Faith Alive Church - Sunday Message: Recent Episodes

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Every believer has received a unique gift from God—not to keep for themselves, but to share with others. Peter reminds us that we are to minister our gifts as good stewards of God's manifold grace. The Christian life is like a potluck: everyone is called to bring something that blesses the whole body.

Key Takeaways

• Every believer has received a gift.
  • God's grace is both universal (life, breath, salvation) and personal (specific gifts and callings).
  • Your gift is an expression of God's grace, given freely—not earned.
• What are you bringing to the Grace Potluck?
  • The church is healthiest when every member contributes their God-given gift.
  • Don't settle for bringing the "bare minimum." Steward your gift so it becomes a blessing to others.

Stewardship: Developing Your Gift

A steward is not an owner, but a manager who is accountable to the true Owner.

Three characteristics of faithful stewardship:

1. God has trusted you.
   • The Creator has entrusted you with something valuable.
   • Your gift is a sacred trust, meant to glorify Him and serve others.
   • 2 Corinthians 4:7
2. You will give an account.
   • God expects faithfulness, not comparison.
   • Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we will one day answer for how we used what He gave us.
   • Matthew 24:45-47; Matthew 25:14-23
3. Use your gift for the Owner's purposes.
   • We are called to use our gifts according to God's will, not personal ambition.
   • Jesus modeled perfect stewardship by doing only what pleased the Father.
   • James 1:17; John 8:28-29

Reflection Questions

• What gift has God entrusted to you?
• Are you developing that gift or simply possessing it?
• If Jesus asked for an account today, what would you present?
• How can your gift better serve the people God has placed around you?

Final Thought

Imagine a church where every believer intentionally developed and faithfully shared their God-given gift. The body of Christ would be strengthened, needs would be met, and God would receive the glory.

As Peter writes:

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10

Bring your best to the Grace Potluck—not for recognition, but because every gift belongs to God and was given to bless His people.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Getting Into Spiritual ShapeJust as physical fitness requires intentional exercise, good nutrition, rest, and consistency, our spiritual lives require training too. In this message, Jordon challenges us to consider an important question: Are we spiritually fit enough to handle what God has called us to do?

Key Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Matthew 17:18–21
Daniel 1:8, 12–15
Proverbs 4:23
Psalm 37:7
Romans 12:1–2
Hebrews 10:36–39

Exercise Regularly

Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete training for a race. Athletes don't become prepared when the competition begins—they train beforehand. The same is true spiritually.

In Matthew 17, the disciples encountered a situation they weren't spiritually prepared to handle. Jesus explained that this kind required prayer and fasting. They couldn't wait until the crisis arrived to begin preparing.

Prayer, worship, studying the Word, meditation, fasting, and fellowship aren't just things we turn to during emergencies. They are spiritual exercises that should become regular disciplines.

Consistency means doing what strengthens us even when we don't feel like doing it.

Stick to Your Diet

What we consume affects our spiritual health.

Daniel made a deliberate decision not to defile himself with the king's food. Instead, he chose what would strengthen him. Likewise, we need to pay attention to what we're allowing into our hearts and minds.

God's Word, worship, wise counsel, and healthy fellowship nourish us spiritually. Gossip, toxic relationships, harmful entertainment, and other negative influences can weaken us.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts diligently because the issues of life flow from them.

Ask yourself: Is what I'm consuming helping me become spiritually stronger?

Get Your Rest

Spiritual fitness isn't only about doing more. We also need to learn how to rest in God.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

Resting in God means trusting Him enough that we don't have to carry everything ourselves. Just as a chair supports our physical weight, God is able to support us. We don't have to have every answer or force every solution.

We can trust, wait, and depend on Him.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

True fitness comes from a lifestyle, not a temporary burst of effort. Our spiritual lives shouldn't revolve around crises—praying desperately when something goes wrong and then drifting back into old habits.

Romans 12 teaches us that transformation happens through the renewing of our minds. That transformation is a process.

Read a little today. Pray today. Worship today. Make one spiritually healthy decision today. Over time, those decisions change how we think, speak, respond, and live.

Hebrews 10:36 reminds us: “You have need of endurance.”

Spiritual maturity is a marathon, not a sprint. We may not be where we want to be yet, but we can train for where God wants us to go.

This week, look for opportunities to get stronger: exercise spiritually, guard your spiritual diet, rest in God, and consistently keep your eyes on the eternal prize.

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Joshua Boyd

The Altar of Incense — Prayer, Relationship, and the Throne of GodThe tabernacle was never just about rituals—it was always about relationship. God instructed Moses to build it because He desired to dwell among His people and meet with them (Exodus 25:22). Every piece of the tabernacle points to God's plan to bring humanity into His presence.

In This Episode

• Why the tabernacle reveals both God's presence and a picture of heaven.
• The Ark of the Covenant as the center of God's covenant relationship with His people.
• How Jesus fulfilled every requirement of the Old Testament tabernacle, becoming our sacrifice, High Priest, and access to the Father.
• Why holiness still matters under the New Covenant.
• The meaning of the Altar of Incense and why it represents the prayers of God's people.

Prayer Is Relationship

Scripture compares our prayers to incense rising before God (Psalm 141:2). Revelation 8 reveals that this picture continues in heaven, where the prayers of the saints are continually offered before God's throne.

Prayer is far more than presenting a list of requests—it is ongoing fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Just as healthy relationships involve continual conversation, God desires constant communion with His children.

The Tabernacle Reflects Heaven

Hebrews teaches that the earthly tabernacle was built according to a heavenly pattern. Revelation gives us a glimpse of that reality:

• God's throne
• The golden altar of incense
• The seven lamps before the throne
• The cherubim surrounding God's presence
• The sea before the throne

The earthly tabernacle was a shadow pointing to the greater reality of heaven.

Jesus: Our Great High Priest

Because of Jesus:

• We have direct access to the Father.
• The veil has been torn.
• Christ continually intercedes for us.
• We approach God confidently—not by our own righteousness, but through His finished work.

Praying "in Jesus' name" is not merely a phrase we add at the end of a prayer—it is an acknowledgment that we come before God because of Christ alone.

Listening Is Part of Prayer

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He taught more than a pattern of words. He taught persistence, relationship, and dependence on the Father.

Prayer is two-way communication:

• We speak to God.
• We listen for His direction.
• We obey what He asks us to do.

Often, God answers someone's prayer by speaking to another believer who is willing to obey.

A Mature Prayer Life

As we grow spiritually, prayer becomes less about "What can God do for me?" and more about "How can God use me?"

The greatest joy comes from becoming God's hands, feet, and voice to someone else.

Key Takeaways

• The tabernacle exists because God desires relationship.
• The Altar of Incense represents the continual prayers of God's people.
• Prayer is holy because it brings us into fellowship with God.
• Jesus is our eternal High Priest who continually intercedes for us.
• Prayer includes both speaking and listening.
• God often answers prayers through willing, obedient believers.
• A life of prayer transforms us from merely receiving God's blessings to becoming a blessing for others.

Key Scriptures: Exodus 25:22 • Psalm 141:2 • Hebrews 7:23–25 • Revelation 4 • Revelation 8:3–4 • Luke 11:1–13 • Leviticus 16:13

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Joshua Boyd

Tabernacle Part 3 - The Altar of Incense

In this message, we continue our journey through the Tabernacle, exploring the Altar of Incense—a small piece of furniture with enormous spiritual significance. God didn't include anything in the Tabernacle by accident. Every detail points us to Christ and reveals how we approach God's presence today.

In This Episode

• Why God desired to dwell among His people from the very beginning.
• The Tabernacle as a copy of the heavenly reality—not merely an Old Testament structure.
• Why the Altar of Incense stood immediately before the Holy of Holies.
• The significance of the continual burning incense and its connection to prayer.
• How Jesus fulfills the role of our Great High Priest, giving believers direct access to the Father.
• Why prayer is about relationship, not simply presenting requests.

Key Scriptures

• Exodus 25:8
• Exodus 30:1–10, 34–38
• Leviticus 16
• Psalm 141:2
• Hebrews 3:4–6
• Hebrews 4:14–16
• Hebrews 8:5
• Revelation 8:3–4
• Matthew 6:9–13
• Romans 3:25–26

Key Takeaways

• The Tabernacle reveals God's heart to live among His people.
• The Altar of Incense represents the prayers of God's people continually rising before Him.
• Prayer is holy because it is an invitation into fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
• Jesus removed the veil, making direct access to God's throne possible for every believer.
• Effective prayer begins with worship, reverence, and relationship—not merely a list of needs.
• God's desire has always been to speak with His people, and He still invites us to hear His voice today.
• Our prayers matter in heaven—they are precious, remembered, and presented before God's throne.

Reflection Questions

• Is my prayer life centered more on requests or on relationship?
• What distractions keep me from entering God's presence intentionally?
• How can I make daily worship and fellowship with God a priority?
• Am I approaching God through the access Jesus has provided with confidence and gratitude?

Final Thought

The Altar of Incense reminds us that prayer is far more than asking God for things—it is the fragrance of an ongoing relationship with our Creator. Because of Jesus, we no longer stand outside the veil. We are invited to come boldly into God's presence, offering worship, thanksgiving, and heartfelt conversation with the Father who delights in being with His children.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Many people come to Jesus seeking His blessings—and rightly so. God delights in providing for His children. But the Christian life was never meant to stop there. Jesus calls us beyond receiving from Him into fully following Him.

Using Peter's calling in Luke 5, this message challenges believers to move from simply pursuing God's blessings to embracing the life of a disciple.

Key Scripture

• Luke 5:1–11
• Luke 6:17–19
• Matthew 14:13–14
• Luke 9:10–17
• Luke 14:25–33

Main Points

1. Jesus calls us to go deeper.
When Jesus told Peter to "launch out into the deep," He wasn't just leading him to a miraculous catch of fish—He was inviting him into a new life. Peter could have settled for the blessing, but instead he left everything to follow Christ.

2. Blessings are part of the journey—but not the destination.
Throughout the Gospels, crowds followed Jesus for healing, miracles, and provision. While many received incredible blessings, relatively few became true disciples. God wants us to enjoy His goodness while also growing into wholehearted followers.

3. Discipleship has a cost.
Jesus made it clear that following Him requires surrender, sacrifice, and reordered priorities (Luke 14). A mature faith isn't built on what we receive from God but on a relationship that remains faithful regardless of circumstances.

Three Heart-Searching Questions

• Do I primarily engage God because I'm seeking a blessing?
It's healthy to bring our needs to God, but spiritual maturity moves us beyond a relationship centered only on what we receive.

• Has God's goodness changed the way I see Him—and myself?
Peter's miraculous catch didn't simply excite him; it revealed God's holiness and his own need for grace. Encounters with God's goodness should deepen our humility and worship.

• Has what God has done for me led me to share Him with others?
Real disciples don't just receive from Christ—they point others to Him through both their words and their lives.

Key Takeaways

• God invites us to move beyond a blessing-centered faith into a disciple-centered life.
• Spiritual maturity means loving God for who He is, not simply for what He gives.
• Circumstances should not determine our devotion.
• As we accept greater responsibility in following Christ, God supplies the grace and strength we need to grow.
• Every believer is called to continually mature, taking the next step of faith as God leads.

Challenge

Take an honest inventory of your walk with Christ. Are you primarily pursuing God's hand—or His heart? Jesus still invites His followers to "launch out into the deep." The deeper life of discipleship is where lasting transformation begins.

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Joshua Boyd

The Ark of the Covenant

The tabernacle was never merely an ancient tent or a collection of religious artifacts. It was a God-designed shadow of heavenly realities, revealing His desire to dwell among His people. In this message, we explore the significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat, discovering how every detail ultimately points to Jesus Christ and our relationship with God today.

• Why the earthly tabernacle was built as a copy of the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8).
• The Ark of the Covenant as the sacred container of God's covenant with Israel.
• The significance of the Mercy Seat (Place of Atonement) as the meeting place between God and man.
• Why the cherubim over the Ark reflect the worship surrounding God's throne in heaven.
• How Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly temple and God's throne room.
• Why the tabernacle emphasizes honor—honoring God's presence, covenant, and holiness.
• The connection between the Old Covenant sacrifices and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.
• What it means that believers are now God's temple, with His covenant written on our hearts.
• How grace provides access to God while still calling us to holy living and faithful obedience.

Key Scriptures

• Hebrews 8:1–5
• Exodus 24–25
• Revelation 4
• Revelation 11:19
• Hebrews 10:15–18
• 1 Corinthians 3:16–17
• 1 John 1:9

Key Takeaways

• The tabernacle reveals God's desire to live among His people.
• The Ark was valuable because it contained God's covenant—not simply because it was covered in gold.
• The Mercy Seat demonstrates that access to God has always been through atonement.
• Every feature of the tabernacle foreshadows the finished work of Jesus Christ.
• The New Covenant moves God's law from tablets of stone to transformed hearts.
• As believers, we are now God's temple and are called to honor His presence in every area of life.
• Grace removes the need for repeated sacrifices but never removes our responsibility to pursue holiness.
• When we honor what God honors, we position ourselves to experience His presence, guidance, and transforming power.

Bottom Line:
The tabernacle wasn't designed to highlight rituals—it was designed to reveal relationship. Through Jesus, the way into God's presence has been opened, and His covenant now lives within us. As God's temple, we are called to honor Him by living holy lives that reflect His presence to the world.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Royal Priesthood
Part of the Tabernacle Series

What does it mean to be part of God's spiritual house? In this message, Jordon explores our identity as God's "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:4-10), showing that every believer has a unique role in God's Kingdom.

In This Episode

• We are "living stones" being built into God's spiritual house.
• Our lives are designed with purpose—they're about God's Kingdom, not just our personal story.
• Being included in God's work is a privilege, not a burden.
• Every believer has the calling and responsibility of a priest.

The Posture of a Priest

A royal priest lives with:

• A servant's heart—following Jesus, who came to serve, not be served.
• Holiness—living intentionally, set apart for God's purposes.
• Joyful participation in what God is building.

Spiritual Sacrifices We Offer

Because Christ became the perfect sacrifice for sin, we now offer spiritual sacrifices that honor God:

• Praise – Speaking and singing God's goodness (Hebrews 13:15)
• Joy – Choosing joy even in difficult circumstances (Psalm 27)
• Our Lives – Presenting our everyday lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2)
• Generosity – Doing good and sharing with others (Hebrews 13:16)
• Love – Sacrificially loving others, even when it isn't easy (1 Corinthians 13)

True sacrifice often means offering these things when they cost us something.

Our Priestly Assignment

Priests didn't only offer sacrifices—they proclaimed God's greatness.

As believers, we're called to proclaim "the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Our words should consistently point people toward God's faithfulness rather than simply echo the frustrations of our culture.

Reflection

Take a personal inventory this week:

• Am I living with the posture of a servant?
• What sacrifices am I regularly offering to God?
• What am I proclaiming with my words?
• How faithfully am I fulfilling my role as one of God's "living stones"?

God is building something eternal—and every believer has an important place in His design.

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Joshua Boyd

Genesis 5:3 – Adam became the father of a son, Seth, who was "just like him, in his very image."

Main Idea

Fatherhood is not simply a consequence of having children—it is a calling from God.

Just as mothers reflect God's nurturing nature, fathers reflect God's nature as an initiator. God has designed fathers to plant seeds, start things, and help shape the next generation.

Lessons from the First Father

• Adam became a father after sin entered the world.
• Like every father since, Adam was imperfect.
• Cain and Abel remind us that no parent gets everything right.
• God does not require perfection; He calls fathers to reflect His image and remain faithful.

The Purpose of a Father

Throughout Scripture, the word "father" often refers to an initiator or founder:

• Abraham is called the father of faith.
• Israel (Jacob) became the father of a nation.
• Fathers are called to begin, plant, and initiate.

A father's role is to plant seeds—both natural and spiritual.

The Power of Initiation

Genesis 4:26 tells us that during the days of Seth and Enosh, people began to worship the Lord by name.

Someone initiated a return to worship.

The message suggests that Seth reflected Adam's image because Adam had returned to reflecting God's image. When fathers keep their eyes on the Heavenly Father, they influence generations that follow.

A Word to Fathers

• You don't have to be perfect.
• You can start planting new seeds today.
• You can initiate forgiveness, faith, worship, encouragement, and purpose in your family.
• What you model is often caught by your children more than it is taught.

Speaking Life into the Next Generation

Fathers plant seeds through:

• Encouragement
• Confidence
• Faith-filled words
• Godly example
• Intentional leadership

Children need confidence, but they must also learn where their strength comes from—God.

Working Together

God designed fathers and mothers with complementary purposes:

• Fathers initiate and plant.
• Mothers nurture and help things grow.
• Together they create an environment where God can bring increase.

Beyond Parenting

This message applies to everyone.

Every believer has:

• A God-given purpose
• A calling
• An anointing to fulfill that calling

When we embrace God's purpose, we experience greater fruitfulness, effectiveness, and impact.

Takeaway

Fatherhood is a calling to reflect the Heavenly Father, initiate what is good, and plant seeds that will impact future generations.

As we follow Christ, our families, churches, workplaces, and communities benefit from the seeds we intentionally sow today.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Key Theme

Let go of anxious control and grab hold of God’s peace.

Anxiety is defined as:

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

While anxiety is a normal human experience, believers are not called to identify with it or be ruled by it.

God’s Peace Guards and Governs

Philippians 4:6-7

• “Do not be anxious about anything.”
• Prayer, thanksgiving, and bringing requests to God open the door for His peace.
• God’s peace acts as a guard over our hearts and minds.

Colossians 3:15

• The peace of Christ is not only protection—it is meant to rule in our hearts.
• Peace should have authority over our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Peace Is a Person

Ephesians 2:14

• “He Himself is our peace.”
• Peace is not merely a feeling; it is found in Christ Himself.
• If we have Christ, we already have access to peace.

Jesus’ Example in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42

• Jesus experienced intense sorrow, distress, and pressure before the cross.
• He did not deny His emotions.
• Instead, He repeatedly brought them to the Father in prayer.
• Though circumstances did not immediately change, Jesus emerged with peace and resolve.

Lesson: Peace does not always come from a changed situation. Sometimes it comes from surrendering control to God.

Peace Was Given Before the Crisis

John 14:27

• Jesus told His disciples, “My peace I give to you.”
• He gave them peace before the trial, arrest, and crucifixion.
• Likewise, believers already possess the peace they need before problems arise.

The Two Cycles

Cycle of Anxiety

1. Uncertainty
2. Anxiety/Fear
3. Desire for Control
4. Taking Control
5. Frustration
6. More Anxiety

Cycle of Faith

1. Uncertainty
2. Anxiety/Fear
3. Prayer
4. Trusting God’s Control
5. God Works His Plan
6. Faith Grows
7. Peace Increases

The more we practice trusting God, the quicker we move from fear to faith.

Worry Accomplishes Nothing

Luke 12:25-32

• Worry cannot add a single hour to life.
• God already knows our needs.
• The solution is simple:
  • Seek His Kingdom.
  • Trust His provision.
  • Receive what He freely desires to give.

Practicing Peace

Philippians 4:8-9

• Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.
• Peace is not only received—it is practiced.

Jordon encouraged everyone to:

• Identify things that bring joy.
• Remember relationships that bless them.
• Reflect on dreams God has fulfilled.

By intentionally focusing on God’s goodness, we create an environment where peace can flourish and anxiety loses its grip.

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety is real, but it does not have to rule your life.
• God’s peace is both a guard and a ruler.
• Jesus experienced distress and modeled how to respond.
• Peace is already available through Christ.
• Prayer moves us from control to trust.
• Practicing gratitude and godly meditation strengthens our ability to walk in peace.

Closing Thought

You do not have to earn peace—you already have access to it through Christ. The challenge is learning to practice it, trust it, and allow it to govern your heart and mind.

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Joshua Boyd

God’s Desire Has Always Been Relationship

From the Garden of Eden onward:

• God desired to walk with humanity
• Sin broke that fellowship
• The Tabernacle was God’s solution to dwell among His people

“Build me a sanctuary so I can live among them.”

The Tabernacle was literally a “Tent of Meeting.”

Why So Much Detail?

• Over 50 chapters of Scripture describe the Tabernacle and Temples
• Hebrews teaches that these earthly structures were:
  • Copies
  • Shadows
  • Patterns of heavenly realities

God gave Moses exact instructions because the design reflected something real in heaven.

The Purpose of the Tabernacle

The goal was never rituals alone.

The purpose was:

• To meet with God
• To hear from God
• To experience His presence

“There I will meet with you.”

The Pattern of Approach

The Tabernacle reveals a pathway into God’s presence:

1. The Gate

2. Only one entrance

3. Points to Jesus

“I am the door.”

1. The Altar of Sacrifice

2. Blood was required for forgiveness

3. Points to the sacrifice of Christ

4. The Bronze Laver

5. Washing and cleansing

6. Points to being washed by God’s Word

7. The Holy Place

Three daily responsibilities:

• Lampstand → Keep the light burning
• Showbread → Daily bread from God’s Word

• Incense → Prayer and worship

• The Holy of Holies

• God’s manifest presence

• Place of meeting and hearing from God
• Accessible only through preparation

Jesus Fulfilled the Pattern

Jesus became:

• The Door
• The Sacrifice
• The Cleansing Word
• The High Priest

Through His blood:

• Sin is forgiven
• The veil is torn
• Access to God is opened

The Veil Was Torn

Before Christ:

• One man
• One day a year
• Could enter God’s presence

After Christ:

• Every believer has access

Yet access does not remove the need for reverence and preparation.

Daily Preparation Matters

Many believers want God’s presence but neglect the daily practices that lead there.

The pattern still teaches us to:

• Stay in the Word
• Maintain prayer
• Keep our spiritual light burning
• Continually cleanse ourselves from worldly distractions

God wants to meet with us, but we must intentionally draw near.

Don’t Stop in the Outer Court

Some believers stop at:

• Forgiveness
• Salvation
• “My ticket to heaven”

But God desires more:

• Relationship
• Communion
• Conversation
• Direction

The goal is not merely being saved.

The goal is meeting with God.

Draw Near

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

God is not hiding from us.
He designed the entire system—from the Tabernacle to the Cross—to make relationship possible.

Final Takeaways

• The Tabernacle is a picture of God’s desire to dwell with His people.
• Every element points to Jesus.
• Salvation is the entrance, not the destination.
• God wants more than ritual—He wants relationship.
• The pathway into His presence is available to every believer.

Closing Challenge

Don’t settle for the outer court.

Spend time in:

• The Word
• Prayer
• Worship
• Fellowship with God

Because the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was not sacrifice—it was meeting with God.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

This special service is geared toward the youth of the church.

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Joshua Boyd

Series Context

• Part of A Walk Through the Bible
• Focus on how Old Testament feasts point directly to Jesus and the Church

God Is a God of Order

• Numbers, timelines, and feasts throughout Scripture matter
• The Old Testament wasn’t written just as history

“All these things happened as examples for us.”

The Three Major Feasts God instructed Israel to celebrate:

1. Passover / Unleavened Bread
2. Feast of Firstfruits
3. Feast of Final Harvest (Pentecost)

These weren’t random holidays:
➡️ They prophetically pointed to Jesus.

Jesus Fulfilled the Feasts

Passover

• Jesus entered Jerusalem
• The Lamb prepared for sacrifice

Unleavened Bread

• Jesus crucified and buried
• Unleavened bread represented purity and no sin

Firstfruits

• Resurrection Sunday
• Jesus became the firstfruits of a new kind of humanity

The Seed Principle

A seed must:

• Be planted
• Die
• Then produce new life

Jesus:

• Died
• Was buried
• Rose again with a glorified body

➡️ The first human body resurrected into eternal life

Why Pentecost Matters

Pentecost = 50 days after Passover

Originally:

• Feast of Final Harvest

Spiritually:

• Jesus was the Firstfruit
• Believers are the Final Harvest

The Meaning of the Yeast

Most sacrifices:

• Required bread without yeast (symbol of purity)

But Pentecost was different:

• God specifically commanded bread WITH yeast

Why?

• Jesus was the perfect, sinless sacrifice
• Because of Him, imperfect people can now carry God’s Spirit

➡️ The Spirit of God can now dwell in flawed humanity

Before vs After Pentecost

Old Testament

• Spirit came upon people temporarily

After Jesus

• Spirit lives inside believers permanently

Acts 2 — The Fulfillment

On Pentecost:

• Wind filled the room
• Tongues of fire appeared
• Believers were filled with the Holy Spirit

This connected to:

• Moses and the burning bush
• Fire on Mount Sinai
• God’s presence descending

But now:

• The fire no longer consumed
• It indwelled

Christ Is the Reality

The Old Testament was always pointing to Him.

What Pentecost Means for Us

Because of Jesus:

• We become new creations
• God’s Spirit lives within us
• We can walk daily with God
• We have direct access to His presence

The Holy of Holies Is Open

In the tabernacle:

• Only the high priest could enter once a year

Now:

• Every believer can enter God’s presence anytime

Final Takeaways

• Jesus fulfilled the feasts
• Pentecost was always part of God’s plan
• We are the “final harvest”
• The Holy Spirit is not just with us—but in us

Closing Encouragement

Don’t stop at salvation alone.

There is:

• New life through Jesus
• AND fullness through the Holy Spirit

The same God who descended in fire now desires to dwell within His people.

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

In Part 3 of the Modern Christianity series, Dr. Gilmore continues exploring the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and Pentecost. This short but powerful period gives us a blueprint for modern faith, showing how believers grow through doubt, faith, testimony, Scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Theme:
Two essential parts of Christian life are the power of testimony and revelation in Scripture.

Testimony is more than reporting what happened. It is a kingdom tool God uses to strengthen faith, encourage others, and point people to Jesus. Revelation in Scripture is more than gaining knowledge. It is the Holy Spirit opening our understanding so we can see Christ more clearly throughout the Word.

This compares to a charger. The power is available, but testimony and Scripture help connect our faith to that power.

Mary Magdalene and the Women at the Tomb
In Matthew 28, the angel tells the women, “He is risen,” then immediately sends them to tell the disciples. Jesus Himself also appears to them and repeats the instruction: go and tell.

This marks a shift. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He often told people not to spread the news of miracles. But after the resurrection, the command becomes urgent: go testify.

The women obeyed even though they were afraid. Their message sounded impossible—Jesus was alive, and the disciples needed to go to Galilee. Yet they went in faith. Their example reminds us that our call to testify is immediate and urgent, even when we feel fear, uncertainty, or concern about being misunderstood.

The Road to Emmaus
In Luke 24, two followers walk with Jesus without recognizing Him. As He opens the Scriptures to them, their hearts begin to burn. When they finally recognize Him in the breaking of bread, they immediately return seven miles to Jerusalem to tell the others.

