focussed on Him, in order to experience that which is of infinite value – knowing Christ. Stay focussed.  Set your gaze fully and completely on Him, for he is of infinite value.  Do away with those things that have distracted you.  Throw it all aside. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil 3:14 NLT) Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Colossians 2:6-10 … And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ. What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you? Is there a truth here you didn't know or didn't yet fully understand? The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness. Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Let's pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”

For sermon notes click: https://cornerstonecommunity.updates.church Philippians 1:3-7 NLT Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my Read More ...

(English) In this message Ps Catherine talks about how to fire up your gifts in these 4 points: (Acts 3:6-10 NLT) But Peter said, “I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame  1) You have Gifts To Build & Bless 2) Natural to Supernatural (Acts 4:13 NLT) 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. 3) Unwrap Your Gifts (1Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. (5) There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. (6) God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. (7) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (8) To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. (9) The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. (10) He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. (11) It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 4) Fan Them to Flame (2 Timothy 1:6 NLT) Paul encourages Timothy, “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you”. (Acts 4:29-31 NLT) And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. (30) Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (31) After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

 I Told You So - But it's Going to be OK Today's readings are Job 18, Psalm 114, and Acts 27 – 28.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. I told you so. That's what Paul says to this crew of men that are fearful for their lives.  I told you that it's best for you to stay put and wait on God. Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. It's best to let God be our navigator,  let Him chart our course.  But, as this story points out, even if we have navigated ourselves smack dab into a tsunami, it's not too late.  We can still heed God's word, let Him take the helm, navigate and course correct.  There may be damage but we will live and see another day, and be the wiser. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. (Acts 27:25, 22 NLT) Paul is calling out to the men not to be afraid, blown away by fear.  Instead, he urges them to steady themselves with God's word – to remember what God said.   Christian, are you in the storm?  Have you navigated yourself into a 14-day gale?  Has the sun become dark and the stars hidden from you? Are people around you losing heart?  Paul wants you to hear and heed God's word.  God is wanting to meet you in your storm.  He can be the navigator of your life, even if this is the 11th hour.  Let him meet you there and feed you there.  Luke gives us this little detail – that Paul encouraged everyone around him, to eat. Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish. (Acts 27:34 NLT) He took some bread and broke it and ate it.  It was an example to all those who were there, and you too, that God is desiring to feed, strengthen and encourage you – right where you are – in the middle of whatever storm you are facing. Take courage and trust in God.  Hear God's Word well.  He can be your Navigator today, no matter whats been done.  He can course correct and see you safely to shore.  Let him have the helm of your life.  He will meet you and feed you and be the Captain of your journey.

“Darkness to Light” - Part 2 - August 8, 2021 “A New Man and a New Message” - Acts 9:19-28 Pastor Milt Eichler Our potential is limited when we depend on ourselves.  Paul Steps over the Line of Faith Acts 22:6-10 (NLT) Our Potential is Limited when we Depend on Ourself Acts 9:19–22 (NLT) Paul's Success was Not in his Own Power 2 Corinthians 11:6 (NLT) Faithfulness to Christ will Bring Opposition. Acts 9:23-26 (NLT) Barnabas Played a Decisive Role in Paul's Success Acts 9:27 (NLT) Have you said “yes” to God? Connect with us @m1bc.org

Do you sometimes feel like you're not a real Christian because you continue to struggle with sin?  The Bible teaches that when you believe in the risen Jesus, the Holy Spirit starts to live inside you. In Galatians 4:6 (NLT) Paul writes: “because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son … Continue reading Unlocking doors for the Spirit

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.     

Colossians 2:6-10 … And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. (NLT) Paul encouraged us in our maturity, then he warned us against those things in the world that lead us away from that growth. saying - Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Lastly, he told us the truth about who we are and what we have through Christ. What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you? Is there a truth here you didn’t know or didn’t yet fully understand? The final two sentences use the words “fullness” and “complete,” meaning filled up with nothing lacking. That, my friend, is the offer of true wholeness. Would you take a moment and speak that declaration of truth with me: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Focus on the words: “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” “I am complete through my union with Christ.” Let’s pray together: “Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the fullness of God, shown to us in a human body like mine. I believe I am complete through my union with You. Help me to receive that truth deeper today than ever before. As above, so below.”

Lifestyle of PrayerIntroductionPaul who once persecuted the Church, had Christians thrown in Prison even killed now prays for the church with such love and affection Paul loves the Church, because Jesus Loves the Church. He died for the church, It is the Bride of Christ. Paul's Love for the church is expressed in the way he Gives thanks, highlighting the Good news that is being worked in and through them. Paul's PrayerWe always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.Colossians 1:3-5 NLT Paul was full of Joy for the Church as he sees their love for people and their Confident hope. Questions Do you love the church? What is it you love about the church ?Why do you think Paul loves the Church?Have you lost Your Joy in your salvation? How do we get back our Joy of Salvation?What is hope is your confidence in?

 THE ONE THING Today’s reading is Philippians 1 – 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Want to know one thing that I do that has made all the difference? You might be interested because you’ve listened to me on this podcast for awhile. For others,  you might not be that interested and it might not make a whole lot of difference to you, what I do. But if it were the Apostle Paul, posing the question about what he has done that has made all the difference, my hunch is that you would be very interested in that one thing. Paul tells us: 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.(Phil 3:13-14 NLT) The one thing I do, Paul says, is I forget the past and stay focussed on what lies ahead. If you focus on the past you’re likely to see things in a discouraging light. Paul reminds us that we have to stay focussed on the right thing. We have to keep our focus forward and not on the past. We can’t project our past into our future. We have to keep our past in the past. It’s not that we are to deny it or pretend it didn’t happen. We need to learn from our past. But we have to keep it in the past. Paul had the blood of Christians in his past. He had to find a way to deal with this. He learned that it wouldn’t be by reliving the past over and over again. He had to look forward. When we look ahead our past takes on a different light. We gain perspective on our past, that can actually be hopeful and not cause us to despair. We can look at the past and see what David saw in Psalm 23:6. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. We can look on our past and see that God somehow was at work. His goodness and mercy were with us. But we only see that by looking forward, not by living in the past. When we look forward we can see that: God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.(Rm 8:28 NLT) Paul learned this one thing and he wants to share it with us. Focus Forward. Those who focus forward, have hope.They are believing that God has a plan and that he has the power to accomplish that plan. They are believing what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. God was at work in your past, even before you knew it. As broken and messy as it was, he was there. And he still has work to do in your future. That perspective that you need will only be achieved by looking forward – forgetting what lies behind and looking forward to what lies ahead. He has the answer to your past and your future. May you find His joy and strength in that one thing – looking forward.

CONFIDENT HOPE Romans 13 - 16 Let’s end this with Paul’s pray from Romans 15:13. I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. And to that I say, Amen!  That’s Pauls heart and why he’s written.  He wants God’s people to live with confident hope even in the midst of persecution.  He wants them to remember what they already know - the Gospel of Christ.  He wants them to remember to live out that Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.   The only person that can live the Christian life is Christ - certainly not me, and never NOT Christ.  It’s always Him, living His life in and through us, that makes any difference in our lives or in this world.  Paul knows that they know, but he wants to remind them of what they know.  And, oh, how we need to be reminded. Paul actually says,  You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder. (Rm 15:14 - 15 NLT) Paul’s reminder is that our life, our ministry, our call, is to be lived out, in the power of the Holy Spirit, through the abiding life of Christ.   This life in Christ is the source of our confident hope. That’s the key.  When Paul considers his own work he says, Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God...(Rm 15:18 NLT). That’s the key for all of us - Christ in you.  Paul says, I’m not ashamed of this gospel.  For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Rm 1:16 NLT) This Gospel has the power to change a life.  And this Gospel is accomplished, from start to finish, by Him.   Be confident in Him.  Let the reality of his work and life, in you, fill you with confident hope.  May we all press forward in the confidence of Christ - his abiding life in us.  Regardless, of what we encounter in this life, whether things given, or things taken away - through it all may we be able to stand in confident hope - not in our own selves or circumstances, but entirely on Him.  He is thoroughly good, completely able.  He works things out according to his own purposes and plans and for our good.

 I Told You So - But it’s Going to be OK Today’s readings are Job 18, Psalm 114, and Acts 27 – 28.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. I told you so. That’s what Paul says to this crew of men that are fearful for their lives.  I told you that it’s best for you to stay put and wait on God. Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. It’s best to let God be our navigator,  let Him chart our course.  But, as this story points out, even if we have navigated ourselves smack dab into a tsunami, it’s not too late.  We can still heed God’s word, let Him take the helm, navigate and course correct.  There may be damage but we will live and see another day, and be the wiser. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. (Acts 27:25, 22 NLT) Paul is calling out to the men not to be afraid, blown away by fear.  Instead, he urges them to steady themselves with God’s word – to remember what God said.   Christian, are you in the storm?  Have you navigated yourself into a 14-day gale?  Has the sun become dark and the stars hidden from you? Are people around you losing heart?  Paul wants you to hear and heed God’s word.  God is wanting to meet you in your storm.  He can be the navigator of your life, even if this is the 11th hour.  Let him meet you there and feed you there.  Luke gives us this little detail – that Paul encouraged everyone around him, to eat. Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish. (Acts 27:34 NLT) He took some bread and broke it and ate it.  It was an example to all those who were there, and you too, that God is desiring to feed, strengthen and encourage you – right where you are – in the middle of the storm. Take courage and believe in God.  Hear God’s Word well.  He can be your Navigator today, no matter what you’ve done.  He can course correct and see you safely to shore.  Let him have the helm of your life.  He will meet you and feed you and be the Captain on the journey.  

I Told You So - But it’s Going to be OK Today’s readings are Job 18, Psalm 114, and Acts 27 – 28.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. I told you so. That’s what Paul says to this crew of men that are fearful for their lives.  I told you that it’s best for you to stay put and wait on God. Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. It’s best to let God be our navigator,  let Him chart our course.  But, as this story points out, even if we have navigated ourselves smack dab into a tsunami, it’s not too late.  We can still heed God’s word, let Him take the helm, navigate and course correct.  There may be damage but we will live and see another day, and be the wiser. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. (Acts 27:25, 22 NLT) Paul is calling out to the men not to be afraid, blown away by fear.  Instead, he urges them to steady themselves with God’s word – to remember what God said.   Christian, are you in the storm?  Have you navigated yourself into a 14-day gale?  Has the sun become dark and the stars hidden from you? Are people around you losing heart?  Paul wants you to hear and heed God’s word.  God is wanting to meet you in your storm.  He can be the navigator of your life, even if this is the 11th hour.  Let him meet you there and feed you there.  Luke gives us this little detail – that Paul encouraged everyone around him, to eat. Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish. (Acts 27:34 NLT) He took some bread and broke it and ate it.  It was an example to all those who were there, and you too, that God is desiring to feed, strengthen and encourage you – right where you are – in the middle of the storm. Take courage and believe in God.  Hear God’s Word well.  He can be your Navigator today, no matter what you’ve done.  He can course correct and see you safely to shore.  Let him have the helm of your life.  He will meet you and feed you and be the Captain on the journey.

