Podcasts about pursue christ

Sermon Recording from Sunday, March 16th, 2025.A study of Colossians 1:15-20.Guest Speaker: Daniel Overdorf.Thesis: Pursue Christ.=

Send me a Text Message! (I can't directly respond, but I can answer questions and share comments in upcoming episodes! How are we enjoy the temporal joys of life? Are they really all a vanity, or chasing after the wind? Today I am sharing how we can faithfully enjoy the good gifts God gives while also heading the wisdom of finding our purpose and delight in Christ alone.Let's talk about the enjoyment of temporary pleasures and pursuing the eternal. Are they at odds with each other? Is there a balance to strike between the two? And what's the bigger picture?Scripture References:James 1:16-181 Timothy 6:17-19Ecclesiastes 9:7Ecclesiastes 2"So when we consider the good things, the temporal blessings on earth, here is the wisdom - these things are gifts from God to be enjoyed by us and be a blessing, to fill us with thankfulness and to be shared, and used in godly ways." - SPF"The wisdom is to not make our focus and the meaning of our life the pursuit of pleasure - while good gifts from God are to be for our enjoyment, they are not what we chase down. It's not where we get our meaning, it's not how we solve our problems." - SPF""If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." C.S. LewisResourcesGap Cleaning Brushes: https://a.co/d/bdRXaGIRead the Bible with Me!: sheprovesfaithful.com/bibleSupport the showLove wellness products for your whole family? Shop Earthley and support SPF!Get 10% off your first order with code FIRSTSPF : https://earthley.com/?affiliateId=lauren-hlushakSupport SPF $5 a month: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithfulSign Up for the SPF newsletter: sheprovesfaithful.com/newsletterIf you're enjoying the SPF Podcast, please leave a review on your favorite podcast player! Thank you!

Pursue Christ (Philippians 3:12-16)

Message by Justin Ray.

-      Happiness, Money (Security), Freedom (debt, find true purpose), Peace, Joy, Balance, Fulfillment, Confidence, Stability, Passion -       “Some treasures aren't bad until they take your focus from the true, fulfilling treasure. When we let treasures lead us away from Christ, that treasure turns to waste." -Michael Grubbs -        What would it look like if we shifted our pursuit to the true treasure that provides all of these? -        Colossians 3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -       Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. -       The moment you believe, your pursuit SHOULD shift… -        It starts with the heart. -         Does your heart pursue the same things that Jesus did? -        Col 2:2-3 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -        Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' -       “…Christians should not determine eternal truths according to “earthly things”; we must interpret the world around us according to the heavenly reality “above” us.” -R. Scott Pace -        Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -         In ALL things, pursue Christ LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  Starter Question: Matt opened with an adventure of pursuing a great treasure.  Who did you find yourself relating to in that story?  1.      Read Colossians 3:1-4 2.     What are some things that keep you from pursuing Christ? 3.      What are some ways that you “keep seeking” the things that are above? 4.      Read Colossians 3:5-17 5.      Where do you struggle in putting on the new self as Paul lays out? 6.      In what ways do you challenge your thinking?  Where is your thinking focused on what is temporary instead of eternal? 7.      If you were John Chrysostom, would you have stood as boldly hidden in Christ? Why or why not? 8.      In all things, Pursue Christ.  Where God has you in your career, or life in general, how well are you pursuing him?

All the things Paul instructed the Colossians to clothe themselves with are still in style for us today.

All the things Paul instructed the Colossians to clothe themselves with are still in style for us today.

Pastor Manny Vera July 17, 2024

Philippians 4:2-3We learn how to practice conflict resolution in the church by looking at the Apostle Paul's instructions to two women in conflict with each other.

2 Chronicles 7:14-18; Reconcile us to your heart and shout out our blessings, let Christ come into us and give opportunity to partake in His songs

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

A life in pursuit of Christ involves forsaking our former ways, and purposefully living in a manner that delights God, all while keeping our focus on the eternal goal. 

