Podcasts about serve god

In Part 3 of Dreams Do Come True, Pastor Armando Palazzo looks at the neglected vineyard in Proverbs and the Parable of the Talents in Matthew to uncover a powerful biblical principle:God can give you the vineyard, but you still have to work the field.Main Scripture: Proverbs 24:30–34, Galatians 5, Matthew 25Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

TODAY'S HOMILY IN BRIEF. YOUTHFULNESS IS BASICALLY CHARACTERISED BY STRENGTH. TODAY WE'RE INVITED TO SERVE GOD IN OUR YOUTH. THIS IMPLIES EMPLOYING EVERY REALITY THAT REPRESENTS STRENGTH AND GIVES US ADVANTAGE OVER OTHERS IN SERVING GOD IN AND THROUGH OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS. Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast on our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page @Eternal Word of Life Ministry-#fadapeterbenson, our Facebook, Instagram, Blog, Tiktok and Twitter @FadaPeterBenson and our website @https://ewlm.org

This Wednesday night Pastor Jon brings a word out of revelation. How do we address evil in our lives. One of our most powerful weapons is our testimony.

In Part 2 of Dreams Do Come True, Pastor Armando Palazzo explores seasons of pain, delays, unanswered prayer, and emotional/spiritual stuckness - as active season's for God's work. Main Scripture:  Genesis 37:5–11, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Proverbs 16:9 Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Outline: “Power Encounters” I. Opening and Introduction Welcome, blessing, and encouragement to the congregation. Emphasis on being part of a church family. Lighthearted interaction with the congregation. Encouragement to bring physical Bibles rather than relying solely on phones. Avoid distractions from texting and social media. Introduction of the sermon title: “Power Encounters.” II. What Is a Power Encounter? A power encounter is described as experiencing God's power in a real and tangible way. It moves beyond intellectual or philosophical arguments into an experience of God's authority. Biblical power encounters demonstrate Jesus Christ's authority over spiritual forces. The Book of Acts provides examples of God's power confronting darkness, wickedness, and demonic oppression. III. The Reality of Spiritual Battle The sermon identifies an ongoing conflict between: Light and darkness. Truth and deception. Good and evil. Holiness and sin. Christians are encouraged to recognize that spiritual opposition exists. Personal example: A church prayer gathering for the nation was met with opposition from an atheist organization. Main point: As the church moves forward, the preacher believes spiritual opposition will attempt to resist its progress. Christians should not respond with fear but with awareness and preparation. IV. Being Forewarned and Forearmed Reference to 2 Corinthians 2:11: Christians should not be ignorant of the enemy's devices. Warning signs are presented as preparation rather than reasons for fear. Ephesians 6:10: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The believer's strength comes from: God. God's Word. God's presence. Spiritual battles cannot ultimately be fought through human strength. V. The Purpose and Message of Acts Acts records the beginning and expansion of the Christian church. The Gospel spreads: From Jerusalem. Throughout the Roman Empire. Ultimately toward the nations. Paul continues preaching even while imprisoned. The church's mission is to proclaim the Gospel. The Gospel offers: Forgiveness of sins. A new relationship with God. A transformed life. The Gospel continues despite opposition. VI. Dependence on the Holy Spirit The church's work depends completely on the Holy Spirit. God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The disciples' transformation illustrates this: Before Pentecost: fear, self-doubt, shame, and hiding. After receiving the Holy Spirit: boldness, conviction, and courage. Central question: What made the difference? Answer: The power of the Holy Spirit. VII. Spiritual Power for Spiritual Battles Believers need spiritual power to: Serve God. Serve the church. Witness to Jesus. Face spiritual opposition. Psalm 144:1 is used to describe God training believers for spiritual battle. Spiritual strength and victory are developed through: Scripture. Prayer. Learning to operate spiritually. VIII. Fighting From a Place of Victory Christians are encouraged not to fight from a mindset of defeat. Instead, they should recognize the victory already accomplished through Christ. Illustration: the preacher's childhood baseball team His team was undefeated. Although he was not the strongest player, he had confidence because he knew astrong team was behind him. He pitched a one-hit game. Application: Confidence comes from knowing who is behind you. Christians can face spiritual battles because Christ has already won the victory. IX. Christ's Victory Over Spiritual Powers Colossians 2 is used to explain Christ's victory. Christ: Removed the record of sin. Nailed it to the cross. Disarmed principalities and powers. Triumphed over them. The cross appeared to be defeat but ultimately represented Christ's victory. Because Christ has victory, believers can fight from a position of victory rather than defeat. X. The Power of the Holy Spirit vs. Human Wisdom 1 Corinthians 2 is introduced. Paul emphasizes that his ministry did not depend on: Human wisdom. Persuasive speech. Intellectual ability. Instead, it depended upon: Demonstration of the Spirit. God's power. The goal is for faith to rest in God's power rather than human wisdom. XI. Personal Encounter With God The preacher encourages listeners to experience God personally. Personal experience is presented as something that cannot easily be argued away. The emphasis is not on: Emotionalism. Fanaticism. Sensationalism. Rather, the emphasis is on a genuine personal encounter with the living God. XII. Keep Moving Forward Believers are encouraged not to stop serving because of: Hurt. Offense. Betrayal. Disappointment. Discussion of “church hurt.” The church is made up of imperfect people. Jesus is the only perfect person. God works through imperfect people who can understand and sympathize with oneanother. Main exhortation: Keep serving. Keep coming. Keep giving. Keep helping. Keep blessing. Keep moving forward. Illustration: Things that stop moving eventually weaken, deteriorate, or become unusable. Spiritual growth likewise requires continued movement, even if it is only a small step. XIII. God's Presence and Manifestation God is described as omnipresent—present everywhere. However, the preacher distinguishes God's general presence from moments when God makes His presence especially evident. The early church experienced God in a powerful and tangible way. Christianity is presented as more than doctrinal statements: It is a living relationship with God. It involves experiencing His presence. XIV. Three Results of a Power Encounter 1. Reality God's presence and power make His reality tangible. 1 Corinthians 2: faith should rest in God's power. Luke 24:32: the disciples' hearts “burned” as Jesus opened the Scriptures. The preacher desires listeners to experience a similar spiritual awakening. Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Faith is presented as something to be personally experienced, not merely intellectually observed. Worship creates an atmosphere for people to seek God's presence. 2. Refreshment Spiritual encounters bring renewal and refreshing. Acts is referenced regarding “times of refreshing” from God's presence. Believers can become weary through: Spiritual battles. Job difficulties. Sickness. Discouragement. Old patterns of thinking. God's presence provides renewed strength. Key idea: New levels require new strength. 3. Restoration God restores the soul. The preacher connects restoration with bringing something back to its proper condition—and ultimately making it better. God can restore: Joy. Peace. Spiritual strength. What has been lost or stolen. Believers are encouraged to seek a fresh touch from God. XV. Closing Prayer and Invitation The congregation is asked to stand. The worship team returns. Prayer for: The Holy Spirit's presence. Hunger and thirst for God. Spiritual strength. Refreshment. Awareness of spiritual opposition. Congregants are invited to: Leave their seats. Pray. Kneel. Seek the Holy Spirit. Receive prayer from the ministry/prayer team. Final emphasis: “Lord, I need Your Holy Spirit.” “Lord, I need Your touch.” Central Message Believers should seek a personal encounter with the power of the Holy Spirit, recognize that Christ has already won the victory, and continue moving forward in faith, receiving God's strength, refreshment, and restoration.

