Off-Script with Christ Fellowship Northwest: Recent Episodes
Christ Fellowship Northwest
This is a podcast with our pastors, Daniel Barta and Robert McKinney, where we like to explore themes and topics related to our sermon series that we don't have adequate time to cover on Sunday mornings. We hope you enjoy!
In this episode Pastors Daniel, Randall, and Jared share times where God has taught them humility and how this relates to Daniel chapter 4.
In this sermon Pastor Daniel Barta covers Daniel Chapter 4. In this we learn that humanity is prone to pride but that faithfulness to God calls us to be humble witnesses to the truth of who God is.
In this weeks podcast pastors Robert and Danny discuss how we can stand in the face of the cultural challenges to faith.
In this sermon on Daniel 3, pastor Robert instructs us on how to withstand the fires of our Babylon. Faith in God, provides some strong answers.
In this weeks episode the pastors discuss how the wisdom of God can be a primary help in the face of anxiety.
Along with this podcast see this blog post to hear from Pastor Daniel's thoughts on anxiety in the believer's life.
In this week's sermon, pastor Daniel Barta covers Daniel chapter 2. In this, we see learn that the wisdom of God is the solution to our anxieties and troubles.
In this episode, Pastors Robert, Randall, and Jared discuss how to best read Scripture to discover truth and then how to apply that truth in our daily lives as we seek wise cultural engagement.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney continued the Daniel sermon series. While covering Daniel 1:8-21, Robert helps us understand what biblical courage looks like.
In this weeks Sermon Q & A, Pastors Daniel Barta and Robert McKinney wrestle with two main questions in response to Pastor Robert's Sermon "Lights in Babylon" which he preached on August 25, 2024.
Questions Discussed
- If Babylon in the Scriptures represents a world culture and dark spiritual forces that existed before and long after the Babylonian Empire, what are some of the specific ways we see that culture manifesting itself today?
- In the sermon, it was mentioned that different sometimes we se Lord spelled with all capital letters and sometimes it is not. What is the significance of this?
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney kicked off our new sermon series from the book of Daniel by showing us that God rules and reign in all things to make a people who shine in a dark world for His glory.
Text: Daniel 1:1-8
In this episode, Pastors Daniel Barta, Randall Moss and Danny Seay wrestle with two grat questions in response to the sermon preached by Daniel Barta on August 18, 2024, Everything Happens for a Reason.
Questions Discussed
- Have the pastors always held their positions on God's Sovereignty? If not how have they wrestled witht he question of time?
- How do we comfort those who are hurting or walking through severe difficulty with the truth God rules over their circumstances?
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta urged us to rejoice in the truth that the Sovereign God who rules over all things does so with love for our good and His glory.
In this Sermon Q & A, Pastors Robert McKinney, Danny Seay and Randall Moss discuss question in respons to Pastor McKinney's Sermon from Psalm 121 titled, "Help Wanted."
In this sermon, Pastor Robert Mckinney reminded us that the LORD, the make of heaven and earth, is our help.
In this episode, Pastors Daniel Barta and Jared Thomas answer questions asked in response to Jared's sermon on August 4, 2024, "Dear Church, Consider Your Calling" from I Corinthians 1:26-31.
Questions Discusssed
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What’s the difference between boasting and legitimately defending yourself from unwarranted criticism, slander, and attacks? Is it ever appropriate to make a case for yourself and your credibility?
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How should we do we respond to those who make us feel inferior as they assert themselves as superior? How do we address a spirit of rivalry if we see it in the church?
In this Sermon, Pastor Jared Thomas enouraged us with a reminder that we have been called by God from even though we are simply ordinary men and women.
In this episode, Pastors Danny Seay and Jared Thomas wrestle with several questions asked in response to Pastor Danny's sermon "The Day of Atonement" which he preached on July 28, 2024.
In this sermon, Pastor Danny Seay reminded us of the atonement of our sins through the death of Jesus Christ.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta offered us four principles to consider as we think about the church and its relationship to earthly power:
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Render to Caesar what Is Caesar's
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Remember the Resurrection in Our Calculations
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Reject a Loyalty to God that Lacks a Love for Others
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Rely on the One who Is Both Transcendent and Immanent
Be sure to check out the Sermon Q & A in which Pastor Daniel Bart along with pastors Randall Moss and Jared Thomas answer questions in response to the sermon.
In this Q&A, a few of our pastors answer question in response to the sermon preached by Daniel Barta on July 21, 2024. The sermon, Caesar and the Church, came from Matthew 22:15-46.
Questions Discussed:
- How do we honor the authority even if / when we have to disobey them in order to be faithful to God?
- Is there ever an appropriate time and place for activism or even action against the authority?
- Should Christians be active in politics / government?
