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Best podcasts about nlt they

Latest podcast episodes about nlt they

Faith Bible Chapel
Jesus' Not-So-Triumphal Entry // Tim Lovell // April 13th, 2025

Faith Bible Chapel

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 31:15


Jesus' Not-So-Triumphal Entry Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the Great River to the ends of the earth. Jesus had spoken about His coming death on more than one occasion.Mark 8:31–32 (NLT)“Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later, He would rise from the dead. As He talked about this openly with His disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand Him for saying such things.” Mark 9:31 (NLT)“For He wanted to spend more time with His disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later, He will rise from the dead.'” Mark 10:32–34 (NLT)“Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that     was about to happen to Him. ‘Listen,' He said, ‘We're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die and hand Him over to the Romans. They will mock Him, spit on Him, flog Him with a whip, and kill Him, but after three days he will rise again.'” The disciples, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with their request.Mark 10:35-45 (NLT)“'Teacher, they said, ‘We want you to do us a favor.' ‘What is your request?' He asked. They replied, ‘When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.'… When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So, Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'” Jesus knew His purpose… And He knew His timing.            2 Kings 9:13 (NLT)“They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!” Will we allow His rule of grace, peace, and reconciliation in our lives?Luke 19:41-42 (NLT)“But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. ‘How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.'” True Shalom Peace, Godly wholeness peace, will not just come in a change of circumstances…A New Political ClimateA New Marriage PartnerA Man Cave Away from TensionA New Set of ClothesA New HaircutA New BodyA New ChurchA New JobA New House If you want to know peace, you must come to a place of surrender to Jesus. 

Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi Adekunle
Christ's Suffering And Deaths Pt4

Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi Adekunle

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 4:56


Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi AdekunleThursday, 10th AprilChrist's Suffering and Deaths 4Everything Jesus endured—His suffering, shame, and abuse—was for you. These truths aren't just for head knowledge but to help you understand the price paid for your redemption. This understanding empowers you to live purposefully and minister effectively, advancing God's Kingdom through your life.Consider it these scripturesIsaiah 53:5 (NLT): “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins…by his wounds we are healed.”Matthew 8:17 (NLT): “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”1 Peter 2:24 (NLT): “He personally carried our sins…by his wounds you are healed.”Luke 23:25 (NLT): “They released Barabbas...and turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.”Though Pilate found Jesus innocent, the people chose Barabbas—a murderer—over the Author of Life. They rejected Jesus and demanded His crucifixion. Yet, in that rejection, God's redemptive plan was fulfilled.Jesus bore your sickness, shame, pain, and sin so you wouldn't have to carry them. Every stripe He took was for your healing. So when sickness shows up, remind yourself—and the enemy—that Jesus already paid the price. Stand firm in that truth.Without this revelation, life and the enemy can overwhelm you.Jesus said, “The prince of this world has nothing in me.” It's possible to live in this world and the devil's attacks won't be able to overwhelm you. Because of Christ's sacrifice, you are free from sickness, regret, shame, and rejection. You have been accepted into God's family.This is your reality in Christ. Walk in it.God bless you, enjoy your day.

Community Hemet
We Are Better Together!

Community Hemet

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 32:45


Text: Mark 12:31; Various Theme: As we kick of a New Year, let's make sure we're also kicking off the opportunity to be truly connected. Key Verses: Acts 2:44-46 (NLT) They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity… Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49369156

Captivated
The Power of Testimony: Healing Through His Love with Cyndi Fudickar

Captivated

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 37:12


Revelation 12:11 says that “they triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” In today's episode, Stasi is joined by her dear friend Cyndi Fudickar, who bravely shares her story of brokenness, healing, and God's unshakable faithfulness—a conversation that will deeply resonate with each of us. Stasi and Cyndi explore the power of testimony—how our valleys and mountaintops can reveal God's heart and ignite hope in others. Friends, we hope this conversation encourages you with the truth that you are seen, cherished, and chosen by the One who meets you right where we are, with love that never fails. Listen in, be blessed, and feel His presence afresh today.…..SHOW NOTES:…..REGISTER — Ablaze: Setting Hearts on Fire for Jesus   wildatheart.org/ablazeAblaze is an exclusive six-week online journey, beginning Tuesday, January 14, 2025For more information or to register, visit wildatheart.org/ablaze…..VERSES: Revelation 12:11 (NLT) — They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.John 15:14–17 (NLT) — You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.Ephesians 1:5-6 (NLT) — God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.2 Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) —  May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.John 15:15 (NIV) —  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.…..RESOURCES:Song: The God Who Sees by Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicole C. Mullenhttps://spoti.fi/3YRNMOyWild at Heart App: https://wildatheart.org/appWild at Heart Prayers: https://wildatheart.org/prayPause App:  https://www.pauseapp.com/Lectio 365: https://wahe.art/3Ckq7xGFind a Captivating Retreat near you: https://wahe.art/48LnpNFJohn Ortberg quote – "Everyone has a story. your story is important. Your story matters to god, and no one gets the story they want.”…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

God’s Word For Today
24.160 | DIFFERENT BUT NOT AGAINST | Mark 9:38-41 | God's Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 12:12


God's Word for Today 4 Jul, 2024 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. -Mark 9:38-41 ESV DIFFERENT BUT NOT AGAINST After learning the lesson about greatness, John told Jesus, ”Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group.”[NLT] They don't learn the lesson on humility, do they? The disciples assume they are first and will have the most authority. They're still being too exclusionary. The fact that this man, apparently, was successful where the disciples themselves had recently failed. This could be a blow to their pride also. How often do we discourage someone who has success where we failed? Paul talks about this when he rebukes the church in Corinth for claiming to follow human leaders, either Apollos or Peter or himself (1 Cor 1:12). Such thinking leads to ungodly tribalism or schism. We are all servants of the Lord, are we not? (1 Cor 3:3–5). Anyone who is not against us is for us. This is an important point that we modern believers often forget. It is good to study the Bible and learn the details of theology. It's not bad to discuss issues with people who have different views. What is bad is to vilify anyone who differs in their beliefs or views. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but evil spiritual forces (Eph 6:12). If we follow Christ, we should encourage any work that builds His kingdom and intentionally avoid building our own. There is no ‘us' versus ‘them' but ‘we' in God's family. Should others are different, it does not mean that they are against us. Let's be like Paul in being magnanimous in attitude, that is, esteeming others as better than ourselves. [Phil 2:3] When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he was maligned by other preachers. They preached Christ to ‘add afflictions' to his life. Yet, he was thankful and joyful that the gospel had been preached. His agendum is the advancement of the gospel. [1 Cor 2:2, Gal 6:14] There should not be competition among God's children. The popular preacher is no better than somebody who does the simplest deed in the name of Christ. Jesus has assured this by saying, “For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” Both the one in the limelight and in secret receive their respective rewards. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audible Follow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio #gospellightfilipino #godswordfortoday #bookofMark

The PursueGOD Podcast
Good Friday through the Eyes of a Roman Officer (Mark 15:21-39)

The PursueGOD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 10:31


A Roman officer had a front-row seat to the most consequential death in human history: the crucifixion of Jesus. What he saw that day changed his life forever, and the lessons learned still apply 2000 years later.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The climax of the book of Mark, the answer to 1:1. But who speaks these words? A Roman officer?! Where are the disciples? Takeaway: this message, this mystery, is for everyone who would call on the name of Jesus. It takes three things, as we take a closer look at that passage: Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”“Stood facing him” Freedom in Christ takes the courage to face Jesus.Today, that might mean investigating his claims. Courage to look into Christianity, willingness to submit - that dirty “s” wordJohn 7:16-17 My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.If you're unwilling to submit to God's will, your pursuit is over before it has even started. But if you are willing to come to God on his terms and take him at his word, then Jesus promises that you'll discover the truth… and the freedom that comes with it!Back to the text:Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”brutal, yet resolved to suffer. Mark 15:23 (NLT) They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.He kept his vow at the Last Supper: Mark 14:25 (NLT) I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”Mocked, yet did not open his mouthWho? The people passing, The leading priests and teachers of religious law, Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.This was truly a fulfillment of Psalms 22:7-8 (NLT) Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”Q. Have YOU ever mocked Jesus? Between two thieves (yet he was not a sinner)Isaiah 53:12 (NLT) I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.One more thing:Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”The climax of the book of Mark, the answer to Mark 1:1 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It was the third time someone made the...

Unveiling Mormonism
The Identity of Jesus on Trial (Mark 14:53-65) - The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Unveiling Mormonism

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 27:43


Jesus is the most controversial figure in human history. Everyone has an opinion about him, for better or worse. Today we look at the sham trial of Jesus, and all of the irony it contains. The trial of Jesus shows us how people in every generation can get Jesus wrong. Both the religious and irreligious can misjudge the Judge of all. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?Famous atheists (irreligious) who did it:Bertrand Russell (Philosopher and Mathematician): "Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did, we do not know anything about Him."Christopher Hitchens (Author and Journalist): "The teachings of Jesus are not the Sermon on the Mount, where he behaves in an exalted and wise manner. It's the idea of the prodigal son, where he says that if you're really, really sorry, if you're genuinely sorry, if you really ask for forgiveness, you can be forgiven. It's a horrible idea."Richard Dawkins (Biologist and Author): "The alternative to the God hypothesis is not the hypothesis that Jesus was God incarnate. It is the hypothesis that Jesus was a zealot, executed for sedition, whose followers perpetuated his cult by deifying him." from Dawkins' book "The God Delusion," in which he argues against the existence of a personal god and criticizes religious beliefs, including those related to Jesus.The God Hypothesis: the idea that there exists a supernatural creator who is responsible for the universe and everything in it. Dawkins argues that this hypothesis is not supported by evidence and should be rejected.Irony: Jesus is the Judge!John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.Today we'll see Jesus on trial. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!? We'll see that misjudging Jesus is nothing new. But when it happened 2000 years ago for the first time, it was not a group of atheists making such offensive statements. It was the religious elite themselves. Let's get to the text…Mark 14:53-54 (NLT) They took Jesus to the high priest's home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest's courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious lawThis was the Sanhedrin, the “influencers” in Jesus' dayThe Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was made up of 71 members and served as the highest religious and legal authority among the Jews in ancient...

The PursueGOD Podcast
The Identity of Jesus on Trial (Mark 14:53-65)

The PursueGOD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 27:43


Jesus is the most controversial figure in human history. Everyone has an opinion about him, for better or worse. Today we look at the sham trial of Jesus, and all of the irony it contains. The trial of Jesus shows us how people in every generation can get Jesus wrong. Both the religious and irreligious can misjudge the Judge of all. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?Famous atheists (irreligious) who did it:Bertrand Russell (Philosopher and Mathematician): "Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did, we do not know anything about Him."Christopher Hitchens (Author and Journalist): "The teachings of Jesus are not the Sermon on the Mount, where he behaves in an exalted and wise manner. It's the idea of the prodigal son, where he says that if you're really, really sorry, if you're genuinely sorry, if you really ask for forgiveness, you can be forgiven. It's a horrible idea."Richard Dawkins (Biologist and Author): "The alternative to the God hypothesis is not the hypothesis that Jesus was God incarnate. It is the hypothesis that Jesus was a zealot, executed for sedition, whose followers perpetuated his cult by deifying him." from Dawkins' book "The God Delusion," in which he argues against the existence of a personal god and criticizes religious beliefs, including those related to Jesus.The God Hypothesis: the idea that there exists a supernatural creator who is responsible for the universe and everything in it. Dawkins argues that this hypothesis is not supported by evidence and should be rejected.Irony: Jesus is the Judge!John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.Today we'll see Jesus on trial. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!? We'll see that misjudging Jesus is nothing new. But when it happened 2000 years ago for the first time, it was not a group of atheists making such offensive statements. It was the religious elite themselves. Let's get to the text…Mark 14:53-54 (NLT) They took Jesus to the high priest's home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest's courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious lawThis was the Sanhedrin, the “influencers” in Jesus' dayThe Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was made up of 71 members and served as the highest religious and legal authority among the Jews in ancient...

Unveiling Mormonism
How Should You Pray in Your Hour of Need? (Mark 14:32-42) - The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Unveiling Mormonism

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 31:36


Today we're looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It'll give us some insight into our question for the day: How should you pray in your hour of need?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Today we're looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He's moments away from his betrayal and death, and he knows it. His actions – and by contrast his disciples' actions – give us some insight into our question for the day:Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?Maybe this is exactly what some of you need to hear today. You're in an hour of need…With your emotions: fighting anxiety, depressionIn your marriageLooking for a spouseWith your financesPersonal example:Let's go to the text…Mark 14:32-34 (NLT) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 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.”“Stay here and keep watch with me”Jesus brought the three disciples with him for a reason: “Stay here and keep watch with me” in view of his distress and grief. He didn't want them to pray WITH him (to have a prayer meeting): “Sit here while I go pray.” He wanted them to pray FOR him and be available to him (“keep watch with me”) while he was going through his anguished conversation with the Father.Jesus just wanted a wing man. Can you relate? Personal story: But here's the most interesting part:“he became deeply troubled and distressed” and “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death”“The two verbs translated ‘deeply distressed and troubled' together ‘describe an extremely acute emotion, a compound of bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, nowhere else portrayed in such vivid terms as here.' (EBC)Why so much angst? It goes against what we've come to expect from Jesus: measured, confident, at peace. Personal story: my angst re: panic attack, felt so weak. Jesus experienced this?Here's what was happening: the picture of Jesus at Gethsemane shows us the human side of Christ. “Gethsemane reveals the humanity of Jesus with astonishing fidelity. He is shown to be ‘anything but above temptation. So far from sailing serenely through his trials like some superior being unconcerned with this world, he is almost dead with distress.'” (Expositor's Bible Commentary)Remember hypostatic union?The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, affirmed the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body." This formulation reconciled the seemingly paradoxical aspects of

The PursueGOD Podcast
How Should You Pray in Your Hour of Need? (Mark 14:32-42)

The PursueGOD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 31:36


Today we're looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It'll give us some insight into our question for the day: How should you pray in your hour of need?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Today we're looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He's moments away from his betrayal and death, and he knows it. His actions – and by contrast his disciples' actions – give us some insight into our question for the day:Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?Maybe this is exactly what some of you need to hear today. You're in an hour of need…With your emotions: fighting anxiety, depressionIn your marriageLooking for a spouseWith your financesPersonal example:Let's go to the text…Mark 14:32-34 (NLT) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 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.”“Stay here and keep watch with me”Jesus brought the three disciples with him for a reason: “Stay here and keep watch with me” in view of his distress and grief. He didn't want them to pray WITH him (to have a prayer meeting): “Sit here while I go pray.” He wanted them to pray FOR him and be available to him (“keep watch with me”) while he was going through his anguished conversation with the Father.Jesus just wanted a wing man. Can you relate? Personal story: But here's the most interesting part:“he became deeply troubled and distressed” and “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death”“The two verbs translated ‘deeply distressed and troubled' together ‘describe an extremely acute emotion, a compound of bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, nowhere else portrayed in such vivid terms as here.' (EBC)Why so much angst? It goes against what we've come to expect from Jesus: measured, confident, at peace. Personal story: my angst re: panic attack, felt so weak. Jesus experienced this?Here's what was happening: the picture of Jesus at Gethsemane shows us the human side of Christ. “Gethsemane reveals the humanity of Jesus with astonishing fidelity. He is shown to be ‘anything but above temptation. So far from sailing serenely through his trials like some superior being unconcerned with this world, he is almost dead with distress.'” (Expositor's Bible Commentary)Remember hypostatic union?The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, affirmed the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body." This formulation reconciled the seemingly paradoxical aspects of

Bloom Church Podcast
Pathways - Week 7: How To live under God‘s authority

Bloom Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 48:16


“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49 NLT   JESUS CAN'T BE LESS THAN WHO HE IS   Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. Isaiah 26:13 NIV   HOW DO WE DISPLAY LOYALTY TO GOD?   1. LIVE WITH A FULL SUBMISSION TO HIS AUTHORITY   But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV   May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 NLT   Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Matthew 26:39 NLT   2. WE RECOGNIZE HIS OWNERSHIP   This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 NLT   Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT   Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 NLT   3. Unquestioning Obedience   So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? Luke 6:46 NLT   “If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT   GOD CALLS US TO SERVICE TO HIM AND TO OTHERS   So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 NLT   JESUS NEVER REDUCES HIS STANDARDS TO ATTRACT DISCIPLES   QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE OUR SERVANTHOOD   1. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TIME?   And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT   2. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TALENTS?   Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5 NLT   God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT   3. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TREASURE?   “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,  but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Matthew 23:23 NLT   They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NLT   4. AM I GENEROUS WITH MY TESTIMONY   And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. Revelation 12:11 NLT

The Naz
New Year, New View Pt. 4: Educated Beyond Our Obedience - 1/28/2024

The Naz

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 45:56


Pastor John Keating New Year, New View...we live in a society that values education, it's how we learn new things. We study, we experiment, we gain knowledge in our attempt to bring greater understanding and better ourselves. Today I want to look at the idea that Christ followers are "Educated beyond our Obedience." I want to show how this is something not just present today but an idea Christ himself confronted in a few scenarios. Mark 10:17-24 (NLT) - I appreciate how Mark shares this story because as Jesus is sharing all the steps to reach Heaven, Jesus leads off his check list with the commandments. As a child, this young man would have memorized these commandments and undoubtedly, he knew them all. And for his Obedience of those things Mark shares that Jesus felt genuine love for him! - Jesus says there is just one more... and to that the man couldn't be obedient. He knew what he needed to do; he was educated on it, but he wasn't obedient. This isn't just a giving issue, Jesus had similar challenges with the most educated men in their society, their most influential voices on faith gave 10%. Matthew 23:23 (NLT) - They weren't obedient to show justice, mercy, and faith & Jesus scolds them! Matthew 23:15 (NLT) - Jesus calls out the teachers of the Law and Pharisees by saying their education hasn't changed their eternal status that they are children of hell! I get it; it's a cultural thing. I am absolutely a fan of our education system, but many degrees are designed primarily to learn information "about" something. Though this is a good thing, you don't have to be able to do any of the stuff you learn. You memorize information about it and then you're the "expert". The church can be the same. We are creating a culture of armchair quarterback Christians who are loud, opinionated "experts" shouting from the living room at their TV. They don't participate in giving to the poor, social justice, or evangelism, but they are quick to tell everyone how it should be done. Just because someone knows the right information about a topic doesn't mean they are living it out. Are you educated way beyond your level of obedience? What bothers me even more are the (you pick the metaphor) Christians who rip apart those who are trying to make a difference. Don't get me wrong, we need accurate, well-studied people, but what we need more are well read, theologically sound Christians who are living like Christ. Honestly, I think I am guilty too. I don't want to just talk about Jesus, I also want to mirror His ways in my family, church, and community. We must learn to not to just consume knowledge, but make Jesus known through our lives.

