Akron FBC: Recent Episodes
Michael Moos
Akron FBC is a biblically based church where all are welcome! Here, we will dive in and discuss what God's Word says about living an abundant, fulfilled, and renewed life through Christ!
Join us!
Imagine that you are a Christian living in first-century Rome, during the time of Emperor Nero's persecutions. If the authorities discover that you are a believer, it could mean arrest and death. So, instead of gathering in a church, you and your fellow believers have assembled underneath the city in catacombs, surrounded by skeletons and cadavers.Now, imagine that you are there on the Lord's Day, worshipping with your congregation, and the pastor walks in with a new document - the gospel of Mark. This gospel was written for the Christians who were suffering persecution in Rome, to remind them of their salvation in Christ and to teach them about the suffering Jesus Himself experienced.The gospel of Mark begins with the words, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." It is a powerful message of hope and faith in times of great adversity.
Psalm 23:1-6 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Christ is the central person in the Bible. Calvary is the central place in the Bible.
Everything that happened in the Old Testament points us forward to Jesus Christ and the cross. Everything in the New Testament after Christ's death, burial, and resurrection points us back to Jesus Christ and the cross.
The death of Jesus is not the end of the story. It’s the theme of the story. This truth couldn’t be more clearly seen than when we read Psalm 22.
I John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
Ever felt frustrated waiting on God? You're not alone. Join us as we explore the theme of waiting in Psalm 27 and discover why waiting on the Lord is never wasted time.
🎙️🙏 Dive into the songs of David as we continue our journey through the Life of David series on our podcast!
After a hiatus for Christmas and our Moving Forward series, we're back with a gripping exploration of David's life during his time on the run from King Saul. 🏃♂️
Join us as we delve into the emotional rollercoaster David faced, from feeling forgotten and forsaken to finding trust, rejoicing in salvation, and ultimately singing praises to the Lord. 🎶✨
Tune in to discover how David's prayers and songs in the darkness can inspire us to turn our "how longs" into hallelujahs! 🔍🙌
Ephesians 4:25-32 – “Wherefore putting away lying,speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that steal steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of yourmouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
In Colossians 3:16, we find three truths that teach us how we can be effective in giving and receiving admonition.
Learning how to love is the greatest lesson we can learn as Christians. It is one of the very reasons why God created us - to learn His love and to share it with others.
We’re going to take a break from posting our daily devotional! We will be back in February! Praying for you all and Merry Christmas!
(Luke 1:46-55) With the incarnate Son of God within her womb, Mary sings a hymn of praise.
This is an excerpt of a sermon preached by Pastor Michael a few years ago on the Christmas story from Luke 2.
This is an excerpt of a sermon preached by Pastor Michael a few years ago on the Christmas story from Luke 2.
This is an excerpt of a sermon preached by Pastor Michael a few years ago on the Christmas story from Luke 2.
God’s plan for the unity of the church can be realized when the believers properly carry out their work.
Romans 12:5 – “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
Romans 12:6 – “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…”
This is an excerpt of a sermon preached by Pastor Michael a few years ago on the Christmas story from Luke 2.
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
In this ten-lesson study, we are going to discover powerful truths from the “one another” passages of the New Testament, and learn God’s design for cultivating healthy, godly relationships.
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
Join us over the next four weeks as Pastor Michael breathes new life into the stories of Christmas by looking at several aspects of the story with a fresh view.
These stories—like your favorite Christmas ornaments—come in various shapes and sizes. They unfold in settings from a silent night in Bethlehem to a nation on the brink of war and political anarchy.
Discover the heavenly battle between angels and demons preceding Christ's birth. Walk in Joseph's shoes as he ponders the miracle before him. Travel with the wise men as they journey across the Middle East following the Christmas star.
Break free from the familiar and discover something you never knew about the story you've always heard this Sunday at 𝘼𝙠𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝘽𝘾!
This is an excerpt from a message preached a few years ago about "God's Christmas Tree."
Join us as we explore David's journey to the Cave of Adullam in I Samuel 22:2 and Psalm 142.
Seeking refuge, David ends up becoming a captain for those in distress, debt, and discontent. Sound familiar during the holidays? Discover how to navigate overwhelming responsibilities while finding your own refuge.
Join us for an exciting message on the story of David from I Samuel 19-21.
David, once anointed and hailed a hero, now finds himself running for his life. Explore the twists and turns of his adventure as he flees from Saul.
Ever felt like you're on the run? Whether from problems, fear, or transitions, we all go through seasons of running.
Discover the relatable challenges David faced and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.
There are so many recommendations out there for handling anxiety.
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But we find the Biblical answer in verse 6 –
Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Philippians 4:6 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Are you ready to experience a profound shift in your life? It's time to live with an attitude of gratitude! Join us for an inspiring sermon that will touch your heart as we delve into the timeless wisdom of I Thessalonians 5:18.
The most important aspect of developing a rooted faith – is to make sure your faith is in the right object.
For us to please God with our faith, we must first understand what true biblical faith is.
Take-home questions for Small Group and Family Devotions.
1. Why do you think the friendship between David andJonathan is considered one of the greatest friendships in history?
2. How can having a common faith in God strengthen afriendship?
3. Do you have friends with whom you share a common faith?How has it influenced your friendship?
4. Do you think it's possible to have godly friendships withpeople who don't share your faith? Why or why not?
5. Can you share an example of a time when you showedunconditional love to a friend or received it from a friend?
6. In what ways has your relationship with Jesus influencedyour ability to be a godly friend to others?
7. What practical steps can you take to strengthen anddevelop godly friendships in your life?
In a world filled with uncertainties, there's an unshakable foundation that leads to God's pleasure. Discover the profound wisdom of Hebrews 11:6 as we explore the remarkable connection between unwavering faith and divine satisfaction.
I Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice evermore.”
I Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
It is important to keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the throne of God at all times. Whether you're waiting at a stoplight, in school, at the doctor, doing laundry, or mowing the lawn, use any spare moment to connect with God.
The Story of David series continues to unfold as one of the most epic friendships in history begins in 1 Samuel 18!
In II Timothy 4:7-8, we are given three reasons why wecan move from being a fearful Christian to a faithful Christian.
