Pastor Craig's Sermons & Devotionals: Recent Episodes
Craig W. Lindgren Sr.
A Biblical Conservative who believes God's Word has the answers to all the problems we face. The Word of God is Powerful when followed God's way. Join us on our journey through the Bible as we grow together! Email to PastorCraig@Live.com .
Its all around us! How can we stand up in the Culture we live in? Let;s see what Gods Word has to say today!
Romans 8:31-39 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."If God is for us, who can be against us?
"Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22
We all have some! Are you doing your part?
"Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:33-39
Showing others the "Road of Salvation"!
Believers Are Salt and Light!“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
What Influence are you having on your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers? Be challenged by His Word today!
"Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22
We all have some! Are you doing your part?
Believers Are Salt and Light. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Mt 5:13-16
Are you a Light? A Flavor Enhancer? We are called to just that!
"For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, hat their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." Colossians 2:1-10
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:8-15
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily." Colossians 1:15-29
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:9-14
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit." Colossians 1:1-8
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." Colossians 1:1-12
The Preeminence of Christ in All Things!
Matthew 28:16-20 "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."
Once Saved we fulfill the start of the Great Commission by being Baptized, and by Growing in the Word of God. How are you doing at this?
Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone. Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2).
We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Jesus spoke this during His famous Sermon the Mount. So what did He mean by “pure in heart?”
The Greek word for “pure” in Matthew 5:8 is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt.” Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning.
John the Baptist told people that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). Malachi speaks of the Messiah as being like a “refiner’s fire” (Malachi 3:2). Jesus refers to believers as being the branches and to Himself as being the vine (John 15:1-17).
For a vine to produce fruit, it must be pruned. Those who are truly “pure,” then, are those who have been declared innocent because of the work of Jesus and who are being sanctified by His refining fire and His pruning.
The phrase “blood of Christ” is used several times in the New Testament and is the expression of the sacrificial death and full atoning work of Jesus on our behalf. References to the Savior’s blood include the reality that He literally bled on the cross, but more significantly that He bled and died for sinners. The blood of Christ has the power to atone for an infinite number of sins committed by an infinite number of people throughout the ages, and all whose faith rests in that blood will be saved.
Not only does the blood of Christ redeem believers from sin and eternal punishment, but “His blood will make our consciences pure from useless acts so we may serve the living God” Hebrews 9:14. This means that not only are we now free from having to offer sacrifices which are “useless” to obtain salvation, but we are free from having to rely on worthless and unproductive works of the flesh to please God. Because the blood of Christ has redeemed us, we are now new creations in Christ 2 Cor 5:17, and by His blood we are freed from sin to serve the living God, to glorify Him, and to enjoy Him forever.
Through Adam, the inherent inclination to sin entered the human race, and human beings became sinners by nature. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity which would be passed on to all who came after him. We are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners. This passed-on depravity is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful natures from Adam.
Thankfully, inherited sin, imputed sin, and personal sin have all been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7
The Church! What is the Function, Purpose, Meaning of the Church? Let us search various scripturas today to find out!
What do we need to guard against? What encounter with Jesus does he want us to learn about dealing with people?
Luke 12:1-5 "In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps" 1 Peter 2:21
How Close are you Following Christs Example?
Jesus often made the statement "I AM". Do you believe it? With God all things are possible. When God calls us and asks us if we are ready, can you respond that in Him you are?
- I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
- I am the Door (John 10:9)
- I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
- I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
- I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)
Jesus, The Great Physician! "When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16-17
"Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?” Jonah 4:4-11
Do you have trouble getting your perspective right? There is one way to get it there... Listen and Follow His Word!
"So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it."Jonah 3:5-10
Be Faithful to Gods Call and His Word will accomplish His Purpose!
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:1-4
Ever been angry with God? If we are honest we would have to say yes. But do you stay there? Or do you allow Him to change your heart and mind?
"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Jonah 3:1-4
Who needs a Second Chance? We all do! What will you do with yours?
"Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; The earth with its bars closed behind me forever; Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. “Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." Jonah 2:1-10
"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep." Jonah 1:1-5
Have you ever run from God? How far were you willing to run? Did God let you go< or did He pursue you? Let us see what the case is with Jonah!