Unveiling Mormonism
How to Come Back from the Burden of Shame - The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Unveiling Mormonism

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 34:53


Today we'll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We'll look at David's example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Intro: We're talking about resilience:Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.Today's difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)Defining ShameI know what you're thinking: shame is always bad, never good But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do itDoes this not describe today's culture!?Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.Can you see how this can be bad… or good?Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrumThis is where the enemy wants you; what sin?Google doesn't even know the word! (dictating sermons)Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in itThis is just as helpful for the enemySelf-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.Can't handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuingThis is NOT resilientFor many, eventually leads to shamelessnessOr you try to deal with the burden on our own:So you try to “work off” your shame by being a

The PursueGOD Podcast
How to Come Back from the Burden of Shame

The PursueGOD Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 34:53


Today we'll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We'll look at David's example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Intro: We're talking about resilience:Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.Today's difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)Defining ShameI know what you're thinking: shame is always bad, never good But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies.Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do itDoes this not describe today's culture!?Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.Can you see how this can be bad… or good?Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrumThis is where the enemy wants you; what sin?Google doesn't even know the word! (dictating sermons)Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in itThis is just as helpful for the enemySelf-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.Can't handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuingThis is NOT resilientFor many, eventually leads to shamelessnessOr you try to deal with the burden on our own:So you try to “work off” your shame by being a

Moms in Prayer Podcast
Episode 291 - Simple Ways to Make an Eternal Impact with Rachael Adams

Moms in Prayer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 43:01


“Apart from anything we are doing, we already have significance because we are made in God's image.” Writer and podcaster Rachael Adams started her ministry to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. In today's episode, she reminds us that it isn't what we do, but Who God is and who He created us to be. And even the small, everyday things can make a powerful, eternal impact because it is Him at work within us. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST Writer and podcaster Rachael Adams started her ministry to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, run a family business and farm in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate, and two doodle dogs. Connect with her through her website (rachaelkadams.com), social media (@rachaeladamsauthor), or podcast (The Love Offering). SCRIPTURES  And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31a ESV and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 ESV I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;     my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14 ESV For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26 ESV What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 ESV Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Zechariah 4:10a NLT They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:42-45 NIV His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' Matthew 25:23 ESV   LINKS Rachael Adams Website   BOOKS A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life   MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Global Celebration of Prayer Language Resources President Sally Burke's Unshaken Book Support Our Mission

Bay Chapel
A Selfless Life

Bay Chapel

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 31:54


2 Timothy Part 5 | Sunday, October 8thBay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa community. We meet Sundays at 10:00 am and you are welcome to come anytime in person or online. Find out more at baychapel.com Subscribe to receive our latest messages. Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connectBay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/giveMessage Notes: II Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT) You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!√  POWER√  PLEASURE√  PRIDEGenesis 3:1-7 (NLT) The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'”“You won't die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.A SELFLESS LIFEII Timothy 3:3 (NLT) They will be unloving and unforgiving...I. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.Luke 6:32-36 (MSG) Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal?I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.II. FORGIVE WILLINGLY.I Peter 3:9 (NIV) Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
206 How To Exchange Father Wounds for God's Perfect Love

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 39:13


Episode Summary: Father wounds result when a person's father is physically absent, emotionally abusive or distant, negative or overly critical character, which can have long-term consequences for an individual. The world is full of women who have been hurt, neglected, rejected, or abandoned by their father. They may feel like every aspect of their life is affected by that broken trust. Even their relationship with God can feel tenuous, but there is hope. Today we're going to be talking about how to exchange father wounds for God's perfect love. Quotables from the episode: Father wounds result when a person's father is physically absent, emotionally abusive or distant, negative or overly critical character, which can have long-term consequences for an individual. Father wounds are essentially any painful impact by the actions of a father. Father wounds can result from absence, neglect, shaming, a critical nature, comparison to others, and more. There are multiple different types of wounds that can be sustained as a result of a father's behavior or lack thereof. Some of those wounds include trust wounds, affirmation wounds, value wounds, love wounds, and beauty wounds. The first step of healing father wounds comes in acknowledging the wound and resulting pain. The second step is seeking Godly support. The third step is grieving what wasn't. The fourth step is praying for God to meet you. In order to heal father wounds, we need to come to a place of surrendering our will and our way to God's and letting go of our expectation for the outcome. You cannot change people, only God can. We have to accept them as they are and decide if we can handle them like that if they never change before deciding if we will remain in relationship. Even though our earthly fathers may not be, our Heavenly Father is affirming, accessible, and patient. Scripture References: Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20 NLT "They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated." Recommended Resources:  Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love by Kia Stephens Free audio message from Kia Hope for the Fatherless – Episode 9 The Heartache of Father Wounds: Three Reasons to Embrace God as Father Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Kia Stephens: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Kia Stephens is the founder of Entrusted Women, which she created to equip Christian women communicators of color. She is the author of the new book Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love.. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson    

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  We've all heard the term “prodigal child,” and there's even a popular show called “Prodigal son.” But what exactly constitutes a prodigal child? And perhaps even more important than semantics, how do we win back a prodigal child, teen, or young adult? In this episode, I talk with Laine Lawson Craft about a battle plan to win back a prodigal child, teen, or young adult. Quotables from the episode: In simple terms, a prodigal child is challenged and gets off track despite being raised under the wisdom of God. Don't give up “in the meantime” when your prodigal child may be mean while you are waiting for God to change their heart and their ways. You may be disappointed, discouraged, and at times hopeless, but don't give up. Father God was the first prodigal father when Adam and Eve went their own way despite what God warned them against. He understands our feelings toward our prodigal because he had them too. We partner with the Father of all to parent our children! We don't parent alone. Love is the currency of heaven. God has a great plan for your child and He is the true parent of your child. He formed them into your womb and has plans for them and we can partner with God and trust Him that He will bring them home! Realize today that you are NOT in war with your defiant child you are in war with the darkness and evil of the world!  Once we realize we are not fighting against our child but fighting with Satan, then we can begin to pray and implement spiritual applications to usher in the victory and hope! God will always hear our cry in the battle and will answer us because we trust Him! It is God's battle if it looks too big that's ok nothing is too big for God! If you aren't praying for your child, who is?? Scripture References: 2 chronicles 20:15 ESV ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Psalm 78:2-4 "I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 1 Chronicles 5:20 NLT "They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated." Recommended Resources:  The Parent's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal by Laine Lawson Craft 5 Warfare Prayers for Prodigal Children 10 Hope-Filled Responses When You Love a Prodigal  Hope for Parents of Prodigal Children How to Treat a Prodigal Child: Rediscover the Jewel  Prodigal Child: Hope and Healing When Your Loved One Has Gone Astray  Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Laine Lawson Craft: Linktree / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is an award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson    

Brown Baptist with Bartholomew Orr
Who's Buttering Your Bread?

Brown Baptist with Bartholomew Orr

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 50:24


Who's Buttering Your Bread?” (Mark 8:11-17 NLT) They didn't get it!  They just didn't get it!  After everything Jesus did, they still questioned His identity, doubted His ability, argued His authority, debated His Sovereignty, and even contested His credibility.  No, this wasn't just outsiders but even His insiders, His own disciples.  What would it take for them to simply BELIEVE?  What would it take for them to put their total FAITH in Jesus Christ?  That is what “frustrated” Jesus – notice the movement of back and forth - He feeds a multitude on the east side and go to the west side only to be met by Unbelieving Pharisees troubling Him for a test – NO (vv.12-13) – then He gets back in the boat with doubting Disciples who's arguing over one loaf of bread.  And Jesus asked the question, “Don't you understand yet? (v.21)”  Since even the FAITH to believe is a Gift from God, thank Him for what you have and trust Him for even more

Lifehouse Tokyo  ライフハウス 東京
How can I Overcome My Fear? - どうやって恐れを乗り越えるの?

Lifehouse Tokyo ライフハウス 東京

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2022 33:04


(Bilingual) このメッセージではモンティー牧師が恐れの乗り越え方について以下の3つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Monty talks about how to overcome fear in these 3 points: (Acts 4:7-13 NLT) They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, (9) are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? (10) Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,[a] the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. (11) For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' (12) There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (使徒4:7-13 JCB)ペテロとヨハネは一同の前に引き出され、尋問が行われました。「おまえたちは、何の力で、また、だれの権威でこんなことをしたのか。」 (8)その時、ペテロは聖霊に満たされ、落ち着きはらって答えました。「わが国の名誉ある指導者、ならびに長老の方々。(9)お尋ねの件は、あの足の悪い男のことで、どのようにして彼が治ったかということでしょうか。(10)そのことなら、あなたがた、いやイスラエルのすべての人たちに、はっきりお話ししたいのです。この出来事は、あなたがたが十字架につけ、神様が復活させてくださった、あのメシヤ(救い主)、ナザレのイエスの名と力とによるのです。(11)メシヤのイエスは、まさに『建築士たちの捨てた石が、最も重要な土台石になった』 ( 詩篇118・22 ) と聖書にある、その石なのです。(12)この方以外には、だれによっても救われません。天下に、人がその名を呼んで救われる名は、ほかにないのです。」(13)あまりにも大胆なペテロとヨハネのことばに、議員たちは驚き、たじたじとなりました。二人は明らかに、教育も受けていなければ、宗教の専門家でもないのです。とうとう、イエスといっしょにいたからそうなったのだ、と認めないわけにはいかなくなりました。 (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. (使徒4:29-31 JCB)「ああ主よ、どうか今、彼らの脅しを聞かれ、私たちが忠実に、しかも大胆に、あなたの教えを語れるように、私たちをお守りください。(30)私たちに病気をいやす力を与え、あなたの聖なるしもべイエスの名によって、奇跡を行わせてください。」(31)こう祈った時、集まっていた家が激しく揺れ動き、一同はたちまち聖霊に満たされて、大胆に神の教えを語り始めました。」 How Does the Holy Spirit Help Us be Bold? 私たちは大胆になれるように、聖霊はどのように助けてくれるのか? 1.Helps us understand when we need to be bold 大胆になるべき時を理解させてくれる 2.Helps us pray for boldness 大胆さのために祈るよう助けてくれる 3.Helps us act in boldness 大胆に行動できるよう助けてくれる

Lifehouse Tokyo  ライフハウス 東京
How can I Overcome My Fear?

Lifehouse Tokyo ライフハウス 東京

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2022 30:02


(Engslih) In this message Ps Monty talks about how to overcome fear in these 3 points: (Acts 4:7-13 NLT) They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, (9) are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? (10) Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,[a] the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. (11) For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' (12) There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (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. How Does the Holy Spirit Help Us be Bold? 1.Helps us understand when we need to be bold 2.Helps us pray for boldness 3.Helps us act in boldness

Catalyst Church of Carrollton
Come Get You Some

Catalyst Church of Carrollton

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 53:43


The Presence/Power of God.  “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. When I go away, I will send the Helper to you. If I do not go away, the Helper will not come.” John‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭NCV‬‬ “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…”Acts ‭2:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Obedience.  “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 ‭28:19-20‬ ‭NLT Faith/Faithfulness.

Lifehouse Tokyo  ライフハウス 東京
どうしたら他の人の人生に良い影響を与えられるの? - How can I influence other people?

Lifehouse Tokyo ライフハウス 東京

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2022 30:25


(Bilingual) このメッセージでは太助牧師が他の人に影響を与える方法について以下の2つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Tasuke talks about how you can influence others in these 2 points: (2サムエル 23:2 JCB) 主の霊は私を通して語られた。主のことばは私の舌にあった。 (2 Samuel 23:2 NLT) The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue. (使徒 1:8 JCB) しかし、聖霊があなたがたに下る時、あなたがたは大きな力を受け、エルサレムからユダヤ全土、そしてサマリヤから地の果てまで、わたしの死と復活を伝える証人となります。」 (Acts 1:8 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.” その場にいた全員が聖霊に満たされた Everyone there was filled with the Holy Spirit (使徒 2:1-4 JCB) さて、イエスの死と復活から、七週間が過ぎました。五旬節(ユダヤ教の祭りの一つ)の日のことです。信者たちが一堂に集まっていると、(2)突然、天からものすごい音がしました。まるで、激しい風が吹きつけるような音です。それが、家全体にごうごうと響き渡ったのです。(3)そして、めらめら燃える炎の舌のようなものが現れ、みなの頭上にとどまりました。(4)するとどうでしょう。その場にいた人たちは、みな聖霊に満たされ、知りもしない外国語で話し始めたではありませんか。聖霊が、それだけの力を与えてくださったのです。 (Acts 2:1-4 NLT) On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. (2) Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.(3) Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.(4) And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 聖霊に満たされたペテロが大胆に語り始める Spirit-filled Peter started speaking boldly (使徒 2:12-14 JCB) 人々はただ呆然として、「いったい、どうなっているのだ」と顔を見合わせました。(13) しかし中には、「何、彼らは酔っぱらっているだけさ」と、あざける者たちもいました。(14) するとペテロが、十一人の使徒と共につかつかと進み出て、声を張り上げ、人々に語りかけました。「よそから来られた方も、エルサレムに住んでおられる皆さんも、どうぞお聞きください。 (Acts 2:12-14 NLT) They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.(13) But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They're just drunk, that's all!”(14) Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. ペテロの大胆なことばに人々の心は強く打たれた Peter's bold preaching pierced the hearts of the people (使徒 2:37-38 JCB) ペテロのことばは、人々の心を強く打ちました。「それでは、私たちはどうすればいいのでしょう。」あちらからもこちらからも、使徒たちへの質問の声があがりました。(38) ペテロは答えました。「一人一人、罪の生活から悔い改めて神に立ち返りなさい。そして、罪を赦していただくために、イエス・キリストの名によってバプテスマ(洗礼)を受けなさい。そうすれば、聖霊という賜物をいただけます。 (Acts 2:37-38 NLT) Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”(38) Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  (使徒 2:40-41 JCB) このあとも、ペテロの説教はえんえんと続きました。イエスのことや、悪に満ちたこの時代から救われなければならないことを、ことばを尽くして訴えたのです。(41) この日、ペテロの言うことを信じた人はバプテスマを受けましたが、その数は全部で三千人ほどでした。 (Acts 2:40-41 NLT) Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”(41) Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 1. 聖霊の力によって私たちは大胆に語ることができる The Holy Spirit makes us BOLD to speak (2テモテ 1:7 JCB) 神が私たちに与えてくださったものは、おくびょうの霊ではなく、力と愛と慎みとの霊です。 (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2. 聖霊の力によって私たちは良い言葉(良い知らせ)を話すことができる The Holy Spirit makes us speak good words (Good News) (1コリント14:1,3 JCB) 愛を、最高の目標にしなさい。それと共に、聖霊が与えてくださる賜物、特に、神のことばを伝える預言の賜物を求めなさい。…しかし、神から託されたことばを語る者は、人々を励まし、慰め、人々の主にある成長を助けます。 (1 Corinthians 14:1,3 ERV) Love should be the goal of your life, but you should also want to have the gifts that come from the Spirit. And the gift you should want most is to be able to prophesy…(3) But those who prophesy are speaking to people. They help people grow stronger in faith, and they give encouragement and comfort.

Beaverton Christian Church
Under Pressure: Unfulfilled Desires

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2022 35:59


Under Pressure Labs • https://beaverton.cc/labs • October 2, 9 & 23 at 10:45am Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors. Sermon Notes: October 2, 2022 Under Pressure 4: Disappointment & Unfulfilled Desires - Jon Furman Hebrews 11:13-16 & Psalm 37:3-6 Proverbs 13:12 (NLT) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Hebrews 11:13a All these people died still believing what God had promised them…They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. When we see a resolution or possible solution, we find ourselves flooded with hope. Hebrews 11:13b-15 (NLT) They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. Hebrews 11:16 (NLT) But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. The reward for a Godly life is the presence of God in your life. “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” – Greek Proverb Fix Your Hope Heavenward Find Your Delight In Jesus Psalm 37:4 (NLT) "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Feel His Affirmation

Weekly Messages
After God's Own Heart: God Loves Passionate Praise

Weekly Messages

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 37:45


Sermon Notes: August 14, 2022 After God's Own Heart: God Loves Passionate Praise - Jeremy Thom 2 Samuel 6:3-5 (NLT)They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the hillside home of Abinadab. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab's sons, were guiding the cart with the Ark of God on it, with Ahio walking in front. 2 Samuel 6:3-5 (NLT)David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments. 2 Samuel 6:8 (NLT)David was angry because the Lord's anger had blazed out against Uzzah. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NLT)David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NLT)So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams' horns. 2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NIV)David retorted to Michal, ‘I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and his family! 2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NIV)He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord. So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NLT)Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be held in honor by the girls of whom you have spoken!' 2 Samuel 6:20b-23 (NLT)So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her life. 2 Samuel 6:22 (NIV)So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord. God Loves Passionate Praise Passionate praise comes from sacrificing your own pride and posturing yourself before the Lord. David sacrifices his pride: And returns to obedienceBefore all of IsraelWhile Michal reveals her prideAnd comes before the Lord Romans 12:1 (NET)Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is a reasonable service. “What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”. - A.W. Tozer: "The Knowledge of the Holy" God loves passionate praise because it comes from a heart of sacrifice, postured before the only audience that matters, before the Lord.