The words spoken by a person before they die can be very powerful and hold a special meaning. In the book of II Timothy 4, we read some of the final words of the Apostle Paul. He said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
It was an extra exciting Sunday at Akron FBC! We are thankful for those baptized and the families that formally joined our church today!
II Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
I John 4:10 – "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Not only is God’s love defined in I John 4, but it’s also displayed.
I John 4:9 –“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
God's perfect love for you existed in eternity before time began. This almighty God loves you with an almighty love.
Learning how to love is the most crucial lesson Christians can learn during their time on earth. It is one of the primary reasons God created us - to understand His love and show love towards others in the same way.
I John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
- The most important thing Christians can learn while on earth is how to love.
Join us for an inspiring sermon on 1 Samuel 17, where we delve into the timeless story of David and Goliath. While David's bravery and faith are commendable, we'll uncover a deeper truth: Jesus is the true hero of this narrative.
Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your understanding of the powerful presence of Christ in our lives.
No matter who you are, you are going to face difficulties, trials, and tragedies throughout the course of your life.
But here’s the good news– for the Christian, we have something to help us get through those difficulties – and that’s the presence of God.
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Do you realize the magnitude of God’s greatness in this sentence?
These simple words explode into small intakes of truth. There is so
much doctrine filled into these ten simple words.
The only way we will be able to learn to be content in all things – is by trusting in the almighty promises of God. And in verse 13, we find one of the greatest promises of all time – Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
🌄 Are you facing insurmountable challenges in your life? Are you stuck in the valley of uncertainty, fear, or doubt? Don't lose hope! Just as David faced Goliath in the valley of Elah, you too can find victory in your own valleys.
The Bible is filled with passages that can be used to encourage, correct, and challenge. However, we often struggle to give context to these passages, and that leads us to confuse the message. It’s not enough to place a verse on a coffee mug if we don’t understand it or let it affect our lives! This f series will focus on one familiar verse each week and help the hearers better understand that verse.
🌟 Are you feeling like you're in a season of waiting? Just like David, God is orchestrating something beautiful in your life. Through the skillful strumming of David's harp, we'll uncover the divine plan that God had in mind long before David faced Goliath in I Samuel 17.
In this inspirational message, we'll explore the profound lessons hidden within the story of David's early life (Samuel 16:12-23) and the power of God's preparation.
🕊️ Discover how David's harp-playing touched the heart of God and led him to be known as a "man after God's own heart."
In case you missed it, we invite you to listen to Plymouth County YFC Campus Life Director Abe Curiel's inspiring sermon on the life of Jonah.
Abe's heartfelt testimony will touch your spirit and provide fresh insights into the age-old story. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, inspiration, or a moment of reflection, this sermon is for you.
Get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in biblical history, King David.
"The Story of David" will take you through the highs and lows of David's life - from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy to his triumphant reign as a king.
You'll witness his unwavering faith, courage, and the profound relationship he had with God. These timeless lessons from his life will surely resonate with each and every one of us.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, God peels back the curtain of time and reveals key end time events.
Are you searching for answers to life's most profound question: "Who Am I?" Join us as we delve into the Word of God and uncover our true identity in Christ.
Scripture is clear that there are unseen spiritual forces in the world that actively oppose God and people of God.
Does the prospect of sharing your faith with someone else scare you? If so, there is good news! You have the divine Helper - God Himself!
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God loves you. (John 3:16)
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Everyone is a sinner. (Romans 3:23)
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Sin has a price that must be paid. (Romans 6:23)
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Jesus Christ died to pay for your sin. (Romans 5:8)
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You can ask Christ to be your Savior. (Romans 10:13)
🌟 Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of faith! In a world filled with uncertainties, there's an unshakable foundation that leads to God's pleasure. Discover the profound wisdom of Hebrews 11:6 as we explore the remarkable connection between unwavering faith and divine satisfaction.
The message of salvation is the greatest news in the world, and we should share it with others.
Giving begins with what God has already given to us, but it doesn't end with our gift. It ends with the incredible promises of God.
There are many principles throughout God's Word regarding making financial decisions. But in this lesson, we will focus primarily on scriptural principles regarding giving to God's work.
The church is not simply an add-on to the Christian life. It is an essential part of Christian growth.
Throughout the New Testament, we see a pattern for how a local church is organized, what it believes, and how it operates
In this lesson, we will see the importance of the church, what the church actually is, and how God uses the church in our lives.
In this lesson, we will see the importance of the church, what the church actually is, and how God uses the church in our lives.
God's plan for every person is for them to be saved by putting their trust in Jesus Christ and to actively participate in their local church
🙌 Join us as we explore the profound teachings of Philippians 4:14-18 and uncover the joy of living and giving generously, both in our lives and to our church community. 🤝
We can't live a holy (set apart) life by ourselves, but through God's grace, it develops within us as we grow in our Christian walk.
I Corinthians 10:13 - "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Isaiah 46:9 - "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,”
We have been blessed with the ability to conquer sin and temptation that may cross our path, thanks to the power of God working through us.
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Join us for our latest sermon, "The Power of Proper Thinking," where we will draw wisdom from Philippians 4:8-9. This empowering message will highlight the transformative impact of biblically correct thoughts and the joy they can bring. Learn how to cultivate a resilient mind and embrace life's challenges with faith and grace. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the keys to a more fulfilling life!
At the moment of your salvation, God Himself came to live within you in the person of the Holy Spirit
As you continue to learn and apply God's Word, you will discover that it has the power to truly transform your life.
Discover lasting peace amidst life's worries. Join us as we explore Philippians 4:6-7 and learn how the power of prayer overcomes worry, leading to profound peace and divine assurance.
When it comes to the Bible, it's not just about what we know; it is about what we do with what we know.
To experience the personal impact of the Bible, it's important to make it a consistent part of your daily routine. God has given us various ways to incorporate His Word into our daily lives.
God's Word is not only true; it is life-changing. It can meet your life's deepest needs and answer your heart's greatest questions.
Prayer is more than just a tool for asking and receiving from God. It plays a crucial role in our communication with Him, which is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.
Interpersonal relationships are an essential part of life whether it be family, friends, workplace, or church. When disharmony occurs within these relationships, it can be devastating.
Philippians 4 provides an example of disunity within a congregation. Pastor Michael will share this New Testament example, how the apostle Paul approached the matter, and what it means for our relationships in our local church!
