Rise & Shine: Recent Episodes
Michael J. Gors
You can find us on Facebook at West side church of Christ user name @looktoandliveforJesus or www.westsidecoc.net
Romans 11:33-Romans 12:2
Let us resolve to...
I. Consider God's greatness Romans 11:33-36
II. Commit to Him Romans 12:1
III. Convert our thinking Romans 12:2
Take time to be holy...
-
The need to take time to be holy
-
The way to take time to be holy
-
The benefits of taking time to be holy
Is the dark cloud of apathy settling over the church?
Have we stopped asking questions? have we stopped being curious? Has the flame of zeal gone out?
Luke 9:43-46
I. Definition and expression of Apathy
II. Causes of Apathy Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Amos 6:3-6; Revelation 3:14-18
III. Cure for Apathy Revelation 3:19,20; Hebrews 10:32,33; (Luke 24:32; Luke 8:11,12; Romans 10:17)
(Sunday Sermon 10/3/2021) Beware of the doctrine of the Pharisee and Sadducee Mt. 16:12 Beware of any man made doctrine or traditions of men Matthew 15:8-9; Mark 7:7-12 The way of Christ and cross lead home I. The Conviction of the church Matt. 16:13-20 II. The Cross of Christ Matt. 16:21-23 III. The Commitment of the church to the cross Matt. 16:24-26
The glory of the church can be seen when the church is living as it was designed to live.
I. Unity Psalm 133:1, Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 4:1-3
II. Confession Matt. 5:13-16
III. Purity Ephesians 5:26-28
This is the sermon portion of our worship.
All other acts of worship can be found on our facebook page
A parents mission field is not around the world but rather living in their house. Direct your children toward God. As Fredrick Douglass said, “It’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men”. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
The battle is not with flesh and blood per se but rather flesh and blood whose hearts are not governed by God. The corrupt politicians who serve self not the interests of their people, the teacher or professor who indoctrinate their students with godlessness and not virtue, it’s economic systems intoxicated by the power of money, it’s doctor who dismember babies in abortion, it’s human trafficker who’ve dehumanized their victims and sell them as commodities until they are done with them and throw them away. Christians reflect light into a world ruled by darkness. We must stand firm and continue the rescue mission. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #LoveLikeJesusLoves
Knowledge is good and should be sought after. Obedience to and reverence for God must be the foundation and source of it; without it all other knowledge is vain and useless. The stubborn and self-willed will find this verse absurd, they are the fools of which this verse speaks. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Scientist, of every belief from theist to atheist, have long ago understood the 5 manifestations of natural phenomena: Time, force, action, space and matter. In the first sentence we have a viable explanation of the origins of the earth, the universe, life itself. "In the beginning" (Time) God (Force) created (Motion/action) the heavens (Space) and earth (matter). God created all things! #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Jesus did not come to earth to bring a wealth and prosperity gospel. He didn't come so pain and suffering would end. He didn't come to remove the occupying forces of the Roman tyrants and restore Israel to the world stage. Jesus primary reason for coming to earth in the flesh is to rescue His people from their sins. Sin is what separates us from God and will be the reason for eternal separation in hell. Jesus came to rescue His people from sin, death and hell. Today is the day of salvation, won't you come to Jesus today? #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Our faith is fueled and built by listening to, observing and applying Gods word to our lives. If we are not feeding on the Word daily we are starving our souls and depleting our faith. Open the word of God today and pursue God. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Many are the people who have all their lives rejected Jesus yet at their funeral everyone seems convinced that the one who has died is in a “better place” and/or “at least the suffering is over now”.
Please know and understand that if one dies without Jesus, neither statement is true. They are not in a “better place” and the “suffering” has just begun. (Warning: John 8:24, Matthew 7:13-23, Hebrews 10:31) (Remedy: John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
looktoJesus #liveforJesus #LoveLikeJesusLoves
Being easily offended and quick to be angry shows a lack of maturity, wisdom and discipline.
The ungodly and immature throw temper tantrums and demand to have things their way.
Let us grow in the grace and knowledge of God.
looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves.