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
Daily Radio Bible - August 5th, 22

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 24:55


Follow our other podcasts at http://www.dailyradiobible.com Partner with us to produce these podcasts by donating HERE. We are reading through he New Living Translation.  Follow Today's reading Psalm 33:12-22; Ecclesiastes 6:1-6; Acts 7:1-8 Who We Are and Who He Is Today's readings are Habakuk 1 – 3 and John 8.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. “Who are you?” they demanded. (Jn 8:25 NLT) They couldn't make heads or tails of it.  They were fearful of who he might be and they were threatened by who he was claiming to be.  They were unable to see him for who he was. And there's the irony. Who are you?  is the question.  Sometimes our hearts are just not ready to listen to Jesus' answer to this question.  Sometimes lies are blinding us to who he is. Lies that fuel our fears, that feed pride, Liess that have painted the face os God with our own anxieties. lies that keep us from receiving the healing that awaits.  if you would only see.   What then was God to do, seeing humanity slide into deciets darkness.  He came, He came to love, and show us the way of love.  Self-giving, radically forgiving, co suffering love.   So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.” (Jn 8:28 NLT) When we look at the one that we have lifted up on the cross, we will see the answer to their question “Who are you?”  We will see what the woman caught in adultery saw, the light of hte world, the one who stoops down to write something new from the dust of our lives.  The one who does not condemn us, for we are already condemned, we see the one who takes away the sin of  the world, and has included us into the life he shares with his father.  We see him.   Jesus tells us in this verse, that if you want to know who He is you've got to know who you are.  And who you are is the one who lifts the Son of Man up on the Cross. It was you and I who put him on the cross.  We are the ones he came to die for. It was our hands that put him on the cross.  We are the guilty ones.  He is dying on our behalf.  We are sinners that have been caught, like the woman who was caught in adultery. We've been caught and are worthy of condemnation, stoning and death.  This is who we are.   He is the light of the world- the one who stoops down and writes words in the dust of your broken life: grace, forgiven, loved. Are you having trouble seeing Jesus for who He is?  See yourself – a sinner saved by grace and nothing else; by a Savior that has come looking for you.  Every day He comes, ready to send you into a new day with the reminder that you are not condemned.  Instead, you are loved. See yourself for who you are.  Understand who he is and what he has done for you and hear the words that he proclaims over your life every day:  Grace, Forgiveness, Loved.

Lifehouse Tokyo  ライフハウス 東京

(English) In this message Ps Adrian talks about how your story can be a seed in these 3 points: (Mark 5:2-5 ERV) When Jesus got out of the boat, a man came to him from the caves where the dead are buried. This man had an evil spirit living inside him. (3) He lived in the burial caves. No one could keep him tied up, even with chains. (4) Many times people had put chains on his hands and feet, but he broke the chains. No one was strong enough to control him. (5) Day and night he stayed around the burial caves and on the hills. He would scream and cut himself with rocks. (Mark 5:6-8 ERV) While Jesus was still far away, the man saw him. He ran to Jesus and bowed down before him. (7-8) As Jesus was saying, “You evil spirit, come out of this man,” the man shouted loudly, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you in God's name not to punish me!” (Mark 5:15 NLT) They came to Jesus, and they saw the man who had the many evil spirits. He was sitting down and was wearing clothes. He was in his right mind again. When they saw this, they were afraid. (Mark 5:18-20 ERV) Jesus was preparing to leave in the boat. The man who was now free from the demons begged to go with him. (19) But Jesus did not allow the man to go. He said, “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them about all that the Lord did for you. Tell them how the Lord was good to you.” (20) So the man left and told the people in the Ten Towns about the great things Jesus did for him. Everyone was amazed. (Mark 7:31-35 NLT)   Then Jesus left the area around Tyre and went through Sidon. On his way to Lake Galilee he went through the area of the Ten Towns. (32) While he was there, some people brought a man to him who was deaf and could not talk clearly. The people begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him. (33) Jesus led the man away from the people to be alone with him. He put his fingers in the man's ears. Then he spit on a finger and put it on the man's tongue. (34) Jesus looked up to the sky and with a loud sigh he said, “Ephphatha!” (This means “Open!”) (35) As soon as Jesus did this, the man was able to hear. He was able to use his tongue, and he began to speak clearly. 1.Share Your Story (Mark 5:19 NLT) But Jesus did not allow the man to go. He said, “Go home to your family and friends. Tell them about all that the Lord did for you. Tell them how the Lord was good to you.” 1. Life Before Receiving Jesus 2. Your Encounter with Jesus 3. Life After Receiving Jesus 2.Your Story in 3 Minutes (Colossians 4:5 NIV) Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
Daily Radio Bible - June 18th, 22

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2022 26:13


Don't Miss the Point Today's readings are II Kings 1 - 3, Psalm 82 and I Timothy 1, and are being read from the New Living Translation. We are so prone to miss the point when we look at the law.  When we misapply the law it can lead to a life of pride and arrogance or self-loathing and despair.  It can become a colossal exercise in missing the point when we seek to justify our life by keeping the law or becoming experts in the law. We can miss the point.  That's what Paul says to Timothy in verse 6.    But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. (I Tim 1:6 NLT) They had turned away from the simple gospel received by faith, that fills our heart with love, cleanses our conscience of guilt and makes us new.  He tells him again,  The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (I Tim 1:5 NLT) This, my friends is the real deal.  This is the point.  This is the work that God can do as his Spirit abides in his people.  It brings about a new heart, a clean conscience and a new life.  That's a gift, not something to be achieved by a mastery of the Word and the Law.  The change comes from  the Master who abides in his people through the Spirit.  God is reclaiming that which was lost.  That's the gift and power of the Gospel that Paul says he is not ashamed of.  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) It's not a mastery of the law, but letting the Master master us.  This happens when we come to Christ  with a surrendered heart that's willing to let God be God in us.   Don't miss the point by making it about you and not him.  Surrender your whole life, body and soul, to Him,  and live in the reality of Christ in you.  Then you won't miss the point. That love, generosity and peace that you long for, will be yours and you will have something to offer the world.

Perris Valley Podcast
You Belong Somewhere Priority #3 • 6.12.22

Perris Valley Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 43:42


Series: Priorities Title: Priorities: You Belong Somewhere Date: 6/12/22 Location: Perris Valley Church   Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.     Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.     Point Number 1 in your notes: God knows you need community, fellowship, and belonging.     Genesis 2:18 (NLT) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”     Acts 1:14 (NLT) They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.   Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.   Point Number 2 in your notes: God knows an aggressive, unspiritual community wants you to join their family.     2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT) These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.     2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.     Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.     John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.   Point number 3 in your notes Satan has prepared a community and a place for you to belong.   1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.     John 6:37 (NLT) However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.     Acts 2:42 (NLT) 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.   Point number 4 in your notes: You are never alone. You choose who is in your company.   Romans 12:4-5 (NLT) Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.     2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?   John 1:12 (NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

New Life Turlock
Unstoppable Prayer

New Life Turlock

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 36:05


New Life Christian Center June 12, 2022 Pastor David Larson Miracles Deconstructed “Unstoppable Prayer” Acts 3-4 …upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT) Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 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 beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Acts 3:1-11 (NLT) They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we've done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. Acts 4:7-10 (NLT) There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.” Acts 4:12 (NLT) 1. Bold prayer recognizes that we are in God's MIGHTY HANDS. Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit… In fact, everything they did occurred according to your eternal will and plan. Acts 4:24-25 & 28 (NLT) 2. Pray with BOLDNESS. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Acts 4:29 (NLT) 3. Bold prayer seeks for God to MOVE POWERFULLY. Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Beaverton Christian Church
Acts: A Church for Everyone

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 45:59


Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://beaverton.cc/community • Growth happens best in community Find Care • https://beaverton.cc/care • BCC strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support. What's Happening at BCC • https://beaverton.cc/whats-happening • This page is kept up to date, so you always know what's happening at BCC! Sermon Sync Notes - May 22, 2022Acts: The Church - A Church for Everyone - Jon Furman Acts 10:1-2 (NLT)In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. Acts 10:3-6a (NLT)One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. Acts 10:9a-14 (NLT)The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray… He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” Acts 10:15-16a & 19-20 (NLT)But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven… Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:24-26 (NLT)They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!” Acts 10:28-29 (NLT)Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 10:34-38 (NLT)Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:39-40a & 42 (NLT)“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day… And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:44-47 (NLT)Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” I Peter 5:5b-6 (NLT)…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Let Humility draw you close to God. Let Humility draw Godly people close to you. Let Humility put you in your place.

Cgeneration devotional
The Betrayer

Cgeneration devotional

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 8:11


The Betrayer Psalms 41 vs 6-9 NLT “They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. “He has some fatal disease,” they say. “He will never get out of that bed!” Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.” Does this sound familiar? How did Jesus handle such friends?

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
Daily Radio Bible - May 4th, 22

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 19:48


RE-INHABITED Our reading today are II Samuel 10, I Chronicles 20, Psalm 20, and Matthew 22.  We are reading through the New Living Translation. They set a trap but the trap they set sprung on them.  They came to trap Jesus with their questions. But their questions merely revealed that they didn't understand the Scriptures or the power of God.  That's what Jesus told them.   “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. (Mt 22:29 NLT) They were badly mistaken because to know the Scripture and to know the power of God is to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection. You can learn all about the Bible, and even have the whole thing memorized, but if you are not looking at the Bible through the person of Jesus, then you will be badly mistaken, too. You can be very religious and pious and not have the power to love God or others.  That power is found only in Jesus.  God offers us both of these things.  He offers us knowledge and insight into the Scriptures, and he offers us the power to live a new quality of life.  We no longer need to pose our way before God and others.  Rather we are given a new life where we can experience God's love ourselves.  When we look at the Bible through the lens of Jesus we see that God has so carefully shown his love for the whole world, and that you are included in this. Jesus Parable today states that plainly, good and bad alike have been welcomed into the banquet of God.   When we look at the scriptures through Jesus, we see and know what he has done for us, and realize more and more the expanse of Gods love for all, including us.  That is why we remind ourselves of this truth every day.  Then by the Spirit, we begin to live out, a different kind of life; a life of power, love and a sound mind, where we become sensible, strong and generous.   For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (II Tim 1:7 NLT)   We can offer that sensible, strong, generous life to others, too.  We can offer that Invitation to His banquet, too.  Live that quality of life, through the presence and power of God in your life,  and  experience the love of God, seen through Jesus.  Allow his spirit to re-inhabit you, so that you can know him in the Scriptures.  The power of God brings about change.   Feast at the banquet table and make yourself at home there.

Catalyst Church of Carrollton
The Awkward Stuff

Catalyst Church of Carrollton

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 55:56


“Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” -John‬ ‭20:21-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬   Supernatural Power Comes From God's Presence and God's Word.    Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God.” ‭‭-Matthew‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭NLT‬‬   “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…" -Acts ‭1:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬   “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” -‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬   “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬   “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” ‭‭-Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬   Normal Isn't The Goal In The Kingdom Of God.   “Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!” -John‬ ‭9:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬   “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” -Acts‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬   "They stood there amazed and perplexed. 'What can this mean?' they asked each other. But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, 'They're just drunk, that's all!'" -Acts‬ ‭2:1-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬   Being Hungry For More Of Him Opens Your Heart To More Of Him.  “I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth and I will feed you.” ‭‭-Psalms‬ ‭81:10‬ ‭NCV‬‬ “They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ‭‭-John‬ ‭6:30-35‬ ‭NLT‬‬  “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” -‭‭John‬ ‭14:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Awkward Isn't Always Bad. “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.” -1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:2, 18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” -Romans‬ ‭8:26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” -Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Bloom Church Podcast
The Bible Says What? - Week 1

Bloom Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 46:45


Alaska: No moose on sidewalks Arizona: It is illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub Kentucky: It is illegal to carry ice cream in your back pocket Connecticut: It is illegal to sell a pickle that does not bounce   1. THE BIBLE IS A LIBRARY, NOT A BOOK.   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. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT   “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40 NLT   2. THE BIBLE IS WRITTEN FOR US, NOT TO US.   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. 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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 NLT   And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture… 2 Peter 3:15-16 NLT   For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT   3. DO NOT READ A VERSE BY ITSELF.   “What is the single most important practical skill I've ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse. That's right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least.” - Greg Koukl, Author & Apologist   4.  THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE IS BEYOND COMPREHENSION   5. THE WAY THE BIBLE POINTS TO THE PERSON OF JESUS      “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Gandhi   …The scripture cannot be broken John 10:35 KJV   “We're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”. Matthew 20:18-19 NLT   They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself; Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”  Luke 25:23-27;31-32 NLT   The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 NLT  

Access Church
Uncomfortably Close

Access Church

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 30:06


Matthew 16:24 NLT  //  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Give up. Take up. Follow. We've settled for a comfortable faith. We need to trade our comfortable faith for a functional faith. Matthew 4:18-22 NLT  //  One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living.  Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.  A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. 1. Listen to Jesus Jesus called, they listened. 2. Follow Jesus wherever He leads Matthew 4:19  //  Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” You have to learn before you lead. You attract who you are. 3. Release the things that keep us from Jesus Matthew 4:22 NLT  //  They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. What are you holding onto that is holding you back from all that God has for you? Matthew 16:24 NLT // Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. You can't carry your cross and your opinion at the same time. 4. Receive the authority of Jesus Matthew 10:1-8 NLT  // Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Your mission is collaborative and collective in the church. Your gifting is unique.

Willamette Christian Church Sermons
First Peter: The Hope of Joy, 1 Peter 1:1-12

Willamette Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 37:26


I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Sermon Notes - March 13, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.

Weekly Messages
First Peter: The Hope of Joy, 1 Peter 1:1-12

Weekly Messages

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2022 31:42


I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://hopecitypdx.com/community • Growth happens best in community Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - March 6, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.

Beaverton Christian Church
First Peter: The Hope of Joy, 1 Peter 1:1-12

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 31:42


I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Sermon Notes - February 27, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.

Hogares De Pacto
Génesis 14: No hagas trato con el adversario

Hogares De Pacto

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 6:51


Génesis 14: No hagas trato con el adversario.Este es un capítulo lleno de emociones. Vemos la descripción de una guerra, el rescate valeroso de Abraham a su sobrino Lot. No olvides leer el capítulo completo. Hoy vamos a estudiar la última parte de este capítulo.Génesis 14:12-24 RVA-2015:12 También llevaron consigo a Lot, el hijo del hermano de Abram, junto con sus posesiones (porque Lot habitaba en Sodoma), y se fueron. 13 Pero uno de los que escaparon fue y lo contó a Abram el hebreo, que habitaba en el encinar de Mamre el amorreo, hermano de Escol y hermano de Aner, quienes eran aliados de Abram.14 Cuando Abram oyó que su sobrino había sido tomado cautivo, reclutó a sus trescientos dieciocho criados nacidos en su casa, y los persiguió hasta Dan. 15 Los atacó de noche, él con sus siervos, los derrotó y los persiguió hasta Hoba, que está al norte de Damasco. 16 Así recobró todos los bienes y también recobró a su sobrino Lot, sus bienes, y también a las mujeres y a la gente.17 Cuando Abram volvía de derrotar a Quedarlaomer y a los reyes que estaban con él, el rey de Sodoma salió a su encuentro en el valle de Savé, que es el valle del Rey. 18 También Melquisedec, rey de Salem, quien era sacerdote del Dios Altísimo, sacó pan y vino, 19 y lo bendijo diciendo: “Bendito sea Abram del Dios Altísimo, creador de los cielos y de la tierra. 20 Bendito sea el Dios Altísimo, que entregó a tus enemigos en tus manos”. Y Abram le dio a él el diezmo de todo. 21 Entonces el rey de Sodoma dijo a Abram: —Dame las personas, y toma para ti los bienes.22 Abram respondió al rey de Sodoma: —He hecho votos al SEÑOR, el Dios Altísimo, creador de los cielos y de la tierra, 23 que no tomaré ni un hilo ni la correa de un calzado, nada de todo lo que es tuyo, para que no digas después: “Yo enriquecí a Abram”. 24 Yo no tomaré nada, excepto lo que han comido los jóvenes y la parte de los hombres que fueron conmigo: Aner, Escol y Mamre. Ellos sí tomarán su parte.Después que Abram organizó un grupo de valientes y rescató a miles de personas de otras naciones derrotadas, Abram tuvo un encuentro con un sacerdote: Melquisedec. Abram le dio los diezmos de sus ganancias y recibió la bendición que le dio el sacerdote de pan y vino. Cuando estudiamos más a fondo acerca de este personaje, encontramos que la Biblia hace mención varias veces de este sacerdote. En el salmo 110 nos muestra que el sacerdocio eterno no proviene del sacerdocio de Aarón sino de Melquisedec. Más adelante, en Hebreos 7, se nos revela que Jesucristo viene del linaje sacerdotal de Melquisedec, personaje misterioso que no tiene registro de ascendencia y descendencia, ni principio ni fin. Melquisedec representa al Mesías. Salem significa paz, y Melquisedec significa Rey de justicia, también Rey de paz (Hebreos 7:2).Es muy simbólico que él le dio a Abram pan y vino, símbolos bíblicos de la carne y la sangre derramada de Jesucristo. Jesús dijo que el que no bebe su sangre ni come su carne no podrá obtener vida eterna. También aprendemos que dar los diezmos no es una práctica exclusiva basada en la ley de Moisés; esto es un acto de fe, de agradecimiento a Dios por sus bendiciones. Así como nosotros somos parte del linaje de Abraham por la fe y recibimos las bendiciones de Dios que le prometió a Abraham, igualmente nosotros debemos diezmar asimismo como un acto de fe y de acción de gracias. Abram estaba convencido de que Dios fue el que lo guardó del peligro y lo bendijo con mucha abundancia y posesiones. Es por eso que rechaza el botín de guerra y la recompensa que Sodoma le quería dar. Él rechazó cualquier clase de honra o pago proveniente del rey de Sodoma; él no quería que nadie dijera que había enriquecido a Abram cuando realmente era el Señor quien bendecía a Abram. Rechaza cualquier tentación del enemigo, queriendo robarle la gloria que le pertenece al Señor. Nunca hagas tratos con el enemigo. Es mejor dar al Señor que recibir del enemigo. Es mejor lo que ofrece el Señor que las ofertas del adversario. Es mejor el pan y el vino (la salvación y vida eterna) que las recompensas que el mundo te quiere ofrecer. Escudriña:Vuelve a leer la parte donde Abram se encuentra con Melquisedec y después con el rey de Sodoma. Después usa el método llamado PROBARLO, hagamos las preguntas y aprendamos de las respuestas. Recuerda las series de preguntas que debemos hacernos con el acrónimo:P – ¿Hay algún pecado que confesar?A – ¿Hay una actitud que cambiar?P – ¿Hay alguna promesa que reclamar?A – ¿Hay algo por lo qué alabar a Dios?M – ¿Hay un mandamiento para obedecer?E – ¿Hay algún error a evitar? V – ¿Hay una verdad que creer?E – ¿Hay algún ejemplo a seguir?S – ¿Hay una súplica para orar?Soy tu amigo Eduardo Rodríguez. Que el Señor escuche tu oración en este día. ====================================Genesis 14: Don't make a deal with the adversary.This is a chapter full of emotions. We see the description of a war, Abraham's courageous rescue to his nephew Lot. Don't forget to read the whole chapter. Today we are going to study the last part of this chapter.Genesis 14:12-24 NLT:They also captured Lot—Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned. But one of Lot's men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram's allies.When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer's army until he caught up with them at Dan. There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer's army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.' I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.”After Abram organized a group of brave men and rescued thousands of people from other defeated nations, Abram had an encounter with a priest: Melchizedek. Abram gave him the tithes of his earnings and received the blessing of the bread and wine given by the priest. When we study more deeply about this character, we find that the Bible mentions this priest several times. In Psalm 110 it shows us that the eternal priesthood does not come from the Aaronic priesthood but from Melchizedek. Later, in Hebrews 7, it is revealed to us that Jesus Christ comes from the priestly lineage of Melchizedek, a mysterious character who has no record of ancestry and descent, neither beginning nor end. Melchizedek represents the Messiah. Salem means peace, and Melchizedek means King of justice, also King of peace (Hebrews 7:2).It is very symbolic that he gave Abram bread and wine, biblical symbols of the flesh and shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that whoever does not drink his blood or eat his flesh cannot obtain eternal life. We also learn that giving tithes is not an exclusive practice based on the law of Moses; this is an act of faith, of gratitude to God for His blessings. Just as we are part of Abraham's lineage by faith and receive God's blessings that were promised to Abraham, so we should likewise tithe as an act of faith and thanksgiving. Abram was convinced that God was the One who kept him from danger and blessed him with much abundance and possessions. That is why he rejects the spoils of war and the reward that Sodom wanted to give him. He refused any kind of honor or payment from the king of Sodom; he did not want anyone to say that he had made Abram rich when it was really the Lord who blessed Abram. Reject any temptation of the enemy, wanting to steal the glory that belongs to the Lord. Never make deals with the enemy. It is better to give to the Lord than to receive from the enemy. What the Lord offers is better than the adversary's offers. Bread and wine (salvation and eternal life) are better than the rewards that the world wants to offer you. Scrutinize:Reread the part where Abram meets Melchizedek and then the king of Sodom. Then use the method called PROBE IT, let's ask the questions and learn from the answers. Remember the series of questions that we must ask ourselves with the acronym:S – Is there a sin to confess?P – Is there a promise to claim?A – Is there an attitude to change?C – Is there a command to obey?E – Is there an example to follow?P – Is there a promise to claim?E – Is there an example to follow?T – Is there a truth to believe?S – Is there something to praise God for?I am your friend Eduardo Rodríguez. May the Lord hear your prayer on this day. #Genesis #Genesis14 #iglesiaelreino#KingdomChurch #HomesOfCovenant#HogaresDePacto #HogaresDePactoPodcast #PastorCarlos #CarlosRodriguez #EduardoRodriguez