Reading from 2 Timothy 4:1-22(NLT) ~Paul’s Final Words, Paul’s Final Greetings~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. How the movement of the Holy Spirit accompanied the preaching of the Gospel. At 6:57 Curtis gets sarcastic to pull back on his high challenge instincts. Leaving churches because of not liking the teaching may reflect your heart more than you realize. Without challenge, there is no growth.

2 Timothy 3:10-17 NLT Paul’s Charge to Timothy 10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted...

Reading from 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NLT) ~Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Paul’s redemption story.

Reading from Philippians 1:20-30 (NLT) ~Paul’s Life for Christ, Live as Citizens of Heaven~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. It is time for Christians to be bolder in their love and their sharing of the Gospel with others. Life is for the benefit of others, living lives of servants. Studying the life and teachings of Jesus is the only way to learn to live for Christ. Letting go of your own agenda when reading the gospel. Suffering occurs when you live by faith, but it is suffering like what Christ experienced in His life. People are not rejecting us; they are rejecting the message of their God.

Reading from Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT) ~Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at God’s presence and ability to strengthen us to fully lay our lives down for Christ.  

Reading from Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT) ~Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at spiritual wisdom, a spirit of wisdom, and The Holy Spirit bringing true wisdom and knowledge.

Reading from Colossians 1:24-2:5 (NLT) ~Paul’s Work of the Church~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking Christ living in those whose faith is in Jesus.  2 Kings 13:20 The Tomb of Elisha.

Reading from Acts 28:1-31 NLT ~Paul on the Island of Malta, Paul Arrives in Rome, Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Paul and the Holy Spirit’s engagement with the people on the island of Malta. The protection God gave Paul to continue to preach the good news without fear of being murdered.

Reading from Acts 25:1-27 NLT ~Paul before Appears Before Festus, Paul Speaks to Agrippa~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the heart of Fesuts and the opportunity he missed.

Reading from Acts 24:1-27 NLT ~Paul before Appears Before Felix~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the corruption in Paul’s case and the inconvenience of the Holy Spirit’s call.

Reading from Acts 23:1-35 NLT ~Paul before the High Council cont., The Plan to Kill Paul, Paul is Sent to Caesarea~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the protection of God.

Vision is a powerful God-given gift that many have forsaken.Sight is of the eyes but vision is of the heart. (Helen Keller - the only thing worse than being blind is having sight yet no vision)Vision goes hand in hand with God’s promise for you and your family.People of great faith are able to envision God’s promises coming to fruition in their lives (affirmation and declaration without action is the beginning of insanity)A vision that comes into alignment (vertical) with God’s word will produce a blessed outcome, however, a skewed vision will produce undesirable results.Amos 3:3: how can two walk together if they don’t come into agreement (breakthrough won’t come for an undecided mind) Indecision is closely related to doubt and fearPaul told the people of Corinth “for we walk by faith and not by sight”Our life is a matter of faith and not sight. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1)…I can’t see it, I can’t hear it, feel it BUT I know that my breakthrough is coming!!!Corrie Ten Boom "Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”You have to position yourself in order to receive.You won’t receive if you are not disciplined enough to position yourself.  Noah didn’t wait for the rain to start building an Ark. God gave him a vision, he believed, and he ran with it. And his obedience brought forth blessing. Job “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me”.Research: increased concern of becoming infected with a virus or developing a disease increases your probabilities substantiallyThe thoughts you entertain will become your destiny in lifeProv 4:23 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)”Paul to the Romans: be transformed by the renewing of your mindPaul to the Philippians: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. If you ever want to know where someone’s mind has been living just listen to what they are saying because what they’re saying will reveal what’s in their hearts.Jesus said (Matt 12:34) “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”1.Faith sees and hears the invisible2.Faith presses on even when there’s no sign or answer3.Faith endures even when the evidence is small4.Faith sees a breakthrough before it happens  

Reading from Romans 15:14-33 NLT ~Paul’s Reason for Writing, Paul’s Travel Plans~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at giving encouragement and reminders of the basics. Seeing God as we accept help from others. There are people here today who have heard of Jesus but have never heard a complete gospel message.

JULY 12,  FREE AND CLEAR Today's readings are Isaiah 15 – 18 and Hebrews 10.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. How is your conscience?  Is your conscience clean? Is it free?  Have your feelings of guilt disappeared or is going to church just a constant weekly reminder of your shame?  Are you haunted by the shadows of your past?  If that's the case then you really haven't understood just how good God is and how much Jesus has done for us on the cross.  God doesn't want your weekly offerings of regret over your past.  That's not what he has in mind. Jesus says, in verse 9,  Look, I have come to do your will.  For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (Heb 10:9-10 NLT) And in Hebrews 10:12-14 it says: But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.   That includes putting his law in our hearts and minds and giving us his very Spirit to dwell in us,  to cleanse our conscience from the torments of guilt.  Verse 22 says, …our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. That's how amazing Jesus is and how good the Gospel is.  You no longer need to be tormented by your past.  You are fully clean, Christian.  Even your conscience can be clean.  Elsewhere Paul says: 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. (Phil 3:13-14 NLT) Paul could forget the past because Christ had freed him from his past by the shedding of his blood.  Christian, he has done the same for you!  How's your conscience?  Is it clean?  It can be.  Are you free?  You can be. Simply trust Him.  Look to him, doing what Paul said.  Focus on that One thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  press on toward the heavenly prize that God is calling you to. He's done for you what you could never do on your own.  Are you tired of coming to church week after week to offer your sacrifices of regret?  You don't need to do that anymore.  Christ has shed his blood for you,  once, for all time.  And that is more than enough.  Walk in the liberty and joy of a conscience free and clean, because of what He has done for you.

