You may know how the urban dictionary defines “friends with benefits” but true friendship brings the greatest benefit. Your spouse was designed to be your truest and most intimate friend with signifiant benefits.
“This is my lover, this my friend...” (Song 5:16 NIV)
"You Married the Wrong Person" is the 2nd message of a 6-week series entitle "The Mystery of Marriage." In this series we will look at marriage as the mystery or key understanding the Gospel and unlocking its power in our marriages. Messages in this series include: The Mystery of Marriage, You Married the Wrong Person, Fighting, Friends with Benefits, Learn to Dance, and The Big Day. These messages were delivered at Seasons of Faith Church on Owensville, MO.
The Mystery of Marriage is the first message of a 6-week series of the same name. In this series we will look at marriage as the mystery or key understanding the Gospel and unlocking its power in our marriages. Messages in this series include: The Mystery of Marriage, You Married the Wrong Person, Fighting, Friends with Benefits, Learn to Dance, and The Big Day. These messages were delivered at Seasons of Faith Church on Owensville, MO.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
We don’t know if the world would have changed without Martin Luther King, Jr., but we do know he was a rod in the hand of God. Leave aside his theology and his moral flaws. He was used in the mighty hand of Providence to change the world so that the most appalling, blatant, degrading, public expressions of racism have gone away. Piper
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel…” (Galatians 2:11-14)
This is the time of year when everyone is thinking about giving. Even most selfish people actually do a little giving during the Christmas holidays. And even non-generous, or un-generous, people want to be generous at Christmas. Or at least they want to appear generous. So… while we are already thinking about giving and generosity - I want to challenge our hearts, our very souls, to take a good hard look at generosity. What does it mean to be generous? Are you a generous person? Are we a generous community? A generous church? And if we find that are not, why not make it our goal to become such a person and such a church?
That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 1 Corinthians 11:10 “The woman was formed out of man-not out of his head to rule over him; not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side to […]
Corinthian Style Magazine – A Series on First Corinthians
Church Discipline – 1 Cor. 5
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” 1Co 5:9-10
1 Cor. 2:14-3:5 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. (1 Corinthians 3:2-3) I. THE NATURAL MAN [14] The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of […]
1 Cor. 2:1-16 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7)
1 Cor. 1:10-31 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Ugly Scare of the Church Divisions [10] Exhort you to […]
1 Cor. 1:1-10 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in […]
EASTER SERVICE 2015 – IT IS FINISHED Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, […]
The Great Judgment (…or The Least Of These) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a […]
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my […]
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, […]
He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected […]
‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my […]
It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:32 ESV) The Big Idea: These are parable of grace. It is about parties. Especially the great party that Jesus is inviting us all to through faith alone in his death […]
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for […]
I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. (Luke 11:5) And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and […]
Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” ((Luke 10:25-37) Today we are going to look at another famous story from the master […]
And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. (Matthew 18:27) This is going to be a lesson for us in dying. Last week we discussed the question, “How can we embrace more fully being last, least, little, lost and dead?” This parable […]
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the […]
From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. (Matthew 17:26) INTRODUCTION – context with emphasis on the word “son” – While Jesus and his disciples where traveling, religious […]
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.” (Matthew 13:47) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and […]
…in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44) The parable of the hidden treasure is perhaps the most misunderstood parable in the Bible. It is frequently misinterpreted and incorrectly taught. I want to explain why I think that but first lets look at the parable itself. “The […]
The WEEDS “Let both grow together until the harvest” (Matthew 13:30) He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. […]
The Seed “…the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself…” (Mark 4:27) Tonight we are looking at another parable of the kingdom. It is a very short parable. And, continuing with the same theme that Jesus began last week, it is about a seed. Last week we looked at […]
The Sower “He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9) And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much […]
All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Mat 13:34-35 Intro I’m excited […]
When you see the word culture you should think mission, or more specifically, sending. Because that is literally what mission means. Mission literally means “to be sent.” And as you ask yourself, “If an abiding relationship with Christ will inevitable call me to go, and if the body of Christ exists to be sent, then […]
Through out the history of the world, even American history, society was built around the extended family. It wasn’t until recently that America has abandoned the extended family for the nuclear family. In this message we look at the great value of the extended family, explore cultural shifts in television that reveal how Americans are […]
An introduction to a 3-week series explaining the simple 3-fold mission of MISSIODEI. Worship Christ, Build Uncommon Community, and Engage the Culture in Mission.