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one [e]Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" James 4:4-12
"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:1-6
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" James 4:11-12
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:1-8
What are you pursuing in life? What things will make you happy? Do you know what true wealth and riches truly are? Let us see what Gods Word has to say today!
We can learn a lot from our Farmer friends that can help us grow spiritually! Patience, Perseverance, Hope, and determination!
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:1-8
What are you pursuing in life? What things will make you happy? Do you know what true wealth and riches truly are? Let us see what Gods Word has to say today!
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:11-17
How do you speak of others? Are you putting yourself in the place of God? How much dependence do you have on the Lord? Let us see what the Bible has to say!
How do you speak of others? Are you putting yourself in the place of God? How much dependence do you have on the Lord? Let us see what the Bible has to say!
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:11-17
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:6-10
You have strife? Battling the World? What's the answer...? Let us see what Gods Word has to say!
"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:6-10
You have strife? Battling the World? What's the answer...? Let us see what Gods Word has to say!
"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:1-6
This message James is preaching to his church, not the world. Christians who war and fight can be ruthless with each other. James says not if you are truly walking in the spirit of the Lord! Do you justify your ways? Are you walking and living in Grace as Jesus desires? Let's take a look at what the Word of God has to say today.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18
What type of Wisdom do you have? Many work under the worlds thoughts and ways. What about you? Let's check it against what the Bible has to say!
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18
What type of Wisdom do you have? Let's check it against what the Bible has to say!
"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” James 4:1-6
This message James is preaching to his church, not the world. Christians who war and fight can be ruthless with each other. James says not if you are truly walking in the spirit of the Lord! Do you justify your ways? Are you walking and living in Grace as Jesus desires? Let's take a look at what the Word of God has to say today.
What does out tongue show us about ourselves? Do our words really matter? Let's see what Gods Word has to say today!
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh." James 3:6-12
What does out tongue show us about ourselves? Do our words really matter? Let's see what Gods Word has to say today!
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh." James 3:6-12
"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. " James 3:1-6
What does your tongue have in common with a horses bit or a ships rudder? Apparently a lot! Let us take a look at the scriptures' today and see what we can learn.
"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. " James 3:1-6
What does your tongue have in common with a horses bit or a ships rudder? Apparently a lot! It's not always what we say, but how we say it! Are you really in control of yourself? Let us take a look at the scriptures' today and see what we can learn.
Where is our Obsession with Jesus in our lives? What about Jesus? What was He all about? Why did He come? Let us see what the Word of God can teach us.
"Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:13-17
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:21-25
How Zealous are you for the Lord?
Let us see what we can learn from the Lord today in His Word.
"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-19
How important is the Church? Do we dismiss that what Christ has instituted?
"But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:18-26
Works not FOR Salvation, but BECAUSE of Salvation! Do you have a living Faith?
"So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:12-18
Faith Without Works Is... Does your Walk match your Talk? We can say what we want, but it is our actions that will prove out who we are.
Are you asleep on the job? Your Christian job that is! Are we fulfilling our responsibility as Christians in light of the Resurrection?
Acts 1:4-8 "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
1st Corinthians 15:12-19 "Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable."
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
***You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."***
Mark 15:11-15 "But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified."
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5-8
Is it important what we think? What about our words?
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5-8
What impact do your words have. Does it really matter?
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent. But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed. But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother’s womb You have been My God. Be not far from Me, For trouble is near;
For there is none to help." Psalm 22:1-11
Learn all about the Torah Worm.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors." James 2:1-9
Where do you stand in light of this scripture?
James 1:21-25 "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."What do you do with God's Word after you read it? Hear it? Know it? Are you a doer? or a hearer only? Do you remember your nature in light of Gods Holiness? Is the mirror of scripture ever before you? The Bible gives us some great advice on how to live out His Word in the world today!
James 1:21-25 "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."What do you do with God's Word after you read it? Hear it? Know it? Are you a doer? or a hearer only? The Bible gives us some great advice on how to live out His Word in the world today!
