Amazing Grace Community Church: Recent Episodes
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We are set free to live free. Sermon messages with group interaction. Unique. See more about AGCC at http://www.amazinggracecc.org or email mark@amazinggraceco.org
[Sermon on the Mount 2 of 6] Jesus states the attributes of the Believer and cautions us against letting them fade or be hidden. This portion of the sermon shocks those who sought to twist His coming in an effort to sideline Him.
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20
Preacher: Pastor Mark
[Sermon on the Mount 1 of 6] The opening of this groundbreaking teaching by Jesus. The Beatitudes. Jesus communicates what the Believer’s character ought to be and the resulting blessing awarded by Him. The crazy thing is.. His teaching is antithetical to the high religion of the day.
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-13
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Are You An Insider Threat? If we think about it a bit, Christians ARE an insider threat. We are embedded in the world. Paul was an insider threat. The world was changed by a group no larger than this (congregation).
Scriptures: Acts 17:16-34
Preacher: Pastor Mark
God has certain attributes that cannot be imparted to or obtained by humans. They are INCOMMUNICABLE - This sets Him apart. These are part of His being, essential characteristics.
BUT, Incommunicable is not incomprehensible.
Some of God’s attributes or character CAN be imparted to us. Listen in as we take a look at God’s characteristics.
Scripture: Isaiah 40
Preacher: Pastor Mark
We Aspen Springers are infamous for conspiracies!!
Speculating about mysteries incites a titillating anxiety of the future that relieves boredom and distracts from more pressing dilemmas.
Too often, belief in conspiracies as truth come about in the fog of mental illness or substance abuse or established contrarian worldview.
The birth, death, resurrection of Jesus are core facts of salvation. Ascribing to them is foundational in receiving the gift of eternal life.
They are deemed to be conspiracy theories from non-believers—even from the moment it happened. Look at how the conspiracy was formed and spread. Look at the motivation behind it.
Rejection of them are foundational doctrines in all false religions.
How do we distinguish conspiracy theory with truth? Listen in and you’ll find out!!
Scriptures: Matthew 27:57-66: 28:1-17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
What does this mean?
During the Exodus, workmen were specifically called to help with the tabernacle that God wanted built. They were given special talent. They themselves were God’s workmanship so that they could perform the good works of workmanship on the tabernacle.
Likewise, we too, are God’s workmanship. He has created us to be a tabernacle of His Spirit! And we, through evangelism and witness, are helping on the construction of another tabernacle.
We are created to do good works through the presence of Christ Jesus in our lives. How will these good works be tested? How do we take this spiritual assignment and apply it in our daily responsibilities?
Scriptures: Ephesians 2:10; Exodus 31:1-11; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 3:6-17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
There are points in our history where new technology disrupts the standard that has been used up to that point in time.
Grace and Truth disrupted Religion: Prior to Pentecost, the Mosaic Law was the norm. It had been practiced for 2000+ years. Worship in the Temple was the norm. The Law informed and shaped the entire Jewish society. Only Jews. All the nations other than Israel worshipped idols.
Then Jesus turned the tables over. Literally. Disruption. Has the gospel disrupted your life? It needs to. Go and be disruptive in people’s lives.
Scriptures: John 1:14-17; Acts 2
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Will Artificial Intelligence or Robots take over preaching? Is A.I. a better preacher? Pastoring in the age of A.I. and robots could be a breeze! Have A.I. create the sermon in 60 seconds. Who needs a Christian counselor when A.I. is available? Who needs other Christians to help solve church relationships when A.I. is available?
Do we need a flesh and blood pastor or preacher at the Church of A.I.?
Preacher (flesh and blood): Pastor Mark
Mary and Joseph were simple people living in a poor rural village when God chose them to do something extraordinary. This required them to follow the Mosaic Law—by Faith. They ushered in the One who would bring Grace and Truth. Ironically, they followed the Law to participate in removing the Law which would usher in Grace.
This was no ordinary run-of-the-mill event.
They presented baby Jesus at the temple where God would use two faithful servants to declare the beginning of this transition.
Scriptures: Matthew 1:17-25; Luke 2:22-24.25-40; Leviticus 12:1-8; Exodus 13:1,2,11-16
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Christmas is about the giving of gifts. To be specific, it is about one gift that has been given. This gift continues to be received by new recipients every year. While it isn’t restrained to one day each year, that specific day does come each year. year in and year out. It’s a day that fractured the calendar. It’s a gift that has been opened each year for 2000+ years.
HOW DO WE EXPLAIN WHAT A GIFT IS?
Scriptures: John 3:16-21
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Mary and Joseph were simple people who lived their lives doing the extraordinary—participating in God's plan for humanity. Any one of us can do the same! Like them, we too can usher in the spiritual principles into physical reality. Healing is visible, forgiveness is invisible. Forgiveness is eternal. Healing is temporary.
Jesus lived in the spiritual realm and through divine conception was birthed into the physical realm through a woman and dwelt among us. In the same way, God's written word can birth spiritual things into the physical realm.
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Scriptures: John 1:17; Luke 5:17-26; Hebrews 4:12
This message gives the listener a big picture overview of the Bible. Having this 30,000 foot view helps the disciple gain greater understanding of the pieces of the Bible.
God initiated time and history and has communicated it to man—even up to the end of the world and beyond. It is written down in this book we call the Bible.
One cannot know American or World history without the Bible. It provides critical historical, cultural, and literary context.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1,2; John 1:1-18; Revelation 22:12-17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
How to make them? How to make good ones? What is the impact of bad decisions? How can you recover from a bad one? We'll answer these in this message.
God uses the stories of His chosen people so that we learn and believe. Let’s see what we can learn as we travel back to 627 B.C. and check in with Jeremiah.
We'll find that the Jews committed two evils. Have we as a nation done the same thing? See what you think.
There is a decision you have been holding off making. God encourages you to Make A New Decision. Today.
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:9-12; 42
Preacher: Pastor Mark
As a church, we have a set of beliefs and behaviors that we promote, that we live, and with the purpose of drawing people in. Call it a 'platform' if you like. It’s what we communicate when we are out meeting with people for the purpose of joining them in.
May I introduce the “Gold Party”? What Does this “Gold Party” stand for? And, are the beliefs and behaviors something you might be interested in?
Listen in as this message details the primary beliefs and behaviors of Amazing Grace Community Church in short order.
Scripture: 1 John
Preacher: Pastor Mark
..who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways*, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- They didn't and "We the People" haven't either. This if/then equation is from the Mosaic Law.
And herein lies the reason Jesus brought grace from heaven: Without the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we can't turn from our wicked ways. The equation becomes If/Then/Didn't. Israel's land is not yet healed.
God's New Covenant warning with a promise is aimed at individuals, forgiving them and giving them eternal life through Jesus. The New Covenant equation is: If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, {Then} you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7
Preacher: Pastor Mark
No Jesus, No Peace. Jesus says, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt 5:9) King David writes, Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
Peacemakers do not go around sowing division, deception, and delusion. How do we sow peace and what do If Peace in Christ is refused?
One kingdom under God. One church under God.
Scriptures: John 17:17-26; Psalm 16:7; Genesis 26:12-33
Preacher: Pastor Mark
If our expression of Christianity causes outsiders to find the Bible distasteful, how will they want to seek Jesus? To the unredeemed we might be the only bible they know.