Many individuals have discovered the ACTS acrostic to be a useful tool for guiding their prayer sessions.
When the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray, He gave them a model for what to pray about. (Matthew 6:9-13)
In a world filled with uncertainty and doubt, it is crucial to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truths of God's Word. Join us for an inspiring sermon on Philippians 3:17-21, where we will delve into the incredible concept of being rooted in biblical confidence!
Our Summer's Journey series is currently focusing on the topic of Baptism. As I was preparing for upcoming messages, I came across this episode of Everyday Truth by Kurt Skelly. I found it to be a great summary of the subject and thought it would be helpful to recommend it. If you're looking for more to listen to, this podcast is definitely worth checking out!
(It's longer than ours, so this will cover us for the rest of the week)
https://faithva.org/podcasts/
Acts 2:41 - "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
You can't lose your salvation.
Salvation isn't about feeling, it's about fact.
God gives us assurance throughout His Word
Acts 1:3 - “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
Three truths to summarize how what we have studied in this lesson can help us grow in our relationship with God:
In this powerful message, we will explore the theme of moving from a life bound by religious rituals to a vibrant and life-changing relationship with God.
In addition to the truth that God is a Trinity - three in one - the Bible tells us much more about our God and His characteristics.
The Bible tells us that there is one true God.
Ephesians 4:6 - " One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
God doesn't expect us to figure out for ourselves who He is. He has specifically revealed Himself to Us.
Jeremiah 30:2 - "Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book."
I Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
✨ Discover the essence of true joy in the Christian faith as we delve into the rich teachings of Philippians 3:1.
II Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
II Peter 1:19-21 - "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
II Peter 3:18 - "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
New Series - "A Summer's Journey" - A Biblical journey through the essential of the Christian faith.
Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
John 15:16 - "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
James 5:16 - " Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Clip from our Heart of Worship series at Akron FBC - Tune in tomorrow for our new series!
The last episode of the series!
Six Steps To Achieving Self-Discipline.
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Accept your dissatisfaction
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Adjust your thoughts
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Avoid tempting situations
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Acquire new habits
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Accountability partners
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Abide in Christ
Six Steps To Achieving Self-Discipline.
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Accept your dissatisfaction
-
Adjust your thoughts
-
Avoid tempting situations
-
Acquire new habits
-
Accountability partners
Six Steps To Achieving Self-Discipline.
-
Accept your dissatisfaction
-
Adjust your thoughts
-
Avoid tempting situations
Six Steps To Achieving Self-Discipline.
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Accept your dissatisfaction
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Adjust your thoughts
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
6 Steps To Achieving Self-Discipline.
- Accept your dissatisfaction
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
There is a sense in which our every failure is a lack of self-control.
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22-23 - " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness..."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness..."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness..."
The story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion is one of betrayal, brutality, despair, and pain. Yet we know even before His death that redemption was promised to be coming soon. We know that the story does not end at the cross. We know what many did not realize – that Sunday’s comin’
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness..."
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness..."
To develop our faith, we need problems.
Romans 5:3 - " And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"
The late S.M. Lockridge’s words about Jesus are still inspiring and powerful. This updated version offers a new look for a timeless message.
Coach Knute Rockne delivered an inspiring halftime speech to his 1928 football team. "Win One For The Gipper" has become one of the most well known locker room speeches of all time.
The church at Philippi experienced an even more powerful speech from "Coach" Paul in his letter to them. Listen as Pastor Micahel gives 3 keys found in Philippians chapter 1 to Gospel Focused Living.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday evening and my daughter decided to join in the fun!
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."
Galatians 5:22- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."
Galatians 5:22- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."
In Philippians 1:21, we find Paul’s purpose statement for his life – “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."
Three Reasons Why We Should Want To Be Good:
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Inward Reason
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Outward Reason
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Upward Reason
The spiritual fruit of goodness is defined as “uprightness of heart and life; virue equipped and ready at any point.”
Goodness – It means “integrity; being the same person in every situation rather than a phony or a hypocrite.”
The Fruit of Goodness
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness..."
Philippians 1:9-11– “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
This is a Holy Spirit generated kindness and ease that expresses care and compassion to others.
4 Key Strategies To Developing Patience:
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Embrace your afflictions
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Live by faith
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Make a decision to run and not quit
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Keep your focus on Jesus
Hebrews 10:36 - "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
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Remember God's goodness
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Rejoice no matter what.
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Remain (abide) in a loving personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Countless times throughout the Bible we are told to Wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Every fruit of the spirit is a trait of Jesus Christ.
Longsuffering (Patience) is an attribute of God.
Longsuffering is a Holy Spirit developed quality of endurance that patiently waits without becoming angry or frustrated.
The single most important thing Christian’s can learn while on earth – is to learn how to love.
That’s one of the reasons God created us – To learn His love, and to learn to love others in that same way.
(I John 4:7-12)
One of the most important traits of the Christian life is patience. We live in a hurry up world. It takes too long to cook a meal, so we have microwaves. It takes too long to go to the bank, so we make deposits with our phones. It takes too long to develop a skill, so we have apps to help us along.
Yet nothing of lasting value can ever be accomplished unless we are willing to invest the time, diligence, and effort to achieve it.
We need to patience and longsufferring.
We have the God of all comfort in our life.
II Corinthians 1:3 – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”
The moment we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we were given the privilege of entering God’s holy presence. Jesus, with full authority as God’s Son, now escorts us into the kingdom throne room.
Ephesians 3:12 – “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
John 17:20 - "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;"
Hebrews 7:25 - "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
Romans 8:6 - "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Isaiah 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
John 15:4-5 - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
James 1:2-3 - "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (trials) ; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
John 15:2 - "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
John 15:7 - "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
We speak of sharing the gospel as and obligation and a commandment to fulfill, and it is. But sharing the gospel is so much more than that - it is also a source of great joy.
The moment of salvation is inexpressibly joyous.
Luke 10:20 – “…rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
John 15:10 - "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
Let's discover the definition of real love, not in the pages of poetry or in the lyrics of a song, but through God and His Word.
The single most important thing Christian’s can learn while on earth – is to learn how to love.
That’s one of the reasons God created us – To learn His love, and to learn to love others in that same way.