Matt gets national recognition with his Tailgating Gumbo! Chet and Matt discuss the "secrets" behind the recipe. Matt then turns his attention to how he has unplugged from the news but tuned back in since the conflict with Israel and Hamas and has been let down again!   The guys turn to the #Top3 Restaurants we've eaten. It is fun taking a stroll down memory lane for many of us!  Top 3 Restaurants at which you have Eaten Superior - Skirt Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajitas,  - Shreveport, LA Napoleon House - Muffuletta - New Orleans, LA Little Saigon - Vermicelli Noodle dish with Shrimp and Egg-roll Matt - Jordan in Chicago restaurant, Tony Roma's in Peru, Mortons in San Diego chet's  Mickey Mantles Steakhouse, OKC BBQ City Ruston Louisiana Cafe Del Tasso 1476, Bergamo Italy Chet's Good word - Galatians chapter 5 - How do you get more peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control? Pursue Christ! Don't pursue those things! He provides those fruits of the spirit to you as you pursue Him! 

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast   Today we are looking at some reasons why people don't go to church. And can I start by saying that this is part of the problem. We “go” to church, something that was impossible in the NT.   Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. God is working to grow you into the image of Christ and HE will complete that work. What a joy to know that it all doesn't depend on us!   Let's go to church! Ok, we already have a problem. . . Church is not a place. The church is a group of people called out by God, gloriously saved by His Son and united through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You cannot GO to church. If you are genuinely saved by Faith through Grace you can choose not to use your Spirit given gifts to strengthen and build up the Family of God, the Bride of Jesus, His glorious Church. Avoiding time with God's family will keep you from serving His Church. Let's call that what it is, disobedience. But you cannot GO to church.   The church is not a building that can be taken away or a service that can be scheduled. The church can meet in a building or under a tree. The church can meet in a large group with thousands or in a coffee shop with three. But you cannot GO to church. And if that is what you have been doing, you are part of the problem. Because if you can go to church, you can NOT GO to church.   If your life, your family, your community and yes, even your church, are to change, we have to stop going to church and start BEING the church. Every day in every house, on every street, in every town, in every nation. We ARE the Church of the True and Living God.   So why don't people go to church?   Reference - https://churchhelper.net/why-people-dont-go-to-church/   1. They deem the church irrelevant. The church is a group of people who are bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus. As such, He has placed us into His family. The church is instantly relevant if you understand the mission of Jesus in the world. Sermons that are theology without application. Although some can take a sermon and run with it, most people need or at least will benefit from discussions about the passage/ topic that allows them to see how it works out in their life. 2. They cite the hypocrisy and moral failures of church leaders. This is straight up bad news. It points to the need to emphasize character as we train and prepare leaders in the church. Dealing with sin in the lives of leaders. Confession, repentance, humility. Side rant. We cannot allow the training and preparation of pastors and church leaders to be left to bible colleges and seminaries. They are great supplements to churches discipling and preparing leaders but they cannot replace the churches role. 3. They feel God is missing in the church. Spectator churches can easily be focused on the audience and felt needs, not God. God IS and that matters. He is Holy and that matters. The church has to be focused on God. When we are, it changes us. Biblical doctrine matters. We need to see God in His Word. Hearts prepared to follow Him are hearts prepared to worship Him. If God is missing in your life the rest of the week, God will likely be missing in your time with His Family or at least, you won't see Him. 4. They feel that legitimate doubt is prohibited. God is big enough to handle our questions. The pastors pride might not be. Spurgeon - “Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best 'apology' for the gospel is to let the gospel out.” As the church we need to be inviting people to ask questions. God can handle it. You don't need to answer everyone's questions, point them to the Word and encourage them to ask God for answers to their doubts. He is amazingly good at it. 5. They don't learn about God or Jesus. I don't know what church this is true in but it is shameful if it is true! 6. They don't gain any significant or new insights about faith. There is a need to be growing and making efforts yourself. Pursue Christ. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 - 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Practical obedience is part of our growth. Without it we will stop learning. Our spiritual life is more than head knowledge, we have to live it or we will struggle in our faith. 7. They have trouble finding a community. If you don't find community, you build it. There are others who want that unity that the NT talks about and are willing to fihgt for it. Look for them and build a small community.   Thanks for joining me today. If you have thoughts or questions about your spiritual life, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net I would love to hear from you.