Serve God with Spiritual GiftsRomans 123 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Day 264: Serve God with SincerityScripture (Joshua 24:14 NKJV):“Fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth.”Reflection: True faith is reflected in sincere service and obedience.Prayer: Lord, help me serve You with a sincere heart and steadfast faith.Until next timeStay in the BlessingsI really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!You're important to God, and you're important to us at The Refinery.When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.So whatever you're concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:Join our Telegram Channel https://t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia Sow an offering:Bitcoin: bc1qqh6720t2zagj72dyfj348az698tdut3hlecaj4Online: https://www.refinerylife.org/donate/If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank youSubscribe oniTunes | Spotify  | YouTube | TuneIn | Rumble | Zap.Stream | Fountain |Share The Refinery with your friends and familySubscribe to the newsletter on www.refinerylife.orgFollow The Refinery on Twitter | Nostr | Instagram | Fountain 

Preached during the live Honey On My Lips episode  Aired on 12th September, 2026 Venue: Sweet Melodies 

Preached during the live Honey On My Lips episode  Aired on 12th September, 2026 Venue: Sweet Melodies 

When one looks at life’s choices—either for God or against God, the reasons to serve God always stand out.

When one looks at life's choices—either for God or against God, the reasons to serve God always stand out. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1561/29?v=20251111

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Pastor Mike will be speaking on Three Elements Necessary to Serve God Part 2. He will be reading out of Isaiah 6:8-13. And sometimes we are called to difficult ministry, but we are called to persevere and not to deviate from our assignment, but to stay on mission for the Lord Jesus Christ, as He […] The post Three Elements Necessary to Serve God Part 2 first appeared on Hope Worth Having.

In Part 1 of Dreams Do Come True, Pastor Armando Palazzo explores what the Bible actually teaches about dreams, ambition, purpose, God's will, and discerning the desires of our hearts.Main Scripture:  Habakkuk 2:2-4, Psalm 37:4-7, and Psalm 1Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Fifteenth Sunday After Trinity, 2026

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Kevin Kay

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." It's one of the most familiar verses about family leadership in the Bible—but what does Joshua 24:15 actually require of a Christian dad? In the final episode of this three-part series, Kent and Lawson unpack the words "we will serve the Lord" and explore what it looks like to make serving God the true center of your home. Biblical fatherhood isn't simply about doing more Christian activities, volunteering more, or becoming the ultimate authority in your family. It begins with deciding who sits on the throne. When a dad is rooted in God's Word, submitted to Christ, and drawing from the true Source, his leadership, marriage, parenting, finances, priorities, and service can flow from that foundation. Kent and Lawson discuss the difference between serving from worship and trying to earn spiritual success through activity, why dads shouldn't make themselves the "Supreme Court" of the family, how husbands and wives can pursue God's direction together, and why intimacy with the Father must precede ministry for the Father. If you want to become a more intentional Christian father and lead your family toward Christ without making everything depend on you, this conversation offers a practical, biblical place to start. In this episode: What Joshua 24:15 teaches Christian dads What it really means to "serve the Lord" How fathers can lead without making themselves the ultimate authority Why worship comes before service How God's Word becomes the source for family leadership Leading your wife and children toward a shared faith Serving your family from spiritual overflow instead of emptiness   You're not a father on accident. Go be a father who serves the Lord on purpose.   Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!     -------------------------------------------------------------------------   Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/ Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/   We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5j1JecOcWJ0 -----------------------------------------------------------------------   Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Visit rangeleather.com/mj to score 10% off your next order! Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/   Fatherhood Guard – The Fatherhood Guard is now 100+ members strong! Join the fight for God-honoring fatherhood. Connect with dads from over 25 states and at least 3 countries by joining today. Grab your Range Leather welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/     Buy Kent's latest book "Don't Bench Yourself" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1qBF3RJ   Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools   Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: info@manhoodjourney.org   -------------------------------------------------------------------------   About our hosts: Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.   Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.  

Pastor Mike will be speaking on Three Elements Necessary to Serve God Part 1. He will be reading out of Isaiah 6:8-13. And Sometimes God doesn't give us all the details, but can we trust the Lord that he has a perfect plan? But we trust him that he has called us that he's given […] The post Three Elements Necessary to Serve God Part 1 first appeared on Hope Worth Having.

This message deeply explores the challenging truths Jesus shared about discipleship, emphasizing that following Him inherently brings conflict, division, and sacrifice. It confronts cultural expectations of peace, the reality of relational strain, and the profound cost of living a life fully committed to Christ. The preacher encourages believers to embrace grace, repentance, and courage, highlighting the spiritual warfare involved in genuine faith and the hope that sustains it.Main Scripture:  Matthew 10:32-36Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

[audio mp3="https://cpcpca.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2026/09/09-06-2026-Sermon-Only.mp3"][/audio] Bible Text: Matthew 6:19-24 | Pastor: Pastor Josh Anderson | Series: Sermon on the Mount

This message deeply explores the challenging truths Jesus shared about discipleship, emphasizing that following Him inherently brings conflict, division, and sacrifice. It confronts cultural expectations of peace, the reality of relational strain, and the profound cost of living a life fully committed to Christ. The preacher encourages believers to embrace grace, repentance, and courage, highlighting the spiritual warfare involved in genuine faith and the hope that sustains it.Main Scripture:  Matthew 10:32-36Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