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You are invited to Siouxland Youth For Christ’s Be The Story event on Sunday, January 15th at 5:00 pm At the Akron Golf Course. At this next step event you’ll hear how YFC has made a difference in the lives of youth in other communities and have the opportunity to partner with us in launching youth ministry this spring in Akron! This event is free to attend and dinner is provided, I would love for you to join me at my table! You can RSVP on YFC’s website here: https://siouxlandyfc.org/event/akron-be-the-story/.
People in today's society are starving for love, bet they are looking for it in the wrong places.
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love..."
When we make mistakes, we often think, "Will God give me a second chance?"
A better question to ask is, "What am I going to do with the chance God gives me?"
Take a listen as Pastor Michael teaches how to live and tackle failures in light of God's relentless love and mercy!
Galatians 5:19 - "Now the works of the flesh are manifest..."
Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is..."
Bottom line: you can be led by the flesh, or you can be led by the Spirit of God, but you can’t be led by both — they are in constant conflict.
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Christian Growth Is Gradual
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The Growth Of The Spirit's Fruit Is Inevitable
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The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Internal
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Christian Growth Is Symmetrical
What is bearing fruit? Essentially, it is becoming like Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives as a change in our character and outlook. As we spend time with Jesus, cultivating our relationship, and getting to know Him better, His thoughts will become our thoughts. His purpose will become our purpose. We will become like Jesus.
In this episode, we cover the abiding verses in John 15:1-5.
Apart from Jesus Christ we cannot accomplish anything of lasting value. In our selves, fruit does not grow naturally; weeds grow naturally. But when we maintain a daily, dependent, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, our lives will produce fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Fruit is the outward sign of the presence and power of God in our life.
God has given to every believer the supernatural, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The only way to truly live the Christian life is by allowing the "stream" of the Holy Spirit to flow freely through your life.
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
New Year = New Podcast Series!
"The Fruit of a Faithful Life" daily devotional series will highlight one of the traits of the fruits of the Spirit each week! The new year serves as a time of reflection and goal setting. A time where we determine words of the year, aspirations, and focus shifts.
The Scripture gives us everything we need. By being filled with the Spirit, we will be able to produce fruits for a life of love, joy, peace, and more!
Listen daily and allow God to guide you in a Spirit-filled life in 2023!
Wrapping up our series on Ephesians.
Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:13 - "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-12 - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Ephesians 6:9 - "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."
Ephesians 6:5-8 - "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."
Ephesians 6:4 - "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
Ephesians 6:1-4 -"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Ephesians 5:33– “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence (respect) her husband.”
Join us each Sunday in December as Pastor Michael takes us through the story of Christmas like you've never heard before.
With a new emphasis each week, we'll find where to aim our focus during this season and all year long!
Ephesians 5:18-21– “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit, Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Tim Christoson said, “The fulness of the Spirit is the door through which we enter the happy and healthy Christian home.”
Ephesians 5:18 - “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit,
The 19 verses that follow this command are the most complete instructions on family relationships found in the Bible. We are powerless to follow these instructions and to accomplish the unity He desires without the Spirit’s enabling.
The hustle of the holidays with the excitement, stress, grief that may accompany it, serve as distractions during the season. We find ourselves continually trying to adjust our focus on better things.
Join us each Sunday in December as Pastor Michael takes us through the story of Christmas like you've never heard before.
With a new emphasis each week, we'll find where to aim our focus during this season and all year long!
"What's Your Focus?" Sundays 10:30 at Akron FBC!
This is an excerpt from a message I preached a few years ago at Elk Point Baptist Church concerning God's Christmas Tree.
I Peter 2:24 - "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
We will continue our study on Ephesians tomorrow!
Ephesians 5:19-20 - "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
This Spirit-Filled transforming power will begin to produce results in your life.
That’s what we discover in Ephesians 5:19-21
In those verses, we find – Five characteristics of the Spirit-Filled Life.
- Speaking
- Singing
- Making melody
- Giving thanks
- Submitting
Ephesians 5:18 - "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
Jonah 2:9 - "But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord."
What Jonah thought was his final breath was a praise to God.
Listen as Pastor Michael wraps up part one of our Jonah series!
Ephesians 5:18 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Ephesians 5:17-19 - "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
Ephesians 5:18 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Ephesians 5:17 - "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
5 Essentials For Walking In Wisdom:
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Have a strong determination to walk wisely.
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Pray for wisdom.
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Meditate on God’s Word.
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Actively obey and apply God’s Word.
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Surround yourself with other Christians.
Over the next two days, we will look at five essentials for waking in wisdom.
The first three today -
1. Have a strong determination to walk wisely.
2. Pray for wisdom.
3. Meditate on God’s Word.
Pastor Bruce Burkett, one of the leading voices in the rural ministry movement, preached a message on God’s pursuit of man, and in his message, he gave –5 Realities You Discover When You’re Pursued By God.
I want to look at those five realities in the life of Jonah today.
Ephesians 5:8– “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”
Paul gives us three admonitions concerning our walk.
Today we look at - "Walking in Love."
Ephesians 5:1-2– “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.”
I didn't have time to record our daily Bible study podcast this morning, so instead, here is a portion of a message I preached at the Midwest Church Planter's Conference in Sioux Falls.
II Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
5 Thoughts Concerning God’s Instructions:
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God’s instructions are often relational
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Don’t is always replaced with Do
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Scripture is filled with warnings and instructions
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God’s warnings and commands are loving and liberating
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They are motivated and empowered by God’s Spirit within me
We wrap up Ephesians 4 by looking at some practical ways to resolve conflict and restore relationship in your church.
We wrap up Ephesians 4 by looking at some practical ways to resolve conflict and restore relationship in your church.
Ephesians 4:32– “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Forgiveness sets us on the path to liberty. When you forgive, you set two people free – with one of them being yourself.
It is easy to get irritated at people, but it is Christlike to be compassionate toward them.
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32– “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
The book of Jonah is not about a runaway prophet, a great fish, or wicked Nineveh. It is about God. More specifically, Jonah is about the relentless love of God.
Join us as we begin a verse-by-verse study on the book of Jonah starting this Sunday at Akron FBC!
Ephesians 4:31– “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
Ephesians 4:30-31– “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
Ephesians 4:29– “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:28– “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
Ephesians 4:26-27– “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
Someone once said – “If you want to run fast run alone. If you want to run far run with others.”