Weekly Messages
Good News For Everyone

Weekly Messages

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 29:42


Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we've had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings. Sermon Notes - December 12, 2021Good News For Everyone - Luke 2:8-17 (NLT) - Jon Furman Luke 2:8-9 (NLT)That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, Luke 2:10-11 (NLT) but the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to ALL people.” Jesus didn't come for the best people; he offers God's best to all people. Jesus didn't just come for HIS people; he came to invite everyone to become his people. Luke 2:12 (NLT)And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is Pleased.” Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Luke 2:16-17 (NLT)They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. Start FollowingStop JudgingInvite Everyone

Beaverton Christian Church
Good News For Everyone

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 30:04


Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we've had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings. I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Sermon Notes - December 12, 2021Good News For Everyone - Luke 2:8-17 (NLT) - Jon Furman Luke 2:8-9 (NLT)That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, Luke 2:10-11 (NLT) but the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to ALL people.” Jesus didn't come for the best people; he offers God's best to all people. Jesus didn't just come for HIS people; he came to invite everyone to become his people. Luke 2:12 (NLT)And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is Pleased.” Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Luke 2:16-17 (NLT)They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. Start FollowingStop JudgingInvite Everyone

Willamette Christian Church Sermons
The Good News of the Gospel

Willamette Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 43:26


Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we've had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings. Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. 500 in 4 • https://www.willamette.cc/anlm • As a church family, we've adopted Nyamirama, a community in Rwanda. We've committed to sponsoring 500 children in 4 years. Join our efforts to ensure this community is thriving by the year 2025. Sermon Notes - December 5, 2021Grant Hickman, Teaching PastorWillamette Christian Church New Series:Good NewsA Cause for Great Joy Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)…but the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Four Titles of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace Luke 2:16-17 (NLT)They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.

Restore Church Audio | Yorkville, IL
Thoughts and Words of Faith

Restore Church Audio | Yorkville, IL

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 37:18


Matthew 6:25-34 NKJV - 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'7 THINGS TO SAY:I WILL SAY | #1 - THE LORD IS MY HELPER AND I WILL NOT FEAR* Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV - 5 [Let your] conduct [be] without covetousness; [be] content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"I WILL SAY | #2 - THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD AND I SHALL NOT WANT * Psalm 23:1 NKJV - 1 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. (LACK OR DECREASE)I WILL SAY | #3 - I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME* Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV - 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I WILL SAY | #4 - GOD (EL SHADDAI) IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS* Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16 NKJV - 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (EL SHADDAI) 2 I will say of the LORD, "[He is] my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."I WILL SAY | #5 - GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARDS ME* 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 KJV - 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.I WILL SAY | #6 - MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL OF OUR NEEDS * Philippians 4:14-20 NKJV - 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [aid] once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things [sent] from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father [be] glory forever and ever. Amen.I WILL SAY | #7 - WE WILL HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH* Psalm 37:19 NLT - They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.

Restore Church Audio | Yorkville, IL
Thoughts and Words of Faith

Restore Church Audio | Yorkville, IL

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 37:18


Matthew 6:25-34 NKJV - 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 7 THINGS TO SAY: I WILL SAY | #1 - THE LORD IS MY HELPER AND I WILL NOT FEAR * Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV - 5 [Let your] conduct [be] without covetousness; [be] content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" I WILL SAY | #2 - THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD AND I SHALL NOT WANT * Psalm 23:1 NKJV - 1 The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. (LACK OR DECREASE) I WILL SAY | #3 - I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME * Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV - 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I WILL SAY | #4 - GOD (EL SHADDAI) IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS * Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16 NKJV - 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (EL SHADDAI) 2 I will say of the LORD, "[He is] my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." I WILL SAY | #5 - GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARDS ME * 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 KJV - 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. I WILL SAY | #6 - MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL OF OUR NEEDS * Philippians 4:14-20 NKJV - 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [aid] once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things [sent] from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father [be] glory forever and ever. Amen. I WILL SAY | #7 - WE WILL HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH * Psalm 37:19 NLT - They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.

Willamette Christian Church Sermons
It's A New Day: Sing Again

Willamette Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 38:31


A primary theme of scripture is a demonstration of God's commitment to redeem, restore, and renew the things in our lives that have been hurt, damaged, and broken. Today, Brian continues through Psalm 126, showing how God's people respond to redemption through song. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Sermon Notes - October 10th, 2021It's A New Day (Sing Again) - Brian Becker Psalm 126:1-3 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations: “God was wonderful to them!” God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. Believe AgainLaugh AgainPray AgainSing AgainDream Again Psalm 126:4-6 (MSG)And now, God, do it again —bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout “Yes!” at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Psalm 126:1-2 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune…. “…gather early in the morning and sing joyfully to one another, singing hymns to Christ, as to a god.” - Pliny the Younger (111 AD) “Sing to the Lord”“Sing praises”“Sing joyfully”“Come into His presence with singing”“Sing A New Song The “before” and “after” of singingBefore the breakthrough.After the exile. There is never not a time to open your mouth and sing to God, align yourself with God, and cry out to God. 2 Chronicles 20:21 (NLT)After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” Acts 16:23a-24,25 (NLT)They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into…the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. “May they place salt on people's lips and stir up holy hunger for the mysteries of Your kingdom.” - St. Augustine 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NLT)At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves… 2 Chronicles 20:27-28 (NLT)Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. There is never not a time to open your mouth and sing to God, align yourself with God, and cry out to God. Psalm 68:6 (NIV)God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Sing To The LordFear Not

Perris Valley Podcast
Jesus on Trial • 9/5/21

Perris Valley Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2021 44:55


Acts 2:12-36 Series: Acts Title: Jesus on Trial Date: September 5, 2021 Location: The Fairgrounds at Lake Perris         Acts 2:12-14a (NLT) They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They're just drunk, that's all!”       When the Lord starts guiding your Actions, people will look at you as strange, and they should.     1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.         1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.         Acts 2:14-17,19, 22 (NLT) Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,' God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Verse 19 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— 22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.     The opportunities to be a witness are often created by God-Powerful moments.       John 3:1-2 (NLT) There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”       Acts 2:32-33 (NLT) “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.       When it is time to be a witness, say what you saw.       Psalm 66:16 (NLT) Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.     1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,       2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!     Acts 2:36 (NLT) “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”  37 Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Verse 41 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.     Be ready with an answer to “What do I do next?”       Acts 3:19 (NLT) Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

Willamette Christian Church Sermons
It's A New Day: Believe Again, Psalm 126

Willamette Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 43:30


When we were children it was easier to believe and imagine that the improbable and impossible could happen. Then life happened. And for many of us: “then this year happened.”A primary theme of scripture is a demonstration of God's commitment to redeem, restore, and renew the things in our lives that have been hurt, damaged, and broken. The promise of a new day awaits. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Community Life starts this week! I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Sermon Notes - September 19th, 2021It's A New Day - Brian Becker Psalm 126 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. Psalm 126 (MSG)We were the talk of the nations—“God was wonderful to them!” God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. Psalm 126 (MSG) And now, God, do it again—bring rains to our drought-stricken livesSo those who planted their crops in despair will shout “Yes!” at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. It's time to…Part 1: Believe AgainPart 2: Laugh AgainPart 3: Sing AgainPart 4: Pray AgainPart 5: Dream Again Psalm 126:1-2 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. Lamentations 1:1-2 (NLT)Jerusalem, once so full of people, is now deserted. She who was once great among the nations now sits alone like a widow. Once the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave. She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks. Among all her lovers, there is no one left to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT)In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Returning from “exile” isn't about God returning to people, but about people returning to God.Jeremiah 29:14 (NLT)I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” I will listen…I will be found…I will end your captivity…I will restore your fortunes…I will gather you out of the nations…I will bring you home again… “I can't.”---“You can.” “I was wrong.”---“You are right.” “I am broken.”---“You are whole.” “I am a sinner.”---“You are the Savior.” If we half-heartedly follow, we will whole-heartedly fail. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Isaiah 61:1 (NLT)The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed…. Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:4 (NLT)They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Jesus died the death that we were already dying so that he could give us the life we could never live on our own!

Beaverton Christian Church
Uncommon Humility, Part 1

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2021 35:40


I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Share Your Story • https://beaverton.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - August 1, 2021 The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Uncommon Humility, Part 1 - Acts 10 (NLT) - Jon Furman Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility Philippians 2:5-8You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. “He humbled himself…” Even though Jesus was above everything, nothing was beneath him. Acts 10:1-2 (NLT)In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. Acts 10:3-6 (NLT)One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” Acts 10:9-14 (NLT)The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” Acts 10:15-16a & 19-20 (NLT)But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven… Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:24-26 (NLT)They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!” Acts 10:28-29 (NLT)Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 10:34-38 (NLT)Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:39-40a & 42-43 (NLT) “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day… And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”Acts 10:44-47 (NLT)Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” I Peter 5:5b-6 (NLT)…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Let Humility draw you close to God Let Humility draw Godly people close to you Let Humility put you in your place

The Daily Dose w/Pastor Chad Reisig
Episode 215-Magic Pill

The Daily Dose w/Pastor Chad Reisig

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 3:07


Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. ~ Proverbs 13:4 (NLT) They pop up everywhere. Whether they are online or on TV, ads for weight loss pills are a huge part of American society. And, there is great appeal to them. Are you overweight? Then take this pill five times per day and watch the pounds melt away! There is no effort required to gain that perfect body that you've always dreamed about. Simply pick up a bottle the next time you go shopping, or, even better, just order it online and have it shipped directly to you. Here's the problem. The models that represent the product in the ads aren't actually being fully truthful. I know! It's shocking! The people that hock the drugs hit the gym every day; they do cardio, they do weights, they do hundreds of sit-ups, and isometric toning. They eat well, burning at least as many calories as they eat. You won't look like they do by taking a magic pill. You have to work at it. You can't be lazy. You must be disciplined. It's the same when it comes to our faith. Often times we think that there are shortcuts to developing a strong, eternal faith – if I just read a Bible passage when I'm in trouble, that will fix my faith. Surely that's a magic pill! Alas, it ain't. It's like going for a walk around the block and then rewarding yourself with a pint of ice cream. A thousand calories eaten and only a handful of calories burned. Lazy faith doesn't equal fit faith. Instead, we must have spiritual discipline – a workout routine – which gets us, and keeps us in spiritual shape. Much like athletes and those fitness models, you must make sure your workout is well-rounded. (For example, just running won't produce muscle mass, but does increase endurance.) So, how we get in spiritual shape? Here's a simplified list: 1) An active prayer life. Occasional prayer doesn't work. 2) Bible study. Fill your mind with the Scriptures, not just a memory verse or two. And, follow what the Bible teaches. Think of it as your personal trainer. 3) Belong to a community. Think of church as your gym. It's where you go to get motivated to work out and be accountable to your workout buddies. 4) Share your faith. This is a big one that gets missed. Sharing your faith is what all the training is about. Put those muscles and endurance to use. Journey with others and help them develop an eternal faith in Jesus, too.

It's The BreakDown Podcast w/ D. Malone
The Confusion Illusion

It's The BreakDown Podcast w/ D. Malone

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 17:24


Nehemiah 4:8 NLT You ever feel like you're in a cloud of confusion. Trying to figure out some things. Feel like you're getting attacked from every angle. You fight one battle then BOOM! Here comes one more. Seems like so much chaos and craziness happening, and you feel like you're losing your fight? Can I offer some insight on it all? See, there is a tactic of spiritual warfare that our very real enemy uses against us called confusion. This is something that has worked for him before and that's why it's in his arsenal. People only use things that have worked before. He uses confusion to get us to lose our way and focus on it and not on God. He's afraid of us coming into who and what we truly are. Note no thief comes to rob an empty house. That's confirmation that we are on the right track and doing a good work. The attacks are confirmation that we are valuable. If there is opposition and disturbances be glad and know that we're a threat to the enemy and his plan. Because, God has purpose for our lives and He loves us we are valuable to Him and the enemy hates that and us. Who remembers the “I Can't Come Down “message we did a while back? Well, if you're not familiar please be sure to check it out on the podcast when you get a chance. I'll go into it again briefly. We talked about Nehemiah. He was sent to do great work building a wall and here comes confusion trying to stop him. Nehemiah 4:8 NLT They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.Nehemiah 4:8-20 But in Nehemiah 6:3 he said “I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you? He saw the confusion and schemes and spoke to it. In Verse 6:9 is where we see exactly how we are to move ahead as well. Keep in mind the attempts didn't stop at the one, they tried 5 times. The enemy keeps trying with us too.

Beaverton Christian Church
Sacrificial Generosity, Part 1

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 29:34


Join us as Jon teaches for our first week of The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility. Share Your Story • https://beaverton.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Sermon Notes - June 6, 2021 The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Sacrificial Generosity - Part 1 (2 Kings 7) - Jon Furman "There are stars seen in Egypt and Cyprus which are not seen in the northerly regions… this could only happen on a curved surface of no great size, for otherwise the effect of so slight a change of place would not be quickly apparent." - Aristotle 2 Kings 7:1-2 (NLT) Elisha replied, “Listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, six quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain will cost only one piece of silver.” The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn't happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won't be able to eat any of it!” 2 Kings 7:3-4 (NLT) Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates. “Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.” 2 Kings 7:5 (NLT) So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 2 Kings 7:6-7 (NLT) For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. “The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives. 2 Kings 7:8 (NLT) When the men with leprosy arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. 2 Kings 7:9 (NLT) Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren't sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let's go back and tell the people at the palace.” 2 Kings 7:10, 12 (NLT) So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. “We went out to the Aramean camp,” they said, “and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered and the tents were all in order, but there wasn't a single person around!”… The king got out of bed in the middle of the night and told his officers, “I know what has happened. The Arameans know we are starving, so they have left their camp and have hidden in the fields. They are expecting us to leave the city, and then they will take us alive and capture the city.” 2 Kings 7:15-16 (NLT) They went all the way to the Jordan River, following a trail of clothing and equipment that the Arameans had thrown away in their mad rush to escape. The scouts returned and told the king about it. 16 Then the people of Samaria rushed out and plundered the Aramean camp. So it was true that six quarts of choice flour were sold that day for one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain were sold for one piece of silver, just as the Lord had promised. 2 Kings 7:17 (NLT) The king appointed his officer to control the traffic at the gate, but he was knocked down and trampled to death as the people rushed out. Application Build Out: Enjoy What You HaveConsider What Others Don't HaveBe Open Handed With ALL You Have

Beaverton Christian Church
Season 5: The Great Collaboration

Beaverton Christian Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2021 27:48


Jon concludes our series on Luke with The Great Collaboration. I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - May 23, 2021 Luke: The Great Collaboration (Acts 2:42-47 NLT) - Jon Furman Great Commandment Great Commission Great Collaboration Acts 2:42 (NLT) 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. Fellow (Noun) - A person in the same position, sharing a particular association, activity, or condition. “devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching” “The greatest problem is not the outward divisions and denominations that divide His church, but our own individualistic hearts.” – Watchman Nee “sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper)” Acts 2:43 (NLT) A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. Acts 2:44-45 (NLT) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They Made Time to Be Together They Made Difficult Decisions About What They Needed They Made Sacrifices To Serve Others Acts 2:46-47a (NLT) They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. “Enjoyed the Goodwill of ALL the people…” Acts 2:47b (NLT) And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Moms in Prayer Podcast
Episode 146 - Hope for the Mom who is Brokenhearted with Pat Kenney

Moms in Prayer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 28:09


“He is the God of comfort and the ultimate comfort is the hope we have for our future.” Today we continue our Moms in the Bible Series as Stacy talks with Pat Kenney, the Moms in Prayer North East Division Coordinator.   Listen in as she shares hope for the brokenhearted, through looking at Mary, the mother of Jesus.                           About our Guest: Pat Kenney is the Northeast Division Coordinator of Moms in Prayer (MIP) International. She has been praying for her children/granddaughter and schools through MIP since her daughters were in elementary school. Pat is married to her college sweetheart and has three adult daughters, one ‘son in love’ and an adorable granddaughter. She enjoys tennis, art, gardening and developing an abiding presence in God through His Word. Her ‘sweet spot’ is equipping moms to pray powerfully for their children and schools.   Scripture:  Scriptures on Mary found in Luke 1-2 Psalm 34:18 (NLT) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.  Luke 2:19 (NIV) But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2: 25-35 (NLT) At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” John 19:25-27 (NLT)  Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. Acts 1:14 (NLT) They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Psalm 28:7 (NIV) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.     Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Links: To give to the ministry of Moms in Prayer: Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International Moms in Prayer International- www.MomsInPrayer.org  

Elevation Christian Church - CO
Series - Anthem of Hope: Week Three (Scott Bloyer)

Elevation Christian Church - CO

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 30:23


Week Three – March 21, 2021 Title: Common Help Bible: Philippians 4:1–9   “Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”  by C.S. Lewis   “Going beyond SELF requires BOLD community”   Philippians 4:1 – 9 (NLT) 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. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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. 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. 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.   B – Biblical Truth John 17:7 (NLT) Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.   John 8:44 (NLT) 44For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.   Romans 1:25 (NLT) They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.   O – Open Mark 8:32a (NLT) As he talked about this openly with his disciples . . .   Colossians 4:6 (NLT) Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.   L – Loving   Philippians 2:2 (NLT) Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.   D – Devoted   Choose a church. Commit. Love. Serve. Maturity.   Don't choose a church. Drift. Self. Take. Immaturity.   Formation happens through commitment. By John Tyson (Author)   James 1:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 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.   Questions for the week: Am I truly seeking to be a part of the common help of the church? What part of being BOLD do I need to focus on this week?

