Welcome to the Park Slope Community Church podcast! For more information, visit us at parkslope.church!
// Philippians 1:12-18 //
Paul was able to experience joy in any and every circumstance, because he saw the bigger story that he was a part of. He was able to zoom out and have a:
Right view of God: Confidence in the love of God
Right view of self: The freedom of self forgetfulness
Right view of life: The joy of knowing the bigger story
// 1 John 2:15-17 //
John tells describes three enemies to a healthy spiritual life: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. To fight against these enemies:
// 1 John 4:11 //
God is more concerned about people knowing their purpose, than them knowing the specifics of a plan. We are meant to be a people of love by:
// 1 John 2:28 //
The secret to a vibrant faith is to abide in Jesus. We can remain closely connected to Him and receive all that he has for us by:
Saturating ourselves with truth
Embracing transformation
Following Jesus’ steps
// 1 John 1 - 2:2 //
We don’t lose our relationship with God when we sin—instead, we lose intimacy. But this intimacy can be restored when we:
Breathe out - confess our sins by acknowledging what they are and to begin taking steps to repent of them.
Breathe in - experience God's love and forgiveness by remembering Jesus' completed work on our behalf and his promises.
// Psalm 13 //
As a church, we join our brothers and sisters in prayer and lament for our world as we deal with and battle racial injustice together.
// Psalm 67 //
You are blessed to be a blessing.
Two traps we can fall into when we think about using our gifts:
When we don't know what our gifts are, we can become paralyzed in doing anything.
We have a too narrow view of our gifts.
// Psalm 3 //
Psalm 3 provides three characteristics of who God is, and these give us a glimpse into the new story that God is inviting us into:
// Psalm 4 //
Psalm 4 provides three steps that we can take to engage our anger in a healthy way:
Search your heart (v.4-5)
Slow down (v.4)
Stop playing God (v.8)
// Psalm 23 //
Psalm 23 paves a clear path of walking in faith and not fear. On this path we find:
The Green Meadow
The Dark Valley
The Party Table
The Living Room
// Psalm 31 //
Psalm 31 answers 3 common questions that we wrestle with in the midst of grief:
Can’t this be avoided?
Who am I now?
How long will this last?
// Psalm 42 //
Three principles on how we can begin to untangle our emotions:
Engaging your emotions is a learned skill.
What you love drives how you feel.
God loves you as you are not as you should be.
// 1 Peter 1:3-6 //
Irresistible faith is displayed by the church by a resilient community tested by trials, resulting in a resilient faith.
Resilient faith has its foundation in living hope.
Resilient faith is tested through various trials.
Resilient faith rejoices with joy inexpressible.
// Acts 7 //
3 ways we can draw courage from an empty tomb:
3 Comforts from the Cross:
// Acts 6 //
Irresistible faith is expressed through sacrificial service. If we are going to be a people of sacrificial service, we must be:
Spiritually awake
Walking in wisdom
Available to serve
// Acts 17:22-31 //
Irresistible faith starts with genuine worship.
Examine your devotion
Leverage your circumstances
Remember your God
// Philippians 4:4-9 //
How do we approach God at a time like this? Paul gives us 3 prayers:
Adoration
Supplication
Thanksgiving
And a promise: Peace
Worry is listening to your heart, peace is talking to your heart.
// Philippians 4:4-9 //
Two characteristics that we need to grow into, if we are going to be a people of peace in the midst of an anxious world.
Relentless Rejoicing
Public Perseverance
// John 14:1-6 //
Objection 1: Claiming that Jesus is the only way to God is arrogant.
a. All religious and moral viewpoints end up being exclusive.
b. Jesus provides the most inclusive exclusivity in history.
Objection 2: All religions are equally valid and basically teach the same things.
a. What makes Jesus unique can be summarized with one word: GRACE.
b. Once we understand grace, faith is no longer spelled D-O. It's spelled D-O-N-E.
// Acts 4: 23-31 //
3 characteristics of bold prayers:
Bold prayers are God-sized.
Bold prayers are scripture-saturated.
Bold prayers empower bold acts.
// Colossians 4:7-18 //
3 priorities in fulfilling our ministries as individuals:
1a. No ask too big, no task too small.
Present over Perfect (Onesimus)
Purpose over Preference (Mark)
// Colossians 4:2-6 //
Walk the talk, don't just talk the talk.
Walking the talk:
Starts with perseverance in prayer.
Continues with bold faith.
Makes the most of every opportunity.
Is always communicated with grace.
The Gospel changes us from the inside out. Therefore how we communicate our faith to others is directly impacted by our understanding of the gospel.
// Colossians 3:12-25 //
The Gospel gives us a new role in our family.
The Gospel gives us a new boss at work.
a. Feedback becomes our friend
b. Rest becomes routine
c. Excellence becomes even
d. Self-importance becomes service
// Colossians 3:1-17 //
a. Fill your pursuits with purpose
b. Fill your mind with truth
// Colossians 2:16-23 //
Religion addresses the wrong problem.
Religion advocates for the wrong method of change
Religion produces fear and pride.
// Colossians 2:6-15 //
Paul describes 4 tools that we have as followers of Jesus that we need to live free.
In Christ, you are Rooted.
In Christ, you are Filled.
In Christ, you are Raised.
In Christ, you are Forgiven.
Colossians 2:1-5
Three essentials for a firm faith:
1. Encouraged in heart
2. United in love
3. Confidence in Christ
Matthew 2:1-11
Generosity is not something God wants from us. Generosity is something God wants for us.
Generosity will shape the way you view the rest of your life.
Generosity is about your heart not your wallet.
Generosity is a response to a Generous God.