One New York Times columnist said that we are living in the “Age of Anxiety.” With constant headlines about national unemployment rates and nuclear weapons, the unknowns of terrorist attacks or global warming, housing markets, interest rates, healthcare, the cost of college tuition for students who may never get a job, cancer, school shootings… ‘rock-n-roller […]
How can an all loving God send or even allow people to suffer for an eternality in hell? This is probably the most important question in regards to why Christianity is hard to swallow. Many people will say, “I can believe in a God of love but I can not believe in a God […]
Christians think they have “The Truth,” non-Christians think they have freedom. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) Today we begin a new series entitled “Why Christianity is Hard to Swallow”. In this series we will be dealing with the […]
Jesus died for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:25) Intro Today we celebrate resurrection. And resurrection is a very very big deal. I want to look at a short little powerful verse in Romans 4:25. Jesus died for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:25) Clearly this verse […]
FREEDOM FROM THE FLESH For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other. (Galatians 5:16) Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship. Surely you have heard this statement before. Religion uses fear to motivate and […]
This is a message from our Guest Al Frank. Al is the Regional Associate Superintendent Church Planting Missionary for MO & AR. Al attended the University of Missouri, graduating with a BA in Political Science with focused post-graduate work in Journalism. He became a TV news and documentary producer/writer in the St. Louis market for ABC, NBC […]
FREEDOM TO LOVE …only faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6) Jesus purchased our freedom by his work on the cross. Just a few days before his trial and death Jesus prayed to his Father in heaven. Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “…this is eternal life, that they know you the […]
FREEDOM FROM ELEMENTARY STUFF …for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:26 & 29) Our series on freedom continues. Today we are on part eight and we will enter into chapter 4 of Galatians. The […]
FREEDOM FROM BARS, RODS & JOB DESCRIPTIONS …for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:26 & 29) Last week Paul laid down the argument that Jesus sets us free from the law. He asked the […]
FREEDOM FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13) Intro: Well I’m certain that most of us in this room have either gambled, or gone to a casino night, or maybe you’ve seen a movie about gambling. And if so, you […]
FREEDOM FROM THE LAW I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (Galatians 2:21) Justified We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith […]
FREEDOM FROM LEGALISM “…their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel…” Galatians 2:12 GOSPEL DEFENSE 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he […]
FREEDOM FROM FUNDAMENTALISM Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running […]
FROM THE DISEASE TO PLEASE. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10) In this series through the book of Galatians we are taking […]
FREEDOM FROM RELIGION An introduction to this explosive fight against the tyranny of religion. DOWNLOAD video. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want […]
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” – which means, God with us. (Matthew 1:22-23) Merry Christmas. I want to tell you that as I have been preparing these Christmas […]
On October 31st, 1517 Martin Luther started a movement of re-formation. By nailing a protest to the door of a chapel in Wittenberg, he forever changed the church. It is commonly held that Luther’s own reformation began as he was studying the book of Romans. He was struck and forever changed by the Doctrine of Justification […]
Our prayers have unlimited potential. God actually wants to do big audacious things through his people. So ask! God said, “Ask and I will give the nations to you.” I think we might start by asking for O’Fallon, Owensville and STL God honors bold prayers because bold prayers honor God. Mark Baterson, The Circle Maker […]
There are no passwords or keys to unlock the potential of your prayers. You don’t have to say certain words like “I just just wanna” or “lift up”. You don’t have to do it in the morning or with a journal. You don’t have to do it on your knees or in a special closet. […]
Prayer is a one-on-one with God. Think about that. We have access to God! That is… well… unbelievable… and so we tend to minimize prayer. Jesus was the first person ever to personalize prayer. He taught us to say, ABBA or Father. So how do you talk to God? How do you talk to a God who […]
PART 7 – JULY 27, 2013 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 “The Lord detests all the proud of heart.” Proverbs 16:5 “God opposes the proud but give grace to the humble.” James 4:6 “Ruthless, sleepless, unsmiling concentration on the self which is the […]
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the [marriage] of the [Lamb] has come, and his [Bride] has made herself ready… Revelation 19: I met my wife at a wedding. She was the maid of honor. I a lowly usher. We sat together at the rehearsal dinner and talked […]
A man and a woman must learn to dance the divine dance. The two become one flesh and a dance is movement in unison. When we learn to dance correctly – it is a beautiful thing. “Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to […]
You may know how the urban dictionary defines “friends with benefits” but true friendship brings the greatest benefit. Your spouse was designed to be your truest and most intimate friend with signifiant benefits. “This is my lover, this my friend…” (Song 5:16 NIV) Introduction You may know how the urban dictionary defines “friends with […]
The bible actually has much to say about conflict and fighting, and that is a good thing because all couples fight. Understanding how to fight right will make all the difference in the world in your marriage and every relationship. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave […]
A stand alone message by Eric Szymanski. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And […]
We always marry the wrong person, which means — marring the wrong person, or even marrying the right person, doesn’t guarantee the success or failure of your marriage. Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18 […]
Your marriage is a part of God’s grand story. God wants you to have a wonderful marriage because your marriage is a picture of the Gospel. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and […]