Men's Conference | Zach Mabry | BreakoutAs men, we have been called to fight. We are to fight against sin, fight for our holiness, and fight for our families. The calling of a Christian life is a lofty one. Are you making provision for your flesh or are you disciplining yourself for godliness? In this breakout, Zach walks through how we are to live disciplined lives as godly men.Men, our time on earth is fleeting. God has given each of us an area of responsibility. We are to make every effort in our faith to lead those around us well. You will not become a godly man by accident. Pursue Christ today.Resources: Genesis 1Genesis 22 PeterThe Toxic War Against Masculinity - Nancy PearcyIt's Good To Be a Man - Michael FosterSnowbird Wilderness Outfitters exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the exposition of Scripture and personal relationships in order to equip the Church to impact this generation.Learn more about our student and adult conferences at https://www.swoutfitters.com/Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

Join Pastor Travis Hearn of Impact Church as he delivers an empowering sermon titled 'Stack Your Team.' Discover the profound wisdom of Proverbs as we explore the art of intentional friendship selection. Learn to: Choose Companions who Pursue Christ's Path Align with Those Running the Same Faith Race Surround Yourself with Friends that Sharpen Your Character Unearth the secret to building a supportive inner circle that elevates your life's purpose. Don't miss this transformative message. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay tuned!"

The pursuit of Christ is the one thing that will bring joy like nothing else.

The pursuit of Christ is the one thing that will bring joy like nothing else.

Heart to Heart - Download and listen to a powerful morning devotion from Pastor Harold as he shares a devotion on your walk with Christ. Our walk with Jesus will be seen by others, and instead of pursuing things we have to pursue Jesus. It's all about Christ. 01 August 2023