What if your bank statement could reveal something about your relationship with God?In Luke 16:9–13, Jesus makes an uncomfortable connection between money, faithfulness, and worship. He doesn't say you can't have money and serve God. He says you cannot serve both God and money.So how do you know when money has stopped being a tool and started becoming your master?In this video, we walk through 3 tests that expose what money may be revealing about your heart:What are you asking money to give you?What happens when your money feels threatened?What are you doing with what God has already placed in your hands?We'll also use the Redprint framework to help you recognize what money is exposing, reorganize the lies underneath it, rediscover what is true, rebuild your financial habits, and refine the way you steward what God has given you.Before this video ends, I'm going to challenge you to do something practical: open your real bank or credit card statement and look at the last seven days.Then finish this sentence:“My money shows me that I've been trusting ______.”This is not prosperity gospel. It's not about believing that if you handle $100 correctly, God owes you $100,000.It's about stewardship.Money can be a useful servant—but it was never designed to be your savior.If this challenged you, comment below: Which of the three tests exposed the most for you?Subscribe for more biblical teaching on spiritual formation, stewardship, faith, and becoming who God created you to be.➡️ Steward To Last: https://www.youtube.com/@StewardtoLast➡️ Better Than Best Brotherhood: https://www.skool.com/better-than-best-academy-5909/aboutScripture: Luke 16:9–13#ChristianMoney #BiblicalStewardship #Luke16 #FaithAndFinances #ChristianLiving

Near the end of his journey, Joshua reminded Israel of God's faithfulness and called them to wholehearted devotion. As we reflect on Joshua 24, we'll see how remembering God's goodness strengthens us to serve Him together through every challenge and every victory.

Welcome back to the Northside Life Podcast. This is part 3 of our series on the story of Lazarus. Today we dig into how the Lord works through our pain. If this episode encourages you, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. See you next week.

This message explores Jesus' challenging teaching urging believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Through Old Testament examples, personal stories, and biblical context, it highlights how this radical love transforms not only our relationships but primarily the condition of our hearts. The teaching emphasizes that forgiveness and love are intentional choices, not mere feelings, and that prayer plays a crucial role in breaking cycles of hatred and bitterness.Main Scripture:  Matthew 5:44-48Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Jeremy Martin is a complicated man. Although raised in a Christian home, he chose a different path. At eighteen years old, he embraced the party lifestyle of drinking alcohol and using drugs of various kinds. Before long, he found himself sucked into a criminal lifestyle, including an eight-year stretch where he earned his living from crime. At 25 he had to flee Arizona in order to escape murder. At this point in the story, I bet you’re expecting me to say something like, “Then Jeremy met God and changed his life and has been faithfully serving him ever since.” Nope. That’s not how the story goes. It’s way more complicated than that. I’ll have to let him explain it. Rest assured though, you’re in for a treat. Jeremy shows us that God doesn’t quit on people, even if people quit on him. He shows us that it’s never too late to start serving God. And he shows us that true satisfaction isn’t found in distractions like marijuana and video games, but in doing good for others.   Listen on Spotify   Listen on Apple Podcasts —— Links —— Read Jeremy Martin’s blog posts as SeekGroveLove Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Facebook group, follow on X @RestitutioSF or Instagram @Sean.P.Finnegan or Threads @sean.p.finnegan Leave a 90 second voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play it out on the air Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here Check out Finnegan’s books on Amazon. Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library.

Jesus said, “Hate my Father and Mother…then I can be a disciple”Wait… what?This message explores the real meaning behind a controversial statement. Is there something coming between Jesus and you?Main Scripture:  Luke 14:26Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Text: Matt. 6:19-24 3 priorities as righteous people in Jesus... (1) Seek and savor eternal things over earthly things (vv. 19-21). (2) See life through heavenly lenses over worldly ones (vv. 22-23). (3) Serve God with wholehearted devotion (v. 24). Truth to Remember: As righteous people in Jesus, we are to prioritize, pursue, and prize what is lasting: Him.