Their testimony became a natural response to encountering Christ. They were tired, discouraged, and confused—but once they recognized Jesus, urgency replaced weariness.

Testimony Builds Faith
When we share what God has done, it strengthens others. Someone else’s testimony may help us believe until we have our own encounter. Then we become the ones encouraging others. Testimony creates a chain reaction in the body of Christ.

Revelation in Scripture
Jesus did not always reveal Himself immediately. On the road to Emmaus, He first opened the Scriptures. This shows that faith often grows as God connects the dots for us through His Word.

Mature faith moves beyond knowing isolated Bible stories. It begins to see how all of Scripture points to Christ and how God’s plan connects to our lives today.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13 says the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth. John 14:26 says the Holy Spirit will teach us and bring Jesus’ words to remembrance. We are not left to understand Scripture on our own. The Holy Spirit helps open the Word and apply it to our lives.

Not every Bible reading moment feels dramatic. Sometimes Scripture is like a simple meal—daily nourishment. Other times, it feels like a feast. But both are necessary for spiritual growth.

Call to Action
Matthew 28:18–20 gives the Great Commission: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This was the plan from the moment Jesus rose, and it is still the plan today.

Final Reflection:
Who are you telling about what God has done?
How is your understanding of Scripture growing?
Testimony and revelation should both be active in our walk with Christ.

View Details

Joshua Boyd

God’s First Command: Be Fruitful

From Genesis:

• God created everything with:
  • A purpose
  • A seed
  • A mechanism to multiply

“Be fruitful and multiply”

• Blessing in the Bible is always connected to:
  • Increase
  • Fruitfulness
  • Multiplication

Why Woman Was Created Differently

• Adam was formed from dust
• Animals were formed from the earth
• Woman was uniquely constructed from man

Why?

• To complete the blessing
• To complete the image of God
• To provide the mechanism for fruitfulness

➡️ Woman completed what was missing

Mothers Complete the Blessing

• Without Eve, Adam could not fulfill:
  • “Be fruitful and multiply”
• Mothers are not just child-bearers
• Women carry:
  • Nurture
  • Comfort
  • Multiplication
  • The heart of God in the home

God’s Nature Reflected in Mothers

Isaiah compares God’s comfort to a mother comforting a child.

The Pattern in Scripture

Again and again:

• Mothers prayed
• Mothers interceded
• Mothers carried faith for their children

Examples:

• Hannah praying for Samuel
• Samson’s mother receiving the angelic message
• The Shunammite woman
• Mary receiving the promise of Jesus

➡️ God often spoke to the mothers first

Jesus and Mothers

One powerful story:

• Jesus saw a widow mourning her dead son
• She didn’t ask for a miracle
• Jesus initiated it out of compassion

“Jesus gave him back to his mother”

➡️ Jesus sees a mother’s heart

Encouragement to Moms

• Don’t stop praying for your children
• Even if they’ve wandered
• God hears the prayers of mothers
• Your heart for your children reflects God’s heart

Honor Your Father and Mother

• One of the most repeated commands in Scripture
• Also the only command tied to a promise:
  • Long life

Honoring parents honors:

• The role God created
• The image of God placed within them

Women in the Resurrection Story

• Women first received:
  • The announcement of Jesus’ birth
  • The news of Jesus’ resurrection
• Women were present at:
  • The empty tomb
  • Pentecost

➡️ God consistently honored women in key moments of redemption

Final Truths

• Women are created intentionally
• Mothers reflect the nurturing heart of God
• Men and women together reveal the image of God
• Mothers help complete the blessing in the home

Closing Encouragement

To every mother and spiritual mother:

• You are seen
• You are valued
• You are created with purpose
• Your prayers matter
• Your nurturing reflects the very heart of God

“Be fruitful and multiply” is still part of God’s blessing today.

View Details

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Big Idea

• Doubt and faith often coexist
• Matthew 28:17: “They worshiped Him, but some doubted”
• Even in powerful encounters with Jesus, doubt can remain

Key Truths About Doubt

1. God is not surprised by your doubt
2. God is not intimidated by your doubt
3. Doubt does not disqualify you from God’s call
4. Unchecked doubt leads to hardness of heart
5. Doubt must submit to faith to move forward

What Is Doubt?

• A natural response based on observations and expectations
• Not sin by itself—but must be addressed
• Two main sources:
  • Fear → “I’m afraid to trust God”
  • Cynicism → “I won’t risk being disappointed again”

Faith Defined

• Hebrews 11:1: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see”
• Contrast:
  • Doubt = based on what we see
  • Faith = anchored in what we cannot see

Context: Why the Disciples Doubted

• John 20:19: They were hiding behind locked doors out of fear
• Their doubt was shaped by:
  • Trauma (crucifixion)
  • Fear of persecution
  • Broken expectations

Pattern: How Jesus Handles Doubt

1. Women at the tomb
   • Afraid → Angel says “Don’t be afraid”
   • Act in faith → Jesus meets them
2. Disciples
   • Hear testimony → don’t believe
3. Road to Emmaus
   • Jesus explains Scripture → reveals Himself
   • They respond → go tell others (not believed)
4. Jesus appears to disciples
   • Addresses fear directly: “Why are you frightened?”
   • Shows physical proof → eats with them
5. Thomas
   • Doubt from disappointment
   • Jesus meets him personally → “Don’t be faithless, believe”

Key Insight: Jesus Meets Every Doubt

• Over 40 days, Jesus intentionally addresses:
  • Fear
  • Confusion
  • Disappointment
• He doesn’t avoid doubt—He engages it

The Galilee Moment (Faith in Action)

• Jesus calls people to travel ~100 miles to Galilee
• Some go by faith (before seeing Him)
• Over 500 witnesses gather (1 Corinthians 15:6)
• Even then: some worship, some doubt

The Commission Still Stands

• Despite doubt, Jesus gives everyone the mission:
  • “Go and make disciples…”
  • “I am with you always”
• He doesn’t exclude doubters—He includes them

Final Movement: From Doubt to Power

• Jesus sends them back to Jerusalem
• Command: Wait for the Holy Spirit
• Faith + Holy Spirit = ability to fulfill the mission

Takeaways

• Doubt is natural—but not meant to stay
• Jesus meets you in your doubt
• Faith grows when doubt is surrendered
• You are still called—even while growing
• The Holy Spirit empowers what faith begins

Closing Thought
Don’t settle into doubt.
Let Jesus meet you there—and lead you into belief.

View Details

Joshua Boyd

Series Context

• Part of A Walk Through the Bible
• Core truth: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever
• Not two different Gods (OT vs NT)
• Justice has always existed—Jesus changed how judgment is paid

Humanity Hasn’t Changed

• Sin existed before the Law (Cain & Abel)
• Pattern throughout history:
  • Sin → Judgment → Repentance → Rescue
• Seen clearly in Judges (repeated cycles)
• Ecclesiastes: “Nothing new under the sun”

Two Cycles

1. God’s Cycle (Life Cycle)

2. Sin

3. Judgment
4. Repentance

5. Rescue

6. Death Cycle

7. Sin → Judgment → Sin → Judgment (no repentance)

God’s Character in the Cycle

• Merciful
• Compassionate
• Slow to anger
• Gives repeated opportunities to repent

Delay of judgment ≠ lack of justice
It is mercy

Why Judgment Seems Delayed

• God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2)
• If judgment were instant:
  • None of us would stand
• What we see as delay = God giving time to repent

Perspective Problem

• We often say:
  • “This is the worst it’s ever been”
• Reality:
  • Humanity has always had extreme evil
• God sees all of history:
  • Our “worst moment” = a tiny blip

Biblical Example: The Flood

• Humanity became:
  • “Consistently and totally evil”
• Judgment came—but only after time to repent
• One man (Noah) completed the cycle
  • Faith + obedience = rescue

One person’s obedience can impact generations

God’s Nature (Key Truth)

• God is:
  • Slow to anger
  • Full of unfailing love
  • Eager to forgive

He is not looking to punish—He’s looking to rescue

Jonah & Nineveh Lesson

• Jonah wanted judgment
• God showed mercy when people repented
• Jonah got angry

➡️ Lesson:

• We often want justice for others
• But mercy for ourselves

Why We Shouldn’t Judge

• We don’t see:
  • The full story
  • Private repentance

Eternal Perspective

• This world is temporary
• God’s Word is eternal (Matthew 24:35)
• Solomon’s mistake:
  • Focused on temporary things → found emptiness

➡️ True meaning = eternal focus

“Where Is God?” Question

• People have always asked this (2 Peter 3)
• Answer:
  • God is not slow
  • He is patient

“He does not want anyone to perish, but all to repent”

Time Perspective

Delay = opportunity

Final Encouragement

• Stay in the full cycle
  • When you sin → repent quickly
• Trust God:
  • Judgment is just
  • Mercy is available
  • Reward is coming

View Details

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Series Overview

• New mini-series exploring the 40 days between the resurrection and Pentecost
• Focus: how this period mirrors the journey of modern believers

Why This 40-Day Window Matters

• Often overlooked between Resurrection Sunday and the early church in Acts
• Though short, it’s a critical transition period shaping how believers live today
• Reveals real, human responses to encountering the risen Jesus

Core Scripture

• Matthew 28:16–17 — “They worshiped Him, but some doubted”

Timeline Highlights (Post-Resurrection)

• Jesus rises from the dead
• Women (Mary Magdalene & others) discover the empty tomb and see Jesus
• They report to the disciples → not believed
• Peter & John investigate → see evidence, not Jesus
• Road to Emmaus → Jesus revealed through Scripture and breaking bread
• Multiple witnesses testify → still met with doubt
• Jesus appears to disciples → rebukes unbelief, eats with them
• Thomas doubts → Jesus meets him personally
• Jesus: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”
• Great Commission given
• Promise of the Holy Spirit

Key Insight #1: Faith Includes Tension

• Christianity is not just certainty—it includes:
  • Doubt
  • Faith
  • Testimony of others
  • Revelation through Scripture
  • Power of the Holy Spirit

Key Insight #2: Learning to Believe in New Ways

• The disciples knew Jesus physically—but now must trust differently
• We often start faith through upbringing or teaching
• Growth requires trusting God through:
  • Others’ testimonies
  • Scripture
  • New experiences of His power
• Faith must evolve as situations change

Key Insight #3: The Danger of Unbelief

• Mark 16:14 — Jesus rebukes unbelief and hardness of heart
• The disciples struggled to believe others—even after years with Jesus
• Application:
  • Are there areas where we resist believing God?
  • Do past experiences limit our current faith?

Key Insight #4: Doubt Isn’t the End

• Thomas doubted—but Jesus met him personally
• Jesus’ instruction: “Do not go on disbelieving, but believe”
• God is not intimidated by doubt—but calls us forward from it

Key Insight #5: Faith Without Seeing

• “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29)
• This defines modern believers—we believe without physical sight
• Our mission: help others believe the same truth

Key Insight #6: You Are a Witness

• Luke 24:48 — “You are witnesses of these things”
• Reflect:
  • Where have you seen God move?
  • Healer? Provider? Counselor?
• Your experiences are meant to be shared

Final Takeaways

• Faith is a journey—not instant clarity
• Jesus meets us in every stage
• The Holy Spirit enables us to live it out

Closing Thought
Don’t stay in unbelief.
Believe—and step into the role of a witness.

View Details

Joshua Boyd

Series Context

• Part of a “Walk Through the Bible” series (30,000-foot view)
• Key theme: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever
• The Old Testament is still relevant—Jesus Himself quoted it often

What is Righteousness?

• “Righteous” = what is right, just, and fair
• The key question: Whose perspective defines what’s right?
• Culture says: “what’s right to me”
• Bible says: God alone defines what is right

The Problem with Human Perspective

• We judge based on personal feelings (“that’s not fair”)
• We:
  • Excuse ourselves
  • Accuse others
• Like in Judges: everyone did what was right in their own eyes

Core Truth

God is always:

• Right
• Just
• Fair

Judgment in the Bible

• There is a clear line:
  • Right → Reward
  • Wrong → Judgment
• This has never changed

What has changed?

• How judgment is paid
  • Before Christ → people bore judgment
  • After Christ → Jesus took judgment on the cross

➡️ God’s standard never changed—only the payment method did

The Cross Changes Everything

• Jesus took:
  • The full punishment of sin
  • For all people (past, present, future)
• We have a choice:
  • Accept His sacrifice → no personal judgment
  • Reject it → bear judgment ourselves

Key Biblical Principle

Judgment is never random—there is always cause and effect

• Example: Nations like Edom and Moab
  • Had opportunities to help Israel
  • Chose wrongly → judgment came later
• Lesson: God gives opportunities before judgment

Misunderstanding Justice Today

• We often ask: “Where is justice?”
• Truth: History isn’t finished yet
• Final justice is coming

Personal Application

1. Stop judging others

2. Our perspective is limited

3. God sees the full picture

4. Judge yourself instead

5. “If you judge yourself, you won’t be judged”

6. Repentance shifts judgment to the cross

7. Trust God’s character

8. Even when it doesn’t seem fair

9. God is never wrong

Grace vs License

• Grace ≠ permission to sin
• Grace = opportunity to:
  • Be forgiven
  • Still live righteously

Suffering Clarified

Two types:

1. Suffering from wrong choices
2. Suffering for obedience

➡️ If suffering for God:

• Keep doing what is right
• Trust Him fully

Final Takeaways

• God’s standard of right and wrong never changes
• Judgment is always just and deserved
• There is always an opportunity for repentance
• Jesus took your judgment—if you accept it

Closing Challenge

• Don’t rely on your perspective
• Align with God’s definition of righteousness
• Repent quickly, obey consistently, trust fully

View Details

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Resurrection Sunday is the celebration of new life in Christ. Jesus was crucified as the full payment for our sin, buried, and raised on the third day with all power. Because of His victory, death has lost its sting for those who believe, and our salvation is complete in Him.

This message centers on one key truth: humility is the soil in which all the virtues of the Spirit grow. If we want to walk in resurrection life, we must also walk in humility.

Jesus taught this principle clearly: whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). In God’s kingdom, greatness is not found in status, but in service. Jesus did not just teach humility; He embodied it.

Philippians 2 shows Christ as the perfect example. Though He was God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself even to death on a cross. Because of that humility, God highly exalted Him. The pattern is clear: humility comes before exaltation.

True humility is not thinking too little of yourself or too much of yourself. It is having a right view of who you are before God. When we humble ourselves, God lifts us according to His purpose.

A practical way to see whether we are walking in the Spirit is by our fruit. What is our life producing? Stress, anger, pride, and anxiety are not the fruit of the Spirit. But love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are evidence that our lives are rooted in humility and connected to God.

Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit. Good trees bear good fruit. So the condition of our heart matters. Humility makes the soil of the heart fruitful.

The message also contrasts Christ with Satan. Satan’s fall came through pride: “I will ascend… I will make myself like the Most High.” Pride seeks self-exaltation. Christ chose self-emptying, obedience, and surrender. That is why the resurrection was such a death blow to the enemy: what looked like weakness was actually the greatest display of God’s power and humility.

Jesus laid down His life willingly, and He calls us to do the same. To follow Christ is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and walk in new life by the Spirit. Humility is not something we manufacture to earn blessing. God gives us what we need to follow Him.

Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is an example. What Paul wanted removed was the very thing God used to keep him humble and fruitful. Sometimes the struggle we want delivered from is the very thing God is using to form Christ in us. Weakness can become the place where God’s power rests most clearly on our lives.

So instead of only asking, “How do I get to the promise?” we should also ask, “How is God using this moment to make me humble, faithful, and fruitful?”

The call is simple: stay connected to the Father, fight pride, embrace humility, and trust God with the outcome. The fruit of the Spirit often shines brightest against hard circumstances.

Final warning and encouragement: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility is not optional in the Christian life; it is essential to walking in resurrection power.

Key takeaway: The way of the cross is the way of humility, and the way of humility is the way into resurrection life.

View Details

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Key Illustration: The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)

• A farmer scatters seed, then goes about daily life.
• He doesn’t understand how growth happens.
• The earth produces the harvest over time.
• His role: sow the seed
• God’s role: bring the increase

Takeaway: What matters most is not just what we do—but what God does with what we do.

Personal Reflection

• We often focus more on failures than wins (negativity bias).
• Frustration comes when effort doesn’t produce expected results.
• Question: What are you investing your time and energy into—and what return are you expecting?

Core Tension

Two competing focuses:

1. Cares of life (stress, pressure, distractions)
2. Eternal significance (God’s kingdom, lasting fruit)

Key Truths

1. We Overvalue What We Control

2. We think what we spend the most time on is most important.

3. We believe success depends mainly on us.
4. But scripture shows: God is the true source of growth.

“We sow the seed—God produces the harvest.”

1. The Cares of Life Can Choke Out Fruit (Mark 4:18–19)

2. Distractions drain time, energy, and focus.

3. Even “good” things can crowd out what matters most.
4. Example: Busyness, perfectionism, or unnecessary tasks stealing capacity.

Reflection Question:
What temporary things are costing you eternal impact?

1. We Are Role Players, Not the Star

2. God is the main character; we are part of His story.

3. 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
4. True impact happens in community, not isolation.

Goal: Be faithful and excellent in your role—not obsessed with recognition.

1. Contentment Protects Our Heart

2. The farmer simply sowed seed—faithfully and consistently.

3. Discontentment leads to pride or frustration.

4. Contentment keeps us grounded in God’s purpose.

5. Abiding Produces Lasting Fruit (John 15:5,16)

6. “Abide” = remain connected over time.

7. Many treat God as seasonal, not constant.
8. Lasting fruit comes from consistent relationship, not occasional effort.

Key Principle:
Staying connected to God over time produces more than we ever could alone.

Encouragement

• You may feel like you’re on a hamster wheel—but God is still working.
• Even when you don’t see it, He is producing fruit.
• Your responsibility is simple:
  • Sow faithfully
  • Stay connected
  • Trust God for the results

Closing Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

• Don’t lose heart—renewal is happening daily.
• Present struggles are temporary.
• What is unseen (eternal) matters most.

Final Takeaway

Focus less on immediate results and more on faithful obedience.
What you do may seem small—but in God’s hands, it produces eternal fruit that remains.

View Details

Joshua Boyd

A Holy God - A Holy People

The Bible is God’s story (His story), and its truths still apply to us today.

One of the clearest themes throughout Scripture is this:

God is holy.

What Does “Holy” Mean?The word holy simply means:

• Set apart
• Dedicated
• Separated for God’s purpose

Holiness isn’t about halos or perfection.
It’s about being separated from what contaminates and dedicated to God.

From the very beginning, God established separation.

Creation

• God separated light from darkness (Genesis 1).
• This becomes a spiritual pattern later in Scripture:
  Light and darkness are not meant to mix.

God’s Plan to Restore HolinessBecause God is holy, sin cannot exist in His presence.

Sacrifices

Under the Old Covenant:

• Bulls and goats were sacrificed.
• Blood covered sin.
• People could approach God again.

These sacrifices didn’t disappear with Jesus.

Instead, Jesus became the final and eternal sacrifice.

The Pattern of Holiness in IsraelGod restored humanity step by step by separating a portion to make the whole holy.

The Pattern

1. One man – Abraham
2. One nation – Israel
3. One tribe – Levi
4. The priests
5. The High Priest

Each level represented greater separation and dedication to God.

The Tabernacle – A Pattern of HeavenThe earthly tabernacle wasn’t random.

Hebrews 8:5

The tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the heavenly reality.

The Principle of the Holy PortionA consistent biblical principle is:

When a portion is made holy, the whole is blessed.

Examples:

Tithing

Leviticus 27:30

The first 10% belongs to the Lord.

Setting it apart makes the rest blessed.

The Sabbath

Exodus 20

God set one day apart as holy.

Keeping one day for God blesses the rest of the week.

Firstborn Dedication

In the Old Testament, the firstborn child was dedicated to God, symbolizing that the entire family belonged to Him.

The same principle applies when we dedicate our children today.

Holiness in the New CovenantThrough Jesus, holiness is no longer limited to Israel.

Anyone who believes in Christ can now be called God’s holy people.

The apostles repeatedly addressed believers this way:

• Romans – “Called to be His holy people”
• Corinthians – “God’s church… called to be holy”
• Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians – “God’s holy people”

Holiness is no longer tied to nationality—it’s tied to faith in Christ.

A Holy People in the WorldChristians are called to live set apart, but not removed from the world.

Living as God’s Holy PeopleHoliness isn’t perfection.

It’s choosing daily to set ourselves apart for God.

When we honor what God has called holy, He blesses the whole of our lives.

Final ChallengeJust as Paul wrote to believers across the ancient world, the same message applies today.

To the holy people of God:

• Stay strong in a weak world.
• Stay faithful in a disloyal culture.
• Keep God’s Word as the highest truth in your life.

God is holy.

And through Christ, He has called us to be holy too.

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Dr. Jordon GilmoreKey Text: Gospel of Luke 24:13–35

Pastor Jordon begins with the story of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion. They were discouraged and confused. As they walked, Jesus joined them—but they didn’t recognize Him. Only after He explained the Scriptures did they realize who He was. Their sorrow turned to excitement, and they ran to tell the other disciples.

This story reflects a common experience for believers. We can walk through life discouraged or distracted and fail to recognize that God is already with us.

Most Christians would say they know God is always with them, yet many don’t always feel that way. Pastor Jordon referenced Book of Psalms 23:4, which reminds us that God is with us even in the valley. If we truly lived with that awareness, it would change our confidence, actions, and mindset. Imagine entering a difficult situation knowing Jesus was standing right behind you saying, “I’ve got you.” Through the Holy Spirit, that is the reality for believers.

Recognizing God is something that develops as we grow in faith. Pastor Jordon described three stages:

1. Recognizing who God is – understanding His character, power, and voice.
2. Recognizing who He is to you personally – growing in a personal relationship with Christ.
3. Recognizing His work in your life – seeing how He empowers and guides you.

As our faith matures, our capacity grows—meaning God entrusts us with more responsibility and deeper experiences with Him.

The disciples illustrate this growth. Early in Jesus’ ministry they often asked, “Who is this?” In Gospel of Matthew 8, after Jesus calmed the storm, they wondered who He could be that even the wind obeyed Him. But later in Gospel of Matthew 14, after many experiences with Jesus, their response changed to worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Their ability to recognize Him grew through time spent walking with Him.

Peter’s story highlights this progression. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to come to Him. His bold step wasn’t random—it was the result of many experiences with Jesus that had built his faith.

Pastor Jordon pointed out three ways Peter’s capacity grew:

1. He listened to Jesus’ teaching and asked questions.
Peter actively sought understanding instead of staying confused.

2. He experienced miracles and spiritual revelation.
Moments where truth becomes clear deepen our ability to recognize God.

3. He obeyed Jesus’ instructions.
When Jesus told the disciples to preach, heal, and minister, Peter acted. Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter to “feed my sheep.” Peter eventually preached at Pentecost and thousands came to faith.

A key shift in spiritual maturity is how we pray. Early in faith we often pray, “God, fix this situation.” As we grow, our prayers change to, “Lord, empower me to respond the right way.” We begin to recognize that God often works through us, not just for us.

The challenge for believers is to spend time with God, seek understanding of His Word, remember moments of revelation, and act on His instructions. As we do, our capacity grows and we become better at recognizing God’s presence and work in our lives.

View Details

Joshua Boyd

Key Theme: The Bible Is a Book of Choices

As we continue our Walk Through the Bible series, we’re looking at an overarching theme found from Genesis to Revelation:

The power of “if.”

Our anchor verse remains:

1 Corinthians 10:11–12

These things happened as examples for us… If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

The stories of Scripture aren’t just children’s lessons. They are real accounts—often messy and intense—written so we can learn, stand firm, and avoid falling.

“If” — The Language of Covenant

The word “if” appears nearly 1,600 times in Scripture.

That tells us something:
God works through choice.

From the beginning: Adam and Eve

Genesis 2:17

If you eat of it, you will die.

Dominion was given—but with boundaries.

Cain

Genesis 4:7

If you do well, will you not be accepted? … If you do not, sin lies at the door.

Cain had a chance to change direction. He didn’t.

Jesus

Revelation 3:20

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door…

Jesus knocks. He does not force.

Fear vs. Love

A powerful truth:

• Fear forces
• Love leads
• Faith follows

God gives us free will because love requires choice.
Without choice, it’s not love—it’s control.

The Danger of Repeated Wrong “Ifs”

One bad choice rarely destroys someone overnight.

But repeated wrong “ifs”:

• Harden the heart
• Dull conviction
• Lead to deception

Ephesians 4:18

They have closed their minds and hardened their hearts.

Hardness develops through repeated wrong decisions.

That’s why:

Hebrews 3:13

Encourage one another daily… so none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Generational Impact of One Right “If”

Nine generations after Adam:

Genesis 6

Every thought was consistently evil… But Noah found favor with the Lord.

The whole world chose wrong.

One man chose right.

Noah didn’t start with “Build an ark.”
He had a life of faithful “ifs” that led to greater trust.

A Personal Example: Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1:8–9

If you return to Me… I will gather you.

Nehemiah read that promise and said:
“That’s my ‘if.’”

He took personal responsibility and acted on it.

We Still Live in an “If” World

Romans 8:13

If you live according to the flesh, you will die.
But if by the Spirit…

Even under grace, choices matter.

God controls history.
He does not control your decisions.

The Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1–2

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses…

They lived the life of faith.
They resisted sin—even to persecution and death.

Jesus is our ultimate example:

• He resisted to the point of sweating blood.
• He chose the right “if” every time.
• He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Final Question: What “If” Are You Choosing?

• Are you revisiting an old decision God asked you to make?
• Are you at the beginning of a small choice that could harden your heart?
• Are you standing alone at work or in family situations?

Remember:
You are not alone.

There is a cloud of witnesses cheering for faith.
There is a Savior who initiated your faith and will perfect it.

Every day, you choose your “if.”

Choose faith.
Choose obedience.
Choose to draw near.

And as Scripture promises:

Draw near to Him —
&

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Dr. Jordon Gilmore

1. The Source of Resemblance

In the natural, family resemblance comes from DNA—a biological code passed from generation to generation. DNA carries traits that strengthen and shape future generations.

Spiritually, there is also a “divine DNA.” As children of God, we are called to reflect our Father. The question is:
When the world sees us, do they recognize the family resemblance?

1. Children of God – A Growing Revelation

1 John 3:2

“Beloved, now we are children of God… when He appears, we shall be like Him.”

• We are already God’s children.
• Yet we do not fully see what we will become.
• What we know of God now is only partial—like looking through a cloudy lens.
• The fullness of who He is will only be revealed when we are perfected.

