The Oasis | Refuel: Recent Episodes
The Oasis Church
Listen to The Oasis Church's weekly mid-week bible study, Refuel. Pastor Jeff Royce has dedicated his life to teaching the Bible. He believes that the Bible must remain central in our lives even when God's Word has become irrelevant and secondary in many churches today.
Jeff teaches the Bible with passion because he truly believes in its life-changing message. He teaches positively because the Bible is filled with hope and encouragement and practically because the Bible does speak into every area of our human existence.
Services are at 9am & 11am on Sundays, and 7pm on Wednesdays at the corner of Greenfield & Queen Creek, in Gilbert, Arizona.
God’s Final Invitations (Revelation 22:6-21) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
What Will Eternity Be Like (Revelation 21:1 – 22:5) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
The Context Of Christ’s Kingdom (Revelation 20) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Christ’s Second Coming (Revelation 19) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
God Severely Judges The Great Prostitute ( Revelation 18 ) The post God Severely Judges The Great Prostitute first appeared on The Oasis.
The Judgment Of False Religion ( Revelation 17 ) The post The Judgment Of False Religion first appeared on The Oasis.
Judgment Day Comes To Earth ( Revelation 16 ) The post Judgment Day Comes To Earth first appeared on The Oasis.
Prelude To Armageddon ( Revelation 15 ) The post Prelude To Armageddon first appeared on The Oasis.
A Hope, a Hallowing, and a Harvest (Revelation 14) The post A Hope, a Hallowing, and a Harvest first appeared on The Oasis.
The Coming World Rulers (Revelation 13) The post The Coming World Rulers first appeared on The Oasis.
Principles From The Panorama Of Salvation History (Revelation 12) The post Principles From The Panorama Of Salvation History first appeared on The Oasis.
The Witness And Worship Of God (Revelation 11) The post The Witness And Worship Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Second Intermission (Revelation 10) The post The Second Intermission first appeared on The Oasis.
The Reality That Should Relieve Us (Revelation 9) The post The Reality That Should Relieve Us first appeared on The Oasis.
Prayer in Heaven; Judgment on Earth (Revelation 8) The post Prayer in Heaven; Judgment on Earth first appeared on The Oasis.
The First Intermission (Revelation 7) The post The First Intermission first appeared on The Oasis.
The Wrath Of The Lamb (Revelation 6) The post The Wrath Of The Lamb first appeared on The Oasis.
The Wonder And Worship Of Heaven – Part 2 (Revelation 5) The post The Wonder And Worship Of Heaven – Part 2 first appeared on The Oasis.
The Wonder And Worship Of Heaven – Part 1 (Revelation 4) The post The Wonder And Worship Of Heaven – Part 1 first appeared on The Oasis.
Christ’s Message To His Church – Part 2 (Revelation 3) The post Christ’s Message To His Church – Part 2 first appeared on The Oasis.
The Message Of Christ To His Church – Part 1 (Revelation 2) The post The Message Of Christ To His Church – Part 1 first appeared on The Oasis.
The Consummation Of Christ’s Victory (Revelation 1) The post The Consummation Of Christ’s Victory first appeared on The Oasis.
Living In Light Of Our Future Hope (Daniel 12) The post Living In Light Of Our Future Hope first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s View Of History (Daniel 11) The post God’s View Of History first appeared on The Oasis.
Principalities And Powers (Daniel 10) The post Principalities And Powers first appeared on The Oasis.
Praying To A Sovereign God (Daniel 9:1-21) The post Praying To A Sovereign God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Proof Is In The Prophecy (Daniel 8) The post The Proof Is In The Prophecy first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Eternal Kingdom (Daniel 7) The post God’s Eternal Kingdom first appeared on The Oasis.
Daniel In The Lions’ Den (Daniel 6) The post Daniel In The Lions’ Den first appeared on The Oasis.
Sovereignty Demonstrated (Daniel 5) The post Sovereignty Demonstrated first appeared on The Oasis.
Sovereignty Discerned (Daniel 4) The post Sovereignty Discerned first appeared on The Oasis.
Daniel And The Dream (Daniel 2:1-49) The post Daniel And The Dream first appeared on The Oasis.
A Spiritual Legacy (2 Kings 2:9-18) The post A Spiritual Legacy first appeared on The Oasis.
The Encouragement Of God (1 Kings 19:1-21) The post The Encouragement Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Vulnerability Of Victory (1Kings 18:41-19:8) The post The Vulnerability Of Victory first appeared on The Oasis.
The Battle On Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:21-40) The post The Battle On Mt. Carmel first appeared on The Oasis.
Stepping Up And Stepping Out (1 Kings 18:1-21) The post Stepping Up And Stepping Out first appeared on The Oasis.
The Emergence Of Elijah (1 King 17:1-24) The post The Emergence Of Elijah first appeared on The Oasis.
A Call To Overcome (Jude 1:17-23) The post A Call To Overcome first appeared on The Oasis.
Safeguarding The Faith (Jude 1:1-4) The post Safeguarding The Faith first appeared on The Oasis.
Persevering Under Pressure (James 5:7-12) The post Persevering Under Pressure first appeared on The Oasis.
Until The Lord’s Return (James 5:1-7) The post Until The Lord’s Return first appeared on The Oasis.
Expressing Our Humility (James 4:11-17) The post Expressing Our Humility first appeared on The Oasis.
Settling The Question Of Our Worship (James 4:1-10) The post Settling The Question Of Our Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
The Power Of The Tongue (James 3:1-12) The post The Power Of The Tongue first appeared on The Oasis.
The Character Of Genuine Faith (James 2:14-26) The post The Character Of Genuine Faith first appeared on The Oasis.
Foundations For Fruitfulness (James 1:19-27) The post Foundations For Fruitfulness first appeared on The Oasis.
The Goodness Of God (James 1:13-18) The post The Goodness Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
Valuing What God Values (James 1:9-12) The post Valuing What God Values first appeared on The Oasis.
The Testing Of Our Faith (James 1:1-8) The post The Testing Of Our Faith first appeared on The Oasis.
Servants Of The Church (Colossians 4:7-18) The post Servants Of The Church first appeared on The Oasis.
Making The Most Of The Opportunities (Colossians 4:2-6) The post Making The Most Of The Opportunities first appeared on The Oasis.
Serve The Lord Christ (Colossians 3:17-4:1) The post Serve The Lord Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
The Complementary Nature Of Worship And The Word (Colossians 3:12-17) The post The Complementary Nature Of Worship And The Word first appeared on The Oasis.
Christ Is All And In All (Colossians 3:1-11) The post Christ Is All And In All first appeared on The Oasis.
Holding Fast To The Head (Colossians 2:16-23) The post Holding Fast To The Head first appeared on The Oasis.
Strength For The Struggle (Colossians 2:6-10) The post Strength For The Struggle first appeared on The Oasis.
The Goal Of Serving Jesus (Colossians 1:28 – 2:5) The post The Goal Of Serving Jesus first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Power Packed Prayer (Colossians 1:9-14) The post Paul’s Power Packed Prayer first appeared on The Oasis.
The Context Of Colossians (Colossians 1:1-8) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth The post The Context Of Colossians first appeared on The Oasis.
What Kind of Place Will Heaven Be? (Revelation 21:22 – 22:5) The post What Kind of Place Will Heaven Be? first appeared on The Oasis.
A New Heaven, A New Earth (Revelation 21:1-21) The post A New Heaven, A New Earth first appeared on The Oasis.
King Of Kings, Lord Of Lords (Revelation 19:11-16) The post King Of Kings, Lord Of Lords first appeared on The Oasis.
When The Lord Jesus Is Revealed From Heaven (various Scriptures) The post When The Lord Jesus Is Revealed From Heaven first appeared on The Oasis.
The Coming of the Son of Man (various Scriptures) The post The Coming of the Son of Man first appeared on The Oasis.
The Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) The post The Rapture first appeared on The Oasis.
The Christian’s Perspective of Death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) The post The Christian’s Perspective of Death first appeared on The Oasis.
Heaven – A Prepared Place for Prepared People (John 14:1-6) The post Heaven – A Prepared Place for Prepared People first appeared on The Oasis.
Our Blessed Hope (various scriptures) The post Our Blessed Hope first appeared on The Oasis.
God Keeps His Promises – Nicole Ainsworth The post God Keeps His Promises first appeared on The Oasis.
The Prophecy of Blessing (Zephaniah 3:17) The post The Prophecy of Blessing first appeared on The Oasis.
The Only Blessing Worth Having (Numbers 6:24 – 26) The post The Only Blessing Worth Having first appeared on The Oasis.
True Gospel Partnership (Philippians 4:15-23) The post True Gospel Partnership first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Presence – God’s Sufficiency (Philippians 4:8-14) The post God’s Presence – God’s Sufficiency first appeared on The Oasis.
Receiving the Promise of God’s Peace (Philippians 3:30 – 4:7) The post Receiving the Promise of God’s Peace first appeared on The Oasis.
The Pursuit of the Prize (Philippians 3:10-20) The post The Pursuit of the Prize first appeared on The Oasis.
A Christ-Centered Life (Philippians 3:8-16) The post A Christ-Centered Life first appeared on The Oasis.
Joy of Sacrificial Living (Philippians 2:19 – 3:7) The post Joy of Sacrificial Living first appeared on The Oasis.
The Example of Christ (Philippians 2:5-18) The post The Example of Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Exhortation (Philippians 1:27 – 2:4) The post Paul’s Exhortation first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Core Belief (Philippians 1:20 – 26) The post Paul’s Core Belief first appeared on The Oasis.
The Only Way to Live and Die (Philippians 1:12-26) The post The Only Way to Live and Die first appeared on The Oasis.
The Reign of Grace (Philippians 1:1-11) The post The Reign of Grace first appeared on The Oasis.
The Practice of Living Wisely (Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9) The post The Practice of Living Wisely first appeared on The Oasis.
Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-21) The post Imitators of God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Life That Reflects God’s Image (Ephesians 4:25 – 5:5) The post The Life That Reflects God’s Image first appeared on The Oasis.
A God-Centered Life (Ephesians 4:17-24) The post A God-Centered Life first appeared on The Oasis.
Evidences of a Maturing Church (Ephesians 4:1-16) The post Evidences of a Maturing Church first appeared on The Oasis.
A Prayer for Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 3:14-21) The post A Prayer for Spiritual Maturity first appeared on The Oasis.
Don’t Lose Heart (Ephesians 3:1 – 13) The post Don’t Lose Heart first appeared on The Oasis.
A Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:11 – 22) The post A Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit first appeared on The Oasis.
Reflecting the Fullness of God (Ephesians 1:15 – 23) The post Reflecting the Fullness of God first appeared on The Oasis.
To The Praise of His Glory (Ephesians 1:1-14) The post To The Praise of His Glory first appeared on The Oasis.