James 1:16-20 "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Are you a listener? I mean are you really hearing what is said? Or are you more consumed with what you want to say? How are your interactions producing the rightlessness of God?
What does Gods Word have to say about this? Let's see!
James 1:16-20 "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Are you a listener? I mean are you really hearing what is said? Or are you more consumed with what you want to say? What does Gods Word have to say about this? Let's see!
James 1:9-15 "Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
Are you walking Your Talk? Let's see what the Word of God has to say to us today!
What a Paradox is. James will Bring the scripture to life! Let's see what he has to say!
James 1:9-15 "Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
Are you walking Your Talk? Let's see what the Word of God has to say to us today!
Have you been Baptized according to the scriptures? Most Believers have not! Are you interested in what the Word of God says on this subject? If so, listen on.
There is a lot to learn about the Lords Table. Is it just crackers and juice? Is it transformed into the body and the blood of our Lord? What is the significance of doing this together? Let us see what Gods Word can teach us through this 3 part series!
There is a lot to learn about the Lords Table. Is it just crackers and juice? Is it transformed into the body and the blood of our Lord? What is the significance of doing this together? Let us see what Gods Word can teach us through this 3 part series!
There is a lot to learn about the Lords Table. Is it just crackers and juice? Is it transformed into the body and the blood of our Lord? What is the significance of doing this together? Let us see what Gods Word can teach us through this 3 part series!
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Are you steady like a rock? Or tossed to and fro like a wave of the sea? Do you have knowledge or wisdom? Do you pray with confidence believing? These are important questions! The good news is we can find the answers in God's Word today!
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Are you steady like a rock? Or tossed to and fro like a wave of the sea? Do you have knowledge or wisdom? Do you pray with confidence believing? These are important questions! The good news is we can find the answers in God's Word today!
"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
It starts with attitude, continues with attitude, and finishes with attitude! How do you enter trials and tests in your life? Are you allowing God to direct and grow you? Do you see His hand at work in your life? Let's see what the Word says today!
"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
It starts with attitude, continues with attitude, and finishes with attitude! How do you enter trials and issues in life? Are you allowing God to direct and grow you? Let's see what the Word says today!
How important is vision??? Without it the people will perish! Do we have faith to walk in the vision that God has given us? Are we looking for His Hand in our church? Let us see what we can learn from these scriptures today!
Nehemiah 1:3-4 "And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Nehemiah 2:17-18 "Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work."
Do you believe? Change can happen! Healing can restore! Let me ask you again, Do you believe in the Impossible? Do you have the Love of Christ in You?
Matthew 22:35-40 "Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”Luke 10:22-37 "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
***But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’
So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”***
We make many resolutions each year, most with good intentions, but most are never seen. What about a Spiritual Resolution? Can we make those with the Power of Christ? Would this be His desire for our life? Let's see what God's Word can show us today!
1 Corinthians 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
Many times reverent, solemn, quiet, peaceful, but not on the night that Jesus was born! The Bible says anything but! Let's relook at that wonderful night that Jesus was born!
Luke 2:9-14 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
We all have them in our life. How do we handle them? Where do we go to get back? Does God use these for our good? Let's have a flash from the past and see what Gods Word can teach us from 2017 and Life's Detours!
Often Read. Rarely understood. A flash back to 2019 as we go through the 23rd Psalm.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."
The Baby to the Cross. It is the same gift through time. The sweet innocence of a baby to a beaten and bruised Savior. We can't have one without the other. We can't see one without the other. The Words in Isaiah touch us in a special way this day. Let's read them together!
Faith Hills lyrics in part say: Choir of angels sing Glory to the newborn King. A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything, Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
My whole life has turned around, I was lost but now I'm found. A baby changes everything, yeah, A baby changes everything.
But the most important question is has He Changed your life? Let's see what Gods Word has to offer us today in the book of Isaiah.
Anyone who has had a child understands how that child can change your life. But what if a Child could change the World? Let's see what Isaiah can reveal to us today!
When the trees are all cut down, the place can look pretty desolate. But from the desolation rises a Shoot from the stump of Jesse! What does all this mean? Let's see what Gods Word can teach us today about this Wonderful New Life!