In this episode, pastors Randall Moss, Jared Thomas, and Daniel Barta discuss the sermon preached on July 14, 2024, "Acceptable Attire: Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ" by Randall Moss.
The pastors elaborate on Matthew 22:1-14 and what the scripture says about God's people, salvation, and the Christ Fellowship Northwest's beliefs surrounding the practice of the sacrament of The Lod's Supper.
In this sermon, Pastor Randall Moss evaluates the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22. He encouraged the church to evaluate our invitation into the kingdom of God and the invitation we extend to others.
In this episode, pastors Danny Seay, Randall Moss, and Jared Thomas discuss the sermon preached on July 7, 2024, "Jesus Has All Authority: Either Submit or Rebel" by Danny Seay.
The pastors talk through the gift of Christ's authority, our response to obey as believers, and God's sovereignty over all things.
In this sermon, Pastor Danny Seay discusses Jesus' authority over all and our response to that authority. Matthew 21 gives us the parables that display these responses, to submit or rebel to the authority of Christ.
In this episode, pastors Jared Thomas, Danny Seay, and Randall Moss discuss questions in response to the sermon, "A House of Prayer: Jesus' Desire and Work to Satisfy Us and Glorify Himself" by Daniel Barta on June 30, 2024.
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What is prayer?
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How does prayer relate to the other spiritual disciplines?
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Am I the only one who finds prayer difficult? What are some things we encounter that make prayer difficult?
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What are some tips to elevate my prayer life?
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta challenges us to become a house of prayer so that others may see we are a people who commune with God and we may be fully satisfied through Jesus Christ.
In this episode pastor Daniel Barta offers "Five Quick Thoughts" to those wondering if they have any reason to hope that their difficult circumstances will improve.
In this sermon, Pastor Jared Thomas urged us to consider the humble Savior who serve us by dying on a cross for our sins.
In this episode, pastors Daniel Barta, Jared Thomas, and Randall Moss discuss questions asked in response to the sermon, "For the Ransom of Many: A Call to Fathers and Churches" by Daniel Barta on June 16, 2024.
Questions Included:
- Are the different details of the story given in Matthew 20:17-34 and Mark 10:35-45 evidence that the Bible contradicts itself?
- How do grandparents help discipline and teach their grandchildren, especially when the parents are not using their authority to serve and train their children well?
- How does the church encourage, support, and help fathers use their authority and serve in their home well?
- There are some needs and opportunities to serve that nobody would prefer to meet. It requires sacrifice. How can we encourage one another to act more like Jesus by serving in places we do not particularly feel gifted or find enjoyable?
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel recognizes the roll and responsibility of fathers while challenging the church to be a community in which fathers excel and the nations are blessed.
In this Episode, pastors Danny Seay, Randall Moss, and Daniel Barta wrestle with a couple of big questions about God's sovereign grace.
- If God does not deal with us according to our worth, do we have any value at all?
- How do I think about God when he freely chooses to bring painful experiences into my life?
In this sermon, Pastor Danny reminded us that our salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God is determined by God's grace and not our own effort. He encouraged us to entrust ourselves God's good grace.
In this episode, pastors Daniel Barta, Jared Thomas, and Randall Moss discuss how Christians should think about possession, whether or not we should expect perfection in this life, and a few other important questions.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta dives into the passage to show us that knowing, loving, and trusting in Christ allows us to have fulfillment in Him.
In this episode, pastors Daniel Barta, Danny Seay, and Jared Thomas answers questions asked in response to the sermon "Moral Clarity Not Confusion" preached by Daniel Barta on May 26th, 2024, on Matthew 19:1-15.
The conversation focus on two primary topics:
- Divorce
- Remarriage
- Singleness
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta showed us how to become a peole abe to think, act, and speak with moral clarity for our own good and the good of others.
In this episode, pastors Daniel Barta and Robert McKinney answer questions we recieved in response to the sermon, "What If It Works?" preached by Robet McKinney on May 19th, 2024.
QUESTIONS
- How do we compare Jesus' instruction to forgive without limits and those instances in which God judges people for their sins without forgiving them?
- What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Am I ever right to withhold relationship from someone?
In this episode, pastors Daniel Barta and Robert McKinney answer questions we recieved in response to the sermon, "What If It Works?" preached by Robet McKinney on May 19th, 2024.
QUESTIONS
- How do we compare Jesus' instruction to forgive without limits and those instances in which God judges people for their sins without forgiving them?
- What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Am I ever right to withhold relationship from someone?
In this Q & A, pastors Daniel Barta and Robert Mckinney answer questions we recieved in response to the sermon, Vulnerable Servanthood, preached by Daniel Barta on May 12th, 2024.