A Fool For Christ (Acts 25:1 – 26:32) The post A Fool For Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
I Have a Hope In God (Acts 23:12) The post I Have a Hope In God first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Defense of His Faith (Acts 22:1-29) The post Paul’s Defense of His Faith first appeared on The Oasis.
The Lord’s Will Be Done (Acts 21:1-40) The post The Lord’s Will Be Done first appeared on The Oasis.
To Spend and Be Spent in Christ (Acts 20:1-38) The post To Spend and Be Spent in Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
The Gospel Comes to Ephesus (Acts 19:1-41) The post The Gospel Comes to Ephesus first appeared on The Oasis.
Turning the World Upside Down (Acts 17:1-34) The post Turning the World Upside Down first appeared on The Oasis.
Opening Hearts – Opening Doors (Acts 17:1-40) The post Opening Hearts – Opening Doors first appeared on The Oasis.
One of the Church’s Finest Hours (Acts 15:1-40) The post One of the Church’s Finest Hours first appeared on The Oasis.
Due to technical difficulties, there is no podcast for Refuel Bible Study this week. The post * No Podcast This Week first appeared on The Oasis.
On A Mission From God (Acts 13:1-52) The post On A Mission From God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Death of James and The Deliverance of Peter (Acts 12:1-25) The post The Death of James and The Deliverance of Peter first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Activity at Antioch (Acts 11:1-30) The post God’s Activity at Antioch first appeared on The Oasis.
To The Ends of The Earth (Acts 8:1-40) The post To The Ends of The Earth first appeared on The Oasis.
The Death of a Christian (Acts 7:1-60) The post The Death of a Christian first appeared on The Oasis.
Growing Pains of the Church (Acts 6:1 -15) The post Growing Pains of the Church first appeared on The Oasis.
Opportunists to Overcomers (Acts 4:1-37) The post Opportunists to Overcomers first appeared on The Oasis.
The Power of Jesus’ Name (Acts 3:1-26) The post The Power of Jesus’ Name first appeared on The Oasis.
Christ’s Vision for His Church – part 2 (Acts 2:1-47) The post Christ’s Vision for His Church (part 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Christ’s Vision for His Church (Acts 1:1-26) The post Christ’s Vision for His Church first appeared on The Oasis.
A Message of Hope from God to His People (Jeremiah 29 – 34) The post A Message of Hope from God to His People first appeared on The Oasis.
The Personality and Prophecy of Jeremiah (various scriptures) The post The Personality and Prophecy of Jeremiah first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Message to a Wayward People (Book of Jeremiah) The post God’s Message to a Wayward People first appeared on The Oasis.
The Person God Uses (Jeremiah – various Scriptures) The post The Person God Uses first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-19) The post The Call of Jeremiah first appeared on The Oasis.
A Bride for Isaac (Genesis 24:1 – 25:11) The post A Bride For Isaac first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Test of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-24) The post God’s Test of Abraham first appeared on The Oasis.
The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-34) The post The Birth Of Isaac first appeared on The Oasis.
Abraham’s Visit to Gerar (Genesis 20:1-18) The post Abraham’s Visit to Gerar first appeared on The Oasis.
The Rescue of Lot (Genesis 19:1-38) The post The Rescue of Lot first appeared on The Oasis.
The Lord’s Appearance to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-33) The post The Lord’s Appearance to Abraham first appeared on The Oasis.
The Reaffirmation of the Covenant (Genesis 17:1-27) The post The Reaffirmation of the Covenant first appeared on The Oasis.
The Test of the Covenant (Genesis 16:1-16) The post The Test of the Covenant first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Covenant With Abram (Genesis 15:1-21) The post God’s Covenant With Abram first appeared on The Oasis.
Our apologies, the Wednesday Refuel Bible Study has not been posted for several weeks. We are working on the issue and will let you know once it is resolved. The post ** Technical Difficulties first appeared on The Oasis.
The Meaning of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus shares this parable so that we may see the futility of living up to the law. He also uses this occasion to challenge all of us to live out what we know we should be doing. We have plenty to keep us focused on – what […] The post The Meaning of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus is More Than Enough (Luke 9:10-17) Whatever battle you are fighting or challenge you are facing, Luke wants us to learn that Jesus is enough – He is more than enough. The fact that Jesus miraculously fed thousands of people with such a meager amount of food proves to us that Jesus has the […] The post Jesus is More Than Enough (Luke 9:10-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Learning to Live Life with God (Luke 8:22-25) Jesus reveals Himself in an extraordinary way to His disciples. They already believe in Him but they need to learn more about Him. This greater comprehension of Him is grasped within the context of great tribulation. He is the answer to making it through life’s trials and He is […] The post Learning to Live Life with God (Luke 8:22-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
God Has Visited His People (Luke 7:1-17) Luke records two miracles of Jesus that reminds us of both His compassion and concern for humanity. There is also a clear manifestation of His power and an example of a quality of faith that drew a response of admiration from Jesus. These two stories are a reminder of who Jesus truly is and […] The post God Has Visited His People (Luke 7:1-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
How Jesus Makes Disciples (Luke 5:1-11) In three different scenes in this one connected story, we will see Jesus’ teaching and the response of the multitudes; Jesus’ miracle and the response of the disciples; Jesus’ call and the response of the disciples. Luke is concerned to put Jesus before our eyes so that we understand who He […] The post How Jesus Makes Disciples (Luke 5:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
A heart of worship with Nicole Ainsworth. (Bible study) The post A Heart Of Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
Sin: The Great Contradiction (Colossians 3:1-10; Genesis 5:3; Ephesians 4:21-24) How has sin affected humanity? It has rendered us incapable of reflecting God’s attributes as He intended. Only through the work of Christ have we been freed from sin to be what we were created to be. The post Sin: The Great Contradiction first appeared on The Oasis.
The Return of The King (Zechariah 14:1-21) The prophet Zechariah ends his message with the dramatic and unprecedented events that surround the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It will be a day unlike any other in the history of the world and one in which every believer in Jesus anticipates. The post The Return of The King (Zechariah 14:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Case for the Resurrection presented by Steve Royce The post The Case For The Resurrection first appeared on The Oasis.
The Work of Christ (Zechariah 13:1-9) We may have faulty expectations about what it will look like to live the life of a disciple. In Zechariah 13, God’s prophet aims to help us to adjust our expectations so that we can be ready for the realities of the Christian life in both its trials and its wonderful […] The post The Work of Christ (Zechariah 13:1-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
What a Difference a Day Makes (Zechariah 12:1-14) History pivots on a day. The phrase “on that day’ is used some sixteen times in the last three chapters to focus our attention on what for Zechariah will be the climactic work of God in saving His people. What a difference a day makes! The post What a Difference a Day Makes (Zechariah 12:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Drama of the Good Shepherd (Zechariah 11:1 -17) This passage unveils for us the word of the Lord in a Three-Act Drama. Like Ezekiel and Jeremiah before him, Zechariah is called upon to preach and to accompany his preaching with drama. Zechariah enacts a play with three scenes, each of them quite sobering as […] The post The Drama of the Good Shepherd (Zechariah 11:1 -17) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Lord, Our Shepherd (Zechariah 10:1 -12) This section of the book of Zechariah depicts the Lord as the Great Shepherd of His flock, the people of Judah. It is an image full of rich scriptural associations and wonderful comfort and encouragement for all of God’s people. The post The Lord, Our Shepherd (Zechariah 10:1 -12) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Coming King (Zechariah 9:1 -17) Zechariah chapter 9 is the first part of the final section of the book dealing now with “The Coming King.” It’s in this part of Zechariah’s prophecy that we find the most explicit and persistent references to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s as if we are ascending […] The post The Coming King (Zechariah 9:1 -17) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Call to Spiritual Formation (Zechariah 7:1 – 8:6) We come to a pivot point in Zechariah’s prophecy between the encouragement of God’s coming kingdom and the insight into God’s coming King. Worship of God is resuming in the land but is this worship acceptable to God? God instructs the people through His prophet Zechariah what is […] The post A Call to Spiritual Formation (Zechariah 7:1 – 8:6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Sustaining Faith Amidst Continual Hardship (Zechariah 6:1-15) What will generate and sustain faith in the midst of constant , unremitting hardship? The answer in Zechariah 6 may surprise you. The answer is the doctrine of God; God will sustain you. Knowing Him, who He is, what He is like is Zechariah’s answer to the crushing burdens […] The post Sustaining Faith Amidst Continual Hardship (Zechariah 6:1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Encouragement Through Hard Times (Zechariah 5:1-11) Our circumstances, however hard they may be, must never be allowed to become an excuse for sin or for backing away from the task God has given us. We must never allow self-pity to paralyze us in the pursuit of holiness. Here Zechariah is summoned by God to confront […] The post Encouragement Through Hard Times (Zechariah 5:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Not By Strength and Not By Might (Zechariah 4:1-14) If the people of God in every generation are going to be strong and courageous in order to carry out the will of God, they must do the same three things that God invited Zechariah to do in this dramatic vision in this passage of Zechariah. The post Not By Strength and Not By Might (Zechariah 4:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Supernatural Reality (Zechariah 3:1-10) In this day and age you are a Christian, you need to understand that you are opposed. The fiercest enemy facing you today, Christian, is the accuser himself, the Devil. He is the great enemy of your soul. The point of Zechariah Chapter 3 is to reveal to us God’s […] The post A Supernatural Reality (Zechariah 3:1-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Message of Hope in the Midst of Despair (Zechariah 2:1-13) The importance of such a message to the people of God in Zechariah’s day cannot be overstated. No longer an independent nation, the once magnificent city of Jerusalem was in ruins and the temple of God was still to be built. Deeply discouraged, they […] The post A Message of Hope in the Midst of Despair (Zechariah 2:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Message of Strength and Courage (Zechariah 1:1-21) God would use the prophet Zechariah to challenge His people as well as encourage His people. Their approach to life wasn’t getting them anywhere and now it was time to take a different approach. The post A Message of Strength and Courage (Zechariah 1:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Distinctive Marks of Christians (Acts 2:42-47) Luke informs us of the passions and priorities of the early church after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These distinctive marks should be seen in the church today. The post The Distinctive Marks Of Christians (Acts 2:42-47) first appeared on The Oasis.