Willamette Christian Church Sermons
Season 2: The Lame Walk

Willamette Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 26:47


Continuing through the series in Luke, Brian teaches through Luke 5:17-26 Sermon Notes - March 14, 2021 Luke: The Lame Walk - Brian Becker Luke 5:17 (ESV) On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Mark 2:2 (ESV)And many were gathered together, so there was no more room, not even at the door. Luke 5:18-19a (NLT)Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him because of the crowd. Luke 5:19b (NLT)So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Mark 2:4 (NLT)They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Luke 5:20 (NLT)Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:21 (NLT) But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That's blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins! Luke 5:22-23 (NLT) Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or ‘Stand up and walk'? Luke 5:24 (NLT) So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” Luke 5:25 (NLT) And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Luke 5:20 (NLT) Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” You'll never reach the person on the mat in your story, until you see yourself as the person on the mat in this story. John 1:29 (ESV) “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...” Jesus is the hero. Jesus is the hero. All we need to be is a friend. Passed by... Picked up... Luke 5:26 (NLT)And everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Weekly Messages
Season 2: The Lame Walk

Weekly Messages

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 26:31


Continuing through the series in Luke, Brian teaches through Luke 5:17-26 Sermon Notes - March 14, 2021 Luke: The Lame Walk - Brian Becker Luke 5:17 (ESV) On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Mark 2:2 (ESV)And many were gathered together, so there was no more room, not even at the door. Luke 5:18-19a (NLT)Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him because of the crowd. Luke 5:19b (NLT)So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Mark 2:4 (NLT)They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Luke 5:20 (NLT)Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:21 (NLT) But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That's blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins! Luke 5:22-23 (NLT) Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,' or ‘Stand up and walk'? Luke 5:24 (NLT) So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” Luke 5:25 (NLT) And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Luke 5:20 (NLT) Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” You'll never reach the person on the mat in your story, until you see yourself as the person on the mat in this story. John 1:29 (ESV) “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...” Jesus is the hero. Jesus is the hero. All we need to be is a friend. Passed by... Picked up... Luke 5:26 (NLT)And everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi Adekunle

25th February 2021 Thank God for today, it's another lovely Thursday and we thank God for what he's doing in our lives. We're still talking about love and the fact that Love is Living. When we allow the Person of love live in us and we allow Him flow through us, that is what love is living is all about, it is allowing love flow from the inside of us to our neighbours, to our friends, to those around us and even to our enemies. It is by doing this that we see the power of love and the ability of love to change lives begin to really be unleashed. Yesterday we spoke about the fact that love is giving today we want to talk about the forgiving dimension of love. Love is not just giving, Love is Forgiving. True love forgives people and we must learn to forgive people. In what we popularly call the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray “…forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…” From time to time we will offend ourselves, from time to time we'll do wrong, maybe knowingly, sometimes unknowingly, but we must make it a point of duty to forgive people. You know what Jesus said? If you don't forgive others, neither will you receive forgiveness. (Matt.6:15) One of my mentors told me many years ago about a lesson he learnt from his own mentors, he called it the law of advance forgiveness, and what is the law of advanced forgiveness? It is the ability to think of the worst thing a person can to you and you think of how you'd respond. If yours response is not consistent with that of love and forgiveness, re-condition yourself, simulate that situation to the point where you can respond with forgiveness. That's what the law of advanced forgiveness is all about. Forgiveness can be difficult, sometimes very painful, but if we really want to live in love we must forgive. You remember the story of the lost son in Luke chapter 15, he came to his father after he had messed up everything and with everything he did, the father still forgave him. Again, there's a story in John chapter 8, the story of the woman that was caught in adultery. John 8:10-11(NLT) They brought this woman to Jesus, she was caught in adultery, according to them in the very act and Law of Moses says she should be stoned to death. They asked Jesus, “What would you say we should do to her?” Jesus said to them “The person that has no sin let him throw the first stone.” All of us have sinned in one way or the other, we are just enjoying the grace and mercy of God. Obviously, none of them could stone her. Jesus Who had the right to stone her because He was without sin did stone her too, instead He asked her a question, “Woman, where are your accusers, is there nobody condemning you?” She said “No one Lord”. Jesus said “Neither do I condemn you, go and don't sin again”. Jesus said, I didn't come into the world to condemn people but to save them. And just as it is important to forgive people, we must also learn to forgive yourselves. Some of us are so hard on ourselves and we don't forgive ourselves. Understand this, you're human and sometimes you miss it and sin. Whatever it is, confess the sin before God, make peace with the person you have offended and leave the matter under the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus. Feeling bad about it, punishing yourself for your past wrong and refusing to forgive yourself might make you feel you are “atoning for your sin” unfortunately your atonement by your works and feeling are not acceptable, only the finished work by the blood of Jesus. Once you have confessed it let it go and don't stay under the burden of guilt and condemnation. Let the blood of Jesus be enough for you to forgive others and to forgive yourself, this is one of the was to live out love. God bless you, enjoy your day.

Believer's Church of Sylvania

Your best life only happens when you do life God’s way. . . .Problem with that is we don’t. (Romans 1:21-25 NLT) They knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds […]

Believer's Church of Sylvania

√ Your best life only happens when you do life God’s way. . . . Problem with that is we don’t. (Romans 1:21-25 NLT) They knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, […]

PASTOR LUCY PAYNTER DAILY INSIGHTS

III. The laughter of God, Psalm 2:1-4; Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Psalms 2:1‭-‬4 NLT They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer. But Lord , you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations. Psalms 59:6‭-‬8 NLT The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Psalms 37:12‭-‬13 NLT Proverbs 1:24-26. “I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— Proverbs 1:24‭-‬26 NLT --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

PASTOR LUCY PAYNTER  DAILY INSIGHTS

III. The laughter of God,Psalm 2:1-4; Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.Psalms 2:1‭-‬4 NLT They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. “After all, who can hear us?” they sneer. But Lord , you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations.Psalms 59:6‭-‬8 NLTThe wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.Psalms 37:12‭-‬13 NLT Proverbs 1:24-26.“I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—Proverbs 1:24‭-‬26 NLT--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/supportThank you for your continued support and encouragement to the making of the Daily Insights. Reaching an average of 60 people a day with over 10000 total plays. I invite you to partner with us by supporting podcast through monthly or one time donations.Your contributions will be used to sustain the episodes subscription and hosting platforms. . My goal is to inspire and share insightful messages in our generation. Empowering one person at a time each day to continue serving the purSupport the show (https://pod.fan/pastor-lucy-paynterdaily-insights?oneTime=1)

Redeemer Weekend Sermons
WorSHIP: More Than A Song • Ships Week 4

Redeemer Weekend Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2020 25:20


WorSHIP: More Than A SongShips | Week 4November 15, 2020 | Leanne Benton--"Two currents of life that meet, one proceeding from the transcendent reality, the other flowing from the religious life of the subject; one descending, the other ascending." // EVELYN UNDERHILLWe are designed for a transcendent relationship with God to fill in the gaps of our human existence! Romans 1:25 NLT They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.Acts 17:22–25 NLT I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.Worship overflows into our daily lives out of an awareness of God and relationship with Him! "Worship is the believer's response of all that we are – mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says and does." // WARREN WIERSBE"...conscious, human awareness of the presence and purpose of God.” // FINNMARK BRENNERBethel: house of GodJohn 4:23-24 MSG It’s who you are and the way you live that counts before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is looking for; those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship."Many Samaritans did come to believe! Some (scholars) consider the woman at the well the first missionary… words can set you free!" // ALISON MYERS"Once Jesus read her soul, the process of transformation began. She was free to witness, and then worship in Spirit and Truth." // MARILYNDA LYNCHWorship unifies us as followers of Christ! "We are not all in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm.” // BILL GAITHER "The story of the Bible isn’t primarily about the desire of people to be with God. It’s about the desire of God to be with people." // JOHN ORTBERGJeremiah 29:13-14 NLT If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord.

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
October 14th, 20

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 27:34


God is Still Shaking Things Up Today’s readings are Nehemiah 13, Malachi 1- 2, and Acts 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. There’s a whole lot of shaking going on. Peter and John are back after being interrogated, denounced and told to stop teaching in the name of Jesus.  They had to stand before their ‘betters’ and give an account for their words, and the miraculous sign that had been performed through them, by the power of the Holy Spirit.   When they come back to their friends we’re told that the room shook. As they were praying the room shook. 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.  (Acts 4:31 NLT) They were praying for boldness in proclaiming Christ crucified and resurrected.  They were praying for the with-God life, here and now – that God’s kingdom would be known and experienced by many.  The room shook!  And God hasn’t stopped shaking things up.   Wherever the Spirit of God is, things get stirred up. Hearts are rehabilitated, minds are renewed, priorities are reassessed, refocused, and redirected away from self and on to others.  Boldness, selflessness, and generosity begin to flow from God’s people.   And it’s all happening through the Spirit’s enabling.   We are about to head into a new season, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a great season to retune our own hearts to seek the Spirit’s enabling in our lives.  This is a time to become bold, more selfless, and more generous – heralds of the hope of the resurrection and the promise of the with-God life now.  The message of this season is – Joy to the world, the Lord is come – Peace on earth, good will toward men –  Emmanuel, God with us.  These are such beautiful phrases that have been drained of their power, because they haven’t been embodied by God’s people through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Maybe, as we look to this season, we will find ourselves praying and asking God for boldness, selflessness and generosity.  Maybe God will shake things up in our own lives. Maybe he will shake things up in the lives of those around us, as we humble ourselves and pray and ask for the Spirit’s boldness,  like the Believers here in Acts 4 did. Lord, give us boldness, selflessness and generosity.  Shake things up in our lives that we might experience you, your love and your power, in a whole new way.  

Be Still and Know
Day 4 - Issue 35

Be Still and Know

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 3:28


Mark 4:2 NLT ‘They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.’ Can you imagine what it must have been like? The house is filled with people eagerly listening to Jesus’ teaching when they are suddenly aware that the roof is being dismantled. Now don’t think of your own roof. Think of a typical Middle Eastern flat-roofed one storey building with an exterior staircase and a roof constructed out of branches and hard-baked mud. But even so it made a commotion and the owner of the house probably wasn’t too pleased! What impresses me is that these four friends were real friends. They were determined that their paralysed companion should meet Jesus and nothing was going to stop them. Going to the trouble of dismantling a roof shows just how much they cared for their friend and how imaginative they were in working out a way of achieving their goal. I’m sure that many other people would have waited until Jesus had finished his teaching session and then introduced their friend to Jesus, leaving the roof in place. But these friends were seriously determined. The sad fact of our society is that most people don’t know Jesus. They’ve never met him. They’ve never heard that he came into the world out of love for them, and that he wants to give them forgiveness and a new life. The problem is that lots of things stand in the way of them hearing about Jesus. They have a busy life, lots of interests, lots of issues to face, lots of bills to pay. If they are ever to hear about Jesus they will need a really good friend. QUESTION: How much of a friend are you to those you know who have never met Jesus? PRAYER: Loving Father, give us greater determination to introduce other people to Jesus whatever the obstacles. Amen.

Avalon Church
Following Together | Be Still & Hear | PART 6

Avalon Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2020 52:55


Time with Jesus stirs the heart and soul. To experience this takes the willingness to be still and know him.Series: Following Together, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Luke 24:13-33, Luke 24:32, Psalms 40:1-3, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/videos/786204552137705/, Webpage: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/following-together-be-still-and-hear-part-6/, Discussion Questions: 2020-09-27_following-together-part-6_discussion-questions.pdf, Notes: Luke 24:13-33 (NLT)They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” –Luke 24:32 (NLT)Rhonda BurnsRandy HepneNancy RodriguezPsalms DevotionAvalonChurch.org/PsalmsPsalm 40:1-31 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,    and he turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,    out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid ground    and steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,    a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what he has done and be amazed.    They will put their trust in the Lord.

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
August 28th, 20

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 25:00


OPEN THE DOOR - SOMEONE IS KNOCKING Today’s readings are Ezekiel 4 – 7 and Revelation 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. He’s standing outside the door of this lukewarm church of Laodicea.  It seems they’ve closed the door on him.  In this case, it was their success that ushered Jesus out the door. You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ (Rev 3:17 NLT) They are rich and have everything they want.  They don’t need a thing. Riches have replaced Jesus.  Who needs a Savior when you have lots and lots of savings?  That kind of deceitful thinking is the danger that can come with wealth. It can blur our vision.  It can blind us from seeing our circumstances for what they truly are.  We may see ourselves as rich, when, all the while, we are actually poorer than we have ever been.   This passage doesn’t  just apply to churches,  It speaks to individuals like you and me.  We can lose sight of who we really are.  When we usher Jesus out the door of our heart, or our church – we’re not rich,  We’re actually poor, blind, naked and exposed.  The shame that He has come to cover is exposed once again.  But Jesus loves his church, and he loves you and me, so much, that he doesn’t turn on his heels and leave when we usher him outside, and leave him at the door.  John is in awe as he sees this vision of Jesus standing outside the door that has been so arrogantly closed.  John’s amazed to see him still there.  Jesus is knocking, extending an invitation to us, even while behind the closed door. The invitation is to open up and let him in, so that he can come in and sit down and have a meal with us.  He wants to put an end to the spell that our so-called riches have put on us. He wants to open our eyes so that we can see that he never gives up on us, even when we arrogantly and foolishly usher him outside the door.  He invites us to come and know his embrace once again, and rest in him.  He’s outside the door.  We’ve placed him there.  But he’s knocking on our door.  May we have ears to hear it, and welcome back in the Life, that he alone can bring us. If there are any doors you’ve ushered him out of, heed the knock, and the invitation to come be with him.  Start anew, and experience his life.