QUESTIONS
- What does the phase "whatever you loose (and bound) on earth will be loosed (and bound) in heaven" mean (Seen Matthew 18:18)
- How do I know when I need to go to another Christian and make them aware that they have offended or sinned against me? Is it every right to over look an offense or "take one on the chin"?
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta reminded us that the greatest in the kingdom of God must humbles themselves as servants who embrace dependency and make themselves vulnerable.
In this conversations, Pastor Daniel Barta and Guest Silas Forrester help us wrestle with God's justice and mercy.
Questions we discus:
- Is it wrong to desire justice?
- Is God unjust to show mercy to sinner?
- What should evangelism look like?
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney showed us how God's grace exposes our sin, lack of compassion, and false idols.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta challenged us to seek the good of our city with both the heart of God and the word of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Danny Seay helped us consider God great mercy shown in His rescuing sinners from death and despair.
In the sermon, Pator Robert McKinney showed us that God brings storms into our lives in order to accomplish his gracious and merciful purposes.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester discuss God's use of Jonah's sin and a great storm to show mercy.
This is the second of five conversations which supplement the CF Northwest sermon series, Jonah: The Heart of God in the Heart of the Sea.
For further study of the book of Jonah, be sure to check out our Cell Goup Journal and the 25 Devotions that Pastor Daniel has written.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney showed us the merciful God who speaks to sinners.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester discuss the mercy of God toward sinners as seen in the book of Jonah.
This is the first of five conversations which supplement the CF Northwest sermon series, Jonah: The Heart of God in the Heart of the Sea.
For further study of the book of Jonah, be sure to check out our Cell Goup Journal and the 25 Devotions that Pastor Daniel has written.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta urged us to find our lives by setting our minds on heavenly things as we take up our crosses and follow Jesus.
In this sermon series from Matthew 13-22, we will look at Jesus teaching about the kingdom what it is like and what it is about.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta reminded us that God's sent Jesus to reach those who are far from Him.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney reminded us of our need for God to give us clean and pure hearts.
In this class, Pastor Daniel Barta helps us understand the contrast between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world in regards to human sexuality.
The talk was given at CF Northwest on February 21, 2024.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta called us to conquer our fears by looking to Jesus who is power and present.
In this Sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney calls us to move toward Jesus expecting to recieve compassion, help, and satisfaction.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinnney urged us to speak the truth even to those who have the power and authroity to hurt us.
In this final stage of the "Interpretive Journey" we discuss how to apply the text in our own lives, current culture, and constantly changing context.
In this sermon pastor Daniel Barta reminded us of the real judgment which awaits us and how we must prepare ourselves for that day.
In this sermon Pastor Robert McKinney Reminded us that God tends to work in unexpected ways as He seeks to advance His kingdom.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney reminded us that God holds responsilbe those who reject His word.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert reminded us of our dependency on God to reveal the truth to us.
Pastor Jared Thomas closed out our year by reminding us of the importantance to remember the works of God both in our pain and in our good.
In this sermon from Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12, Pastor Daniel Barta helps us see the glory of the LORD and reminds us that only in seeing and knowing Him will our lasting joy be found.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta encouraged our weary heart and weak hands to persevere in obedience by reminding us of Jesus' faithful obedience.
In this sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta encourages us to take the gospel of Jesus to the nations from Isaiah 49:1-13
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney called us to trust God's Servant, the justice He brings, and the LORD who upholds Him.
In the sermon form Ephesians 6:10-24, Pastor Daniel Barta reminded us that of our need to be strengthened in the great might provided to us in Christ Jesus through faith.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney shows us from Ephesians 5:22-6:9 how submission relfects the gospel to the world.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and guest Silas Forrester discuss Ephesians 5:22-6:3
In this sermon form Ephesians 5:3-21, Pastor Robert McKinney calls all believers to imitate Christ in their conduct.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester discuss Ephesians 5:1-21.
In the sermon, Pastor Daniel Barta challenged us to put off the sinful desires of the flesh and to put on the way of the Spirit from Ephesians 4:17-5:2.
In this Episode Pastor Daniel Barta and guest Silas Forrester discuss what it means to put on the new man while putting off the old self as they consider Ephesians 4:17-32.
In this episode, Pastor Robert Mckinney showed us from Ephesians 4:1-16 what Christian unity is and how it is maintained.
This episode is a talk originally delivered by Pastor Robert McKinney at a Core Class of Christ Fellowsh Northwest on October 11, 2023. In this talk, Pastor Robert helps us think through the everyday implications of our being participants in a spiritual war.