The local church is God’s answer to many of life’s problems.
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Community is God’s answer to loneliness – I Cor 14.
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Community is God’s answer to fatigue – Gal. 6:10
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Community is God’s answer to defeat – Ecc. 4:10
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Community is God’s answer to despair – Rom. 12:15
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Community is God’s answer to suffering – I Thess. 5:11
In today’s world, dependency is often considered a weakness. We’re taught that we don’t need anyone to figure things out on our own. But God did not create you to be alone. He created you to depend on a spiritual family for support. That’s why He established the local church.
Authentic church life requires authentic relationships. Because the local church is made up of people, we must learn how to function correctly in our relationships.
How do we maintain love, unity, and fellowship in the church body through our relationships with one another?
Ephesians 4 gives us three core truths about the church community.
Listen as Pastor Michael deals with the first truth in today's episode.
Walking in unity and purity is not going to be accomplished by self-effort. It is only through the power of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit that makes this possible.
It's not enough to know that the Gospel redefines who we are, we must accept who we are based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Unlearning Carnality, Relearning Christ" - Cary Schmidt.
Ephesians 4:17 - "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind..."
Four Evidence’s of Spiritual Maturity - Ephesians 4:13-16
1. Christlikeness
2. Stability
3. Speaking the truth in love
4. Cooperation
Our lives will depend upon the decisions which we make—for decisions determine destiny.
In Ruth 1:16, we see one of the greatest decisions ever made - Ruth 1:16 – “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:”
This one decision by Ruth made all the difference.
Five Outcomes Of A Unified Church:
1. Believers are equipped.
2. Ministry is enhanced.
3. The church is edified.
4. Christians are established.
5. Congregation is enlarged.
(Ephesians 4:12-16)
Ephesians 4:11-14 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
I was unable to release a Bible Study episode for Thursday, so instead, here is an excerpt from a sermon I preached at the North Central Church Planter's Conference.
II Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
Study in Ephesians continues tomorrow!
Ephesians 4:11-12– ““And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
God gave the local church pastors – to lead and equip the saints for the work of the ministry and for building up the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-6– “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
If you read the book of Jonah you discover that the essence of the story is not about a great fish, but about a great God!
From beginning to end, this book feature’s what every other book in the Bible seems to highlight.
That’s the fact that -
The Bible has one author – It’s God.
The Bible has one theme – It’s redemption.
The Bible is all about one person – It’s Jesus.
It’s all connected.
There are six necessary Christian graces to experience unity. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
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Lowliness
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Meekness
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Longsuffering
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Forbearance
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Endeavor
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Peace
There are six necessary Christian graces to experience unity.
The first four are mentioned in Ephesians 4:2 - "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
Today we will look at the fourth Christians grace - "forbearance."
In order to dwell in unity longsuferring is a key attitude we need.
Ephesians 4:2 – “…with longsuffering…”
This is a Holy Spirit developed quality of endurance that patiently waits without becoming angry or frustrated.
There are six necessary Christian graces to experience unity.
The first is lowliness and the second is meekness.
Ephesians 4:2 - "With all lowliness and meekness..."
Meekness is not weakness! Meekness is power under control.
From Genesis to Malachi, Jesus Christ is either patterned, promised, or pictured is every page of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Everything that happened in the Old Testament in some way points forward to Christ and the Cross. Everything that happens in the New Testament after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ points us back to Christ and the Cross.
That’s what this series is all about.
Every week we will take two portions of Scripture – One in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament and connect them to Jesus Christ and the cross.
There are six necessary Christian graces to experience unity.
The first is in Ephesians 4:2 - "With all lowliness" Lowliness means - putting Christ first, others second, and yourself last.
Unity is the byproduct of being in step with the Holy Spirit. May God help us humbly submit to the Spirit so we may enjoy unity in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3 - "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:1-3– “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1 - "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,"
Special guest from my beautiful daughter!
Christ is the central person in the Bible, and Calvary is the central place in the Bible.
Everything that happened in the Old Testament in some way points forward to Christ and the Cross. Everything that happens in the New Testament after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ points us back to Christ and the Cross.
Join us for church this Sunday for our new series - 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨-𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, as we look at the connections between the Old and New Testament!
It's all connected - and It's all about Christ!
Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Ephesians 3:19 – “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
There are a lot of things that are going to change throughout the course of your life…
But there is one thing that will never change – That is God’s – unconditional, unrelenting, undiminished everlasting love for you.
Listen as Pastor Michael describes the love that passes knowledge in Ephesians 3!
Is Christ at home in your life? The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 - "That Christ may dwell in your hearts ..."
If He were to walk around from room to room of your heart, would He see things that would make Him uncomfortable?
It can be challenging to settle down and feel comfortable in some homes. Then other homes feel comfortable the moment you walk in. We should live so that Jesus would feel at home in every room of our hearts.
Someone once said, "Anything done in our strength will fail miserably—or succeed even more miserably."
This is one of the reasons why Paul prayed for us to be - "strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." (Eph. 3:16)
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we live a truly successful, victorious life for Jesus Christ.
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we find two different prayers from the Apostle Paul. One focuses on enlightenment, the other enablement. One deals with understanding, the other experiencing. But each prayer revolves around the same topic - Identity.
Listen as Pastor Michael introduces us to Paul's prayer found in Ephesians 3.
In this episode, we look at a very dear topic to God's heart and to the Apostle Paul. It is about the most important group on the face of the earth.
This group has made more of an impact throughout history and our society than anything else. It's the only thing on earth that's going to last forever. This group is the reason why God created the universe. And honestly, to be a part of this group is the most incredible privilege in life.
The group I'm talking about – is the church.
In the closing verses of this chapter, Paul gave three pictures that illustrate the unity of believing Jews and Gentiles in the church.
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One Nation - (Ephesians 2:19a)
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One Family - (Ephesians 2:19b)
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One Temple - (Ephesians 2:20-22)
Jesus had a mission to bring peace to His family, and He did this through Grace and Unity – by bringing Jew and Gentile together. Now, there are three words that summarize this great work that Christ did in Ephesians 2 - Separation, Reconciliation, Unification.
In Ephesians 2, we come now to a section in which the Apostle Paul deals with Christ's role as the great peacemaker among men. We find out that Jesus is our peace (v14), Jesus made peace (v15), and Jesus preached peace (v17).