Introduction: Daniel 12:2 - And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:29 - ...those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Romans 10:9 - because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 3 Evidences of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8): The CHURCH . (1 Cor 15:1-2) SCRIPTURE . (1 Cor 15:3-4) Isaiah 53:10 - Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2) - For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. EYEWITNESSES . (1 Cor 15:5-8) 3 Evidences You Have Received God's Grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-11): You don't think you're WORTHY . (1 Cor 15:9) You DEFINE yourself by grace. (1 Cor 15:10a) You are motivated to WORK by grace. (1 Cor 15:10b-11) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Unified and Purified: We Live in Grace Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:041 Corinthians chapter 15. My wife Erin was talking to a good friend of hers, Sharon. And Sharon told her this story that I've been thinking about all week. She said she took a bunch of youth to this youth conference. And they asked everybody to stand up. We're not going to do this here today. But she asked everybody to stand up.00:34I asked everybody to stand up and asked who had been saved for a year. And did they know at least one Bible verse? And if not, sit down. Right? And then who'd been saved for two years? You know two Bible verses. If not, you can sit down. And it went up. Who's been saved five years? Do you know five Bible verses? If not, sit down. And by the time the exercise was done, nobody was standing.01:04And I keep thinking about that. It's not a matter of learning Bible verses to be like ready for Bible bowl or just in case you're on Jeopardy and New Testament is one of the categories. That's not the purpose of learning the Word of God. What is the purpose of learning the Word of God?01:35What you really believe shapes how you live. That's just a reality. You live according to what you really believe is true. We just finished a section of 1 Corinthians with Q&A. And I think it's where this Bible knowledge intersects with the biggest question.02:04we really discover the biblical ignorance of a lot of people in church. And the biggest question is, what happens after we die? You know, thinking about all of those matters, you know, our death and rapture and return of Jesus and resurrection and heaven and hell, and what about all of that? Look, I've been doing this a long time, and I've been part, of so many funerals.02:40And it's always astounding to me, at a funeral, even people that say they've been following Christ for many, many years, it's astounding to me some of the crazy unbiblical things people say.02:56For example, I've heard this many times at a funeral.03:00They're like, well, you know what? God just needed another angel. And I'm like, there is so much wrong with that statement. First of all, God needs nothing, right? Second of all, we don't turn into angels when we die. Where did you get that concept? It's biblical ignorance. That's not really the place. That's not really the place to correct people, right? You don't want a shot block there. I guess that would help to have Miles there with me, I guess, at a funeral.03:30next time that happens.03:32Like, God needs another angel.03:33Miles would just be like, you don't turn into an angel when you die.03:38If you know, you know.03:43Another crazy thing I've heard people say is, well, you know, grandma's just watching over me.03:52You know, little Joey was supposed to have a t-ball game and they were calling for tornadoes and thunderstorms and hail and blizzards and all that.03:59And it didn't.04:00We had perfect weather. Thank you, Grandma. Grandma was watching over me. Well, your Grandma might have been wonderful, but she's not God. Okay? But that's one of the crazy things people believe is our departed loved ones are orchestrating things. You know, another crazy thing, and this might be the craziest, is regarding what happens when we die afterwards, all of these matters. Some people say, well, nobody really knows.04:30That could be the craziest thing because God wrote it all down for us. And when I talk about our Bible ignorance, I hope you don't take that as a guilt trip as much as over the next few weeks we are looking at a chapter in the Bible that answers so many of the questions that so many Christians get wrong.05:00I encourage you to tune in and take notes and look very closely at what God has said. So with that said, let's just bow our heads for a second. I'm going to ask that you would please pray for me to be faithful, to clearly and accurately communicate the word of God. And I will pray for you to have your heart open to receive what it is that God said. All right. Let's just take a moment and pray.05:30before you today with Thanksgiving. I thank you for your word that clears up all of these questions that we wouldn't have answers to otherwise. I thank you for the noise of the children in this room right now. It's a sign of life. And I thank you for parents that want to come and worship you and hear your word and will bring their kids. I thank you for that. Father, I just pray that you eliminate any distractions in our hearts and minds so that we can laser focus on what it is you've said in your word today.06:00This is the most important message there is. And what a tragedy it would be to leave here and have missed it. What it is you've said here in this absolutely awe-inspiring portion of your word. God, we thank you. And we pray in Jesus' name. And all of God's people said, okay, some of God's people said it. The rest weren't ready.06:30We'll try again next week. Come back to Second Service. You can try then too. Okay, so what happens when we die? Well, among many other things the Bible teaches, the Bible is crystal clear on this. You will resurrect from the dead. You will. Everybody, not just believers actually, Everybody rises from the dead. The Bible says unbelievers get an eternal body that's suited for hell and judgment. And believers in Jesus Christ get an eternal body that they will use in glory in heaven forever. Right? Daniel chapter 12 verse 2. Old Testament talks about this. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. Some to everlasting life. And some to shame and everlasting contempt. Jesus taught this, John chapter 5. Those who have done good to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. There are two resurrections, one for believers, one for non-believers, an eternal body that will live forever somewhere. And 1 Corinthians chapter 15 is all about resurrection.08:00The first stretch is, appropriately, about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then the back nine of 1 Corinthians 15 is about our resurrection. Look at chapter 15, verse 1. Paul says, Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand.08:31You see, we just spent a lot of time, 1 Corinthians 11, 12, 13, 14, they had all these corporate worship problems. And Paul's like, okay guys, we cleared up some of the details, but the most important thing is getting back to the basics of the gospel itself. And he's talking about resurrection in this chapter. As we said, it is not resurrection.09:00Resurrection is not a part of what we believe. Resurrection is the heart of the gospel. It is the core. It is the very, it's essential to being a Christian. It is absolutely a necessary doctrine that we got to embrace. Look at what Romans chapter 10 says. Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that what? God raised him from the dead. You will be saved. Do you see how a belief in resurrection is directly tied to your salvation? It's non-negotiable. But of course, there's always skeptics, right? You can study the ancient Greeks. Many of the Greeks who lived in Corinth, they didn't believe in a bodily resurrection at all.10:04And even Christians today, they're just not entirely sure what happens.10:14You know, I know there's, okay, so we die, but we're with Jesus, but there is a, okay, so resurrection happens somewhere, but somewhere there's a rapture, and then like Armageddon, and...10:29Well, all of this is clearly taught in 1 Corinthians 15. So he starts with a foundation, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That's the most important thing we have to embrace, right? So on your outline, three evidences of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first evidence is the church. The first evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, And just in case you're skeptical, you're like, I'm not really sure I believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead. Okay. Well, here's the first evidence of church. Look at chapter 15 again. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel that I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.11:28The church, he's talking to brothers and sisters here, believers. Notice he says, this message, you received it, you hold fast to it, and you stand in it. Notice here that a real Christian, a real follower of Christ is someone who not only receives the gospel, but also stands in the gospel. Meaning this, a real Christian, a real Born Again, Disciple of Jesus is someone who builds their very life on the gospel. They stand in it. That's so important, church. I think it's a plague in the American church that when we say, what is faith? Faith is just agreeing to a doctrinal statement, right? Faith is just, yeah, yeah, okay, all right, I'm on board with that. Yep, yep, sure, yeah. I don't disagree with any of that. I don't argue with any of that. And they think that's where faith ends.12:26But faith isn't just some intellectual agreement. Faith is, I build my life on this. I lead my family according to what God said. I serve in the church because of what God said. I raise my kids because of what God said. I handle money and stuff because of what God said. Every aspect of my life is built on the truth of God's word. That's what biblical faith is.12:56So Paul says the first proof that we have of the resurrection is that Jesus Christ is alive and he's transforming people in the church. So I am going to ask you to raise your hand if you're sitting here today and you can honestly say the resurrection of Jesus Christ, The Gospel of Jesus Christ transformed me and changed the way that I live. Raise your hand if that's true of you. Okay, so skeptics in the room, look around. You want evidence of the resurrection? Here it is. Here are people that say Jesus Christ is alive and he's changing me. There's your first proof. Right? Oh, there's more. Number two. Scripture. This is the second proof he lists, but it's actually biblically the Most Important. Look at verses 3 and 4. He says, For I delivered to you as of first importance, which I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.14:26Okay, stop there. Do you see that phrase? In accordance with the Scriptures. Paul says, here's our second proof that Jesus rose. Because the Scriptures say that He would. You're like, what Scriptures? Well, keep in mind, when He wrote this, the New Testament was being written. This is one of the earliest books, actually. So when He was referring to the Scriptures, He was talking about what we call the Old Testament. The Jewish Scriptures. The Law and the Proverbs.14:54So what is it in the Old Testament that specifically talks about resurrection? Well, there's a few, but here's a couple of them for sure. Isaiah 53, talking about the Messiah. It says, yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him. He has put him to grief when his soul makes an offering for guilt. Stop there. That's the crucifixion, right? On the cross, God the Father was crushing Jesus.15:24pouring his wrath on Jesus because Jesus was an offering for guilt. That's the crucifixion. Next is the resurrection, right? He shall see his offspring. The only way that's going to happen is if he raises from the dead, right? He shall prolong his days. How's that happen? Resurrection, the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Another big scripture in the Old Testament talking about resurrection is Psalm 1610. This is big because chapter 2, when Peter was preaching at Pentecost, this was the scripture that he was preaching from. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, that's the grave, or let your Holy One see corruption. The promises the Messiah, literally here, will not rot. God, you're not going to leave your Messiah to rot in the grave. That's resurrection, right? So God, in His Word, promised the Messiah would die.16:24and resurrect long before it actually happened. That's why Paul here says in verse 3, this is first importance. This is first importance. And look, we can quibble about doctrine. I really don't want to, but people do. But here's some things that there's no arguing this. These are non-negotiable truths. The most important things you must believe, he lists them right here, that Jesus died, was buried, and was raised. You're like, wait, wait, wait. Why do I have to believe that Jesus was buried? Like, that seems like a weird thing that I have to believe. Well, the point is, he was actually dead. Because there's some people that think that he looked dead. He was beat with an inch of his life, but he didn't actually die. No, believing he's buried is saying, I believe that Jesus literally in the flesh was dead. And that he rose.17:24from the dead.17:27But look at the phrase again, verse 3, right there in the middle.17:32Christ died, look at this phrase.17:36For our sins.17:41Excuse me.17:42For our sins.17:44Why did Christ die?17:46For our sins.17:50Jesus did not die to make you healthy and wealthy like some prosperity preachers teach.17:54Jesus did not die as a victim of circumstances. As I've heard people say, oh, they got poor Jesus. Jesus didn't even just simply die as a martyr that stood up for a cause. And no, no, no, no, no. It's so much deeper than that. Jesus died for our sins. What does that mean? That means we are by birth and by nature rebellious towards God and His ways. Every one of us. We stand guilty and condemned before a holy God and we have no excuse. We have no means to make it up to God by good works. So Jesus, on the cross, gave His life. Why? For your sins. He experienced the wrath of God for your sins so you wouldn't have to.18:53So the guilt of your sin would be taken away. And Jesus was raised. To defeat death. How do we know? How do we know Jesus died? How do we know he was buried? How do we know he was raised? How do we know what all of that means? And what Paul says here, it's in accordance with the scriptures. This is the promise