This episode is a talk was originally delivered by Danny Seay at a Core Class of Christ Fellowship Northwest on October 11th. In this talk, Pastor Danny Seay spoke abou the ongoing spiritual war from a theological perspective.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and guest Silas Forrester discuss Ephesians 4:1-16. Topics include:
- The role of pastors in equipping the church for ministry
- The way church members should recieve the word being preached.
- The difference between false teachers and true teachers
- The role our uniqueness places within the church community.
In this sermon, Pastor Robert McKinney reminds us God gives strength the church, increases the churches ove, and fills His church with His fullness all in response to their prayers.
In this Episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and guest Silas Forrest discuss Ephesians chapter 3.
In this sermon from Ephesians 2:11-22, Pastor Daniel Barta shows us the good new that Jesus kills hostility between men and other men by killing the hostility between men and God.
In this conversation, Pastor Daniel Barta and guest Silas Forrester discuss Ephesians 2:11-22.
In this sermon from Ephesians 2:1-10, Pastor Daniel left us with no reason to boast in ourselves by showing us that God has made us distinct by choosing to show us mercy according to His great love.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester discuss Ephesians 2:1-10. Join them as they wrestle with questions such as..
- What does it mean to be a son of disobedience?
- What does it mean to be saved?
- How does God's wealth of grace and kindness towards us affect the way we should live each day?
For more resources including our devotional study on the book of Ephesians visit https://www.cf-northwest.com/cellgroups.
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Pastor Daniel Barta helped us think about God's work in regerating each believer. This work is:
- Mysterious
- Essential
- Free
- Resourceful
This talk was delivered by Pastor Daniel Barta on September 20, 2023.
Pastor Robert Mckinney encouraged us to give ourseles to the knowing of Christ.
This sermons from Ephesians 1:15-23 was preached on 9.24.23 at Christ Fellowship Northwest.
Pastor Robert Mckinney preached this sermon, "Spiritually Blessed," to kick off our new sermon series through the book of Ephesians.
Sermon Text: Ephesians 1:1-14
In this series of epidsodes titled “UNITED,” I, Daniel Barta and my friend Silas Forrester will discuss the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Our 9 Conversations will coincide with a 9 week Bible study on Ephesians that I have written.
You can access digital versions of this study on our website at cf-northwest.com/cellgroups.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS
- Ephesians 1:1-23
- God's "lavished" grace
- God's sealing us by His Spirit
- God's predestination of those in Christ
Not only are we called to share our own hearts with integrity, we are also called to listen to and care for the hearts of those around us. Like us, others know the fears and obstacles to heart level community. We must learn to be the kind of people others find trustworthy and dependable.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and family counselor, Jessica Salle discuss how we can become better participants in heart level community.
Communicating our hearts honestly to others puts us in a fearful place as we face the possibility that those around us may reject us if they really know us. Open and honest conversations with others exposes us leaving us vulnerable.
In this Episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and family counselor, Jessica Salle, discuss the danger of vulnerability everyone faces when seeking deeper than surface level relationship with others.
Communicating our hearts honestly to others puts us in a fearful place as we face the possibility that those around us may reject us if they really know us. Open and honest conversation with others exposes us to the possibility of rejection.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and family counselor Jessica Salle discuss the danger of rejection everyone faces when seeking deeper than surface level relationship with others.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and family counselor, Jessica Salle discuss two more obstacles we all face as we seek deeper fellowship with those around us.
The first part of this conversation was shared in the previous episode in which we will look at the first two obstacles we face in the pursuit of genuine community.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and family counselor, Jessica Salle discuss two obstacles we all face as we seek deeper fellowship with those around us.
The second part of this conversation will be shared in the next episode in which we will look at two additional obstacles we face in the pursuit of genuine community.
IN THIS EPISODE
Pastors Daniel Barta and Randall Moss consider the importance of testing the truths we find in the Scripture against the rest of the Scriptures. All of us our susceptible to misinterpreting the Scriptures, and one of the best ways to test our conclusions is to see if the truths we see in the text are supported elsewhere in the Bible.
In each episode of this 5 part series we will discuss one step in what is called the Interpretive Journey which can be foundin the book Grasping God's Word.
SOURCE INFORMATION
(Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. 2005. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands- on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.)
IN THIS EPISODE
Pastors Daniel Barta and Randall Moss discuss identifying the truth taught in the text you are studying. This third step, identifies that which is true for both the original audience and for us as we study the text in our day.
In each episode of this 5 part series we will discuss one step in what is called the Interpretive Journey which can be foundin the book Grasping God's Word.
SOURCE INFORMATION
(Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. 2005. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands- on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.)
IN THIS EPISODE
Pastor Daniel Barta and Pastor Randall Moss discuss the important of recognizing the many differences between those of us living in America in 2023 and those who first recieved the Scriptures and the Bibles original audience.