Convictions of Holy Spirit Ministry (Acts 2:14-41) Peter responds to the disbelieving crowd of people who witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit. He teaches them that this event is the fulfillment of prophecy and then proceeds to deliver the first of fifteen sermons recorded in Acts. The post Convictions of Holy Spirit Ministry (Acts 2:14-41) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Arrival of the Spirit (Acts 2:1 -13) Luke records the highlights of one of the defining moments of spiritual history. It is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. This event would signify the beginning of much more to come; more that we ourselves are now part of! The post The Arrival of the Spirit (Acts 2:1 -13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Preparation For Pentecost (Part 2) (Acts 1:12 – 26) God intends to build His church, and He intends to build His church by means of pouring out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. What we see in this passage is the continued preparation by Jesus’ followers for that event. The post Preparation For Pentecost (Part 2) (Acts 1:12 – 26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Waiting for God’s Promise (Acts 1:1-11) These followers of Jesus have been urged to wait for what Jesus has called the promise of the Father. It is the fulfillment of this promise that answers a most significant question. How did the church expand from it’s small beginnings in Jerusalem to a church that is encompassing the ends of […] The post Waiting for God’s Promise (Acts 1:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Worship as a Foretaste of Heaven (Psalm 134) This is a most fitting end to this series because it’s like an “Amen” at the end of this collection of fifteen Psalms. As these pilgrim worshipers come to the temple one last time before they go home, they are caught up in what they have experienced. They have […] The post Worship as a Foretaste of Heaven (Psalm 134) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Blessing Will Be Available (Psalm 133) David reminds us that God has a special blessing waiting for those who make the effort to come together with others and worship Him. It’s a beautiful thing when His children lift up one voice to praise Him! The post A Blessing Will Be Available (Psalm 133) first appeared on The Oasis.
Tracing the Plan of God in Worship (Psalm 132) This is one of those beautiful psalms that celebrates the covenant mercies of God. These worshipers were reminded of the grace and incomprehensible love of God as it expressed itself down through the centuries in covenants which God made. The post Tracing the Plan of God in Worship (Psalm 132) first appeared on The Oasis.
Growing In Worship (Psalm 131) This psalm is basically about Christian maturity, about growing in grace, about developing as a child of God. Psalm 131 is based upon the personal experience of the psalmist with God and the things that God has been impressing upon his soul. Because he has experienced this depth in the things […] The post Growing In Worship (Psalm 131) first appeared on The Oasis.
When Desperation Turns to Adoration (Psalm 130) The comfort zones that we live in often times define our Christianity. This passage pulls us out of our comfort zones so that we tell the whole story of our faith. The whole story involves frequent seasons of desperation where, like the psalmist, we cry out to God […] The post When Desperation Turns to Adoration (Psalm 130) first appeared on The Oasis.
Attacked But Not Defeated (Psalm 129) While many look back on what they have achieved, this psalmist reflects on what he has survived. This psalm focuses on God’s deliverance in the midst of the people of Israel’s troubles. God tells His people to sing about their suffering. The post Attacked But Not Defeated (Psalm 129) first appeared on The Oasis.
Humility As The Posture of Worship (Psalm 128) This psalm relates to us the blessings uniquely enjoyed and experienced by the people of God. These blessings are found in the simple pleasures of work, home life, and corporate worship. The post Humility As The Posture of Worship (Psalm 128) first appeared on The Oasis.
How Worship Banishes Anxiety (Psalm 127) The psalmist is reminding us and exhorting us to put first things first. All of our self-effort will be futile apart from God. Everything worth accomplishing in life must be done out of the overflow of our worship and walk with God. The post How Worship Banishes Anxiety (Psalm 127) first appeared on The Oasis.
Understanding Revelation (seminar) Demystifying Prophesy And Preparing Believers The post Understanding Revelation (seminar) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us (Psalm 126) This psalm is about remembering. The people who originally sang this were on an adventure, in a sense. They were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Sometimes that kind of trip could be a little daunting. Fortunately they had this group of psalms as a way to reorient […] The post The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us (Psalm 126) first appeared on The Oasis.
Assurance Encourages Worship (Psalm 125) The psalmist, even in the midst of Jerusalem, and the temple, and God’s people who are worshipping, senses the reality of wickedness, evil, and darkness all around. When it is tough-going, we must continue to step forward in worship even though we may not be able to see the way ahead or how […] The post Assurance Encourages Worship (Psalm 125) first appeared on The Oasis.
Keeping God at the Center of Worship (Psalm 124) David writes this psalm in a context where God has delivered him and his people in a mighty and evident way. He wants their awareness of the Lord’s intervention to lead them to gratitude. He wants the awareness of the greatness of the danger they were […] The post Keeping God at the Center of Worship (Psalm 124) first appeared on The Oasis.
Getting Things Into Focus (Psalm 123) We all know the condition of myopia in which, without the aid of lenses, everything just seems to be a blur. Without these corrective lenses, we are in danger of losing our way, or of tripping up and causing ourselves some personal injury. Well, this Psalm is saying to […] The post Getting Things Into Focus (Psalm 123) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Joy Of Corporate Worship (Psalm 122) There’s a sense of great pleasure, there’s a sense of great joy, there’s a sense of great delight from this worshiper being in Jerusalem at the house of God with the people of God. What attitude do we have toward our corporate gatherings? We can either approach our time […] The post The Joy Of Corporate Worship (Psalm 122) first appeared on The Oasis.
The God Who Is Our Help (Psalm 121) This psalm asks a vital spiritual question. Also, the psalmist supplies the monumental answer to that question. Then having supplied that answer, begins to preach that answer to himself. Where does our help come from? What is the source of our security? These are questions we should […] The post The God Who Is Our Help (Psalm 121) first appeared on The Oasis.
I Cried, He Answered (Psalm 120) The psalmist is in a tough spot. He’s being viciously abused and attacked by those around him and it’s been too long since he’s been with God’s people in the house of God. He’s miserable and he longs for things to be different. So how does he respond to his […] The post I Cried, He Answered (Psalm 120) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Sovereign Lord Is My Strength (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Habakkuk’s final words reveal the realization of the prophet and the resolve of the prophet. Throughout his struggle to understand the ways of God, he has come to the mountaintop of “high altitude faith.” When God is all we have in life, we discover that God is […] The post The Sovereign Lord Is My Strength (Habakkuk 3:17-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
In Wrath Remember Mercy (Habakkuk 3:1-16) Habakkuk responds to God’s revelation about the Babylonians as His choice to bring judgment upon Judah with a request that through this judgment, he would be merciful and that He would allow His people to see Him at work amongst them once again. The post In Wrath Remember Mercy (Habakkuk 3:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
God Is God Through Faith Alone (Habakkuk 2:18-20) Either we acknowledge and accept who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word or we design God to be a god whom we can control and manipulate for our own purposes. The One and Only True God will do what is best for us and we must […] The post God Is God Through Faith Alone (Habakkuk 2:18-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
Living For the Audience of One (Habakkuk 2:12-17) God reminds His prophet Habakkuk that the Babylonians will ultimately fail because what they seek is God-inspired but they seek to accomplish it apart from Him and not by the means that He designed. Not only does true satisfaction and true security come from God alone, but also […] The post Living For the Audience of One (Habakkuk 2:12-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
God Has the Last Word (Habakkuk 2:4-11) God answers Habakkuk’s plea and reminds the prophet that the Babylonians are not going to have the last word in history. This revelation from God should be an encouragement to the prophet and the people of Judah. True satisfaction and true security is through faith in God alone. The post God Has the Last Word (Habakkuk 2:4-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Just Shall Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:2-4) The prophet had poured out his complaint to the Lord, and we are told, “The Lord responded.” How important is that? It is all important. The claim Scripture makes is that what is recorded here in the Old Testament are the words God spoke. The God of creation […] The post The Just Shall Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:2-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
I Will Stand at My Post (Habakkuk 1:12-21) Habakkuk is overwhelmed and astonished by God’s decision to use the Babylonians as His instrument of judgment upon the southern kingdom of Judah. How does the prophet of God respond? He gives us a wonderful blueprint to follow whenever we too are faced with the confusing nature of […] The post I Will Stand at My Post (Habakkuk 1:12-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Ways: Mysterious, Misunderstood, Yet Sure (Habakkuk 1:1-11) In the book of Habakkuk, we are confronted with a God that we won’t always understand, Can we follow a God we won’t understand? This is foundational if we are ever going to develop a high altitude faith that enables us to rise above our circumstances. The post God’s Ways: Mysterious, Misunderstood, Yet Sure (Habakkuk 1:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Helping Christians Be Fruitful (Titus 3:8-15) Jesus said in John 15:8, “My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples.” Paul shares principles in this last section of his letter to Titus on how followers of Jesus Christ can become fruitful and maintain their fruitfulness over their lifetime. The post Helping Christians Be Fruitful (Titus 3:8-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Living Under God’s Authority (Titus 3:1-8) In order for us to live attractive and appealing lives of faith, we must learn to live under God’s authority. Paul share with Titus the exhortation to live under God’s authority, the motivation to live under God’s authority, and the realization of living under God’s authority. The post Living Under God’s Authority (Titus 3:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
What the Grace of God Teaches (Titus 2:11-15) In this passage, Paul gives Titus many reasons why the grace of God should reign within the Christian community. Our growth, both corporately and personally, will only be achieved through grace and not through any other means. These verses form a strong argument against those who seek to accomplish […] The post What the Grace of God Teaches (Titus 2:11-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Spiritual Dynamics of a Healthy Church (Titus 2:1-10) Paul is concerned with the corporate transformation of the Christian communities on the Isle of Crete. How can these local churches equip their people to grow spiritually? The goal is twofold: first, enable them to live distinctly different from the culture around them while secondly, provide them […] The post The Spiritual Dynamics of a Healthy Church (Titus 2:1-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Requirements For a Spiritually Healthy Church (Titus 1:10-16) The apostle Paul continues to instruct Titus on what should be the priorities of local church leadership, The biggest threat to any local church is bad doctrine so Paul exhorts Titus to make sure the purity of God’s revelation remains and that nothing is allowed to dilute or distract from […] The post Requirements For a Spiritually Healthy Church (Titus 1:10-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Biblical Leadership (Titus 1:1-9) This passage from Paul’s letter to Titus answers the questions of why leadership in the church is so important and what the roles and responsibilities are of those who aspire to leadership in the local church. We must remember that God desires to fashion a compelling Christian community that invites and draws others […] The post Biblical Leadership (Titus 1:1-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Blessings In Christ (Ephesians 1:1-14) A message shared by Brian Tammany. The post Blessings In Christ (Ephesians 1:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul gives authorization and instruction to Titus as to how local churches should be established upon the island of Crete. We would be wise to pay attention to these principles for establishing and maintaining a spiritually healthy Christian community. The post Instructions for Healthy Churches (Titus 1:1-5) first appeared on The Oasis.