Discover how joy in the Lord can be experienced regardless of the circumstances. Series: Staycation, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9, Philippians 1:4, Philippians 2:17-18, Philippians 3:1, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/videos/365907467717368/, Sermon page: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/staycation-joy-no-matter-what-part-2/, Sermon Notes: 2020-06-28_staycation-part-2_sermon-notes.pdf, Discussion Questions: 2020-06-28_staycation-part-2_discussion-questions.pdf, Notes: INTRO Good morning, Avalon Church. Last week, we began a series called Staycation. It’s about living in the present. Appreciating this moment; Not allowing our obsession with past or the future, To cheat us from what God is doing ... Right here, right now. Last week we looked at Ecclesiastes chapter 8 Where we are given permission to have fun. To enjoy good meals And good company. Because there will always be enough work. There will always be something else to do. Taking a break and enjoying the moment will rarely sneak up on you. Living this way takes intentionality. And so does joy. We (tension) How is it, ...That I can pray with someone on their deathbed, And joy and gratefulness just seem ...to pour out of them into every family member and  every nurse ...in that hospital room? Yet, I can sit with a couple ...in their beautiful, spacious living room ...illustrating careers which earn a very good income, ...Healthy children playing upstairs, ...They appear to have everything necessary to be happy, To find reasons for joy, ...yet they are filled with anxiety, or anger, Or jealousy, or the insatiable desire to get more? Why don’t they experience joy? How is it that immense joy can be found in the poverty of Haiti, ...Yet be noticeably absent in the wealth and security of Avalon Park?   God Background This morning, we are going to look at Paul’s posture of joy, ...And his teaching the persecuted Christians in the city of Philippi that they can experience joy regardless of their circumstances. Paul knew what he was talking about. It’s something you just may need hear. Paul was suffering in prison, very likely in the Roman capital. Nero was the emperor, And he was a tyrant. And a narcissist. Like all Emperors, he proudly received the expected praise “Nero is Lord.” He was not a fan of this new religion, And especially its leaders, ...That usurped his title Declaring “Jesus is Lord.” Nero eventually killed Paul. And Peter. And the Christians in Philippi were facing a similar fate. And in the midst of this impossible situation, Paul wrote the following words to the Philippian believers That will lead into our passage today. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, -- Phil 1:4 (NLT) 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. –Phil 2:17-18 (NLT) You can experience joy, even if you lose your life! Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. –Phil 3:1 (NLT) You see, Paul knew something we often miss. So let’s listen in on his conversation With these Philippian believers as he seeks to help them experience joy, ...Right here, right now, In the midst of the uncontrollable circumstances of life. Disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche. To set up this passage, it’s helpful to understand that ...Paul’s deepest concern in most of his letters, is unity among the followers of Christ. Unity is proof of Christ’s love. As Jesus offered his life for us, We offer ours to others. We give up our rights for their benefit. And when we love others as Christ loved us, Unity and Joy are the result. And so, in the final chapter of Philippians, ...Paul cuts to the chase and calls out an argument ...between two specific people in the church. He says, [You-O’-dia and Sin’-ti-key] 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. –Phil 4 (NLT) These two women are family. They are leaders in the church, Yet they can’t come to an agreement on some issue. Yeah, we don’t know what that’s like, right? Two good people at an impasse? And Paul asks for other trusted leaders to help them sort it out. And it’s in the midst of this argument, To a church that’s being severely persecuted, By an apostle in prison facing execution, That these words are spoken... 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! –Phil 4 (NLT) Rejoice! We tend to think of joy as an emotion Welling up inside us, ...Making us happy from the inside out. And that’s true. But in Paul’s day, ...an admonition to “rejoice” would specifically relate to a public celebration. In Roman culture, Great festivals and games were organized to celebrate cities and their gods, ... especially the god that united them all, ... Caesar himself! And so, Paul uses this familiar language for those in the kingdom of Jesus. As others celebrate earthly kings, How much more should followers of King Jesus celebrate exuberantly!? Not just with parties and festivals, But through our daily lives ...Worshiping and serving one another. ...Enjoying each moment together, ...Remembering Jesus together through the bread and wine. Paul is not an optimist. He is under no illusion that we can just will our attitudes to become joyful. No. Rejoice, ... In the Lord.   Paul has used this phrase “in the Lord” ...Throughout the letter. Followers of Jesus are citizens of a new Kingdom, A kingdom within the sphere of Christ’s Lordship, We are equipped to experience joy and unity, ...Not through our own strength, ...But through the power of Jesus’ Spirit living in us. Rejoice in the Lord, Always. Again, I say rejoice. 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. –Phil 4 (NLT) Regardless of what you’re going through, Be gentle, be considerate ...Knowing that this is not the end. We have hope that no matter what happens, Jesus is near. And Jesus will restore everything soon. Our current situation will not last forever. That’s why he could continue to say, 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. –Phil 4 (NLT) In the ancient world, anxiety was a way of life. There were no safety nets when things went wrong.   No doctors to fix broken legs or heal diseases. No subsidies if your crop was destroyed. You just went hungry. There were no homeless ministries and food shelters. No social security when you were too old to work. You were on your own. For the ancients, ...suffering meant the gods weren’t happy, ...And they never told you why. All of life was filled with anxiety that the shoe could drop at any minute. But with the God who had revealed himself in Jesus, Suffering was understood as part of a fallen world. Fallenness Jesus had overcome. So, while there was no guarantee against suffering, There was certainty ...that God was in control, ...And working through you, his people to right the wrongs in the world, ...And God was walking with you ...And shaping you, ...And listening to you. That no prayer is too trivial Because God cares about every aspect of your life. If it matters to you, it matters to God. You (Application. So What?) Paul’s life was difficult. The Philippian believers were struggling. So are some of you. Some have lost jobs. Others have been diagnosed with COVID. Money, Debt, Family, Loneliness, Depression... There is plenty to worry about. But if you turn your thoughts toward the hope you have in Christ, If you pray Sharing your worries and your needs with God, If you develop an attitude of gratitude, A thankful heart for what God has blessed you with, Paul says in verse 7, 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. –Phil 4 (NLT)   This isn’t manufactured peace. This isn’t false optimism. This is peace that only God gives. Despite their present reality, Paul was reassuring them. Don’t focus on all the things you can’t control, The past and the future. Give it to Jesus. Pray about all of it, ...And be intentional to look for all the things God has already done for you. And when you do that, you will experience peace that frankly doesn’t make sense. Illustrations of Peace It’s a peace some of you have experienced when you hit rock bottom and had nowhere else to go, And you prayed and offered it to God, And were overwhelmed at the seemingly ridiculous peace you experienced. It’s a peace some of you have shared about when your sin was exposed and you were humiliated. You had nowhere else to go. And when you offered yourself to God, you found forgiveness and acceptance ... and peace and freedom you couldn’t describe. No matter what would happen as a result of your failure, God was with you, And that was enough. Our Story of Peace In 2016, Rae Lynn and I both lost our jobs within the same month. We were broke BEFORE losing the jobs! We should have freaked out. And we were tempted to freak out. But God had proven himself in the past And we knew he was our only hope. We prayed together as a family. We asked God to renew of our minds. Every time anxiety creeped in, We offered it to God. And I can’t explain the peace that we experienced. God was with us. And now, when we look back at that season, Rae Lynn and Ali and Rylie and me, We have a mile marker in our faith. When the future is uncertain, ...We can remember that time when it looked so bleak But we put our trust in God, ...And he took care of us. How To So how do you do this? How do you renew your mind? How do you “not worry”? How can you experience God’s peace In this moment? ..A peace that guards your minds as you live in Christ Jesus? That’s how Paul closes this section. He says in verse 8, 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. –Phil 4 (NLT) You want to experience joy? You want to experience peace. Fix your eyes ...On that which is true and honorable, ...And right and pure, ...And lovely, and admirable. We live in a culture that pursues and celebrates ...Other people’s failures and things that tear them down. This is not the ways of Jesus’ kingdom. When you fix your eyes on the characteristics of Jesus, You become more like Jesus. Verse 9, so... 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. –Phil 4 (NLT) Paul was being transformed to become more and more like Jesus. And he’s saying, follow me as I follow Jesus. I’ve found Joy and peace in him, ...In becoming more and more like him. Kay Warren Author Kay Warren knows despair. Her and her husband Rick Warren, The author of the Purpose Driven Life, ...Had a son with mental illness. In 2013, at age 27, their son committed suicide. They were wrecked. This was a tragic end To a lifetime of depression and pain. Kay knows the deep pain of living in this world, Through lot of time reading Scripture, And dealing with her loss, She eventually wrote a book called Choose Joy: Because Happiness isn’t enough. In it, she offers a definition of joy ...that reminds us of God’s powerful truths when joy is not expected. I think her definition is worth memorizing. Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things. Would you read this aloud with me. Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things. This has the power to change your life. Joy is a settled conviction ABOUT God. He is powerful... and sovereign. That he is in control. It’s a quiet confidence IN God, That he is working, in the midst of pain, towards something, And that something ends very, very well. And finally, Joy is a determined choice to give my praise TO God. He is worthy and beautiful and good. In fact, he is most worthy, Most beautiful, And most good. We (Closing and Challenge) I’d like to invite you to join each other In Kay’s devotion Choose Joy. It’s linked on our “Resources to Help You Grow” page. Or just type the address at the bottom: AvalonChurch.org/JoyDevo Choosing joy is not a one and done. It’s not hearing and moving on. Like everything about our faith, It’s a journey. ...A journey to follow Jesus, ...A journey of continual death and resurrection ...dying to self and finding new life in Jesus, ...Through which God accomplishes the good purpose of reconciling the world to himself.

JUNE 13,  FOCUSSED ON THE GOAL Today's readings are I Kings 13-14, II Chronicles 12, and Philippians 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Where's your focus?  Is it on yourself, your virtues, and the good things you've done that you think ought to impress God? It was for Paul – he talks about it in Philippians.  Is your focus on your past?  Are you trying to outrun or compensate for something you've done or didn't do?  It's so easy to focus on the wrong things and miss what God has for us right now –  the peace,strength, and joy that are ours, in Him.  Paul tells us, 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. (Phil 3:13-14 NLT) God is calling you and me to a life of knowing, loving, and living in Him.  That's what Paul is focussed on.  That's where he's going.  He says he considers his past,- all his achievements and virtues – worthless, compared to the infinite value of knowing Jesus as his Lord and his friend. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. (Phil 3:8-9 NLT) Paul discarded everything else – both the things he'd done, that held him back and haunted him, and the things that he thought vaulted him to the front of the line. He counted it all as garbage so that he could gain Christ.  He learned where to focus.   Where's your focus?  Is it on you, your past achievements, or maybe your past failures?  Neither one will do.  In order to have that focus you're going to have to let some things go.  You're going to have to cling to the one thing that is of infinite value – knowing Him. This is the goal – the life that we've all been waiting for.  We need to keep our eye on the prize, focussed on Him, in order to experience that which is of infinite value – knowing Christ. Stay focussed.  Set your gaze fully and completely on Him, for he is of infinite value.  Do away with those things that have distracted you.  Throw it all aside. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil 3:14 NLT)

Reading from 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3:1-18 NLT ~Paul’s Request for Prayer, An Exhortation to Proper Living, Paul’s Final Greetings~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Paul’s prayer request and his prayer for Thessalonians.  Living by example.

Reading from Galatians Chapter 4:1-20 NLT ~Paul’s Concern for the Galatians~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Paul equating trying to follow the law with returning to pagan  idol worship. Also looks at the example of labor pains.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16:20-40 NLT ~ Paul and Silas in Prison~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the miracle for the jailor, and Paul identifying as a Roman citizen.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15:1-21 NLT ~ Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, A Call from Macedonia~ Scripture reading followed by brief discussion and encouragement.  

On the final Sunday of April 2020, we are excited to be able to “Gather” online. You will not want to miss the opening countdown to see some familiar faces. We sing two songs “Greater Things” and “Miracles” - thanks to all who make our Sunday Worship possible (CCLI Streaming License #: CSPL043706). Pastor A.J. Dummitt preaches the final message of the “Love is WHY” series - Love is Why WE Go, Give, Serve and Stay. We are so thrilled that you are joining us today.   LOVE is WHY – We Give, Go, Serve & Stay “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 (NIV) 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. LOVE IS WHY WE GO We are COMMANDED to GO by HIS WORD, and We are COMPELLED to GO by HIS LOVE! THAT IS WHY WE GO – BECAUSE OF THE GREAT LOVE OF JESUS for this WHOLE WORLD!! Mark 16:15 (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. God's ultimate goal is to assemble a vast and diverse family that represents “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9-10).  Who wouldn't love a front row seat to God's heart in action? Exposure breeds a burden.   LOVE IS WHY WE GIVE LOVE, is the why – because we LOVE God and we LOVE people. 1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. The decision to give is not primarily financial in nature. It's rooted in 1) the nature of God and 2) our relationship with Him. John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave …” The message of John 3:16 is that love gives. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. We don't just give of our FINANCES or our TREASURE…but we also give of our TIME and our TALENT to God. Don't be stingy in any area…imitate God and give willingly your very best out of love!   LOVE IS WHY WE SERVE In John 13:15, Jesus sets an example for us to follow. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you,” Jesus says. Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, never placed Himself in a position above others. He led by serving, and He loved by serving. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:3-5 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13   The ONLY thing that will keep you grounded during times of offense, hurt, or uncertainty is the LOVE of God for YOU, and your love for GOD! LOVE IS WHY WE STAY Nothing can separate us from His love…but we sometimes allow things to drive a wedge in our relationship with Him and with others. The Bible says that JESUS endured the CROSS (despising the SHAME) – for the JOY that was set before Him. He STAYED when it would have been much easier to GO! Jesus proved His LOVE by staying. When asked about what it would be like before His return, Jesus made this stunning statement to His disciples: “And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other….Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:1–12 NLT) Paul said…2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV) 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,… Sometimes we are offended, sometimes we love the things of the world, more than the things of God. Start right here today! If God has convicted you of things during this message today that you know displease Him – you need to take time to acknowledge those things to Him, right now! Ask God to forgive you for those things, and make up your mind that you will move away from them going forward. (Repentance is a change of Heart and Mind). You then need to be BAPTIZED in the Name of Jesus Christ to wash away all your sins and the stains of your past. Through repentance and baptism you are able to move towards your new life in Jesus Christ. Jesus promises to fill you with His Spirit – the gift of the Holy Ghost and that is how the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (the scripture tells us that it is by the Holy Ghost). If you are having trouble with any of these things today…GOING, GIVING, SERVING, or STAYING…you need to come back to the LOVE OF JESUS!