In each episode of this 5 part series we will discuss one step in what is called the Interpretive Journey which can be foundin the book Grasping God's Word.
SOURCE INFORMATION
(Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. 2005. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands- on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.)
IN THIS EPISODE
Pastor Daniel Barta and Pastor Randall Moss discuss the importance of understanding what the authors orignilly meant. This is the first step in Bible study and is crucial to rightly understanding and applying God's Word to our own lives and to the lives of others
In each episode of this 5 part series we will discuss one step in what is called the Interpretive Journey which can be foundin the book Grasping God's Word.
SOURCE INFORMATION
(Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. 2005. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands- on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.)
In week four of the Corporate Worship small group study, Pastor Daniel and guest, Silas Forrester are back to discuss the practice of praising God together in corporate worship.
To check out the devotions for this week go to cf-northwest.com/cellgroups
In week two of the Corporat Worship Cell Group Study, Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester discuss how worshippers approach the presence of a just and holy God. The text considered in this week's episode is Psalm 130.
In the episode, we will discuss
- Truths that stood out to us in the text
- Questions we are still wrestling with
- Changes we need to make in our thinking, feelings, and actions
- Points of confrontation between the truth of Scripture and the culture in which we live.
In this episode, Christ Fellowship Northwest member and sports dieticion, Kristen Ziesmer, provides practical steps and helpful suggestions that anyone can follow to better take care of themselves with the food that they eat.
This episode was recorded as part of a Core Class offered at Christ Fellowship Northwest on April 19, 2023. You can listen to part one of that class, "A Theology of Food" taught by Pastor Randall Moss in the previous episode, Season 8 Episode 1.
Power Point Presentation
In the episode, Pastor Randall Moss teaches us about God's good design in food.
This episode was recorded as part of a Core Class offered at Christ Fellowship Northwest on April 19, 2023. You can listen to part two of that class, "How to Honor God and Your Body with Nutrition" taught by dietician, Kristen Ziesmer, in the next episode, Season 8 Episode 2.
In the first week of our new small group (Cell Gorup) study, Corporate Worship, we look at Psalm 46 to see the God of our worship.
This episode serves as an example cell group conversation between Pastor Daniel Barta and friend Silas Forrester. This episode will discuss
- God's being our refuge and strength
- How to trust God even when He is the one who brings about our pain
- Learning to set our eyes on the truth while the "earth gives way."
You can find the CG study at https://www.cf-northwest.com/cellgroups
In Week Four, Devotion Three of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we will see how the church shows God's excellencies by faithfully enduring suffering.
We have seen that by preaching His word with joyful praise before a watching world. Now, we will see that Peter calls the church to one last category of action, suffering.
The church declares the glory of God in the way that they suffer. Peter wrote much about this suffering, and by looking at the different contexts of our suffering, we can learn much.
In Devotion Two of Week Four in teh Declaring His Excellencies Project, we will see that God's people make His excellencies known as they worship Him with joy.
While the accuracy of the preached word of God must be maintained and guarded, how God's people communicate the good news possesses just as much importance. When they speak of God's work and glory they do so as recipients. They speak as those who have experienced His glory. They testify as those who have tasted His goodness. They declare His excellencies as those who know His excellencies firsthand.
In Devotion One of Week Four, we will see that God's people declaring His excellencies as they preach His word, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So far we have seen that God's people belong to Him as His chosen possession. They exist to declare His excellencies, and they do so by doing good deeds. They perform these good deeds before men and the world responds by coming to God as the source of their joy and the object of their praise.
This leads us to our last major question, "What should we be doing?" If the church belongs to God (Identity) to declare His glory (purpose), what actions should it take?
In Devotion Three of Week Three of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we will attempt to further understand this purpose by looking at the term "declare," and asking the question, "How does the church 'declare' God's glory?
Interestingly - maybe even a bit surprisingly - Peter teaches us that the church "declares" God's praiseworthiness by doing "good deeds.
In Devotion Two of Week Three of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we see that when the truth about God is known He is seen in all His glory, beauty, and excellency.
In one sense, listing and describing God's "excellencies" would be an eternal project. He possesses infinite glory, and finite creatures will never come to the ends of God's excellencies. New discoveries of God's glory await the believer every day for all eternity. One cannot put all of God's excellencies on paper and then go out and communicate them to completion.
In another sense, Peter has in mind a few truths about God that he has identified and summarized to which he refers as the excellencies of God. His use of excellencies refers to a clear set of truths God has demonstrated in and through the church.
In I Peter 1:3-25, Peter articulated these truths to which he refers as the "excellencies" of God, and in 2:9-10 Peter summarized them as God's work to make the church a...
- Chosen Race
- Royal Priesthood
- God's Possession
- Recipients of Mercy
In Devotion One of Week Three in the Declaring His Excellencies study will see that to "declare God's excellencies" means to make God known.