Two key reminders:

1. Don’t underestimate God’s greatness. Even our greatest spiritual moments are only a fraction of who He is.

2. Don’t underestimate the promise. We will be like Him. That promise is greater than we can imagine.

3. Moses and the Glory of God

Exodus 33:18–23

Moses asked to see God’s glory.
God allowed him only to see His “goodness” pass by.

• No one could see God’s full glory and live.
• What we experience now is only the aftermath—the residue—of His presence.

Like entering a house after a fire has passed:
You see the effects, but not the full intensity.

In our lives, transformation is evidence that God has passed through.

1. What Does Looking Like Jesus Mean?

Three key attributes:

1. Oneness with the Father – Deep relationship and alignment with God.
2. Spirit-led living with visible fruit – Character that reflects the Spirit.
3. Love for people and justice – Compassion and righteousness together.

Ask yourself:

• Am I growing in these areas?

• Is there visible spiritual resemblance?

• God Already Sees the Finished Product

Romans 8:29

“He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

God has already seen the perfected version of you.

Unlike us, God does not start a project without completing it.
Even when we fall short, He is the One perfecting the process.

We work toward Christlikeness—but He completes the transformation.

1. From Glory to Glory

2 Corinthians 3:16–18

“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away… we are being transformed… from glory to glory.”

Key truths:

• The veil is removed in Christ.
• We have greater access than previous generations.
• We are in a continuous transformation process.

“Being transformed” is present and ongoing.
Every trial, every growth moment, every act of obedience contributes.

1. Generational Growth

Throughout Scripture, clarity increases:

• From Moses and the veil,
• To Christ,
• To the Spirit within us.

Access to God has expanded.

What we know of God should become the foundation for our children.
Each generation should reflect Him more clearly.

God is perfecting not only individuals—but generations.

1. A Living Picture

Our lives are a picture of Christ.

Sometimes our resemblance may look abstract—like a toddler’s drawing.
But as we mature, the image should become clearer.

The goal:

• Stronger resemblance
• Clearer image
• Greater reflection of Christ

Final Encouragement

We are in process.

God foreknew us.
He sees the finished version.
We are being transformed now—and will continue to be.

Let the world see the family resemblance.

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Joshua Boyd

A Walk Through the Bible – Series Introduction

Big Picture Purpose

• This series is not just a history lesson.
• It’s about why we believe what we believe.
• Every word of Scripture is:
  • True
  • Right
  • Still relevant today

Instead of deep-diving into one book, we’re stepping back for the 30,000-foot view—seeing the Bible as one connected story and one unified plan of God.

The Old Testament: Written for Us

1 Corinthians 10:11–13 teaches:

• The events of the Old Testament happened as real history.
• They were written as examples for us.
• They are instruction for those “upon whom the ends of the world have come.”

We often quote verse 13 (“God won’t give you more than you can handle”), but in context it refers to Israel’s failures.
The lesson:

• Don’t assume, “I wouldn’t have done that.”
• Instead ask:
  • What did they do wrong?
  • What can I learn?
  • How do I avoid repeating it?

The Bible as One Connected Story

When read as a whole, you see:

• Adam (~4000 BC)
• Abraham (~2000 BC)
• David (~1000 BC)
• Christ (0)

History accelerates toward Jesus.

Matthew 1:17 highlights:

• 14 generations: Abraham → David
• 14 generations: David → Exile
• 14 generations: Exile → Christ

God was moving history toward fulfillment.

The entire biblical story unfolds in a relatively small geographic region—yet its impact spread across the Roman Empire within 300 years and now across the world.

Key Principles for Reading the Bible

1. God is always right.
   • Even when consequences seem severe.
   • God is love—Old Testament and New.
2. Always ask:
   • How does this apply to me?
   • What can I learn from their example?

The Old Covenant vs. The New CovenantThe Old Covenant

• Given through Moses.
• Centered on the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:13).
• A binding agreement:
  • Obey → Blessing
  • Disobey → Consequences

The core command:

• Worship God alone.

Israel repeatedly broke that covenant—especially through idolatry.

The problem wasn’t the covenant.
The problem was the human heart.

God Promises Something New

In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God promises:

• A new covenant
• His law written on hearts
• Sins forgiven and remembered no more

What Changed?

Hebrews explains:

• The old system was a shadow.
• Jesus fulfilled the law completely.
• He satisfied the covenant perfectly—the only human ever to do so.
• The first covenant wasn’t “bad”; it was incomplete because people couldn’t fulfill it.

When Jesus fulfilled it, it was completed—not discarded.

Then came the New Covenant:

• Based on better promises
• Mediated by Christ
• Internal transformation instead of external regulation

Under the Old Covenant:

• God’s rule was external.
• Access to God required priests and sacrifices.
• Sin kept distance between God and man.

Under the New Covenant:

• The veil was torn.
• Jesus became our High Priest.
• The Kingdom is now within us.
• The Spirit of God lives in us.

Instead of rules written on stone, the law is written on hearts.

God’s Unchanging Plan

From Adam onward:

• God wanted relationship.
• Sin created separation.
• The Law created temporary access.
• Jesus restored permanent relationship.

The plan never changed—only the covenant structure did.

Our Opportunity Today

The heroes of Scripture (Abraham,

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Jordon Gilmore

The Courtroom Analogy

• Imagine life as a courtroom where believers serve as witnesses.
• Our credibility is shaped by integrity. When our words and actions align, our witness is strengthened.
• If our lifestyle contradicts our testimony, it weakens our influence for God’s kingdom.

What Makes Someone a Witness?

A witness is someone who has:

• Seen something
• Heard something
• Experienced something
• Has a unique perspective on truth

This experience becomes our testimony.

Types of Spiritual Witnesses

• Eyewitness: Shares personal experiences of God’s work.
• Character Witness: Demonstrates God’s goodness through lifestyle and example.
• Expert Witness: Testifies to specific areas where God has been faithful (provider, healer, deliverer, etc.).

Testimony Often Comes Through Trials

• Many testimonies come from difficult seasons we didn’t choose.
• God uses hardships to create stories that encourage and strengthen others.
• Our testimony is not optional—it is part of our calling.

Biblical Foundation for Being Witnesses

Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses everywhere.
Acts 22:14-15 – God reveals Himself so believers can testify about what they have seen and heard.
Isaiah 43:10 – God declares, “You are my witnesses.”

The Power of Testimony

Revelation 12:11 teaches believers overcome the enemy through:

1. The blood of Jesus
2. The word of their testimony

Testimonies are vital in spiritual victory and advancing God’s kingdom.

Four Truths About Being Key Witnesses

1. You Are Under Witness Protection

2. Our identity is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).

3. God protects and preserves us as we share our testimony.

4. Christ Overrules Objections

5. The enemy accuses believers of unworthiness.

6. Jesus intercedes as our advocate (Romans 8:33-34).

7. Our testimony is valid because of Christ, not personal perfection.

8. Guard the Authenticity of Your Witness

9. Actions and character matter.

10. A damaged lifestyle can weaken credibility.

11. Believers should pursue integrity so their lives support their message.

12. Stick to Your Testimony During Cross-Examination

13. Life challenges and doubts test our faith.

14. Like Jesus and Paul, believers must stand firm in truth.
15. Faith remains steady regardless of circumstances or outcomes.

Willing vs. Reluctant Witnesses

• Some eagerly share their testimony.
• Others hesitate due to fear, shame, or doubt.
• Regardless of willingness, believers are still called to testify.

Final Takeaways

• Every believer has been “served” with the responsibility to testify about God’s goodness.
• Our life journey—both victories and struggles—brings glory to God.
• True success is faithfully representing Christ wherever God places us.

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Joshua Boyd

Sometimes as I’m praying and meditating about upcoming sermons, the Lord drops a phrase in my spirit, something I wasn’t thinking about but I know is the Lord. My first thought typically is “how is that an entire message?” It requires some digging in the Word to get all of the ingredients together for the meal.

Today’s message is the outcome of a single phrase: “let your yes be yes”. Of course, this comes from Scripture. Turn to Matthew 5. This is Jesus first time preaching in public. History has labeled it the Sermon on the Mount. God the Father’s instruction to the Son to speak these words as the first message isn’t by chance, but by design.

Think about it, there has been no new spoken word from the Lord for 400 years so you know the first new Word to be spoken is important. God wanted His people to know how He works and how we should live with each other. It wasn’t a change to the Law but a deeper understanding of it and an introduction to the Kingdom of God and how it works.

In present times, we hear the word vow associated with marriage. But while we might not use the word regularly, we words we say fall under the definition of a vow: promise, swear, giving your word.

The books of the Law say this:

Numbers 30:1-2

Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 2 A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.

Leviticus 5:4

4 “Or suppose you make a foolish vow of any kind, whether its purpose is for good or for bad. When you realize its foolishness, you must admit your guilt.

In His first sermon, Jesus expounds the Law this way:

Matthew 5:33-37

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Anything other than a simple yes or no, is from the evil one. “I promise I’ll never do that again”. “by god next time he does that, I’m going to…”

We finished the series Speaking from the Heart which taught us the importance of our words in staying in agreement with the Father. In the same way, the Father keeps His Word, keeps His promises and expects the same of those made in His image.

Let your yes be a simple yes and your no, no.

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Jordon Gilmore

Key Scripture

Exodus 20:17

“You shall not covet…”

• Unlike earlier commandments that prohibit actions, this commandment targets thoughts, desires, and heart posture
• It addresses how we:
  • View ourselves
  • View others
  • View what we have and what we lack

What It Means to Covet

• Coveting = an unhealthy desire or lust for what God has given to someone else, or has not yet ordained for you
• It begins in the heart, not behavior
• Often fueled by comparison, which steals joy

Why This Matters Today

• Covetousness is deeply natural—even visible in children
• Social media intensifies it:
  • We covet what others display
  • We also project images designed to make others covet
• This commandment forces heart-level examination in both directions

What Overflows from a Covetous Heart

• Envy and jealousy
• Discontentment and complaining
• Misaligned prayers driven by comparison
• A violation of Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself

Two Guardrails Against Coveting

Humility (When Receiving Praise)

1 Peter 5:5–6

• God resists the proud, gives grace to the humble
• We don’t seek exaltation—God does it in His time

Contentment (When Wanting More)

• Hebrews 13:5 — Be content; God is present
• Philippians 4:11–13 — Contentment in plenty or need
• 1 Timothy 6:6–8 — Godliness with contentment is great gain
• “I can do all things” is about contentment, not self-promotion

Three Common Ways We Encounter Covetousness

1. Through Ambition

• Ambition can be healthy or sinful
• The key question: Why do I want to advance?
• Kingdom ambition produces prayer and gratitude—not resentment

2. Through Discontentment and Envy

• Discontentment = dissatisfaction with where God has placed us
• Leads to envy when we overvalue others’ blessings
• Two root problems:
  • Wrong perspective — we can’t see clearly
  • Wrong valuation — undervaluing what God has given us
• Jesus’ warning (Luke 12:15)
  • Life does not consist in possessions

3. Through Scarcity & Domination Thinking

• Belief that life is a zero-sum game:
  • If you win, I lose
• Leads to unhealthy competition, control, and fear
• Philippians 4:19 — God supplies all needs from His riches
• God is limitless, not scarce

Heart-Level Diagnosis

Covetousness often reveals:

• Distrust in God
• Ungratefulness
• Misplaced ambition
• Wrong perspective and valuation
• Fear that there isn’t “enough” to go around

Jesus: The Ultimate Example

• Tempted with power, riches, and glory
• Resisted covetousness because He knew what He already had:
  • A perfect relationship with the Father
• True contentment flows from valuing God above everything else

Final Takeaways

• Run your race—don’t measure your life by others
• Guard your ambition, perspective, and desires
• Root out covetousness before it takes hold
• Seek first the kingdom
• Trust the God of more than enough

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Joshua Boyd

Core Truth:
The key to a blessed life is obedience.
The key to obedience is the tongue.

This message ties together the Law, faith, and daily Christian living—showing how words shape obedience and outcomes.

God’s Word Was Meant to Be Spoken

• Scripture (Old & New Testament) remains fully relevant—God does not change.
• Jesus fulfilled the Law; He did not eliminate it.
• The Ten Commandments are called the “Ten Words”—spoken directly by God.
• God gave His Word in written form so it could be remembered, repeated, and obeyed.

Obedience Brings Blessing

• “Obey” appears 321 times in the Old Testament; 75 times in Deuteronomy.
• Moses repeatedly emphasized obedience because it leads to life and blessing.
• Obedience is fueled by keeping God’s Word in our mouth and heart.
• Example: Nehemiah—God’s Word was spoken into his heart, producing faith and action.

The Word Is Near You

Deuteronomy 30:11–15

• God’s command is not distant or unreachable.
• It is on your lips and in your heart—so that you can obey it.
• Obedience is a daily choice between:
  • Life or death
  • Blessing or disaster

We love the promises—but the path to them is obedience.

Righteousness vs. Blessing

• We are made righteous by faith in Jesus, not by obedience.
• But blessing still flows through obedience.
• Christianity is different: Jesus did the work we couldn’t do.
• Yet our daily choices still matter—and words guide those choices.

Faith Is Spoken

Romans 10

• Faith “says” something—and also knows what not to say.
• Salvation itself comes through:
  • Believing in the heart
  • Declaring with the mouth that Jesus is Lord
• Faith stays alive through spoken Word.

The Shield of Faith

• The enemy attacks first with thoughts.
• Thoughts become words; words shape belief and direction.
• The shield of faith stops fear-filled thoughts before they reach the mouth.
• Speaking God’s Word aloud protects the heart and redirects life.

Speaking the Word Builds Faith

• Faith is visible—and audible.
• You can hear whether someone is in faith by what they say.
• Feeding fear (news, projections, worst-case scenarios) weakens faith.
• Speaking Scripture strengthens faith and brings peace.

Speaking in the Spirit

• New Testament gifts include speaking, prophecy, and tongues.
• Tongues:
  • Build up the believer
  • Speak mysteries directly to God
  • Bypass the mind and align with God’s will
• Romans 8:26 — The Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know how.
• Paul prayed in tongues often—and it fueled revelation and strength.

Words Determine Direction

• Words either advance God’s will or the enemy’s.
• Faith-filled speech produces life; fear-filled speech produces bondage.
• Change doesn’t start by “trying harder”—it starts by changing words.

God Listens to Faith Talk

Malachi 3:16–18

• Those who feared the Lord spoke often to one another.
• God listened and recorded their words in a book of remembrance.
• The difference between righteous and wicked is revealed by speech.

Final Takeaway

The key to a blessed life is obedience.
The key to obedience is the tongue.

When we honor God’s Word by keeping it in our hearts and on our lips, obedience follows—and blessing flows.

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Jordon Gilmore

Podcast Notes — Law of Christ (Part 6B): Do Unto Others (Stealing & Truth)

Series Context

• Law of Christ series uses the Ten Commandments as a mirror, not a means of salvation.
• We are saved by faith in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law.
• The law remains holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:7, 12).
• Ongoing question: How am I doing in this area when I hold my life up to God’s Word?

Focus Commandments (Exodus 20:15–16)

• You shall not steal
• You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

1. You Shall Not Steal — A Heart Issue

Jesus’ Teaching

• John 10:1, 10:
  • The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy
  • Jesus comes to give abundant life
• Stealing is the opposite of God’s nature and God’s intent.

Stealing Goes Beyond Money

• Material possessions
• Time (dishonest work habits)
• Energy (draining others selfishly)
• Credit (taking recognition that isn’t earned)

Where Stealing Starts

• External actions reflect internal heart posture.
• Violating “do unto others” begins in the heart long before behavior.

Matthew 15:18–19

• From the heart come:
  • Evil thoughts
  • Theft
  • False witness
• Behavior reveals what has been planted inside.

Replacing Thief-Thoughts with the Word

Common thoughts that lead toward stealing—and their scriptural counters:

• “I’m tired of waiting; I’ll take what I want.”
  → Galatians 6:9 — Don’t grow weary; a harvest is coming.
• “I need this more than they do.”
  → Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; Matthew 6:8 — God supplies every need.
• “No one will notice.”
  → Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13 — Nothing is hidden from God.

Practice:

• Recognize harmful thoughts.
• Cast them down.
• Replace them with Scripture to keep the heart healthy.

2. You Shall Not Bear False Witness — Preserving Truth

What False Witness Means

• More than lying—it’s giving false testimony, especially about others.
• It corrupts justice and destroys trust within community.

God’s System for Establishing Truth

Deuteronomy 19:15

• Truth is established by two or three witnesses.
• This principle:
  • Forms the basis of justice systems
  • Runs throughout all of Scripture

Examples

• Deuteronomy 30:19 — Heaven and earth called as witnesses
• 1 Corinthians 15:6 — Over 500 witnesses to the resurrection
• Revelation 11 — Two witnesses in the future tribulation

Why It Matters

• False witness perverts God’s design for truth.
• One lie multiplies and erodes trust over time.

Key Principle

• Not just “don’t lie” — “In all things, be truthful.”

3. Our Words Partner with God

• Testimony reinforces truth in others’ lives.
• Revelation 12:11 — We overcome by:
  • The blood of the Lamb
  • The word of our testimony
• When God works in us and we testify, we partner with Him in establishing faith.

Closing Challenge

• Guard what fills your heart.
• Speak truth intentionally.
• Model integrity for the next generation.
• Don’t just avoid falsehood—actively tell the truth.

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Joshua Boyd

Series Focus:
Continuing the series on speaking from the heart—understanding that words are not cheap; they carry power whether spoken intentionally or not. God accomplishes His will through His Word, and our words matter most when they align with His.

A New Year, A Wise Perspective

• God’s mercies are new every morning, but new years give us moments to reflect and refocus.
• Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
• Wisdom grows when we recognize life’s brevity and steward our time intentionally.
• We don’t redeem time by regret, but by aligning with God’s plan moving forward (Ephesians).

Words Direct the Course of Life

• Whatever fills the heart eventually comes out of the mouth.
• James: the tongue is the rudder of the ship and the bridle of the horse—small, but direction-setting.
• Real change doesn’t start with actions alone, but with identity and words.
  • Don’t start with “what I’ll do,” start with “who God says I am.”
  • Actions follow words that shape belief.

God’s Word Produces Results

• Isaiah 55:11 — God’s Word always accomplishes its purpose.
• Throughout Scripture, God spoke seeds before fruit appeared.
• Jesus is the Word made flesh—God’s spoken will becoming tangible reality.
• God’s Word releases the Spirit’s power; speaking God’s Word invites the Spirit to move mightily.

The Power of the Trinity at Work

• God operates through:
  • The Father — His will
  • The Spirit — His power
  • The Word (Jesus) — His action
• The Spirit is like fuel; the Word is the spark.
• Psalm 138:2 — God has exalted His Word and His Name above all things.
• The more we exalt God’s Word in our lives, the more power we will see.

Faith Requires the Right Words

• Israel missed the Promised Land because their words were rooted in fear.
• Joshua and Caleb entered because their words were rooted in faith.
• Faith must be spoken to be effective—belief alone is not enough.
• Healing, provision, and victory are received when God’s will, Spirit, and Word work together.

A Word for Our Church in 2026

Simple phrases to speak consistently this year:

1. Multiplication
   • Genesis 1:28; Acts 6:7
   • God’s blessing includes growth and increase.
2. Fruit That Abounds & Remains
   • Philippians 4:17; John 15:16
   • Not just numbers, but lasting discipleship.
3. Serving Families
   • Romans 12:11
   • A church where families serve, not just attend.
4. A Place of Our Own
   • Exodus 15:17
   • A God-prepared place—not a burden, but a blessing.

Final Encouragement

• These phrases are not mantras, but God-given words to be spoken in faith.
• When God’s will, Spirit, and Word come together—and we speak in faith—the Word becomes flesh.
• This principle applies personally, in families, workplaces, and the church.
• Ask God for your word. Speak it. Believe it. Watch it produce fruit.

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Jordon Gilmore

Message Focus

• A pause in the Law of Christ series to reflect on God’s preparation
• Transitioning from 2025 into 2026
• Theme: God uses seasons of preparation to ready us for what’s next

Key Scripture

Philippians 1:6

• God finishes what He starts
• We are all in process until Christ returns
• Whether or not we hit our goals, God is still working

Reframing the Year

• We often measure years by:
  • Goals accomplished
  • Resolutions kept
  • Vision boards fulfilled
• New question to ask:
  • What did I face that I didn’t plan for?
  • How did God prepare me through it?
• Disappointment over unmet goals can blind us to hidden preparation

Preparation Is God’s Pattern

• God prepares us not just for next year—but for:
  • Future assignments
  • Generational impact
  • Long-term fruit
• 2025 may have been preparation for something far beyond 2026

Biblical Examples of Preparation

1. Moses — God Places the Gift First

Acts 7:23–36

Core Truth

• God already places the good stuff inside us
• Preparation is about shaping character, not creating gifts

Moses’ Preparation

• Gift present early: justice & deliverer’s heart
• Problem: lacked character, patience, confidence
• 40 years in Midian taught him:
  • Spiritual counsel (Jethro)
  • Responsibility (husband & father)
  • Shepherding (leading people)
• God refined what was already inside him

Takeaway

• Failing to submit to preparation is one way we rob God
• Gifts require development to carry their weight

Illustration — The Yo-Yo

• Wanting the gift without learning the process leads to frustration
• God teaches steps before success
• Skipping preparation results in burnout and disappointment

2. David — Preparation Is Humbling

1 Samuel 16–18

Core Truth

• Preparation is often:
  • Undignified
  • Hidden
  • Humbling

David’s Journey

• Anointed king → sent back to the fields
• Defeats Goliath → still not king
• Serves Saul → becomes Saul’s enemy
• 15 years of preparation before the throne

What David Learned

• Respect for God-ordained authority
• Trust in God’s protection
• Accountability
• Faithfulness without recognition

Key Insight

• God often prepares us outside the spotlight
• Social media makes waiting harder—but waiting builds depth

3. Paul — Preparation Produces Boldness

Acts 9

Core Truth

• Faithful preparation leads to confidence and boldness

Paul’s Process

• Dramatic conversion on Damascus Road
• Then three years of preparation
• Developed:
  • Confidence in calling
  • Boldness in message
  • Wisdom to address his past

Takeaway

• You can’t step out boldly if you haven’t been prepared quietly

Final Takeaways

• God has already placed gifts inside you
• Preparation can feel slow, humbling, and unseen
• Faithful preparation produces confidence when the time comes
• Don’t resent your season—learn from it

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Joshua Boyd

Key Text: Luke 2:1 — “And it came to pass…”

1. Words Are Never Just Introductory

2. Scripture doesn’t use filler language.

3. “And it came to pass” signals something generated, not merely reported.

4. The Bible is God’s living Word, carrying power and purpose.

5. Speaking From the Heart

6. Jesus: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

7. What fills our heart shapes what we say—and what we say shapes our lives.

8. Words spoken in faith (positive or negative) drive real outcomes.

9. “It Came to Pass” = Genomai

The Greek word genomai means:

• To come into existence
• To be made or completed
• To generate or cause to be

When Scripture says “it came to pass,” it implies creation in motion.

1. Words Plant Seeds

2. Speaking God’s Word is sowing seed—first into our own hearts.

3. We can’t give what we don’t have in abundance (peace, healing, salvation).

4. Words begin processes that later bear fruit.

5. Prophecy Was Seed-Planting

6. Genesis 3:15: Promise of a Savior spoken immediately after the Fall.

7. Isaiah 7:14: A virgin will conceive.
8. Micah 5:2: The Savior will be born in Bethlehem.
9. Luke 1–2: The fulfillment—Mary, Joseph, Jesus.

These weren’t predictions only—they were mechanisms God used to bring the Savior into existence.

1. God Speaks, Time Responds

2. God knows the end from the beginning.

3. When He speaks, it’s already “done,” even if time passes before manifestation.

4. Mark 11:24 — We believe we receive when we pray, not when we see.

5. Genomai in Action (New Testament)

6. Matthew 6:10 — “Thy will be done (genomai).”

7. Matthew 8:13 — “As you have believed, so be it done.”
8. Matthew 8:26 — Jesus speaks peace; a great calm comes to pass.
9. Matthew 9:29 — “According to your faith be it done.”

Faith-filled words generate results.

1. Our Responsibility Today

2. God works through spoken faith—not wishful thinking.

3. Start with God’s Word (Scripture or a personal promise).
4. Speak it consistently, even before specifics appear.

5. Generic words lead to specific fulfillment—just like Mary.

6. Application

7. Speak peace into chaos.

8. Speak healing over sickness.
9. Speak God’s future over your children, work, church, and relationships.
10. Words mixed with faith produce visible fruit.

Bottom Line:
The Word spoken becomes flesh.
God generates His will through words—and He invites us to do the same.

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Jordon Gilmore

Series Context

• Law of Christ
• Focus: the remaining commandments that govern how we treat others
• These commandments move from God-focused to community-focused obedience

The Commandments in View (Exodus 20:13–16)

• You shall not murder
• You shall not commit adultery
• You shall not steal
• You shall not bear false witness

Why These Matter

• They establish:
  • The value of human life
  • The sanctity of marriage
  • Respect for others’ property
  • A foundation for justice
• These laws govern life within community, especially Christian community

The Law as a Mirror

• God’s Word functions as a mirror, not a checklist
• We don’t read Scripture to excuse ourselves, but to examine our hearts
• Grace forgives us, but grace does not excuse careless obedience

The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

• Jesus says this sums up the Law and the Prophets
• Obedience to God is lived out through how we treat people
• Christianity cannot be lived in isolation—it requires community

Jesus Raises the Standard (Matthew 5)

Jesus doesn’t just address outward actions—He addresses the heart.

Murder Begins with Anger (Matt. 5:21–22)

• Murder starts with unrighteous anger
• Anger allowed to take root produces:
  • Bitterness
  • Envy
  • Destructive words
  • Ultimately, violence
• Words reveal what’s growing in the heart
• The warning isn’t just about actions—it’s about spiritual danger

Adultery Begins with Lust (Matt. 5:27–30)

• Lust in the heart is adultery in seed form
• Jesus’ extreme language shows how serious early sin is
• Small compromises grow into life-altering consequences
• Sin must be confronted early, before it takes root

The Battle of the Heart

• The heart is fertile ground—it will grow something
• God’s Word and sinful desires compete for root
• We must actively tend our hearts:
  • Pull weeds early
  • Guard thoughts
  • Discipline inputs
• No one is far from failure—stay humble and vigilant

Jesus Fulfilled the Heart of the Law

• Jesus didn’t just avoid sin—He fulfilled God’s intent perfectly
• He harbored no bitterness, no lust, no accusation
• Because He could not even be accused, we cannot be convicted
• His perfect obedience makes our salvation possible

The Cross and Covenant Love

• Jesus’ teaching on adultery reveals His devotion to the Church
• He didn’t just warn against unfaithfulness—He demonstrated faithfulness
• On the cross, Jesus sacrificed Himself fully for His Bride
• The law isn’t about rule-keeping—it’s about covenant love

Key Takeaways

• The law exposes our hearts, not just our behavior
• Sin begins long before it becomes visible
• Grace forgives, but obedience transforms
• Our goal is not perfection, but growing Christlikeness
• Every look in the mirror should draw us back to the cross

View Details

Joshua Boyd

1. Core Truth of the Series

• What fills the heart eventually comes out of the mouth—especially under pressure.
• You can mask speech temporarily, but pressure reveals true belief.
• To change what we say, we must first change what fills our heart.