These are Paul’s last words to his dear friend Timothy. He wants to use the example of his own life to encourage Timothy to think about how he will finish his life here on earth. It’s not as important how we start the race of faith as it is how we finish. How can we […] The post Faithful to the End (2 Timothy 4:9-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Christian’s Great Assurance and Hope (2 Timothy 4:6-8) These words are the climax of this letter and there is no greater expression of victory when death is imminent in all the Bible. Paul looks back at what the grace of God has done for him, and he also looks ahead. He is soon to […] The post The Christian’s Great Assurance and Hope (2 Timothy 4:6-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
Living In The Power of God’s Presence (2 Timothy 4:1-5) To be conscious of the Lord’s presence in our life is everything. To be unconscious of Him or unaware of Him leaves us feeling as if we are nothing or have nothing. God is not distant, remote, or unknowable but is present with us at […] The post Living In The Power of God’s Presence (2 Timothy 4:1-5) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Relevant Facts of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In this key passage from Paul’s letter to Timothy, he reaffirms to Timothy and his church why the revelation from God to man is trustworthy and why it should carry the utmost weight and authority in our lives. Paul also relates how practical the Bible is for us as […] The post The Relevant Facts of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Marks of Godly Believers (2 Timothy 3:10-15) In contrast to the godless marks of the last days, Paul describes in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, he now sets forth how believers should meet the challenges of these very unique days in human history which immediately precede the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The post The Marks of Godly Believers (2 Timothy 3:10-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Fit to Be Used (2 Timothy 2:19-26) In this passage, we are reminded that serving the Lord is far more than filling a role or taking on some responsibility in the body of Christ. True servants are those who remain fit and faithful at all times maintaining their fellowship with God so that they are able […] The post Fit To Be Used (2 Timothy 2:19-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Staying On Message (2 Timothy 2:11-19) The Word of God is most reliable and dependable. Therefore, we should always focus on and fill our lives on God’s Word rather than getting caught up and occupied with such unreliable things that lead us away from God’s truth. There are few things in life we can be […] The post Staying On Message (2 Timothy 2:11-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Examples of Endurance (2 Timothy 2:3-10) Paul has been encouraging his young protege to persevere in his ministry in spite of the difficulty and suffering. In this passage Paul points to illustrations that Timothy would have been familiar with to motivate and inspire him to continue on. The post Examples of Endurance (2 Timothy 2:3-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
The goal of our lives is to reproduce our passion for the faith into the lives of others. We, however, have been given the description of the quality of individual to look for when choosing to invest ourselves into the lives of others. The post Receivers Becoming Reproducers (2 Timothy 2:2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul instructs his young disciple Timothy in how to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and how to build faithfulness in others. This foundation of faithfulness is a necessity for producing successive generations of disciples of Jesus Christ. The post Principles to Be Faithful and to Build Faithfulness (2 Timothy 1:13 – 2:1) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul mentions the day he will see Jesus face to face three times in this short letter. Knowing he will stand before the One who had given all for him was a continual inspiration and motivation in his life. This truth fuels his endurance and perseverance. He hopes that Timothy will adopt this same mindset. The post Living With An Awareness of That Day (2 Timothy 1:13-2:1) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul declares to Timothy why they put their lives on the line everyday. It is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only answer for man’s desperate condition – the only way to pass from spiritual life to spiritual death. The post The Essence of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:9-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul knew he didn’t have much time on earth left and yet his concern wasn’t for himself but for his dear son in the faith, Timothy. Timothy needed encouragement to endure and persevere in life and ministry so Paul begins his letter by reminding Timothy of all the blessings in his life. The post Counting One’s Blessing Enables One To Endure (2 Timothy 1:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
The last words of this great letter focus our attention on eternity. Are we investing in earthly things or eternal things? This is a question we should continually be asking ourselves to keep ourselves focused throughout our lives. The post Building Eternal Treasure (1 Timothy 6:17-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Paul brings his thoughts to a close, he reminds Timothy as well as all of us. that we must become warriors in the spiritual realm if we seek to prosper in life and ministry. Our struggle against spiritual opposition will be sustained when we remind ourselves of the glory of our Lord Jesus. The post A Spiritual Warrior’s Mindset (1 Timothy 6:11-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
This passage of scripture reveals that we will expend great effort toward what our heart desires most. Also, our hearts can not remain a vacuum so either we fill our hearts with God or we spend our lives in pursuit of other less valuable things. The post What Our Heart Wants Most (1 Timothy 6:6-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul instructs young pastor Timothy to confront and combat the false teaching rising up in his church by laying out from the Scripture what true godliness looks like in the life of a believer. The post Learning To Be Godly and Content (1 Timothy 6:2-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul lays out a number of areas where we must assume a responsibility to one another so that the church becomes strong and remains strong. We must always keep in mind that our life is either positively or negatively impacting our fellow believers. The post Our Responsibility Toward One Another (1 Timothy 5:17 – 6:2) first appeared on The Oasis.
The church must not lose it’s focus about it’s primary responsibility. This is why Paul encourages this young pastor to set up parameters and boundaries on the situations of need that will arise from within the church. The post The Church’s Responsibility (1 Timothy 5:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many Christians become frustrated or get discouraged in trying to make progress spiritually. But the Bible declares that our growth as believers will never be realized through trying but through the cultivation of spiritual disciplines. Paul told Timothy, “train yourself for godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7) The post It’s Not In Trying, It’s In Training (1 Timothy 4:7-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
So many Christians live such complacent lives that they are extremely susceptible to spiritual hazards and dangers. Timothy is both to model, and to teach his people that only those who are continuously diligent and careful will be able to avoid the pitfalls that lie in our path. The post Acknowledging Our Vulnerability (1 Timothy 4:1-6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul instructs this young pastor to teach his people just how important the local church is. The church must be the place where God’s truth is proclaimed and protected. Paul then reveals part of an early church worship song which includes the truth he has just spoken of. The post A Song for the Church (1 Timothy 3:14 – 16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul gives this young pastor, Timothy, detailed instructions regarding who should be serving in the local church. The focus is clearly on the quality and character of the servant and the necessity to be taught and trained before one begins serving. The post Standards for Those Who Serve (1 Timothy 3:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Due to technical difficulties, this podcast did not record and is not available. The post Wednesday, August 31, 2016 – 1 Timothy 2:9-15 first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul lays out for Pastor Timothy how his church can build an atmosphere and environment of prayer. Prayer is so important because it invites God into each and every situation we are praying about. The post A House of Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares his personal testimony to remind all of us that we are a unique demonstration of the reality and character of God. Each of us can become an encouragement for others to place their faith in Christ when they see the undeniable proof of God’s activity in our own lives. The post Being God’s Showpiece (1 Timothy 1:15-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares his own personal testimony as a reminder to all of us of the grace and mercy of God. It is recognition of God’s compassion in our lives that should motivate and inspire our faithful service to Him. The post The Testimony of Paul (1 Timothy 1:8-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The church has been appointed by God as the place where God’s Word is proclaimed as well as protected. Within the church, we should have the checks and balances necessary to keep ourselves on track. We must adhere to God’s message rather than becoming preoccupied with that which doesn’t accomplish God’s purpose. The post The Guardians of God’s Revelation (1 Timothy 1:1 – 7) first appeared on The Oasis.
The post Oasis Bible Study Starts Back Up August 3rd, 2016 first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John reminds us of the truth that we should know as believers. This knowledge is the fuel and foundation for our life and service in Jesus Christ. If we already know these things, then let us be reassured of them. These are John’s final thoughts in this letter to those he loves. The post What Every Follower of Christ Should Know (1 John 5:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John encourages his readers by reminding them of the reward of maintaining unbroken fellowship with God. The benefit of our fellowship is both now and in the future. There is great motivation for being in fellowship with God at all times. The post The Reward of Fellowship (1 John 4:14 -19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though many people believe they know what love is, John sets the record straight in this passage. God defines what love is so we must become acquainted with God’s revelation on love in order to truly understand love ourselves. The post A Lesson On Love (1 John 4:7-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
We, as believers in Jesus Christ, do not fight for victory but from victory. Our God is greater than anything we will ever face so our fellowship with Him provides us with all we need to be over-comers. The post Living In Victory (1 John 4:4-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Why Do Christians Have Trials? – with guest speaker Brian Tammany The post Why Do Christians Have Trials? first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John relates how we must stay vigilant in order to remain in continual fellowship with God. There is so much false doctrine and false teaching that can lead us away from our privileged position. It is only through continual testing of what we hear that enables us to stay on track. The post Spiritual Discernment (1 John 4:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John talks about the importance of being in the presence of God. Our life and ministry should be founded upon and fueled by our time in God’s presence. The post In His Presence (1 John 3:21 – 24) first appeared on The Oasis.
If love is the standard of behavior for followers of Jesus Christ, then what is that kind of love and how is it expressed? Love has many positive results not only for the ones loved but for those who are loving. The post What Is Love? (1 John 3:16 – 20) first appeared on The Oasis.