Outsiders are much more demanding with their expectations of Christians. They expect us to be perfect. In part, because that’s what we’ve communicated.
The words we speak might be the only biblical words they hear. If this be so, isn’t it of great importance how we conduct ourselves?
Scriptures: Colossians 4:5,6; James 3:13-18, 4:13-17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
We are given delegated authority but we don’t have authority over God. As believers, we serve each other and the Lord. We should do so with confidence and the authority that comes with knowing they are doing God’s work.
We are not made gods equal to our Heavenly Father or above Him to command Him. Even Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
Believers have some authority over some things, not everything all the time.
We also discuss what Believer’s Authority isn’t and the blasphemy promulgated by the Word of Faith movement.
Scriptures: 1 Pet 4:11; Luke 9:1; 17:5,6,10; 22:42; John 5:30; Eph 6:1; 5:22-24; Rom 4:17; 13:1-7; Acts 15:28,29; Matt 8:9; 17:19-21; Hab 3:2; Jer 4:5; Ps 66:16; 19:1; 26:6,7
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Iran launched 181 Ballistic missiles into Israel. Miraculously, it appears only 1 person died who didn’t stay in the bomb bunker.
Is This beginning of WWIII? Biblically, What War Is It? Is it the War of Extermination Psalm 83 or the Gog/Magog war in Ezekiel 38,39 or Armageddon Revelation 16? Tune in and get a sound biblical teaching on these questions.
Jesus says, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
Scriptures: Psalm 83; Daniel 7:19-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Preacher: Pastor Mark
How is a church to be organized? How do we know if the church is following the instructions of the Bible?
Church is full of relationships. Church is not a performance or ritual. We don’t see anything like this in the scriptures! Not a time of craziness or disorder either.
We have all been invited in by God Almighty to His family and house. He is the head, the leader, and He has created the culture of relationships and order for us to follow. If we do, we will see change in our personal lives and we will see God working mightily in and for this church. Listen in as we delve into the operation of a New Testament Church.
Scriptures: 1 Timothy Chapters 1-3
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Ever wonder what it’d be like if you had a rich uncle or parent who will leave their estate to you?
What would you do with the money? Would it change how you live prior to receiving it? Would you live with a focus towards that future event of receiving it?
In earthly terms Believers are future billionaires because of our future inheritance. An Heir in Christ is a child of God with an inheritance held in heaven. Listen in as we open up this foundational topic.
Scriptures: Colossians 2:9,10; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Today, we’re going to take a tour through this new home being offered to us. We’ll also see it through a drone’s view. We’ll find out who else lives in the neighborhood. We’ll get a street view and a community view.
God has stated that He is going to create a new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem. This is the believer’s stated future. As we read God’s word we see that things are going to be different and we’ll be different.
Scriptures: Revelation 21,22; Isaiah 65:17; Mark 13:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52,53; 2 Peter 3:10-13
Preacher: Pastor Mark
In this message we journey with the apostle Paul on his second missionary trip. We travel to the City of Idols and marvel at how he draws the idolators to the one true God. But we have to put some thought into what a "god" does and who the "Gods" of America are.
Certainly, Jesus Christ is brought into the list of Gods. It is here where Paul shines so brightly. The last portion of the chapter is SO strong and invigorating. You will be challenged to examine whether you have chosen any of the false gods of America and whether Jesus is your only Lord.
Scripture: Acts 17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Is that what we think about the Bible? Do we use it as an authoritative source in life? OR, do we use google, siri, and youtube?
Is the Bible teaching you?
The church is full of people who have false beliefs because they’ve listened to a preacher and didn’t fact check him with the bible. False teachers start with a truth then they depart from it. Whole churches and denominations have been formed based on a false doctrine not found in the Bible.
One of the main reasons we have so much discord in our world today is people aren’t using the bible. Listen in while we go through a quick outline of how to use your bible. Then hang on while we pick on a few of the most common misused scriptures or doctrines.
Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:10-16
Preacher: Pastor Mark
WHO HAS YOUR EAR AND YOUR HEART? Mankind has been searching for Truth since day one. We are either running to Jesus, or away from Jesus, or out in the weeds somewhere. If we find Him, we have found Truth. Meaning for life. And life eternal.
The bible tells us in the last days there will be massive deception. This is the 'why' of this message. A doctrine of demons opposes God’s doctrine. It is destructive. These doctrines develop spiritual disorder.
We'll present (only) 10 Lies the devil tells believers. We'll finish this message up with the bible verse that tells us how to successfully live during this period.
Scriptures: 1 John 4:1-6; 2 John vv.7-11; 1 Peter 4:7-11
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Acts 11 — This is such a heart-warming story. Inspirational. But it doesn’t seem to happen in this day and age. Why not? We (the church) aren’t living in Acts—We are living in Matt 24; 2 Tim 3; 1 Thess 4,5; 2 Thess 2; 2 Pe 3; Jude; Rev 3.
How bad are things now? Rise to the level of scripture? Yes. Then add in Israel!.
We are like the lifeboat as people are being swept away. This time we are living in isn’t the beginning of the church age. We are in the tail-end of the church age. It’s now a rescue operation more than a birthing operation.
Am I preaching defeat and hopelessness?
No way. More, DIRECTING OUR FOCUS
Scriptures: Acts 11; Jude 1:17-23
Preacher: Pastor Mark
THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS by whom we worship.
In Acts 7 Stephen was preaching to the high priest and recounting the history of their people. He quoted Amos 5:25 wherein God chastised the people for carrying their idols with them. Who are these idols mentioned? Moloch was the Canaanite sun god and Rephan was a star god. The Jews were worshipping the sun, moon, and stars not God. Sadly, these gods are still being worshipped today.
God does not take kindly to idolatry in any form. IDOLS are not harmless trinkets. We’ve been shown the way. We've been convicted and offered Grace. Your Response? Are you worshipping idols? You might be surprised....
Scriptures: Acts 7; 1 Kings 11:7; Exodus 20:3-5, 34:11-17; Joshua 24:19-20; Isaiah 42:6-8;
Preacher: Pastor Mark
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. That's it. Too often things are added to this in order to be saved.
What then do we say to and about those who are blatantly sinning after being saved?Transformation into Christ-likeness is the Spirit’s work.
Listen in as we open this discussion up of grace, fruit, flesh, and what it means to believe on the Lord Jesus.
Scriptures: Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 8:1-14; Galatians 5:16-26
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Who is the Queen of Heaven? Listen in as we open the door to this answer. Find out about the connection between Genesis and Revelation. (Hint: a city, people, gods, and a religion) Surprisingly, this Old Testament teaching helps us understand the reason behind the changing of holidays, times, seasons, traditions that are sweeping through our present age. Question the rituals and events you are participating in without thinking about them.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 7:16-20, 44:15-19; Ezekiel 8:7-18; Daniel 7:25
Preacher: Pastor Mark
On the first day of the week, Jesus presented Himself as King riding on the colt of a donkey. People followed Him, shouted and danced Hosanna! As Jesus approached Jerusalem He wept over her. At the end of the day He returned to Bethany. We read the many profound things that happened as Jesus went into Jerusalem Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Listen in and put this portion of the Gospels into chronological context.
Scriptures: John 12:12-19; Luke 19:39-44; Matthew 21:12,13; John 12:20-26; Matthew 21:42-44; John 12:42-50.