Avalon Church
Never Too Late | Josiah | PART 4

Avalon Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 32:45


Join us we look at the story of Josiah in 2 Chronicles, seeing how when they hear the truth about how far they have fallen, the entire nation repents. It's never too late! Series: Never Too Late, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Romans 3:23, 2 Chronicles 34:2, 2 Chronicles 34:5, 2 Chronicles 34:14, 2 Chronicles 34:19, 2 Chronicles 34:21, 2 Chronicles 34:22, 2 Chronicles 34:27-28, 2 Chronicles 24:30-31, 2 Chronicles 34:33, 2 Chronicles 30:9, Psalms 51:16, Psalms 51:17, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/videos/596714734363702/, Sermon page: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/never-too-late-josiah-part-4/, Sermon Notes: 2020-08-09_never-too-late-part-4_sermon-notes.pdf, Discussion Questions: 2020-08-09_never-too-late-part-3_discussion-questions.pdf, Notes: INTRO Thank you – Sound equipment. Avalonchurch.org/stories As long as you have breath, It’s never too late to find life and purpose and hope in Jesus. Story – Palace pizza employee who said the walls would cave in. When he visited, they didn’t. And he found hope and life. This is a series looking at stories in the book of Chronicles Where people’s lives turned around When they submitted their lives to God. Before jumping into today’s Scripture, I’d like to share the story of a man in our church family, Ron Culibao. Ron Culibao’s story I was born in the Philippines to a devout Catholic family where my father worked for the Jesuit priests for the 35 years of his working life. He and my mother were very active with our parochial church. Attending and serving in church was a big part of our family life. I always believed in God, but that didn’t translate to anything in my life. For me, God was just a higher being you prayed to, requesting his blessings. You tried to earn his favor by performing ceremonies and reciting prayers. The concept of a holy or personal God was not something that I understood. I considered myself a good and moral person. I had my smoking habit and occasional drinking, but I thought I was a good guy. I lived life carefree and the way I wanted. It was in my first year of college that I felt God’s sovereign hands working. It was one of the top engineering schools in Manila, but my grades were bad. So, they kicked me out. I remember spending the entire semester break applying to different schools hoping they would accept me. For a long time, none of them did. It was only my first year of college and I was already desperate, feeling worthless and helpless. The coming semester was about to start when I was finally accepted by a school. I barely made it in. I changed my major from Engineering to Architecture, and looking back now, I truly believe that God was orchestrating those events in my life. It was in Architecture School where I met Ron, who became my best friend. Ron is a very friendly guy and there was something very different about him. He invited me to attend a small group gathering called “student fellowship” where I met people who loved studying the Bible and worshipping Jesus. I met people who were full of love and joy, and who were very sincere and bold in their faith. They were different than anyone I had me before. I liked hanging out with these people. Through them, God slowly started to work in my heart. I started to read the Bible and join in worship services. I had not yet fully committed my life to God, but there were changes happening in me and the way I thought about God. Then, at a student summer camp in 1986, I put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s also when I met Norma, my wife-to-be. It was that week at camp where I recognized my sinfulness. I felt so broken. Romans 3:23 says – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The Lord showed how holy he is, and how my sins were an offense to his holiness. I needed His forgiveness and His grace. I needed to humble myself and pray and ask for His forgiveness. All these years later, I cannot imagine how my life would have been if I didn’t have God in my life. God’s love and forgiveness have given me purpose and direction. God found me and saved me in His perfect time. He revealed His great love and forgiveness for me even when I wasn’t looking for Him. He used one person to reach me just by being there as a friend. It wasn’t any deep theological revelations that touched me, it was that sincere and patient love of a friend. I know that my story is not unique. God can touch a person no matter what stage or situation in life they are in. God immeasurable love can reach any person’s heart. Now I live my life with my beautiful family under God’s amazing love and grace. To God be the glory! Ron Culibao Response God is constantly drawing us to himself. But we want to be in control. We want life on our terms. We want to be God. And we face the consequences of our brokenness. We are born sinful and self-centered. But sometimes, our eyes are opened. When we realize how selfish we can be, Or we face the awful consequences of our decisions, Or we see the emptiness of always getting what we want. It’s in those moments we are faced with a choice. ...Do we submit to a higher authority? ...Do we accept God’s desire and purpose over own? ...Do we die to self, trusting that it will truly bring life? What do we do when we’re shown who we really are? That’s what today’s story is about. It starts... God (Background) 1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. –2Chron 34:1 (NLT) 2 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Chron. 34:2 (NLT) Remember, 2 Chronicles was one of the last books written in the Old Testament. The writers had perspective. They were looking hopefully to God’s future rescue. The days of Abraham and Moses were ancient history for them, Like a thousand years earlier. King David was 500 years earlier. That’s a lot of perspective. Since King David they had seen, ...Their nation split into 2, North and South. ...The people of God becoming the people of Baal and other gods. 2 weeks ago, we looked Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, Who even sacrificed his own children to foreign gods. The writer of Chronicles saw all this, ...And how it led to the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. ...And then the exile of the Southern Kingdom. The writer saw how the prophets kept promising that God would restore ...the nation, ...and the temple, ...and renew his people as a lighthouse to the world. So when the exiled Jews living in Babylon were allowed to go home, ...everyone thought that the prophecies were finally being fulfilled. But the return was a letdown. Most of the Jews stayed in Babylon. And God’s Spirit never returned to the temple. And Jerusalem was still in ruins. And the nation was still under the control of foreigners. And this is why the book of Chronicles is so important. It was written with perspective long after all these events happened. They looked back and recognized that God was NOT done. ...Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming Messiah Had not been fulfilled. The Messiah had not come. ...Not yet, anyways. But this king from the line of David was coming. And he would be a king like David, ... only better! He would upright and holy. He would bring God’s Spirit. He would free the nation. He would like a Son of Man, ...God’s King, ...leading the people into God’s kingdom. And that had not happened yet. So the writers of Chronicles are looking forward To the coming of the Messiah who would be called Jesus. God (Exposition) So in verse 3, we see that in his 8th year as King, At about age 16, ...King Josiah began to seek... ...the God of his great, great, great... grandfather David. Then, around the age of 20, He started cleaning up the remnants of the pagan Gods. ...And so he purified Judah and Jerusalem. –2 Chronicles 34:5 (NLT) And what’s so cool is that Just like his great grandfather, Hezekiah, ...Who Jim talked about last week, ...Josiah wanted to include the N. Kingdom. ...so that they could all worship as one people of the One God. Then, after 6 years of cleaning up, ... it was time to restore the Temple of God. ...And this is where the story gets interesting. 14 While they were bringing out the money collected at the Lord’s Temple, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that was written by Moses. –2 Chron 34:14 (NLT) They found a scroll. ...They knew it was something special, ...something that might change everything. So they brought the scroll and read it to the king. 19 When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. –2 Chron 34:19 (NLT) Can this scroll be right? Could we have missed it by this much? Josiah needed help understanding what the scroll said. So he said, 21 “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for all the remnant of Israel and Judah. Inquire about the words written in the scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger has been poured out on us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the Lord. We have not been doing everything this scroll says we must do.” -2 Chron 34:21 Josiah was saying, “We need to pray and seek the Lord.” “And we need to get counsel   ...from someone who can teach us what God is saying through this scroll.” And ladies, you’re going to love this. 22 So Hilkiah and the other men went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe. –2 Chron 34:22 (NLT) Of all the prophets at their disposal, They chose the female prophet Huldah to interpret the scroll. So, who were the prophets at this time? Prophets available to Josiah: Jeremiah (Bible book) Zephaniah (Bible book) Nahum (Bible book) Habakkuk (Bible book) Huldah (Chosen) Josiah and his priest had these incredible prophets at their disposal, And they chose Huldah, ...Not because a man wasn’t available, ...But because she was truly exceptional among the prophets. And Huldah confirmed the scroll was God’s Torah. And then, unafraid to tell the truth, She informed Josiah that judgment was coming,   And that the nation would suffer the consequences of their disobedience. But then she spoke for God, 27 You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. 28 So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You yourself will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city and its people.’ ” –2 Chron 34:27-28 (NLT) And as a result of Huldah’s explanation, Josiah summoned all of the leaders of the nation to come to the Temple. And... 30 ...There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord’s Temple. 31 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord’s presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. –2 Chron. 24:30-31 (NLT) ...And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the Lord, the God of their ancestors. –2 Chron 34:33 (NLT) Context Many scholars the scroll that was found Was the book of Deuteronomy, ...the 5th book of our Bible. And what we see is that the people had no idea what the book said. Reading it opened their eyes to how far they had strayed ...from their God, ...from their history, ...from their purpose. The people had no idea what was in the scriptures. And instead of being light and hope to the world, They made no impact at all. But once they heard, They responded well. And that’s the message for us. You (Application. So What?) We have no choice about the way we were raised. ...Some listening were raised by godly parents. ...Others are raised to accomplish more and get more. ...Others, you were abused and left to fend for yourselves. We have no control how we were brought up. But what we do control is how we respond when our eyes are opened to the truth about ourselves; ...Our propensity to be selfish; ...the pain we have caused; ...And how little we can do to change. Sometimes this moment of clarity Comes from an event we experience. Sometimes it’s a conversation with a friend. For some, it’s listening to a teaching, ...or reading the Scriptures, ...or God just speaking to your heart. But when those moments of clarity come, What do you do? ...Do you do nothing? ...Knowing the feeling will eventually pass? ...Because it probably will? Or do you respond? Do you repent and begin the process of change? ...Just like Josiah did? He was only in his 20’s.   But he knew it wasn’t all about him. And he even recognized his limitations with the Scriptures. So, he sought counsel from wise people he respected. Hilkiah the priest. Huldah the prophet. They affirmed it was the Lord who was speaking. And in response, Josiah submitted. He repented. He died to self, ...And found life. In last week’s story we read, 9 ...For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful. If you return to him, he will not continue to turn his face from you.” – 2 Chron 30:9 (NLT) King David, who is in the background of the entire book of Chronicles, Was caught in the unspeakable sin of adultery and murder. And when confronted he repented and prayed, 16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. –Psalm 51:16 (NLT) 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. –Psalm 51:17 (NLT) You see we are all sinners. None of us measure up to who we were created to be. Elder story I met with someone this past week to invite them to pray about potentially becoming an elder. They were hesitant. They said they picture an elder ...having this perfect relationship with God, ...One who knows scripture inside and out, ...and who doesn't struggle with the same sins the rest of us struggle with. And I smiled and asked, “Do you know who you just described?” “Jesus!” Becoming like him is our desire and goal But none of us have arrived, yet. I asked, “You know what a real elder looks like? ...The kind who actually exists?” It’s a person who recognizes their everyday need for Jesus, It’s a person who spends time with Jesus and is mature in Jesus. It’s a person that when Jesus reveals an area of weakness or sin, ...They humble themselves and repent and ask for strength to overcome. It’s a person who continually seeks to submit to the Lord And NOT their own pride, God desires humility and brokenness. He desires a repentant heart. That when confronted in our sin, As followers of Jesus, our only response is “Yes, Lord.” I was wrong. Help me follow you. Transform me into your image. I can’t do it without you. So in the moment of clarity, How do you respond? And will you respond? Prayer

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
August 5th, 20

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 21:58


Who We Are and Who He Is Today's readings are Habakuk 1 – 3 and John 8.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. “Who are you?” they demanded. (Jn 8:25 NLT) They couldn't make heads or tails of it.  They were fearful of who he might be and they were threatened by who he was claiming to be.  They were unable to see him for who he was. And there's the irony.  It's only when we can answer the same question about ourselves, that we will see him for who he is.  Who are you?  is the question.  And Jesus gives us the answer to who we are. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.” (Jn 8:28 NLT) Jesus tells us in this verse, that if you want to know who He is you've got to know who you are.  And who you are is the one who lifts the Son of Man up on the Cross. It was you and I who put him on the cross.  We are the ones he came to die for. It was our hands that put him on the cross.  We are the guilty ones.  He is dying on our behalf.  We are sinners that have been caught, like the woman who was caught in adultery. We've been caught and are worthy of condemnation, stoning and death.  This is who we are.   He is the light of the world- the one who stoops down and writes words in the dust of your broken life: grace, forgiven, loved. Are you having trouble seeing Jesus for who He is?  See yourself – a sinner saved by grace and nothing else; by a Savior that has come looking for you.  Every day He comes, ready to send you into a new day with the reminder that you are not condemned.  Instead, you are loved. See yourself for who you are.  Understand who he is and what he has done for you and hear the words that he proclaims over your life every day:  Grace, Forgiveness, Loved.  

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
July 19th, 20

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2020 22:26


JULY 19,  Clear out the Junk II Chronicles 29 - 31 and James 4 In James 4:10 we hear these words: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Hezekiah was someone who lived this out. He humbled himself before the Lord.  At last, we see in Hezekiah, a good king in Judah.  He was a king who sought to humble himself before God.  And because of this, God gave him great success.  A revival broke out and the nation was restored in worship of the Lord their God - the God of their ancestors.  Things went well for Hezekiah because he humbled himself before God.   But humility doesn't just happen to us.  Humility takes some effort on our part.  At the beginning of chapter 29, Hezekiah says:   Listen to me, you Levites! Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the LORD, the God of your ancestors. Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. (II Chron 29:4 NLT) They needed to clear out the temple and restore worship of the Lord their God.  It took 16 days to clear out all the junk that was in the temple so that they could finally get to the altar to begin worshipping.  It took 16 days to clear out the junk! It took some work!  They had to humble themselves. This is something we have to do, too. There is junk that needs to be cleared out.  We need to bow our own hearts.  We need to begin to see our own faults and folly and recognize the consequences that are at our door, because of our failure to humble ourselves.   That's something we can do today. We can come humbly to God each day as we come to the word and recognize that there are many desires that battle within us, desires battles for pride, recognition, revenge, pleasures, shortcuts, ill-gotten gain. But we can come to the Word and heed these words from James:   Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (Jms 4:7-8 NLT) We can confront these temptations that threaten our loyalty to God.  James says that when we humble ourselves he lift us up in honor.  We are in a battle. The temptation is to begin to store up junk that stands between us and the altar, between us and God's presence, between us and freedom.  We begin to store up junk there and before you know it, it takes 16 days to clear it all out. But there is a way forward. We can purify and humble our hearts before God, and do the work necessary, to clear out the junk that's blocking the way.  When we do that, we will receive God's kindness.  He will lift us up, and in honor, no less!  Unbelievable!  He honors us for clearing away the things that stand in the way, and returning to Him in worship.   Begin this day by taking the actions necessary to remove anything that stands between you and God's presence, between you and His altar.  Its an altar that we are instructed to come boldly and confidently to.   So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Heb 4:16 NLT) You've been given the power to humble yourself and come to him, removing anything that stands in the way, through the power of Christ in you.  

Daily Radio Bible Podcast
June 18th, 20

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 26:00


JUNE 18,  Don't Miss the Point Today's readings are II Kings 1 - 3, Psalm 82 and I Timothy 1, and are being read from the New Living Translation.  ere so prone to miss the point when we look at the law.  When we misapply the law it can lead to a life of pride and arrogance or self-loathing and despair.  It can become a colossal exercise in missing the point when we seek to justify our life by keeping the law or becoming experts in the law. We can miss the point.  That's what Paul says to Timothy in verse 6.    But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. (I Tim 1:6 NLT) They had turned away from the simple gospel received by faith, that fills our heart with love, cleanses our conscience of guilt and makes us new.  He tells him again,  The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (I Tim 1:5 NLT) This, my friends is the real deal.  This is the point.  This is the work that God can do now that his Spirit abides in his people.  It brings about a new heart, a clean conscience and a new life.  That's a gift, not something to be achieved by a mastery of the Word and the Law.  The changes comes from  the Master who now abides in his people through the Spirit.  God is seeking to reinhabit that which was lost.  That's the gift and power of the Gospel that Paul says he is not ashamed of.  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) It's not a mastery of the law, but letting the Master master us.  This happens when we come to Christ coming by faith, with a surrendered heart that's willing to let God be God in us.   Don't miss the point by making it about you and not him.  Surrender your whole life, body and soul, to Him,  and live in the reality of Christ in you.  Then you won't miss the point. That love, generosity and peace that you long for, will be yours and you will have something to offer the world.