Series: All! Jesus has all authority, So that all nationsMight pledge all allegiance to him.Title: “How to live when your days are numbered?Scripture: Matthew 21:1-22Heavily indebted to Douglas Sean O'Donnell's & David Platt's commentaries for this message. (See below)Bottom line: Jesus lived his last days well by remembering who he was and what he came to do.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSSERMON OUTLINE & NOTESMAIN REFERENCES USEDDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscussion questions for group and personal study. Reflect and Discuss:1. What attributes do you think your unbelieving neighbors and coworkers would use to describe Jesus?2. In your opinion, which attributes of Christ mentioned in this chapter seem to be lacking in the church's picture of Christ today? What is the danger of having a distorted view of Christ's character?3. How does the rich variety of Christ's attributes speak to His uniqueness?4. In what sense is this section of Matthew "the beginning of the end"?5. List the ways in which Jesus' authority is displayed in this chapter.6. Which attributes mentioned in this chapter have been missing in your own view of Christ? Are there other Scriptures that speak to these attributes?7. Respond to the following statement: "The Jesus of the New Testament is different from the angry God of the Old Testament."8. Was it inconsistent with His compassion for Jesus to cleanse the temple the way He did? Why not?9. How would you summarize Jesus point in verses 20-22710. How will Christ's first and second comings be different?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINE & NOTESIntroductionJesus is living out his last 8 days in front of us as we head to the end of the book of Matthew. HOW DOES HE LIVE WHEN HE KNOWS HIS DAYS ARE NUMBERED?Story/Illustration: Israel and the “Land bridge.” SEE MAPS AND GOOGLE EARTHBottom line: Jesus lived his last days well by remembering who he was and what he came to do.OutlineQ. What do I want you to know? A. (21:1-11): King Jesus came to Jerusalem as a one-of-a-kind king to show us that his unique way is the way to true life: The way of genuine, growing faith in his words, ways and works.A. (21:12-17): King Jesus hates hypocrisy, prayerlessness and a lack of compassionate hospitality.Q. Why do I want you to know?A. (21:1-11): To show you that he's worth following and surrendering our whole life to him.A. (21:12-17): Because they are enemies of true fellowship with God for us and others.Q. What do I want you to do? A. (21:1-11): Follow King Jesus. A. (21:12-17): Stop fearing what other people think.Stop doubting God wants to answer your prayers.Stop shutting your doors to compassionate hospitality.Stop pursuing the kingdom without the King. (the blessings w/o the Bless-or)Q. Why do I want you to do this?A. (21:1-11): Because he's the best king ever and he'll satisfy every hunger, thirst and need you'll ever have including your need for forgiveness from your Creator.A. (21:12-17): So that you'll find fruitful living and freedom in Christ…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control…and forgiveness from your Creator. For us and others.21:18-22: Jesus shows us the same thing through a withered fig tree.He hates hypocrisy. He is not pleased with unbelief. (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)ConclusionCompassionate HospitalityA missionary to Africa told someone, “When we want to share the gospel in a village in Africa, we don't send them books. We send them a Christian family.”Why is it better to send the family than some books? It's certainly cheaper. Seems more efficient. But this experienced missionary understood that the Christian life lived like Jesus would demonstrate the love of God through serving others sacrificially—through compassionate hospitality. Therefore, the gospel wouldn't just be taught but caught. It's not about putting God or our church experience into a compartment and then living the rest of our lives without a care for what Jesus did for us. (Hypocrisy; lack of faith) We live out a genuine relationship with our trustworthy creator-redeemer as we practice compassionate hospitality to those who are far from God but close to us (where we live, work and play)Bottom line: Jesus lived his last days well by remembering who he was and what he came to do.Application:So, how DO we follow a king like Jesus Christ? WeSee Christ as the unique King that he is and worship him.Pursue Christ's kingdom AND Christ himself as King.To live for something that's worth dying forTo love people who are living for something that's worth dying for as seen in their sacrificeExpose hypocrisy. Hypocrisy blows up hospitality.Make his house (in us) a house of prayer and compassionate hospitality. So how do we live when our days are numbered?Remember who you are. Sons of God the Father and brothers of King Jesus.Remember how your heavenly father taught you to live. To please God (Heb 11:6) and to “Live for the applause of nail-scarred hands” —Mark BattersonRemember who matters most to your heavenly father. Fleshing out compassionate hospitality to the least, the last and the lost of our world as you make disciples of all nations.Remember to expose hypocrisy. This undermines hospitality.Remember to trust your heavenly father—trust and obey. To pray like we believe he wants to answer our Spirit-saturated prayers.Perpetual Perpetuas“In the first three centuries of the church, if Christians were known for anything it was their courageous faith. The accounts of the early Christian martyrs tell the stories of many followers of Jesus who demonstrated this courageous faith even unto death. One such martyr was Perpetua.Perpetua was twenty-two years old. She was married and the mother of an infant boy whom she nursed from her jail cell. She was in prison for being a Christian. All she had to do was recant her belief in Jesus, offer a simple sacrifice to Caesar, and call him, "Lord." Her father begged her to do this, but she refused time and again. Finally, as she was led out into the Roman Colosseum to be killed by beast or gladiator, she was singing hymns to Jesus.Can you imagine that kind of courage? Twenty-two years old! Her last words, spoken to her brother, also a Christian, were, "Stand in the faith."Last words.Last days.How will you finish?God has given us instructions on how to live out our days. Our last days. How to live out all our days as if they were our last days…because they are.Let's prayNOTESNo other notes this week.MAIN REFERENCES USED“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O'Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes“Matthew” by RC Sproul“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)Outline Bible, D WillmingtonNIV Study Bible (NIVSB)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