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 14:1-7 NLT ~ Paul and Barnabas in Iconium~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13:13-52 NLT ~ Paul’s Preaches in Antioch of Pisidia~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13:4-12 NLT ~ Paul’s First Missionary Journey~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Elymas, false prophets today, encouragement to and steps to recognizing the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT)Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 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.20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

2 Timothy 3:10-17 (NLT)Paul’s Charge to Timothy10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. https://scf.tv/media/sermons-2/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

Andy Hazelet – November 24, 2019 What does it mean biblically to be teachable? In Paul and the Corinthians we see both a teachable teacher and teachable students. Their example gives us a framework for church discipline and restoration. “Teach these new disciples to obey everything I have commanded you.”  (NLT) One-Word Sermon: Teachable Big Question:  What does it mean biblically to be teachable? Main Scripture:  2 Cor. 7:8-11 “I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways.  It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.” (NLT) Paul, the Teachable teacher Vs. 8 – “I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.”  (NLT) “It is often painful to be compelled to use the language of reproof.  Paul deeply regretted the necessity of doing it in the case of the Corinthians and expressed the deepest anxiety in regard to it.  No man, no minister, parent, or friend can use it but with deep regret that it is necessary.  But the painfulness of it should not prevent our doing it.  It should be done tenderly but faithfully.  If done with the deep feeling, with the tender affection of Paul, it will be done right; and when so done, it will produce the desired effect, and do good.  No man should use the language of reproof with a hard heart, or with severity of feeling.  If he is, like Paul, ready to weep when he does it, it will do good. If he does it because he delights in it, it will do evil.”  (Albert Barnes.) Matthew 7:3-5: “And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?  How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.”  (NLT) Philippians 2:3-7: “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You 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.” (NLT) Paul was fully surrendered to Christ. Paul had a relationship with the Corinthians. Paul shows genuine concern for them. Paul rejoices in their faith. “Restorers must approach brothers or sisters in a spirit of meekness, vividly remembering that they too have feet of clay.  They must avoid gossip and keep their talking and advice to a minimum.  Restoring is not

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy Welcome to Day 954 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Everyone Needs Grace – Meditation Monday Thank you for joining us today for our five days per week wisdom and legacy building podcast. This is https://wisdom-trek.com/day-954/ (Day 954) of our trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and praying. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and make sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you too will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.  Even the most moral and ethically upright person cannot live up to God's standard of righteousness. Because of this, we need a substitute to take our place. In our Meditation Monday today I want us to reflect on… Everyone Needs Grace Unfortunately, much of the world has repeatedly given up honoring the Creator. Most in the world have chased after worthless and depraved things. In addition, even those who seek to honor the Creator have also sinned. However, some of these religious people think that their religious knowledge and rules will save them. Many of the Jews in Paul’s day had this belief. Unfortunately, some religious people in your day also have this belief. They think because they have made a religious confession, have read God's Word, and have gone to religious meetings that they are somehow better. They forget Jesus's words: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.'” https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/nlt/Matt%207.21-23 (Matthew [7:21]-23 NLT) Paul wrote the parts of Romans that are now chapters 2, 3 and 7 to remind all people — religious and non-religious, Jews and non-Jews — that their deeds, their rules, their book, their religious pedigree, and their church attendance will not bring them God's grace. Salvation is by the Father’s grace (https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/Rom%203 (Romans 3), https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/Rom%205 (Romans 5)). This grace is received through faith (https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/Rom%204 (Romans 4)). You share in this grace by participating in Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection, which is represented through baptism (https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/Rom%206 (Romans 6)). This grace is empowered by the Holy Spirit, Who brings the Father’s will to life in you (https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/Rom%208 (Romans 8)). So the collection of verses today is a reminder of what Paul said in Romans chapters 2 and 3. He was emphatic: nothing and no one except faith in Jesus can make you right — not law, not Scripture, not race, not religious pedigree. Ultimately, all of these things have failed to enable people to live up to the God's perfect standard of holiness. When you fail in one part of law-keeping, you are guilty of all (https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/niv/James%202.10 (James [2:10])). If you break one law, you are a lawbreaker. Paul wanted the Roman believers and other believers who came after them to understand that no one can be saved without the Father’s gift of grace purchased by Jesus's death on the cross and empowered by the Holy Spirit. By their failure, all...

TODAY'S SERMON NOTES: 1 Timothy 3:15 NIV (Paul said) If I am delayed, YOU WILL KNOW HOW people OUGHT TO CONDUCT themselves in GOD’S HOUSEHOLD, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and FOUNDATION of the TRUTH. There is an APPROPRIATE WAY to engage and experience Church life, and there is an INAPPROPRIATE WAY. IT ALSO IMPLIES it MIGHT FEEL CHALLENGING to rise to the Biblical conduct being asked of you. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33, 40 NKJV For God is not [the author] of CONFUSION but of PEACE, as IN all the CHURCHESof the saints. … 40 Let all things be done DECENTLY and in ORDER. SUNDAYS – ARROW HEAD – 4 STAGES – COLOR HOW DO WE WANT PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE LIFEPOINTE SUNDAYS?  CONNECT KNOW – Guests matter FEEL – Anticipation DO - Trust INVOVLE KNOW – Part of an adventure FEEL – Attached DO - Activate  CHALLENGE KNOW – Truth FEEL – Inspired DO – Change mind SUNDAYS – OVERALL WINS How many VISITORS came? How many VISITORS invited FRIENDS the following week? How many attender STORIES of LIFE CHANGE are there? 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10 NLT (Paul said) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to LIVE IN HARMONY with each other. Let there be NO DIVISIONS in the CHURCH. Rather, be of ONE MIND, UNITED in THOUGHT and PURPOSE.

TODAY'S SERMON NOTES:   CHURCH MACRO PURPOSES EVANGELISM RELATIONSHIPS SPIRITUAL TRAINING MINISTRY WORSHIP    SPIRITUAL PROGRESS BULLSEYE What is the BULLSEYE? What is our SYSTEM? Who are we TARGETING?   MARK 16:15 AMP (Jesus said) GO into all the world and PREACH and PUBLISH openly the GOOD NEWS (the GOSPEL) to every creature [of the WHOLE HUMAN RACE]. PREACH – kēryssō - To share with gravity and authority! GOSPEL – euaggelion – evangelism/evangelist –  enthusiastic advocate (Websters)   1 CORINTHIANS 14:1, 23-25 NKJV (Paul said) PURSUE LOVE, and desire spiritual [gifts], but especially that you may prophesy. ... 23 Therefore if the WHOLE CHURCH comes together in one place, and all SPEAK WITH TONGUES, and there come in [those who are] UNINFORMED or UNBELIEVERS, will they not say that YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND? SLIDE 15 24 But if all PROPHESY, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is CONVINCED BY ALL, he is CONVICTED BY ALL. 25 And thus the SECRETS OF HIS HEART ARE REVEALED; and so, falling down on [his] face, HE WILL WORSHIP GOD and report that GOD IS TRULY AMONG YOU. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23 NKJV (Paul said) For though I am free from all [men], I have made myself a SERVANT to all, that I MIGHT WIN THE MORE; 20 and to the JEWS I became as a Jew, that I might WIN JEWS; …21 to those [who are] WITHOUT LAW (GREEKS/GENTILES), …that I might WIN THOSE [WHO ARE] WITHOUT LAW; 22 … I have become ALL THINGS TO ALL [MEN], THAT I MIGHT BY ALL MEANS SAVE SOME. 23 Now this I do for the GOSPEL'S sake, that I may be partaker of it WITH [YOU]. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:22 NKJV (Paul said) For JEWS request a SIGN, and GREEKS seek after WISDOM;   SUNDAYS EVANGELISM - SUNDAY ARROW TEMPLATE GRAPHIC   QUESTIONS Do we have a TARGET audience and WHY? Non-believers Untaught believers 25-35 year-olds Educated Higher Income Skeptical Social Media Matters Wants it REAL   What is the BEST WAY to REACH THEM? 47.06% - Friend/Family Invited Me 21.57% - Web Search 13.73% - TV Commercial 13.73% - Other (Web Partner Referral) 01.96% - Postcard 01.96% - Street Banner/Drive By Campus   Relational Investments Personal Invite Shared Social Media LifePointe Global Media Platform (Website, Podcast, Etc.) Bridge Events Conferences (Marriage, Parenting, etc.) Family Fun (Trunk/Treat) Community Service Projects   What if my friends come when I am SERVING? Remember that fruitfulness is our mission Let them see your enthusiasm for the role Ask them to meet you after your “shift” for lunch Have them text you when they arrive so you can hop over to say hello   What can I do NOW to help LP REACH OUT? Love your church (live in harmony!) Be an enthusiastic advocate (it’s all about attitude!) Share relentlessly on social media Surrender judgmentalism and political opinions Utilize invite cards - invite weekly   How do we measure a WIN? How many SOCIAL MEDIA posts and shares? How many INVITE CARDS am I/are we giving? How many VISITORS came?   1 CORINTHIANS 1:10 NLT (Paul said) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to LIVE IN HARMONY with each other. Let there be NO DIVISIONS in the CHURCH. Rather, be of ONE MIND, UNITED in THOUGHT and PURPOSE. MOVING FORWARD THIS WEEK WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS?  HOW WILL YOU USE IT TO HELP/SERVE OTHERS?

TODAY'S SERMON NOTES: 1 TIMOTHY 3:15 NIV (Paul said) If I am delayed, YOU WILL KNOW HOW people OUGHT TO CONDUCT themselves in GOD’S HOUSEHOLD, which is THE CHURCH of the living God, the pillar and FOUNDATION of the TRUTH.   CHURCH GOVERNMENT: CHURCH GOVERNMENT is THE SYSTEM by which DECISIONS ARE MADE in a church; a description of WHERE AUTHORITY RESIDES.   PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT: The PURPOSE of GOVERNMENT is to LOVE and SERVE the PEOPLE WELL.   UNDERSTANDING AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY requires a SINGULAR HEAD The AUTHORITY that is given is ANSWERABLE to the one WHO PLACES him/her in that position of AUTHORITY   LIFEPOINTE GOVERNANCE: LED/RULED by a PASTOR, DIRECTOR & CAPTAIN system PROTECTED by a BOARD of ELDER-MINISTERS (civil authority) REVIEWED by ACCOUNTANTS   CIVIL AUTHORITY STRUCTURE: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pastor Bishops (Directors) Deacons (Captains) Saints/Disciples (Members)   QUESTIONS WE WILL ANSWER: What does the Board of Directors do? Who serves on our Board of Directors? What is the governing-authority structure for the finances of the church? Do we operate with a church budget? How are budgets decided? Who sets the pastor’s salary? Who sets the staff salaries? Do we have a methodology for setting salaries? Does LifePointe prepare for economic downturns with adequate reserves? What is the status of our capital campaign funds, as well as our plans for acquiring a new campus? Why do we not have full disclosure of church finances, including all spending decisions, to the church membership? What happens if the pastor gets into error? What are the succession plans if something happens to Pastor Patrick?  HOW TO APPLY: PRAY for your church leaders PRACTICE trust in God’s ultimate authority PROTECT the culture of the church   1 CORINTHIANS 1:10 NLT (Paul said) I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to LIVE IN HARMONY with each other. Let there be NO DIVISIONS in the CHURCH. Rather, be of ONE MIND, UNITED in THOUGHT and PURPOSE. MOVING FORWARD THIS WEEK WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS?  HOW WILL YOU USE IT TO HELP/SERVE OTHERS?