2. Jesus’ Emphasis: Heart Over Appearance

• The Pharisees focused on outward behavior; Jesus focused on heart condition.
• “It’s not what goes in that defiles you, but what comes out.”
• Our words reveal the true spiritual condition of the heart.

3. Words Flow From Design

• We are made in God’s image—created to live, move, and function like Him.
• God never speaks empty words; every word carries purpose and power.
• Since we’re designed this way, our words are meant to carry substance.

4. Isaiah 55: God’s Word Always Produces

• God’s Word:
  • Never returns empty
  • Always accomplishes its assignment
  • Always prospers where it’s sent
• “Prosper” means more than finances—it means empowered success.

5. God’s Word as Seed (Mark 4)

• The Word is the seed; the heart is the soil.
• The seed is always good—results depend on the ground.
• Different heart conditions:
  • Hard ground → Word stolen
  • Rocky ground → No root
  • Thorny ground → Choked by life’s cares
  • Good soil → 30, 60, 100-fold fruit

6. The Seed Contains Everything

• Just like an acorn contains an oak tree, God’s Word contains the full outcome.
• The Word itself never fails—but it must be received and nurtured.
• Growth depends on how we guard and cultivate our hearts.

7. “Prosper” = Spirit-Empowered Success

• Same Hebrew word used for:
  • Joseph’s success
  • Samson’s supernatural strength
  • David’s anointing
• God’s Word carries the Spirit of the Lord to accomplish the task.
• Prosperity is Spirit-powered effectiveness—not just money.

8. Words Are Containers

• Words always carry something—faith or fear, blessing or limitation.
• Empty words produce empty results.
• God’s words are fully loaded with authority, power, and command.

9. Change the Harvest by Changing the Seed

• Want different results? Sow different words.
• Don’t ship empty packages—send Word-filled declarations.
• Speak what God has said, not what circumstances suggest.

10. Faith Pattern Still Works Today (Romans 10)

• Faith comes by hearing—and hearing by the Word.
• Just like salvation:
  • Believe in the heart
  • Confess with the mouth
  • Results follow
• Healing, provision, and breakthrough follow the same pattern.

11. Receiving Activates the Power

• God has already sent the Word—salvation, healing, provision are available.
• The Word becomes effective when it’s received, believed, and spoken.
• The seed produces when it finds good ground.

12. Guard Against an Overcharged Heart

• Cares of life, fear, and distractions choke the Word.
• Don’t let circumstances dominate heart content.
• Focus on what God said—not what you see.

13. Speak Ahead of Sight

• Speak promises without deadlines or pressure.
• Declare what God has said and keep moving forward.
• Faith doesn’t explain how—it simply agrees with God.

Closing Confession

• Receive the Word.
• Expect the Spirit of the Lord to move mightily.
• Believe God’s will can be done on earth through spoken faith.

View Details

Jordon Gilmore

Key Text

• Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
• Ephesians 6:1–3 – The first commandment with a promise.

1. Why This Commandment Matters

• This command sits in the middle of the Ten Commandments—between spiritual laws and moral laws.
• Its placement shows how important honoring parents is to God.
• Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly:
  • He satisfied the law’s demands.
  • He modeled how to live a holy, obedient life.

2. What “Honor” Really Means

• Honor = respect in word and action, with an inward attitude of esteem.
• Honor begins with respecting the position of parent, even when the person fell short.
• The goal is respect for both position and merit—but position still deserves honor.
• Example: saluting the rank/uniform, not the person—honoring authority even when relationships are difficult.

3. A Cultural Tension We Must Navigate

• Our generation emphasizes emotional health and personal healing—which is good.
• But reflecting on childhood wounds can sometimes harden hearts toward parents.
• Even in cases of neglect, abuse, immaturity, or addiction:
  • God’s command does not change.
• The challenge: learning how to honor parents without denying real pain.

4. The Promise Attached to Honor

• Paul calls this the first commandment with a promise:
  • “That it may go well with you and that you may live long.”
• We never graduate from this command—even as adults.
• There is wisdom and benefit built into honoring parents.

5. Three Benefits of Honoring Parents

1. Personal Healing
2. Setting a Generational Pattern
3. Breaking Generational Trauma

6. God Takes Disobedience Seriously

• Romans 1:28–32 and 2 Timothy 3:1–5 list “disobedient to parents” alongside grave sins.
• Why so serious?
  1. It violates God’s divine order meant for protection.
  2. Rejecting earthly authority makes it harder to submit to God’s authority.
• Hebrews 12:9 – Respecting earthly parents trains us to honor God as Father.

7. Jesus as the Perfect Example

• Luke 2:41–52 – Jesus at age 12 in the temple.
• Though spiritually exceptional, Jesus:
  • Returned home.
  • Was submissive to His parents.
• For 18 years, He lived under their authority.
• Result: “Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.”
• Lesson:
  • Surpassing parents in knowledge, skill, or spirituality does not remove the call to honor.

8. Honor in Action, Not Just Words

• Matthew 15:3–9 – Jesus condemns “lip-service honor.”
• The Pharisees used religion to avoid caring for parents.
• We should pray: “Lord, what does honor look like in this season?”

9. Giving Grace and Ongoing Care

10. A Generational Vision (Jeremiah 35)

• Lesson:
  • Obedience to parents produces long-term generational protection and blessing.
  • What we model today may protect descendants we will never meet.

11. Final Challenge

• Honoring parents is not just personal—it’s generational.
• Our obedience today shapes our children, grandchildren, and beyond.
• God calls families to be faithful across generations.
• It begins with honoring our fathers and mothers.

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Joshua Boyd

1. Review of the Core Principle

• We speak whatever fills our heart — “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
• Whatever we consistently talk about reveals what we’re feeding our heart (sports, politics, problems, etc.).
• If praise and faith come out naturally, it shows the Word is in abundance in the heart.

2. How Words Shape Belief and Outcomes

• The tongue directs the course of life (James 3).
• Words serve two functions:
  1. They lead our heart (we speak the Word before we believe it).
  2. They release power once the heart believes.
• We speak the Word by choice, filling the heart with truth until faith rises — then power is released to accomplish what God said.

3. Four Steps to Faith

1. Find out what God said.
2. Meditate on it continually.
3. Believe it in the heart.
4. Speak it with the mouth.
5. This is the Joshua 1:8 pattern: keep the Word in your mouth → meditate → obey → prosper and succeed.

4. Speaking the Word Even Before You Believe

• Example: speaking healing scriptures despite symptoms.
• Speaking the Word fills the heart; once full, faith rises; then results follow.
• God’s commands carry the power to accomplish themselves — His Word is a container of power.

5. We Are Made in God’s Image

• Being made in God’s image includes having creative authority in our words.
• God gave humanity dominion — authority expressed primarily through words.
• Our words work even when we aren’t conscious of their power.
  • Example negative confessions: “I don't know…”, “I’m losing my mind,” “This will be the death of me.”

6. The Enemy’s Strategy

• Satan tries to make words seem meaningless—endless empty chatter (cable news, complaints, speculation).
• But God cannot lie because His words always produce results.
• Our words, too, produce results—good or bad—depending on what fills the heart.

7. Deuteronomy 30 — The Word Is Near

• Moses teaches: God’s commands aren’t distant or mysterious.
• The Word is in your mouth and in your heart.
• Deuteronomy = “second law” — Moses repeating the whole law to a new generation.

8. Romans 10 — Paul Connects the Same Truth

• Paul quotes Deuteronomy: the word is near you—in your mouth and heart.
• This is “the word of faith we preach.”
• The same pattern applies to EVERYTHING:
  • Believe in the heart
  • Confess with the mouth
  • → Salvation, breakthrough, victory

9. Why Your Own Words Matter Most

• Encouragement from others helps — but your own words carry the most power in your life.
• The heart believes what the mouth continually says.

10. Life and Death by the Tongue

• Deuteronomy 30: God sets life and death, blessing and cursing before us.
• We choose life primarily by our words.
• Israel repeatedly said, “We will die in the wilderness” — and they did.
• Our confessions determine the direction we walk.

11. Salvation as the Pattern for All Faith

• Romans 10:9–10 is not a “one-time salvation-only formula” — it's the blueprint of how faith works in every area:
  • Heart-belief + mouth-confession = salvation, deliverance, healing, provision, breakthrough.

12. The Goal

• Move from long lists of prayer requests → long lists of testimonies.
• Shift from “I don’t know what to do” → “Here’s what God did.”

View Details

Jordon Gilmore

I. Introduction

• The Law = God’s guidelines for Israel (not just the Ten Commandments).
• Purpose: Not to justify us, but to align our lives with Christ.
• Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly; we follow in His steps.

II. The Fourth Commandment – The Sabbath

A. Exodus 20:9–11 – The Command

• Six days of work, one day of rest.
• The Sabbath is rooted in God’s pattern at creation.
• God didn’t need rest—He modeled it for us.

B. Common Misunderstandings

• Many treat Sabbath like a list of rules: things you can and can’t do.
• Cultural examples: “No hunting or fishing on Sunday,” etc.
• Pharisees turned rest into a burden.

III. Jesus and the Sabbath

A. Mark 2:23–28

• Disciples pick grain; Pharisees accuse them of breaking the law.
• Jesus cites David eating the holy bread.
• Key point: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
• Sabbath is meant as a blessing, not a burden.
• Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, shows mercy outweighs legalism.

IV. Sabbath as a Gift

• God commands Sabbath because we resist receiving rest as a gift.
• Like disciplining a child: seems unpleasant, but given in love.
• Our natural response: “But I have deadlines… stress… obligations…”
• Sabbath requires trust that God knows what we need more than we do.

V. The Personal Struggle With Rest

• Jordon shares his own difficulty:
  • Raised equating manhood with constant work.
  • Feels guilt and anxiety when resting.
  • Even during family time, mind drifts to unfinished tasks.
• Sabbath must be received as a gift, not just another item on the to-do list.
• Rest should lead to gratitude and presence, not guilt.

VI. What Sabbath Produces in Us

1. Discipline

• Forces intentional planning and boundaries.

2. Prioritization

• Helps separate what truly matters from what doesn’t.
• Encourages saying “no,” delegating, and letting others help.

3. Teamwork & Delegation

• Realizing we don’t have to carry everything alone.

4. A Heart Check

• What goals or desires am I unwilling to lay down for obedience?
• Are we serving our ambitions or God’s rhythm?

VII. Sabbath Reminds Us of God’s Provision

A. We Are Not Holding the World Together

• We often think everything will collapse if we rest.
• But we’re resting in the palm of God’s hand—He carries it all.
• Jesus modeled stepping away even during intense ministry.

B. The World Keeps Turning Without Us

• Hard but freeing truth.
• We shouldn’t have to experience sickness or crisis to learn dependence on God.

C. Rest Restores Perspective

• Sabbath helps us return with clarity:
  • What can be improved?
  • What can be delegated?
  • What should be released?

VIII. Conclusion

• Sabbath is:
  1. A gracious gift from God
  2. A discipline that shapes our priorities
  3. A reminder of God’s care and our limits
• Challenge:
  Ask the Lord how He wants you to practice Sabbath—and be willing to obey.

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Joshua Boyd

• The message begins in Genesis 1. The Spirit of God was present over the earth, but nothing changed until God spoke. The speaking was the catalyst.
• This principle carries into our walk of faith: faith speaks. The same Spirit of faith is in us (2 Corinthians 4:13) — “I believed, therefore I spoke.”
• What we speak reveals what we really believe. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from what fills the heart (Luke 6:45).

• If our hearts are filled more with news, fear, worry, or complaints than the Word, that’s what will come out of our mouths.
• To speak faith, we must first believe faith. To believe, we must first hear and receive what God has said.

Four-Step Practice of Faith Speech

1. Find out what God said — through Scripture and through listening to the Holy Spirit.
2. Meditate on it — turn it over, reflect, let it take root.
3. Believe — as the Word fills you, belief grows.
4. Speak it — agreement with God's Word activates what He has already made available.

• Speaking is not “wishing something into existence.” We speak what God has already spoken, not just what we want.
• Faith speaking is not denial (“I’m not sick”), but declaration (“God has promised healing; by His stripes I am healed”).
• What we continually input determines what overflows: fill your heart steadily with the Word, like taking small sips of water all day, not one big gulp once a week.

• When belief and speech align with God’s Word, we participate with His power to bring change — just like in creation.

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Jordon Gilmore

In this message, we continue the Law of Christ series, using the Ten Commandments as a framework to explore how Jesus fulfilled the law and how we live that out today. This week focuses on the Third Commandment — “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

1. The Meaning Behind God’s Name

In ancient Israel, the name of the Lord — Yahweh — was treated with such reverence that people refused to even say it aloud. They used titles like Adonai or Jehovah out of fear of misusing His name. Scripture shows how serious this command was: in Leviticus 24:16, blasphemy against the name of God was punishable by death.

But Jordon reminds us the deeper issue wasn’t just speech — it was heart posture. The Pharisees honored God outwardly but lived in contradiction to His character. The command not to take God’s name in vain calls us to live lives that reflect His holiness and integrity.

1. Reverence Beyond Words

To “take the Lord’s name in vain” isn’t only about avoiding curse words or false oaths — it’s about how we carry His name in daily life. When we call ourselves Christians, we bear His name. Every word, action, and attitude represents Him.

• James 5:12 echoes Jesus’ teaching: let your yes be yes and your no be no — live honestly without needing oaths.

• The goal: a life of integrity that upholds God’s name rather than misuses it.

• Why God’s Name Matters

Two truths anchor our reverence:

1. His name is holy and worthy to be praised.
   • “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth.” (Psalm 8:1)
   • Jesus taught us to begin prayer with “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

2. His name carries power.

   • “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
   • Salvation and answered prayer come through His name (John 14:14; Romans 10:13).

3. Living Under His Name

We are marked by His name — children of God, Christ-followers. Like a jersey with the team’s name on the front, our lives should represent the One we belong to. Every interaction should reflect His character.

1. Guarding Against Casualness

We can misuse God’s name by becoming too casual or irreverent — treating prayer or worship lightly, joking in holy moments, or trivializing what is sacred. Jordon challenges us to recover a sense of awe — remembering that we approach a holy God only through grace.

1. The Fulfillment in Christ

Jesus perfectly honored the Father’s name.

• “I have come in My Father’s name.” (John 5:43)
• God exalted Him and gave Him “the name above every name” (Philippians 2:9–11).
  At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow — the ultimate fulfillment of the Third Commandment.

Key Takeaway:
Honoring God’s name is not just about speech — it’s about living in a way that reflects His holiness, truth, and power. When we bear His name, let our lives declare His worth.

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Joshua Boyd

Key Scripture: Luke 4:18 (NLT)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

1. Jesus’ Mission Statement

2. When Jesus read Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 4, He announced why He came: to bring good news — not judgment.

3. The Story of Humanity — Like a Movie Plot

4. Think of history as a movie:

   • The Hero (God) creates humans and gives them authority on Earth — “the keys to the house.”
   • The Villain (Satan) deceives them and takes control, introducing death, sickness, and poverty.
   • The Hero’s Plan: even from the beginning, God had a rescue mission — a Rescuer was coming.

5. The Arrival of the Rescuer

6. He didn’t arrive as a warrior king but as a baby — God became one of us to rescue us.

7. The Rescuer took upon Himself the curse of sin and death.

8. Accepting the Rescue

9. Jesus rescued everyone, but only those who accept His gift experience freedom.

10. But the truth is: we are living in the middle of the story — the rescue is in motion, and the ending is already written.

11. Life in the Kingdom of the Rescued

12. Believers live under a different Kingdom even while in this world.

13. The gospel replaces every “bad news” with a promise:

    • To the poor → You don’t have to be poor anymore.
    • To the sick → You are healed.
    • To the depressed → There is joy in God’s presence.
    • To the hopeless → There is life and life more abundant.

14. The Big Picture: Ephesians 2:3–10

15. Humanity was dead in sin, but God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.

16. God has a plan for every life — and it’s a good plan.

Summary Points

• The gospel = Good News, not condemnation.
• Jesus came as the Rescuer, fulfilling God’s long-planned redemption story.
• The “movie” of humanity ends in victory for those who receive Him.
• Believers live by Heaven’s rule — healed, provided for, and filled with life.
• Our mission: share the Good News everywhere we go.

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Joshua Boyd

This message was recorded at a special event with multiple ministries coming together to bring Joy. Hosted by Crown Heritage Fellowship and Armed Ministries.

Key Verse: John 15:11 (NKJV)

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

1. The Promise of Jesus’ Joy

2. Jesus promised not only peace, but His joy—a lasting, divine joy.

3. The world’s joy is temporary and tied to circumstances; His joy remains.

4. Don’t Be Tossed by the Waves

5. Many believers tie their joy to external events (economy, politics, etc.).

6. James warns against being like waves—up when things go well, down when they don’t.

7. Our joy should be anchored, not tossed by the winds of culture.

8. The New Testament Church Example

9. Early Christians thrived under hostile Roman rule.

10. They didn’t complain about government—they lived under a different Kingdom.

11. Paul modeled joy even in suffering:

    • Romans 1:10–12 — “I long to see you… to encourage you, and be encouraged by you.”
    • Two key principles:
      1. Stay connected.
      2. Encourage each other.

12. Main Point: Joy Is Connected to Relationships

“Your joy—God’s joy—is connected to the relationships in your life.”

• When joy is low, check your relationships.
• God uses people to strengthen us; the enemy uses people to drain us.

• Joy flows through healthy, life-giving relationships.

• Our Joy in God’s Presence

• Joy also comes from our relationship with God.

• David modeled this:
  • Psalm 9:2 — “I will be filled with joy because of You.”
  • Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

• Worship brings the presence of God—and with it, joy.

• Practicing God’s Presence

• You can experience His presence anywhere—at home, work, or in the car.

• Worship brings breakthrough.

• God delights in hearing His children sing.

• Jesus’ Joy Was People

Hebrews 12:2 — “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…”

• That joy was you.
• Jesus saw us as worth the suffering.

• His joy was found in relationship with His people.

• The Power of Connection

• Ecclesiastes says: A threefold cord is not easily broken.

• Strong, godly relationships keep you standing when life shakes.

• Isolated cords snap—connected ones hold.

• Joy Strengthens Faith

• Joy and faith are linked:

  • No joy → no faith.
  • Strong joy → strong faith.
• Joy keeps you enduring through trials (James 1:2–4).

Summary Points

• Joy is not found in circumstances—it’s found in relationships.
• Stay connected—to people and to God.
• Guard your joy like your strength.
• Be the steady light others can look to when the world grows dark.

View Details

Jordon Gilmore

This Week’s Focus: The First Two Commandments

1. No other gods before Me
2. Do not make idols

These are the foundation of our relationship with God—who He is, and who He alone deserves to be in our lives.

1. “No Other Gods”

Exodus 20:2–3

Key Truths:

• God begins by declaring relationship — “I am your God.”
• He is both Savior and Deliverer (for Israel, from Egypt; for us, from sin).
• Because of that deliverance, He alone deserves our worship and trust.

Why This Commandment Matters:

1. We misplace our trust — putting hope in people, money, or even ourselves.
   • “The universe” won’t bless you; only God can.
2. We dishonor God — by giving His glory to someone or something else.
   • Just as we expect a “thank you,” God deserves the credit for every good thing.
3. We mislead others — by exalting ourselves instead of pointing to Him.
   • Our lives should reflect His glory, not ours.

Scriptural Insight:

• Hebrews 11:6: “He that comes to God must believe that He is…”
• Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

Everything begins with acknowledging who God is and giving Him His rightful place.

Practical Reflection:

• Do I ever exalt someone (or myself) above God’s Word?
• Have I taken credit for what God has done?
• Am I trusting my own understanding or submitting to His?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” — Proverbs 3:5–6

2. “No Idols”

Exodus 20:4–6

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them or serve them…”

Key Truths:

• An idol is anything—object, idea, or desire—that we exalt or depend on more than God.
• God warns of the generational consequences of idolatry, but also of generational blessing for obedience.
  • Punishment: to the 3rd and 4th generation
  • Blessing: to thousands of generations

What Idolatry Looks Like:

• Old Testament: Carved images, false gods, and altars.
• Today: Money, work, relationships, success, control, or even ministry itself.

Example 1: The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1–6)

• While Moses met with God, the people grew anxious.
• They demanded something to see and touch — a substitute for God’s presence.
• They made a golden calf and called it God.

Lesson:
When we can’t “see” God working, we’re tempted to create something to worship instead.
Our anxiety often leads us to build idols of control, comfort, or distraction.

Example 2: Solomon’s Downfall (1 Kings 11:1–14)

• The wisest man alive fell into idolatry through misplaced love.
• His foreign wives turned his heart toward their gods.
• His devotion drifted from the Lord—and the nation paid the price.

Lesson:
Even wisdom and success don’t protect us from idolatry if our hearts are divided.
What we love most will ultimately shape what we worship most.

Takeaway: A Personal Inventory

• Who or what is seated in the place of God in your life?
• Do your trust and decisions reflect God as first?
• Are you passing down a legacy of worship or of misplaced priorities?

“God is a jealous God — but His love and blessing extend to thousands who love Him and keep His commandments.”

View Details

Joshua Boyd

Overview

This message concludes our Parenting 101 series with a focus on maturity — both in parenting and in our spiritual walk as children of God.
Parenting mirrors how God relates to us: we guide our children toward independence from us, while God teaches us to grow more dependent on Him.

God’s Purpose in Parenting

• Malachi 2:15 reminds us that God’s goal for families is “godly children from your union.”
• Earthly parenting trains children to move from dependence to independence.
• Spiritual parenting is the opposite — God wants His children to grow more dependent on Him over time.
• Maturity, both natural and spiritual, is revealed through trust and responsibility.

Consequences and Growth

• A good parent teaches that decisions have consequences.
• God does the same — His mercy doesn’t erase the principle of sowing and reaping.
• Galatians 6:7 principle: you cannot reap what you haven’t sown.
• Teaching children this truth early develops wisdom, self-control, and accountability.

The Goal: Maturity

• Parenting success isn’t just age milestones — it’s spiritual and emotional maturity.
• God looks for believers He can trust with responsibility, just as parents look for signs their children are ready to leave home.
• Spiritually, there’s no graduation date — maturity isn’t about years in church, but depth of relationship and obedience.

Measurements of Maturity

(a) Walking in Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4–11

• Love is the first and greatest marker of maturity.
• Children — and spiritual children — tend to be impatient, jealous, boastful, demanding, or easily irritated.
• Mature believers demonstrate patience, kindness, humility, and endurance.
• Paul said, “When I became a man, I put away childish things.”
  ➤ Maturity changes how we think, speak, and reason.
• Love that “never gives up” shows true growth.

(b) Looking Ahead – Philippians 3:13–16

• Mature believers stop living in regret or focusing on past failures.
• Like Paul, we “press on toward what lies ahead.”
• Spiritual children dwell on the past; mature believers focus forward.
• Looking ahead means:
  • Not being stuck in guilt or nostalgia.
  • Growing in understanding beyond the basics (Hebrews 6:1–3).
  • Pursuing deeper truths in God’s Word.
• God calls us to move beyond “Christianity 101” — repentance, faith, baptism — into greater revelation and obedience.

(c) Speaking with Wisdom – Matthew 12:33–37

• Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit.”
• Our words reveal our maturity.
  • Words show what’s in the heart.
  • Immature believers complain, compare, or doubt.
  • Mature believers speak faith, blessing, and the Word of God.
• We’ll give an account for every idle word — our speech shows whether we’ve grown up spiritually.
• Like Paul in 1 Corinthians 2, when among mature believers, we can use “words of wisdom” because our understanding has deepened.

Putting Away Childish Things

• Children say “I need” all the time. Immature believers pray that way too.
• Maturity means moving from “God, I need” to “God, what do You want me to do?”
• Maturity shows up in initiative — like a child cleaning up without being told.
  ➤ Spiritually, it’s when we obey God’s Word without needing reminders.
• Mature believers:
  • Serve others instead of self.
  • Speak faith instead of fear.
  • Live by the Word rather than by feelings.

The Fruit of Maturity

• God is loo

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Jordon Gilmore

Opening

• New series: The Law of Christ
• Goal: Explore boundaries, authority, and holiness through God’s Word.
• Anchor: The law reveals our need for God and points us to Christ.

Connection to Previous Series

• Parenting series talked about boundaries & authority (like parental controls).
• God’s law also establishes boundaries for His people:
  • Protection
  • Blessing
  • Holiness

Purposes of the Law

1. Protection & blessing – living under God’s law set Israel apart.
2. Exposure – law shines like a flashlight, revealing sin and our need for God.
3. Holiness – calls God’s people to live differently from the world.

Human Problem with the Law

• Humanity resists boundaries and authority.
• Two common wrong responses:
  1. Rules are meant to be broken (testing the limits).
  2. Checklist for rewards (treating obedience as a transaction).
• Both reveal our need for grace.

Jesus and the Law

• Matthew 5:17–20 – Jesus came not to abolish, but to fulfill the law.
• He raised the standard of righteousness beyond Pharisees and scribes.
• True righteousness = right standing with God through Christ, not self-effort.

Example: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16–22)

• Asked: “What must I do for eternal life?”
• Claimed to keep commandments, but unwilling to give up wealth.
• Revealed self-righteousness and exposed misplaced priorities.

Paul’s Teaching (Romans 3:21–26)

• The law shows God’s perfect standard, but cannot justify us.
• Now revealed: righteousness comes apart from the law—by grace, through faith in Christ.
• God is both just (holding sin accountable) and justifier (providing salvation through Jesus).

The Law of Christ

• Jesus summarized all law in two commands (Matthew 22:35–40; Mark 12:28–34):
  1. Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
• All the law and prophets hang on these.
• Christian obedience flows from love, not fear.

Takeaway Questions

• Do I treat God’s law as boundaries meant to be broken or as a checklist for rewards?
• Does my life reflect love for Christ through obedience?
• Am I motivated by fear of punishment or genuine love for God?
• Where do I see self-righteousness in my own walk?