According to the apostle John, the most evident way to practice righteousness is to love. The love we demonstrate for one another as God’s children counterbalances the hatred of the world. This hatred against the righteous has been manifested from the beginning of time. The post The Gospel Is Love (1 John 3:11-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, John declares that a lifestyle of sin or a lifestyle of righteousness is founded upon whose children we are: children of God or of the devil. One cannot truly be a child of God without one’s lifestyle reflecting that relationship. The post Our Lives Reveal Whose We Are (1 John 3:7-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
According to John, the mission of Jesus was to “take away sins.” This speaks of more than forgiveness and pardon. It refers to the lifting off of one the burden of sin and the power through Christ one has to triumph over sin. When one resides in God, we can overcome sin in our lives and […] The post The Mission of Jesus (1 John 3:4-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
At this point in the letter, John wants us to pause and ponder the significance of being a child of God. We need to think about what this means and what we have to look forward to as those who have been supernaturally adopted into God’s family. The post The Significance of Being A Child of God (1 John 3:1-3) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John urges the recipients of this letter to continue living in close connection with Jesus. It is our fellowship or lack of it that will determine our response when we stand face to face with our Lord one day. Our consistent lifestyle, which characterizes our lives, proves in time the spiritual reality of one’s life. The post Preparing for the Lord’s Return (1 John 2:28-29) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John strongly admonishes the recipients of this letter to stick with the fundamental truths they were taught from the beginning of their spiritual journey and not to deviate from this path. If another path is taken, spiritual disaster will result. We must all stay on course. The post Stay On Course (1 John 2:24 – 27) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this section, John asserts that true believers in Jesus Christ have an anointing from God. He explains what this anointing is and how it is to function in our everyday lives as followers of Jesus Christ. The post The Christians’ Anointing (1 John 2:20-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though the community of believers that John is writing to is still agonizing over a split within the body, the apostle seizes the opportunity to reassure them that these separations and divisions will happen from time to time. Our focus must remain on Jesus and we must be forever true to Him. by Pastor Jeff […] The post True Fellowship is Based on Truth (1 John 2:18-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Here the apostle John warns his readers that love is a discriminating affection which involves choice and selection. Our allegiance to God will be seen in the choices that we make everyday. by Pastor Jeff Royce The post Love Is a Choice (1 John 2:15-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
The readers of this letter are under spiritual attack. When we are facing spiritual enemies who seek to undermine our faith, we must remember to be mindful of who we are as God’s children. These are the truths with which John seeks to reassure the recipients of this letter. The post Words of Reassurance (1 John 2:12-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
John has been teaching throughout this letter that fellowship with God has observable characteristics. We can make claims of having a close connection with God but the reality is that remaining in fellowship with God carries with it certain requirements. One such requirement is love for our fellow believers. The post The Character of Fellowship with God (1 John 2:7-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John reminds us that for Christians, our standard of conduct always has and always will be the life of Jesus Christ. We must familiarize ourselves with his walk so that we may follow in His footsteps. In this way, we will assure ourselves of remaining in fellowship with God. The post Living Like Jesus (1 John 2:6-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
All of us need reassurance at times in our lives. The apostle John declares that our consistent obedience to the principles and precepts of God’s Word will lead to a growing reassurance. When we walk out of fellowship with God, we forfeit the reassurance that we could have. The post Reassurance Grows Through Obedience (1 John 2:3-6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Here John addresses directly those he feels spiritually responsible for. He challenges them by declaring the purpose of fellowship with God and comforts them if they fail. The sufficiency of Christ’s ministry is revealed in order to motivate us to continual fellowship. The post Our Sufficient Savior (1 John 2:1-2) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reminds us that living in the light of God requires acknowledging our sin and trusting God to not only forgive but to cleanse our sin. Admitting we have sinned is not easy, but it is necessary to maintain fellowship with God and live in His light. The post Living In The Light (1 John 1:8-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
The only requirement for a relationship with God is faith in Jesus Christ. However, to fellowship with God and live in His presence, we must walk in His light and allow God to deal with what His light reveals. Whatever God’s light reveals, God has the ability to deal with. The post Requirements for Fellowship (1 John 1:5-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
John writes that through his firsthand experience with the Word of Life – Jesus – he and the other apostles received an understanding of this eternal life that God was offering to them. In turn, John wants to make known the reality of this quality of living to others. Do you possess eternal life? The post Grasping Eternal Life (1 John 1:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle John share his first-hand account of Jesus Christ to confirm believers in what it is that we should be confident about. For John, the information he shared isn’t just to supply us with facts but to draw us into fellowship with God. The post The Testimony of John (1 John 1:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Is The Reason (Isaiah 9:1-7) Merry Christmas The post Jesus Is The Reason (Isaiah 9:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
As we continue our study of this passage, Jesus reveals how the people on earth when He returns are strikingly similar to the people in Noah’s day and Lot’s day. They are totally unaware of and unprepared for the judgement that is to come. The main reason for this is their total preoccupation with this […] The post Missing The Kingdom: Part 2 (Luke 17:20 – 37) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Jews of Jesus’ day were looking for the arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus seized the opportunity to teach why so many in His day and in future days will miss the Kingdom of God altogether. The post Missing The Kingdom: Part 1 (Luke 17) first appeared on The Oasis.
This psalm calls upon the people of God to come together to worship and to give thanks to God for all He has done. The more consistently we practice this, the more spiritually sensitive and insightful we become. The post Pausing To Be Thankful (Psalm 92) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though we are reminded at the end of Genesis of the pain that sin has brought into our lives, we are also reminded of the goodness of God who offers deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Him. Even under the curse of sin, God grants many blessings. The post The Wages of Sin – The Gifts of God (Genesis 50) first appeared on The Oasis.
This sobering chapter reminds us that the choices and decisions we make now will reverberate throughout eternity. So let’s continually keep eternity in mind when making life choices. The post The Repercussions of One’s Life (Genesis 49) first appeared on The Oasis.
Finally, at the end of Jacob’s life, he was realizing the greatness of God and His plan. In adopting and blessing these two sons of Joseph, Jacob dared to trust God, believing His plans are best. The post Looking and Living Beyond Oneself (Genesis 48) first appeared on The Oasis.
Joseph’s handling of the crisis of famine gives us great insight into how we should be able to navigate the crises of life as the people of God and be a witness to those who don’t know God. The post Crisis Management (Genesis 47:13-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
God is always at work on behalf of His people. Many times it goes unnoticed or we are unaware of it and at other times, His grace is extended to us in spite of who we are or what we’ve done. God is amazing and oh so faithful! The post God, Our Protector and Provider (Genesis 47) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter relates to us the details of Joseph’s family moving from Canaan to Egypt. The significance of this journey is seen in the steps God will take to provide for and purify His people. Jacob was learning to trust God again. May we learn to trust Him too. The post A Significant Move (Genesis 46) first appeared on The Oasis.
Joseph displays why he has been able to navigate the adversity of his life and to forgive those who had wronged him. He kept God central in his life and willingly surrendered his life to a sovereign God. This commitment shaped his attitude every day and allowed him to triumph in life rather than be defeated. The post Surrendered To the Sovereign God (Genesis 45) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter gives the evidence that change is taking place in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers. This genuine repentance will lead to reconciliation and restoration of a family. God is still changing hearts today so let us be open to the changes God desires in our own hearts. The post Fruits of Repentance (Genesis 44) first appeared on The Oasis.
The process of contrition amongst Joseph’s brothers had begun but there were tests of trustworthiness and character to be passed before full reconciliation was possible. Joseph’s brothers had failed the test with him previously and so the test was being repeated. May we learn to pass our testings the first time or else God will […] The post Passing Tests Toward Reconciliation (Genesis 42 -43) first appeared on The Oasis.
Throughout the story of Joseph’s life, God is always at work in a good and gracious way. He is with Joseph, prospering him in his affliction. He is revealing the details of a severe famine so that the people can be prepared and survive. God is also at work in the hearts and minds of […] The post Acknowledging The Work of God (Genesis 42 – 43) first appeared on The Oasis.
After 13 years of preparation, Joseph is finally ready and equipped to assume such a privileged and powerful position. Great works of God through us require great periods of preparation. Will we trust God in and through our seasons of preparation? The post Joseph’s Patience Pays Off (Genesis 41 – 42) first appeared on The Oasis.
Joseph would be granted great privilege, power, and position in his life but it was not granted until great preparation had taken place. All of life is preparing us to serve god in even bigger and more significant ways. Like Joseph, we must trust in God’s perfect timing. The post Great Service Requires Great Preparation (Genesis 40 -41) first appeared on The Oasis.
Joseph’s life is a great example of the obstacles and challenges we will overcome when we keep trusting God. Joseph’s faith in God was steadfast, resolute, and tenacious. Our faith, like Joseph’s, will be tested. Therefore we must build and maintain a steady faith otherwise we will give in or give up. The post The triumph of Persistent Faith (Genesis 37) first appeared on The Oasis.
Genesis 39 reveals that God is present in the palaces and in the prisons; in the years of feast and the years of famine. God walks with us through each and every circumstance of life and is able and available to help us. The post God Is Present (Genesis 39:1-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Joseph’s experience of being sold by his brothers as a slave was a test as to whether he would continue to trust God even when his circumstances were against him. God’s plan was not thwarted by the actions of Joseph’s brothers. God was strategically placing him in the land of Egypt. Though the dreams God […] The post The Death of a Dream (Genesis 37:9-36) first appeared on The Oasis.
These verses give us the family background information of Joseph’s life. It reminds us that no matter what our childhood was like, we can achieve God’s purpose for our life if we just remain faithful to Him. God will use all of life’s experiences or opportunities to prepare us and grow us for what lies ahead. The post Joseph’s Family Dynamic (Genesis 37:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
There will not be Refuel Bible Study in July. We will be starting back up in August. PLEASE NOTE: This Bible study is moving to Wednesday nights starting in August. There will not be Refuel Bible Study on Tuesday evenings anymore. The post Bible Study Update first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus illustrates the distinct destinies that await our souls in eternity. These destinies which cannot be altered after death are determined by the value one places on the Word of God and the authority and influence we allow it to have in our lives. The post The Authority and Sufficiency of the Scriptures (Luke 16:19-31) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, Jesus is contrasting the response of men to the recovery of lost possessions with the response of heaven to the recovery of lost people. The leaders of Israel had too much compassion for their lost possessions, but they cared little for lost people. The post Lost and Found (Luke 15:11-32) first appeared on The Oasis.
So many in Jesus’ day were positioning themselves in places and in ways that would not strengthen or sustain them. Let us pay close attention to Jesus’ words and realize that our allegiance to Him is what alone will strengthen and sustain us. The post Positioning Oneself with Men or with God? (Luke 14:7-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus uses this teachable moment presented to Him to teach people how life should be defined because our view of life will determine how we live. The post Defining Life (Luke 12:13 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Here Jesus exposes how bankrupt man’s religious system is compared to the sufficiency and adequacy of the grace of God. The post The Deficiency of Religion (Luke 10:25-37) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus teaches a very important spiritual principle here in this story. The principle is that the ultimate fruitfulness of one’s life is based on the condition of one’s heart when God’s Word is received. There are so many hearts that prevent God’s Word from ever truly taking hold and bearing fruit. The post The Parable of The Soils (Luke 8:4-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus declares that only in Him will we have peace; a peace that is able to stand against the extreme pressures that will arise throughout our lives. We not only need to lay hold of His peace but carry it with us each day. The post Living in God’s Peace (John 16:25-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus shares with His disciples the sorrow that awaits them yet He promises them that their sadness will be turned into joy – a joy that no one or nothing can take away from them when He reappears to them. God is always at work cementing our belief in Him. The post The Reappearance of Jesus (John 16:16-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus has just informed His followers that it is to their advantage that He goes away. Why? so He can send the Holy Spirit to them. here Jesus gives insight into what the Spirit’s focus will be when He comes. The post The Ministry of God’s Spirit (John 16:8-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though His disciples could not see it at the time, Jesus explains the spiritual benefits that will take place for them after He returns to the Father. In like manner, we may not see the profit of something God is doing in our lives at the time which is why we must walk by faith. The post The Advantage of Jesus’ Departure (John 16:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Understanding the World’s Animosity (John 15:18-27) Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for the adversity they are about to face. In spite of His physical absence, they will be equipped by Him both to survive and thrive in that which He has called them to do and to be. The post Understanding the World’s Animosity (John 15:18-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus is speaking on many different aspects of being His disciples but He reveals to us that all of these distinct features are actually interrelated to one another. They all impact and feed off of one another. This is why it is so important that we continue being faithful followers. If one area of our spiritual walk […] The post Connecting All The Dots (John 15 : 9-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus teaches His disciples about the one indispensable position necessary for being fruitful followers. It is in maintaining unbroken fellowship with Him. Out of our fellowship with Christ the fruit will flow. The post Being Fruitful Followers (John 15: 1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
These words of Jesus to His disciples are so rich and full of meaning. In the midst of all the trouble and turmoil surrounding them, they can find peace in Jesus. This is true for us as well. What an endowment we have through Jesus. The post The Legacy of Jesus (John 14:27 – 31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus has reminded the disciples one last time that He is going back to the Father. However, He is teaching them about the arrival of the Holy Spirit who will enable and empower them in the days ahead! Instead of walking physically with Jesus they will now lean to walk spiritually through the Holy Spirit. The post Help Is Coming (John 14:15 – 31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus’ focus here is on solidifying the disciples’ spiritual foundation. They are beginning to succumb to the events happening around them. Faith in Jesus enables us to rise above our circumstances. The post Jesus’ Words of Reassurance (John 14:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
While others are falling all around Him, Jesus is rising to the culmination of His earthly ministry. Surrounded by denial and betrayal is the one true rock, Jesus Christ. If we want to be rock solid in life, we must follow Him. The post Seen For Who He Really Is (John 13:18-38) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus speaks about the power and authority of both His Word and His example. When we allow both His Word and example to be the guide of our lives, we will be blessed and will enjoy abundant life. The post How One Attains Spiritual Prosperity (John 12:44 – 13:17) first appeared on The Oasis.