Preacher: Pastor Mark
In today's inquiry into the scriptures we find Jesus and His disciples preparing to leave Jericho and head uphill to Bethany, just outside Jerusalem. Jesus knows His crucifixion is only a week away. He lays out the mission of the journey to the disciples. The Pharisee's plot to kill Jesus has expanded to include Lazarus. Why? The drama of this passage reveals the short-term thinking caused by pride and the division it creates among the Twelve. Jesus points out the way for anyone to be great and we are well-served in taking it to heart. Jesus joins Lazarus, Mary, and Martha for dinner at their house in Bethany. And whoa, Jesus lays out some truth!
Scriptures: Matthew 20:17-34; John 11:55-12:9; Deuteronomy 15:9-11
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Jesus counseled the rich young ruler to let go of the one thing that was keeping him from salvation. The man was grieved because he couldn't. Jesus continued teaching in response to questioning by pharisees trying to trap Him. They posed a legal question to which Jesus pointed out their hard hearts were the problem. Jesus wraps this lesson into a restatement on divorce and adultery. Jesus finishes up be comforting Peter and the apostles that their sacrifices will be rewarded in heaven when the first will be last and the last will be first. Listen in and see if Jesus challenges you to let go of something and to hold onto another.
Scriptures: Luke 18:35-40, 19:1-10; Mark 10:1-31
Preacher: Pastor Mark
We spend more time in Perea with Jesus. We find Him teaching some curious lessons albeit with profound points such as use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves so that when it is gone you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Another, as Abraham in the parable responded to the rich man in hell, your brothers have Moses and the Prophets to listen to and hear the story of salvation. Wha?..
And then! Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. But what is the most important statement in that miracle? It is the question Jesus asks Martha, do you believe... listen in to find out what Jesus said we must all believe.
Scriptures: Luke 16:14-18, 27-31; 18:9-14; Matthew 20:13-16; John 11:45-53
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Jesus left the temple in Jerusalem and returned back across the river to Perea where He taught in the villages and towns. A couple dozen of our most cherished parables were taught in this location and during this time. Jesus lays out what it means to be a disciple of His. And it's not easy to hear for some. I hope as you listen, you will come to understand the joy of following what some describe as "hard teachings".
Scriptures: Luke 13:22-35; 14:1-15:10
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Tell us plainly Jesus, "Are you the Christ or not?" I have told you and you do not believe. Jesus was teaching in the temple in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication having made His way from the Jordan River up through Bethany and the Mount of Olives. After this He returns to Perea. Jesus remains on His final journey to the cross.
Scriptures: Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13; John 10:22-42
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Jesus starts His final journey towards Jerusalem. He chastises the cities that had experienced His miracles yet refused to believe on Him. This makes me wonder how the city I live in would be assessed by Him. I'm part of the city.
During this journey Jesus is not received by the Samaritans. Two of the apostles want to call down fire from heaven upon them. Jesus responds with a heavenly truth: He didn't come to destroy people, but to save them.
Join us as we open up the lessons along the road.
Scriptures: Luke 9:51-62; 17:11-19; 10:1-24; 25-37; Matthew 11:28-30
Preacher: Pastor Mark
The Jews were making conclusions based on wrong facts. The "world" does this same thing today. Who is Jesus? When He speaks who really hears Him? The pharisees kept asking Jesus questions and no matter how many times He answered, they would not believe. Instead they got angry and wanted to kill Him. They refused to accept that He is God. Jesus uses an illustration of sheep and a shepherd to explain who actually hears Him. Do YOU hear Jesus? Are YOU one of His sheep?
No Truth = No Sight = No Freedom. Must have Truth to be free.
Continue Jesus' journey to the cross with us.
Scripture: John 9 and 10
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Jesus' "debate" with the Jews continues during the Feast of the Tabernacles wherein He declares Himself to be the Light of the word. Jesus clearly teaches how He and the Father are one. A discussion arises over who His Father is and who theirs is. An important point of having two or three witnesses arises. Jesus reveals how the Truth gives us freedom. Without Truth, there is no freedom, only slavery.
Walk with us as we look at Jesus' journey to the Cross.
Scriptures: John 8; Romans 6:15-23; Galtians 4:30; 1 John 3:8-10
Preacher: Pastor Mark
We start reading chronologically as we follow Jesus' journey to the Cross. That moment at the cross is the reason and the hour He came for. Today's scripture examines Jesus' discussion with the Jews while at the Feast of the Tabernacles about mid-way through His three year ministry.
Jesus went up to the Feast by Himself because the Jews were already wanting to kill Him. He is found teaching openly in the temple and people wondered why the rulers were letting Him speak. He was not widely accepted. Hecklers were claiming He had a demon. In spite of this Jesus makes some astounding claims. Like...
Scripture: John 7
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Knowing the truth about the Rapture and the Return of Jesus to gather His bride is important to the Believer’s faith. There is so much speculation even wild tales. After The Taking, the Four Horsemen are released by Jesus as He opens the seals on the scroll.
Scriptures - Study these to get the full scriptural background of todays message: 1 Peter 4:7-11; Luke 17:26-37; Genesis 7:1-5; 19; John 14;1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 6:1-8; 2 Peter 3:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:11,12; 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Belief is an inward and individual conviction. Truth is an outward actuality, provable and observable. When belief and truth combine, we gain knowledge. Knowledge is that overlap of Truth and Belief. From prudent, ethical and practical application of knowledge comes wisdom.
What happens when truth is removed from the diagram? Both knowledge and wisdom disappear and there is only belief. Belief alone is nothing more than opinion.
What did Jesus say about the key of knowledge? Listen in.
Scriptures: Luke 11:52; Matthew 23:13; Romans 2:17-24; Hosea 4
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Is your cup half full, half empty, or overflowing? How can you frame your life so that you can have the frame of mind where your cup is overflowing?
In order to have a half-full even overflowing frame of mind, We have to set our mind on something that brings us joy, something we can always count on, and God is this something. We have to make the choice between earthly or heavenly focus.
Having peace, joy, contentment is a product of what our mind is set on. Setting our mind on the Lord takes our mind off being set on us. Thinking too frequently about ourselves is the root of unhappiness even creates poor mental health.
Scriptures: Psalm 16:5; 23; Hebrews 12:2; James 1:2-4; Colossians 3:1-17
Preacher: Pastor Mark
There are times during the year when we travel back home. Where we grew up. Where our parents or family is. As we think about going home, we remember the good smells and the great food we ate.
But for some, the memories of home are horrible. Things didn’t work out so you left and set up home in a new location.
Joseph and Mary's trip home is a powerful lesson for us. When things don’t go like we think they should, do we ask and listen for what God might be saying? And if we hear from Him do we respond?
There’s another home that is calling US. Heaven. Do you long to go there? Have you thought about what happens when you die? Can’t be avoided.
How Do We Find Our Way Home?
Scriptures: Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:19-23; John 14:1-7
Preacher: Pastor Mark
We all have birth stories. Did your mom or dad tell you yours? We repeat them over and over as we remember. We show baby pictures and put them on the wall.
No birth story outdoes the one of the Messiah. It was planned from eternity and was so miraculous it would be hard to believe. Each step towards that fateful day was planned in advance… in a way that was hard to see and was unpredictable to all but God.