We live in a very stressful world. Throughout the hustle and bustle of life, people long for a peaceful “moment” because a life of peace seems too far out of reach. God’s Word shows us how we can experience more than just a moment of peace, and God offers a life of peace to every person.
God has promised us that through His grace, we can have peace!
Listen as we cover how the peace of God surrounds every area of our life. Not just within ourselves, but the people around us.
Because of salvation and the grace of God, we get to have the very peace of Jesus Christ!
Think about this – The peace that calmed His heart when He was falsely accused. The peace that steadied Hs voice when He spoke to Pilate. The peace that kept His thoughts clear and heart pure as He hung on the cross. That peace is available to us because - Jesus is our peace.
The Bible never mentions the Christian life as something that will be easy. But Jesus said that amid your problems, in the midst of your difficulties, He will be there to give you grace and peace.
Grace and peace, just as grace and faith, and grace and mercy are vital to understanding your identity in Jesus Christ.
When the Bible says God’s grace is available to all, it gives no prerequisites. It means God’s grace is available to you whether you’re a spiritual leader, a spiritual novice, rich, poor, tall, short, black, white, or somewhere in between. God’s grace is available to you by faith.
Regardless of your status, your background, and the sins you have committed, God loves you. God’s grace is for everyone. And God’s grace is for you.
Last week, we dealt with three facets of grace in order to know God. This week, we are looking at three reasons for grace in our life.
God has a purpose for the grace He has given us!
Salvation is solely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). That truth is the biblical foundation for all we teach. But it means nothing if we begin with a misunderstanding of grace or a faulty definition of faith.
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights the third facet of grace we must understand in order to know God.
You have probably heard grace defined as God’s unmerited favor, and that is true, but it is so much more. Grace is the power that God willingly gives us to help us do what we could never do on our own.
Listen as Pastor Michael deals with the Power of Grace in Ephesians 2.
God has a heart of love and grace for us, not because of who we are, but of who He is. It is His nature and character not only to love but also to demonstrate that love.
His love for us is the driving force behind the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The very nature of God is to love His creations, which is why we receive His grace.
Listen as Pastor Michael describes the payment of grace in Ephesians 2.
Someone said that the difference between grace and mercy is that grace gives you what you don’t deserve and mercy keeps you from getting what you do deserve. God’s mercy is such an amazing blessing, and it is the only hope that we have of making it through life day after day. God's grace is unmerited favor, and it's what enables us to live the victorious Christian life.
We live in a very stressful world. Throughout the hustle and bustle of life, people long for a peaceful “moment” because a life of peace seems too far out of reach. God’s Word shows us how we can experience more than just a moment of peace, and God offers a life of peace to every person.
Listen as Pastor Michael lays out the "Pathway To Peace" found in God's Word!
Before we can fully grasp our new identity in Christ, it takes understanding who we were apart from Christ.
In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul gave us a full-length picture of the terrible spiritual condition of the unsaved person. Our past self.
The good news is, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, this is no longer your spiritual condition! You have a new identity!
Putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ not only changes the destination of your eternal soul; it is the power that works in you today to change you from the inside out.
The Bible tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God’s power can change your relationships, priorities, aspirations, motives, witness...your entire life.
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights some practical aspects of God’s resurrection power.
Everyone has problems; the real problem is what we do with our problems.
Often, we try to solve our problems with our power, and we fail. But God wants us to stop trying and start trusting Him.
Trusting God amid our problems is ultimately what God's resurrection means.
The Bible says that the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power that works in born-again believers today!
This fact is crazy cool - But what does it mean? Practically speaking, what does God's resurrecting power mean to me?
Over the next three days, tune in as Pastor Michael describes three facets of God's resurrection power to us.
Deep within the human heart, there is a desire in each of us to be loved and accepted. God has created us with this desire, and God himself desires our companionship.
And yet, with this great potential for a meaningful relationship with God, most of the population remains very lonely.
The good news is God did not create us for loneliness, and He does not intend us to be lonely.
Jesus can be your friend today, and He is the best friend we could ever have!
By making us His inheritance, God has shown His love. By promising us a fantastic future, He has encouraged our hope.
But now, Paul offered something to challenge our faith. - He prays that we might know God's Power.
We are God’s treasure! – When God the Father looked throughout the universe for something to give His only Son in reward for what He had accomplished on earth, the Father handpicked you!
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, You are the Father’s treasure—His priceless gift of love to the Son!
When you're adopted into God's family, your life has a customized purpose. God himself has called you.
"The hope of His calling" is that one day, God will return for us, and we will be glorified and live with Him for eternity.
The fact that we shall one day see Christ and be like Him – should motivate us to live like Christ today.
Knowing God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved by God is our greatest pleasure.
Knowing the person of Jesus Christ means that we spend time with Him. We are sensitive and obedient to His voice and set aside time to know Him.
Every Christian should have a desire to know Christ in a life-shaping way.
The Spirit-inspired prayers of the Apostle Paul provide a tremendous pattern for our prayers and a glimpse into the heart of this remarkable man of God.
Join Pastor Michael as he introduces us to Paul’s first prayer to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:3-14 reveals to us “God’s run-on sentence. In these verses, we learn that our chief blessing is that we are a part of the family of God. And because we are in God’s Family, we experience a trinity of blessings.
In this single sentence, we learn of the spiritual blessings received from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
In Paul's language, Ephesians 1:3-14 is one continuous long sentence. The entire "run-on sentence" reminds us that our spiritual blessings in Christ are without end.
In our language, there is no way to fully describe all that the infinite God has made accessible to us! We experience blessing on top of blessing on top of blessing.
Through salvation, we as Christians get to experience the fullness of His riches, His wisdom, His blessings, and His resurrection power in our life. This leads to the ability to live a victorious life, where we are fully capable of being who God called us to be!
Before you got saved, you were living in guilt and shame, but now, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you have received His mercy. You are now totally forgiven!
Join Pastor Michael as he breaks down our forgiveness in Ephesians 1:7
In Ephesians 1, we see two “r” words highlighting our value to God in Jesus Christ - "Redemption" and "Riches".
When these words come together, it truly brings to light how valuable you and I are!
Listen as Pastor Michael breaks down our worth to God in Ephesians 1:7.