Christmas time is a time of giving and receiving. The best gift ever given was wrapped in a baby! This child changed the course of history and mankind. He provided us the way to be reconciled back to God! The Greatest Gift of All is Jesus! Let's see how Isaiah brings this gift to reality today.
My whole life has turned around, I was lost but now I'm found, A baby changes everything, yeah, A baby changes everything! Has the Birth of Jesus Changed your Life?
The Baby to the Cross. It is the same gift through time. The sweet innocence of a baby to a beaten and bruised Savior. We can't have one without the other. We can't see one without the other. The Words in Isaiah touch us in a special way this day. Let's read them together!
Knowing the True—Rejecting the False"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." 1 John 5:18-21
John has drilled these certainties into us over and over through 1st John. Do you remember what they are? And what about idols? Do we need to worry about them in our modern day and age? Let's see what the scriptures have to show us today.
Knowing the True and Rejecting the False"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." 1 John 5:18-21
John wants us to be certain of several things. If you have been following us through 1st John, can you name them?
"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death." Are you a Pray-er, or a complainer? Do you look like something you are not? Gods Challenge is to be genuine in our life and be doers of His Word! Let's be challenged today in the Word!
"This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one." vs. 6-8.
What does this mean to us as believers? Does it build our confidence in Him? Let's see what the Word of God can teach us today!
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death." Are you a Pray-er, or a complainer? Gods Challenge is to be genuine in our life and be doers of His Word! Put Prayer First and Believe! Let's be challenged today in the Word!
"This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one." vs. 6-8.
What does this mean to us as believers? Does it build our confidence in Him? Let's see what the Word of God can teach us today!
Where do we find the strength to walk in God's ways? Is it even possible? What if we fail? Can we start over? Does God's Word even hold the answers? Let's take a look today!
Where do we find the strength to walk in God's ways? Is it even possible? What if we fail? Does God's Word hold the answers? Let's take a look today!
How is love perfected? Can Love be perfected? What does it look like? Would you be surprised to know that John shows us exactly everything we need to know about this subject? Let's take a look today!
How is love perfected? Can Love be perfected? What does it look like? Would you be surprised to know that John shows us exactly everything we need to know about this subject? Let's take a look today!
How does the world see Jesus? Are we living out the Love that only God can give us? Do we love the unlovable?, the difficult? the unworthy? Such were some of you! Let's see what God's Word can teach us today!
How does the world see Jesus? Are we living out the Love that only God can give us? Do we love the unlovable?, the difficult? the unworthy? Such were some of you! Let's see what God's Word can teach us today!
How do we know what is true? Is every spiritual experience of God? Is it good to test the spirits? Let us see what God's Word can teach us today!
How do we know what is true? Is every spiritual experience of God? Is it good to test the spirits? Let us see what God's Word can teach us today!
A few things Christians are not too good at. Forgiveness and Agape Love. What does God's Love look like in your life? Is your love towards others conditional? Was Gods Love towards you conditional? Let's see what Gods Word tells us today as we close out 1 John 3.
We are use to living and then death. Jesus says we can go from death to life! How can that be? What does that mean? Let's see what the Word of God has to say about this perplexing statement. You may be blessed with His answer.
We as Christians can have troubles with loving others, at least as the Bible tells us to, John says we can have assurance of our relationship with God if we truly love one another. Do you? Let's see what the Word has to say today.
What is our opinion of sin? What do we do with known sin? As Christians do we sin? Do we even call sin - sin anymore? Let's see what the Word of God has to tell us today!
What is our opinion of sin? What do we do with known sin? As Christians do we sin? Let's see what the Word of God has to tell us today!
Johns been tough on us! Challenging us about our walk, profession, and life. Don't be too discouraged. If we are truly Gods, we are adopted, grafted in, and His children. Take comfort as we see what God's Word has to say today.
Johns been tough on us! Challenging us about our walk, profession, and life. Don't be too discouraged. If we are truly Gods, we are adopted, grafted in, and His children. Take comfort as we see what God's Word has to say today.
John gives us many questions to challenge us in our walk, and to examine ourselves in salvation. His recipe to have confidence before Christ in His return... Abide in Him! Are professing Christians doing this? Is there a desire in your life to draw closer to Him? What does the Bible say about Abiding in God? Let's take a look today!