I would like to invite you to listen to the only One who has a message worth listening to. He is declaring it late into the evening and very early every morning. It is a captivating message of passionate love, a tragic death and the mystery of eternal life. In my lifetime I […]
Christ’s death and suffering in themselves embody the very definition of passion. Webster’s dictionary defines passion as (1) a strong and barely controllable emotion, (2) an intense desire or enthusiasm for something, and (3) the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death. Christ’s death and suffering in themselves […]
A look at the historical Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as it relates to the suffering of Christ in Isaiah 53. “Where is the one who is wise and where is the debater of this age?” That is the question Paul asks when he was rebuking the Corinthians for their misguided obsession with […]
Spurgeon said that “He is a fountain of astonishment to all who know Him, and the more they know of Him, the more are they astonished at Him.” As we look at Isaiah 52:13-15 we see that Christ’s sufferings are astonishing, we see that His exultation is astonishing, and we see that His gospel message […]
Jesus, having been beaten and abused by the hands of strong athletic Romans, covered with sores, bruises, welts and blood, adorned with a crown of thorns and a purple robe, was led to the balcony and presented to the people. Pilate stood before him and exclaimed, “Behold the Man!” That was it, that was all […]
City: Jonah 4 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19:41-45 ESV) INTRO Tonight we will finish our study […]
Angry : Jonah 4:1-4 May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, may have strength to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ. ~ Ephesians 3:18 INTRO Well today we’re entering into the last chapter of this awesome story. The climax of this well […]
“You’ll never run into a stratum in God that is hard. You’ll always find God gracious, at all times and toward all peoples forever. You’ll never run into any meanness in God, never any resentment or rancor or ill will, for there is none there. God has no ill will toward any being. God is a God of […]
Belly Jonah 2 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34 ESV) Jonah shows us […]
Storm Jonah 1:4-16 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even […]
Run Jonah 1:1-3 “Our heart is continually inclined to rebel against the Lord our God. So ready to rebel, that O, so gladly, were it but for a single day, we would take from His hands the reins of His supreme rule, imagining that we would manage things far better and direct them far […]
Jesus, Hope for Humanity-Part 2 1 Peter 1:3 ※ 1 Peter 1:13 According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope. (1 Peter 1:3) Hope. The very word suggests waiting. If we are hoping, then I guess that means we are waiting. “I hope the rain clears up soon”, obviously […]
Jesus, Hope for Humanity-Part 1 Ephesians 1:11-22 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) INTRODUCTION HOPE is one of the words that can actually create what it means. If words have power, and I believe they do, “hope” could be a […]
the substance of Christ /// 2:16-23 the substance of christ Colossians 2:16-23 “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Colossians 2:17) Introduction [Begin behind the screen, holding objects up to see if they can guess what it is.] Tell Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. SHOW […]
the gospel of Christ /// 1:1-14 Thesis :: In this greeting and thanksgiving, Paul declares the purpose for the entire book. Specifically that the gospel of Christ has rescued us and is transforming the entire world. Introduction Christ is all. He is “all”, and “in all”. Simply put… He is everything! Actually, the […]
We Launched MISSIODEI Church on September 15th, 2012 with a Grand Opening of worship and celebration. The following message is a flagship message about the mission and vision of MISSIODEI Church. Mission: CHRIST – COMMUNITY – CULTURE Vision: SEEK, SEND, REPEAT. subscribe to itunes podcast
the fashion of Christ /// 3:12-17 Introduction A historical look at fashion. >>> VIDEO DISCUSSION #1 What is your favorite piece of clothing? 5 MUST HAVES IN EVERY WARDROBE Today Paul is going to give Christians some important fashion advice. But before we get into the subject of fashion and style, it is important […]
the household of Christ /// 3:18-4:1 I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one’s wife happy. First, let her think she’s having her own way. And second, let her have it. Lyndon B. Johnson “No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I’m […]
the mission of Christ /// 4:2-6 “The greatest sin of the church today is not any sin of commission or sin of omission but the sin of no mission. Browning, Dave.” Deliberate Simplicity. INTRODUCTION “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, […]
Jesus Loves a Sinful Woman …and the religious folks don’t like it one bit. Jesus shows a prostitute compassion and forgiveness. It does not matter how dark your past is, or what alley you are crawling our of, Jesus loves and died for you. Experience the relentless love of Christ in this story from Luke […]
Jesus Loves a Very Sinful Man Jesus chooses the most unlikely character to become one of his closest friends. This crooked business man was hated by everyone in town. Jesus shows him kindness and mercy and totally transforms his life. Experience the life transforming power of friendship with Jesus from this story in Luke 5. […]
Jesus ❤’s Sinners “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” (Luke 7:18ff ESV) Thesis :: When John struggles with doubt over who Jesus is, Jesus publicly defends John and challenges everyone else to decide for themselves. Outline: 1. John […]
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…” Introduction American Newspaper Journalist, Jim Bishop, wrote the following in a Christmas column. “There was a man born of Jewish parents in an obscure village. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he […]
2 Corinthians 5:17–21 Thesis :: Mission is not something the church does, but it is something the church is. It is not what we do but who we are. Introduction For the past 4 weeks we have had guest speakers and special presentations bent specifically towards mission, missions, and missionaries. This morning I have […]
Everyone loves a good story and the one over-arching story of the entire bible is a really good story about a missionary God who is on a mission to save sinners who are far from him. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, […]
Mission is the mother of all theology. ~Martin Kahler Where the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are, there too is the Church which is the body of the Three. ~ Tertullian Once we understand the nature of the Trinity, that doctrinal truth should become the basic foundation and structure of every single thing in our […]