TODAY'S SERMON NOTES MATTHEW 16:18-19 NLT (Jesus said) 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. 19 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 PERMITon earth will be permitted in heaven." CHURCH = EKKLESIA = ASSEMBLY = YOU! Church was never to be a merely… A building to GO TO, Or corporation to be CONTROLLED BY, Or the spiritual finish line to MARK OFF. The church was to be the central powerhouse for a movement. Church is about leading people through the systems, relationships and tools that transform them at the deepest levels, and thereby transforming marriages, recovering addictions, healing relationships, empowering vocational aspirations, and breathing life into inspired-dreams; giving us a purpose to live… and die for. When church attenders UNDERSTAND, INTEGRATE and APPLY THE FUNCTIONS of this movement, it changes their lives, then they too become the embodiment of the movement to outsiders. This is how we arrive at our commission, to go into all the world and preach the gospel.     HOW DOES THE CHURCH CHANGE LIVES? If our HEALTH, HAPPINESS and HOLISTIC FULFILLMENT hinges on our integration and ownership of CHURCH, shouldn’t we KNOW what a CHURCH should be about: Why does our CHURCH EXIST? What is its purpose? (My purpose?) How it is organized? How it is supposed to be LED? Who has the POWER TO CHOOSE what the identity, personality, style and genre a church is? (Who picks the carpet, music, what strategies will be implemented, etc.?) Who gets to decide what programs, ministries and activities a church has? Who decides the spiritual diet, core doctrines/statement of faith, and processes? How BUDGETS are determined? WHO decides it? Who determines the PASTOR’S AND STAFF SALARIES? Where is the ACCOUNTABILITY of its leaders? HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE GOVERNED?   WHAT EXACTLY IS CHURCH GOVERNMENT? CHURCH GOVERNMENT is THE SYSTEM by which DECISIONS ARE MADE in a church; a description of WHERE AUTHORITY RESIDES.   TO WHOM DOES OUR CHURCH BELONG? MATTHEW 16:18-19 NLT (Jesus said) I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH… 1 CORINTHIANS 3:11 NLT (Paul said about the church) For no one can lay any FOUNDATION other than the one we already have--JESUS CHRIST.   FORMS OF CHURCH RULE / GOVERNANCE Episcopal (Denomination Ruled)   Presbyterian (Lay-Leader Ruled)   Congregational (Congregation-Democracy Ruled)  Pastoral (Pastor Ruled) But which form PROMOTES THE BEST HEALTH and FRUITFULNESS???   THE FIRST THING – UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY QUESTION: HOW has the Lord ESTABLISHED the CONCEPT and UNDERSTANDING of AUTHORITY among HIS PEOPLE?   CHURCH GOVERNMENT is THE SYSTEM by which DECISIONS ARE MADE in a church; a description of WHERE AUTHORITY RESIDES.   In Jewish and Christian HISTORY, has GOD led His people by… COMMITTEE (BY MULTIPLICITY of HEADSHIP) OR SINGULAR AUTHORITY HEAD   ONE AUTHORITY – NOT PLURALITY OF EQUAL AUTHORITY God (Does God lead as singular authority, or in plurality?) ROMANS 13:1-2 NKJV … For there is NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD… 1 CORINTHIANS 11:3 NKJV …and the HEAD of CHRIST [is] GOD. EPHESIANS 1:22 NKJV And HE (THE FATHER)… gave Him (JESUS) [to be] HEAD over ALL [THINGS] to the CHURCH… Abraham Moses Joshua Jesus Peter Paul James    METAPHORS OF THE CHURCH & HEADSHIP AUTHORITY MODELS Body of Christ (One HEAD – CHIEF SHEPHERD) Human Body (One HEAD – Two Heads is FREAK) Marriage (One HEAD – “husband is HEAD of the wife…”) Army (RANK and file – every soldier knows who they are accountable to) Shepherd (One HEAD – Sheep don’t vote) Family (One HEAD – kids don’t vote)   QUESTION: Doesn’t the Bible show a plurality of leadership? (Elders, Bishops, Deacons, Etc.)   UNDERSTANDING PRINCIPLES OF AUTHORITY Authority requires a SINGULAR HEAD The AUTHORITY that is given is ANSWERABLE to the one WHO PLACES him/her in that position of AUTHORITY    CHURCH GOVERNANCE LINES OF AUTHORITY The Father Jesus Pastor Leading-Elders Bishops Deacons Saints   ROMANS 13:1-2 NKJV … For there is NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD… 1 CORINTHIANS 11:3 NKJV …and the HEAD of CHRIST [is] GOD. EPHESIANS 1:22 NKJV And HE (THE FATHER)… gave Him (JESUS) [to be] HEAD over ALL [THINGS] to the CHURCH… 1 PETER 5:2-4 NKJV (Peter wrote to multiple churches) SHEPHERD the FLOCK of God which is among you, serving as OVERSEERS, NOT by compulsion but willingly, NOT for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 NOR as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.   QUESTIONS: Is a Pastor-Ruled church the same as a dictatorship? Does a Pastor-Ruled church mean there is no accountability? Is a Pastor-Ruled church led by pride, arrogance and self-interests of the pastor?   LIFEPOINTE GOVERNANCE: LED/RULED by a PASTOR, DIRECTOR & CAPTAIN system PROTECTED by a BOARD of ELDER-MINISTERS (civil authority) REVIEWED by ACCOUNTANTS    WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS TODAY??? PRAY for your Leaders PRACTICE trust in God’s ultimate Authority PROTECT the Culture of the Church MOVING FORWARD THIS WEEK WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS?  HOW WILL YOU USE IT TO HELP/SERVE OTHERS?

Road rage, instant downloads, buying on credit, all have one thing in common – they are often the result of impatience. Impatience on the road causes frustration and anger. We are sometimes too impatient for a CD to arrive in the post, so we opt for a download instead, even when we would have preferred the CD. Buying on credit is often because we don’t want to wait until we have saved up enough money – we want things now, not later. But is impatience wrong? Are there benefits to being patient? Patience is next to godliness In the Bible, patience is described as the fruit of the Spirit. That is, it is the result of God’s Spirit working in the lives of believers, making them more like him. It is therefore only a good thing. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT) Paul also tells Timothy: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11, NLT) Patience is most often put into practice when we have to be patient with other people: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NLT) Patience matures when practiced “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:3–4, NLT) Hudson Taylor would tell those who wanted to be missionaries to China that there were three indispensable requirements for a missionary: Patience, Patience, Patience. When all other options are exhausted, patience is one of the ways to cope with suffering (along with prayer). It is also what Christians are called to, as we wait in confident assurance of going to be with the Lord. “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us.” (Revelation 1:9, NLT) Patience leads to salvation Christians are told to be patient as we try to live godly lives, even when others around us seem to be doing well through crime or ungodly living. “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7, NLT) The reason for being patient is that we have a hope for the future when justice will one day be done, for all wrongs, large and small. But since there is judgment to come, when all injustices and sins are addressed, we need to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation from what we are due. In his mercy, those who trust in him, and his sacrifice on the cross, are forgiven. We look forward to the day when we will be freed from this world where sin abounds, to be with the Lord. But we must wait patiently for that time. “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) God is patient with us, giving us time to return to him. But his patience will not last forever. There is a limit on his patience, as there is a day ahead when time will have run out for us. And also, we only have a limited number of years to live in which we can turn to him: “That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12–13, NLT) Patient Christian hope Whether it is for release from suffering, or waiting to go and be with the Lord, the Christian’s patience has been summarised in prose by J. D. Smith (with a few old words modernsed): Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting! Till next steps made plain shall be; To hear, with the inner hearing, The Voice that will call for me. Waiting! Yes, quietly waiting! No need for an anxious dread; Shall He not assuredly guide me, Who gives me daily bread? Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting! With hope that needn’t grow dim; The Master is pledged to guide me, And my eyes are unto Him. Waiting! Yes, expectantly waiting! Perhaps it may be today The Master will quickly open The gate to my future way. Waiting! Yes, trustfully waiting! I know, though I’ve waited long, That, while He withholds His purpose, His waiting cannot be wrong. Waiting! Yes, waiting, Still waiting! The Master will not be late; He knows that I am waiting For Him to unlatch the gate.

Actor David Suchet wants to read the Bible. But not just read it, to read it aloud. And not only to read it aloud, but to record reading it. Here is an extract from a clip on YouTube, made while he was recording reading part of the Bible. “I had a conversion experience that begun in 1986. When I was converted I was an actor. And I thought, well, one thing I can do, or, I think I can do, is to read. And I’ve for many, many years felt that I wanted to put my voice to the Bible. Not only bits of the Bible, but the whole thing… It will for me, fulfil, what is for me a 27 year ambition. What is surprising when reading the Bible out loud, is over and over again I hear in my head as I’m reading it, a quote from the Bible; “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It doesn’t say “Read the Word of the Lord”, it says “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It’s my prayer that everybody hearing my reading will find the same things, it will be fresh. And they will think, as I think when I’m reading it; gosh, this is fantastic.” “Hear the Word of the Lord” is a phrase that recurs in the Bible. But it is not simply a call to ‘hear’, but to ‘respond’ to what is heard. It is not a call to simply listen, but to act on what we hear. Parents in the past might have been heard saying to a child who was not listening to what they were told; “Have you got poundies (potatoes) in your ears?” Teachers and parents have often said to distracted pupils and children; “Did you hear me?” The obvious inference is that if they heard them, they would have changed what they were doing, they would have obeyed the voice of their teacher or parent. When they ask that question, they’re really asking “Why haven’t you obeyed me when I told you what to do?” In the Bible, to ‘hear’ God is to ‘obey’ God. The Hebrew word ‘shema’ means to listen, understand, and to act (obey). It is often translated ‘obey’ instead of ‘hear’ (e.g. Deut. 30:17-18). In Psalm 40:6, the writer uses the metaphor of God giving him an open ear to show that he has been more obedient to what God wants him to do – delighting in doing what God commands, rather than going through the motions of religious ceremony: “In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”” (Psalm 40:6–8, ESV) In the Lord’s prayer, obedience is one of the first things mentioned, doing God’s will here on earth, as it is (perfectly) done in heaven by the angels (Matthew 6:9-13). We are not to be the masters of our own lives, doing it ‘my way’, as Frank Sinatra used to sing. Instead, we are to be obedient to God, doing things ‘his way’. Jesus said: “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT) The Apostle John wrote later: “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” (1 John 2:3–5, NLT) Paul describes the purpose of the gospel as to bring about “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5, 16:26). Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ wrote: Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 7:21-23 that only we will be judged by our actions on the judgment day. Only those who put his words into practice will have confidence to stand on that day: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, ESV) We ought to not only listen, but understand and obey the Word of God. Jesus said: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, ESV)