John gives us many questions to challenge us in our walk, and to examine ourselves in salvation. His recipe to have confidence before Christ in His return... Abide in Him! Are professing Christians doing this? Is there a desire in your life to draw closer to Him? What does the Bible say about Abiding in God? Let's take a look today!
Who do we listen to? What draws us away from our relationship with Jesus? Will you recognize the Antichrist or antichrists of this world? How do you discern and know for sure? Let's see what the bible can tell us about these and other questions today.
Who do we listen to? What draws us away from our relationship with Jesus? Will you recognize the Antichrist or antichrists of this world? How do you discern and know for sure? Let's see what the bible can tell us about these and other questions today.
We all battle temptations! The key is to recognizing where they come from, how they lure us, and how to defeat them! Let's take a look at what John can tell us in these 3 powerful verses in 1 John 2:15-17.
The Lust of the Flesh
The Lust of the Eyes
The Pride of Life.
Do we wrestle with these? I think so! Maybe we can trace all sin back to these 3 roots. Lets see what we can find out today in God's Word!
Are you growing in Christ? We all start out as a baby in our faith, but are you a healthy Christian growing up in all things? Let us see what God's Word has for us today!
Why do we practice Believers Baptism? Is it Biblical? What is its meaning? How serious do we take this Ordinance of the Lord? Let's see what God's Word can teach us today!
Are we being led away from the Lord? Are we deceiving ourselves? Where are you in your spiritual growth? We all come to Christ as babes. Have you progressed? Let's see what God has for us today!
Christians many times have problems with Biblical Love. Why don't we get it right? What's the problem? Is there any hope? Let's see what we can learn from the scriptures today!
We need to walk in the light, live in His love, and learn to be real! When God's love fills us, and we yield ourselves to Him, great things are bound to happen! Let's see what God's Word will teach us today!
Some things we just need to answer ourselves. God's Word challenges us at every step of our life. When we sit in the quietness and look deep into His word, and the questions He asks, What will we say?
Do we really Examine ourselves in light of the Scriptures. In the Epistles of 1st John he asks us some tough, self examining questions! What are your answers?
Do we really Examine ourselves in light of the Scriptures. In the Epistles of 1st John he asks us some tough, self examining questions! What are your answers? Are we Walking in the Light? Are we lying to ourselves and others? Is our relationship unabated? Let's take a liik!
If being a True Christian was easy, everybody would be one. These questions that John asks help us to evaluate our true relationship with God. Are you ready to give your answer?
Jesus faced critics, and guess what... They were the ones closest to Him. Are you a critic? Or are you an edifier? Scripture has a lot to teach us on this subject. Let;s dig in together.
In Mark 6 we read of a conflict Jesus has with his hometown people. Why wouldn't they listen to what He had to say? Why don't we? Do we share the same reasons? Let us see what we can learn from the scriptures today and see if we truly are a critic.
Dads are a lot of things in this world, Provider, Instructor, Guide, Bank, etc. We take a lot for granted, Don't make your Dad one of them. Let's see what the Scriptures can teach us today.
Fathers are far from perfect, but the Bible tells us to Honor them. We can be thankful for Provisions, Instruction, and example. God Blessed us with our Fathers, and we need to be thankful! Let's see what God's Word has for us today.
What is the True Meaning of the Lord's Table? What are we to Observe? Do? Remember? Let us see what the scripture has to say today.
In todays world the impact of the church has seemed to diminish. Attendance is down. Pastors are quitting. Churches are closing. Is this the end of the Church? You might be surprised at what Gods Word has to say on this subject. Let us take a look!
In todays world the impact of the church has seemed to diminish. Attendance is down. Pastors are quitting. Churches are closing. Is this the end of the Church? You might be surprised at what Gods Word has to say on this subject. Let us take a look!
Are you a Camel in a Zoo? I hope not! But are you walking in the call that Jesus has for your life? Let's see what the scriptures can teach us today!
Are you a Camel in a Zoo? Are you a spectator in your Christian walk? I hope not! Are you walking in the call that Jesus has for your life? Don't waste it! Live it! Let's see what the scriptures can teach us today!