We read of the birth stories of John and Jesus. The Bible says Jesus came to give us second-birth—to be born of water and spirit. Are you born a second time? Do you have a spirit-birth story to tell?
Scriptures: Luke 1:5-25; Matthew 3:3-15; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 1:39-45; Luke 2:25-38; John 3:5-8
Preacher: Pastor Mark
John 3:5-8 “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
There are two genealogies of Jesus in the Bible and they aren’t the same! Is this a mistake or is it a divine plan of God’s? Christmas is about Eternity. People around the globe are fascinated with their family tree. God wrote out Jesus’ family tree long before Ancestry.com.
There is another book of the genealogy of Jesus. It contains a list of names that begins AFTER Jesus, It’s called the Book of Life.
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; Jeremiah 22:24-30; Matthew 1:6-16; Luke 2:23-38; Revelation 20:7-15
Preacher: Pastor Mark
A Christmas Message: By faith through grace, a most unlikely person was accepted into God’s kingdom. Even more astounding, this person was in the genealogical line of Jesus. This person is a woman. A woman of ill repute. She is mentioned by name in Hebrews 11, the chapter of faith.
Salmah was Jewish, Rahab Gentile. Boaz was Jewish, Ruth was Gentile. Each of enemy territories. Both women became Jews. Heaven will have all tribes, nations and tongues. all reckoned by faith in Jesus, a Jew. Born in Bethlehem of Judah in modern day West Bank.
Scriptures: Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1
Preacher: Pastor Mark
How do we build our life on solid foundations? But in all things stand. The foundation is there so stand. How can we stabalize our life through faith in Jesus?
Scripture: Luke 6:49; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 1 Peter 5:8
Preacher: Jeff Lund, Elder
Faith is the substance hoped for. Jesus was silent when she first called out to him. But she wasn’t going to take ’no’ for an answer. Right at that moment faith was demonstrated. Like the disciples standing there, we too can learn a lesson from this on welcoming in outsiders who are fighting their way to Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28
Preacher: Bob Haggerty
Israel is the staging ground of God’s story of salvation “Salvation is of the Jews.”
The areas currently being fought over (Gaza, West Bank) are the biblical locations of Gaza, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, Mount Mariah, Bethel, Bethlehem, Jericho, Emmaus et.al. There is a future battle that will be staged there at a place called Har-Magedon when Jesus arrives for the second time.
Is this area and these battles important to Christians? Yes! Without the Jews we wouldn’t have the gift of Salvation. New Jerusalem is our future eternal home.
Todays message is dealing with Jesus’ prophecy in Ma 24, Mk 13. It sheds light on the biblical events happening right now in Israel. Every Christian should have a biblical understanding—not a social media understanding. This message is about God’s faithfulness to His promises. All Israel will be saved.
Scriptures: Romans 11:11-31; John 4:22; Matthew 24:3-11; Revelation 16:12-16.
Preacher: Pastor Mark
How is the church supposed to deal with those who have mental illness?
Disclaimer: I’m not the expert on this, but this is my offering so far. I already said I’ve failed at this. At the end of the day we know the main answer is Jesus.
Is it a demon? Possession? Chemical? Psychological? Spiritual? What are the contributors to mental illness? What is mental illness? Does medication play a part? We'll look at some biblical directives on answering the question and practical help and direction will be offered.
Scripture: John 5:9-17; Luke 10:29; Psalm 43; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Who is God? How do we explain Him to those wanting to know?
Do you believe there is something, a force, a deity that is in ultimate control of the world, all things that exist, and of you?
Who or what is this force? Some will say, The Universe. Others refuse to consider anything other than unexplained randomness. Some say Karma. Some say Spirits. Some say Science or scientific laws. Many say Mother Nature. We say God.
This message will give you a great start on answering this question. We encourage you to take a listen.
Scripture: Psalm 103
Preacher: Pastor Mark
There is a lot of heresy and misinformation about the bible on the news and social media. (Don’t get your 'bible' from there.) In particular, a lot of anti-biblical misinformation about the Hamas > Israel war is being spread. Whose land is it? My job today is to answer the question, “what does the bible say?” This is a core topic for a biblical worldview.
Biblical Timeline of the Land of Israel starting in 5000 b.c. continuing up to today.
Which side should we be on? Is God on one side or the other?
Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-18; Joel 3:1-3, 3:18-21; Amos 9:11-15; Galatians 3:8,16
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Jesus gave His churches the signs to look for as time rolled on, which announce the main event we are waiting for - the Rapture. Truly, the Rapture is the next event. The wars and rumors of wars are signs not events.
If this current war in Israel draws in other specific nations against Israel, this Rapture may well be right on the horizon. Ezekiel 39 describes the first Gog Magog war against Israel naming the nations.
Paul wrote the church explaining how to hang on during these tough times when they were discouraged and inclined to give up. Things were going to happen that would test the faith of these beautiful people.
Scriptures: Jude 17-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:15
Preacher: Pastor Mark
Hamas, the immediate neighbor, who says that Israel does not have a right to exist, launches ‘operation al-aqsa flood’ on Oct 7,2023 with 5000 rockets launched and for the first time, sending soldiers across the border fence into Israel. Initially, 100+ Israelis were killed and 200+ Hamas killed. Thousands injured.
This was a surprise to Israel. That is unusual. It was done on the Sabbath. Hamas was saying prior to this they weren’t planning anything. They were not happy with the Saudi’s developing a new cooperative relationship with Israel.
Israel has not yet struck back (as of Saturday evening Oct 7).
Is this a sign of the end or the Day of the Lord?
Listen in for a biblical answer to this question.
The Holy Spirit appears many many times throughout the Bible. The Holy Spirit IS NOT an impersonal spirit or force that cannot be defined or identified. He has pronouns! He has titles. His Titles are the Root of Doctrine and reveal His character.
WE CANNOT GIVE AN ATTRIBUTE or TITLE TO THE HS WE CANNOT GIVE TO GOD. Nor can we give to God or the HS attributes/titles that He hasn’t revealed. Too often we do.
Have we as His people forgotten this attribute of Him? Holy. Holy Spirit. Join us as we receive this word from God.
Scriptures: Genesis 1:1; Ephesians 4:4; Revelation 1:4,5,20, 3:1,4:5; 5:6; Isaiah 11:2
Today’s scripture is a fascinating aspect of grace. The grace that brings the free gift of salvation. It is offered and rejected. The result is judgment because you’re an adversary, an opponent of God.
Todays scripture on grace is not on what it is or it’s enduring benefit, rather, it’s on what happens if we don’t accept it. Grace gives you the choice. God isn’t forcing Himself on you.
ONLY TWO CHOICES - Christ or Judgment - Heb 10:26- 31
The three indictments specified in this passage describe the enormity of the sin of unbelief—the only sin that cannot be forgiven.
Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation. Great acts of faith are seldom born out of well-funded initiatives. Great acts of faith are seldom born out of comfort. Great acts of faith are seldom born out of self-centered thinking. Great acts of faith produce spiritual outcomes.
Desperation and Faith work together in the body of a believer. DESPERATION is a real faith mover. A desperate person has nothing left to lose. You might be thinking, “My life doesn’t have anything causing desperation or fear. Life is blessed. It’s clicking along just fine. Thanks for asking.”
Why were these believers in the Acts of the Apostles put in Jail? How did they respond? Who else was praying? Consider the circumstances that the disciples were involved in…
Scriptures: Acts 5:16-26; 12:1-19; 16:20-31
Why should you want to know about this?