Avalon Church
UNCERTAIN | Protecting the Image | PART 10

Avalon Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 39:43


Christianity was birthed in an environment of racial tension that was even more complex than our own. If unity in Jesus was possible in the first century, there’s still hope for the Church today! Series: UNCERTAIN: Discovering Who We are Through Difficult Times, Speaker: Pastor Don Dodge, Scripture: Acts 10:15, Acts 10:20, Acts 10:27-28, Psalm 139:23-24, Acts 10:34-35, Acts 10:28, Video: https://www.facebook.com/avalonchurch/videos/2664655110477146/, Sermon page: https://www.avalonchurch.org/sermons/uncertain-protecting-the-image-part-10/, Sermon Notes: 2020-05-31_10_uncertain-part-10_sermon-notes.pdf, Discussion Questions: 2020-05-31_10_uncertain-part-10_discussion-questions.pdf, Notes: INTRO Today we’re going to talk about the results of Pentecost. But before I jump in today, I need to give a little perspective. I grew up in a police officer’s family. My Dad was a cop in Miami for 9 years, and retired from the Lakeland Police Department. My grandfather was the police chief in Miramar Florida. I love police men and women. I’m grateful for all they do to protect us. I respect them. I don’t idolize them, their normal people. But my inclination is to trust them. I don’t worry about my daughter’s safety If she’s pulled over by a police officer. Any conversation about it would likely begin with advice about making sure you pull of the road so you don’t block traffic. Maybe, “Smile. Be nice.” The expectation is, No matter what happens, you’re safe. That’s the experience I grew up with. That is not everyone’s experience. We (tension) – perspective Earlier this week, I watched a young, black pastor share his story. In college, a group of his friends, white and black, went for a drive. The white friend was driving. They were pulled over. The driver respectfully challenged the officer’s reason for pulling them over. The exchange was brief… and cordial. He was given the ticket and they left. For the black pastor, This was eye-opening. He was shocked at the freedom white people felt to question a police officer. As a black man, he never felt that freedom. Never. In fact, he was taught never to reach for his wallet. …To always ask for permission first, …or invite the officer to get it. He was taught to look down, And never look a police officer in the eyes. Years later, he was pulled over  for speeding in a white neighborhood. He knew he was doing 27 in a 30, Because he knew he was in a white neighborhood, And that there was an officer behind him. He explained this, And was quickly told to get out of the car, …Because he looked drunk. He got out and quietly explained he was a pastor visiting a family in his church. A Bible was on the front seat. After a very long minute of looking him over, The pastor was allowed to leave. This pastor was scared. That’s not been my experience. And then, this week, There was a story of a black man who, while birdwatching, Asked a woman to leash her dog, …Which was the law. And she called 911 saying her life was threatened. And then, that picture of George Floyd With the officer’s knee on his neck …for 9 minutes. I first saw the picture next to Colin Kapernaek’s Where he was kneeling during the national anthem. It said that if Kapernaek’s non-violent protest gets you more upset than a cuffed man with another man’s knee on his neck. …There is a problem. I saw that picture before I knew Mr. Floyd had died. I was wrecked. This is not okay. This is not just a race issue. It’s an image of God issue. God When Jesus began his ministry, He invited very diverse people to follow him. There was Simon the Zealot who urged for violent rebellion against anything Roman. There was Matthew the tax-collecting traitor A Jew who sold out for Rome. Both invited to follow Jesus as one family. Imagine those fireside chats! After the resurrection, when Christianity was born, Wealthy Pharisees joined the poor Jews they used to oppress, As one united family in Jesus. And as the story of Jesus’ resurrection exploded around the Roman Empire, …the racial and cultural division was off the charts. The Jews believed they were chosen by God, …Which made them better than anyone else. The Gentiles hated the Jews for being so prejudice and judgmental. And there were slaves …who were, well, rejected by everyone. And then there were women, they were granted no rights whatsoever. And finally, there were the Roman citizens. They were the ones in power. They controlled the system. They tilted everything in their favor. And this is an oversimplification. The issues were very complex. And suddenly, all these groups Found themselves worshiping Jesus together. As one family. And through much struggle, And many NT letters, They made it work. Which gives us hope! Because Jesus is bigger what divided them. But the struggle lasted a long time. Think about Peter; He walked with Jesus for 3 years. He watched Jesus offer to go to a Roman soldier’s house, …and heal a family member. He had long conversations with a woman, ..even a Samaritan woman, …and even stayed in her village for days. He ministered to the poor, …children, …and prostitutes, …and beggars, …and those with special needs. And Peter was there through it all. Yet, 15 years after the resurrection, he still struggled. The book of Acts tells us about Peter having a vision while he was praying. God told him to eat food that wasn’t kosher, …that wasn’t allowed in the Law of Moses. At first, Peter wouldn’t do it, Until God told him 15 “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” –Acts 10 (NLT) And that’s when Peter heard a knock at the door. A Gentile, A Roman centurion named Cornelius, would like to see him. A Roman Oppressor. The worst of the worst. But the Holy Spirit said to Peter, 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.” –Acts 10:20 (NLT) They want to hear about Jesus So after about a day’s walk, Peter met Cornelius outside his house. 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled. –Acts 10:27 (NLT) Now remember, This was not allowed in the Jewish religion. Gentiles were inferior. Dirty. You can see it in Peter’s reaction. He had never been in a Gentile’s home.   Before the vision, he would never go into a Gentile’s home. I imagine Peter standing at the door, Wondering if he should have asked God for some I.D. when he had that vision, And Cornelius, he’s excited. He’s invited everyone he knows. Friends, family, Anyone intrigued about the Jewish man who rose from the dead. And listen to what Peter says, …Like, out loud. Filter off. You know, saying what you’re thinking before thinking about what you’re saying? So Peter says, 28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you...—Acts 10:28 (NLT) This is how he starts. Hi, everyone. As you know, I shouldn’t be here. We Jews don’t go into houses of Gentile people. Can you imagine if a white man said this When invited into the home of a black family? That’s how bad it was. The division was palpable. You could feel it in the air. But look at the rest of the verse. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. –Acts 10:28 (NLT) Think about what Peter is saying, Up until this moment, I considered all of you impure and unclean. But God has shown me I shouldn’t call you that anymore. And I imagine them thinking, Well, thank you? I feel so much better now. I imagine them wondering… So, God told you that? Do you believe it? You’ve spent your entire life looking down on us and judging us. Do you believe we are no unclean and unworthy? It’s the way Peter was raised. Judgment and resentment, …They were his default. For the rest of his life, …he would constantly have to test his default way of thinking, to the ways of God’s Kingdom. But here is where there is hope. And let me change the emphasized words. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. –Acts 10:28 (NLT) But God has shown me. God has opened my eyes and now I see… differently. How I grew up, What I was taught, The disappointment that I might cause, …this doesn’t have to define me, …Because God is changing me. And God has shown me that we are all made in the image of God. God revealed to Peter his prejudice and intolerance. God exposed Peter’s bent towards injustice. And in allegiance to his King, Peter submitted to what God revealed. And because he did, And Because Paul did, And because James did, The Gentiles were soon welcomed into the family of Jesus …AS EQUALS. That is what made it possible for us today. The Church is made of Jews and Gentiles, Blacks and whites and Hispanics and Asians, Men and women, Singles and marrieds, Rich and poor, Liars, cheaters, Adulterers, and addicts, Forgiven sinners now deemed saints Living as one people in Jesus. Many different parts unified in one purpose… God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. God’s love on earth as it is in heaven, Life and freedom and wholeness on earth as it is in heaven. America has a race issue. So does the church. America has a problem judging people. So does the church. But as the church, As Jesus’ family, we have incredible hope. Because we know it changed once. And God can do it again. This is not a black and white issue. This is a human issue. It’s an image of God issue. You (Application. So What?) We must protect the image. We must bestow dignity on all people. All people reflect the image of God. You know, if anyone hurts my girls, I will come to their rescue. You see, you cannot mistreat my children and be okay with me. In the same way, we cannot mistreat others, God’s children, and be okay with our Father in heaven. We must defend those who are different from us. We must stand in the gap when we see injustice. We must never demean or reject those who believe differently, …or vote differently, …or live differently. Jesus’ invitation is offered to all. As his family, we welcome all to the journey. So how do we do that? What does love require of us? Look at that powerful verse again, But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. –Acts 10:28 (NLT) Seeing people as God sees them, …it requires a work of God in us. As Peter prayed, God spoke to him. And Peter chose the hard road of humility, Conceding that he was wrong, That the way he was brought up, …was not God’s way. Peter’s heart-change wasn’t easy, And it wasn’t quick, But God transformed him. And God transformed the church under his leadership. When we foster our relationship with God, he speaks. So we seek God, …knowing that as he changes us, …he will bring an end to the patterns of racism and prejudice in our lives. So we ask God to reveal any damaging ways in us. …Opening our eyes and our hearts to love those who are different. To stand up for the marginalized. To meet needs without prejudice. Martin Luther King Jr. said, I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don't know each other… Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s when we get to know people, …That we begin to understand how different their experience is from ours. It’s when we spend time with people That we appreciate the complexities of their situation. We become humble. And we become intentional. Reaching out to neighbors and coworkers who are different from us. Asking questions about what they care about And sharing meals together. I pray you will begin to ask God to expose what’s in your heart. prejudices. I want to encourage you to pray 2 verses every day this week. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. –Psalm 139 (NIV) Pray, open my eyes, Lord. Help me spot any prejudice or judgment towards others. Help me see the way you do. Instead of justifying it, Give me the courage to eradicate any prejudice from my heart. God created a beautiful and messy and diverse church before. I believe he can do it again. Let’s pray. 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” -Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

Daily Radio Bible Podcast

MAY 5,  RE-INHABITED Our reading today are II Samuel 10, I Chronicles 20, Psalm 20, and Matthew 22.  We are reading through the New Living Translation. They set a trap but the trap they set sprung on them.  They came to trap Jesus with their questions. But their questions merely revealed that they didn't understand the Scriptures or the power of God.  That's what Jesus told them.   “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. (Mt 22:29 NLT) They were badly mistaken because to know the Scripture and to know the power of God is to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection. You can learn all about the Bible, and even have the whole thing memorized, but if you are not looking at the Bible through the person of Jesus, then you will be badly mistaken, too. You can be very religious and pious and not have the power to love God or others.  That power is found only in Jesus.  God offers us both of these things.  He offers us knowledge and insight into the Scriptures, and he offers us the power to live a new quality of life.  We no longer need to pose our way before God and others.  Rather we are given a new life where we can experience God's love ourselves.  When we look at the Bible through the lens of Jesus we see that God has so carefully shown his love for us.  He did that on the Cross and he did that when he rose from the grave.  In this careful love he has for us, he invites sinners to his great banquet; offering to all the broken and willing His life and his power.  When we see and know what he has done for us, we can learn to experience the love of God.  That is why we remind ourselves of this truth every day.  Then we begin to live out, in the power of Christ, a different kind of life; a life of power, love and a sound mind, where we become sensible, strong and generous. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (II Tim 1:7 NLT) We can offer that sensible, strong, generous life to others, too.  We can offer that Invitation to His banquet, too.  Live that quality of life, through the presence and power of God in your life,  and  experience the love of God, seen through Jesus.  Allow his spirit to re-inhabit you, so that you can know him in the Scriptures.  The power of God brings about change.   Feast at the banquet table and make yourself at home there.

GloriBites
Women of the Bible: Adulterous Woman

GloriBites

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 9:44


Let’s talk about the Adulterous Woman    The religious teachers and the Pharisees bring out the woman who had been caught in adultery. They put her in the center.  They requested to know what should be done from Jesus. They were trying to set him up because the law was meant to bring both parties and stone them. If Jesus would have agreed he would have been violating the law.  Jesus answers: “They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ They left the scene.  THen Jesus and this woman have an encounter.  “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” ----------” ‭‭John‬ ‭8:10-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ . Who can stand up and stay that they have no sin? If so you are a liar.  . Jesus lets her know you are not condemned but don’t do it no more.  . Digest ? ⭐️How many times have you judged someone for their sins? How many times have you put someone in the center instead of focusing on your own sin? . ⭐️How many times have you prayed in a justified spirit that somehow your sin was less than the other person? . ⭐️Where do you need to forgive and have compassion on someone ? . ⭐️Are you like this woman? If there something that you need to let go and sin no more? . Jesus is ready to forgive but confession and repentance is necessary turning away and sin no more. 

Author Audience: Helping You Reach More People With Your Message | Writing | Self-Publishing | Book Marketing | Business Grow

This episode is part of the Overcomer series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy Facebook group as live videos. However, we wanted to also encourage you in the writing, publishing and marketing of your books. Today's topic is: Victor not Victim Scriptures: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:57‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:37‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end, they will look in triumph on their foes.” - Psalms 112: 7-8 NIV We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your writing. We recently wrote a new PDF called "8 Surprisingly Simple Writing Tips" that we want to share with you for free. Download it now here: http://www.trainingauthors.com/writingtips/ This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com

Palm Harvest Podcast
Share One

Palm Harvest Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2019 34:09


Mark 6:30-44 Big Idea: God’s miracles often invite our participation. Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 1. Gods capacity is not constrained by limited resources. Mark 6:42-44 (NLT) They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves! 2. The ingredients for a miracle are often within our grasp. Mark 6:38 (NLT) “How much bread do you have?” He asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” John 6:8-9 (NLT) Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” 3. God’s miracles are usually experienced in community. Mark 6:41 (NLT) Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/palmharvest/message

Pat's View: Inspirational stories
How Do You Keep The Enemy From Stealing Your Promise

Pat's View: Inspirational stories

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2019 25:53


The cuckoo doesn't build a nest. A mama cuckoo bird doesn't need a nest  and the story behind the "why" is absolutely cuckoo! Cuckoo means crazy as a Bessie bug in Southernese. A Mama Cuckoo Bird is able to incubate her eggs inside her body at least 24 hours longer than most birds. While many mama's have finished laying their eggs and are sitting contently or so it would appear, on their nest, the mama cuckoo hasn't even started laying her eggs. When she is ready to lay her eggs, she watches for a nesting bird to leave the nest for a quick meal. Her favorite host is the warbler, but any vacant nest will do. Then the female cuckoo flies to the unguarded nest, where she gobbles a single egg and then deposits her own egg in its place. In a matter of seconds she is on her way to the next nest! She never comes back to check on her babies. She lays her egg and flies off without any natural mothering instinct. I told you it was cuckoo, but it's about to get even more cuckoo! Because she incubates her eggs longer internally, her  egg is always the first to hatch. The little cuckoo chick is born with a special scoop on its backside. Naked and helpless it struggles shove every egg, one at a time, up and out of the nest. I told you it was cuckoo! The newborn is tired, but more than tired, it is HUNGRY! It opens its bright, red-orange mouth and demands to be fed. Like all good parents, the mama and the papa warbler begin to feed the newborn in their nest. The baby cuckoo continues to beg for food. They feed this one baby as much as they would normally feed their entire family. The baby pleads so loudly that neighboring mothers will drop by with an occasional bug. The baby cuckoo grows, and grows, and grows . . . until it outgrows its nest. At 14 days the cuckoo chick is 3 times bigger than the adult warbler. A brood of warblers typically leave the nest, or fledge in 12-13 days, but the cuckoo chick sticks around for 17-21 days begging to be fed. Crazy huh! Absolutely cuckoo!   he common cuckoo is a parasite. A parasite thrives at the expense of its host. The mama cuckoo isn't interested in building, so it steals and kills and as I've already stated, so do the babies. Because the baby cuckoo is only concerned about itself,  it removes the competition so it can eat, and eat, and EAT! Pretty gruesome when you think about it! Now track with me. You know me well enough by now to know that I am headed somewhere. The Word of God contains some exciting promises. They should excite us. They are awesome promises. Promises that if we actually take possession of them, they will bring us tremendous joy, peace and victory...right? More than excite us! But God didn't give us His Word only to excite us. Remember the parable of the sower? (I used a whole podcast to talk about that parable in my "Think God's Way for a Change") Remember, the seed that was planted in the stoney ground didn't make it. The stoney ground received the seed with joy, but then it wilted when things got tough. That's not fruitfulness! God is looking for fruitfulness. I want fruitfulness, don't you? God gave us His Word to impregnate us. Oh, my dear friend, please listen carefully. As I was studying for this podcast, this truth has just exploded in my heart. I could hardly wait to share it with you. I believe there is a strong parallel of how the seed works in the natural to how it operates in the spiritual realm as well. The living Word of God is a seed. Just as sperm fertilizes an egg, when you deliberately wrap God's Word with faith, that seed is planted in the womb of your spirit. That Word impregnates you. It is out of prayer and the revelation of Precious Holy Spirit that we nurture and give birth to those things...out of the womb of our spirit. Gestation It is so important that we grasp the reality that just as the human seed has a gestation period, so does the Word in your spiritual womb. I understand that an elephant's pregnancy lasts over 18 months...yep,18 month! 9 months doesn't sounds so bad when you compare it to 18...I know, I might have looked like an elephant, but I am so thankful it didn't take 18 months to deliver my babies. I don't know how long the gestation period is for the Promise that God has given you and you don't either. You could be a lot closer to victory than you realize. So don't quit believing. One more thing... the victory is worth the wait. Quit worrying about how long it is taking and focus on Jesus. The Word must be nurtured or brooded. When I say brood I don't mean you worry over it and let it fester. I mean brood like a mama bird warms and turns and protects her little eggs. She broods over them and incubates them. We see Precious Holy Spirit brooding at creation. I see a picture of brooding in Luke 2:19 NIV "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Mary didn't hear the words of the angel and then forget about them! How do you forget an announcement like that? No, she thought about those words... she pondered, discussed it in her mind, thinking, wondering, chewing on them to understand what God was saying to her.   My dear friend, I want to encourage you to mediate, ruminate and digest what God is saying to you. Mary treasured God's message. I wonder if one of the reason's we don't see more results, more fruitfulness is because we don't treasure God's Word. Something to think about! Don't you realize that God, the God that made this Universe, has given you some precious promises in Scripture. You've got to mine them out the Gold Mine called the Bible. Don't be a George Walker, remember him from last week's post. The thief wants your faith. I've gotta warn you though, just like that mama cuckoo robs the nest...the enemy wants to steal your faith, your joy and your peace. And when that ole deceiver steals it (any of those three), he robs you of the victory that it produces. The thief's strategy is to deceive us so that we don't even realize that what we have hatched a lie...so we don't realize what we are feeding is a lie. Don't feed the lie. A mama warbler will feed the lie, I'm talking about the baby cuckoo, its not her baby, but she will feed it  just as if it were her own baby...I think she believes it is. Her job is overwhelming, so she and her mate  will spend all their time feeding, constantly feeding an imposter-- a parasite that will repeat the same killing and stealing of it's real parents. Isaiah 59:5 NLT "They hatch deadly snakes and weave spiders’ webs. Whoever eats their eggs will die; whoever cracks them will hatch a viper." The word that is translated snake here, actually means serpent. What is a the meaning of serpent beyond the actual snake that comes to mind? A serpent is a spiteful or treacherous person. Sounds like the serpent in the garden of Eden, doesn't it. His treachery continues to be one of his strongest tactics. Whoever eats their eggs will die, whoever cracks them will hatch a viper. There's something confusing in this verse; vipers typically give birth to live offspring, so let's look at the symbolic meaning here instead of the literal meaning. The second snake word that is used in this verse is a totally different word. It is translated viper. It comes from a word that means hissing. Again, let's look at the imagery here. What do you do when you hear the distinctive hissing sound of a snake? Well, I can tell you what I do! I whirl in the direction of the sound and if I'm facing a venomous enemy, pure adrenaline courses through my veins. That adrenaline tells us to do one of two things run or fight. But my adrenaline tells me only one thing--runnnnnnn! I'm telling you I know the voice of my enemy... Do you know the hissing sound of your enemy... your enemy is probably different than mine. That hissing sound breaks our focus, intimidates us, warns us, offends our senses. I know some people that live in Arizona... When they are confronted by a venomous snake on their property, they don't wait for the snake to hiss at them; they just end the confrontation with a bullet. That's how Jesus dealt with the devil in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4. It's not called a bullet in the Bible. In the Bible, it is called the sword of the Spirit. When He dealt with the devil using the Word of God it ended the hissing intimation of the enemy! I'm telling you dear friend, we have got to start defeating the lies of the enemy with the truth of  God's Word. We don't have to hatch the deceptive lies of enemy! We have a role to play in what we believe and what we do with hell's lies. And what we do sets us up for victory or defeat. Isaiah 59:5 says "They hatch deadly snakes (serpents)" Who is the "they" that Isaiah is referring to in this verse? If you look at this verse in it's context, Isaiah is talking about people who are comfortable with their sins. The context describe people that have stopped realigning themselves according to the Word of God. It is talking about people that are living according to their own desires. Proverbs describes it as  "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.  In the biblical context, it describes people that are no longer redirecting their steps according to the light of  Scripture. How do we forget? Devil evil! God good! When we feed lies...they grow. God has called you to be fruitful; to multiply, and to take dominion. There is no doubt this instruction has physical implications...but it also has both mental and spiritual components too! That lie, even when we think it is the truth can never make us fruitful, so we settle for busy. The enemy's lie can NEVER satisfy our craving... I'm talking about the good craving... the God craving in our hearts to fulfill His purpose for our life-- to do the works of Jesus, so we let compromise, pacify us. In the feeding frenzy that ensues from the constant demands of the lie we have hatched, there's no time for the spiritual disciplines that are essential for spiritual health-- so doubt creeps into the cracks of neglect so we let go of other promises too... like a child clutching a rigid kite string that grows tired and then lets go... confused, we back down and back off --- settling for comfort and instant gratification instead of fulfilling God's divine design for our life. Lies use guilt and rejection to make us slaves to our responsibilities. We find ourselves feeding a cuckoo lie that can never be satisfied. So we join the rat race of frustration called success. Can I tell you what I see in my spirit... I see you sitting on a nest of promises--happy and contented. Normal life happens... so you leave the nest to take care of normal things. Meanwhile the thief robs your nest of a promise...it's only a single promise, but what he does next can be disastrous - he replaces your promise with his lie. Only one...little lie, but that lie contradicts God's Word. When it is incubated it will hatch and when it does it will begin to push other promises out of the nest too.  But this is where the choice comes in, you don't have to let it hatch. There are things, some promises that God wants you to  birth...don't allow the enemy to abort what God is doing in and through you!! Don't misunderstand me, I'm not making you the hero of this story. I'm just reminding you that again and again God chooses to work through people. People that will partner with God...not people with great faith...people with a great God. Abraham believed God enough to obey Him. He had persistent faith...faith that didn't give up when the situation didn't change. God blessed Abraham. Galatians 3:13,14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. In verse 14 the word that is translated promise here is used 52 times in the New Testament. It also means summon. When you see a promise of God, He is calling you to participate in His blessings... to participate in His love, in His joy... in His peace.... He is calling you to participate in His commission to be a carrier of His glory! Dear friend, I realize giving birth can be excruciating. I know. I know how easy it would be to simply give up. And some folks do, they quit; but those folks don't get to possess their promise. Don't turn loose of your promise. Sometimes God fine tunes us in the process, but don't quit. I believe God is right beside you and He's whispering in your ear. In your darkest moments, He's whispering...it's time! Come on...daughter.... Come on son, yes, sons have spiritual wombs too!  Your heavenly Father is whispering...come on.  You can do this...it's time to PUSH. You know what PUSH means..."Pray Until Something Happens!"  