of God. All right, so the first witness, we got people right here that say Jesus Christ transformed you.19:23His resurrection changes the way you live. And then we have the proof of God's word, but there's other proof too, right? Look at verses 5 through 8. These are eyewitnesses. He says, and that He appeared to Cephas, that's Peter, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.19:55He's like, you can fact check me on that if you want.19:59Because a bunch of these people are still alive.20:02He says, then He appeared to James.20:05That's Jesus' half-brother.20:09Mary and Joseph had children after Jesus.20:12Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit, but the Bible says Mary and Joseph had other kids.20:16They're listed by name.20:19James was one of them, early leader in the church.20:21All right?20:22Then he appeared to James. Then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. So this isn't an exhaustive list, okay? There's more people we see even in Scripture that saw the resurrected Christ, but Paul gives us, this is more than enough, right? We've got Peter, the disciples, more than 500. We've got James, Jesus' half-brother, all the apostles.20:51Paul says, then to me.20:57And that's pretty significant. Why?20:59Because some would say, well, you know all these people that say Jesus rose from the dead, they were all big fans of Jesus, and they all loved Jesus, and they all wanted to follow Jesus, and they were all so sad when he died, so they made it up.21:12They so badly wanted Jesus to be the Messiah that they just made it up.21:17They made up the resurrection.21:19Well, there's a big problem with that theory. And the big problem with that theory is Paul. Paul wasn't a believer. He didn't even want to believe to the point that he was persecuting the church. He had zero motivation to make it up. So did Jesus resurrect? Well, Paul says, we have way too many people affirming it.21:49to ever deny it. You know, almost as amazing as the resurrection is the means by which eternal life is granted. Look at verse 9. Paul says, Christ appeared to him in verse 8. He says, For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. Paul's like, I'm so unworthy of anything from God because I persecuted the church.22:49Insert your favorite sin or the sin that defined you into this and say something like, you know, I'm unworthy of God because I've lived my life by lust. Or I'm unworthy of God because I've lived my life just full of bitterness and hatred and unforgiveness. That's just the person I was.23:19of God. Anything from God. You could say, I'm unworthy because I've just been a liar. I just lie.23:34My whole life has been about deceiving people.23:38Maybe somebody else would say, I'm unworthy of God because you know my whole life, it's just all been about me.23:46I just live a self-centered life. Whatever makes me happy, that's all I I care about. And I never cared about anyone else or anything else. And that's who I was. And God should have given me his wrath. But instead, he gave me his grace. Look at verse 10.24:18Verse 10, he says, but by the grace of God, I am what I am. Let's talk about grace. You could go to a theology book and what is grace? Grace is unmerited favor. You don't deserve it. God has chosen to give you His blessing, but we've done not a thing to deserve anything from God. That's grace. The best definition I've ever heard of grace is this. Grace is God giving to you what He requires from you. You know what God requires from you? Perfection, holiness, righteousness. That's what God requires from you. You don't got it. I don't got it.25:18Grace is God giving to us the very thing that he requires from us. That's my favorite definition. And some of you know my favorite illustration of grace. When I try to think of what's the difference between like some of these biblical terms, this little story, I think of this often. It helps me. But just imagine you have a teenage son. Some of you do. Some of you did. Some of you will.25:48Teenage son. He's 16 and he goes to this party. But there's another teenage boy there. He just hates your son. No reason. Just hates him. And this other boy was waiting for your son to show up and he just kills him. Cold-blooded. Just kills your son. You see, if you track that boy down that killed your son, you track him down You kill him. That's called vengeance. But if you cooperate with the police and help find this kid who murdered your son and you get him arrested and through the legal system, that's called justice. But if this kid is in the legal system, you show up to court and somehow, somehow you convince the court.26:48to not punish the boy who murdered your son. Just let him go free. Don't punish him. That's called mercy. But if you go to the court and you convince them, not only don't punish the boy who murdered my son, not only let him free, but I want to raise him as my own son and love him and care for him.27:18I want to adopt him. That is grace. And I love that story because it's so accurate. We murdered God's son so that God could adopt us. He allowed, he ordained all of that to happen with Jesus Christ so that he could.27:50Adopt us. That's grace. But you know, we have a hard time with grace, don't we? We have a hard time because there's something in us that says, look, I have to do something to be right with God. I mean, I'm not buying for a second that I can be saved.28:18Just based on what God has done, and that I don't contribute some kind of work to it. But the Bible's clear, you can't earn it. You can't work for it. And you can't be good enough to get it. Because if you could, if there was some way that you could earn God's favor, then you have to explain why Jesus died on that cross.28:53It's grace. Like, well, is there something I have to do? Yeah, actually, there is one thing you have to do. It's the same thing you have to do with any gift that is being offered to you. You have to receive it.29:18The Bible says grace is a gift. So the question is, did you receive that gift? Did you receive that gift? Well, rest of your outline. Here's three evidences you've received God's grace. See, that's the real question. We can look.29:48at the word of God. And we can look at the testimony of others. But the question is, what about me? Have I actually received the grace of God? Or have I just been a church attender, a seat warmer, a pew sitter? Is that me? Or have I actually received God's grace? Well, the evidences to the resurrection that we just looked at, those were all, external, subjective, subjective, subjective, things, right? But when we're asking, have you received the grace of God? Have you received this gift? This is an internal thing. This is very subjective. Only you really can answer these questions. Have you received God's grace? Have you? Well, here's three evidences. The first one.30:50Letter A, you don't think you're worthy. Look at verse 9 again with me, please. He says, for I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. Unworthy. Listen, you have to recognize that you're unworthy.31:20We've talked about this before. We have people get upset with us here at the church. We have people leave the church because we just want the sermons to be a little more uplifting. We just want... Can't you make us feel good? Listen, you have to recognize that you're unworthy because if you think that you're worthy, if you think you're worthy of something from God, then it's not grace.31:48If you think you're worthy of something from God, you get this idea in your head that God owes you something. And he doesn't. You see, Paul, Paul, of all people, Paul could have said, I see why God picked me. I mean, come on. Do you know how much scripture I know? Do you know the connections I have? I got a triple A membership.32:17I can see why God picked me. I have so much to offer the Almighty. Is that what he said? No. He goes, I am so unworthy. And that's the point that people miss. I say, well, you know, I'm a good person and I do good things.32:47God should let me into heaven. The problem with that is, yeah, you might be a good person and you might do good things, but you're still guilty of sin. And you're like a criminal in court saying, yes, your honor, I know I'm guilty, but from now on, I'm going to try to do better. And no judge is going to let the guy walk out. Because despite this criminal's best intentions, or despite this criminal maybe having a track record, of doing some good things with his life in the past. The reality is, he's still guilty. And you have to take an honest assessment and humble yourself before God. Like, look, I'm not worthy of God's grace. I'm not. Here's a beautiful thing, though. God's grace, though it says nothing about me, it says everything about him.33:47But this is true of everyone who has actually received God's grace. They're like, I know I'm not worthy. I'm not. God has been so good to me. And he has done everything for me. And he has saved me. And he has provided for me. And I don't deserve a thing. That's true of people who have received God's grace. Letter B, you define yourself by grace.34:17Evidence that you receive God's grace because you define yourself by that grace. Verse 10 again. He says, but by the grace of God, I am what I am. And His grace toward me was not in vain. When you truly receive God's grace, you're defined by it. But you're like Paul, by God's grace, I am what I am.34:48I'm a child of God. How so? By His grace. I'm forgiven of all my sin. How can that be? God's grace. I am promised eternal life and glory. Like, how do you know? It's just God's grace. It's not me, it's Him. See, somebody could come along when you're like, you know, I'm, look, I'm, I'm a child of God. I am forgiven. And I am heaven bound. Somebody could come along and say, how can that be? You're trash. Like, yeah, I am trash. That's who I was. But you see, God's grace says, that's not what I am anymore. This is who I am now. Many years ago, we did a weekly Bible study.35:47in Butler County Prison. And occasionally there would be one little problem with that in that I grew up in Shakura. So occasionally at Butler County Prison, I would run into people that I went to high school with. Either working as a guard or wearing straight pajamas or whatever. But I would go in and they'd be like, hey, Jeff, what are you up to? And I'm like, well, you know, I came in here for Bible study. They're like, you're, They knew me from high school. I was not a good person. Okay? And they're like, so what are you doing now? And I'm like, I'm a pastor. And they're like, what? Like, you're a pastor. And they laugh. I have people like laughing in my face. Like, you're a pastor. Like, how can that be? They knew. They knew who I was. They knew some of the things that I did. They're like, how can that be that you're a pastor?36:47You know what my response is? It's by God's grace that I am what I am. How about you? Have you been known for doing things that you aren't very proud of? And somebody could rightly come along and get in your face and say, how could someone like you think you're going to serve God? How could someone like you think you're going to end up in heaven someday?37:19And you're like, it's God's grace.37:23It's not me.37:25It's God's grace.37:30See, this is a beautiful thing.37:33Church, grace redefines you.37:39Grace redefines you.37:40You're not living in the past.37:43You're not living in shame.37:48You're not oblivious. Okay, yeah, yeah. Okay, that's who I was. But that's not who God says I am now. God is constantly growing me and changing me and conforming me into the image of His Son. God says I am a child of His. That's who I am. Like, what gives you the right to say that? It's grace.38:16It's grace. My friend, something is going to define you. And it's either going to be your mistakes, or it's going to be God's grace. That though you didn't earn anything, you can humbly accept everything that He gives you.38:46It's grace. How do you know you got it? Well, you don't think you're worthy. You let grace define you. And the third thing we see in the text, letter C, you are motivated to work by grace. You are motivated to work by grace. Paul says his grace toward me was not in vain. Pick up from there. He says, On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach, and so you believed. I love that. Paul says, look, okay, God gave me this gift, and God didn't waste His gift on me because I put it to use.39:44I put God's gift to use, but it wasn't really me that put the gift to use. It was sort of his grace working in me and through me. And you're like, how does that all work? Even Paul didn't know, right? If Paul didn't figure it out, what makes you think I'm going to figure it out? He's like, I work, but it's God that's working. But like all the above?40:16And see, here's the point. You don't need to figure out how all that works. Just get to work. Serve God out of love and appreciation in His power, meaning just do what He's called and equipped you to do. Just do it with everything you got. The bottom line here is this. The evidence that you receive God's grace is when you're motivated and empowered to serve Him.40:43We don't serve God out of obligation. I was saved in 1995. I didn't get into ministry to be like, okay, God, you did me a solid. Now I'm going to do you a solid. That's not it at all. We don't serve out of obligation. We don't serve begrudgingly. Okay, fine. No one else will do it. I'll do it. And we certainly don't do it, right, Pastor Taylor?41:13We don't do a complaining. What you mean? God's recruited you for his team and you're going to bellyache about that? The one that received grace will not do that. I'm just thankful to be called on the team. Let's get to work. That's what grace says. Motivated and empowered to serve him. The person who received grace says God gave me his grace and that.41:43That is what puts the fire in my belly to do everything he's called me to do with everything that I've got. And then I discover that it's the same grace that motivated me to serve. That's the same grace that empowers me to serve. How do I know I've received God's grace? Because I'm motivated to work by grace. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 15:1-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Define “grace”. How would you explain grace to a child? To a non-believing coworker?What did Paul say was of “first importance” (1 Cor 15:3-4)? Why is this the primary thing?How does grace redefine you (1 Cor 15:10a)? Why do you think many Christians still struggle with their past?How exactly does grace motivate you to serve God (1 Cor 15:10)?BreakoutPray for one another.