The LORD right now sets up His people, the church, as a light to the nations so that they might see Him, know Him, love Him, hope in Him, and rejoice in Him. The light that has shone on Israel is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the light comes into the world ( Jn 1:9) so that the invisible God might be made visible (Jn 1:14). This dawning of the light shines into the hearts of men so that in Christ they might know the glory of God.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:6
It is through the light of glory shining brightly in Christ that the church comes into existence, and it is this same light shining through the church that brings the nations into salvation and the full experience of joy in Jesus.
In Devotion 3 of Week Two of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we will see what it means for God's peole to be identified at exiles in a foreign land.
I Peter 2:9-12 shows us that God saved His people, set them apart, and now puts them on display before the watching world. He does not remove them from the world; He leaves them in it. Just as one would not put a lamp under a basket so God does not put His people out of view. Instead, he makes them a city on a hill. He intends for their light to shine out for men to see and know God. As a result, God's people now live as "sojourners and exiles."
In Devotion Two of Week Two of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we will see that Peter identies Christians at "living stones."
In I Peter 2:1-8, we learn that God did not save individuals and leave them scattered about in the sea of humanity to live the Christian life on a spiritual island. Instead, he called them out of the world so that he might assemble them into a new whole. Like an assortment of bricks might be gathered and placed one upon the other so that a beautiful building might be erected. God has gathered his materials and with His infinite wisdom, he assembles them into a new structure.
This new structure is the church, a people in which God dwells. This people exist on the foundation of Christ for the glory of Christ. Christ serves as both the beginning and end of this people. They exist because of Him and they exist for Him.
In week two of the Declaring His Exellencies study, we examine the identity of God's people.
The Scriptures often identify God's people as the elect or the chosen. This designation can be found repeatedly both in the Old and New Testaments (2 Sa 21:6; I Ch 16:13; Ps 105:53; 106:5; Is 65:9, 22; Mt 24:24; Mk 13:27; Luk 18:7; Ro 8:33; II Ti 2:10). God's people are God's elected ones. If you will know who you are, you must know first that as a child of God you have been elected. You are a chosen one. The meaning and significance of this identity can be found in 1 Peter 1:1-2.
In this episode, Pastor Daniel Barta and Pastor Robert McKinney show us what a conversation about the Scriptures and the Declaring His Excellencies Study might look like. Listen, as they share...
- What stood out to them most from Week 1
- A question or two they are now wrestling with, and
- Some helpful actions they can take after engaging with the Scriptures and the study.
We trust that God brings His church to maturity as the church speaks the truth to one another in loving relationships. We pray that this will help you better practice this with others on a weekly basis.
You can find the study along with our othe episodes at cf-northwest.com/cellgroup.
In Week One, Devotin Three in the Declaring His Excellencies study we will seek seek to answer the question, "What is God doing?"
So far, Isaiah 43 has answered our first two questions. "Who is God?" God is both a sovereign LORD and a loving Savior. "What is God's end?" God's end is His glory. He works to make His glory known.
Our third question, "What is God doing to achieve His end?" can be answered in the next chapter, Isaiah 44.
You can get a digital copy of the Cell Group study at cf-northwest.com/cellgroup
In Devotion Two of Week One, we will seek to answer the question, "What is God's End?"
In the Scriptures, God reveals Himself as the one and only all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, sovereign Creator of all things who chooses to act in the world as a Savior for His people. This revelation of God by God raises several significant questions: Who does God save? How does He save? From whom or what does He save? How did He create? What did He create?
The inquiring mind could add many more questions to this catalogue of investigative inquiries but none would carry more significance than our next question: Why does God act?
We could rephrase the question as, "Why does God do what He does? What is God's purpose? What goal does God strive to achieve? What is God's end game?
Thankfully, the Scripture clearly and repeatedly gives us God's aim and purpose in what He does in the world.
In Week One, Devotion One of the Declaring His Excellencies study, we will seek the answer the question, "Who Is God?" Our inquiry takes us to Isaiah 43 where we see God reveal Himself as both the Soveriegn Lord and Loving Savior.
Declaring His Excellencies is a new small group study launched by Christ Fellowship Northwest. In it we will seek to understand what the Scriptures teach about our identity, purpose, and proper conduct. Together we will ask three important questions: Who are we? Why do we exist? and What should we be doing?
These three questions force us to wrestle with fundamental issues concerning our own selves, others, and the world in which we live. They compel us to do the hard work of defining how we see ourselves. They require us to articulate a purpose for our existence, and then they by consequence call us to action - to live out of our identity in fulfillment of our purpose. A clearly understood identity will to action, a striving after the fulfillment of who we think we are.