Series Focus Going Forward

• Use the Ten Commandments as a framework.
• Shine light on different areas of life.
• Explore how each commandment points us back to Christ and the gospel.

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Joshua Boyd

Key Idea:
Repentance is not a one-time event at salvation—it is a continual practice for believers, parents, and children alike. Just as we teach our kids to say “I’m sorry,” God calls us to take responsibility, repent, and walk in His forgiveness.

Main Points:

• Pop Quiz: When was the last time you repented?
  Repentance should be regular, not a distant memory.
• Children & Young Christians:
  • Kids don’t always understand cause and effect; they need guidance to own mistakes.
  • Likewise, young Christians have zeal but must learn responsibility and repentance.
• Case Study – Church of Corinth (1 Cor. 5, 2 Cor. 7):
  • Energetic and gifted, but ignored serious sin in their midst.
  • Paul confronted them—“Say you’re sorry.”
  • Their repentance produced joy, zeal, and restored fellowship.
• What Repentance Means:
  • Not just “being sorry” for consequences, but godly sorrow that leads to change.
  • Worldly sorrow = regret without change → spiritual death.
  • Repentance wipes sins completely clean through Christ’s blood.
• Ongoing Need for Repentance:
  • We still battle flesh and pride.
  • Daily situations (anger, jealousy, lack of trust, pride) require us to confess and repent.
  • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9).
• Repentance Has a Window:
  • Cain ignored God’s warning → murder.
  • Esau traded his blessing for a meal → too late for repentance.
  • Choices have consequences even if forgiveness is given.
• Examples of True Repentance:
  • Peter denied Christ three times, but repented deeply and became a leader.
  • David sinned greatly (Bathsheba, census), but had a heart after God and repented.
• Parenting Connection:
  • We train our children not only to say “sorry,” but to mean it.
  • Consequences may vary based on sincerity and repeated disobedience.
  • Our role mirrors God’s—correcting, forgiving, and guiding toward maturity.

Takeaway:
Repentance is not about perfection, but about taking responsibility, confessing, and being restored. Godly sorrow brings life and blessing. Parents can model this truth for their children, teaching them both responsibility and the power of forgiveness.

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Jordon Gilmore

Introduction

• Theme: Fruitfulness in Scripture (Galatians 5 – Fruit of the Spirit, Mark 4 – Parable of the Sower, John 15 – Vine and branches).
• Contrast: Unfruitfulness/Barrenness vs. Fruitfulness.
• Biblical examples of barrenness: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Elizabeth → God intervenes and brings fruitfulness.

Barrenness in Scripture

• Associated with reproach, emptiness, shame, curse, or lifelessness.
• Painful because it opposes God’s divine command and purpose to be fruitful and multiply.
• God uses barren situations to demonstrate His power and bring forth fruit.

Fruitfulness in Scripture

• Central to God’s design: seed, time, harvest.
• Mark 4 (Parable of the Sower) – Key principle: the seed (Word of God) is meant to produce fruit.
• Purpose of fruit: not just enjoyment, but to carry seed forward (multiplication, not just appearance).

Spiritual Fruitfulness

• Fruit = the things we say and do that carry seed (kingdom value).
• Two main expressions:
  1. Evangelism & Discipleship – making new believers through witness, testimony, and life example.
  2. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) – demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
• Dependent on being connected to Christ (John 15).

Key Questions for Self-Examination

• Am I spiritually barren or fruitful?
• Do my words and actions carry God’s truth (seed)?
• Are there spiritual offspring from my witness?
• Am I multiplying or just consuming blessings?

Important Principles

1. Fruitfulness is God’s Expectation
   • John 15:7–8, 16 – God chose us to bear much fruit.
   • Luke 13:6–9 – The barren fig tree shows God’s expectation of fruit and the Spirit’s role in cultivating us.
   • Fruitlessness = disobedience, not optional.
2. The Church as a Vineyard
   • Each believer = a tree; together = the vineyard.
   • God expects His church (locally and universally) to demonstrate fruitfulness.
   • Must evaluate: Are we showing the fruits of the Spirit? Multiplying disciples? Growing in maturity?

Illustration: Seedless Fruit

• Modern fruit (like seedless grapes) looks good but cannot multiply.
• Likewise, Christians and churches can appear vibrant but fail to carry seed (truth, discipleship, spiritual impact).
• True fruit may look less polished but must be full of seed for future growth.

Closing Challenge

• Mark 4:13 – Understanding the parable of the sower is key to understanding the kingdom.
• Blessings, provision, and joy are meant for multiplication of God’s word, not just personal enjoyment.
• Let’s not settle for looking fruitful but being seedless; instead, let’s ensure our lives and church are carrying God’s seed forward.

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Joshua Boyd

Theme: Parenting as God parents us – learning to imitate our heavenly Father.

Pop Quiz Reflection Questions:

1. When the enemy attacks, what is your first action?
2. When was the last time you said out loud, “I resist you, devil”?

Key Scriptures

• Malachi 2:15 – God’s design for marriage includes raising godly children. Spiritually, all believers are called to multiply the kingdom and make disciples.
• Matthew 16:19 – Jesus gives us the keys of the kingdom. What we bind/loose on earth is bound/loosed in heaven.
• James 4:7 – “Resist the devil, and he will flee.” Our responsibility is to actively resist, not passively wait.
• 1 Peter 5:8–9 – Stay alert and resist the enemy; perseverance is required.
• Luke 9:1 / Luke 10:19 – Jesus gives authority to His followers to heal, cast out, and trample the enemy.
• Mark 13:34–37 – Be watchful; authority is given to us as doorkeepers.

Main Teaching Points

• Parental Controls Analogy:
  • Just like devices have parental controls with passwords and boundaries, God has given His children spiritual boundaries and authority.
  • We decide what to allow or not allow into our lives, homes, and minds.
• Keys of the Kingdom:
  • Keys represent authority, access, and responsibility.
  • What we unlock/lock spiritually affects what is allowed in our lives.
• Breaking the Chain:
  • Sinful or destructive actions usually begin with thoughts.
  • We must interrupt the “chain of events” early by resisting wrong thoughts and influences.
• Active Resistance:
  • Resisting is not passive; it’s decisive action (like a parent stepping in when a bully pushes their child).
  • Saying “No” out loud can break the power of intrusive thoughts of fear, worry, or temptation.
• Authority & Responsibility:
  • God has already given believers the authority to resist; He is not waiting to act—we are.
  • We are called to watch, stand firm, and use the authority entrusted to us.
• Practical Application:
  • Resist immediately when thoughts of fear, worry, or sickness arise.
  • Speak God’s Word and confess His promises over your life and household.
  • Guard your mind, household, and children like a spiritual watchman.
  • Encourage one another—stand with others in faith instead of just sympathizing.

Takeaway

God, as our Father, gives us spiritual “parental controls.” He has entrusted us with the authority to resist the enemy, guard what enters our lives, and raise godly children and disciples. Our role is active, not passive: stay alert, resist, and stand firm.

Simple slogan: Just say no—to the devil, to fear, to doubt. Guard the door and use your keys.

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Jordon Gilmore

Friendship Series – Part 5: Friendship Points Us to the CrossTheme:

• This final part emphasizes the ultimate purpose of friendship: to point us to the cross and display the gospel.
• Friendship is not just a blessing—it is a witness.

Quick Recap of the Series

1. John 15 – Jesus calls His disciples friends.
2. Friendship with God – Abraham, Moses, and now us through Christ.
3. Jesus as model – He embodies true friendship.
4. Jonathan & David – covenant friendship.
5. Discerning friendships – testing, stewarding, and engaging with maturity.

Today’s Focus: Friendship & the Cross

• Friendship is a major theme across the Bible—woven from Genesis to Revelation.
• Garden of Eden: Adam and Eve experienced perfect companionship with God and each other until sin broke that fellowship.
• Sin’s effect: disobedience fractured friendship—between humanity and God, and between people.
• Gospel’s remedy: through Christ, broken friendships are restored.

Key Scriptures

• John 15:13–15 – Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for friends. Jesus calls us friends.
• Genesis 3:16 – Sin created conflict and broke friendship.
• Ephesians 5:22–25 – Marriage points to the gospel: sacrificial love reflects Christ’s love for the church.
• John 3:16 – God’s love led to Christ’s sacrifice—friendship is at the heart of salvation.
• John 17:3 – Eternal life = knowing God (friendship, not just escaping hell).
• Matthew 7:21–23 – Sobering warning: many will “do works” but miss the essence—knowing God.
• John 13:35 – By our love for one another, the world knows we are Christ’s disciples.

Key Insights

• Friendship is a gospel goal: the cross restores relationship and friendship with God.
• Eternal life is relational: not just avoiding death, but knowing God deeply.
• The Cross = history’s greatest act of friendship: Jesus laid down His life for His friends.
• Communion reminder: not only forgiveness of sins, but also invitation to intimacy and friendship.
• Friendship as witness: True love and sacrificial friendships among believers show the world the gospel.

Practical Takeaways

• Evaluate friendships: Are they pointing to the cross? Are you loving as Christ loved?
• Marriage and close relationships: should reflect sacrificial love, becoming a living testimony of the gospel.
• Friendship = stewardship: treat relationships as resources entrusted by God to use for His glory.
• Every believer can evangelize through friendship: love, loyalty, service, and sacrifice speak louder than words.

Closing Challenge

• Love one another as Christ has loved us.
• Be the kind of friend who points others to Jesus, the truest Friend.
• Remember: the gospel is not just salvation from sin—it is reconciliation into friendship with God and with each other.

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Jordon Gilmore

Theme:

• Today’s focus is not just on bad friends, but on discerning between good and bad friendships.
• Scripture calls us to steward our relationships wisely as part of our Christian walk.

Today’s Focus

1. Discern friendships
   • Take inventory: Is this friendship healthy, harmful, or in need of attention?
2. Steward friendships
   • Nurture the godly relationships God has entrusted to us.

Key Scriptures

• John 15:12–15 – Jesus calls us friends, shifting the relationship into deeper covenant love.
• James 4:4–6 – Warning about friendship with the world. But note: James also reminds us of grace; we can’t simply cut off all “worldly” relationships in pride.
• Romans 12:1–2 – Don’t conform to the world; be transformed by renewing your mind. Through testing, we learn discernment.
• John 17:14–21 – Jesus prays for us: not to be taken out of the world, but to be sanctified in truth while living in it.
• Mark 2:15–17 – Jesus dines with tax collectors & sinners. He models how to engage relationships with grace and purpose, not isolation.

Key Insights

• Friendship = Spiritual Formation
  • Relationships shape holiness, sanctification, forgiveness, and love.
  • Big biblical commands (“love your neighbor,” “forgive,” “lay down your life”) become real only in relationships.
• Spectrum of Friendships
  • Some friends are unsaved, some are spiritually immature, some are mature.
  • God calls us to engage across the spectrum without conforming to ungodliness.
• Discernment Through Testing
  • Immature believers may need clear boundaries (cutting off bad influences).
  • Mature believers, with renewed minds, can discern through testing and experience.
• Jesus’ Example
  • Didn’t isolate himself to only “safe” friends.
  • Entered into relationships that others criticized, yet influenced people toward God.

Practical Takeaways

• Ask: Is this friendship sharpening me in Christ or pulling me away?
• Remember: cutting everyone off is easier but not biblical. Growth comes through discernment.
• Friendships are not just for our personal benefit—they bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
• Like Jesus, we are called to engage, love, and influence—not to withdraw in fear.

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Joshua Boyd

I’m going to open with a question today and ask a few more in the message: in your house, does everything you say, go? Does every command get obeyed? Why or why not?

I pray that this series has not only brought light on how to parent your children but also opened your eyes to how the Heavenly Father relates to us as His children. God seeks those who obey Him. He selected and blessed Abraham because Abraham believed God and obeyed Him and he trained up his children to do the same.

Genesis 18:19

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

In Abraham’s house, was his will being done 100% of the time? Did Abraham follow God’s will 100% of the time?

There doesn’t exist someone who has fully done the will of the Father, other than Jesus Christ. The Scriptures repeat the line in Old and New Testament: “there is none that does good, no not one.” Because of sin being present in our hearts at birth, people are not inherently good. We inherently want to do our own thing. We want my will to be done.

To summarize the responsibility of the parent: to remove the child’s desire to do their own thing all the time. It is the same thing that God is working in us to change. It doesn’t stop.

Let’s turn to Matthew 6.

Matthew 6:9-13

9 Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

CEV - Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.

YLT - Thy reign come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth.

When God gives the command, love your neighbor as you love yourself, His expectation is that it begins to be done, it comes to pass in us. That is His will. When He tells us that He hates pride, hates lying, His expectation is that we begin to not lie, not have pride. That is His will. Is that being done 100% in every Christian? Paul had to tell the Ephesian church to put away lying. Christians were lying, regularly.

When the Holy Spirit prompts you to take a different route to work today, He expects us to finish that way. That is His will. When we start reasoning, “I always go this other way, it is shorter, faster, more convenient.” If we don’t listen to His voice and go our own way, we can’t excuse ourselves or more importantly, we cannot blame God for anything that might happen by going our own way. His will was known but not followed.

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Jordon Gilmore

Friendship Series – Part 3

Main Text: John 15:12–15

• Jesus calls us friends, not just servants.
• Friendship with Jesus is both a gift and an example for how we should live with one another.

Key Recap from Previous Messages

1. Friendship is a gift from God.
2. We are called friends of God.
3. Jesus is the perfect example of friendship.
   • True friends know and understand each other.
   • They genuinely like each other.
   • They share common interests.
   • They desire to spend time together.
   • They help and protect one another.

Transition to Human Friendships

• God designed us for companionship (Gen. 2:18 – “not good for man to be alone”).
• Friendship runs as a theme throughout the whole Bible—from Genesis to Revelation.
• C.S. Lewis: “Friendship is unnecessary … it gives value to survival.”

Challenges with Friendship

• Many resist friendship due to hurt, fear, or personality defense mechanisms.
• We often default to family ties (“blood is thicker than water”), but Proverbs reminds us:
  • “A friend sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).
  • “Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away” (Prov. 27:10).
• Real friendship requires vulnerability and effort.

Biblical Example: David & Jonathan (1 & 2 Samuel)

• Unlikely friendship: Jonathan (royal heir, trained warrior) & David (youngest shepherd boy).
• Despite natural rivalry, Jonathan loved David “as his own soul.”
• They formed a covenant, symbolized when Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, and weapons.
• Their friendship endured family conflict, jealousy, and political tension.
• David later honored Jonathan’s son (2 Sam. 9) because of this covenant.

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Joshua Boyd

Continuing our series Parenting 101 this morning, let’s build off the previous topic of imitating those who imitate Christ. If you aren’t sure how to act or what to say, watch someone else who does. Just as a child imitates their parents, we should both be the proper example for others to imitate by finding examples to mirror.

In church, imitate those who are imitating God. Listen to their testimonies and learn their patterns. Find those in the Bible who trusted God in situations and were triumphant, then imitate them. It takes humility to do something someone else is doing. Pride wants to do its own thing, it wants the credit. Humility submits.

God is a God of order. In creation, in the church and in our homes, order brings His presence. Chaos and strife send Him away. God keeps order in His house. Like a good parent, He expects His children to listen and obey. We can find that the vessels who God selected for the Master’s use, were the ones who kept their own house in order. Don’t think that it is important? Let’s take a look.

Abraham

Genesis 18:17-19

17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

God needed someone who would pass down the commands and teachings of the Lord. He knew that what He promised Abraham would take generations to complete, so if those generations were trained, God’s purpose could continue through them. What was the defining trait that God was looking for on the earth? Someone who was faithful to train his children.

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Jordon Gilmore

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Jordon Gilmore

We are friends of God when we believe in Him and obey Him

John 15:12-15
You and I are friends of God even as we serve the Lord.

When we think about friends or friendship, many phrases come to mind.
- Birds of a feather flock together.
- You can tell a lot about a person by who their friends are.
- Get into trouble and you’ll see who your real friends are.

Who are your friends and how do you know they are?
They share a common goal or purpose.

• Being a friend requires time spent together
• Friendship is important because life is a challenge (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Jesus is our friend, and what wouldn’t you do for your best friend.
Knowing you are a friend of God, you have confidence that your friend will be there to help you.

Jesus has connected us back to the Father. When we pray and ask God to give us guidance, we can connect with God because of what Jesus has accomplished. We have access to the Father.

Hebrews 10:24-25

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Joshua Boyd

People like to joke and say “don’t do what I do, do what I say” indicating that they are doing the opposite of what they are telling others to do. That isn’t God-like. He always does what He says and says what He does. Jesus fully followed His Father’s Words and actions.

Paul expected this too because He practiced it very well. He wrote to the church at Corinth, whose people were acting like toddlers, giving into their desires rather than growing up spiritually. What was the instruction to stop that? Imitate me.

1 Corinthians 4:16

So I urge you to imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

Ephesians 5:1

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Imitation is the earliest form of learning for anyone. If you aren’t sure how to act or what to say, watch someone else who does. Babies do this instinctively which is why Paul says imitate God because you are His children. In church, imitate those who are imitating God. Listen to their testimonies and learn their patterns.

Find those in the Bible who trusted God in impossible situations and were triumphant, then imitate them. It takes humility to do something someone else is doing. Pride wants to do its own thing, be unique. Let you be you. Humility submits.

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Joshua Boyd

In the early days of the church, the disciples acted so much like Jesus that people started calling them by a new name: Christian – little Christ or follower of Christ. They were talking, acting and doing the same things that Jesus did. And people noticed.

Acts 11:26

When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

Today is part 3 of the Parenting 101 series, ‘Made in His Image’. Turn to Genesis 1:27

Genesis 1:27

So God created human beings in his own image.

In the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

You and I, all humans, were created in the image of God. We aren’t even just talking about Christians. Think about that. The worst sinner is still created in the image of God. He has a spirit, a soul and a body, a triune being just like the Creator. He has the capacity to use his words to get things done on the earth, just like God.

That doesn’t make God his Father. In fact, every human is born with Satan as their father. Not my precious baby!

The sinner isn’t acting like God. The sinner’s words have power, but are being used to bring darkness and death, not the light and life the Words of God bring. This is why Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of the time, and offended them, by telling them they were acting like their father Satan. They were lying just like Satan, the father of lies.

No all humans are not all God’s children. There is a special process for being accepted into the beloved – making Jesus Christ the Lord and master of your life, accepting His sacrifice for your sins and receiving His salvation. Then you are born – again into another family!

When we are born again, our spirit becomes a new creature created in the image of God’s Spirit. We no longer have the blemish of sin that comes with being a natural born human. Our spirit is now a spotless perfect container that the spotless perfect God can inhabit. He dwells in us. Oh what a powerful life we can live when we begin to understand where we stand with our Father.

As Christians, our number one responsibility is to reproduce ourselves. Be fruitful and multiply. Go and make disciples.

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

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Joshua Boyd

How To Have Successful Kids

Parents, imaging that you are away on a trip talking to your kids on FaceTime or phone. There are things that you want done around the house before you get home so you give your kids instructions and expect them to carry them out. What you find when you return depends on how well you’ve trained your kids and how well they obey.
In order for the will of God to be carried out on this earth before He returns, He needs people to carry out His instructions, obey His voice. Multiply the coordination and obedience by billions of “kids” that need to listen, trust and obey. This shows us how important obedience is to God and why He emphasizes it for parents to teach our kids.
You want successful kids? Teach them to be obedient. This goes against so much of the way of the world which emphasizes “be your own person” and “don’t listen to ‘the man’”.
Our message today in Parenting 101: How to Have Successful Kids. In light of the dual purpose of the topic, we could also subtitle it “how to be a successful Christian”.

Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Scriptures say that when we honor God, He will honor us. Here are two ways He will honor you: things go well and you live long. How many want that? How many want that for our kids?

Joshua 1:8
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

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Jordon Gilmore

With increased capacity come increased responsibility.

Hebrews 5:12-14

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
‭‭
If we are taking in a lot of “meat” and not doing anything with it, we become spiritually obese. We aren’t exercising in the things we are in taking.

Where are we on this spectrum?
- Do we engage with God just enough to get a measure of Kingdom life
- Or are we trying to out into practice the things we are learning

Our primary engagement with the things of God should be giving, not receiving

In the beginning there is a lot of people taking care of you, same at the end. They are pouring into you.

In the middle, you should be growing, transitioning and giving out.

To get more energy, we need more fuel

Matthew 25:20-21
We all want the reward, but if we must spend the energy that belongs to the responsibility.

Are we not growing because we aren’t being fed the right food? Or is it that we are not exercising the responsibility we have.

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Joshua Boyd

We are starting a new series today and as usual, I have no idea how many messages it will be. We will go until the Lord says we are done. My first reaction when the Lord placed it on my heart was “I am not an expert in this topic.” Then He started expanding on it and it made more sense.

As a teacher, specifically a Bible teacher, I attempt to be knowledgeable about anything I teach on of course. There are times when a message comes from lessons I am in the middle of learning myself. I taught software for almost 20 years and started to become comfortable with the fact that I just needed to know a little bit more than my students at first. But the more I applied and used the same applications I was teaching, the more I knew to teach.

The title of our message today, and likely the series, is “Parenting 101”. As a father for only 6 years next month, I can’t bring a wealth of personal experience of parenting a child from birth to adulthood. But the subtitle of our message allows us to tie this into not just parenting but our relationship with God as His children: Growing Up in Christ.

Psalm 144:12

May our sons flourish in their youth
like well-nurtured plants.
May our daughters be like graceful pillars,
carved to beautify a palace.

Parents, you have the blessing – the empowerment to prosper – to be fruitful and multiply! Yes, this means reproduction – having kids. But it also includes the multiplying of your values, wisdom and experience into your kids. You are empowered physically, mentally and spiritually to multiply have fruit in your children.

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Jordon Gilmore

How do I practically take the things weighing me down and cast them to the Lord?

Energy is the capacity to do work
Work is ability to apply a force that causes movement of an object

Christian energy = our ability to do the work of the Kingdom

Matthew 11:28-30
To accomplish work, you need:
capacity and knowledge

Matthew 7:13-14
Let’s get rid of the baggage so we can fit on the narrow way.

Practical steps
1. Identify what is going to be opposing your work
2. Disassociate with the burden
3. Get whatever it is that is opposing you, away from you

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Joshua Boyd

How many want to be used by God? How many of you parents want your children to fulfill the purpose God has for them? The obvious answer to these questions has a not so obvious process for getting results. God has work that needs to be done on this earth, work that requires people to carry out the effort. But who gets to do that work depends not so much on God, but on the people.

2 Timothy 2:19-21

But God’s solid foundation stands firm. Here is the message written on it. “The Lord knows who his own people are.” Also, “All who say they believe in the Lord must turn away from evil.”

20 In a large house there are things made out of gold and silver. But there are also things made out of wood and clay. Some have special purposes. Others have common purposes. 21 Suppose someone stays away from what is common. Then the Master will be able to use them for special purposes. They will be made holy. They will be ready to do any good work.

Religion interprets these verses as God pre-planned who is made of gold and who is made of clay so there’s not much we can do but play with the cards we are dealt. Yes, God has always made a distinction between His people and the world. The Law’s main purpose was to give instructions for a way of life that was very different from the people in surrounding nations. By following the Law, Israel acted differently, ate differently and consequently, were treated differently by God. That is how the Kingdom of God works – a different king means different rules.

Leviticus 20

7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.

8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

Notice though that you and I have a responsibility too. YOU sanctify yourselves and be holy.

Sanctify = purify, dedicate, separate, consecrate

The word sanctuary means a place set aside or dedicated for specific use. The building itself isn’t holy, it’s use makes it holy or not. Be holy means to be pure from influence. Be holy means not doing the same things the world is doing.

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Joshua Boyd

Today we finish our series The Journey of Faith with our eighth part.

This weekend is Memorial Weekend which honors those who died serving our country. We used the word served because a soldier doesn’t do what he wants to do, he does what he is told to do. In the military, there are consequences for doing your own thing – not just for the one who does the action but for those around who might suffer because one person didn’t listen or went into self-preservation mode.

The heroes are the ones we see carrying another when they are down or wounded. Pushing through the fear and danger to protect and save others. Looking out for the good of the many rather than trying to save self.

One of the many ways we tend to get behind or feel like we are the wounded one in life is by the cares of this life. In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus said that there is something that can prevent the Word of God from producing fruit in your life:

The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

The Word of God is powerful and can overcome evil. We, however, control the door of our heart – what we let in. When worries and cares enter the door, they crowd out the Word from coming in. This is when the journey of faith gets bogged down. How many have taken road trips and the GPS has given you the estimated time of arrival but then you run into construction or an accident—backing up traffic for miles, slowing you down, delaying your arrival. This is what worrying does for our faith journey. It slows us down, preventing progress.

There is a solution that takes discipline to see it through.

1. Give the Lord your cares and worries

2. Help others with their burdens

In past messages on this journey, we’ve talked about obedience and humility, two elements required to get us to our journey’s destination. Humility, as we heard on our Wednesday night Bible Study, is seeing yourself as God sees you – an honest evaluation of yourself. This includes the honest assessment of the cares you are carrying.

Jesus was humble and honest and yet called Himself what he was: the Son of God. He’s given us the command to be like him.

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Jordon Gilmore

Ephesians 4:29 ESV

1. It begins with an honest Biblical assessment of where we are, of who God is and what He has done
2. Leads to an attitude adjustment
3. It should build in us a resolve to be steadfast in our hope

Point 1
Psalm 103:1-5
David was continually telling himself to bless the Lord.

Psalm 42:1-11

Point 2
1 Samuel 30:6
It is only possible to encourage yourself when you know there is some anchor to place that encouragement into.

Psalm 116:7

Point 3
The ups and downs continue but my response begins to stabilize

Ps 146:1-2 ESV
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”
‭‭

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Joshua Boyd

This morning we celebrate our moms in the house and the moms that raised us. I’m very thankful for my mom who, right after she had me and then my sister, realized she didn’t know how to raise two kids as a twenty-four-year-old. She needed help. She needed God…and found Him.

From a child, my sisters and I heard Bible faith teaching on the radio every morning. Mom’s journey of faith, from a devout Catholic with a heart for God to a born-again Spirit-filled believer dedicated to following God and His Word, brought my sisters and I along in it.

The journey of faith for all of us, can’t be done alone. It will feel like you are alone sometimes because walking with God and obeying His will goes against the mainstream. Elijah thought he was alone when 450 prophets of Baal showed up to his challenge and he was the only representative of God’s side. He “won”…God won but Elijah left, went to a cave and said Lord take me now, I’m alone. God’s answer? You are not alone, there are 7,000 others who have not worshipped Baal. Go, here are your next steps.