Was Jesus teaching that Christians must give away everything they own? Is wealth the problem? Or was Jesus exposing something much deeper in this man's heart?Main Scripture:  Luke 18:18Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Most people think following Jesus is about getting to heaven.Jesus had something much bigger in mind.When Jesus called His first disciples, He didn't simply invite them into a relationship—He immediately gave them a mission:“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.”In this opening message of our “Wait…What?” series, we explore one of Jesus' most challenging truths:Rescued people were never meant to become spectators. They were meant to become rescuers.Main Scripture:  Matthew 4:18–22; Matthew 10:8; John 20:21Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Join David Heavener as he explores the profound connection between faith, the brain, and personal transformation. This video delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and how our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. Discover how to break free from past cycles and embrace a future aligned with God's purpose. Through personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, Heavener encourages viewers to actively engage with their faith, stand firm in their beliefs, and harness their God-given talents. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth or a deeper understanding of your relationship with God, this engaging talk offers valuable perspectives and practical guidance.

Join David Heavener as he explores the profound connection between faith, the brain, and personal transformation. This video delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and how our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. Discover how to break free from past cycles and embrace a future aligned with God's purpose. Through personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, Heavener encourages viewers to actively engage with their faith, stand firm in their beliefs, and harness their God-given talents. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth or a deeper understanding of your relationship with God, this engaging talk offers valuable perspectives and practical guidance.