It’s not quantity but quality. Long prayers that are not thoughtful or genuine are useless, especially if prayer is done by rote. Pray and pray often but by faith with reverence for God. Pour your heart out to Him! #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Jesus said “follow me”. When we resolve to follow Him, the affections of our hearts and the desires of our minds are transformed. The things of this world begin to mean less and less and the things of Jesus and His Kingdom begin to mean more and more. Where are your affection and desires? Sex, Money, material and temporal things or things eternal and lasting?#looktoJesus #liveforJesus #LoveLikeJesusLoves
By the abundant grace of God through the blood of Jesus we have redemption and forgiveness. Redemption means Jesus purchased our freedom from the slavery of sin (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:20) and Forgiveness means the debt we owed has been removed. Jesus paid the debt he didn't owe, we had a debt that we could not pay, no wonder its called amazing grace! #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
“By His grace, He made us accepted in the Beloved” Ephesians 1:6. The verb translated “accepted” is the same as in Luke 1:28 where Mary was called “highly favored by God”. In Christ we are “highly favored by God”. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Worthy of all praise is our God because he has blessed us with blessings from heaven in Christ. From Genesis to Revelation we read that God is good and continually gives to supply our needs. Especially those who are in Christ. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Children will have characteristics of their parents. The physical appearance and mannerisms will many times be undeniable. In much the same way the children of God should show characteristics of their Heavenly Father, like love, grace and mercy just to name a few. Let’s be imitators of our God. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusLoves
What will make man complete? What will bring man a great sense of peace and contentment? what is man's purpose in life?
what will bring meaning to life? Here it is in one verse, a deep respect and reverence for the true and living, one and only God AND
keep His commandments. Blessings are sure to follow the one who will faithfully follow and live out this verse. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
"How beautiful heaven must be, sweet home of the happy and free; fair haven a rest for the weary, how beautiful heaven must be" A.S. Bridgwater. Not only will heaven be beautiful to behold but beautiful because there will be no more separation, no more sin, no more sorrow or sadness, and no more disease and death. Please understand, NO one will see it without being in Jesus! #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
Every person has sinned! Men and women, rich and poor, every race, every ethnic group, the jovial old man, the sweet little old lady, the generous neighbor, everyone! To say that we haven’t sinned is to deceive ourselves and live in denial, 1 Jn. 1:8. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ, Romans 6:23. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #lovelikeJesusloves
God doesn’t look at outward appearances but on the heart. He judges based on the content of character
not the way we look, which is the way it ought to be.
looktoJesus #liveforJesus #LoveLikeJesusLoves
Reading the the Bible and turning it into action are two different things. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 was familiar with the scripture but didn’t make the application. Felix in Acts 24, and King Agrippa in Acts 26, heard but refused to do what the scripture said. If we hear but don’t do, then we are simply wasting our time. #looktoJesus #liveforJesus #LoveLikeJesusLoves
God has established his throne
God reigns from heaven
God rules over all
To God belongs all praise, honor and glory!
Many have come and gone, (human beings, teachers, false Christs and false prophets, people who want a following), all have been flawed, inconsistent, hypocritical and contradictory, but Jesus is for ever and always the same in truth, wisdom, power, grace and mercy.
One verse full of intense language.
-
Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God!
-
They that come to God MUST BELIEVE that He is!
-
God is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek Him!
Blessed is the man whose sin is removed and erased.
King David was called out for the sin of adultery, lying and murder.
He wrestled with it (Psalm 38 He owned and repented (Psalm 51) and now
in (Psalm 32) he enjoys the blessed feeling of forgiveness.
when was the last time you acknowledge, addressed and repented of your sins?
We all need hope and we all want joy and peace.
All three are abundantly given by God through believing in and following Jesus.
what hinders you from following Jesus?
The word of God is both living and powerful Hebrews 4:12
- The power of God's word created the world Genesis 1, Psalm 33:6-9; Hebrews 11:3
(*In the podcast i say Hebrews 11:9, I should have said Hebrews 11:3)
-
The power of God's word creates faith Romans 10:17
-
The power of God's word creates believers and community of the saved Luke 8:11,12
A am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
-
The gospel is the power of God
-
The gospel is for salvation (deliver/rescue) 2 Thess. 2:14, Galatians 1:4
-
The gospel is for everyone
In Jesus we are complete, Outside of Jesus we are incomplete.