This account of Paul’s journey to Rome reminds us that God is in the minutest details of our lives and that He will see to it that we are protected and provided with what we need to do His will. We are also reminded just how unique His will is for each of us and how we should embrace His […] The post Paul Finally Arrives In Rome (Acts 28:1-31) first appeared on The Oasis.
We encounter the many twists and turns as Paul sailed to Italy. His journey contains many great spiritual principles that will profit us today. It is also a reminder that in each of life’s trials something spiritually beneficial can be gained from the experience. The post Paul’s Voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1-44) first appeared on The Oasis.
Following in the long line of opportunities God has granted Paul to share his testimony is Agrippa, the great grandson of Herod, the Great (the ruler who sought to destroy any rival to his throne by murdering the children of Bethlehem). Even in this meeting we are reminded of the futility of resisting or opposing […] The post Paul’s Witness To Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32) first appeared on The Oasis.
God was going to bring Paul safely to Rome but not in the way Paul would have imagined. There were many twists and turns along the way which would allow Paul to be a witness to people that in no other way would have crossed paths with Paul. Our journey in life is very similar. […] The post Encounters Along the Way (Acts 25:1-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul is given opportunity to testify of his faith in Christ to the governor. There is much encouragement here for those who seek to share the gospel with others. We are only responsible to share with others what Christ has done in our lives. We are never held responsible by God for their response. The post Paul’s Witness To Felix (Acts 24:1-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015 – Paul’s Testimony To The Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1-35) Paul is given an opportunity to address the leaders of his nation. This occasion did not end the way he would have desired and he even may have felt as if he had failed. How would Jesus respond to Paul in the moment? The post Paul’s Testimony To The Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1-35) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul Shares His Conversion (Acts 22:1-30) God had revealed His plan for Paul right from the start. (Acts 9:15-16) However, just like us, he didn’t know every detail or twist or turn. He had to learn to trust God and we have to do the same. The post Paul Shares His Conversion (Acts 22:1-30) first appeared on The Oasis.
Tuesday, January 6, 2014 – Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-40) Luke recounts the similarities between what Paul was enduring as he sought to reach his fellow Jews with the gospel and what Jesus endured in seeking to do the same. This chapter highlights the truth of Jesus teaching that a disciple is not above his teacher. […] The post Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-40) first appeared on The Oasis.
“Why We Celebrate Christmas” Many people observe Christmas, but do they really celebrate it? The post Why We Celebrate Christmas first appeared on The Oasis.
Knowing that he would never see these leaders of the church in Ephesus ever again, Paul’s final exhortation summarizes the key aspects that each spiritual leader should continually be aware of to fulfill the calling God has entrusted to us. The post Paul’s Appeal to Spiritual Leaders (Acts 20:25-38) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many Christians tend to view the Apostle Paul as a task oriented person. Yet here in this chapter, we discover the tenderness of Paul’s heart toward others. As we minister ,especially over time, we can develop a hard heart towards others. Paul allowed God over time to create a heart like Christ’s for those around […] The post The Heart of Paul (Acts 20:1-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
In Acts Chapter 19, we have documented for us the more significant moments of Paul and his team of missionaries who ministered in Ephesus. May their faithfulness to God’s calling inspire us to be faithful to what god has assigned to us. The post Paul’s Ministry In The City of Ephesus (Acts 19:1-41) first appeared on The Oasis.
We can learn so much when we consider the lives of the people God was working in and working through here in the book of Acts. Disciples of Jesus are continually being reproduced as was God’s design for His followers all along. The post The Principles of Life Changing Ministry (Acts 18:1-28) first appeared on The Oasis.
Luke continues to chronicle for us their missionary efforts. In this chapter, we see the Word of God taking hold in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. We should not the different approach the missionaries took depending on their audience. The post Bringing Light Into The Darkness (Acts 17:1-34) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter we find the details of Paul’s second missionary journey. It is a journey that reveals the greatness of God’s plan for those who will follow Him. It is not an easy road, but it is a path in which one will experience things that only a life of faith can produce. The post The Greatness Of God’s Plan (Acts 16:1-40) first appeared on The Oasis.
For many, this chapter may not seem significant, but what took place in this chapter forever shaped church doctrine. It could have been used by our spiritual enemy to get God’s people forever off course, but thanks to the leadership of Holy Spirit-filled people, the church met the challenge before them. We would do well […] The post Dealing With Disagreement (Acts 15:1-41) first appeared on The Oasis.
Acts 14 offers us details about the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary outreach. Like all responsibilities we assume in life, this text reminds of the importance of finishing well what we started. The post Pressing Toward The Finish Line (Acts 14:1-28) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter is devoted to the details of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. There were days of joy and days of pain. Yet, through it all, one thing is clear. There is nothing on earth that can compare to placing ourselves in God’s hands and watching Him work through such feeble and fragile vessels. The post Mission Incomparable (Acts 13:1-52) first appeared on The Oasis.
With James being murdered and Peter being imprisoned, the church could have sunk into despair. However, by staying connected to God through prayer, the followers of Christ learned that God is greater than any challenge or trial we will ever face. The post God Is Bigger Than Anyone Or Anything (Acts 12:1-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
In Acts 11, we learn that God will stretch His people at times beyond their own comfort zone. These times will be great opportunities for witnessing and spiritual growth. The post The Church Extended (Acts 11:1-30) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter recounts the barriers that God was breaking down between Jew and Gentile and what characterizes a beautiful life from God’s perspective. God was at work preparing hearts. Are we allowing God to prepare ours? The post Living A Beautiful Life (Acts 10:1-48) first appeared on The Oasis.
We have in Acts, Chapter 9, the salvation of Saul who became Paul, one of the greatest missionaries of all time as well as the author of most of the New Testament. May his conversion inspire us all. The post A Turning Point In Church History (Acts 9:1-43) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter reflects the importance of individual ministry and also reminds us how influential, good or bad, one individual can be. The post The Power of One (Acts 8:1-46) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter highlights how one individual totally devoted to God can be used by Him to impact the world. The world may dismiss and even murder God’s messengers but God’s mission and message prevail. The post God’s Message Through Stephen (Acts 7:1-60) first appeared on The Oasis.
We discover in this chapter of Acts the many challenges when the early followers of Christ experienced growth. There are great lessons in being a leader that can be gleaned from this passage of Scripture. The post The Challenges That Growth Brings (Acts 6: 1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Learning To Minister In An Imperfect Environment (Acts 5:1 – 42) The early church was facing trials from all directions but through it all God’s message was making progress and God’s people were being purified. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to serve God for if that is your requirement, you never will. The post Learning To Minister In An Imperfect Environment (Acts 5:1 – 42) first appeared on The Oasis.
Luke reveals how greatly God was working through His people but he also reminds us that wherever God is at work there will be opposition. We can be inspired by how the early followers of Jesus handled opposition. The post A Faith That Brings Opposition (Acts 4:1-37) first appeared on The Oasis.
A significant part of God’s ministry to us comes through the lives of others in whom He lives. God’s desire is also to use us in their lives as well. We must believe that God can and will use us as He did Peter and John. The post God Works Through His People (Acts 3:1-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s followers are prepared and equipped for what He has commissioned them to do. We, too, are enabled through the Holy Spirit to accomplish what Christ asks us to do. The post The Consecration of Christ’s Messengers (Acts 2:1-47) first appeared on The Oasis.
Luke reveals for us in Acts chapter 1 the foundation of what would become known as the church. He also reveals the focus of the first followers of Jesus Christ. The post The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry Through His People (Acts 1:1 – 26) first appeared on The Oasis.
The people of God are learning to look to Him for everything they need and to depend upon Him for victory in their lives. Cooperating with God and others is the key. The post Lessons of Spiritual Victory (Exodus 17:8-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage from the book of Exodus, we learn several principles of spiritual leadership and how to achieve victory in our lives rather than defeat. The post Lessons Of Spiritual Leadership (Exodus 17:8-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
This glorious unveiling of Jesus Christ ends with God’s assurances concerning key issues that should be the focus of our lives. We need to keep our eyes on what awaits us for eternity. The post God’s Final Word to Man (Revelation 22:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus told His followers that He was going to prepare a place for them. Revelation 21 describes in some detail the beauty and uniqueness of this eternal place. We must be reminded that heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. The post The Place Jesus Has Prepared For Us (Revelation 21:1-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
John gives us details of what it will be like during Christ’s earthly reign as well as what part we will play in this most unique period in human history. The post The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (Revelation 20:1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reveals the joyous celebration when God’s people are finally joined to their bridegroom Jesus. He also reveals Jesus being celebrated as the only One capable of ruling the earth in righteousness. The post Celebration of Victory (Revelation 19:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reveals the doom of earthly kingdoms in preparation for establishing Christ’s kingdom. One is struck by how quickly the kingdoms of the earth will crumble. The post The Fall of Man’s Kingdoms. Revelation 18:1-24 first appeared on The Oasis.
John reveals to us in these verses the pervasive nature of false man-made religion and how vital a role it plays in bringing an end to this chapter of human history. The post The Ultimate Failure of Religion (Revelation 17:1-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
In preparation for Christ’s coming kingdom on earth, those who worship the beast will be removed from the earth. God’s actions give men a clear understanding of Who He is and where he stands. The post The Consummation of God’s Wrath (Revelation 16:1 -21) first appeared on The Oasis.
The earth has been filled with idolatry and false worship of false gods since the beginning of time. Finally God will remove all that is false and destructive and will establish permanently the true worship of the only One worthy of worldwide worship – the Lamb. The post Preparation of the Earth for Worship of the Lamb (Revelation 14:14 – 15:8) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter, we have another break from the events which are unfolding on earth. These announcements give us a preview of some key events that lie ahead during this unprecedented season of history. The post Angelic Announcements (Revelation 14:1-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter we are introduced to the main instruments that Satan will work through during the tribulation. Compared to the glory of the immortal God, these are mere human beings. Yet, the world will worship them rather than the living God. How tragic. The post The Great Exchange (Revelation 13:1 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter should encourage all of us. It reminds us in the age old struggle of good and evil, no plan of the enemy has ever succeeded against the ultimate purpose of God. God overcomes and so do we. Let us rejoice! The post God Thwarts All Opposition To His Purpose (Revelation 12: 1- 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
In Revelation 11, we see on display God’s awesome and unlimited power. Yet what is more amazing than God’s power displayed is God’s power restrained. We must learn to worship God not just for what He does but for what He doesn’t do. The post God’ Great Power (Revelation 11:1 – 19) first appeared on The Oasis.