You can get a digital copy of the study at cf-northwest.com/cellgroup
Pastors Daniel and Robert sit down to discuss wisdom literature, fear of the Lord, and how this genre of Scripture points to Jesus.
Last week's conversation is concluded as Robert, Daniel, and Danny give more pastoral wisdom about your devotion time.
Check out this helpful resource: https://www.logos.com/how-to/inductive-bible-study
In the first episode of a two-part return to Off-Script, Robert, Daniel, and Danny discuss different formats of Bible study and how to make the best of your time.
Check out this helpful resource: https://www.logos.com/how-to/inductive-bible-study
In the newest Advent-related episode of Off-Script, Pastor Robert is joined by Pastoral Resident Danny Seay to discuss the famous missionary Lottie Moon, and the Christmas offering that is named after her. We hope you enjoy, and if you would like to learn more you can click the links below:
https://www.imb.org/who-was-lottie-moon/
https://www.imb.org/generosity/lottie-moon-christmas-offering/
For the first time in "Off-Script" history we have our whole pastoral staff together! Pastors Robert and Daniel were joined by our Pastoral Resident and Director of Missions, Danny Seay, to discuss the upcoming season in the church calendar - Advent. The guys took some time looking into the early history of this time of anticipation before sharing personal stories about growing up during the Christmas season and whether they celebrated Advent. We as a church are so excited to spend time in this season focused on Christ, and we can't wait for you to join us!
Show Notes:
https://adventblocks.com/
The blocks are available at the church, but information is available on this website.
Pastor Robert is on the mic solo again today! Robert broke down several ways that parents can raise their children in light of our commission to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. It is important to model missional living and teach our children the importance of the Great Commission, so Robert wanted to bring these resources before you to assist in that area:
Operation World:
https://www.amazon.com/Operation-World-Definitive-Prayer-Nation/dp/0830857249/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TFQRWKU4VT2Y&dchild=1&keywords=operation+world&qid=1635794874&qsid=130-16039048098932&sprefix=Operation+World%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1&sres=0830857249%2C0830857834%2C0830836861%2CB00LLPEUY0%2C1850783578%2C0830845364%2CB08WJY55DF%2C1284225445%2C1284058484%2CB09BYFX51K%2C0415459494%2C164152815X%2C0830845356%2C0870217313%2C180055253X%2C0752487299&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
Operation World Website:
https://operationworld.org/
Raising Kids with a Heart for Mission:
https://us.10ofthose.com/raising-kids-with-a-heart-for-mission-9781913278731/
Torch Lighters:
https://torchlighters.org/watch/
Christian Heroes Then and Now:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576585581?pf_rd_r=YKQZC8R2YGFCSQR1X6Z1&pf_rd_p=1ab92b69-98d7-4842-a89b-ad387c54783f&pd_rd_r=b7a0c619-ef1d-46f1-b768-5a13a25b00c2&pd_rd_w=dZXuc&pd_rd_wg=fwL7T&ref_=pd_gw_unk
We have a special guest for this week's episode - Pastoral Resident Danny Seay. Danny has a passion and burden for seeing the Great Commission lived out in our community and around the world, and he had some insight to share with Pastor Robert about his experiences and tools that he likes to use in preparing to share the Gospel. You can find several of the resources that Danny mentioned below, and we hope you enjoy the episode!
"Life on Mission" App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sendnetwork.lifeconversation
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/life-on-mission/id879490935
3 Circles Demonstration
https://youtu.be/5W8ynRMr59k
Oikos Map
https://youtu.be/D5az2LAtDDw
Fifteen Second Testimony
https://youtu.be/hkprflNySS8
Co-Workers Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2P1zE9uIMpgc99lak3UlGu?si=NjOEncoWQCuzinlhdLiw-w&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1
Pastor Robert is flying solo for today's podcast! We are now in the middle of our October 2021 Month in the Harvest evangelism push, so to go along with it we are starting a new sermon series and Cell Group journal. Listen in as Pastor Robert breaks down the goal of our new five-week study and answers questions surrounding how to share the Gospel, next steps when someone responds in faith, and more! Lastly, you can follow the link below over to our website to find the new Cell Group journal!
www.cf-northwest.com/cellgroup
This is a continuation of Robert's talk with Dr. Rankin from last week on how to study the Bible - enjoy!