Most of us do not wake up intending to serve money. Yet financial pressures, ambitions, and fears can quietly begin shaping our choices. Before long, money may influence where we find security, how we measure success, and what we believe will bring us peace. Jesus speaks directly to this danger in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” Money was never meant to be our master. But when it is placed in its proper role, it can become a useful tool for serving God, caring for our families, and blessing others. So, what does a biblical approach to money look like? Money Is a Gift to Receive With Gratitude The Bible speaks frequently about wealth, possessions, generosity, and stewardship. One of its clearest principles is that money is not the goal. It is a resource entrusted to us by God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says: “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or the appropriate enjoyment of what He provides. His gifts should be received with gratitude rather than guilt. We see a picture of God's abundant provision when Jesus feeds the five thousand in Matthew 14. Christ not only meets the immediate needs of the crowd, but the disciples also collect twelve baskets of leftovers. The point is not indulgence or excess. It is that God is a generous provider who delights in caring for His people. Everything we possess ultimately comes from Him. Recognizing that truth allows us to enjoy His provision without believing we own it independently of Him. Money Reveals What We Trust Although money can be a gift, it also carries spiritual significance because it reveals the condition of our hearts. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Paul does not say that money itself is evil. The danger arises when we love money or look to it for something only God can provide. Money cannot give us lasting security, establish our identity, or bring genuine peace. When we expect it to do those things, a useful tool begins to take the place of our faithful Provider. Every financial decision can reveal something about our trust. Our spending may expose what we value. Our saving may show whether we are preparing wisely or attempting to control an uncertain future. Our generosity may reveal whether we believe God will continue to provide. The question is not simply, “What am I doing with my money?” It is also, “What is my money doing to my heart?” Money Is Meant to Serve God's Purposes Ephesians 4:28 gives us a broader vision for our work and resources. Paul instructs believers to work honestly “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” We do not earn merely to accumulate. God enables us to work so that we can provide for our responsibilities, prepare wisely for the future, and share with others. That perspective transforms the purpose of our financial lives. Work becomes more than survival or personal advancement. It becomes one way we participate in God's generosity. Saving becomes thoughtful preparation rather than an attempt to eliminate every uncertainty. Investing can become an act of stewardship when it supports future responsibilities and generosity. This purpose often expresses itself through ordinary decisions: choosing to give even when the budget feels limited, avoiding unnecessary debt, setting aside money for future needs, or creating enough margin to respond when someone needs help. Those individual choices may feel small, but over time they shape both our finances and our hearts. Money becomes especially useful when it flows outward in service rather than being gathered inward as a source of identity or control. Money Must Remain a Servant When Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, He was establishing the proper order of our allegiance. Money must remain a servant rather than becoming our master. In his sermon “The Use of Money,” John Wesley described money as a valuable gift when it is used in the hands of God's people. It can feed the hungry, provide clothing for those in need, and offer shelter to the traveler and stranger. That is a beautiful picture of money placed in its proper role. It is not worshiped, feared, or pursued as an end in itself. It is directed toward purposes that reflect God's love and generosity. Money may help us accomplish many good things, but it is never qualified to lead our lives. Only God deserves our trust, devotion, and obedience. Money Is Temporary, but Its Use Can Matter Eternally 1 Timothy 6:7 reminds us, “We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” Every dollar we manage is temporary. Homes, accounts, investments, and possessions will eventually pass from our hands. Yet the way we use those temporary resources can have lasting significance. When we remember that money is temporary, we can begin to hold it more loosely. We can enjoy God's provision without being controlled by it. We can plan wisely without placing our hope in wealth. And we can give generously because we know that God—not our bank account—is our ultimate provider. Before your next decision about spending, saving, investing, or giving, consider asking a different question: Lord, how can this money serve You and others? Money is never the destination. It is simply a tool God places in our hands to accomplish purposes greater than ourselves. This is a central theme of Our Ultimate Treasure, a 21-day devotional designed to help you treat money as a tool rather than a treasure so that it can find its proper place in your life. You can order a copy—or copies for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father gave me $75,000 after my mother passed away. My husband and I are nearing retirement with no emergency savings, about $140,000 in personal-loan debt from his failed business, plus a mortgage and car loan. We spend nearly $10,000 a month. After giving, should we use the money to build savings, pay down debt, or invest some of it? My husband and I are approaching 65, qualify for Social Security, and plan to keep working. I'm also eligible for a teacher pension. Should I claim Social Security now, delay it, or rely on my pension first? Would a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) be the right person to help us evaluate our options? My father-in-law recently passed away, and I'm helping my mother-in-law with her finances. She has about $11,000 across six credit cards. Some issuers have offered to freeze the accounts and stop the interest while she repays them. Should she accept those arrangements or consolidate the balances into one loan? Her Social Security benefit is small, and my father-in-law's check has stopped. Could she qualify for a survivor benefit based on his record? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following Jesus has always been costly—but the cost of not following Him is far greater.Don't miss this powerful message from our "Wait...What?" series as we unpack one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus.Main Scripture:  Luke 9:57–62Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Have you ever wondered why life sometimes gets harder when you're trying to obey God? You decide to read your Bible, and suddenly everything goes wrong. You commit to serving Christ, and unexpected opposition appears. Is that just coincidence... or is there something deeper going on?In Acts 16, Paul wasn't looking for a fight with the devil. He was simply on his way to a prayer meeting. Yet within hours he confronted a demon, was beaten by an angry mob, thrown into prison, and chained in the darkness. But what looked like Satan's triumph was actually one more of God's victories..Today in Acts 16:16-40 we'll discover what this passage teaches us about spiritual warfare, persecution, and how to rejoice in the face of unfair treatment.Acts 16:16-40 Bible study guide with companion discussion questions on our website: https://studyandobey.com/inductive-bible-study/acts/acts-16-16-40/Study and Obey's Bible study guides on Amazon -https://amzn.to/48SgPEN(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)Study and Obey Free Weekly Podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/study-and-obey/id1571266150Our website of 1000+ practical and free Bible studies - https://studyandobey.comSupport this ministry -https://studyandobey.com/support/25+ Bible study guides for individual or group study on many different books of the Bible - https://studyandobey.com/shop/Sign up for a weekly Bible study to your inbox. 20+ studies to choose from - https://studyandobey.com/weekly-bible-study/Support the show