We see in Revelation 10 that God is getting ready to repossess the earth that He created. The warning to earth’s inhabitants is given as well as instructions to God’s servants: the mighty angel and John. The post The Voice of God Thunders (Revelation 10:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reveals God’s judgement of unleashing demons in an unprecedented way upon the earth to torment those who refuse to repent and turn to God. The post The Worship of Demons Leads to War with Demons (Revelation 9:1 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter, we see God systematically removing every means by which man can continue to imagine himself as independent of God. All life is dependent upon Him. The post The Removing of All Things Except God (Revelation 8:1 – 3) first appeared on The Oasis.
John is continuing to remind us throughout the book of Revelation that what is taking place on Earth is being driven by what is taking place in Heaven. The Lamb of God is being given proper respect and reverence and one day that kind of worship will be seen on Earth. The post An Interlude of Worship (Revelation 7:1-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Beginning in Revelation Chapter 6, we have a detailed account of the tribulation that had been prophesied in the Old Testament. The Lord begins to reclaim this world and its inhabitants for Himself. The post The Wrath of the Lamb Has Come (Revelation 6:1-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter reveals a universal search for one who is worthy to restore the earth and its inhabitants to a place of worship of the one true God. Only One in the universe is found worthy! He is the Lamb of God! The post Worship of the Lamb (Revelation 5:11 -14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The focus of John’s revelation in chapter 4 is the throne of God. His vision reminds us of the sovereign rule and authority that God has in governing His universe. The fact that someone like our God is on the throne of the universe should be a constant source of comfort and encouragement. The post The Throne of God (Revelation 4:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus deals with His Church enabling them to see themselves as He sees them and to be aware of what is lacking so that they can become a more accurate representation of Him to the world. The post Jesus’ Final Messages to His Church (Revelation 3 : 1 – 22) first appeared on The Oasis.
John has taught us that life is learning to acknowledge God in every situation and through every season. To do this, we must maintain an accurate representation of Who Jesus is. We will rise no higher than our concept of God. Therefore Jesus challenges His church to keep what He values the most important priorities. […] The post Christ Holds His People Accountable (Revelation 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
The church has always been responsible to live as God’s people out of a growing and confident sense of who Jesus really is. Apart from an adequate understanding and acknowledgement of who Jesus is, nothing the church does will have lasting and eternal impact. The post The Vision of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1) first appeared on The Oasis.
The coming of Jesus into the world is the greatest blessing God has ever given to men. We will look at examples of how different people responded to this blessing long ago and how we should respond in a similar way today. The post The Blessing of God (various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
God doesn’t just heal for the sake of healing. There is always a greater spiritual point that one must take notice of. Healing for this individual means change, drastic change. God could ask this question of all of us. The post The Message Behind the Healing (John 5 : 1 – 15) first appeared on The Oasis.
We see in this miracle of healing that Jesus is using it to build faith in His followers. He wants them to move from a sign oriented faith to His Word being enough for faith. Jesus still desires to see this type of faith in His followers today. The post Building Faith (John 4: 39 – 54) first appeared on The Oasis.
We learn so much about Jesus from His conversation with this woman and we discover what God’s priorities are for His people. The post Jesus and the Woman at the Well (John 4:1-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, the apostle John records the clear witness of John the Baptist concerning Jesus Christ. It is the kind of witness all believers should seek to emulate. The post John the Baptist’s Final Testimony (John 3:22-36) first appeared on The Oasis.
John gives us insight into the mind of God and the mind of mankind in this passage. Questions are answered like, why would God love mankind like He does? And why would mankind reject God like he does? The post The Ways of God and Men (John 3:16-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
No one has more knowledge and insight into the person of God than Jesus who is God Himself. The problem is not that we have an unclear testimony of who God is, but that many choose not to believe in the witness of Jesus Christ. *Due to technical difficulties this podcast didn’t record* We apologize […] The post Jesus’ Unparalleled Testimony (John 3:9 – 15) first appeared on The Oasis.
In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus used this opportunity to teach on the necessity of being born again. He also explains to us what it means to be born from above. The most important question any human being can answer is, “Am I born again?” The post The New Birth (John 3: 1 – 8) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage we see the heart of Jesus for worship of God to be in spirit and in truth. The worship of God had degenerated into the exploitation of the worshipers. Jesus takes the priority and place of worship very seriously. The post The Passion of Jesus for the House of God (John 2:12 – 25) first appeared on The Oasis.
We will examine the events surrounding the wedding feast where Jesus turned the water into wine. How can this sign encourage our hearts today? The post Jesus’ First Miracle (John 2:1 – 11) first appeared on The Oasis.
This passage reminds us of how important it is to be open and receptive to someone or something new. The life Jesus’ followers left behind was superseded by the life they experienced with Jesus. The post Finding Christ – Following Christ (John 1: 40 – 51) first appeared on The Oasis.
John the Baptist tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the per-eminent One, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. The post Who Is Jesus? (John 1:29 – 39) first appeared on The Oasis.
John describes his personal role and responsibility in God’s plan. he knows who he is, where he came from, and where he is going. It is a great example for all of us. The post John the Baptist’s Testimony (John 1 : 19 – 28) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reminds us that Jesus is the key to our understanding God and experiencing Him more deeply. Leaving Jesus out or on the fringe only reduces men to groping in the darkness. Jesus is the light of men. The post The Only Way To Know God (John 1 : 14 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reminds us of the power of our personal testimony and the sufficiency of God’s light for belief. However, he also reminds us that the spiritual darkness is powerful as well as preventing mankind from even recognizing their own Creator; a Creator Who isn’t distant or cold but very much wanting to be involved in […] The post The Power of Light and Darkness (John 1 : 6 – 13) first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s revelation to man has been personified in the coming of Jesus Christ. See how Jesus expresses who God is perfectly and fully. The post Introducing the Word of God (John 1:1-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul and his ministry have certainly been under the microscope by the Corinthians. Paul concludes his letter by asking for proof or evidence of their spiritual life. The post A Call for Self – Examination (2 Corinthians 13:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul is heartbroken over the damage that has been caused in the church through negative influence. His only hope and prayer s that those he loves and cares for so much will see the situation for what it really is. The post Grieving Over One’s Spiritual Children (2 Corinthians 12: 11-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares with us how his thorn in the flesh enabled him to overcome things in his life. Because God’s grace is enough, any believer can conquer whatever life brings. The post Born of God to Overcome (2 Corinthians 12: 1 – 10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul contrasts his ministry with the false teachers who were abusive, divisive, and aloof. Paul states that true servants of Jesus Christ come to serve, not to be served. The post Sent To Serve (2 Corinthians 11:16 – 33) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul is willing to become what he normally is not for the spiritual welfare of others. This passage reminds us that sometimes a situation dictates that we be willing to step out of our comfort zone. The post Fighting For Souls. (2 Corinthians 11: 1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Pastor Chad Rasmussen (guest speaker) The post “Patience Child, Patience” (Psalm 37) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul contrasts his ministry with the false teachers who have influenced the Corinthians against him. The post Spiritual Ministry (2 Corinthians 10: 1-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul describes in this passage what spiritual prosperity really looks like and how it reveals itself in our lives. This is so needed because of all the false teaching on this subject today. The post Spiritual Prosperity (2 Corinthians 9:1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds all of us that selfless benevolence and goodness demonstrated towards others is a product of God’s active grace in our lives. The post The Generosity of Grace (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 24) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that the actions he took were out of a deep love for them and a concern for their spiritual well being. When he receives news of how they responded he is greatly encouraged. The post The Words of a True Friend (2 Corinthians 7:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
The apostle Paul relates principles form his own ministry that sheds light on why his life was so effective in impacting others for Christ. The post Paul’s Personal Testimony About Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, Paul reveals his personal motivation which can also provide powerful fuel for our own lives. The post Motivation For Our Christian Life and Ministry (2 Corinthians 5:11 -21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many questions that we have concerning death are not addressed in the Bible, but in this passage Paul reveals much comforting and encouraging truth concerning death that should permanently change our perspective. The post A Biblical Perspective on Death (2 Corinthians 5:1-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
There are so many Christians who struggle to serve at all, much less to serve at a high level over a long period of time. How we sustain quality ministry is what Paul shares with us in this chapter. The post Principles of Effective Christian Service (2 Corinthians 4:1 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant in this passage and reveals to us the superiority of the new and what results are produced in the lives of those who believe. The post Experiencing God’s Glory (2 Corinthians 3: 7-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Even in our darkest valleys, our darkest days, God is there. The post Guest Speaker BrianTammany (Psalm 23:4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul encourages the Corinthians that God is always our source of victory and is our confidence and competence in serving Him. The post Living In Victory (2 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul lays out for the church his reasoning behind his change of plans and how to carry through a situation within the church that demanded the discipline of a believer. The post Paul’s Explanation and Instruction (2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul seeks to explain his change of plans to the Corinthian church and to reinforce the faithfulness of God. The post The Pain of Being Misunderstood (2 Corinthians 1 : 12 – 20) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reveals to us some of the reasons for and significance for the suffering that we go through in this life and why God allows us to suffer. The post Encouragement In The Midst of Suffering (2 Corinthians 1:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Not only was the resurrection a spectacular display of who God is but there were many other evidences of God’s power and glory manifested around this defining time. An Outline of Luke 24 The post Events Surrounding The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24) first appeared on The Oasis.
This passage certainly reminds us that Jesus was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world and that God was in complete control of the events in Jesus’ life. An Outline of Luke 23 The post Jesus’ Trials and Crucifixion (Luke 23) first appeared on The Oasis.