Why do you think we call ourselves Colin Glen Christian Fellowship? While we answer that question in brief here, we considered what the word 'fellowship' means in today's sermon. Fellowship is not simply having a club where we all feel accepted. It is that. But it is so much more. Church fellowship is the best experience you can have between people, but it is so much more than simply experiencing love and care and being supported by others. Fellowship is not simply about us, it is based on God. We have fellowship with each other, because we have fellowship with God. The word which is often translated 'fellowship' is in the original Greek 'koinonia'. We read that the early Church had fellowship among their first activities: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NLT) Paul also mentions 'partnership' (koinonia) in the gospel: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3–5, NIV84) Yet, fellowship isn't primarily a human-human experience, but a God-human experience. It is in the first place grounded in a relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. ” (1 John 1:1–4, NLT) “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. ” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV84A) “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT) Fellowship has a moral/spiritual dimension therefore. We cannot have fellowship with each other if we are sinning against each other: So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6–7, NLT) There is much more that could be said about fellowship. If you are looking for true fellowship with Christians, seek first fellowship with God. If you don't know how to do this, a simple prayer like this one may help: Dear Father in heaven, you know all about me and my situation. I am truly sorry for my sins, where even my best efforts do not reach your standard of holiness. I accept that I deserve your judgment, and that on my own there is nothing that I can do to improve myself enough or make up for my sins. Please forgive me. I know that I can be forgiven because Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross in my place, for my sins. I know that you will forgive me because of your great love for me, in Christ. Please heal me from the brokenness of the past. From this moment on, please help me to trust in the risen Jesus, not only as Saviour, but also as Lord of my life. Thank you for the Holy Spirit in my heart to give me the strength and guidance I need to do your will, and to teach me from your Word, the Bible. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your great love and forgiveness, my new relationship with you, my new life in Christ, and for the certainty of eternal life with you for ever. Amen.

Why do you think we call ourselves Colin Glen Christian Fellowship? While we answer that question in brief here, we considered what the word 'fellowship' means in today's sermon. Fellowship is not simply having a club where we all feel accepted. It is that. But it is so much more. Church fellowship is the best experience you can have between people, but it is so much more than simply experiencing love and care and being supported by others. Fellowship is not simply about us, it is based on God. We have fellowship with each other, because we have fellowship with God. The word which is often translated 'fellowship' is in the original Greek 'koinonia'. We read that the early Church had fellowship among their first activities: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NLT) Paul also mentions 'partnership' (koinonia) in the gospel: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3–5, NIV84) Yet, fellowship isn't primarily a human-human experience, but a God-human experience. It is in the first place grounded in a relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. ” (1 John 1:1–4, NLT) “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. ” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV84A) “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT) Fellowship has a moral/spiritual dimension therefore. We cannot have fellowship with each other if we are sinning against each other: So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6–7, NLT) There is much more that could be said about fellowship. If you are looking for true fellowship with Christians, seek first fellowship with God. If you don't know how to do this, a simple prayer like this one may help: Dear Father in heaven, you know all about me and my situation. I am truly sorry for my sins, where even my best efforts do not reach your standard of holiness. I accept that I deserve your judgment, and that on my own there is nothing that I can do to improve myself enough or make up for my sins. Please forgive me. I know that I can be forgiven because Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross in my place, for my sins. I know that you will forgive me because of your great love for me, in Christ. Please heal me from the brokenness of the past. From this moment on, please help me to trust in the risen Jesus, not only as Saviour, but also as Lord of my life. Thank you for the Holy Spirit in my heart to give me the strength and guidance I need to do your will, and to teach me from your Word, the Bible. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your great love and forgiveness, my new relationship with you, my new life in Christ, and for the certainty of eternal life with you for ever. Amen.

Coveting is a sin that is behind many more sins to this day. For example, the sin behind theft is coveting what is not legitimately ours, which leads on to stealing it. Coveting sex with someone other than our own spouse is the root sin behind the sin of adultery and rape. Coveting people's approval or esteem is the sin that lies behind impressing others through gossip. The list is long. Jesus warns of greed and covetousness: Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15, NLT) Paul tells us that covetousness is actually idolatry (Colossians 3:5 ESV). Jesus tells us that such sin comes from a heart that is not right with God (Mark 7:21-22). Paul outlines the parallel between breaking God's law and breaking the first command in Romans 7:7-11, showing that coveting was the original sin that resulted in the Fall. The alternative to coveting is to love our neighbour as ourselves. Commandments 6-10 can be “summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Romans 13:9). The key to doing this is to be content. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:12, NLT) Be ought to be kind, generous, loving, giving, patient, obedient, gracious, merciful, towards others. If we do God's will first, he guarantees that we will be content and have all that we need (not necessarily all that we might want): Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33, NLT) Further, God promises that we will have our heart's desire, if we seek his “will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven”: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4, NLT) If we follow Jesus, doing his will, obeying his commandments, trusting him with all our concerns, we will know peace in our hearts, fulfilment in our lives, contentment, and peace of mind. People are chasing after these things, but looking for them in the wrong direction, going down the path of covetousness which leaves us with an empty feeling in the long run, instead of following God when we have joy, peace, and a holistic sense of fulfilment in the long run. The gospel message is glorious – people can be fulfilled in Jesus, instead of feeling unfulfilled by chasing after the things of this world.

This week, we’re starting a new short series on living the victorious Christian life. Today’s message is that weakness is not failure, but enables God to be powerful in our lives. The Apostle Paul’s leadership was in question by the believers in Corinth. He was not as impressive as other wannabe church leaders. Paul acknowledged that: ‘We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT) Yet, he and Timothy did not consider their difficulties as evidence of failure. Instead, they were opportunities for strength and success. This success was clearly not from them, as they were weak – instead, it was from God, who is all-powerful. ‘We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT) Paul shows that his success is not due to worldly methods or worldly impression, but from the power of God. This is why we should never give up when we are tempted to do so, because of apparent failure. Don’t look at the problem issue you see, but persevere, knowing that God can use your perseverance much more than you might realise. When you rely on God’s strength when you are weak, you are allowing God to work in and through you in ways that you might not even begin to realise.

Why do you think we call ourselves Colin Glen Christian Fellowship? While we answer that question in brief here, we considered what the word 'fellowship' means in today's sermon. Fellowship is not simply having a club where we all feel accepted. It is that. But it is so much more. Church fellowship is the best experience you can have between people, but it is so much more than simply experiencing love and care and being supported by others. Fellowship is not simply about us, it is based on God. We have fellowship with each other, because we have fellowship with God. The word which is often translated 'fellowship' is in the original Greek 'koinonia'. We read that the early Church had fellowship among their first activities: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NLT) Paul also mentions 'partnership' (koinonia) in the gospel: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3–5, NIV84) Yet, fellowship isn't primarily a human-human experience, but a God-human experience. It is in the first place grounded in a relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. ” (1 John 1:1–4, NLT) “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. ” (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV84A) “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT) Fellowship has a moral/spiritual dimension therefore. We cannot have fellowship with each other if we are sinning against each other: So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6–7, NLT) There is much more that could be said about fellowship. If you are looking for true fellowship with Christians, seek first fellowship with God. If you don't know how to do this, a simple prayer like this one may help: Dear Father in heaven, you know all about me and my situation. I am truly sorry for my sins, where even my best efforts do not reach your standard of holiness. I accept that I deserve your judgment, and that on my own there is nothing that I can do to improve myself enough or make up for my sins. Please forgive me. I know that I can be forgiven because Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross in my place, for my sins. I know that you will forgive me because of your great love for me, in Christ. Please heal me from the brokenness of the past. From this moment on, please help me to trust in the risen Jesus, not only as Saviour, but also as Lord of my life. Thank you for the Holy Spirit in my heart to give me the strength and guidance I need to do your will, and to teach me from your Word, the Bible. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your great love and forgiveness, my new relationship with you, my new life in Christ, and for the certainty of eternal life with you for ever. Amen.

Van Morrison’s song “Bright side of the road” encourages us to move from the dark side (of the street) to the bright side (of the road). The illustration of moving from the dark to the light was used by the apostle Paul many years beforehand, in his letter to Christians in and around the ancient city of Ephesus: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8, NLT) Paul’s encouragement to the believers can be summarised under three headings: You have been called out of darkness Leave the dark side and be enlightened by Christ Walk as children of light If Christians have left the darkness of unbelief and sin behind (in principle while they are striving to do so in practice, as they wait until going to be with the Lord when they will have left it behind completely), if they have crossed over to the bright side, they ought not to walk in the dark side any longer.

Why do people suffer in the cause of sharing the gospel of Jesus? Does opposition, persecution, suffering etc. mean that our methods are not right, or that we have done something wrong? Well, sometimes we have to admit that there are clear examples of Christians stirring up trouble for themselves, because of the way the behave, or what they say, or the way they say it, or their methods in communicating the gospel, etc, are inconsistent with godliness and biblical principles. That is, sometimes Christians suffer because they are just difficult people, not because of being Christians (although at times observers might not be able to distinguish between the two). Paul was concerned for the believers in and around Ephesus in the first century. They had heard that he was imprisoned in Rome for being a Christian and spreading the gospel. They were downhearted. But Paul tells them not to lose heart, and to see that this was not failure. In fact, it was victory, in a way. This is because the spiritual forces of darkness react against the gospel taken out into the world, by him and by the Church. If we see the bigger picture, the view from the command centre, or from God’s point of view, we see that those on the front line of mission in the world can expect opposition. Paul later shares that this is not primarily from people, even though it comes from the hands of people most of the time. Instead, it originates from the spiritual forces of darkness in the world. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12–13, ESV) Jesus also taught that Christians would be persecuted in this world, in the same way that he was. “Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.” (John 15:20, NLT) But also he taught that they should not consider such opposition in a negative way: “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” (Luke 6:22–23, NLT) Paul teaches the Ephesian believers that his suffering for them is nothing to lose heart about. He wants them to be encouraged that the mission of the gospel is being carried out, with his imprisonment being an unfortunate side-effect of his ministry. When we see circumstances from the perspective of the big picture, we can cope with a lot more than when we simply look at the problems on their own.