How do we get "in Jesus" to be all we should be, could be and were meant to be? Baptism
Baptism a command of Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5
Baptized by immersion (Not sprinkling), Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
Baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21
Baptized "into" Christ,2 Galatians 3:26-27
God is not a genie in a bottle who is here to grant every whim and wish.
We must abide in Christ and in His word. When we do we will begin to ask for things in alignment with
God's will and then be more like to receive what we ask for.
King Saul sent his thugs to surround the house of David. They were to kill David at the first opportunity they had. David wrote "I will sing praises to God in the morning" He felt quite confident that he world survive the night. In this Psalm he describe why he felt so confident, God was his strength, defense and refuge in time of trouble. When we are surrounded by those who want our destruction, when we feel frightened or scared, when we are overwhelmed we should be like David and look to God as our defense, strength and refuge.
If we invited God to search our hearts what would he find and show us? Faith hope and love? Fear doubt and anger? God already knows what is in there but do we?
Do we need food? Yes it’s what sustains the flesh. But what Jesus speaks of here is feeding the spirit with the word of God. It is the scripture that nourishes the soul. If you haven’t lately, pick up Gods good book and begin to feast on it!
Paul was flawed but faithful! We too may be flawed but are we faithful?
Will we hear the words, "well Done!" ?
Keeping the faith can be found in some of the mundane things of life.
When we gather to worship regularly, when we take our God given roles in the family, when we have a good strong work ethic, and when we regularly (daily) pray and read scriptures this is how we "keep the faith". Can these things be said of you? If not you can change today!
Notice Paul says "My Coruse". It is his journey and no one else can do it for him.
The same is true for us, it is our course and no one can walk it for me.
Not all fights are good!
A good fight means it has a noble or worthy cause.
For those in the kingdom of Christ we are in a noble fight and a worthy cause as we engage with those who live in the kingdoms of men. The kingdom of Christ is not about carnal ware with bombs and bullets but rather using the sword of the spirt which is the word of God. With the word of God we set about to help those who are dead in sins come alive in Christ.
The people of God need to (1) show up (2) do as God instructs (3) the victory is ours.
Jesus has come and in the death burial and resurrection has won the battle over sin and death. All we have to do is
show up, do as God instructs and the victory is ours!
There is an open door policy in God's throne room.
Enter boldly and bring worries, concerns and anxieties. Bring yourself and your sins.
The blessing of being in Christ is knowing you have a place to go and bring your burdens.
Jesus is the one, he has always been the one!
I. He is the one in he creation Gen. 1:1, John 1:1 Col. 1:16
II. He is the one in the cradle Gal. 4:4, Heb, 2:14, Phil. 2:7, John 1:14-18
John the baptizer is in prison Matthew 11:1-6
-
wrestling with doubt about Jesus
-
Feeling stuck/captive
-
asking questions, unsure and uncertain about the identity of Jesus
Are you the one or do we seek another? Jesus is the one, he has always ben the one!
I. He is the one in the creation Gen, 1:1; John 1:1; Colossians 1:16; Gen. 1:26
Psalm 120:7; Acts 4:1-31
I. Riled up by the message of Jesus Acts 4:1-4
II. Railed against the message of Jesus Acts 4:3-21
III. Responded to the threats Act 4:23-31
The Message of Christ crucified is...
-
Justification Romans 4:25
-
Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5:20-21
-
Defeat of Death Hebrews 2:14-15
-
Hope 1 Peter 1:3-4
Are you "IN CHRIST", where there is justification, reconciliation, defeat of death and hope? Galatians 3:26-29 you must be immersed in water for the remission of sins. Matt. 28:18-20;Mark 16:16 John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38,8:35-39;22:16; Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21
Things that have not changed nor will they ever change!
I. The world still lies under the sway of the wicked one 1 John 5:19
II. The worlds still affected by sin and death Romans 5:12
III. The world still needs Jesus and the gospel Romans 1:16
IV. The world will still be judged John 5:28,29; 2 Cor. 5:10
You've heard about Goldie locks and the three bears but have you heard about the three bears of Galatians?
1 Bear one another's burdens Gal. 6:1-2
-
Bear your own burden Gal. 6:5
-
Bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in your body Gal. 6:17
H.O.P.E. H- Help Romans 8:1-2 O- Optimism Romans 8:17,18 P- Prevailing over adversity Romans 8:37-39 E- Expectation Romans 8:19-21
Learn to praise God during frustrating times in your life.