Without this biblical knowledge you will be more easily deceived by fake End Times that control your present. This knowledge will help you endure the tough times.
What you believe about what happens when we die and how the earth is going to end reveals who your God is.
This prophecy gives hope to those who are weary, downtrodden, upset with how the world is. Hope gives people energy and drive to go on. Hope inspires people to focus on doing something with eternal value now in this life.
Scripture: Zechariah 14
Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide. Mother's Day isn’t a biblical holiday. But the bible does address motherhood throughout. Biblical motherhood starts with biblical womanhood.
What is our duty to mothers individually and as a church?
Our childrens ministry and school is all about helping mothers with their children. Note we are assisting—not taking over. Find out the 5 main things we should do in supporting others.
Scriptures: Exodus 20:12; 1:15-2:10; Titus 2:3-5; Proverbs 31:30
Doug True answers this question with scripture. Open discussion. How do we love our enemies? What was the price of God's love for us? The four types of love. Get ready with your notepad to write down the scriptures and take notes.
The fool has said in his heart there is no God. Wow. Would you dare say that to someone? This is sooo politically incorrect and unwoke.
But isn’t this what they are saying at the Grammy’s…there is no God? Or, there is a God but we choose Satan? ..even we don’t fear the future.
We believers are accused by the world of being fools believing in an invisible God. What happened? Most of America used to believe in God.
Scriptures: Psalm 14:1-5; 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-23; Revelation 6:15-17; 9:20,21; 16:9,11; 20:7-10, 11-15
The Vision (7:1-14) & The Interpretation (7:15-28)
Daniel chapters 7-12 deal with the 4 beasts, Ancient of Days, 10 horns+1, Everlasting Kingdom, Antichrist, 70 weeks, Tribulation, Israel, Resurrection.
This should begin to help the Believer put together understanding of the facets of the End Times that we speak of frequently. Where did this one-world government and the antichrist come from in the Bible? When will all of this happen and how do we know it's 7 years? And so on...
What do you think of when you hear the word “Peace?”
Two thousand years ago, God sent us peace in a person. Jesus is this prophesied Prince of Peace. Jesus Christ: Peace incarnate and the Bringer of Peace.
Jesus is the giver of peace and He left it with us. The Antichrist will be the bringer of deception.
To obtain and cultivate joy and peace we must cultivate our relationship with Jesus! Start, Do, End your day with Jesus.
Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; Ephesians 2
The spiritual change that Christmas brought, is that, the substance belongs to Christ. The Birth of Christ marks the replacement of shadows of heavenly things with the substance from heaven. A shadow is a partial revealing of what the light is shining on. Shadows can become idols.
Do you feel like you must DO something to be accepted by Him?
The spiritual solution to the spiritual problem is the same for everyone everywhere.
Scriptures: 1 John 5:20,21; Hebrews 7:23,24; 8:1-5; 9:1-14; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Colossians 2:16,17; Mark 2:27,28; 7:18,19
Peter tells us what this is, what it looks like, how it comes. We want to know when it will come. What should we be doing? Peter is echoing what is prophesied by Joel 2,3. Paul too, speaks of The Day of the Lord. And knowing this about the coming Day of the Lord, how should we be living our lives? This challenging message concludes with 15 Be Attitudes that will help us along our way.
Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:10-14; 1 Thessalonians 5
Jesus asked, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”
Come and See! Come experience life in Jesus, in it’s most raw form. Come experience the supernatural. Come out of the city to the quiet and remote places. Amazing Springs. What does Jesus offer that the World doesn't? Listen in for the answer.
AGCC is preparing the saints for what lies ahead before Jesus comes for us and God’s wrath descends upon the world.
Scriptures: Mark 1:4-8; Luke 7:18-26; Acts 2:42; 11:19-26
Have you ever…. taken a different route or made a change of plans or ran late only to discover God’s foresight…?
Trusting in God’s foresight is hearing God’s direction and doing it while not knowing the way things are going to work out—but having a great trust in God’s omniscience. When we take on things that are bigger than we are, we know that upon completion it was of God.
God is worthy of our trust!
Scriptures: Matthew 2:12-23; Acts 26:24-27:12
Family is critical to civilization. The number of births per family to keep population from decreasing is 2.1. Most Western nations have fallen very close to that or below. In 1950 the global fertility rate was 4.7. In 2021 it was 2.3.
Marriages are needed to create a sound social construct for births. The marriage rate around the world has plummeted. In 1950 it was 16 marriages per 1000 people; presently 5 / 1000.
Having a family is the adventure of a lifetime!
Being in the household of God is the adventure of eternity!
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,” Eph 2:19
Immutable. An attribute of God. God does not change. He is unchanging in His nature, His plan, and His being. We can trust Him BECAUSE He doesn’t change.
The world we live in is constantly changing. As a people, we have anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mania. Why?
Scriptures: James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8, 6:17-20; Mark 4:35-41
How could Judas spend 3 years with Jesus and not be affected or born again?
At first glance, none of the story of Judas makes sense. However, I think it can teach us a lot about discernment, faith, trust in God, and the mercy of God. This character study challenges us on living and loving like Jesus.
Jesus knows there will be betrayers and is not scared of them. Why should we be? He lived among them. He demonstrated grace, power, and glory. He did not join in on their sin. He didn’t go to pagan temples and festivals. He went to weddings, Jewish, not same sex or pagan.
Jesus didn’t force Judas to change.
Scriptures: Psalm 41:9, 109:8; Zechariah 11:12,13; and compilation of all scriptures regarding Judas Iscariot.
Psalm 63 is ‘looking up’. 1st commandment. Before the 2nd.
Love God: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deu 6:5
If we’re going to love others we first need to love God. The invisible God. All powerful.
If we forget about loving God and just focus on loving others, we are doing it without His strength. It’s a temporal love. It’s a love without roots and opens us up to being swayed by the carnal love of the world. The world that is under the temporal reign of the Prince of the Air.
When athletic records are broken they are pinnacle events in the world. Witnessing the event is something we take away with us and when we’re telling stories around the campfire, we recall it. Usually it’ll be something we witnessed a decade or two ago. We remember the surroundings. Who was there. The weather. Where we were at the moment.
The apostle Peter said, “I, James and John, saw with our own eyes a mysterious sample of His coming glory.”
Join us as we look into the eyewitness account.
Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17; Revelation 11
When athletic records are broken they are pinnacle events in the world. Witnessing the event is something we take away with us and when we’re telling stories around the campfire, we recall it. Usually it’ll be something we witnessed a decade or two ago. We remember the surroundings. Who was there. The weather. Where we were at the moment.
The apostle Peter said, “I, James and John, saw with our own eyes a mysterious sample of His coming glory.”
Join us as we look into the eyewitness account.
Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17; Revelation 11
The epistle of Jude is addressed to all believers in the gospel. Its design appears to be to guard believers. Believers are cautioned against being surprised at such deceivers arising among them. Jude tells us mockers will come and how to recognize them. He then turns the discussion to what we should be doing instead.
Scripture: Jude 17-25
The epistle of Jude is addressed to all believers in the gospel. Its design appears to be to guard believers. Believers are cautioned against being surprised at such deceivers arising among them. Jude tells us mockers will come and how to recognize them. He then turns the discussion to what we should be doing instead.