Road rage, instant downloads, buying on credit, all have one thing in common – they are often the result of impatience. Impatience on the road causes frustration and anger. We are sometimes too impatient for a CD to arrive in the post, so we opt for a download instead, even when we would have preferred the CD. Buying on credit is often because we don’t want to wait until we have saved up enough money – we want things now, not later. But is impatience wrong? Are there benefits to being patient? Patience is next to godliness In the Bible, patience is described as the fruit of the Spirit. That is, it is the result of God’s Spirit working in the lives of believers, making them more like him. It is therefore only a good thing. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT) Paul also tells Timothy: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11, NLT) Patience is most often put into practice when we have to be patient with other people: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NLT) Patience matures when practiced “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:3–4, NLT) Hudson Taylor would tell those who wanted to be missionaries to China that there were three indispensable requirements for a missionary: Patience, Patience, Patience. When all other options are exhausted, patience is one of the ways to cope with suffering (along with prayer). It is also what Christians are called to, as we wait in confident assurance of going to be with the Lord. “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us.” (Revelation 1:9, NLT) Patience leads to salvation Christians are told to be patient as we try to live godly lives, even when others around us seem to be doing well through crime or ungodly living. “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7, NLT) The reason for being patient is that we have a hope for the future when justice will one day be done, for all wrongs, large and small. But since there is judgment to come, when all injustices and sins are addressed, we need to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation from what we are due. In his mercy, those who trust in him, and his sacrifice on the cross, are forgiven. We look forward to the day when we will be freed from this world where sin abounds, to be with the Lord. But we must wait patiently for that time. “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) God is patient with us, giving us time to return to him. But his patience will not last forever. There is a limit on his patience, as there is a day ahead when time will have run out for us. And also, we only have a limited number of years to live in which we can turn to him: “That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12–13, NLT) Patient Christian hope Whether it is for release from suffering, or waiting to go and be with the Lord, the Christian’s patience has been summarised in prose by J. D. Smith (with a few old words modernsed): Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting! Till next steps made plain shall be; To hear, with the inner hearing, The Voice that will call for me. Waiting! Yes, quietly waiting! No need for an anxious dread; Shall He not assuredly guide me, Who gives me daily bread? Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting! With hope that needn’t grow dim; The Master is pledged to guide me, And my eyes are unto Him. Waiting! Yes, expectantly waiting! Perhaps it may be today The Master will quickly open The gate to my future way. Waiting! Yes, trustfully waiting! I know, though I’ve waited long, That, while He withholds His purpose, His waiting cannot be wrong. Waiting! Yes, waiting, Still waiting! The Master will not be late; He knows that I am waiting For Him to unlatch the gate.

Actor David Suchet wants to read the Bible. But not just read it, to read it aloud. And not only to read it aloud, but to record reading it. Here is an extract from a clip on YouTube, made while he was recording reading part of the Bible. “I had a conversion experience that begun in 1986. When I was converted I was an actor. And I thought, well, one thing I can do, or, I think I can do, is to read. And I’ve for many, many years felt that I wanted to put my voice to the Bible. Not only bits of the Bible, but the whole thing… It will for me, fulfil, what is for me a 27 year ambition. What is surprising when reading the Bible out loud, is over and over again I hear in my head as I’m reading it, a quote from the Bible; “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It doesn’t say “Read the Word of the Lord”, it says “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It’s my prayer that everybody hearing my reading will find the same things, it will be fresh. And they will think, as I think when I’m reading it; gosh, this is fantastic.” “Hear the Word of the Lord” is a phrase that recurs in the Bible. But it is not simply a call to ‘hear’, but to ‘respond’ to what is heard. It is not a call to simply listen, but to act on what we hear. Parents in the past might have been heard saying to a child who was not listening to what they were told; “Have you got poundies (potatoes) in your ears?” Teachers and parents have often said to distracted pupils and children; “Did you hear me?” The obvious inference is that if they heard them, they would have changed what they were doing, they would have obeyed the voice of their teacher or parent. When they ask that question, they’re really asking “Why haven’t you obeyed me when I told you what to do?” In the Bible, to ‘hear’ God is to ‘obey’ God. The Hebrew word ‘shema’ means to listen, understand, and to act (obey). It is often translated ‘obey’ instead of ‘hear’ (e.g. Deut. 30:17-18). In Psalm 40:6, the writer uses the metaphor of God giving him an open ear to show that he has been more obedient to what God wants him to do – delighting in doing what God commands, rather than going through the motions of religious ceremony: “In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”” (Psalm 40:6–8, ESV) In the Lord’s prayer, obedience is one of the first things mentioned, doing God’s will here on earth, as it is (perfectly) done in heaven by the angels (Matthew 6:9-13). We are not to be the masters of our own lives, doing it ‘my way’, as Frank Sinatra used to sing. Instead, we are to be obedient to God, doing things ‘his way’. Jesus said: “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT) The Apostle John wrote later: “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” (1 John 2:3–5, NLT) Paul describes the purpose of the gospel as to bring about “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5, 16:26). Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ wrote: Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 7:21-23 that only we will be judged by our actions on the judgment day. Only those who put his words into practice will have confidence to stand on that day: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, ESV) We ought to not only listen, but understand and obey the Word of God. Jesus said: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, ESV)

Coveting is a sin that is behind many more sins to this day. For example, the sin behind theft is coveting what is not legitimately ours, which leads on to stealing it. Coveting sex with someone other than our own spouse is the root sin behind the sin of adultery and rape. Coveting people's approval or esteem is the sin that lies behind impressing others through gossip. The list is long. Jesus warns of greed and covetousness: Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15, NLT) Paul tells us that covetousness is actually idolatry (Colossians 3:5 ESV). Jesus tells us that such sin comes from a heart that is not right with God (Mark 7:21-22). Paul outlines the parallel between breaking God's law and breaking the first command in Romans 7:7-11, showing that coveting was the original sin that resulted in the Fall. The alternative to coveting is to love our neighbour as ourselves. Commandments 6-10 can be “summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Romans 13:9). The key to doing this is to be content. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:12, NLT) Be ought to be kind, generous, loving, giving, patient, obedient, gracious, merciful, towards others. If we do God's will first, he guarantees that we will be content and have all that we need (not necessarily all that we might want): Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33, NLT) Further, God promises that we will have our heart's desire, if we seek his “will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven”: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4, NLT) If we follow Jesus, doing his will, obeying his commandments, trusting him with all our concerns, we will know peace in our hearts, fulfilment in our lives, contentment, and peace of mind. People are chasing after these things, but looking for them in the wrong direction, going down the path of covetousness which leaves us with an empty feeling in the long run, instead of following God when we have joy, peace, and a holistic sense of fulfilment in the long run. The gospel message is glorious – people can be fulfilled in Jesus, instead of feeling unfulfilled by chasing after the things of this world.

This week, we’re starting a new short series on living the victorious Christian life. Today’s message is that weakness is not failure, but enables God to be powerful in our lives. The Apostle Paul’s leadership was in question by the believers in Corinth. He was not as impressive as other wannabe church leaders. Paul acknowledged that: ‘We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT) Yet, he and Timothy did not consider their difficulties as evidence of failure. Instead, they were opportunities for strength and success. This success was clearly not from them, as they were weak – instead, it was from God, who is all-powerful. ‘We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT) Paul shows that his success is not due to worldly methods or worldly impression, but from the power of God. This is why we should never give up when we are tempted to do so, because of apparent failure. Don’t look at the problem issue you see, but persevere, knowing that God can use your perseverance much more than you might realise. When you rely on God’s strength when you are weak, you are allowing God to work in and through you in ways that you might not even begin to realise.

Van Morrison’s song “Bright side of the road” encourages us to move from the dark side (of the street) to the bright side (of the road). The illustration of moving from the dark to the light was used by the apostle Paul many years beforehand, in his letter to Christians in and around the ancient city of Ephesus: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8, NLT) Paul’s encouragement to the believers can be summarised under three headings: You have been called out of darkness Leave the dark side and be enlightened by Christ Walk as children of light If Christians have left the darkness of unbelief and sin behind (in principle while they are striving to do so in practice, as they wait until going to be with the Lord when they will have left it behind completely), if they have crossed over to the bright side, they ought not to walk in the dark side any longer.

Road rage, instant downloads, buying on credit, all have one thing in common – they are often the result of impatience. Impatience on the road causes frustration and anger. We are sometimes too impatient for a CD to arrive in the post, so we opt for a download instead, even when we would have preferred the CD. Buying on credit is often because we don’t want to wait until we have saved up enough money – we want things now, not later. But is impatience wrong? Are there benefits to being patient? Patience is next to godliness In the Bible, patience is described as the fruit of the Spirit. That is, it is the result of God’s Spirit working in the lives of believers, making them more like him. It is therefore only a good thing. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT) Paul also tells Timothy: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11, NLT) Patience is most often put into practice when we have to be patient with other people: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NLT) Patience matures when practiced “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:3–4, NLT) Hudson Taylor would tell those who wanted to be missionaries to China that there were three indispensable requirements for a missionary: Patience, Patience, Patience. When all other options are exhausted, patience is one of the ways to cope with suffering (along with prayer). It is also what Christians are called to, as we wait in confident assurance of going to be with the Lord. “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us.” (Revelation 1:9, NLT) Patience leads to salvation Christians are told to be patient as we try to live godly lives, even when others around us seem to be doing well through crime or ungodly living. “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7, NLT) The reason for being patient is that we have a hope for the future when justice will one day be done, for all wrongs, large and small. But since there is judgment to come, when all injustices and sins are addressed, we need to trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation from what we are due. In his mercy, those who trust in him, and his sacrifice on the cross, are forgiven. We look forward to the day when we will be freed from this world where sin abounds, to be with the Lord. But we must wait patiently for that time. “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) God is patient with us, giving us time to return to him. But his patience will not last forever. There is a limit on his patience, as there is a day ahead when time will have run out for us. And also, we only have a limited number of years to live in which we can turn to him: “That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” (Joel 2:12–13, NLT) Patient Christian hope Whether it is for release from suffering, or waiting to go and be with the Lord, the Christian’s patience has been summarised in prose by J. D. Smith (with a few old words modernsed): Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting! Till next steps made plain shall be; To hear, with the inner hearing, The Voice that will call for me. Waiting! Yes, quietly waiting! No need for an anxious dread; Shall He not assuredly guide me, Who gives me daily bread? Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting! With hope that needn’t grow dim; The Master is pledged to guide me, And my eyes are unto Him. Waiting! Yes, expectantly waiting! Perhaps it may be today The Master will quickly open The gate to my future way. Waiting! Yes, trustfully waiting! I know, though I’ve waited long, That, while He withholds His purpose, His waiting cannot be wrong. Waiting! Yes, waiting, Still waiting! The Master will not be late; He knows that I am waiting For Him to unlatch the gate.