I strongly dislike winter, dark gloomy days, and snow/ice.
God has been faithful to his promise that as long as the earth remains winter, cold, and night shall not cease.
instead of complaining about those thing I choose to see that God is present in the world and faithful to his promise and for those things I choose to praise Him!
The Lawyer was busy trying to justify himself Luke 10:29
The Priest & Levite was too busy being religious Luke 10:31-32
The Samaritan man, who was not brought up in Jewish way and doesn't live like most Jewish people of the day actually got it right by living as God wanted human being to live and help each other. Luke 10:33-35
The samaritan Loved his neighbor and Jesus told us to "go and do like wise" so lets look at what it looks like to "Love our neighbor"
-
Love is observant
-
Love gets involved
-
Love will take care of immediate needs
-
Love is messy and inconvenient
-
Love is required to be found faithful
If Jesus is not first then he is last!
Love is not superficial and it is not lust!
Love is deep, meaningful, active, genuine and true!
God Loved me enough to give his son for me; question is do I love him in the same manner?
The promised kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit, but what does that mean?
Jesus came to usher in the promised kingdom and the residents would be poor in spirit.
I. Poor in spirit means humble NOT prideful or arrogant
II. Poor in spirit we develop a man of faith that is useful in the kingdom
III. Poor in spirit will be the mark of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven
"The greatest mistake man makes is that he does nothing because he thinks he can only do a little" - Edmund Burke
Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus- they need to be recognized for their work
I. They may NOT be the apostle Paul but their role is significant
II. They devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints
III. They Refreshed Paul and the saints at Corinth
IV. Who has been the person who refreshed and assisted you? Thank them then go do likewise!
-
John 14:1, 27 two times Jesus says "Let not your heart be troubled
-
1 John 5:19 the whole world lies under the influence of the wicked one still we must go
-
Let us arise and go...
I. Let us arise and go in fellowship & truth John 14:23-26
II. Let us arise and go in peace John 14:27
III. Let us arise and go in joy John 14:28-29
In 2020 many things changed but some things stayed the same.
Jesus is still the same Hebrews 13:8; Man's need for the gospel is the same Romans 3:9,19,23
Death is sure, sin is the cause and Christ is the cure.
2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally" henceforth, from this point forward, "Farewell" rejoice
From this point forward ...
I. Be complete - Restore/ Amend/Adjust
II. Be of good comfort - encouraged
III. Be of the same mind - mend the fences of division by focusing on Jesus death, burial, and resurrection
Will Jesus really find faith on the earth?
I. The self-righteous, holier-than-thou Pharisee Luke 18:10-12
II, The humble publican/tax collector Luke 18:13
III. The conclusion of the matter Luke 18:14
Will Jesus really find faith on the earth? A faith that is determined, strong, willing to fight the good fight of faith and not surrender?
A faith that is strong and confident that is not arrogant and prideful but maintains humility in faith?
Being a follower of Jesus is not for the faint of heart Matt. 10:16; John 15:18
The Parable of the persistent widow Luke 18:1-8
I. Perverted Justice Lk. 18:1-2
II. Persistent widow Lk 18:3
III. Positive results Lu .18:4,5
IV. Points to Ponder Lk. 18:6-8
Will Jesus find in us a faith that doesn't quit ?!
-
IT is difficult to say "thank you", sometimes
-
In the story to the 10 cleansed lepers MOST of them, 90%, didn't bother to acknowledge the help received from Jesus,
not even so much as to simply say thank you!
- But an outsider did, a Samaritan. only 10 % took the time to acknowledge Jesus.
I Terrible and Tragic condition Lk. 17:11-13
II. The wonderful compassion of Jesus Lk. 17:14
III. The thankful Samaritan Lk. 17:15-19
What do we do when we our down, discouraged and disheartened? Seek Jesus of course!
I. Continue to see Jesus! Hebrews 13:10-12
II. Continue to seek him Hebrews 13:13,14
III. Continue to praise him Hebrews 13:15
IV. Continue to do good & share Hebrews 13:16
God Rules in the kingdoms of men and sets over them whomever he chooses!