Scriptures are full of encouragement for us that we are not alone; and we have commands to be the one who comes alongside others.

Amos 3:3

NKJV Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

NLV Do two men walk together unless they have made an agreement?

NLT Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?

Moms and Dads, we can apply this to us in all three context: parents must be walking in agreement about rearing the kids, discipline, church, Bible doctrine, etc. We can’t be living our lives going in two different directions and expect our kids to find their path. We are the stewards of their journey of faith.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Look at Proverbs 31. You might think you know where I’m going when you hear that chapter, but you don’t. Yes, these verses describe the Godly, woman and mother who cares for her husband and household, is successful in life and business. Look at verse 1

Proverbs 31:1

The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

It was the king’s mother who taught him about what kind of woman to look for. His mother described the godly wife that he should find. Moms, you are key in directing the path of your children’s journey of faith. You walk the path yourself, literally carrying them at first. Then when they are old enough to start walking on their own, spiritually, you walk alongside them to show the way and keep them on the path. When Louisa first started walking and we’d be on a sidewalk together, she’d go all over the place distracted by everything. Even though the sidewalk was clear and straight, her feet weren’t following it.

Christians do the exact same thing. God has a clear and straight path for us, but when we are spiritually immature, we get distracted by too much and wander all over. This is where faith buddies come in. Moms and dads, we are each other’s faith buddy. Guys, help your brother. Ladies, help your sisters. Be the one that sees the wandering of someone else and goes to walk with them to support, uphold and guide.

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Jordon Gilmore

Luke 15:1-7, 10
The passage starts out setting the scene. Large crowds had seen His miracles and are now coming to hear Him.

The Pharisees see no value in the people that came to hear Jesus.

In this passage there are 3 types of people:
1. True disciples
2. Self righteous
3. Sinners

We’ve all played all three roles in our lives. Jesus is telling teach role about themselves in the different parables.

1. When you are the sheep or coin, you appreciate the fact that God spared no expense to save you. To what extent are we taking the same attitude
2. Sometimes we are the 99. We have to watch our attitude when the focus is on the one.
3. We are called to rejoice over the one.

Parable of the Sheep - life happens, wanders off. the owner leaves the 99 to go find the one
Parable of the Coin - you lost it. The one who lost it searched until found
Parable of the Prodigal Son - purposely wanders off and gets lost, the father didn’t pursue

How much time are you spending rejoicing with those who are rejoicing?

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Joshua Boyd

Part six of our Journey of Faith series today is going to have a familiar sound to it: Willing and obedient. When each of us hear a message from the Lord on Sundays or Wednesdays, we should take it personally – meaning what is the Lord speaking to me right now? And just as importantly, let me receive this word because there is a reason He is speaking this to me right now.

God’s Word, especially from your trusted leaders, isn’t a “topic of the week”, or like a TV series episode. No, it is the instruction for the season. It is a word of warning or direction for what God knows you and I will face now or in the near future. As we talked about Wednesday night, God will make a way of escape for you from every temptation and test – His taught Word is a major part of that way. Listen.

How many of us want the blessing of the Lord on our lives? I might as well as Jordon if he wants the fruit from his garden, or asking you if you want the paycheck for doing the work. Obviously yes. Human nature looks for the outcome – what is in this for me. But the flesh, the sinful nature of humankind, only wants to do the bare minimum to get any gain.

I need to lose weight and get more physically fit. I have to workout how much? Stop eating what? Is there a pill I can take and keep living my life the way I want to?

There is no pill in the kingdom of God. There is obedience. No obedience pain, no Godly gain.

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Jordon Gilmore

Matt 28:16-17

“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.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Why we doubt: arrogance and pride
Ask yourself: is Christ greater than all I can see? Yes!

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

John 20:11-18
To be known by God solidifies in our spirits that He lives

Luke 24:13-35
Revealed Himself as a resurrected Lord by opening the Scriptures and expounding them

Open up the scripture. Read it.

“Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!””
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Matthew 28:11-15

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Joshua Boyd

Today is Palm Sunday, the start of what is called passion week. Does anyone know why we call it passion week? I too had to look it up. The English word passion comes from the Latin word passio which means “to endure suffering”. So this is celebration of Christ’s week of enduring suffering for us. He, like us had His journey of faith that took Him down a very specific pathway. It wasn’t easy. It was very narrow. So narrow that no other person has ever walk that exact path. He did it because He fully trusted His Father. And He did it for us.

When you plan a trip with your family, which vehicle do you take? For most of us, probably the biggest one to pack in the stuff, but also the most reliable one. Right? We’ve gotten to the point with two cars over 10 years old to rent a vehicle for longer trips so we can save the wear on our cars and have a vehicle we can fully trust.

God is looking for those who He can put His trust in, those who won’t slip when times get rough, those He can depend on to finish the task. We teach on faith regularly here at Faith Alive Church and here is a key element of our faith: for God to have faith is us, we have to have faith in Him.

Let’s dissect that statement to fully understand it. when we have faith in God, we are saying that we trust Him. I trust that what He has said will happen. I trust that He is true to His Word. Here is the real key though: when we trust, we obey. When you fully trust, you fully obey. When you don’t trust, you don’t obey. So the truest indicator of faith isn’t your answered prayer record, it is how much you obey.

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Jordon Gilmore

This is how we stay in the narrow path.

“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We have a fixed period called time. One of the greatest gifts we can have is to understand the time to make the most use of it.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

To understand the times means to understand:
1. What has happened before - can you look back and recognize when God moved in your life. Can you discern what His purpose was in those situations.
2. What is happening now
3. What may happen next

Understanding is composed of awareness or recognition. We pray for an advanced skill of discernment.

Four areas of understanding the times
1. Biblically and spiritually - Rom 3:21-22
2. Personally - 1 Sam 30:8 do you understand how to shift and realign your personal resources to maximize the output for the season
3. Leadership - Joshua 1:1-3 one of the greatest responsibilities we have as leaders is understanding seasons. What and who has God placed under your leadership?
4. Culturally - the climate we are acting in as believers - Matt 22:21 - culture is the climate that we carry out God’s strategies

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Joshua Boyd

Growing up, how many of you had moms or dads that warned you not to go with the crowd or do what everyone else is doing just because everyone else is doing it? I did. Peer pressure starts in early childhood as kids develop their sense of individuality. It is easy to go with the crowd even when what they are doing is obviously wrong. We’ve all observed a group of kids start to take a path of disruption and disorganization simply because a few started to.

Unfortunately, we don’t just grow out of this behavior. It has to be trained out and mature adults have to develop good judgment to make the right decision even when others are not.

Matthew 7:13-14 KJV

13 Enter ye in at the strait [or narrow] gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The words here in the original language describe the Kingdom path as a narrow, closely confined pathway—one that would require deliberate steps, careful navigation and decision making. The word for narrow is also translated pressed.

Where are we going with this? Throughout scripture, the imagery of the straight path means being on the right path and the crooked path is wrong way.

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Jordon Gilmore

The song we just played reminded me of a truth, the spiritual truth that I want to talk about today: Kingdom expectations. And so we're going to be in a couple of different scriptures if you want to go ahead and pull these up or write them down: Hebrews 11:1 - a very familiar one, and Romans 15:13.

When you have expectation for something, there is action around getting ready for it.

Hope is connected to faith.
Hebrews 11:1

The God of hope
Romans 15:13

What is hope?
Bible hope = expectation

1 Peter 1:3-5

Expectation = I’m going to construct my reality on the basis that this is true

Philippians 1:19-21

Three things to think about
1. Our expectations are based on real truth, Gods truth
2. Our expectations are backed by a limitless God
3. Our ultimate expectation is set in eternity

Psalm 25:3

Don’t lose hope, hope is the foundation of your faith.

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Joshua Boyd

We are back on our road learning about the Journey of Faith. It isn’t a journey unless we start and our journey of faith begins with believing the good news of salvation. Step after step in our journey is only progressed by believing the Word and acting on it by faith, keeping our conscience clear, and our obedience on the ready. That takes work. And it is a constant improvement or growth of your faith. We go from faith to faith, glory to glory.

Hebrews 4:11 - Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

For most of us, that initial journey of faith to salvation didn’t take too long. Once you believed, the action of calling on the name of the Lord brought you to the destination of salvation. Eternal life is yours, Jesus has wiped your sins away and it didn’t even take but a few minutes. Wow, this life of faith is easy!

Much like the children of Israel though, leaving Egypt in one day—an example of our salvation—wasn’t the end of their journey. Specifically, it wasn’t their final destination. Salvation isn’t the end of the Christian walk. For too many it is though – don’t let that be you, don’t let that be your kids. Jesus commanded us to go and “get people saved so they’ll go to heaven”. No. He said, go and make disciples—go and lead people on their own journey of faith. That means we have to be at least slightly ahead on our own journey.

The labor of entering into the rest God has for us is in the journey. This is a marathon, a long distance drive, post-graduate education. There is a reward at the end—not just heaven. The journey of faith brings the end result of our prayer, our petitions. The Lord says He’s given us all things to enjoy. He wants you saved, your needs and desires met, your health strong, your children saved and protected.

Galatians 6:9 - So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Our part? Don’t give up. Keep the faith.

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Jordon Gilmore

The Lord delights in smells. Today we explore the biblical significance of scents and aromas, highlighting their role as offerings and indicators of sin and emphasizing the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of spirituality.

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Joshua Boyd

We are on a journey of faith – both in our Christian walk and in our current series. The start of our journey must be salvation. We believed the word to be born again. We had to pray and ask Jesus to come and save us. We had to call on Him. That was the first act of obedience by faith and it sealed the deal for our salvation.

The rest of our journey works the same way: we hear, believe, then act. Our first act of obedience is calling on the name of the Lord in response to hearing the good news of what happens when we do. In this part two of our series, let’s focus on what can hinder our journey: unbelief. How can a born-again Christian experience unbelief? Let’s find out.

Israel was “saved”. Their coming out of Egypt is a type of us coming out of the world into God’s Kingdom – salvation. They saw with their own eyes the repeated miracles of God, yet they struggled over and over with believing God and obeying Him. It got to the point that their hearts became hard toward God.

Our journey of faith begins with believing the good news of salvation. Step after step in our journey is only progressed by believing the Word and acting on it by faith, keeping your conscience clear, and your obedience on the ready. That takes work. It is labor, it is a fight—the good fight. And it is a constant improvement or growth of your faith. We go from faith to faith, glory to glory.

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Jordon Gilmore

God’s grace is sufficient for all needs, as demonstrated by the provision of daily bread and the example of the Israelites in the desert. The Apostle Paul’s conversation with God highlights that God’s grace is enough, even in weakness, and should be received with faith. Operating in the kingdom means relying on God’s grace, not our own merits or abilities.

God’s grace, unmerited favor, is sufficient for salvation and all aspects of life. The Apostle Paul, facing a persistent “thorn in the flesh,” prayed for its removal, but God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul, like us, must trust in God’s grace, believing it is enough to carry us through life’s challenges, even when we feel weak or uncomfortable.

God’s grace is sufficient for all situations, even those where our strength is tested. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, learned to embrace his weaknesses, recognizing that God’s power is made perfect in them. We should anchor our faith in God’s grace, knowing it is enough for every day and every challenge.

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Joshua Boyd

We talk about faith very often at FAITH Alive Church. It is much more than a favorite subject. It is the mission of this church to keep faith alive in us. Understanding what faith is and how it works is vital to our success as Christians. God works by faith and has giving us a measure, a portion, of His own faith.

Today, we start a new series called “The Journey of Faith”. Living by faith, a command in Scriptures, doesn’t come overnight. For some believers, it never happens. Living by faith doesn’t come automatically. It takes the right actions to work.

Think about when you received salvation, when you were born again. Did you wake up one day and suddenly decide to get saved? No! It was a process, maybe long for some and shorter for others, that required certain ingredients to mix together to get the right outcome.

Let’s look at what the Word says about the salvation process.

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Jordon Gilmore

The idea of “daily bread” emphasizes the importance of a consistent relationship with God and seeking His provision daily. This is illustrated through the story of the Israelites in the desert, who complained about their provision despite God’s previous miracles. The Israelites’ experience mirrors human nature, where we often forget God’s blessings when faced with discomfort or challenges.

God provided manna daily to test the Israelites’ faith and obedience, highlighting the importance of daily reliance on Him. Similarly, our daily struggles and responsibilities can be seen as God’s miracles, testing our trust and prompting us to seek His guidance. Ultimately, God’s glory and provision are revealed through our daily engagement with Him.

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Joshua Boyd

What does it mean practically to fear the Lord?

Jesus said “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) There’s the definition of loving God. You cannot love God and consistently disobey or ignore His commands.

When we refuse to obey, we become an enemy of God. James 4:4 says that if we are friends with the world what they do, we become the enemy of God.

God won’t force us to obey, we have a choice in the matter. But oh the rewards of making the right choice! This is where we bring our topic of angels back in. Angels fear the Lord. Angels obey His commands completely. And God will send His angels to help those of us who do the same.

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Jordon Gilmore

Are we satisfied with God providing what we need, or do we let our wants drive our relationship with God?

Do we act as if we need God?

Matthew 6:9-13
Give me the portion of You I need today

1. Jesus wants us to model a relationship with the Father that is daily.
2. Jesus is compelling us to ask the Father what we need for the day because He knows what we need for the day.
3. When we don’t take this wisdom from the Lord and we try to store up just in case, we are driving by pride and fear.
4. Jesus was trying to point to a particular time in Jewish history with the manna to give an example.

Our relationship with God should be one where we are satisfied with our daily bread.

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Joshua Boyd

When Jordon and I stand before you each week, we endeavor to bring the message for you for right now. This is the live feed from the top. As children of God, we have a relationship with the Father that allows us to communicate and fellowship with Him daily. You and I talk to our natural family everyday without putting thought or effort into it. we do it because of relationship. It is the same with our heavenly Father.

There are times though that as a parent or a family member, we have to get someone’s attention, so with intention we tell them to listen! That is how I feel about this word today. The Lord says, stop, listen, this is important! It will determine the year for you.

When the prophets spoke a Word from the Lord, there was always a condition: if you do this then this will happen. Unfortunately, sometimes the condition was a past event: if you would have done this then this next thing would not have to happen.

Jesus gave a command to his disciples in John 14:1.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

With the command comes the power to obey it. The Lord doesn’t tell us to do something we cannot do. So as we hear this today, hear it with the weight that it has. Hear it for yourself and hear it with the intent to obey.

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Jordon Gilmore

We have a tendency to become comfortable in negative situations, even when a solution is available. The story of Jesus healing demon-possessed men in Matthew 8:28-34 as a starting point. All of us should reflect on their our lives and identify areas where we might be resisting positive change, even if it means confronting our own demons.

The presence of Jesus immediately causes demons to recognize and respond to him, even if the person they possess is unaware. These negative situations, or “footholds of the enemy,” can be anything from personal struggles to toxic relationships, and they will always yield to the power of God. Even if we resist the Holy Spirit’s guidance, yielding to God’s presence will force these footholds to respond.

Dark areas in our lives, like unforgiveness or negative self-talk, can become normalized, but we must be honest about their harmful effects. We should not accept these areas as normal, as they can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing God’s full presence. Instead, we should seek God’s help to expose and overcome these areas, allowing Him to transform us and bring us into His perfect will.

People were afraid of Jesus’ healing power, even though it brought light and freedom, because they were comfortable with their dysfunction and afraid of change. This fear can manifest in our own lives, preventing us from seeking healing and transformation. We must embrace the process of healing, even when it costs us, to walk in God’s perfect will and experience true freedom.

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Joshua Boyd

I’m going to start today by stating our main point today: Satan is an angel. He’s not an equal to God, he’s not uncreated. He is an angel. The world and even religious tradition have made it seem like an eternal battle of two mighty generals controlling the battlefield in an epic struggle for the ages. It isn’t like that at all.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord uses prophets to bring words to real kings of this world while using the same words to speak to the powers of the spiritual world. In that sense, we can use the image of a king or general in battle conquering cities and lands. In fact, much of what we know about our enemy and his origins comes from these prophetic passages.

Satan is real, he has a name and thus has a purpose. God created him with one purpose and Satan chose to follow his own purpose. For us to know our enemy, we’ll start with his origin story. To do that we need to look at one type of angel mentioned throughout the Bible. This isn’t an angel that appeared to people as a messenger, it has a different purpose.

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Jordon Gilmore

The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes access to God’s presence for all believers, not just the high priest. Many Christians, however, settle for a surface-level relationship with God, stopping short of true intimacy and fellowship. Barriers like busyness, lack of knowledge, and spiritual struggles can prevent believers from drawing near to God’s throne of grace.

Today we reflect on personal barriers preventing a deeper relationship with God, using the example of hesitation to participate in worship. Emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, highlighting the opportunity for a more intimate connection with God beyond transactional prayers, let's be encouraged to move beyond surface-level relationships and embrace a closer, more transformative faith.

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Joshua Boyd

Please turn to a standard passage during this Christmas season, the book of Luke.

Luke 1:11-13, 18-19

Compare this experience with that of Mary a few verses down.

Luke 1:26-37

There are only two angels in Scripture whose name we know. Gabriel here is one. Does anyone know the other? Michael. Both Gabriel and Michael have specific purposes: Gabriel gives extremely high priority messages. Michael is one of the lead or arch angels who leads battles against darkness. Each of the three books Michael is mentioned, he is fighting evil forces.

Gabriel is mentioned in two books, Daniel and Luke. In Daniel he is bringing the message of the timeline for the end of times. In Luke, he brings the message of John and the Messiah. These are arguably three of the most anticipated messages from the Lord and Gabriel was the sole angel to deliver them. He has a purpose.

Michael has a purpose.

Notice when Gabriel came to both Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, which we Jordon spoke about last week, Gabriel’s message from the Lord included the action to give the child a specific name. With John, his name means God is gracious. When Gabriel spoke to Mary and Joseph, he said to name the baby Jesus, God Saves.

What is in a name? Everything.

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Jordon Gilmore

Joseph and the wise men
One of their tasks was to preserve the life of baby Jesus.

Matthew 1:19-20
A dream of reassurance

Matthew 2:10-12
A dream of preservation

Matthew 2:13
A dream of forewarning and salvation

Matthew 2:19-
A dream of opportunity
The most common type of dream

Matthew 2:22-23
A dream of direction and security

Psalm 4:8

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Joshua Boyd

I want you to picture in your mind something that you cannot see with your eyes. Imagine the largest athlete you can think of – a six foot seven 300-pound beast of a man. This being is with you everywhere you go, night and day. He is powerful enough to overcome any person. He doesn’t sleep or take a break. There are more angels in this room than people – we’ll get into why that is from the Scriptures later.

There is an entire real other world happening around us all the time. A world we cannot see or feel with our senses but it existed before this physical world we live in now existed. They beings in the spiritual realm have been around much longer than any human – they’ve lived longer than humans have been created.

Angels are real. Do you believe that? Do you believe that YOU have an angel assigned to you for life? Angels have a specific purpose and there are different angels for different purposes. In this series, we will discover the purpose of angels and how they work.

Scripture References
1 Chronicles 21:16, 30

1 Chronicles 28:11, 18

2 Chronicles 3:10-13

Daniel 10:4-10

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Colossians 2:18

1 Corinthians 6:3

Acts 5:17-23

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Jordon Gilmore

This morning, we’ll likely conclude this concept or series, My Heart and My Ministry. It could even be a side message. I want to focus on a ministry I mentioned a few weeks ago.

I want to discuss encouragement and goodness, a fruit of the spirit. Goodness is ambiguous. What does it mean to be good? There are many definitions and suggestions for good people.

But what does the Bible say about goodness? How can we use goodness and encouragement together as a personal ministry? I want to focus on goodness because it doesn’t require special training, talent, or education.

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Jordon Gilmore

We Are All Called to Ministry
Let’s refresh our memory on what our purpose for this series is. It’s from Proverbs chapter 4, verse 23. It says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it flows all that you do.” So far in the series, we’ve mainly focused on talking about the heart.

We began by emphasizing the importance of the heart and how deeply concerned God is about it, even more than about our actions, words, or where we go. He cares about our hearts and wants them.

We then discussed the natural condition of our hearts. The scripture says that our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. It’s hard for us to even know our own hearts. But we ended that message with a scripture from First John that reminded us that even in the deepest, darkest parts of our hearts that we don’t understand, we can be assured that God knows our hearts.

And not only does God know our hearts, but he also knows how far our hearts are from him. Despite this knowledge, he still chose to love us, to die for us, to adopt us as his children, and to use us in his kingdom. So we can be encouraged by that.

Last time, we talked about our regenerated or renewed heart. We discussed how it’s God who gives us a new heart. We must be open to God’s presence and willing to share our hearts with Him. We can invoke the words of Psalm 42:3, “Search my heart, O God, and know my thoughts.” When we do this, God promises to give us hearts for Him.

Today, we’ll delve into the second part of the series title: “My heart, my ministry.” Let’s begin by focusing on the last part of Proverbs 42:3, which emphasizes the importance of our actions.

The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it flows all that you do.” This verse underscores the significance of our hearts in shaping our actions and decisions.

In the context of ministry, we can define it as service to God and others in the name of God. This definition is straightforward and clear. Ministry involves serving God and others, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

Interestingly, ministry is not limited to believers. It extends to serving people, even those who are non-believers, enemies, or those with whom we disagree. This means that we can still minister to them.

In the modern church, the term “ministry” has often been associated with professional or vocational roles. We tend to think of ministers as individuals in specific positions, such as those on stage or with titles. However, this definition overlooks the fact that all Christians are called to ministry.

When we consider the definition of ministry as service to God and others, we realize that we are all ministers. Every Christian is called to serve God and others in His name.

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Joshua Boyd

Today we finish up the series on Honor. The true disciple of Christ, the one who desires to mature in their walk with God, is one who has learned to honor God. If we want God to honor us, we must first honor Him. How? We’ve learned over the past few weeks that honor requires

• Humbling ourselves
• Valuing the things that God values
• Giving
• Submitting
  • to Authority
  • to Each Other
  • to God

Each of these attributes of honor are really actions on our part. Some actions, like humbling ourselves, can’t be readily seen by others. You and I can’t see the heart behind the attitude. The more we mature in our walk with God though, the more we can identify the fruit of the attitude. In other words, we can see the fruit of humility even if we can’t see the heart decision to be humble.

Even in giving, the most outward action of honor, we can’t see the heart behind the action. Jesus stood in the temple one day and watched the people give. Those who were giving the most money ended up being the ones doing it for show. It was the one who gave the largest percentage who had the most faith and gave with the right heart. Jordon’s series on the condition of the heart ties so neatly into this message. I love when we see the work of the Holy Spirit.

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My Heart and My Ministry Series Part 3
Jordon Gilmore

Jesus emphasized the importance of a regenerated heart, as exemplified by Nicodemus, a religious leader. The Christian life is a process of continuous change and reevaluation, requiring a new heart to enter the kingdom of God. Despite our progress, we should remain open to reevaluating our hearts and embracing a new perspective.

God initiates heart change because of His love for us. He removes our stubborn hearts and replaces them with responsive ones, enabling us to follow His decrees and regulations. This process is essential for effective ministry, as it allows us to serve God with a pure and obedient heart.

God initiates change in our hearts due to His love and desire for His name’s sake. When we fall short, we can pray for a clean heart and renewed spirit, as exemplified by David in Psalms 51. This prayer is essential for all believers, regardless of their spiritual journey.

Repentance is a continuous process of evaluating our hearts and seeking God’s forgiveness. We should not disqualify ourselves from ministry due to perceived heart issues, as God can work through our imperfections. Asking God to search our hearts and critique our thoughts can be uncomfortable, but it leads to growth and a deeper relationship with Him.

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Joshua Boyd

This morning we will expand on the topic of honor, especially the attribute of humility that we introduced early in the series. There is no real honor without humility. Or more precisely, there is no honor of someone else without humility. Pride honors itself. It puts its own position, its own way above that of others.

Jesus, our Master, lived out our example. He did want He requires of us.

John 5:19-24, 44

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will lift you up (1 Peter 5:6). Honor God and He will honor you. Honor yourself and despising God leads to God despising you – He resists the proud.

There is a word that describes the character and actions of humility. It’s a word that we don’t like to use and many churches won’t even teach on it. That word is submission. The Oxford dictionary defines submit: “accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.” Synonyms include: yield, capitulate, give way, agree, consent, defer.

Honor requires Submission

This isn’t a popular topic. Too many want the reward but don’t want to take the path to get there. But it is absolutely necessary in order to truly honor God and honor each other. Anything else is pride disguising itself as humility.

Words can only hide pride for so long. Eventually actions – lack of submission – reveals the true attitude. Others see your behavior long before they hear you talk. Unfortunately, in this present politically heated world we live in, words quickly become the mechanism for revealing our attitude.

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Jordon Gilmore

Examine the condition of our Heart.

1 Cor. 11:26-29
Out of our hearts flow our ministry

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The natural state of our hearts is not good

The terrifying reality is that it is entirely possible to serve your entire life with the wrong heart

The Pharisees did ministry with the wrong heart

Matthew 9:1-8
Why do we think evil in our hearts?

Matthew 15:10-20
Isaiah 29:13

1 John 3:19-22

If we take an honest assessment of our hearts, we may not like what we see, but God already knows the state of our heart and still chose us.

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Joshua Boyd

God honors, not everyone, those who honor Him. Too often, believers put the responsibility on God that God has designated to us. Do you want to be honored? It isn’t automatic. It isn’t because of your title, status, family, good works, etc. You must first honor Him. But not honoring God isn’t the neutral position—it is the complete opposite. If you think lightly of Him, His ways, His Word, His commands, he will think lightly – despise – you. Yikes!

Giving is a key indicator of honor. When you honor someone, you will give to them, and give to be with them. That leads us to today’s point:

Honor means Giving

In other words, when you honor something or someone, you will give to it or them—time, energy, money, priority. Every person who wants to be a disciple of the Master, the Lord, must be a tither, must give offerings. Without that physical act of giving, there is no honor. Why do you think we spent so many Sundays this year talking about Biblical Finances. Where you prioritize your money, is where you prioritize your heart.

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Jordon Gilmore

Topic 1 - God wants our heart
Prov 4:23
“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Guard your heart
Ministry = Personal service for God towards men

Matt 22:34-40
Love the Lord with ALL your heart

Prov 3:5-6
Trust the Lord with ALL your heart

Prov 21:2
The Lord weighs the heart

David
1 Samuel 13:13-14

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Jordon Gilmore

Luke 16:1-13

Apart from God’s grace, we really have nowhere to go. Everything we have and everything we are is a gift of unmerited favor.

The unjust steward was using what he had in the present to take care of things he knew would come in the future.