Pat's View: Inspirational stories
Redemption God's Divine Exchange

Pat's View: Inspirational stories

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2019 24:49


Download Podcast This podcast is a combination of this post and the blog post entitled "Jesus Changed the Meaning of the Cross"     If you are reading the post only and not listening then I want to encourage you to read both posts. Exchange your money! One of the first things you do when you arrive in a foreign country is to exchange your money for currency that can be spent there. Sometimes your currency rate is strong and you get additional money. I love it when that happens. I have extra money to bring home souvenirs. Then sometimes, your currency is weak and you loose money in the exchange. The rate of exchange determines the fair value of your money at the time of the exchange.  Another Exchange System It is also important where you go to get your money exchanged so you get a fair exchange instead of getting ripped off by a dishonest person. Better than fair! God's Divine Exchange is not a fair exchange! No, I'm not inferring that He is dishonest. Instead I am saying He is generous...or to be even more accurate He is extravagant! I am so thankful for that. If it were a fair exchange we would get what we deserved. And we deserve death- eternal separation from God! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV Sin has consequences. Sin must be judged by a just and holy God. The penalty for sin has to be paid. So Jesus came to save us from our sins! God judged sin at the cross when.. His sinless Son took our place. When Jesus gave His life as a supreme sacrifice on the cross He paid the price for our sins. He paid our debt in full. His blood redeemed us from our sins! But because Jesus had never sinned, death could not hold Him.  Through His gift we can become children of God. Jesus made the cross a place of Divine Exchange! Look at the picture of Divine Exchange at Jesus' illegal trial prior to the crucifixion. They stripped Jesus and put a purple robe on Him. Then they twisted a crown of thorns and jabbed then onto and into his head. They mocked him with pretentious praise. (John 19:2,3) Here's the divine exchange, when we come to Jesus, we surrender all we have to Him. Everything. Our sins, our brokenness, our fear, our lack...we just surrender it all to Him. Now look at Isaiah 61:10 says He gives us in exchange. "I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10 NLT They took his beautiful seamless robe and gambled for it at the foot of the cross.  He drapes a robe of righteousness around our shoulders. Righteousness...right standing with God.                     Undeserved                     Unearned Identity A robe that says we belong to God. A robe that identifies us as His child--      His precious,      loved      and cherished child. His robe of righteousness identifies us as royalty, a child of the king of kings. He wore a crown of thorns, yet He crowns us with beauty. He crowns us with love and compassion. Look at the divine exchange through the lens of scripture: "provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3 NIV

Pat's View: Inspirational stories
Don’t just conform transform!

Pat's View: Inspirational stories

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2019 11:40


Download Podcast Transformed…the word brings a smile to my face. The first picture that comes to my mind is that of a dirty, ragged Cinderella. I can picture her pitiful, ash smudged and tear tracked face suddenly grow radiant as she is transformed into a beautiful princess. Can you see it too?  Only a Fairy Tale. But Wait, that’s a fairy tale and fairy tales only exist in storybooks! And besides that, I just described conformity not transformation!! All she had was new clothes and a great pair of shoes. A new outfit can go a long ways toward making you feel better, but it can’t transform you! Conformity copies and imitates to make you feel accepted, valued and included. Conformity changes the look, the opinion and the appetite to camouflage the darkness inside. It is the enemy of transformation because it is rooted in deception. Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Don't conform, transform. Transform…transform by renewing your mind. The word used in Romans 12:2 is metamorphoó, which is closely related to metamorphosis.  The butterfly is one of the most amazing illustrations of metamorphosis. In this process the caterpillar is totally transformed into a butterfly.    Just ask any preschooler, that has read “The Hungry Caterpillar", and they can tell you how the butterfly egg hatches into a hungry caterpillar.  They know it eats and eats and eats. And, you know that too if you have ever had caterpillars on a bush at your house. And, because it eats so much, the caterpillar grows very fast. The purpose of this stage is growth. I need to stop here to ask you, “Are you hungry for God’s Word?” If you’re not hungry something is wrong. It’s essential to your growth. God has more in mind for you than just growth. God’s purpose is greater than just a fat caterpillar. He wants to move this creature to a place where it can be fruitful or reproduce.    Next, the caterpillar spins a sack around its whole body and the pupa stage begins. In the pupa stage of development everything changes; its tissues, its legs, its organs--EVERYTHING. The changes that go on inside the strong sack like covering are mind (Pun intended.) boggling! The caterpillar literally dissolves into a rich fluid. This fluid contains the building blocks that are transformed into one of God’s most beautiful creatures.      Pupil We get our English word pupil/student from the word pupa. Just as the pupa stage is the transformation stage for a butterfly, a believer must become a pupil or learner of God’s Word for transformation to take place. Make time in your schedule to be a serious student. Wrap yourself in the cocoon of God’s presence and ask Him to guide your thinking and open your understanding. Students are looking for more than facts, their goal is wisdom that can be applied. Read or listen with an open heart; diligently studying, pondering and assimilating God’s Word. Pray over what you are learning. Ask God for revelation and inspiration. Look for “What is God saying to me?”  Write it down.  Ask; “How do I live this out?”  Assimilating and digesting Scripture means that the Bible is more than facts or seeds stored in a jar with the lid screwed on tight that you tuck in the back of your garage. God’s Word are bite sized nuggets that you mix with faith and digest so that it nourishes your mind, spirit and body.  Although the butterfly you see on your bush is probably the same creature that was just recently eating all the leaves off somebodies favorite shrub, you’ll never see a butterfly munching its way across a leaf; because it doesn’t have a mouth that can chew. Its body has six long skinny legs that fold instead of 16 short, stubby ones that it crawled with as a caterpillar. It is totally changed!! Totally. And God says the same thing about you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The Old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Transformation It is a miraculous transformation that is an ongoing process in the life of a believer to become more and more like Christ.  It is critical that I make sure that I have made one thing clear. The kind of transformation that I am talking about can only take place because you are a child of God. You cannot stick a worm in a cocoon and expect it to transform into a butterfly. God is the transformer! 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”  The butterfly sucks nectar because it is a butterfly, not because it is acting like a butterfly. It is God’s power that makes you a new creature, but you can and should continue to grow in faith and become more like Him—that is a process.  In God’s divine design... He perfectly equipped the butterfly with everything it needs to live and reproduce in this new stage of life. It needs a proboscis, a party-horn like straw that unfurls to suck the sweet nectar that fuels its flight. The butterfly needs wings to fly from flower to flower tasting the flower with its feet. Some butterflies fly hundreds and thousands of miles to migrate to warmer regions in the winter. On its way back home, it will lay its eggs to begin a new cycle all over again. Reproduction is the purpose of this cycle of its life. God’s goal and purpose behind transformation           is to make you like Christ.  Colossians 3:10 NLT Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Philippians 2:13 NLT For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Because of the process of transformation, a butterfly has everything it needs for its next assignment; fruitfulness via reproduction. And God has done the same thing for you. 2 Peter 1:3,4 3By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires   https://www.etymonline.com/word/pupil   https://www.thebutterflysite.com/life-cycle.shtml  

Be Still and Know
Day 29 - Issue 22

Be Still and Know

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2017 6:01


Genesis 1:26 NLT …They will reign…” Exercising responsibility is a challenge. As a newly appointed school prefect, I entered into conversation with myself over the exercise of my new-found power. I could by virtue of my prefect status penalise people I didn’t much like. Responsibility is always a challenge. God by choice entrusts the ordering of the creation to humanity. We have the ability to design and implement political structures through which we can determine the quality of life for fellow image-bearers of God. We equally have the capacity to use such authority to benefit ourselves. Of course, such corruption can only ever leave us feeling naked and ashamed as we hear the voice of God calling. The invitation from Jesus is to choose to learn to resist the corrupting influence of living in a fractured world. Each one of us has the capacity for wrongdoing. Equally we have the capacity to resist. If I take Jesus as my model, his apparent influence on earth was minimal; born in a backwater, leading a group of twelve, itinerant without an office in sight, and unwilling or unable to penetrate the sources of power, the Sanhedrin and Roman. It is little surprise that the power elite who devised a corrupt plot to destroy him might have anticipated his swift eradication from history. His enduring legacy was that he represented an altogether different way of living. This involved truth-telling, living for the interests of others and a willingness to give up life itself rather than be compromised through collaboration. I have found it hard to resist the temptation towards corruption. I had choices from fiddling my expenses when working, through to suppressing principle for advancement. I know I have made bad choices, yet the softened conscience that I chose not to silence has enabled me to return in repentance and choose God each time. I am not necessarily a good man, yet I know not as bad as I might have been and often wanted to be. Each of us is tested in this world ahead of exercising authority in dominion throughout eternity. QUESTION: How do you deal with the yearning towards corruption in your own life? PRAYER: Lord, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.

Element Church
Minor Prophets, Major Messages: Zephaniah

Element Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2017 31:34


Week 9 – Andy Hazelet – July 30th, 2017 Message Notes: Big Idea:  The problems of our day require a different solution. Main Scripture:  Zephaniah 2:3; 3:1-4. 3:1 – “What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime!”  (NLT) Big Question:  What is the problem of our day? The Problem of the People. 3:2 – “No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction.  It does not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God.”  (NLT) Rejection of God's truth: “She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction.”  (ASV) Trust in themselves. Ignored the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  (NIV) James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  (NASB) The Problem of the Leadership. 3:3 – “Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims.  Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. (NLT) Zephaniahs 3:4 – Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain.  Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God's instructions.” (NLT) They led from a selfish position: They themselves were defiled: They refused to teach the truths of God: “Her priests have profaned the sanctuary.  They have done violence to the law.”  (NASB) Matthew 23:23-25 says: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”  (NIV) “Someone has said that a politician is concerned about his party and asks.  “Is it popular?”  The diplomat is concerned with policy and asks, “Is it safe?”  But the statesman is concerned about the good of the nation and asks, “Is it right?”  (Wiersbe) What do I want for my children spiritually? How am I modeling that or leading them toward that?   The Problem of the Church. 2:3 – “Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands.  Seek to do what is right and to live humbly.  Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you—protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.”  (NLT) Psalm 86:11 – “Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth!  Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.”  (NLT) “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of God on earth.”  (John Wesley) Stop lobbying, start seeking. 

Fountain Springs Church Sermons
Life Hacks - How to Leave a Lasting Legacy (Week Three) (Audio)

Fountain Springs Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2017


Life Hacks Merchant of Death is Dead Legacy - what we leave behind Proverbs 13:22 (NLT) “Good people leave behind an inheritance to their grandchildren”  Nehemiah 1:3 (NLT) They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the...

Fountain Springs Church Sermons
Life Hacks - How to Leave a Lasting Legacy (Week Three) (Audio)

Fountain Springs Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2017


Life Hacks Merchant of Death is Dead Legacy - what we leave behind Proverbs 13:22 (NLT) “Good people leave behind an inheritance to their grandchildren”  Nehemiah 1:3 (NLT) They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the...

Redeemer Weekend Sermons
You're Welcome

Redeemer Weekend Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2016 34:19


One of the most important ways we are to be the church to other is to offer them radical hospitality as did the members of the early church. Denise McKinney concludes our series on the early church by discussing this vital part of church life. You’re Welcome Irresistible Force | Week 5 October 23, 2016 | Denise McKinney Acts 2:46-47 (NLT) They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. It’s a sacred welcome. It’s a personal welcome. It’s a life-giving welcome. It’s also a welcome that often takes us beyond the familiar and comfortable. Their welcome and hospitality of others reflected what they truly believed about the Gospel—was it really good news for everyone? Bridges International Fishing Trip 370 attended 220 students from 55 nations, 27 campuses, 50% believing students, 50% seekers. 50 Bridges Staff, children and Volunteers  40 Fishermen from Cross-waters outfitters ministry. 50 volunteers from Hill Country Fellowship Church in Burnet, TX. 100% certainty that God’s goodness was shared and experienced because someone said, “Come go fishing with us!”

Freedom Church
Easter 2016: Remember

Freedom Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2016 36:53


The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) Message Title:  “Remember” So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.  I think it is right to refresh your memory…  2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV) And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV) Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn't want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) They didn't understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-48 (NIV) While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them… Luke 24:1-48(NIV) …“Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” Luke 24:1-48(NIV) Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened… Luke 24:1-48(NIV) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:1-48(NIV) They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Luke 24:1-48(NIV)  He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:1-48(NIV) The Old Testament POINTS to God… the Gospel is the WAY to God… the New Testament teaches  us how to WALK with God. REMEMBER THE EMPTY GRAVE Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel… 2 Timothy 2:8 (NIV) That Jesus LIVED, means little… That Jesus is ALIVE, means everything.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 (NLT) Jesus didn't give His life to take you from bad to good… but from death to LIFE! REMEMBER MERCY Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. Psalm 51:4 (NLT) Your darkest moment… couldn't overshadow He did for YOU. REMEMBER LOVE Love = living for the other person's good For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT) It was not nails that held Him on that cross… it was His love for you. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) Your biggest mistake… doesn't change the way He sees you.

Freedom Church
Kickoff, Week 5: Same Team

Freedom Church

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2015 65:21


“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 (NLT) Message Title:  Same Team Stop trying to change each other. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.  So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NLT) They aren't you and that's great news thing! Go to counseling! Maintenance is always better than repair… Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) Build your team Find people who you want to be like and do what they do Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. 21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT) Fight the Crazy Cycle Healthy conflict can only exist with a same team mentality. Keep it Current Keeping it current helps you fights the temptation to sweep issues under the rug and allow bitterness to grow. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) Have a playbook! Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Let HIM lead; Let HER counsel And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.  As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word… Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NLT) Leading the home is a responsibility NOT a right… responsibility serves; right demands. When you are on the same team… what used to be viewed as CRITICISM is now seen as COUNSEL. Parent from the Same Team Support in front of them… discuss away from them. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) Protect the 1st Team As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.  Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT) Be more concerned with hurting your spouses feeling, than hurting other people's feelings.  Play with Passion Have FUN and stop making everything so SERIOUS. The team who plays together off the field will play better together on the field. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)

Freedom Church
All I Want For Christmas, Christmas Eve: You

Freedom Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2014 27:20


(Luke 2:9-11) (NIV) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.Title: You (John 8:12) (NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”(Acts 26:17-18) (NLT) Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.  The Law, The Love, The Light. 1.  The law reveals our guilt. (John 8:1-3) (NLT) Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.(John 8:4-5) (NLT) “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.  The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” Until we see ourselves as sinners we will not see our need for a Savior. 2. His love reveals His grace.(John 8:6)(NLT) They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.(John 8:7)(NLT) They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”(John 8:9)(NLT) When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.(John 8:10)(NLT) Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?”(John 8:11)(NIV) “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.  The language of the dark speaks death, the language of the light speaks life.  (Luke 8:11)(NIV) “Go now and leave your life of sin.”3.  The Light reveals our hope.(Luke 8:12) (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Freedom Church
Five Easy Ways to Wreck Your Life: Part 3, Five Easy Ways to be an Addict

Freedom Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2011 36:32


(1 Corinthians 6:12) “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”   What has mastered you?   We're seeking to find what only God can provide in something besides God Himself.   5 Easy Ways to be an Addict.   1. Never admit you have a problem.   (Jeremiah 3:13) (NLT) “Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree.”   2.  Gratify your fleshly desires.   (Galatians 5:16-17) “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”   3.  Rationalize your behavior and make excuses.   (Luke 14:19-20) “The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can't come.'”   4. Always keep your addiction a secret   (Proverbs 28:13) “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”   5. Depend on your own power, never God's.   (Psalm 28:7) “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”   (2 Peter 2:19) (NLT) “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.”   (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."   (2 Corinthians 12:9) (NLT) “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”   (Galatians 2:20) (NLT) “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”   (Philippians 4:13) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”   (Revelation 12:11) (GWT) “They won the victory over him because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life so much that they refused to give it up.”   (Proverbs 28:13) (NLT) “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”   (James 5:16) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”   He alone meets every need I have.

Freedom Church
Journey of Jonah, Part 3: A Place to Change

Freedom Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2009 44:27


  (Jonah 3: 1-2) “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”   (Jonah 3: 3-5) “Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”   (Jonah 3: 6-7) “When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.” (Jonah 3: 8-9) “But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."”   (Jonah 3:10) “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.”     A Place to Change   How can we change direction in our lives?   1.     Listening to someone's story Share your story, email us at: info@freedom-church.org (Revelation 12:11) “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”   2.     Fear of Consequences (Romans 3:18) (NLT) “They have no fear of God at all.”           (Hebrews 10:31) (NKJV) “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”    (2 Thessalonians 1:9) (NLT) “They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.”   (Psalm 32:3-4) (NLT) “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.  Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.  (Psalm 32:5) (NLT) “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”  And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (Psalm 32:6-7) (NLT) “Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.” 3.     Change our behavior (Isaiah 58:2) (NLT) “Yet they act so pious!  They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me.  They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God.  They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.”   (Isaiah 58:3-4) (NLT) “‘We have fasted before you!' they say. ‘Why aren't you impressed?  We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don't even notice it!'” “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It's because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.” (Isaiah 58:5) (NLT) “You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes.  Is this what you call fasting?Do you really think this will please the Lord? “They hurt enough that they have to” “Nobody changes until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change"     4.     There is a time limit (2 Peter 3:10) “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”   For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.