Through the Cross, Jesus has done a great work, and has called you to follow in His footsteps. Is your walk worthy? Are you a retired Christian?, a tired Christian? ? Scriptures have the answers to all our questions! Let's see what Gods Word has to say today!
Through the Cross, Jesus has done a great work, and has called you to follow in His footsteps. Is your walk worthy? Can it be worthy? Scriptures have the answers! Let's see what Gods Word has to say today!
We have been Called! We have been Commissioned! We have been Commanded! To Go, Make, Baptize, and Teach! It is all of our responsibilities, Are you doing your scriptural part?
We have been Called! We have been Commissioned! We have been Commanded! To Go, Make, Baptize, and Teach! It is all of our responsibilities, Are you doing your scriptural part?
We all remember our Mothers. A Godly Mother loves with a measure that is a reflection of Christ and His Love for us. Then, God has placed other women in our lives also that are very special. Grandmas, Aunties, Sisters, Daughters, and spiritual Mothers, Aunties, Sisters, and Daughters! God is so Good! Let us honor these gifts that God has placed in our lives as we see what the scriptures have to say. Amen!
We all remember our Mothers. A Godly Mother loves with a measure that is a reflection of Christ and His Love for us. Then, God has placed other women in our lives also that are very special. Grandmas, Aunties, Sisters, Daughters, and spiritual Mothers, Aunties, Sisters, and Daughters! God is so Good! Let us honor these gifts that God has placed in our lives as we see what the scriptures have to say. Amen!
There are a few things we as Christians are not good at. Loving and Forgiveness. We say we forgive, but do we really? Do we seek forgiveness, or want forgiveness? Are we concerned with reconciliation? Or our pound of flesh? Let's see what the scriptures have to say on this sensitive and timely subject!
Are we to defend the Gospel? What if it wasn't about defending God, rather defending our beliefs in God? The Lord tells us to always be Ready to give an answer! How ready should you be? How ready are you to defend the Gospel?
Does fear keep you from celebrating life? Is fear Good? Normal? Expected? How do we move beyond Fear to Faith? The Shepherds faced this same situation! So let's see what the Bible says and learn how the Shepherds were able to have a Party in the midst of their Fear!
We often come to God with our wants and needs. But He also desires our Praise and Thanksgiving. Let us take time to Thank God for all He has done, and all He Provides! Amen!
Sometimes a Party is not thought of as "Holy", "Proper", or "Appropriate". But what does the Bible say? When done right, a Party can be a wonderful thing to behold! Just ask the Angels and Shepherds about a night they had something to Party about! :)
How do we know that we know? One Gospel! One Spirit! One Truth! Let us examine what the scriptures say to us about what we may believe in our salvation experience.
How easy is it to drift from the Gospel message? Maybe we think that we could never do that. Could we? Are we that much different than Christians who went before us? Let's see what the scripture has to say about holding fast to the base truths of the Gospel message.
Do we serve God to be recognized? Do we segment our lives into worldly and Christian? If you are a true Christian the Holy Spirit indwells in you just as yeast pernitrates the bread dough. Our walk needs the divine source to move us every day and in every way! Let's see what the Bible can teach us today!
Many if not all of us have a past testimony that needs to be overcome with our Christian testimony. It's not always easy. It took years to develop our previous testimony. Is it any wonder people may be cautious or doubting when we present a new view? Guess what? We are not alone! Paul had a huge obstacle to overcome, and with persistence and some help from Barnabas, Paul showed himself as the genuine deal! You can too! Let's see what Galatians can teach us today!
Do we just walk the isle and then continue in our own life? Or does God want more from us? Let's see what the Bible has to tell us in this final sermon on the Colors of Salvation!
How urgent do you think it is to share the Gospel Message? Really? How active are you in sharing the Gospel? because that is the true test of how urgent you really believe it is. Let's see what we truly believe in comparison to what Gods Word says. Join us today for a good self-examination.
Unless we come to Jesus as a Child. Do we remember the basics of our salvation? Do we know how to share the Plan of Salvation? In these times we need to know. Come along as we discover what the Bible teaches us about the Colors of Salvation!