Are we so earthly minded about the use of our time that we fail to use it for the eternal things of God?

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Joshua Boyd

Part 2 of our series on honor begins today with some questions: what do you value? What do you put the highest price on?

The apostle Paul’s values changed after he encountered the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Philippians 3:5-9

The Kingdom of God works by honor. We can restate it this way: the Kingdom of God works by a value system – one that is much different from the world’s value system. This might be one of the largest gaps between the two kingdoms. When you travel the world, you can see differences in culture and laws that show what is valued or prioritized between one nation versus another. Japanese culture values family heritage, elders and the culture itself. Here in the US, what would you say that we value? I know we spend way too much money on entertainment.

The world ridicules, thinks very little of the things that are the highest value in the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:28

God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

That means us! We have to realize, like Paul, that our heritage, our education, our occupation mean nothing in the Kingdom of God. That doesn’t mean God won’t use our education and our occupation for His sake. It means that we can’t rely on only that to get ahead in this world and especially with God. When we value eternity more than this world, we start to see what we should honor.

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Joshua Boyd

The Apostle John said “I must decrease that He might increase”. For us to show honor to a person or our Lord, we have to first humble ourselves and decrease the weight on our side of the scale so that it gives more weight to the one we are honoring. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will lift you up.

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Jordon Gilmore

1 Chronicles 29:11
1. God’s timing is perfect just as His ways are perfect. Ps 18:30
2. What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for our good.
3. “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬

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Joshua Boyd

Today is our twelfth and final message of the Biblical finances series and this will act as our transition to the next message: What the Bible Says about Honor. In the Kingdom of God, nothing happens without honor. No honor, no favor. No honor, no answers.

Turn to Matthew 10 to look at the key passage for this morning. When we talk about Biblical prosperity, we’ve learned that it isn’t just referring to money in the bank or stuff in the yard. Prosperity includes protection from sickness, theft, decay and death—not only to your physical body but your bank accounts, your stuff, your kids, etc. 3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God looks at our hearts first. Is our heart prospering? Then we are primed and ready for external prospering. So the fuel is in the tank, the primer has taken the fuel to the engine, what is the final remaining piece to get the engine started? A spark. That spark is honor.

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Jordon Gilmore

2 Corinthians 11:5-10
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
So often we miss the strength of God because we are not willing to be weak

Are we making room for God to work through our weaknesses or are we just relying on our strengths?

1 Peter 5:10
1 Peter 5:5-10

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Jordon Gilmore

Job 1:20
Luke 6:45
Phil 4:8

1. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
2. One of the best measures of character is what comes out when they are stressed.
3. Focus on positivity.

Fill your mind and heart with good things so that they are in there when you need them. Putting the right stuff in is important, but getting the bad stuff out is necessary too.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Joshua Boyd

God wants to use you more and more for bigger and better things both in your personal life and in His kingdom. The only way that is accomplished is by His trust in YOU growing over time. He can’t trust you if you aren’t trusting Him. The more you trust Him, the more He can use you. It will be uncomfortable at first sometimes. Abraham had to say goodbye to family to go where God was sending Him. Moses had to leave the palace to go suffer with the people of God. Jesus had to die physically on a cross.

The persecution we suffer for trusting in God is nothing to be compared to the eternal glory we can experience. If we are faithful with a few things…just a few…God will make us ruler of many things. How many of you govern a city right now? Jesus said, if you are faithful now, you can rule multiple cities in eternity.

We can’t see that with our eyes. We can’t see God with our physical eyes. But we can use the faith He has given us to trust what we cannot see more than the things we can see. When we do that, there is great reward both now and for all eternity.

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Jordon Gilmore

His faithfulness shows us we can depend on His word.
His justness shows us that he will keep things lines up according to what is right.

Deuteronomy 32:3-5
1 John 1:9

We have to know that when we mess up our relationship isn't affected

Hebrews 10:23
What is your faith anchored to?
It makes God smile when we are faithful (like Him)

Romans 1:16-17
The just shall live by faith

Much of the arguing over justice comes at people's concept of justice, not God's

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Joshua Boyd

Deuteronomy 8:18 CJB
No, you are to remember Adonai your God, because it is he who is giving you the power to get wealth, in order to confirm his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as is happening even today.

This morning we continue our series on Biblical Finances and looking at this key verse in Deuteronomy, I want to focus in on one word: remember. The Lord is telling the Hebrews that He is giving them the power to get wealth, a blessing to prosper. We still see the fruit of this blessing on the Jews today – who have an innate ability to prosper in business.

God not only wants us to prosper, He has given us the power to prosper. We’ve been talking about this for weeks now with our most recent topic being the blessing. We have the blessing of Abraham on us as believers, and we have the power to bless and pass down that blessing to our children. We are blessed for the purpose of being a blessing.

The enemy works very hard to keep the blessing off our lives through unbelief and sin. Someone who is not a child of God doesn’t have the blessing of Abraham. Someone who is a child of God but is living in a habitual sin, is blocking the flow of the blessing in their own lives. The pipes are clogged.

However, when the enemy fails at preventing the blessing, he attacks from another angle: seeking the wealth.

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Jordon Gilmore

We started off talking about our relationship to God as God being our father, us being his children, and how it brings the parents, natural parents, mothers and fathers so much joy to see their children reflecting their character to see their children reflecting them in the earth.

The same is true for us that God gets so much joy. God gets so much glory when we as his children reflect his character. That's what we're called to do. And you know, and and what's so amazing about it is God didn't just ask us to reflect his character, but he gave us a real and a perfect example. In the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And so I want to continue on in and talking about us reflecting the character of God. And I want to kind of move into some practical examples and ways that and and kind of areas where I think there's opportunity for us to. Reflect the character of God in our day-to-day interactions with people as a church, as employees. As you know, parents as spouses. So many opportunities for us to reflect the character of God, and so. So. That is, that's what we're going to begin doing this morning. So kind of our our anchor verse for this this series, it's a it's a simple one, it's straightforward. It is Ephesians 5:00 and 1:00. Ephesians 5 and one. Therefore the imitators of God as. Beloved children. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

On this Father’s Day, we are grateful for our dads – those who are dads in our church and all of our dads. God designed marriage and the family to be an image of His relationship with us. We are His children when we believe and trust in Him. He becomes our Father at that moment of salvation.

God used Abraham, because of Abraham’s faith, to bring two families on earth: the Jews and the people of faith. Abraham is the father of the Jews and the father of faith. God blessed Abraham and through him, blessed all of the families on earth.

Genesis 12:2-3

I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

And we learned last time that as we put our faith in Christ, according to Galatians 3:9, we become part of the descendants of Abraham, not as Jews but as children of faith!

Galatians 3:9 gives us a valuable truth:

So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

The blessing that God places on Abraham is yours and mine to share when we have our faith, our trust, in Christ. This means that we can be fruitful and multiply. It means that those who bless us will be bless and those who curse us will be cursed.

Let me speak to the dads today. We have a unique position in our family. Biblically, we are the spiritual leader, the spiritual head of the family, and as such we have great responsibility to the Lord.

One of those responsibilities is speaking blessings over your family.

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Joshua Boyd

Deuteronomy 8:18 CJB

No, you are to remember Adonai your God, because it is he who is giving you the power to get wealth, in order to confirm his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as is happening even today.

We’ve been using this verse as our key verse for the series and I want to dive into it more today. There is an element in this verse that defines how God wants to interact with his children and that then becomes a template for how we should interact with our kids.

That element is the blessing. While there is no mention of the word “blessing” in this verse, one of the definitions of the word is: “the power to get wealth”. Other translations say “the power to make wealth” or “power to produce wealth”.

Most of us today don’t think about the power in the blessing. We have reduced the word “blessing” to saying a prayer over our food or saying “God bless you” when someone sneezes.

The act of blessing someone to the Hebrews, means much more than offering a kind word. It is an empowerment and an act of respect. The root of the word means “to kneel”. When we bless the Lord, we are showing Him the respect He deserves and humbling ourselves before Him. It is an acknowledgement of the source.

When God blesses someone or something, He is initiating the power and strength to accomplish the end result.

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Joshua Boyd

Deuteronomy 8:18 CJB

No, you are to remember Adonai your God, because it is he who is giving you the power to get wealth, in order to confirm his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as is happening even today.

Today we continue with the theme “Biblical Finances” as we look at the offering – but probably not in the way you would expect. Yes, offerings can be financial, over and above the tithe. This act shows our love for God and his people.

Romans 15:25-29

Notice Paul here calls their offering a “good deed”. When we think of good deeds, what comes to your mind first? Taking food to someone? Mowing a neighbors lawn? It involves action, doing something. The Scriptures define an offering as a good deed. If an offering is a good deed than a good deed is an offering. In other words, offerings don’t always involve money.

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Jordon Gilmore

1. Watch and wait for God
2. Protect the seed
3. Provide support

Mark 4:26-27
John 15:4-5
John 17:17

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Jordon Gilmore

Matt 13:3-9
3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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Joshua Boyd

We have covered the foundation of Biblical Finances in our discussion of tithing. Until that foundation is laid, the next level of giving can’t start – the next level of offerings. Since tithing represents the first step, giving back to God what belongs to Him, offerings even more show our heart because they are voluntary. When Jesus spoke of the widow giving all she had, He was speaking of her offerings.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

How many of you have planted seeds in a planter or the ground? Most of us who have done so planted a few seeds. We weren’t trying to supply our family or others with our crop. Yet even in the small amount, we got increase. One seed doesn’t produce once seed. One seed increases into not just more seed but usable product to eat. God is the one who designed the process. He declared after the flood that as long as the earth remains, seed sowing and harvesting will remain too.

Our responsibility isn’t to understand the increase, it is to keep seed in the ground. Generous seed, generous crop. Fortunately, seasons in the Kingdom can be year-round. It is always planting season. Harvest season comes as a direct result of the planting. No planting, no harvest time.

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Joshua Boyd

We’ve been on the topic of Biblical Finances for the past few weeks and the topic of tithing for the past 2 messages. This is the third and I believe final message on tithing. Tithing not only represents obedience in giving back to God what is rightfully His, it also represents our heart.

Matthew 6:21 CEB

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

CJB

For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.

Trying to keep our money for ourselves, not giving it to the work of the Kingdom shows that we don’t have an eternal mindset. Everything on this earth is temporary, especially money. God is a resource greater than money. He can get your needs met and bless you beyond the income on your paycheck.

For people whose heart has turned or is turning away from God, the first outward sign that they stop giving. Oh they may throw a tip in the offering plate, but not the tithe and certainly not offerings. To love the Lord is to obey His commands. Those commands are not burdensome but beneficial.

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Jordon Gilmore

Genesis 39:20-23, 40:7-8,20-23

1. We have to decide to let God use us to be a blessing in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

It is clear that God can prosper us even in situations we don’t want to be in.
Joseph took the time to notice someone else’s plight even when his own was not ideal. He wasn’t self-focused.

1. Pay attention to others even when we are not 100%
2. When we are serving outside ourselves we have to be led by the Spirit to do what God wants us to do.

We can’t let our level of faith be dependent on how comfortable we are.

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Joshua Boyd

Jesus, our High Priest, the one designated to give a sacrifice for the people, is from a line of succession in Melchizedek. Like Melchizedek, Jesus receives the tithes and He blesses. There is a blessing that only comes when you tithe. It is a blessing of protection and provision.

Malachi 3:6-10

These are strong words from the Lord through His prophet: cheated God! Under a curse because you are not tithing? The purpose of the tithe is to honor the Lord. To return to him what belongs to him and to give of ourselves in offerings to honor Him even more. When we honor God, it allows him to honor us, bless us and protect us.

King James says “I will rebuke the devourer”. God will stop the enemy from taking from you and destroying your stuff, your livelihood, your work. That protection only comes to those who tithe.

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Joshua Boyd

Jesus is our High Priest, the one designated to give a sacrifice for the people. But He is not from the tribe of Levi where the priest came from, the sons of Aaron. He is from another line of succession and rank: the order of Melchizedek.

What are the two things we know about Melchizedek? He blessed Abraham and he received tithes. Jesus is like Melchizedek, in the line of succession. So we know that Jesus does two things: blesses us and receives tithes.

Genesis 14:18-20

18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High,[d] brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.

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Jordon Gilmore

Luke 23:38-43
Us getting into heaven has nothing to do with what we've done. It is about what He's done for us. The thief on the cross said one thing to Jesus: please remember me when you get to your Kingdom. That thief is in heaven today.

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Joshua Boyd

To describe God as generous would be an understatement. Look at the stars, look at the microscopic. There is so much in creation that we’ll never know on this side of heaven because God’s greatness, his generosity, is on display throughout creation. We have been created in God’s image and have the Spirit of God, his generous Spirit, inside us. By design and by command, we are designed to be generous just like our heavenly Father.

Being generous means having more than enough to give. When God blesses us, it is meant to share, not hoard. In fact in the parable of the talents, Jesus said the one who kept the money and did nothing with it was the unfaithful and wicked servant.

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Joshua Boyd

When we read the Scriptures, we see money mentioned throughout the books of the Bible. In many places, exact amounts describe the transaction or accounting that takes place. Jesus talked about money and even told the parable of three people given different amounts of money to test their faithfulness and stewardship.

Like many topics in the Word, the enemy has sought to twist and deceive many from the truth. Money is no different. Generations of believers have been taught traditions and fables disguised as the truth of the Word concerning money.

At work, as it concerns data and where the data comes from, we call them the “source of truth”. This data point should only come from this source of truth because that is the most trusted original version of the data point. All other sources read from or refer to that source and are considered copies. In this series, we will be use a single source of truth for our text, the Word of God, as we dive into the subject of finances.

The enemy hates God, hates God’s people and doesn’t want God’s kingdom to grow. What better way to stop growth than to cut off resources. He has been very successful in deceiving children of God to think very wrong about money.

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Jordon Gilmore

What is God’s credit score in your life?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

When you go to the bank to ask for credit, what is the first thing they ask? They want your name and proof of ID: your identity. They want to review your financial history and your resources to determine how much they will trust you.

The first thing we know about God is His name: there is no other name under heaven higher than His name. God’s “track record” is perfect, He never changes and is always the same.

Joshua 24:45
Not a word failed…all came to pass.

Why is it so important to trust God on reputation?

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Joshua Boyd

We know we should pay attention when the Holy Spirit, through the writers of the Scriptures, tells us to not be ignorant. Multiple times throughout the New Testament especially, we are warned to know something of importance:

• 2 Peter 3:8 - But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
• Romans 11:25 - For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits;
• 1 Corinthians 12:1 - Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Finally, our context verse today in light of the series we are on “Be Not Deceived” - 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

We should not be ignorant of how the enemy works. If we are lacking knowledge, then it is time to learn. In fact, the Lord commands us to study to show ourselves, that includes knowing how the enemy works so that we can use our God-given authority against him in the right place at the right time.

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Jordon Gilmore

Revelation 4:8

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Lev. 11:44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

Heb 12:14 NIV - Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

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Joshua Boyd

John 8:32 (KJV) - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Two weeks ago we did a message on the enemy focusing on his greatest tactic: deception. When Satan speaks, he lies. There is no truth in him even when he tries to make what he says sound like truth. He cannot be trusted for a millisecond. Yet, according to Jesus, more and more people will be deceived as time gets closer to the end.

Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV

“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

Satan wants to trap or snare people just like a hunter would trap an animal. How does a trap work? By not looking like a trap. For an animal a trap could either be hidden or include something enticing for the animal – like food. The entire purpose is to make the animal think everything is normal and that there is something there for them. Then WHAM!

I Peter 5:8 NKJV

”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.“

The devil is a trap setter. He’s going around looking for someone who will fall for his deception. The bait is ready, the trigger mechanism setup. He needs someone to walk into it and take the bait. Think about a movie where the bad guys lure someone into doing something bad when they thought they were doing something good. There is disguise, trickery and lies – all to get the target to do one thing wrong.

That’s exactly the devil. He wants you to do one thing wrong to get you off the path, to get you out of trusting God, to get you to stop believing. That just opens the door for him and once we’ve opened the door, he has a right to come in.

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Jordon Gilmore

Love should be our primary objective and ultimate achievement in life.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

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Joshua Boyd

John 8:32 (KJV)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

I want to talk to you today about our enemy, Satan. What do you think of when I mention Satan? Believers fall into three camps when it comes to this topic:

1. They never think about the enemy

2. They think about him as an equal opposition to God

3. They understand how he works and resist him

Be honest, which camp do you fall in right now, this morning?

I Peter 5:8 NKJV

”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.“

First of all we do have an enemy. He is a created being, created by God not as an enemy but as a being of light. The created can never be more powerful than the creator.

His greatest tactic is lies. The Word says there is NO truth in him. Everything he says is a lie and an attempt to deceive. He wants you to think that he is a powerful force that has to be constantly battled. He has used movies to make us think that evil is so great that it is overwhelming and that the forces of good struggle to combat it.

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Jordon Gilmore

Why is there a transition from keeping the Law in the Old Testament to faith and love in the New Testament? Why is Love the calling card of the New Testament church? Let's find out today.

I John 3:10-15

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Jordon Gilmore

John 13:34-35
If people were to describe you or describe our church, how would they do it? Would love be included in that description?

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Joshua Boyd

The New Testament church grew exponentially, not because they had exciting speakers and large meetings, but because everyone had something to say, something to share, a story to tell, a testimony.

If we looked at the early church with the lens of 2024, we might ask about their marketing campaign, online presence or numbers strategy. They did not have any of that on their minds. What they did do spread Christianity across the known world. They shared the gospel.

In the modern church, we think of the word testimony as a praise report we give in a service. That’s true. What is a testimony in a court case? It is someone who goes in front of others and gives a statement attempting to prove what their side wants. The Greek word for testimony is martyrion and means something evidential or evidence given.

In the law, a person could not be convicted of breaking the law unless there were at least two testimonies, or two pieces of evidence given.

Deuteronomy 19:15

“You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Paul reiterated the enforcement of more than one witness when he said:

2 Corinthians 13:1

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

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Joshua Boyd
As we look for buildings and see the seemingly large number of churches in the area, including others like ours that have lived in different locations, I started talking to the Lord about our church. Are we just getting lost in a crowd of church choices? Do we have a unique voice and purpose? Are there already enough churches in Greenville/Anderson area?

God didn’t directly answer my questions, He gave me a picture. Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, the world hasn’t been the same. What God the Creator intended immediately changed and grew worse over time. He wanted fellowship with mankind, walking with us as He did with Adam. Where God is there is no darkness, not even shadows. There is only complete light.

In my mind I was seeing the number of churches as many candles on a sunny day. That’s wrong. The world is dark and everyone is stumbling around in spiritual darkness. It isn’t sunny, it is pitch black.

Psalm 82:5
They do not know, nor do they understand;
They walk about in darkness;
All the foundations of the earth are unstable.

Proverbs 2:13
From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;

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Jordon Gilmore

Preparation helps the one preparing and those who will benefit from the preparation.
Luke 2:8-12

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Joshua Boyd

God is giving God. He loves therefore He gives. God’s love gives. When we have God’s love in our hearts, we give too. The more we love we walk in, the more we give. The converse is true, no giving, no love.

In what the world calls “the season of giving” let’s let our light of God’s love shine even brighter by giving. This is one of the things that helped the early church stand out from the religions around them—they were selfless and giving. When persecution happened, they grew. When sickness broke out in the Roman empire, Christians ran TO the sick not from them, and the Romans took notice.

Becoming more like Christ means becoming more of a giver. As we discussed two weeks ago, God gave us the gift of repentance; without it we cannot receive another gift of His: the gift of salvation – today’s topic.

Romans 12:3 – “of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. And gifts of grace and faith lead us to the gift of salvation.”

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Jordon Gilmore

As we walk through this Advent season, a season of earnest expectation, let us pray in good faith, not bad faith, and in earnest expectation!

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Joshua Boyd

God is a giving God. He gives because He loves. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. God’s love, the only true type of love, gives. What the world considers love, when it shows selfishness, isn’t love at all, but desire.

This morning I believe the Holy Spirit has a Word concerning a gift we haven’t thought as a gift too often or at all: the gift of repentance.

Acts 5:31
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

2 Timothy 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

When John the Baptist showed up, He preached repentance. Prior to this, there had been no word from God to the nation of Israel for 400 years. No prophet to be the voice of the Lord. Looking back, we can’t imagine that and don’t consider it much. It is the gap between the book of Malachi and Matthew – the Old and New Testament.

The first word that Israel hears in 400 years is repent.

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Jordon Gilmore

Some key points from today's message include:

1. Gratitude is nourishment for our soul during the waiting that faith requires.
2. Gratitude tunes our spiritual ears to the frequency on which God is operating.
3. Gratitude is a tangible witness to the world that God is good!

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Joshua Boyd

Abraham’s life is an example for us to follow and learn from. He is the father of the Jewish nation and the father of all who walk in faith according to Romans 4. So let’s learn more from our faith dad this morning.

Last week we saw that we must live in God’s time zone. That we, like Abraham learned, do not step out trying to jump start the promise God has given us. Instead we should be patient and wait for the right timing to know what steps to take. The closer we get to the promise, the more details we get.

Abraham had to keep believing, even when everything in his physical body said the promise was impossible.

How? How do you keep hope when there is no hope to be found? This is the question we are going to answer today. God is a good God and His promises never fail. People do, we do, but He remains faithful.

The Scriptures clearly tell us, command us really, to not take on things we aren’t meant to carry.

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Joshua Boyd

As humans, we constantly think about time. Whether it is the clock or the calendar, time drives our decisions and motivates or frustrates us with its constant movement. This morning we set our clocks back an hour and began to hear the bi-annual comments about keeping or getting rid of daylight savings. It is amazing how much conflict an hour of time brings but it shows how much we think about it.

The calendar is no different.

When we look at the Scriptures, there are passages that clearly describe the timeline involved and others that leave it out. When it comes to the events in the book of Revelation for example, God gives a very precise timeline of what will happen in the end once the events start, but He never reveals the start timing. This is true of many prophecies in the Word: the details of the future, including the timeline, are described but not the start date and time.

The struggle you and I experience though is never about the future timeline, it is about the start date. God I believe you and I believe the Word you’ve spoken that these things will happen as You’ve said, but ah, when?

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Jordon Gilmore

This morning I want to focus on a particular topic, one of the the tasks of the Holy Spirit in our lives: He is an equipper. God doesn't ask or command us to do anything without giving us what we need to be obedient. One of the primary ways that he does that is through the Holy Spirit.

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Jordon Gilmore
Joshua Boyd

Jordon and Joshua together teach on the principles and importance of being led by the Spirit.

In recent weeks we’ve been talking about hearing from the Lord about our next season and our new building. We took the step of fasting together in agreement over our requests. But how are you led by the Lord, by His Spirit, how do you hear from Him?

Romans 8:14

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

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Joshua Boyd

Transitions are the change from one season to another. Solomon, when becoming king, asked God for one thing: wisdom to lead:

2 Chronicles 1:10

Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

In Deuteronomy, the Lord promises the blessing to those who obey His Word:

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

I believe the “in” and “out” in both Scriptures can apply to seasons. Solomon asking for wisdom to transition in and out of seasons of life. The Blessing on us when we come into a new season and out of another one. Transitions are full of change. The season itself stabilizes but changing seasons means destabilization.

Scripture has much to say about this. Let’s start with

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

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Jordon Gilmore

Don't miss opportunities assuming you'll have time to do them later.

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Joshua Boyd

In the Old Testament, fasting was done often in time of desperation. Think about Esther before she went before the King. When they were rebuilding Jerusalem after the time of Babylonian captivity, Ezra and Nehemiah both used the fast to get the people focusing on God.

Ezra, the high priest, and the people of Israel, needed protection for a challenging journey. They escalated the emphasis by praying AND fasting.

The church, including our church, puts much emphasis on prayer. Prayer is important. Too many though think of prayer as leaving a voicemail. "I’ve done my part, now it is up to God to respond." Prayer isn’t voicemail. Prayer is a two-way communication and fasting opens up the return line. It enhances our ability to hear from the Father.

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

In our final message on discipleship, we are addressing perhaps the greatest requirement of it. In our discipleship learning journey, we’ve seen that discipleship involves preparing for growth, planting the seeds—both actions on our part. Then comes growth with God giving the increase of the seed planting.

When you show results, fruit, that is when you are a disciple. Being a disciple means being consistent. Abiding. Spending time.

Disciples will suffer persecution. The world doesn’t always like it when light comes. They don’t want everything they are doing to be seen. You will be opposed at some point. All those who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

This overview of discipleship, from start to maturity, doesn’t happen though if one key component is missing. Connection. Primarily, we stay connected to the Father by abiding or remaining with Him. We did touch on that.

Today though I want to highlight the importance of staying connected to the right people. Let me emphasize I am not talking about being a disciple of anyone other than Jesus Christ. Our loyalty is to the Father, our growth comes from the Father and we should always be pointing people to the Father.

But it takes people to plant seeds, water and reap the harvest. Who are you connected to? Paul admonished the church in Corinth to

1 Corintians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

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God Cares Deeply For You 

2 Kings 6:1-7
God expects us to follow Him
God cares about out comfort
It is always good to invite God into your life and decision making, especially when life happens.

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Joshua Boyd

How many of you have experienced going to the ATM or using a debit card only to find out the needed funds weren’t there?  Insufficient funds.  Not enough. I have.  It isn’t fun.  Not only is it embarrassing if you are at the cashier, it is disheartening and discouraging because you don’t get what you needed when you needed it.  

Many believers have experienced similar disappointment when it comes to prayer.  They go to God requesting an answer only to come up short.  Religion takes these moments and explains them away by saying “it must not have been God’s will for that person to be healed” or “God has greater plans for you to stay in debt”.  Many doctrines have been formed from unanswered prayer.  

The children of Israel went through this regularly.  They would cry out to God but it seemed that God didn’t answer.  They did not consider their own sins that were disconnecting them from the source itself.  

The prophet Isaiah spoke a word to Israel in his time:  

Isaiah 59:1

CEV

The Lord hasn't lost his powerful strength; he can still hear and answer prayers.

NLT

Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.

This is the God we serve.  He is powerful to save and is able to hear and answer you when you call.  And as it was with Israel, so it is with us: we have to keep the communication line open.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Ways that God protects us (continued):
4. He hides us in His pavilion, His presence. Ps 27:4-6, Gal. 5:16-17
5. He can handicap the enemy. 2 Kings 6:8-19
6. He fights the battle for us. Judges 7:19-22

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Joshua Boyd

The call of discipleship is the call to suffer.  The cost of discipleship is high.  It will require your life.  While those statements sink in, let me further explain that this suffering doesn’t mean sickness or anything under the curse that we’ve been delivered from with the work of Christ on the cross.  It is the suffering of dying to self and the persecution that comes from others who haven’t paid the cost.  