Why do people suffer in the cause of sharing the gospel of Jesus? Does opposition, persecution, suffering etc. mean that our methods are not right, or that we have done something wrong? Well, sometimes we have to admit that there are clear examples of Christians stirring up trouble for themselves, because of the way the behave, or what they say, or the way they say it, or their methods in communicating the gospel, etc, are inconsistent with godliness and biblical principles. That is, sometimes Christians suffer because they are just difficult people, not because of being Christians (although at times observers might not be able to distinguish between the two). Paul was concerned for the believers in and around Ephesus in the first century. They had heard that he was imprisoned in Rome for being a Christian and spreading the gospel. They were downhearted. But Paul tells them not to lose heart, and to see that this was not failure. In fact, it was victory, in a way. This is because the spiritual forces of darkness react against the gospel taken out into the world, by him and by the Church. If we see the bigger picture, the view from the command centre, or from God’s point of view, we see that those on the front line of mission in the world can expect opposition. Paul later shares that this is not primarily from people, even though it comes from the hands of people most of the time. Instead, it originates from the spiritual forces of darkness in the world. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12–13, ESV) Jesus also taught that Christians would be persecuted in this world, in the same way that he was. “Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.” (John 15:20, NLT) But also he taught that they should not consider such opposition in a negative way: “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” (Luke 6:22–23, NLT) Paul teaches the Ephesian believers that his suffering for them is nothing to lose heart about. He wants them to be encouraged that the mission of the gospel is being carried out, with his imprisonment being an unfortunate side-effect of his ministry. When we see circumstances from the perspective of the big picture, we can cope with a lot more than when we simply look at the problems on their own.

Van Morrison’s song “Bright side of the road” encourages us to move from the dark side (of the street) to the bright side (of the road). The illustration of moving from the dark to the light was used by the apostle Paul many years beforehand, in his letter to Christians in and around the ancient city of Ephesus: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8, NLT) Paul’s encouragement to the believers can be summarised under three headings: You have been called out of darkness Leave the dark side and be enlightened by Christ Walk as children of light If Christians have left the darkness of unbelief and sin behind (in principle while they are striving to do so in practice, as they wait until going to be with the Lord when they will have left it behind completely), if they have crossed over to the bright side, they ought not to walk in the dark side any longer.

This week, we’re starting a new short series on living the victorious Christian life. Today’s message is that weakness is not failure, but enables God to be powerful in our lives. The Apostle Paul’s leadership was in question by the believers in Corinth. He was not as impressive as other wannabe church leaders. Paul acknowledged that: ‘We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT) Yet, he and Timothy did not consider their difficulties as evidence of failure. Instead, they were opportunities for strength and success. This success was clearly not from them, as they were weak – instead, it was from God, who is all-powerful. ‘We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT) Paul shows that his success is not due to worldly methods or worldly impression, but from the power of God. This is why we should never give up when we are tempted to do so, because of apparent failure. Don’t look at the problem issue you see, but persevere, knowing that God can use your perseverance much more than you might realise. When you rely on God’s strength when you are weak, you are allowing God to work in and through you in ways that you might not even begin to realise.

Coveting is a sin that is behind many more sins to this day. For example, the sin behind theft is coveting what is not legitimately ours, which leads on to stealing it. Coveting sex with someone other than our own spouse is the root sin behind the sin of adultery and rape. Coveting people's approval or esteem is the sin that lies behind impressing others through gossip. The list is long. Jesus warns of greed and covetousness: Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15, NLT) Paul tells us that covetousness is actually idolatry (Colossians 3:5 ESV). Jesus tells us that such sin comes from a heart that is not right with God (Mark 7:21-22). Paul outlines the parallel between breaking God's law and breaking the first command in Romans 7:7-11, showing that coveting was the original sin that resulted in the Fall. The alternative to coveting is to love our neighbour as ourselves. Commandments 6-10 can be “summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Romans 13:9). The key to doing this is to be content. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:12, NLT) Be ought to be kind, generous, loving, giving, patient, obedient, gracious, merciful, towards others. If we do God's will first, he guarantees that we will be content and have all that we need (not necessarily all that we might want): Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33, NLT) Further, God promises that we will have our heart's desire, if we seek his “will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven”: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4, NLT) If we follow Jesus, doing his will, obeying his commandments, trusting him with all our concerns, we will know peace in our hearts, fulfilment in our lives, contentment, and peace of mind. People are chasing after these things, but looking for them in the wrong direction, going down the path of covetousness which leaves us with an empty feeling in the long run, instead of following God when we have joy, peace, and a holistic sense of fulfilment in the long run. The gospel message is glorious – people can be fulfilled in Jesus, instead of feeling unfulfilled by chasing after the things of this world.

Actor David Suchet wants to read the Bible. But not just read it, to read it aloud. And not only to read it aloud, but to record reading it. Here is an extract from a clip on YouTube, made while he was recording reading part of the Bible. “I had a conversion experience that begun in 1986. When I was converted I was an actor. And I thought, well, one thing I can do, or, I think I can do, is to read. And I’ve for many, many years felt that I wanted to put my voice to the Bible. Not only bits of the Bible, but the whole thing… It will for me, fulfil, what is for me a 27 year ambition. What is surprising when reading the Bible out loud, is over and over again I hear in my head as I’m reading it, a quote from the Bible; “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It doesn’t say “Read the Word of the Lord”, it says “Hear the Word of the Lord”. It’s my prayer that everybody hearing my reading will find the same things, it will be fresh. And they will think, as I think when I’m reading it; gosh, this is fantastic.” “Hear the Word of the Lord” is a phrase that recurs in the Bible. But it is not simply a call to ‘hear’, but to ‘respond’ to what is heard. It is not a call to simply listen, but to act on what we hear. Parents in the past might have been heard saying to a child who was not listening to what they were told; “Have you got poundies (potatoes) in your ears?” Teachers and parents have often said to distracted pupils and children; “Did you hear me?” The obvious inference is that if they heard them, they would have changed what they were doing, they would have obeyed the voice of their teacher or parent. When they ask that question, they’re really asking “Why haven’t you obeyed me when I told you what to do?” In the Bible, to ‘hear’ God is to ‘obey’ God. The Hebrew word ‘shema’ means to listen, understand, and to act (obey). It is often translated ‘obey’ instead of ‘hear’ (e.g. Deut. 30:17-18). In Psalm 40:6, the writer uses the metaphor of God giving him an open ear to show that he has been more obedient to what God wants him to do – delighting in doing what God commands, rather than going through the motions of religious ceremony: “In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”” (Psalm 40:6–8, ESV) In the Lord’s prayer, obedience is one of the first things mentioned, doing God’s will here on earth, as it is (perfectly) done in heaven by the angels (Matthew 6:9-13). We are not to be the masters of our own lives, doing it ‘my way’, as Frank Sinatra used to sing. Instead, we are to be obedient to God, doing things ‘his way’. Jesus said: “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT) The Apostle John wrote later: “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” (1 John 2:3–5, NLT) Paul describes the purpose of the gospel as to bring about “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5, 16:26). Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ wrote: Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 7:21-23 that only we will be judged by our actions on the judgment day. Only those who put his words into practice will have confidence to stand on that day: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, ESV) We ought to not only listen, but understand and obey the Word of God. Jesus said: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, ESV)

Why do people suffer in the cause of sharing the gospel of Jesus? Does opposition, persecution, suffering etc. mean that our methods are not right, or that we have done something wrong? Well, sometimes we have to admit that there are clear examples of Christians stirring up trouble for themselves, because of the way the behave, or what they say, or the way they say it, or their methods in communicating the gospel, etc, are inconsistent with godliness and biblical principles. That is, sometimes Christians suffer because they are just difficult people, not because of being Christians (although at times observers might not be able to distinguish between the two). Paul was concerned for the believers in and around Ephesus in the first century. They had heard that he was imprisoned in Rome for being a Christian and spreading the gospel. They were downhearted. But Paul tells them not to lose heart, and to see that this was not failure. In fact, it was victory, in a way. This is because the spiritual forces of darkness react against the gospel taken out into the world, by him and by the Church. If we see the bigger picture, the view from the command centre, or from God’s point of view, we see that those on the front line of mission in the world can expect opposition. Paul later shares that this is not primarily from people, even though it comes from the hands of people most of the time. Instead, it originates from the spiritual forces of darkness in the world. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12–13, ESV) Jesus also taught that Christians would be persecuted in this world, in the same way that he was. “Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.” (John 15:20, NLT) But also he taught that they should not consider such opposition in a negative way: “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” (Luke 6:22–23, NLT) Paul teaches the Ephesian believers that his suffering for them is nothing to lose heart about. He wants them to be encouraged that the mission of the gospel is being carried out, with his imprisonment being an unfortunate side-effect of his ministry. When we see circumstances from the perspective of the big picture, we can cope with a lot more than when we simply look at the problems on their own.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 How far will it take you? We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 2 Corinthians 1.8.NLT (Paul the Apostle) http://bible.com/116/2CO1.8.NLT Bible.com/app There's a lot of people handing out 'encouragement' and advice that don't know what they are talking about. Some people are being told that God won't let them suffer. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. But its obvious enough if you read what the Bible says that people who suffer (that's supposed to be everyone who follows Jesus) will sometimes feel like its too much. They'll think that the suffering is going to kill them. They're not immediately, easily, or peacefully finding 'the way of escape.' The Apostle Paul is not some kind of sissy drama queen. He's seen his share of tough situations. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NASB ... in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. That's a list that puts Jason Bourne to shame. Paul's story is real life and far more exciting than anything Hollywood can dream up. But all that adventure doesn't make you into a rock. Paul wasn't transformed into a fearless, emotionless, 'never cry'- kind-of-action-hero. Paul thought sometimes it was too much. He thought it was going to kill him. Go back to the top and read what super Apostle was saying. CRUSHED OVERWHELMED BEYOND our ability to endure Thought we'd NEVER LIVE THROUGH IT Today I'm writing to give you permission to feel crushed. Don't let your brother's and sisters tell you you are wrong for feeling crushed. I can already hear the hard nosed super Christians with the stiff upper lip and the faith to move mountains start to object and say this is Paul and it isn't an example. And in fact Paul's 'lack of faith' may have been sin! I don't buy that. Let's look at Jesus. Jesus never sinned. So this account in Mark must not be sinful. Mark 14:33-36 NLT He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Faith has a long view. The view of faith extends beyond the grave. The view of faith trusts the plan of God. The view of faith says this life is only a short time at best. Faith can wait till thier wife is 99 before she has her first baby. Faith can willingly sacrifice thier son, because it believes in the resurrection of the dead. Faith feels pain but believes in heaven. Faith thinks things may be unbearable but believes God will make it come good even after death. 2CO 1:8-11 NLT We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.