Christians who are paying attention can easily discern the season we are in...the Last Days. At this point, we must choose who we will serve each day. Will we serve the god of convenience, the god of comfort, or the God of the Bible? Time to Lady Up! Enough sloppy Christianity. Eternity is near and God wants to work through us to reach the lost. Will you let Him? Support Lady Up America: https://ko-fi.com/ladyupamericaLearn more about Lady Up America and Diane Canada: https://ladyupamerica.comLearn more about Steve Gill and TriStar Daily: https://tristardaily.com Join the Mission:If you feel called to reach your neighborhood with grace and truth, I would love to see you become a MEMBER: https://ko-fi.com/ladyupamerica

In this powerful message from we discover that Zaccheaus was determined to find his answer. He quit trying to just catch a glimpse but wanted to see and capture all of Jesus. These beliefs quietly shape our relationships, our confidence, our faith, and our future.But God never intended your childhood wounds to become your lifelong identity.Main Scripture:  Luke 19Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Leviticus is one of the most overlooked books in the Bible, yet it carries a profound answer to one of the most important questions anyone can ask: how does an unholy person connect with a holy God? Built around the concept of holiness, the book moves through sacrifices, priestly ordination, and purity laws, all building toward one goal: bringing God's people from outside the tent of meeting to inside it. At the very center of Leviticus is the Day of Atonement, the moment when sins are forgiven. This is no coincidence. Atonement is the heartbeat of the Old Testament, and it points directly forward to Jesus Christ.In Leviticus 8, God instructs Moses to ordain Aaron as the high priest. Aaron was called by God, cleansed through sacrifice, and clothed in holy garments that identified his role as a mediator between the people and a holy God. Blood was placed on his right earlobe, his right thumb, and his right big toe, symbolizing a life devoted to hearing God, serving God, and walking with God. He wore a breastplate bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, carrying the people over his heart every time he entered God's presence. Yet for all of this, Aaron was still a flawed man. He led the people into idolatry with the golden calf, proving that no human high priest could ever truly save anyone. He was an imperfect picture pointing toward something far greater.Jesus is the greater High Priest that Aaron could only foreshadow. He was chosen by the Father, lived without sin, and gave Himself as a ransom for all of humanity. Through Him, believers are no longer standing outside the tent but have become the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. First Peter 2:9 declares that every believer is part of a royal priesthood, called to proclaim the excellencies of God and invite others into His presence. Just as the high priest carried the names of God's people over his heart, believers today are called to carry the names of those around them in prayer and look for every opportunity to bring them closer to God.

In part 5 of Childhood Vows, we discover that Gideon wasn't just hiding from the Midianites—he was hiding from the identity he had accepted about himself.Many of us are still living under childhood lies:• “I'm not enough.”• “I have to earn love.”• “I'm a failure.”• “God has abandoned me.”These beliefs quietly shape our relationships, our confidence, our faith, and our future.But God never intended your childhood wounds to become your lifelong identity.Main Scripture: Judge 6Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Your work matters to God. See how you can be ambitious to serve with God while you work as Brett Andrews shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Dr. Tom Curran explores the founding of the carmelite order, quotes from carmelite saints, the connection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to Our Lady of Fatima, and the role of the Blessed Mother in the lives of Catholics today!

In part 4 of Childhood Vows, we discover that Elijah's greatest struggle wasn't Jezebel—it was the belief that he was completely alone.For many people, that sentence became a silent vow long before they could even put it into words. Childhood pain, rejection, abandonment, neglect, and disappointment can create beliefs that quietly shape our entire lives.Main Scripture: 1 KingsTopic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

In Part 3 of Childhood Vows, Pastor Mark Bonilla shares how a divided mindset can lead to a controlling heart instead of a trusting heart. From comparison, not enough, good enough attitudes we learn how to control and manipulate people and situations to create our desired outcomes instead of trusting which leads to the best outcome.  These “childhood vows” shape who we are and many times we don't realize they are taking place. They affect relationships, marriage, parenting, confidence, and even your relationship with God.Through the story of Martha and Mary we see how a divided mindset does not allow us to see the very best in a situation. However, it is not until Martha finally sees Jesus for who he really is ‘Messiah, Son of God, Teacher that he mindset shifts and she can find true peace.  This message exposes the lie behind the lie that “busyness is progress”. Main Scripture: Luke 10Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Through the story of Leah in Genesis, we see how striving for love leads to exhaustion, misinterpretation of blessings, and a lifetime of comparison. Yet everything shifts when Leah declares: “This time I will praise the Lord.”This message exposes the lie behind performance-based identity and reveals the freedom found in Christ, who loved us first.Jesus didn't just come to forgive you — He came to heal you.Main Scripture: Genesis 29Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

The Lord is pleased not by those who treat him as a needy watering trough, but as an inexhaustible, all-satisfying spring.