The author Susan Alexander Yates suggests some resolutions for us to work on in the New Year. ‘1) Reach someone who doesn't know Christ. God commands us to be salt and light (see Matthew 5:13-16); that won't happen if we spend all our time with believers….While reaching out feels scary, when you take the risk, you'll see God work through you. 2) Be more grateful. I used to wake…thinking about all the things I had to do and…the people who needed me. I got depressed before I… got out of bed!…So I started meditating on…God's character traits…thinking about how awesome God is. My perspective…changed. 3) Say “no” to something. Maturing means you postpone something you'd like to do to focus on something more important. In 10 years, what will matter most? 4) Pursue Christ with fresh vigour. [David prayed], “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NIV). Vary [your routine]…[Pick] a new topic for Bible study. Begin a fresh journal. If you…still feel stale, ask God to show you the reason.' The New Year is a great marker point for us to use when we want to make significant changes, give up a bad habit, take on a new, good habit, or simply refresh our relationship with God. What are your resolutions for the year ahead? What would you like to change? Where in your life would you like to see new growth? Whatever our goals, ‘let us throw off everything that hinders and…run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

INTRODUCTION Remember that the point of this epistle is for Paul to defend the authenticity of his ministry. There are three groups involved. There were the false teachers, the agitators that stirred up the trouble. They had initially swayed the whole church, but after Paul's severe letter, the bulk of the church had come back into their loyalty to Paul. That is the second group. The third group was made of saints in the church who were still rattled, who still had the wobbles. These were the ones that Paul beseeched to “enlarge their hearts.” And in this passage, we get to Paul's basic “call to action.” We have come to the thing which they must do. THE TEXT “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 6:14–7:1). DEBRIS CLEANING Before summarizing the text, there is an important misunderstanding to get out of the way. In this section, Paul famously says that we are not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers.” This is regularly applied to marriages and/or business partnership, and while this is a legitimate application, it is not what the text is talking about—and we have to be careful not to lose the original meaning. When Paul tells Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments (1 Tim. 5:23), he was not trying to refute teetotalism. That is a legitimate application (by extension), but not what Paul was talking about. It is the same here. The original meaning was the summons that Paul was delivering, urging the remaining wobbly Corinthians to make a complete break from the false teachers (whom we will get to know much better in later chapters). For now it will serve to distinguish the wolves from the sheep who have been mauled by wolves. Paul is appealing here to the latter. SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Paul starts with the principle. Do not be in harness together with unbelievers (v. 14). The reason is then given in a series of contrasts. Is there fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness (v. 14)? Communion between light and darkness (v. 14)? Concord between Christ and Belial (v. 15)? Faith and infidelity (v. 15)? The temple of God with idols (v. 16)? These destructive false teachers want to set up their idols in the Corinthians, saints who were the Temple of God (v. 16). What looks like a solitary quotation from the Old Testament starting in v. 16 is actually a complicated mashup of quotations from about six different places in the Old Testament. The first two are promises of close and intimate fellowship (Lev. 26:11-12; Eze. 37:27). Then came the promise of adoption, and this is taken from four distinct places (2 Sam. 7:14; Is. 52:11; Eze. 20:34; Is. 43:6). Overwhelmingly, the six cited passages are talking about Israel's restoration to the land, brought out of exile. The Corinthians were the heirs of these spectacular promises and, as such, had an obligation to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of spirit and flesh, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (7:1). That is the call—to break with these sons of Belial. SONS OF BELIAL We can tell that this is the import of this passage from the overall flow of the argument. Dealing with these false teachers is, after all, the theme of the entire letter. But we can also see it in his use of a word like Belial. The word probably means worthlessness, and is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to covenant losers. In other words, we are talking about covenant members who were wicked louts. See, for example, the following: Dt. 13:13; Judg. 19:22; 20:13; 1 Sam. 1:16; 2:12; 10:27; 25:17,25; 30:22; 2 Sam. 20:1; 1 Kings 21:10,13; 2Chron. 13:7. This is precisely what Paul was dealing with at Corinth, and so he asks the rhetorical question—what possible fellowship can there be between Christ and Belial? THE PRESSING NEED FOR MORE CHURCH SPLITS The “unbelievers” Paul is talking about are his adversaries within the church. These are false brothers. Do not be “yoked with” means do not pal around with, enable, encourage, or otherwise link to these people. The driver of all such splits, however, needs to be holiness. If they pursue holiness in the fear of God, a lot of the separating will take care of itself. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of their identity in Christ. Now, in Christ, what are they? They are the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). They have been made light (2 Cor. 4:6). In Christ, they are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). By direct implication, Paul includes them as being among those who believe (2 Cor. 4:4). They are the Temple of God (2 Cor. 6:16). So the Corinthians are or have each of the characteristics that have no fellowship, communion, concord, part, or agreement with the corruptions offered by the sons of Belial. Those corruptions would unrighteousness, darkness, worthlessness, infidelity, and idolatry. And it is holiness of life that drives all such things away. DISEASED EVANGELICALISM Satan has two basic strategies for attacking the church. He attacks it by persecutions from without, and he attacks it by introducing corruptions from within. The latter has been his tactic of choice in the American church, and it has worked very well for him. The bottom line of all such corruptions is unholiness, and usually with a sexual component. This is why vast swaths of the evangelical church collapsed almost overnight when the challenges of the last two years first appeared. And so the application today should be obvious. Separate from—do not have anything to do with, do not follow, do not fellowship with—the ministries of anyone who is woke, or semi-woke, or is effeminate, or who compromises on theistic evolution, or who makes room for homosexuality as an identity, or who ordains women to be pastors, or who advances any form of critical theory, or who would otherwise invite this generation's Clown Car Review into the church. Tragically, this list is not limited to mainline liberal churches. Because we did not heed the warnings of the apostle, the evangelical movement is shot through with the cancers of unbelief. But do not just turn away. That is insufficient. Pursue holiness. Pursue righteousness. Pursue Christ.