Unless we come to Jesus as a Child. Do we remember the basics of our salvation? Do we know how to share the Plan of Salvation? In these times we need to know. Come along as we discover what the Bible teaches us about the Colors of Salvation!
Unless we come to Jesus as a Child. Do we remember the basics of our salvation? Do we know how to share the Plan of Salvation? In these times we need to know. Come along as we discover what the Bible teaches us about the Colors of Salvation!
Unless we come to Jesus as a Child. Do we remember the basics of our salvation? Do we know how to share the Plan of Salvation? In these times we need to know. Come along as we discover what the Bible teaches us about the Colors of Salvation!
Unless we come to Jesus as a Child. Do we remember the basics of our salvation? Do we know how to share the Plan of Salvation? In these times we need to know. Come along as we discover what the Bible teaches us about the Colors of Salvation!
As we conclude our 7th Sermon in Malachi, Do we believe God will always provide? What do we have our trust and faith in? Let's see what God's Word has to show us today!
When we think of robbing God what do we think of? Money, Time, Talents. Lets see what Gods Word has to say on the subject, then we can ask the question, Can a Man Rob God?
We like things FAIR! Does the Bible say life is fair? Or does the Bible say God is fair? Do we think God is fair? Israel had a problem with this. Do we? Lets see what Gods Word has to say on this subject.
We hear but do we Listen. We have some of the same problems Israel had. What is God saying to us about this problem? Lets look at His Word and find out!
Are we people of our word? How about to our Father in heaven? There was a popular movement many years ago called "Promise Keepers". It was a calling of men to be faithful to God. Have we lost that focus as Gods people? Are we concerned with what we pledge to God? Lets take a look today and see what Gods Word has to say.
What have you done to deserve Gods Love? What can you do? You may be surprised that God loves you not because of who You are, but because of who He Is! Lets see what Gods Word has to say today!
We get pretty proud sometimes of the things we do for God. Sure we could do more, but surely He appreciates what we give Him! Well, maybe we need to examine His Word to see what it says, and then examine our gift to make sure it is not a sick cow offering!
Are we captured by our past? Do we really believe that in Christ every day is the first day to the rest of our lives? In Haggai they purposed in their hearts that from this day forward things would be different! How about you? Let's see what Gods Word has to say on this topic!
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness! We sing it. we play it, we say it, but do we really mean it? Haggai cuts to the chase in our lives and by Gods Word! Let's see what the Word of God says today!
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is destruction. Are you following Gods Ways or yours? What does Haggai teach us on this subject? Let's find out what Gods Word says as we consider our ways.
When we have strayed, do we feel trapped by life or circumstances? Last week we talked about considering our ways. This week let's see what Gods Word says about changing our plans to conform to His.
Are you a wimpy Christian> Or a Bold Disciple? How do you approach the Work that God has for you? How does it line up with the Word of God? Well Let's see!
Through all this have we learned what God wants us to know? Are we changing? or doing the same old same old? Let's get busy and be doing the new things God has for us to do according to His Word!
Are we willing or wanting to go back to what we once were? Or have we seen God do a new work in a new way that can expand and focus our ministries? Lets see what Gods Word says!
Do we try to have one without the other? Is that bending scripture to our own means? Let's see what the scriptures say about the Letter of the Law, and the Spirit of the Law.
Do we ever choose the world over God's Word.. Come on... What does the Bible teach us about God's Word and Man's Law? Let us find out what the Bible says!
We can do just fine until we take our eyes off of Jesus. What does the Bible tell us about this subject?
Just a note as our video didn't turn out very well. This is just why we have made some of the decisions we have. Be Safe! Be Blessed!
Is how we pray important? Are there elements in prayer that we should acknowledge as we enter into prayer? Does the Bible teach us to pray? Lets find out!
Do we give God everything? Or are we living a compromised life? Have you surrendered your Will to His? Let's talk it over!
James addresses those who profess one belief, but walk a different way. He challenges us to a a Faith with our Boots on! In this episode James regarded trials as inevitable. He said when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged submission. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials because they are used to produce patience which will Glorify Christ.