What would Jesus say and do in His last hours before the cross with His disciples? Wanting to make a lasting impression these actions and words have significant meaning. An Outline of Luke 22 with His disciples? The post Jesus Last Moments With His Disciples (Luke 22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus uses the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a pattern for what will take place when He returns and how His followers can remain faithful during such unsettling times. An Outline of Luke 21 The post Jesus’ Discourse on End Time Events (Luke 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter draws the line between the religious leaders of Israel and Jesus and who is fit to lead the nation in spiritual matters.An Outline of Luke 20 The post Conflict In Jerusalem (Luke 20) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem, we learn several important things about the heart of Jesus that will benefit us as we follow Him.An Outline of Luke 19 The post Lessons from Jesus’ Journey (Luke 19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus demonstrates in this chapter how one’s faith is tied to prayer, humility, grace, and suffering. All reveal the condition of our faith and our need for stronger faith.An Outline of Luke 18 The post Preparing His Disciples for His Departure (Luke18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus shares with His followers the importance and impact of relationships, gratefulness, faith, and a proper understanding of His kingdom.An Outline of Luke 17 The post Aspects of Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ (Luke 17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Our impact on eternity and our responsibilities throughout eternity are based upon how we manage the resources and opportunities God provides.An Outline of Luke 16 The post Looking At Life As A Stewardship (Luke 16) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter contains three parables that explain why Jesus associates with sinners. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is last.An Outline of Luke 15 The post The God Who Restores (Luke 15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Luke describes for us that Jesus continues to minister despite the continued rejection and opposition He is facing. This passage should encourage all of us who are serving Jesus in any way. An Outline of Luke 14 The post The Resoluteness of Jesus (Luke 14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus’ ministry was no different than ours. There were always opportunities to become distracted or get off message. But, in this passage, we see Jesus masterfully sticking to His primary message and mission.An Outline of Luke 13 The post Jesus – Staying On Message (Luke 13) first appeared on The Oasis.
There are many things that can trip us up as we follow Jesus Christ. Luke shares with us major obstacles that Jesus taught His disciples that are still derailing disciples of Christ today.An Outline of Luke 12 The post The Hazards of Discipleship (Luke 12) first appeared on The Oasis.
As we continue to follow Jesus’ ministry, we continually become aware of the spiritual struggle taking place behind the scenes. God wants us to be aware of this struggle in our own lives and surrender to Him.An Outline of Luke 11 The post God’s Way vs. Man’s Way(Luke 11) first appeared on The Oasis.
In the response of Jesus to His disciples when they returned from a ministry trip and in the teaching on the good Samaritan and the events that took place in Martha and Mary’s home, we gain great insight into the priorities Jesus wanted to instill into His followers. An Outline of Luke 10 The post The Priorities of Jesus (Luke 10) first appeared on The Oasis.
There are many different definitions for being a disciple of Jesus Christ, but in Luke chapter 9 we gain a clear perspective on what discipleship is all about An Outline of Luke 9 The post Defining Discipleship (Luke 9) first appeared on The Oasis.
We stand in awe as Luke unfold for us Jesus’ ministry among men. Jesus is looking for faith, confidence, and trust in Him.An Outline of Luke 8 The post Being With Jesus (Luke 8) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter, we see Jesus interacting with different individuals, meeting them where they are. Jesus wants to meet with all of us today right where we are.An Outline of Luke 7 The post Healing, Doubting, and Annointing (Luke 7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Through the ages the intent of God’s words has become more and more cloudy and confusing. Jesus’ ministry was to bring clear understanding to what God originally meant. An Outline of Luke 6 The post Bringing Clarity To Men (Luke 6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Every ministry has a core set of values from which everything within that ministry is based. Jesus manifests in the way He ministers where His values lie.An Outline of Luke 5 The post Jesus’ Philosophy of Ministry (Luke 5) first appeared on The Oasis.
An Outline of Luke 4 Jesus’ earliest experiences sharpened the focus and set the tone for His entire earthly ministry. A ministry that He is continuing through His followers today. The post The Foundation of Jesus’ Earthly Ministry (Luke 4) first appeared on The Oasis.
We will explore the importance of God’s preparational work in our lives and see how John’s ministry can be applied to our ministry today.An Outline of Luke 3 The post The Ministry of JohnThe Baptist (Luke 3) first appeared on The Oasis.
How did the coming of God into the world change people’s lives? How does Jesus coming into our lives change ours? There are amazing parallels as we explore this well known passage.An Outline of Luke 2 The post God With Us (Luke 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
After 400 years of silence God begins again to speak to His people. In Luke chapter 1, we experience the great preparation involved with the coming of the Messiah. An Outline of Luke 1 The post Our Faith Built Upon Facts (Luke 1) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many of us have an unrealistic picture of what church was like when the apostles were still here. Even then, these were churches being torn apart by huge egos and there were good examples and bad examples of how we should treat one another within the church. ****Due to an equipment error, the first 5 […] The post Tension In The Church (3 John 9-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Being faithful to God isn’t just measured in knowing the truth but in living it our everday. When we do this consistently, our discernment which keeps us in balance will grow as well. The post Celebrating The Faithful (3 John 1 – 8) first appeared on The Oasis.
John reminds us that if we don’t remain watchful and spiritually keep our guard up in the days in which there is so much deception, we will suffer great loss. The post The Necessity of Discernment (2 John 7 – 13) first appeared on The Oasis.
There are many things on which a local church could focus but John’s letter to this beleaguered church should bring clarity to any Christian community. The post The Foundations of The Church (2 John 1 – 6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Forgiveness, expecting the best in others and confidence in God’s transforming power are just a few of the elements Paul describes to us that will enable us to keep our relationships in perspective. The post Navigating and Nurturing Meaningful Relationships (Philemon vv. 12 – 25) first appeared on The Oasis.
All of us will find ourselves in situations throughout our lives that will require us to have delicate conversations with others. Paul gives us a great pattern for how this should be done. The post Working Through Difficult Situations (Philemon 1 – 11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Pastor Brian Tammany (guest speaker) The post Psalms 103: God’s Benefit Package first appeared on The Oasis.
No matter how successful or blessed we are, we must never place our trust or confidence in anything or anyone other than God Himself. The post The Peril of Prosperity (2 Samuel #10) first appeared on The Oasis.
It has been said that last words are lasting words. What is on David’s mind and heart as he reflects back on his life? The post David’s Last Words (2 Samuel #9) first appeared on The Oasis.
We learn about the consequences of our actions but we also discover there is forgiveness with God and a fulfilling future if we will but acknowledge our sin. The post The Price of Sin Is High (2 Samuel #8) first appeared on The Oasis.
We learn from the example of David that one’s spiritual decline is due to the neglect of priorities that has weakened the foundation of our lives over time rather than from one bad decision. The post The Cause of a Leader’s Downfall first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus taught us to “count the cost” before engaging in conflict and dealing with challenges. Many begin new projects well but cannot sustain because of a lack of commitment. The post The Importance of Focus and Resolve (2 Samuel #6) first appeared on The Oasis.
This season of David’s leadership reminds us that when our lives are operating by God’s grace, we won’t wait for opportunities to come to us, we will look for ways to help others. The post Gracious In Victory (2 Samuel #6) first appeared on The Oasis.
When God says “no” to something we must learn to trust that He has something even better in mind for us. See how David responded when God said “no.” The post God’s Plan For Our Lives Is Always Best (2 Samuel #5) first appeared on The Oasis.
Alive in Christ (Its a Bug’s Life) The post Pastor Chad Rasmussen first appeared on The Oasis.
David’s passion was to worship God, but there is a correct way to do it. Jesus said we must worship God in spirit and in truth. This passage is a great reminder to give attention to how we worship not just who we worship. The post The Ark of God (2 Samuel #4) first appeared on The Oasis.
What we are building our life on or trusting in is the key to all our lives. If our foundation can be taken away, then we are only as stable as long as it remains. But, if our foundation has permanency, then we are enabled to remain stable forever. The post Foundations(2 Samuel #3) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though God is always at work, man will seek to scheme and plot to get ahead of others in this life instead of acknowledging and resting in what God is doing. See how this leader God is developing navigates this treacherous journey. The post Expect Resistance (2 Samuel #2) first appeared on The Oasis.
David is a model for growing into the person God created us to be. We see how God is shaping David and how God shapes us to reach our potential. The post A Growing Leader (2 Samuel #1) first appeared on The Oasis.
In His prayer before He is arrested, we are able to capture what is truly important to Jesus concerning those who follow Him in light of the requests He makes to the Father. The post The Priorities of Jesus for His Followers (John 17: 12 – 26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus was about to endure the suffering of the cross and separation from the Father. Yet, He left us a great example of where our focus should be as He pours out His heart to the Father. The post Jesus Praying (John 17:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
When we learn to turn all of life over to God we begin to experience His joy and peace. The post Turning Life Over to God (John 16:17-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
As we seek to live for God, many times our lives are filled with challenges. This passage teaches us that whatever challenge we face, God will always provide the necessary resources to meet those challenges. The post God, The Great Provider (John 16:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
What does it mean to have God as a friend? Find out as Jesus prepares us for what we will face. The post Friendship With God (John 15:14-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
God desires His people to be fruitful. What does being fruitful mean and how can one achieve maximum fruitfulness? The post Lessons From God’s Vineyard John 15:1-13 first appeared on The Oasis.
There are many things that God provides that make life more enjoyable but Jesus shares with His followers what is absolutely essential in navigating life well. The post What Jesus Provides for His Followers (John 14:15 – 31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus teaches the disciples what one must do in order to keep calm and composed amidst life’s trials. The post The Cure For Care- (John 14:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
When everything in life is taken from us and God is all we have, we realize He is all we need. Yet for one who has everything but God, their life is spent in pursuit of only what God can fulfill. The post God Is All We Need- (1 Samuel 30 – 31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Who do we go to for advice, direction and counsel in our lives? Where we go and to whom we listen says much about the condition of our own spirit. The post The Tragic Consequences of a Spiritual Vacuum(1 Samuel 28 – 29) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Bible is filled with stories of God using various vessels to accomplish His will. In this chapter, God will use an amazing, wise and gracious young lady to prevent disaster. The post How God Prevented A Fool From Starting A War-1 Samuel 25 first appeared on The Oasis.
When we desire and seek God’s guidance in navigating life He will answer us and lead us. Once we know what God’s will is we must be obedient. God will encourage our obedience through His reassurance. The post Trusting In The Lord Leads To Triumph Everytime- 1 Samuel 23 – 24 first appeared on The Oasis.
Everyone is susceptible to discouragement from time to time. See the lessons that David learned form working through his own discouragement. The post In The Midst of Our Discouragement, God is There (1 Samuel 21 -22) first appeared on The Oasis.
How should we navigate life when everything seems to be working against us? Why does God allow such negative circumstances in our lives? The post Hated and Hunted:Saul’s Pursuit of David (1 Samuel 19 – 20) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many of us are looking for a good friend. Here we find the qualities of a healthy and lasting friendship. The post The Friendship of David & Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-30) first appeared on The Oasis.
We will all face giants in our lives. What characteristics will enable us to overcome them? Why does God allow giants in our lives in the first place? Our biggest obstacles may not be the giants themselves. The post Slaying Our Giants (1 Samuel 17) first appeared on The Oasis.
By Pastor Jeff Royce The post BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS #15 PART III first appeared on The Oasis.
By Pastor Jeff Royce The post BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS #15 PART II first appeared on The Oasis.
By Pastor Jeff Royce The post BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS #7 PART II first appeared on The Oasis.