How do you lead a Group when you feel empty instead of full? Maybe it's been a while since your relationship with God has felt vibrant and exciting. Maybe you've been in a long season of stagnation instead of growth. How do you lead others when your own faith is a struggle? Jason DeGraaff (Pastor of Spiritual Formation) addressed these questions at our Fall Group Leader Kickoff while focusing on Group Leader Essential #1 - Pursue Christ

Today's action item: Pursue Christ with love Follow along with the Daily Readings at https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading View Daily Reflections. Sign up at FORMED Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox. Start your day off right. Be inspired and renewed each morning with a short video from Dr. Tim Gray. Help us share the truth and beauty of the Gospel and reach Catholics worldwide. Become an Augustine Institute Mission Circle Partner. Join the Mission Circle today!

Joy is found in knowing Christ. So pursue friendship with Him above all else.

Joy is found in knowing Christ. So pursue friendship with Him above all else.

Date: June 20, 2022 Title: Stand in Peace with Those Who Pursue Christ Pt 2 Text: Philippians 4:1-9 Series: Philippians Preacher: Rod Montgomery

Date: June 12, 2022 Title: Stand in Peace with Those Who Pursue Christ Pt 1 Text: Philippians 4:1-9 Series: Philippians Preacher: Rod Montgomery

A sermon on Luke 9:23, about how We Pursue Christ. How Christ has all authority to define the terms in which we are able to follow Him. How Christ pursues us, and delivers us, by the grace of God, through faith in Him.

W.I.F.E Ministires Bible study Tonight we touch on being religous and not pursuing Christ . Getting to know Christ is where we find everlastng life.

Christians should be resilient. Resilient Christians understand their identity in Christ. By being aware of who they are in Christ, they can persevere through difficult situations and adapt to tackle problems and pushback. Often resilient followers of Christ emerge from tough times and opposition stronger and better able to handle even more difficult situations. Timothy was pastoring in a fast-pace, emerging trade city called Ephesus. He was a young pastor, leading in the first church as a minority within a majority voice of oppression and opposition. Paul encourages Timothy to be resilient through every situation so that He can stand for Christ within the culture. Paul also reminds Timothy to maintain faith and hope in Jesus' resurrection and to raise up faithful leaders who will teach and share the good news of salvation through Jesus. “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” —2 Timothy 4:2 This collection of talks will help ground you in your faith and give you a foundation as you stand for Jesus Christ.