My goal as a pastor is for there to be no rocky ground found in this church.  

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 

The Lord wants, and so do I, plants that have deep roots and produce fruit.  

We cannot prevent the opposition, as we learned last time, but we can be eady when it comes.  And that is the first step, knowing it will come.  Like the storm alert we get on our phones, there should be a persecution alert for the disciple.  “Chance of suffering in the next 24 hours!”  

Do you ignore the message or do you prepare?  

1 Peter 3:13-14 NLT

13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 

Think about the environment that the early church lived in, those who chose to follow Jesus went against the primary religion of the day: Judaism.  Beginning with Jesus, the Jewish leaders sought to suppress at best, and kill at most, those who claimed to be a disciple of this Man who says He is One with God.  It wasn’t the popular thing to do.  It wasn’t the socially motivated thing to do.  

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Jordon Gilmore

“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Ways that God protects us:
1. God goes before us
2. He walks with us
3. He is our fortress

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Joshua Boyd

Disciples show fruit.  That is the sign.  Not how many years you have been a believer.  Not because your parents took you to church as a child.  It is when you produce results in the Kingdom.  

John 15:9

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

When we remain in Him and His Words remain or reside in us, then we are His disciples.  What we say and do reflects our progress.  

Another indicator of someone who is maturing in their walk with God watching their reaction to opposition and disagreements.  This is important and the Word has commands for us when we are opposed. Your reaction to opposition determines your growth. 

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Jordon Gilmore

Let's talk about why wisdom is valuable to you.  For you business-minded folks, this is the value proposition.  

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Joshua Boyd

How many of you have experienced this scenario yourself or observed it in someone else: you start out learning something new and after a short period begin to be comfortable with the knowledge. However, it goes one step too far in beginning to think you know everything about the subject or process. You don’t. You’ve scratched the surface of a wealth of knowledge.

Those who know the most about a subject know that they don’t know everything about it. We are always learning.

Think about young Christians, not young in age but young in Christian walk. They get excited about the good news, the new life in Christ and eternal hope. They volunteer at church and want to help others. Some, however, start to think they have all that they need from the Word, from church. They begin to disconnect, not out of anger or unbelief, but forgetting their need to grow. The learning never stops.

Do we ever graduate? Do we ever stop needing to learn? Short answer, no. Like little children, we will always have a dependency on our heavenly Father. We will always be learning. We have something to hold on to and something to gain, every day of our lives.

As we have been learning how to grow our church family, we discussed discipleship last time. Not only are we called to be disciples, we are commanded to disciple others. We continue today by understanding what the Scriptures tell us how to be a disciple.

A believer is not a disciple. Many are believers without ever being disciples. Non-disciples cannot make disciples as we are told to do.

Hebrews 5:14

14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

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Joshua Boyd

Hebrews 5:11-14

11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.[c] You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Notice the sign of maturity:  the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.  That sums it up.  Our kids hear that from us daily.  “Don’t pour your cup on the floor!”, “don’t hit your brother”, “clean this mess up!”.  They don’t yet recognize the difference between doing what is right and doing what is wrong.  

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Jordon Gilmore

1 Kings 3:3-15
Knowledge can exist without wisdom but not the other way around.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1 God is the source of wisdom and He will give it to you if you ask
2 There can be no knowledge that leads to wisdom without the fear of the Lord. 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Joshua Boyd

When it comes to growing your family, what are the steps you take?

1.     Preparing the room/house

2.     Sowing the seed

What if you did all of the prep but never sowed the seed, you would be prepared to grow but wouldn’t grow.  What if you sowed the seed but didn’t prepare, you’d be struggling with room and organization and effort.  

It takes both.  This is not just what we are talking about as a message this morning, it is what we are doing as a work day today.  Preparing.  

When you have visitors over to your house, you clean up, put things away, make the place presentable and welcoming.  The Scriptures talk much about preparation.  God is a planner and a preparer.  

Isaiah 54:2-3 NLT

““Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.

To the practical side of preparing, we are taking care of that lately, including today.  What about seed planting?

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Jordon Gilmore

Rebuke without relationship leads to rebellion

Hebrews 12:5-11

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
‭‭

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Joshua Boyd

Today we will come to realize that humility isn’t just a good quality to have, it is a requirement for our faith to work.  Let’s get right to our point for today:

True Humility requires Faith – and true Faith requires Humility

Andrew Murray puts it this way: “We can never have more of true faith than we have of true humility.”

Humility is the attitude that acknowledges the source. It is the position that prepares you for receiving.  It is the mindset that allows complete trust.  Your faith will never outweigh your humility.  

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Jordon Gilmore

What would it be like if you said "amen" to God's Word for you in your life?

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Joshua Boyd

Humility and Mercy

Up to this point in our series on humility, we’ve been diving into the detailed characteristics of humility to help us reach it and be aware when we’re missing it.  Humility is to pride as light is to darkness – the more light there is the less darkness.  The more humility we walk in, the less pride gets in our way.  

I agree with Andrew Murray’s statement: “I feel deeply that we have very little concept of what the church suffers as a result of its lack of humility – the self-abasement that makes room for God to prove His power.”  To put it more clearly:  more humility in the church results in more moves of God’s power in the church.  Get self out of the way.  

Let’s look at our context verse: 

Romans 12:3 KJV

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

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Jordon Gilmore

Matt 20:1-16
“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.””

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Joshua Boyd

An honest evaluation of yourself, with the proper measure, will cause you to see exactly how much more you need to grow and just how short of the mark we come regularly.  Getting to the mark, takes effort and dedication.  

Paul used 3 examples to explain the level of dedication it takes to get to our spiritual prize:  the soldier, the athlete and the farmer.  

2 Timothy 2:3-7

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

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The Character of Humility: Serving
Joshua Boyd

We continue on the topic of humility today and I assure you that as we talk about it, each of us will find areas of our lives that we need more work in this area.  If you think you have much humility, you are in need of even more. 

The word humility is only found 7 times in the King James Bible. Humble is found 56 times and  meek, or some derivation of meek 26 times.  By numbers isn’t the most discussed topic.   Faith and love are found hundreds of times throughout the Scriptures.  Yet humility is foundational.  It is the very character of God.  

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Joshua Boyd

Each of us has a course to finish. A race to win.  Getting up off the couch and doing something is imperative to finishing the race strong.  The enemy will take two main methods of attack to keep you from the finish line:  

1.     Stop you from getting started

2.     Work you so hard you can’t make the end

Christians everywhere find themselves in one of these two categories wondering why the struggle is so hard, why they have to suffer so much, why others don’t have it as hard as they do, why they don’t see the results others do.  They are burning out “for the Lord” or they are waiting around for God to push them into the race.  

Today, we are going to make sure we don’t stay in either of these two categories if we find ourselves there now.  

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“Some Worshiped but others doubted”
Jordon Gilmore

Matt 28:16-17
“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.”
‭‭
How do each of us personally respond to the resurrection?

Why do some doubt?
1. Arrogance and Pride
2. The magnitude of what our eyes see

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Our Cross to Bear

Joshua Boyd

On this special Resurrection Sunday we honor and celebrate the events that took place over two thousand years ago that changed the course of history.  Yes, Jesus was God.  And Jesus was a man who had feelings and emotions and thoughts just like you and I.  

At Christmas, the topic of humility comes up easily with the images of a baby in a barn sleeping in hay.  Even today, someone born in those less-than-ideal surroundings would be considered poor or not of high social economic stature.  

The image of the cross doesn’t immediately equate to humility.  But it should.  Under Roman law, crucifixion was not the usual form of death.  It was only allowed for certain cases such as robbery or rebellion by slaves.  Roman citizens could be crucified only for high treason.  It was a very public and shameful death meant to be a visual example to others not to commit the same crime.  In many places, the crucifixion was done along a public road so that all travelers would see it.  

The humility of Christ is shown in his birth and all the way through to his death.  God is humility perfected.  Everything He has done and continues to do is from an attitude of humility.  

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Jordon Gilmore

"What Makes Jesus Cry"

Jesus cries over Jerusalem
Luke 19:41-44

Triumphant Entry
Luke 19:28-40

Our God is a God of perfect timing

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Joshua Boyd

Covering of Healing

What does it mean to be protected?  We pray for this regularly when we travel, when we see reports of incidents at workplaces or schools.  Protection from harm. Protection from injury and of course protection from death.  In summary, protection from the curse.  

The blessing of the Lord includes protection from the curse.  We have been redeemed from the curse of the law because Jesus took on himself all of the curse.  

Jesus was made a curse so that you and I can be made righteous and put under the blessing.  Unlike the law, it was not because of what we did or didn’t do, it was because of what HE did.  So if it has been done already, why do we still see injury and sickness?  

How does this protection work?  Is it automatic?  Is it for all people?  Is it for all believers?  

Let’s dive into it a little more.  Turn to Psalm 91.  

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

In this series on healing, hopefully you have been encouraged and strengthened in your belief, your faith, that healing is from God both that it is His power and His will to heal.  All throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the disciples had miraculous healings – even more than are written in the Scriptures (according to the Apostle John).  

Sickness comes from the curse which ultimately can be traced back to Satan’s work in the Garden of Eden to get Adam and Eve to disobey God.  

That is sickness defined:  Satan exercising what power he has in this world in a cruel and unjust way.   We don’t have to be under the power of the devil.  The greater One lives IN us who already defeated the power of Satan for all eternity for all who believe.  

The Challenge of Healing, today’s message, isn’t lack of power. It isn’t lack of authority.  The challenge is the same today as it was in the time of the disciples: Maintaining faith. Let’s look at Matthew 17.  

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“The Greatness of Service”
Jordon Gilmore

Matt. 20:20-28

To serve means to put the needs of others before yourself and without the expectation of reciprocity 

Who are you serving and what areas are you serving?

Jesus’s example:
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

1. Service in the kingdom requires giving of something that is valuable. Don’t make abundance or surplus a prerequisite to service
2. When you are a servant, you will be taken advantage of sometime. 
3. Realize that we are working for the Lord and not for men. We belong to the Lord and not to the world.

Col. 3:22-24

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Joshua Boyd

In Matthew 15, the Gentile, non-covenant woman was asking for healing.  Jesus said, “what you are asking for, healing, is meant for covenant people. “ 

Matthew 15:26 CEV - Jesus replied, “It isn't right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.”

Her reply was “true, but I just need a crumb, a drop, part of the overflow”.  She trusted in God and the healing power of God so much, that she knew it wouldn’t take much to get her healing.  She didn’t need a healing service, laying on of hands, calling all the prayer lines.  She just needed a drop.  

You and I have the same covenant with God that Abraham did. Not because of our natural birth but because of our faith.  It is part of your meal.  Stop looking for crumbs. Stop begging God for something that belongs to you.  Sit down and enjoy the full course.  Sit down and take the healing God has given to his covenant kids.  

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Jevertus Burnett
The Fear of God

Definition:  Being terrified of being away from the Lord
Heb 12:28-29

The fear of God shapes everything we do.
It is the awareness that you are in the presence of an Almighty God

Prov 22:4
Luke 23:39-42
Pro 16:6
19:23
Mal 3:16-17
Ps 145:19
Deut 17: 15-19

How do I maintain it?
1. Desire it
2. Respect God’s Word
3. Open to correction
4. Be willing to give
5. Remember the great commandment

Eccl 12:13-14

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Joshua Boyd

We’ve been talking about healing on recent Sundays.  It is important to know what the Word says regarding a topic that we very frequently pray about and ask God for answers.  In the first message, we reviewed the Scriptures that show us God’s will when it comes to healing.  Looking at Jesus gives us direct understanding of the Father.  He never turned down someone who came to Him for healing.  

Some came with great faith, others with little faith.  All were healed.  Today, we have to work to create an environment, an atmosphere, a personal strong belief of healing.  The world, tradition and the enemy work hard to keep us in doubt about healing.  If we aren’t well, we can’t serve.  If we aren’t well, it is difficult to testify about God’s goodness.  And the Father needs people to go!  

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Jordon Gilmore

Matt. 18:21-22
Forgiveness begins with our ability to receive forgiveness from God.

Matt 18:23-35
-Anyone who has sinned against you has sinned against God first
-When we are walking around holding grudges, we are overriding Gods authority
-Unforgiveness perpetuates the cycle of sin.

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Joshua Boyd

Think about how our physical bodies work. Of course, I’m nowhere near an expert on biology—and we have some in this room or watching online that are. Any good physician will tell you that they are not the healer - they simply help your body do what it is designed to do in healing itself. Medicines, ointments, shots all boost your body’s own mechanisms. Even surgery removes bad items from your body or quickly repairs major damage in order to allow the healthy parts to thrive.

The human body was created to heal. Adam and Eve’s physical body was designed to live forever. Before sin entered the world and contaminated the perfect creation, there was no sickness, deformity or mutation that harmed the body beyond its ability to heal.

Genesis 1:27, 31 NLT

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.”

Sickness, destruction and death are part of the curse. We’ve never lived in a world without sin. The only 2 humans to live in that world were Adam and Eve, who did so for a time - we don’t know how long. They didn’t need band-aids, moisturizer, vitamins or medicine. Their bodies functioned perfectly all the time - just as they were created to do.

Do you want to know what God’s will is concerning healing? Look at the places He created where there is no sin: earth before sin and heaven. Genesis and Revelation both depict God’s environment where He lives - what He designed - what His will is perfectly performed.

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Jordon Gilmore

Topic this week: Self-promotion 

Christians should have 2 calling cards:

1. love
2. humility

Scripture References:

Phil 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
‭
Ruth 2:1-16

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Jordon Gilmore

We Serve a God of Purpose
There are 2 qualifiers for Romans 8:28, it is for those who
1. Love the Lord
2. Called according to His purpose

How do we know that God is prepared for our mistakes?
Through Godly discipline (correction)

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Joshua Boyd

Here we are, 2023!  While in some ways I don’t consider the passing of a new year to be much more significant as a new month or new week, as the minute hand reaches the top of the clock for the next hour, we’ve made another lap around the sun to turn another year.  

Yet, I have to consider that God Himself set the first day of the Jewish calendar right before their exodus from Egypt and marked it as an annual day of celebration and remembrance.  Today, January 1, wasn’t set on a calendar by God in the same way.  It can however be our day of remembrance, reflection and celebration of what is to come.  

For our Scripture text, I want to turn to Psalm 23.   David does a lot of complaining in the Psalms.  He talks to God about his problems for many verses, then at some point takes a few verses to praise God for being the answer.  

Psalm 23 is not that way.  This chapter, written as a stand-alone song, praises the Lord as David’s shepherd—more than likely while David himself was a shepherd.  

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Joshua Boyd

There is no other person in history whose life details were foretold more than Jesus. From birth to death, the Father, through the Holy Spirit, gave the prophets of old foreknowledge to write it down. Every one of them were fulfilled. With that context, there are two main points of focus for us today.

First is that we solidify and encourage our belief in Jesus Christ as the chosen One, the Messiah. For many, He was just a prophet, or a good teacher. But we can know Him as more than that. Like Peter in Matthew 16 we can say “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Christ is from the Greek word for anointed One. Messiah is Hebrew for the same thing. Jesus Christ means Jesus the Messiah.

The second focus point for today is our title: Find yourself in the Word.

When you are reading and a verse stands out, mark it. If it says “you” take it for you. If it says “me” make you the me. Not every verse—the ones that God gives to you. He’ll do it in quiet times, He’ll do it as an answer to prayer. And He’ll do it as you read.

God has your life planned out. He has created you for righteous works. You are God’s poem (Eph 2:10). Our mission in life is to fulfill the words of God’s poem for our lives. You and I aren’t called to save the world like our Savior; you and I aren’t the first to bring the gospel to the Gentiles like Paul.

We are called to be a light. We are called to keep the faith until the end. Keep faith alive. That alone will keep us busy for the rest of our lives.

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Focus on Faithfulness
Jordon  Gilmore

1. Don’t quit, don’t give up: because heaven is worth it and so is the crown
2. Believe in the goodness of God

Psalm 100:5 NLT

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Joshua Boyd

Our thought cycles can get caught up in a loop if we don’t stop it.  And it is in our hands to do so.  

Isaiah 26:2  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Full trust equals full peace.  The opposite of full trust is doing what the toddler does:  looping our anxiety over and over again.  The responsibility of trust is ours.  The actions needed are ours to take.  We don’t want to hear that.  I just want to pray that God takes it away or changes the circumstances.  Let Him do it.  

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

God puts Godly people in your life, not to have a “friend” but to have a co-worker in the kingdom.  They may encourage you, bless you, pray with you, and work with you.  Not everyone will be in your life forever.  Not everyone will connect with you the same way.  But cherish those connections while you have them.  

In other words, God’s message would have not gotten out to all the Gentiles without these people.  Yes, the Holy Spirit gave the words to Paul to write.  Without the others in this list, Paul would not have had the strength, or been alive at all to write the words.  

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Jevertus Burnett

The only thing that matters, is to be in His presence and behold His beauty.

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Joshua Boyd

Romans 15:1-4

"We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”[a] 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."

Your strength in a matter doesn’t justify your rightness in doing it. Living out the Christian life is not about living a perfect life. Only One person did that and even He was persecuted and judged for it. True Christian living is living for others. Love looks out, not in. Love gives, not takes. Even Jesus, who came to this earth as God in the flesh, didn’t come to please himself. He came to please His Father.

Verses 1 and 2 in The Message Bible reads:

"Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”"

How can I help? The question we should be asking frequently. Sow seeds of offering help for when you need the harvest of getting the help. Yes, we all need help at some point. We all also need to offer help.

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Jordon Gilmore
Roman 14

The release from the law leads us into the new life of liberty.  

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Joshua Boyd
Jordon Gilmore

Join us for a special joint teaching session where we discuss Romans 13.  

Authority is of God
Romans 13:1-5
"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience."

God is the originator of authority.  The concept of authority comes from God and it is to this concept, and the offices or positions of authority, that we are to submit to, regardless of the person filling the role of the authority.  The person may be evil, unjust and seditious; but the position of authority is placed there by God.  

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Jevertus Burnett

It begins by knowing what God is like, then seeing ourselves the way God sees us in Christ—by the renewing of our minds

Romans 12:1-2

Weapons
1. The truth of God’s word revealed in our hearts
2. The Word of God

Truth
1. God is holy, and when we have renewed minds, we are holy too
2. What we have to bring is acceptable and pleasing to God
3. God is leading us in a way that is good for our lives 
4. Not only does God have a good future, He also has a future that is pleasing and  satisfying 
5. His leadership over our life is perfect

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Joshua Boyd

Measuring Up

How many of you growing up had older brothers or sisters that people compared you to?  You can feel as if you have moving target to aim toward the older you get.  In contrast, if you are the older one, people can hold you to a high standard just by being the first to attempt to accomplish things in life.  

Comparison and competition in inherent qualities in humanity.  In some more than others and not always verbalized but internalized.  Married couples compare who does the most around the house or with the kids.  Coworkers compare who is working the hardest.  Church leaders compare who has the biggest congregation.  Christians compare who is the holiest.  

This is where we open with Paul in Romans 12.  

Romans 12:3 NLT 

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.  

From God’s perspective, the only one that really counts, the correct comparison starts with the proper measuring point.  The starting point is having an honest evaluation of yourself.  The measuring standard is the measuring stick of faith God has given us.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Romans 11:16-18 key verses

Meditate on this question:
Has God reneged on His promises?

1. God always keeps a remnant according to grace. 
2. Rejection of God (failure to respond to Him by faith), leads to spiritual disability

The still small voice and the ability to hear the small voice, are both the grace of God

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Joshua Boyd

Salvation is Here
Romans 10

The greatest gift God ever gave the world was the gift of His Son and the salvation that came in believing on His Son.  Christianity isn’t Christianity without it.  Salvation is here.  Now.  That is the theme of the letter to the Romans in chapter 10:  getting right with God, salvation, only comes through faith, not by keeping the law.

Unfortunately, religion continues that practice today:  laying out guidelines and rules to follow in order to be “right”: you must dress this way, or eat a certain diet, or have this type of service.  This only revives the tradition of keeping the law. 

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Joshua Boyd

God, in showing His plan for humanity, used the example of Jacob and Esau to display it.  There will be some who don’t believe and some who do.  All are destined, because of sin, for judgment and death.  Only by grace are we saved.  

Does that mean that I have no choice in salvation?  Was I predestined to be saved and could not have chosen not to?  Listen to find out!

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Jordon Gilmore

Romans 7

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Joshua Boyd

No one serves no one.  In other words, everyone is serving someone or something at all times in their life.  

My message title and question to you today is: who are you serving?  The Holy Spirit through Paul asks a few questions in this chapter too.  The first one in verse 1:   should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?  NO!  We are dead to sin.

Since Adam’s sin in the Garden, every human being is born a servant to sin.  You have no choice in the matter.  It might as well be your blood type—you can’t change it on your own.  

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

The Roman’s Road Part 5 - God’s Gifts 

Beginning with John the Baptist, the message of the gospel,  was to repent of your sins.  After Jesus resurrection, the good news of the gospel is repent and receive the salvation from death that offers.  God gave us the gift of His Son to start a new covenant with humankind.  

You and I were counted sinners in this world even before we did anything wrong.  We are born into the sin nature passed down from Adam.  But when we believe God, we are counted as right, righteous, even before we do anything good!!!  This is the grace and gift of God!  

Salvation is a gift.  The grace of God is a gift.  

Ephesians 2

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 1

The faith to receive the gift of salvation, believing on Him, is given to us by God.  

Romans 12:3

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

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Joshua Boyd

Chapter 3 Cont – The Fairness of God

When we read Romans, remembering that originally it was a letter written to believers – a correspondence from Paul to a group of people.  Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is preaching the good news to them – and us – in the letter, telling us in chapter 1 how important it is to accept and worship God as Creator.  

In chapter 2, he commands us not to judge.  Just as Jesus did.  No one is worthy enough to be the judge, not even a Jewish person.  Paul, a Jew of the Jews, a Pharisee of the Pharisees, tells the Jews that one is not a true Jew because of birth or the ceremony of circumcision, but one is a true Jew whose        heart is right with God.  

The theme of our passages today is God’s fairness.  This is something to meditate on.  God is completely fair and absolutely right.  We might easily say “amen” hearing that.  But when compare what goes on in the world today, if we believe that everything that happens is God’s will for it to happen, we have trouble reconciling that God is fair and right.  Not everything that happens in the world is God’s will.  Death, destruction and innocent suffering are not from God.  They are the result of sin and those who reject God in their lives.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Romans 2:17-3:23
The covenant we have with God.  And our righteousness vs God's righteousness. 

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Jordon Gilmore

Romans 1:18-32
Romans 2:1-7

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Joshua Boyd

This book, written by Paul most likely when he was in Corinth around 60 AD, is a letter to the Christians in Rome, a place at this point in his life that Paul had not been to yet.  Chronologically, the letter to the Romans did not come first even though it appears in the NT as Paul’s first book.  Many consider Romans and Hebrews to be the “meatiest” of the letters of Paul.  And Paul was the “meatiest” letter writer in the first place.  

Understanding Romans means understanding God’s plan of salvation for Jews and non-Jews alike.  Romans also takes us from the testimony of action and events to the doctrinal.  Romans does not contain any mention of historical events for Paul.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Mark 6:39-52

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Joshua Boyd

If you watch the news, especially local news, it seems there is bad news all the time. This person died, that person was injured.  It doesn’t end.  If we dwell on it too long it can paralyze us – keep us from doing anything or going anywhere.  Exactly what the enemy wants – to immobilize us for fear of harm.  

There is something better for us though, safety in the Lord.  We have available to us a peace, a rest and a protection that no security system or body guard can surpass.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Luke 10
It’s time for us to work. Get off the bench and into the game. 

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Joshua Boyd

If you follow the news lately, you know that many industries are experiencing a labor crisis. The church is no different.  Today I want to focus on the labor shortage:  in other words, laborers willing to work.  Jesus made mention of this problem in His day in Luke 10. 

Church, today the Lord is charging us with that same instruction.  Pray to the Lord in charge of the harvest, the One who gives the increase, that more workers will come.  And Lord we do pray that right now and commit to praying for that regularly.  Are you with me?   

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Jordon Gilmore

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Jordon Gilmore

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Joshua Boyd

This is our inheritance, this is our freedom.  On Memorial Day weekend, let’s honor those who gave their lives to keep the freedoms we have in this country.  There are many other countries and beliefs that would love to conquer this land and many have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend it.  Let’s thank God for His freedoms and His grace on us to live in a land where we can worship freely, worship together and share the good news of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.  

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Joshua Boyd

Peter commands us to dress ourselves in humility.  Put it on as you do your shirts, pants, dresses.  The humble get the help.  

1 Peter 5          

5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Proverb 3:34

The Lord mocks the mockers

but is gracious to the humble.

The Lord opposes—resists—the proud.  You know you are not going to increase with the Lord opposing you.  Now the enemy can give you more things temporarily to look like the proud are getting away with increase.  But it never lasts and when it goes, it is gone for good.  When God gives increase, it is eternal, it is peaceful.  

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Jordon Gilmore

Dealing with the frustrated child in you
1. Who is running the show? 
        Jonah 4
2. Check your priorities
        Luke 10:38-41

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Just because our ear drums vibrate from the receiving of sound, doesn't mean we have heard.  Jesus said that hearing, accepting, understanding and clinging to the Word is the key to producing fruit.  

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Brother Jevertus Burnett walks us through Galatians 5 on being free in Christ.  

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When we talk about believing for increase, as we have the past few weeks, we should remember not just the ingredients for increase but focus on, meditate on, the source of increase.  God is a God of increase.  He multiplies and adds, never subtracts or divides.  He is the one who gives increase to our planting and watering of the seed.  We don’t know how, we don’t need to know how.  Don’t spend time on figuring out how:  God gives the increase.

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Sermon by Jordon Gilmore

1. We are already in the process of being perfected
2. We aren’t perfect, but we can be perfect in our effort
3. We meet the mark in faith

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What does it take to increase the church?  Listen and find out!

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Brother Joshua Boyd.  

During my sessions the past few weeks, we have been focusing on love, God’s love.  We read 1 Corinthians 13, what we call the “Love Chapter”, that ends with:  1 Corinthians 13:13

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

We’ve learned that our faith, the very mechanism by which God works and which comes from that same faith, needs to work through love.  

Galatians 5:6

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Last time, we saw love through the eyes of God’s love.  This gives us a clear vision of God’s love: it obeys the commands given, and in turn Love expects obedience when giving commands.  The Bible command us to:  

1.     Love the Lord your God

2.     Love your neighbor as yourself

3.     Love your enemy

4.     Love one another (the Christian brethren)