Scripture: Jude 17-25
Kids who get a cut or splinter or injury often just want the band-aid. Don’t wash it. Don’t pull the splinter out. Just put the band-aid on.
We can be like that.! We come to Christ with our sin, but all we want is a covering. We want to skip the treatment. We want to hide our sin. We want others to say our sin isn’t really sin.
And one wonders if God, even in His great mercy, will heal what we conceal?
Scriptures: John 1:8-2:6; Lamentations 3:19-41
Kids who get a cut or splinter or injury often just want the band-aid. Don’t wash it. Don’t pull the splinter out. Just put the band-aid on.
We can be like that.! We come to Christ with our sin, but all we want is a covering. We want to skip the treatment. We want to hide our sin. We want others to say our sin isn’t really sin.
And one wonders if God, even in His great mercy, will heal what we conceal?
Scriptures: John 1:8-2:6; Lamentations 3:19-41
Jesus said to the Church in Thyatira, ".. you are full of good works and great compassion.. excellent!.." but, there is a thing I have against you. Listen in to find out what that was.
Examine our hearts today to discern whether we are a sponge or a scrubby.
Jesus said to the Church in Thyatira, ".. you are full of good works and great compassion.. excellent!.." but, there is a thing I have against you. Listen in to find out what that was.
Examine our hearts today to discern whether we are a sponge or a scrubby.
The Spirit, God, led the Son into the wilderness to be tempted. Right after the baptism. Why? Why then? To prove that the Son was sinless and thus a qualified Savior.
Job was also tested, but he sinned. Jesus can do what humans can't do.
When we are tempted we will often fail. Is this failure? Not if we are abiding in Christ. Not if we confess it and clear the slate. But if we let temptation germinate into sin that goes unconfessed, we are putting a barrier between us and God. We know it, God knows it.
Be ready with these answers to temptation... {listen in}
Matthew 4, Deuteronomy 8, Job 1
John the Baptist's message was to repent. Repentance was a needed step in preparing for the Lamb of God. The “change of the mind produces a change of the way.”
Matthew 3
Would you now, realizing you are immortal, look at life differently? How so?
Isn’t this the real question here? It matters how we live. It matters what we believe. It matters whom we believe in. We shouldn’t abuse grace or Christian liberty. But true grace and liberty produces freedom. A holy freedom.
One of the reasons the founders thought the knowledge of God was so important was because they believed what the Bible says — that He will one day hold us all accountable. That view impacts how we live.
We are to be holy, sanctified. If we are, we will love like Jesus. A holy love. An agape love. A love that is empowered by grace, not law.
Luke 20:27-40
The second of two messages looking into the teaching of Hebrews 12 and 13. These two chapters speak to Believers on how to conduct their lives, not to be led astray by diverse/strange teachings, to hold the marriage bed as holy, and much more.
The kingdoms of the world are temporary, to be thrown down when their purpose is accomplished. Don't get too attached. You have received a kingdom that can't be shaken.
Part 2 of Hebrews 12 and 13
The first of two messages looking into the teaching of Hebrews 12 and 13. These two chapters speak to Believers on how to conduct their lives, to not grow weary, and to be encouraged. Reference to the heroes of the faith in Chapter 11 and Jesus Himself are proffered.
Can you communicate it succinctly to someone? If you are identifying as a Christian, shouldn’t it be based on the Bible, exclusively? Many Christians are infamous for saying, “..well, I believe…” and oddly it isn’t something found in the Bible rather it’s their interpretation or simply something they want to believe. Bible+ or Jesus+ Today we look at the Nicene Creed.
Scriptures: Hebrews 6:1-9
We’ve lost our foundational morality and spiritual moorings as a people. Today’s message is aimed at helping you live a biblical life in a sinful world.
Are We More Afraid Of LGBTQ / PEER Persecution Than The Consequences Of Not Obeying God?
The devil is the great counterfeiter. The Antichrist will come with a bow (rainbow). Hmmm....
Isaiah 3:8-11; Jeremiah 44:15-18; Romans 1:32; Matthew 5:19 Genesis 9:11-17; Revelation 4:1-3, 6:1-2; James 4:4-10
God has begun a work in our lives. This work continues at His hand. He will complete it. He does not just start it then let it evolve on it’s own.
If this be true, can you believe it? Why would God be concerned about one person’s life? What if the person doesn’t match up to expectations?
Philippians 1:6, 2:13; Matthew 7:26, 16:18; 1 John 3:1-3
To speak life is to be a person of encouragement, edification, and blessing to others through what you say. The tongue has the power of life and death.
Many Christians have never considered the incredible impact their words can have on other people. Believers are wise to consider the costly outcome of their spoken words.
Listen in for a biblical examination of this topic.
John 17: This prayer spoken by Jesus moments before His arrest, is just that. A prayer. In it, Jesus states facts about Himself, the Father, the Spirit. Jesus also states the desires of His heart for those who belong to Him. He also previews the assignment for those who belong to Him.
America was formed as ONE nation under God. We are no longer. Our country will still exist, but will not be blessed by God. Blessed are the nations whose God is the Lord.
Will we as the church and believers thrive and survive through the coming years until Jesus returns? Specific, concrete, biblical steps given in this message.
other scriptures: Psalm 33:12; Ephesians 4,5; Romans 1:18-32
In the case of the Galatians, Paul was specifically addressing their attempt to return to the demands of the law rather than continuing to live by grace through faith in the sacrificial, atoning work of the cross of Jesus Christ. Such an attempt wasn’t just a really bad idea; it actually would result in living under God’s curse, not His favor.
I would say the exact same warning applies today to the advocates of progressive Christianity. They deceitfully promote and proclaim what I believe is clearly a “different gospel, which is really no Gospel at all.”
Professing Christians are reverting back to the world in which they were pulled out of.
Galatians 1:6-9; Luke 5:8
People want to see the Light. They know what darkness looks like. If they aren’t happy with the darkness and they see the light of Christ in you, they will want that. We’ve been talking today and last week about having that light in us. We need to live it not just talk it. But how?
Remember, Reflect, and Reveal.
Ephesians 4 and 5
Is your glass half full or half empty? what does your answer say about yourself? about your outlook? are you blessed or hopeless?
It is the answer to, “How ARE you?”
This is a statement of conviction and faith. It’s not temporary. It’s not situational. It is a state of being. Occasionally we might need to be reminded.
Psalm 23 and 65; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Jesus gave us a whole character package. He didn’t give them in a list on two tablets, rather taught them over a period of 3 years to different audiences. Sometimes to crowds, other times to the disciples, still others to the Pharisees and Sadducees, and to individuals. Often they were given in response to a question or dilemma. Other times they were given as part of a parable.
So the genius of Jesus is that we must study His teachings regularly rather than putting a short list in our pocket. You will quickly see that these are more than a list of do’s and don’ts. They require character change that can only come from being born-again. i.e. the unredeemed cannot do these, in truth.
Email me if you want a pdf list. Grace and peace, Mark
Would you be a Christ follower if Jesus had not been raised from the dead?
If Christ has not been raised from the dead, then what is the purpose of following Him? In other words, aren’t we just following a good and moral teaching? There is no promise or payoff at the end. Just being good in life is a meager reward at best.