These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God's will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!Support our Ministries here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Three points from the message: 1. Pursue Christ no matter what!! 2. God always fulfills his word! 3. Don't allow grief to hinder your vision.

Be aware of your thoughts and feelings and don't let your feelings define who you are. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter ‭5:8‬) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians ‭6:12‬)Satan works on your feelings, causing you to worry about the past and be anxious about the future. His objective is to stifle the truth of God's word to accommodate feelings, to destroy spiritual growth and character. Be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty Power. Put on ALL of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-11‬ ‬You do this by looking away from all feelings and emotions and things that would Distract you TO JESUS, by Keeping your Eyes on Jesus, the Word of God. Your Champion Who is the Leader and the Source of your Faith, giving the first incentive for your belief and is also its Finisher bringing it to maturity and perfection. (Hebrews ‭12:2‬)Pursue Christ, Not Feelings.When you allow your feelings to interpret your circumstances, and form your thoughts about God, situations and circumstances and people; then you're putting feelings before faith. Your emotions before God. Emotion do not lead your faith. Jesus is the Author and the Source of Your Faith, not yourself. (Hebrews 12:2)In fact, the word “feelings” is virtually non-existent in the original text. The one place it does appear, in the NKJV, is in Proverbs 29:11, which says: 'A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.'”Just substitute the word “feelings” wherever you see the word “faith” in the older Bible versions, it will become clear to you what motivates and guides the average churchgoer today. They are not following the living word of God by faith, they are simply following their feelings and calling it faith.Human feelings actually fight against, and more often than not, compete with, true faith.A person driven by their feelings is being manipulated by a spirit of fear, and not by a calm and well balanced mind of Christ. But God did not give us a spirit of fear, He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced sound mind and discipline and self-control.‭‭(2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬)Listen, No one can have a right balance in emotions without God's Holy Spirit.The Spirit of the Living God is Who Testifies with your own spirit, stirring your your mind's most holy emotions and thus persuades you. So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, human philosophy, or thoughts or imaginations, but in the Power of God. In Christ The Power of God and the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 1 Corinthians 1:24)This is faith, God's Divine Persuasion, Which the Spirit of the Lord Continually In-Births in you, so you can know what God prefers. Not what you want, desire or prefer. (Romans 8:16)The key is not to pursue your feelings but to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ by looking to Him, knowing His ways, pondering His promises, and obeying His commands. Just as God had said , the just shall live by faith. NOT FEELINGS.God says to you the just shall live by faith – My Divinely Persuading You. Further, that is my righteous servant you should live by My Convictions Respecting Man's Relationship to Me and Divine Things, and Holy Fervor Born of Faith and Being Co-Joined with Christ; and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him. (Habakkuk. 2:3-4, Hebrews ‭10:38‬)Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. And In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He promises to direct and make straight and plain your paths. (Proverbs ‭3:5-6‬)When you seek the ‭LORD‬ and require Him on the necessity and on the authority of His Word, He hears you, and delivers you from all your fears. ‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭34:4‬, 73:25; Matthew 7:7). It is when you seek the LORD and ground your faith in Him that your fears, worries and anxieties are overcome. (Ps. 34:4). ‬What are you going to believe the Biblical truth about who you are? Or What you feel?

Our future is not bound up in our performance, but in his promise to present us blameless before God. Consequently, we are to offer him joyful praise as we place our trust in him. A powerful reminder as we enter each week! The Issue: 1. We need to contend for the faith (vs. 1-4) 2. There are those who would destroy it (vs. 1:5-16) 3. This was expected (vs. 17-19) The Antidote: 1. Pursue Christ (vs. 20-21) 2. Love well (vs. 22-23) 3. Live confident (vs. 24-25)