Finding and knowing your identity is so important in life.
It is your deepest desire of who you are. It's the story you tell about yourself. And it subconsciously drives everything else in life.
Join Pastor Michael as he preaches on "Finding our Identity in Christ" found in Ephesians 1.
Much of the acceptance people receive today is based on what they do rather than who they are. And because of that, We are prone to make our performance the basis of God’s acceptance. And often, the grace in our life can be overshadowed by perceived expectations.
But the good news for believers is this is not how our God works!
God does not love us because of our good works or our avoidance of bad works; He loves us because of who He is and accepts us because of His grace and sacrifice of His Son.
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights the power of acceptance in Ephesians 1:6.
God loves us! Let that sink in. God loves you! Human love is fickle, and it fluctuates and it comes and goes. But God’s love for us is consistent and never changes. God’s love for us is everlasting.
Because of Salvation, we are eternally loved by Almighty God!
Your identity and worth are not found in what you do, what you look like, or other people's opinions. Your identity and value are in Who you belong to, and His name is Jesus, the one who gave His life for you!
No matter what fails in your life, if you have trusted Christ as your Saviour, you are a child of God. Outside, things can change, but you will always be one of God's own.
As Christians, we recognize the need to understand and discover our identity. But the problem is, we look for it in the wrong place.
We base our identity on what others think about us and our identity on what we think about ourselves, but this way of thinking will leave you feeling empty.
Because your identity and worth are not found in what you do, what you look like, or other people's opinions. Your identity and worth is in Who you belong to, and His name is Jesus.
God has a perfect plan for you, but if we base our identity on what others think about us rather than who we are in Christ, we will miss out on that plan.
Often, we base our identity in one of three ways. Two of these ways are wrong; one way is right. Over the next three days, we will highlight each and determine how to receive our identity rather than achieve our identity.
Go. It is a small, two-letter word used 1,544 times in the Word of God. It is a word of deliberate action, of divine advance, and of definite aim.
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded His followers to go with the gospel, which is the mission of every New Testament believer.
Join Pastor Michael as he wraps up the Back To The Basics series by getting Back To Go.
(Sorry, Baby was sleeping so I had to whisper a little bit)
The way you see yourself influences every area of your life. Your identity determines whether or not you will be happy, successful, full of hope, and able for God to use you for great things.
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights the importance of identity found in Ephesians 1.
There are over 35 different aspects of our identity in Jesus Christ, and number of those aspect are found in the first chapter of Ephesians.
Whenever I think about that, I can't help but think about the song - "Ephesians Chapter One" - by the Rochester/Matthews Family.
*God says I'm blessed, I'm chosen, I'm adopted I'm Favored
Redeemed, yeah, I'm forgiven
Makes me wanna sing, I'm a child of the king and
Now I'm a really livin'
By the blood of the Lamb, I know who I am
God said it and it's already done
When the devil comes in, I remind him again
Of Ephesians chapter one.*
We serve a God that wants us to know where we stand with Him, In Ephesians 1 He is saying to us, “I want you to know how I feel about you.”
He gives us three words to describe our standing.
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Adoption - Ephesians 1:4-5
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Acceptance - Ephesians 1:6
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Atonement - Ephesians 1:7
Join us as we break down the power of atonement in verse 7!
Much of the acceptance people receive today is based on what they do rather than who they are. But the good news for believers is this is not how our God works!
God does not love us because of our good works or our avoidance of bad works. He loves us because of who He is and accepts us because of His grace and sacrifice of His Son.
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights the power of acceptance in Ephesians 1:6.
If you are going to have a good relationship with someone, you need to know where you stand with them.
Are you in good standing or bad standing? That is a question we often ask ourselves, and the same is true regarding God.
We serve a God that wants us to know where we stand with Him, which is one of the reasons He gave us the book of Ephesians.
Listen as Pastor Michael breaks down our standing with God in Ephesians 1:4-5.
“In Christ” is the most frequently used phrase in the book of Ephesians, and the point is clear: If you’re in Christ, you have everything.
Join us as Pastor Michael looks at the power of surrounding in Ephesians 1:3!
As a believer, you have everything you need to live the victorious, awesome, abundant Christian life!
It isn’t about whether you feel that way; it’s about the reality of what the Bible says.
And the Bible says we have been blessed with “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…”
Listen as Pastor Michael breaks down the power of supply found in Ephesians 1:3.
What an incredible privilege it is to be saved!
Because of salvation, we will someday enjoy a home in Heaven, a sinless body, and eternity with Christ.
We all look forward to our future with Jesus Christ, but it's easy to forget the benefits of salvation today. Often, we forget that because of Salvation, we are supported daily by almighty God!
Let's take a moment to remember a few of the many spiritual benefits we can enjoy every day as Christians found in Ephesians 1:1-2.
The benefits of salvation are beyond the ability of our limited human understanding to grasp fully. Those benefits change everything about this life and eternity.
The mercy God extends to us provides access to the complete resources of Heaven—a staggering power and wealth that is available to us through Jesus Christ!
Listen as Pastor Michael highlights the power that salvation brings in Ephesians 1:1-2!
Through the years, Bible scholars have given the book of Ephesians some clever titles.
This letter's been called -
- The believer's bank
- The Christian's checkbook
- The treasure house of the Bible
- And so much more.
It is called this for a good reason – because the book of Ephesians describes the unsearchable riches that we have in Christ!
Join Pastor Michael as he breaks down the theme verse of this remarkable book! (Ephesians 1:18-19)
Before we dive headfirst into the book of Ephesians, let's do a quick overview!
It's essential to lay the proper framework for our foundation before going further into the epistle.
Come along with Pastor Michael as he briefs us on the important distinctives found throughout the letter to the Ephesians and us!
Habits can be difficult to create. When it comes to our spiritual habits, there is no exception. We may strive for daily bible reading and prayer but a few days in and we're already off the train. It can be a discouraging cycle and hard to know where to begin.
Now, we have a guide to developing daily devotion habits to start our day! Join Pastor Michael daily for a podcast as he walks us through a brief bible study of his own personal morning devotions!
Pastor Jesse Hailey from Elk Point Baptist Church preaches a special message in honor of the baby dedication.
God has a perfect plan for you. But there is one culprit that tends to get in the way of that plan – and that is – temptation.