I. Our God is alive
II. Our God sets up & removes kingdoms Dan. 4:17,25; Acts 17:26 (Ezekiel 25-32)
III. Our God sets up & Removes those who will rule in said kingdoms Daniel 5:21; Acts 13:20-22
God is the Sovereign Lord God Almighty, who rules in the kingdoms of men and sets over it those whom He chooses!
Wrestling with trusting God or material things Mt. 6:24
We can not be loyal to God and loyal to earthly treasures at the same time, we must choose one!
Worry about basic provisions Mt. 6:25-32
Don't worry about food, clothes and things beyond your control, God will provide
Weighing priorities Mt. 6:33-34 Focus on today
Seek God's kingdom and God's righteousness, if he isn't first he might as well be last
"Trust in the Lord with al of your heart, lean not to your own understanding; acknowledge him in all your ways and he shall direct your steps" Proverbs 3:5-6 (To win the war over worry we must keep our eyes on Jesus and trust in God in all we do!)
Feeling anxious, worried or bearing the burden of concern? the Scriptures offer some solace for the soul.
I. Help for the heart Phil 4:6,7
II. Help for the mind Phil. 4:8
III. Help for life- New purpose Phil. 4:9
As Kingdom people we await the return of the king at which time he will exchange our lowly body for a new glorious body. Phil. 3:20-21
In the meantime, while waiting, kingdom people
-
Must stand firm in the Lord Phil. 4:1
-
Must forgive 4:2
-
Must work together 4:3
-
Must rejoice always 4:4
-
Must maintain a reasonable/gracious demeanor 4:5
Jesus has been born Mt. 1:18-25, at age 12 he visited the temple and astonished the teachers of the law Lk. 2:44-46, at age 30 baptized by Jon in the River Jordan Mt. 3:15-17, immediately led by the spirit into the wilderness to endure an intense trying of his faith Mt. 4:1-11 and now the earthly ministry begins Mt. 4:12-25.
I. Jesus moves to Capernaum fulfills prophecy Mt. 4:12-16
II. Jesus' message Mt. 4:17
III. Jesus' men called to fallow Matt. 4:18-22
IV. Jesus ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing Mt. 4:23-25
The testing of our faith can be good for us. It can help us to grow and mature in our faith.
Abraham (Gen.22:1) Israel (Dt. 8:1-5) Disciples (John 6:6) Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11) was tested you
can rest assured our faith will be tested also. It is meant for our good and growth in the faith.
The things we can learn from a 12 year old Jesus about civil discourse/dialogue 1. Sit down with people. Engage with them face to face; Heart to heart 2. Meet people where they are: mentally, emotionally, spiritually and as in this text all of those plus physically, Jesus went to them. 3. Listen to understand NOT merely hear to respond. (With gracious speech seasoned with salt, we are obligated to give a defense for what you believe Colossians 4:6 The goal is to be kind and respectful in our conversations with others even when we disagree.
Luke 2:41-50 "Supposing Jesus to be in their company..."
Many people around the world simply assume Jesus is in their company when in reality he isn't.
How can we know we are "in Christ" Mark. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 8:35-39; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; Galatians 3:26-27, Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21
Know that you are in Christ and faithfully walking with him.
What will you do with Jesus? This is a question that everyone must answer.
Some will feel threatened by Jesus and his message
Some will be wise and seek him diligently and when they find him they will, with exceedingly great joy, worship him and present to him gifts
Some will commit themselves to the daily grind of walking with Jesus and endure difficult thing but inherit eternal life in the end!
What will you do with Jesus?
Jesus did NOT come to preserve places, he did not go on military campaigns to conquer or destroy! Jesus did NOT come to save us from corrupt politicians or tyrannical government or preserve our creature comforts! Jesus did come to address the problem of sin! Sin that separates humanity from God, He brought reconciliation. Lets look at Matthew 1:21 together.
If we are to have the PEACE that Christ has left for us we must:
(P) Place our trust in God Proverbs 3:5
(E) Expect Him to lead Proverbs 3:6; Psalm 16:11
(A) Accept our station in life Philippians 4:11-13
(C) Call on God Philippians 4:6,7; 1 Peter 3:12;5:7
(E) Enjoy the fellowship with Christ & His church 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:4
Psalm 3:1-2 Troubles/ Trials
Psalm 3:3-4 Trust
Psalm 3:5-6 Tranquil/ unafraid
Psalm 3:7-8 Triumph / Victory