Fact: everyone will be resurrected—not just Believers. And whether or not they want to or believe in it.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20:4-6,11-15
Today we’re continuing our walk with Jesus on His way to the cross. The crucifixion was rooted in the passover immediately before Israel was released from slavery to the Egyptians. The passover memorial was given before the Law.
As we join Jesus and the disciples in the Upper Room today we will witness the origin of one of the primary ordinances for us Christians and the end of the Passover feast. In it we will see the origin of the New Covenant. It is a ‘feast’ that we are to participate in until Jesus returns.
During this first Love Feast Jesus reveals to us what is most important if we are to be Living With Purpose. 1. To be a servant, 2. Love one another, 3. In Christ’s blood the Destroyer will pass over us, 4. to keep Jesus’ commands, 5. the role of the Holy Spirit in our life
…on our way to the cross. Jesus would say periodically during His ministry, my hour has not yet come. Now He is saying this hour has come. The cross was the destination in purpose, place, and method. Jesus was headed there. Always was.
Like Jesus and because of Jesus we too are headed to the cross. When we have passed through the cross and have been raised up to new life, a whole new life begins. And this is my question: What are we doing with it?
John 12; Numbers 21
What does this mean? We use it often. What does it mean to say it or use it in prayer? Where did the phrase come from? Should you use it? What can you expect to happen if you do? We say it frequently in prayer here.
Jesus is the head of the church and through the Holy Spirit calls a man to be the shepherd of the local church. The local church is a spiritual body that is led by spiritual rules.
Discipline is an area of responsibility by the shepherd. Protecting and defending the sheep is another. Dealing with disagreements between members is yet another.
A tactic of the Devil is to attack the shepherd so that the sheep scatter. Sometimes the wolf comes from outside the pen and other times it’s a sheep disguised as a wolf and comes from within.
False accusations are often made against the shepherd or one of the elders.
Pastor Mark brings this message during difficult times.
John 10:11-13; Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Timothy 5:19,20; Deuteronomy 19:15; Romans 16:17
The public, the world, suffers from not hearing or reading the bible. As a result, it isn’t informing or shaping their life. If they were to hear the bible, it would likely move them spiritually. In the bible they will hear about God from Himself.
What are they hearing if not the bible? People need to hear the word of God and WE are supposed to bring it to them.
When they hear the bible’s words read to them, in context and truth, it reveals God, power, strength, wisdom, love, kindness, everyday stuff, holiness in context, sovereign plans, promise, hope.
Acts 8:27-35; Romans 10:14-17; Psalms 46-49
How closely do I follow God. Hallowed Be Thy Name. Message given by Charles Coffman, Elder.
What do you do when your beliefs and ideas go against God's word? Message given by Jeff Lund, Elder.
Join us as we take a look at a number of people who dropped their nets, left their boats and family, and more when called to follow Jesus. How can WE do the same? What if we're not really following Jesus at all?
Are we an unfaithful wife? Israel had become the clay telling the potter how to be a potter. Have we gotten to the point of telling God what is sin and what isn’t? Have we told God we will follow our own plans, thank you very much?
Marriage, Life, Family is all important to God and all beneficial to us. To be born-again, one must first know they are a sinner and repent. Why are we letting sin have a public voice and not the gospel? Jesus Christ did not come to tolerate our sins… He came to save us from our sin. Jeremiah 18.
Go and make Disciples. Jesus' last command before leaving Earth. Simple. Maybe. What is a disciple exactly? Who is a disciple maker? How do we make disciples? Is there a program or a manual? Where do we carry on this activity of discipleship? Matthew 8:18-22; 28:18-20 Colossians 3:12-17.
In Jesus’ explanation of this parable, He identifies the enemy as Satan and the tares as the sons of the evil one. The wheat are the sons of the Kingdom.
Jesus is very savvy. And merciful. Spares the tares immediate death. Gives them time. Lets them live among the Sons of the Kingdom. But He also states there is a deadline and what will happen at the harvest at the end of the age.
We are introduced to additional workers in this parable. Reapers. The planting is done and it is now time for the harvest. Reapers are those who cut the plants and gather them into the barn. They are identified as the angels. The harvest time is the end of the age, which is to come.
Matthew 13:37-42; Revelation 14:14-20
Grace says that we speak the truth in love about someone’s sin and that we let them know that Jesus doesn’t care how bad or how long of sin you’ve had… you are welcome. You must repent of your sin and He will help you. He will save you from the coming Wrath of God and the Harvest of the unrighteous.
Why is a Biblical Worldview Important? We want to make good decisions. We want to give good counsel. We want our witness to be effective, even powerful. We want to be involved in things that don’t war against God or aid and abet Satan's deeds.
A Christian worldview leads us to believe in moral absolutes, miracles, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption.
Download Checklist
(reference gotquestions.org and carm.org)
Time can't be rolled back. The momentum of the signs of the end of the age is too far advanced to see a retreat. The time to grow (spiritually) is now. The spiritual war between Satan and God is heating up and racing toward the final battle. Satan is seeking to be the visible world-ruler over the one-world political, economic, and religious system prophesied in Scripture.
What are the signs that suggest it is near?
Based on Revelation 18, Matthew 24, Ezekiel 38, Daniel 7,9; 1,2 Thessalonians, Jude.
One has to ask, “why is Jesus such a big deal that the king would fear and hate Him enough to kill innocents in the hopes of killing just the one?”
The Christmas Story is rooted in the OT history and prophecy.
Reality is, evil is present. We all encounter it in various ways every day. How do we respond to it? How does it affect our spirit? What weapon do we use to counter it? Hope.
Matthew 2:13-18; Jeremiah 31:15; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:3-9
We are called to do the most natural thing in the world—to spread the news about something wonderful that we have found. That wonderful thing, of course, is the birth of the Christ child.
This season of Christmas is prime time evangelism. Are we concealing or are we exposing Jesus? Are we telling the next generation of the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done, do we have confidence in God? Psalm 78, Luke 2.
We are known by our name… here on earth we are identified by our name. More specifically by first, middle, last. Search online for someone, we use their name. Our online accounts start with our name. Our credit cards have our name.
Choosing the right name can be a little frustrating. God came up with the perfect name for the One who would change things forever. The name would be a sign of hope He wouldn’t just be a representative of God, but He would be God in the flesh. Isaiah 7:3-14; Matthew 1:18-25; Revelation 2:17; 3:5,12; 13:8; 19:11-16
We have a reputation you know… When Aspen Springs comes up in conversations there is a bit of stereotyping.. not wholly undeserved. Some people are still scared to come out here. But things are changing. We smile because we who live out here know the secret.
To hear the words of the apostle Nathanael, the city of Nazareth was held in great disrepute, either because, it is said, the people of Galilee were a rude and less cultivated class, and were largely influenced by the Gentiles who mingled with them, or because of their lower type of moral and religious character. But there seems to be no sufficient reason for these suppositions.
Interestingly, this is the village that God chose to have the Son of God raised. And this is where the angel found Mary to give her the Message. We'll be reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Summing Up means God is taking all of the disconnected separately directed things and bringing them to completion in a sum.
ALL things summed up in Christ. Jesus only. Not Mohammed. Not Abraham. Not Buddha. Not spirit ancestors. Not angels. Not light. Not a shaman. Not a Dalai Lama. Not ourself. Not riches and estates. Not power or might.
Is this offensive or is it maybe a source of comfort? Let's consider what we can read in Ephesians 1:7-15.