Temptation - the lure of attraction, the pull toward pleasure, the seduction of the will to abandon what we know is right to indulge in the act of the moment that seems immediately satisfying.
That’s what is plaguing Christians today. But through Jesus Christ, we can learn to overcome temptation and live in victory.
Join us as Pastor Michael teaches on gaining victory over temptation found in James 1.
“Lord, what would you have me to do?”
This question has marked the lives of every man and woman who has made a difference for Christ.
- It was the same question Samuel asked when he said, “Speak, Lord for thy servant heareth.”
- It was the same thing that Isaiah meant when He said, “Here am I Lord, send me.”
And it was the same question the Apostle Paul asked when He first met Jesus – “Lord, what would you have me to do?”
Join Pastor Michael as he highlights three principles to knowing the will of God found in Acts 9
The Disciples learned a lot from Jesus during His earthly ministry.
They saw Jesus perform many miracles during that time but they never said, “Lord, teach us to perform miracles."
They heard Jesus preach incredible sermons during that time – but they never said, “Lord, teach us to preach.”
But when it came to prayer – they said – “…Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
Join Pastor Michael as He breaks down the prayer model that Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 11!
Pastor Michael gets back to the basics of the Christian life by getting - "Back to our Faith" in Hebrews 11.
In a world full of bad news, Jesus knows we need good news! And we need it more than we could imagine!
Listen as Pastor Michael explores the power of the gospel and how we can understand, experience, and share this good news of Christ!
New sermon series at Akron FBC!
Life, the Bible and the church can all feel overwhelming and even confusing at times. Let's get Back to the Basics of what God teaches in His Word. Religion makes it all so complicated, but in reality, it is simple through Christ!
Listen as Pastor Michael brings us back to the basics by getting - "Back to the Bible"
Pastor Michael concludes our series on "The Resurrection" by looking at Christ's 5th post-resurrection appearance -- "The Road To Emmaus"
Pastor Michael breaks down the text in Luke 24:1-6 and tries to answer the question - "Where is Jesus?"
Our Resurrection series continues Sunday at 10:30 as we are challenged by the lessons of Palm Sunday!
In John 11, we have the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. And just as Jesus brought newness of life to Lazarus, He wants to do the same with you and me today, and he wants us to experience the life-changing power of the resurrection.
Experience the power of the most profound, important, and greatest event in all of human history as we begin a new series on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this Sunday!
Join us for the passionate preaching of Pastor Michael and realize the life-changing truth of the Resurrection. Come worship our risen Savior together each Sunday at 10:30!
You won't want to miss this Sunday's sermon as Pastor Michael concludes the "Heart of Worship" series with an encouraging message on "All In Worship!"
Three Actions That Took Place In David’s Heart That Enabled Him To Worship In Times Of Trouble.
To truly understand and experience a heart of worship, it takes truly understanding and experiencing God's love.
What is true worship? How does God define it? And how does God instruct us to offer it to Him?
Listen as Pastor Michael begins a new series entitled "𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅" and answers these questions and more!
Christ is the central person in the Bible. Calvary is the central place in the Bible. Everything that happened in the Old Testament, in some way, points forward to Christ and the Cross. Everything that happens in the New Testament after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ points us back to Christ and His Cross.
In Psalm 22, we see a vivid description of the sufferings of Christ on the cross at Calvary written hundreds of years before it was fulfilled.
Jesus said in John 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Christ is either patterned, promised, or present on every page of the Bible.
From Genesis to Malachi, Jesus can be found on every page in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Discouragement can be debilitating. It can cause you to give up trying, give up hoping, and give up caring. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about dealing and defeating discouragement in the Christian life!
Listen as Michael breaks down the curse, cause, and cure for discouragement on the last episode of the “Do you Mind?” series.
What does it mean to think like Jesus? Is it really possible to have His same thoughts, the same attitude, and the same reactions? - YES!
Listen as Michael breaks down Philippians 2:5 and how you and I as Christians can experience the mind of Christ and truly think like Jesus.
Contentment is something that easily alludes us in the twenty-first century. So many people are restless, unsatisfied, or simply stressed.
We know God desires us to be content in all circumstances but finding true contentment can seem impossible!
Join Michael as he breaks down the significance, secret, and satisfaction of contentment in the latest episode of the Akron Abide Bible Study!
Having a Philippians 4:13 mindset takes faith. The words found in this Scripture gives us a blueprint for our belief. They open the door of understanding by describing the Christian faith in one simple sentence.
Listen as Michael emphasizes three different aspects of the Christian faith found in Philippians 4:13.
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
There are ten words in Scripture that make the difference for those who desire to live fully for Jesus Christ. These ten words proclaim a powerful promise; they define the Christian faith; and they provide a personal confidence in the life of every believer. If you will understand them, own them, and personally apply them, they will radically change your life.
If you believe them, they will breathe renewed strength into your heart and sustain you through the most difficult seasons of life.
All of this is contained in just ten words. They are truly – the ten most powerful words you will ever understand.
Listen as Michael breaks down one of the most powerful verses in all the Bible!
Philippians 4:13– “I can do all thingsthrough Christ which strengtheneth me.”
One of the keys to renewing the mind and breaking stressful cycles is to r e s t. Sounds simple, but HOW exactly can we rest? In this episode Michael explains 5 ways to rest in God's presence! Our Creator knows just what we need and He provides us with everything we need to succeed. Listen to learn more about different types of rest to avoid burnout and thrive in life though Christ!
Sometimes renewing your mind can be difficult. Having a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes it a lot easier! In today's episode, we look at five ways to become best friends with Jesus Christ. If you follow these five steps, you will develop the strong foundation you need to renew your mind and transform your thought life.
Want to manage stress and anxiety in your life? There are 6 strategies found in Philippians chapter 4. Paul tells us the things we mediate are key and provides a template for intentional thinking!
The mind is a fascinating thing. Your brain contains over 100 billion neurons and can store 100 trillion thoughts. It is believed that your brain can produce about 40,000 thoughts per day. No wonder the Bible has so much to say about the mind! This 10 week series will focus on unlocking your potential through the renewing of your mind!
In today's episode we deal with overcoming the stress and worries of life by - Thinking About What We Think About.
Our Text Verse - Philippians 4:4-8