Resources mentioned by Dr. Rankin:
Reading God's Word Book by Book (Gordon Fee)
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-Book-Guided/dp/0310518083
How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (Gordon Fee)
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=reading+gods+word+for+all+its+worth&qid=1630518792&s=books&sr=1-1
Revised Expositors Bible Commentary (Complete Set - also available in individual volumes)
https://www.amazon.com/Expositors-Bible-Commentary-Revised-13-Commentary/dp/0310491967
Other Notes:
Things to look for in a sentence -
- repetition of words
- contrasts
- comparisons
- lists
- cause and effect
- figures of speech
- conjunctions
- verbs
- pronouns
Things to look for in a paragraph -
- general to specific
- questions and answers
- dialogue
- purpose
- statements
- means
- conditional clauses
- actions/rules of people and of God
- emotional terms
- tone
In a special episode of the Off-Script podcast, Robert was joined by Dr. Rankin of the Christian Studies department at North Greenville University. During their conversation they discussed several topics relating to how to study the Word, including studying hard OT passages and life application. This was such a great conversation that we had to split it into two parts, so check back in next week for the conclusion of this informative episode!
Resources mentioned by Dr. Rankin:
Reading God's Word Book by Book (Gordon Fee)
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-Book-Guided/dp/0310518083
How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (Gordon Fee)
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=reading+gods+word+for+all+its+worth&qid=1630518792&s=books&sr=1-1
Revised Expositors Bible Commentary (Complete Set - also available in individual volumes)
https://www.amazon.com/Expositors-Bible-Commentary-Revised-13-Commentary/dp/0310491967
Other Notes:
Things to look for in a sentence -
- repetition of words
- contrasts
- comparisons
- lists
- cause and effect
- figures of speech
- conjunctions
- verbs
- pronouns
Things to look for in a paragraph -
- general to specific
- questions and answers
- dialogue
- purpose
- statements
- means
- conditional clauses
- actions/rules of people and of God
- emotional terms
- tone
Hey everyone! This is another special episode dedicated to the past, present and future of Christ Fellowship Northwest. As we look to the future as we attempt to obtain the property from North Hills, it is important that we give thanks to God for providing us with all our previous homes and seek His will as we try to settle into a permanent location. We have set up a special page on the website that lays out a lot of the information you will hear on this episode where you can give now or make your pledge, and the link is below if you would like to check it out. Thanks for listening, we love you all!
https://www.cf-northwest.com/whatsnext
As we continue to run parallel to our sermon series, "In the Wilderness", we came this week to discuss the hard topic of fear and anxiety. Daniel and Robert shared personal experiences dealing with anxiety and ways that we can deal with this issue as believers. If you would like to see Robert's sermon from this past Sunday (08/15/21), you can view it at the link below. Thanks for listening!
Robert's Sermon:
https://vimeo.com/587505621
Hey everyone, we are back with another season of "Off-Script"! This season will follow closely along with our sermon series on Numbers, "In the Wilderness". At the time of recording our most recent sermon was taught out of Numbers 12 by Danny Seay, our Pastoral Resident, and he had some wise words for us in how we should relate to our pastors. The link to that sermon is below, as well as a TGC article that we believe will be helpful. We hope you enjoy, and be sure to subscribe and tell your friends about the podcast!
Danny's Sermon:
https://www.cf-northwest.com/post/08-08-21-in-the-wilderness-numbers-12
Amy DiMarcangelo TGC Article:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/four-ways-love-pastor/
We depart from our usual format to bring you an example of how we intend for Cell Group to be carried out. It is our hope that this helps you and serves as a guide for our next series!
Last episode we covered the theme of work that features prominently throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, and we now turn to a related subject: rest. In this edition of the Off-Script podcast Daniel and Robert discuss how to be intentional with our time away from work, and how to leverage this time to experience deeper communion with the Lord. Our book recommendation that we talked about is linked below, so check it out! Be sure to follow us on your preferred listening platform.
https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually/dp/0525653090
As Ecclesiastes is all about the human experience, a good portion of the book deals with something that takes up a large portion of our lives - work. Even in the first few verses, Solomon wonders what we gain from our "labors and toil under the sun", and it initially appears that he has a very pessimistic attitude about this necessary part of our lives. However, if we have a proper understanding of how our relationship with work has been affected by sin, we can move beyond a sense of hopelessness in our work and see it in light of the Gospel. In the episode, Daniel and Robert mention several great resources that can give us some practical insight into how we can apply this knowledge to our 9-5s. The first link below is to an Amy Sherman article on The Gospel Coalition that deals with the biblical theology of work, and the second is to a Tim Keller book entitled "Every Good Endeavor" on the same subject. Enjoy, follow the podcast, and please continue to keep giving us feedback!
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-basics-of-a-biblical-theology-of-work/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594632820/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_7ZVXPEYMNQ6HABED5AS6
In our first episode of Off-Script, we are exploring the purpose behind the podcast and our new series on Ecclesiastes, 'Simple Pleasures'. Ecclesiastes is a complex book to navigate, and we must examine it in light of the rest of Scripture. Keep an eye out on our social media platforms for announcements about new episodes and follow us here on Spotify!