Joseph and Mary lost son Jesus and took 3 days looking for Him. Finally they found Him in the temple. Do we do the same thing...looking for Jesus everywhere but in the temple? Do we have the same passion for being at church as Jesus or King David did? Let's challenge our calendar with a review of Psalm 84 and Luke 2. Are we giving God our left overs or first fruits?
How do you know God is real? That He exists? Everyone of you will have some type of answer.
Usually when people ask this question, they mean… I can’t see Him. I can’t touch Him or talk to Him nor does He speak to me. How do I know He’s real? How do I know that bible you read is truly His message?
Listen in while we go through 7 ways that God reveals Himself to man—and each of us.
We all have an innate desire to be treated fairly and when we see someone else treated unfairly it upsets us.
Presently, society is wrestling over justice. Who deserves it, why they have been treated unfairly, even what justice should be based upon. It has culminated into a severe clash of values.
True Justice must be based on holiness and righteousness. Not politics or ideology of the day. People often pervert justice into a weapon to gain advantage unfairly.
The bible is full of stories about justice. Join us as we look at one of them in 2 Samuel.
Can One Be a Christian and Not Believe in the Existence of the Holy Spirit?
DO YOU TRULY KNOW GOD IN HIS FULLNESS?
How do we have a daily relationship with God?
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. the least known person of the Godhead is the Holy Spirit. The lack of knowledge of the Holy Spirit could also be responsible for the lack of fervor in churches. Listen in as we dig intot his.
Luke 11:33-36; Matthew 6.22,23
Both are teachings on outward expressions of inner belief. Both demonstrate who or what our master is.
The eye, similar to the heart, is a lamp that reveals the quality of a person’s inner life. A healthy eye suggests loyal devotion to God while a bad eye connotes moral corruption. A person filled with the light of Christ {the HS} will affect his whole being.
Singleness of purpose
will drive us to do everything/anything aiming at Jesus. This is the function and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we examine this teaching and our lives.
What should Christians do? What does the Bible say? The typical argument by Christians for illegal immigration twists Scripture.
We don’t supersede God’s Law or Civil Law with a poorly constructed New Testament argument. We must ask who the scripture is speaking to and about whom.
Jesus never said to disband countries, borders, nations, or governments and their civil laws. We are to follow them as long as they don’t prohibit us from following God’s commands.
But Jesus also tells us how to treat the foreigner when we encounter them. How do we reconcile the civil law with Jesus' commands?
Turn your bible to Joshua 9 as we start into this hot topic.
..you’ll be equipped to help. The Two Foundations Matthew 7:24.
We have many storms being thrown into our life. Is your house standing or sinking?
Self-generated storms come into our life via social media and news media. We cannot go one whole day without reading or hearing about someone’s misfortune, or their crude lusts. People arguing. We can’t go a day without a new rule or restriction from the government.
And to be realistic, many families are in terrible trouble. And they can’t withstand the storms.
What should we do?? What can we do to find stability in our lives. To find assurance? Let's look into what Jesus says...
We so often measure a church by what it offers us rather than what we offer it. “What do I get out of it?”
If AGCC is going to have great community impact we need to have a strong body. One that is healthy. Every part. We look out for each other. We care for each other. We help each other. We cooperate with each other. We listen to each other. We defend each other. We protect each other. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27; Ephesians 4:1-6, 15,16.
This lesson on the fig tree is instructing us on how to be aware of when the Rapture is going to come.
We have the same question the apostles had. We want to know when the end is coming or more particularly, when the Rapture is going to happen. Let's see what Jesus had to say in Mark 13...
Many lost and confused adults and their institutions promote their religion and false god, gaining significant numbers of followers. People are seeking but are easily deceived. So many disbelieve because He’s invisible and seems irrelevant.
Let’s pretend you were a man that lived during 2000-2500 b.c. You were a farmer. How would you know about God? How would you know what He wanted from you?
While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. We know the future as God has given it to us in the bible. We are of the day and it won't sneak up on us. Revelation 6 and the six seals.
How would you answer, "Tell me who you are"? What would your answer reveal? Are you living a law-based or performance-based life? Find out. Jerry Jackson shares personal testimony and on our identity in Christ.
Is God Unfair? Are there people who will have not heard the gospel by the time of judgment?
At the outset of the coming Tribulation, 2 witnesses appear. And for 3.5 years they preach the gospel on the worldwide stage in the midst of the 6 seals being opened, and the 7th seal and the first 6 trumpets. Finally they are killed, resurrected, and taken into heaven. Revelation 11.
The end-times fills in even more understanding of God’s character, power, and mercy. The end-times exposes Satan and his plan for humanity explicitly.
Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God…and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone,…the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night..
Join in as we look at the living conditions during this time. When does this happen? Revelation 13.
Jesus brought the Kingdom. A spiritual kingdom, not an external one. Starts small and grows. Doesn’t require you to observe signs or rituals nor go to a specific certain place to see it. We won’t need a religious leader to observe signs and wonders and interpret them for us!
What will life be like before He returns? What will the Rapture look like as it happens? Listen in as we listen to Jesus teach us in Luke 17.
Shipwrecks have a way of revealing God and His mercy. Often, w/o the shipwrecks of life we wouldn’t see them. We wouldn’t see miracles of God. This shipwreck story is an allegory for our lives. Acts 27
Chaos has the effect of taking our eyes off of our destination. Let’s refocus today.
First: A destination is pursued with a message. That message brings clarity and focus to a chaotic environment. What is our message? Acts 17.
As Christians we need to declare our independence. From Satan. The World. Satan is ruling in our lives if we are fighting and bickering, being rude and belligerent, set on conquering the other side, declaring them as evil and condemning them.
Titus 2:11-3:11 Be Ready for Every Good Work
We say This phrase while we are looking back and feeling like we made a mistake, or didn’t do something we should have done or could have done or would have done—if we had today’s wisdom. It’s Regret. Moreover, if we could do it over we’d do something differently—and presumably make a better decision with a better outcome. For some, it haunts them. They can’t get past it. Amen?
~But is this realistic? Given a do-over, would we make a different or better decision?
~Why did we make the decision or omission we did in the first place?
Isn’t this a fun title? Does it mean there are some sins we are free to do because they are respectable? Ha! No way. What are the so-called respectable sins? More importantly, what is the cure for each one? Listen in.
We live in a day and age where many people are offended by what Jesus says. Even the disciples asked, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” Jesus responds, “Do you take offense at this? But there are some of you who do not believe. After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. Are YOU going to stay or quit walking with Him?
How many times do you make the ethical choice over personal gain? convenience over character. Integrity works in that gray area.Integrity or Deceit impacts others! Genesis 20, Psalm 1
Are you gathering or scattering? Jesus wants us to consider this. Do we have to be actively scattering to be guilty of scattering? Hmm.. tough question. How do we scatter and how do we gather? Jeff Lund has a challenging message for us.
What Are You Presenting Yourself To For Duty?
This is the key to turning a life around. You are either putting your future in Satan’s hands or Jesus’ hands. Which one are you going to trust with your future?
Can it be neither? Like... I'll trust my future to myself? Charitably, no. Jesus is the only true God. All other deities are not real. They are fabricated. They all lead to one location. Death. Satan’s deception. I’m not saying you are the devil. Just saying at the end of the day there are only two masters.