Grace Vineyard Oceanside Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The church is not a building or a service but relationship with God and each other. We will be talking about hospitality and sharing your life with others.
God is building a Temple of "living stones" and He calls us to join Him in the building project
Jesus has initiated a deep friendp with us; prayer is an invitation into this deep friendship
Posture in the physical realm is extremely important. The posture of the heart is a vital component to effective prayer.
We are called to Honor Others by recognizing their God-given value, and treating them accordingly
In the Kingdom of God, contentment is not always a virtue and discontentment is not always a sin. The issue is: Are we aligned with the heart of Jesus?
Ever feel like the good things in life are just out of reach? Here’s the good news (good news=Gospel): Because of Jesus, The Kingdom of God is within reach. Don’t let anything stop you from entering in.
On the road to resurrection Jesus stops and responds to human need. Jesus doesn't just notice pain, He feels deeply, He moves toward us, and He acts with powerful mercy. We are called to do the same.
The resurrection of Jesus launched God's new creation, and followers of Jesus journey toward that same resurrection by walking the cross-shaped path of Jesus - joining His Spirit-empowered mission of sacrificial love, disciple-making, and lifting up the down-trodden by the powers of the coming age.
The resurrection of Jesus launched God's new creation, and followers of Jesus journey toward that same resurrection by walking the cross-shaped path of Jesus - joinng His Spirit-empowered mission of sacrificial love, disciple-making, and lifting up the down-trodden by the powers of the coming age.
We are transformed by Christ’s Love and we become conduits and reservoirs of Christ’s love so that we can pour that same love out on others.
What does it mean to be so saturated with the love of God that we can't help but serve others? We will look at how that is played out in the lives of some who have given everything to serve others. We will then look at what is means to be filled to overflowing with the love of God ourselves
Biblical faith is confidence in the character and promises of God. This faith is what makes possible and sustains the blessings of Advent - Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope
The Advent Themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love can be cultivated for a lifetime of abundant living
The Advent Themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love can be cultivated for a lifetime of abundant living
After we are freed from bondage, we are often tempted to go back to the famililar. Here are Practical Steps to avoid going back to "Egypt".
A recurring theme in the Bible is that God's redemption arrives in stages: already begun but delayed until completion. It also teaches us how we should live when fulfillment is delayed.
The Bible is filled with stories of Exile and Return Home. Jesus has come to fulfill the ultimate promise of return from exile for all of humanity.
The 3 Rs of Grace - Real God, Real People, Restoring Lives. All disciples of Jesus are called to join Him in His ministry of restoring lives to wholeness.
Jesus said His disciples should "wash each other's feet" - helping wash off the dust and grime that gets on our souls from living in this present evil age.
Real God, Real People, Restoring Lives -- Learning what part is God's and what part is ours
Special guest Eddie Roach, missionary to Cambodia, teaches on how we can be confident in the Good News of Jesus. God helps, heals us, and hears us!
The kingdom of God appears tiny and insignificant at first, but it grows large and spreads throughout the earth.
Jesus reveals truths about the Kingdom of God by telling parables - stories taken from real life which communicate spiritual truths
The Christian Life is empowered by Grace - God doing in us what we could never accomplish by ourselves - all because of His love and kindness given freely to everyone, without regard to their "worthiness" to receive such an amazing gift from God.
The Christian Life is empowered by Grace - God doing in us what we could never accomplish by ourselves - all because of His love and kindness given freely to people who don't deserve it.
Steve Rogers will be bringing the message. He’s going to take a look at highlights of the incredible story of Joseph found in Genesis 37 and 39-50. Joseph’s story is an amazing example of what it looks like to trust in the sovereignty of God when everything seems to be going against all your hopes and dreams, and nothing seems to make sense.
When we try to guess people's motivations for the things they do, we enter into the subtle trap of judgment and cause our selves great emotional pain.
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces for emotional health and relational wholeness.
When there is conflict between brothers, we sometimes have to lovingly confront in order to restore relationship
The Way of Jesus-
Jesus' teachings and life come together as an example for us to follow.
When We put our faith in Jesus as Lord, He puts His Spirit inside of us, and His love is at work in and through us to bless people around us.
The Holy Spirit gifts special abilities to followers of Jesus to proclaim the words and do the works of Jesus
Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. The Holy Spirit works in us to fulfill that prayer
Jesus said that He could only do what He saw the Father doing. The same is true for us.
The Bible instructs us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
The revelation of God's Promises in His Word produce Vision and Faith, like 2 legs on which we run the race God has set before us.
During Advent we remember how love entered our world with the birth of Jesus, and look forward to the day when love permeates our world when Jesus returns at His 2nd advent.
When life isn't fair and we face injustice, how should we respond? Jesus shows us the way.
Jesus is like the cornerstone of the Temple - a large, foundational stone to which the rest of the building finds its reference. Making Jesus our cornerstone is the key to living life from Heaven's Resources
Week 5 in the sermon series Doing Life From Heaven's Resources - Life Lessons from the Writings of Peter. We are called to live lives of holiness by pursuing love for one another.
Get your head in the game and Keep your eye on the prize - a reflection on 1 Peter 1:13
Week 2 in "Doing Life From Heaven's Resources" series on the writings of Peter. Heaven's resources enable us to live in joy no matter our circumstances.
Peter's writings in the Bible show how to do life from Heaven's resources. Our first lesson is to humbly get rid of self-reliance
The Bible describes followers of Jesus as people who are citizens of heaven living like resident aliens here on earth, with the resources of heaven available for blessing everyone we encounter.
How To Be Strengthened and Encouraged in Hope and FaithThe message of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 3 -- in order to finish well, we need to be strengthened and encouraged in faith and love.
Being an effective leader in God's Mission is so much more than communicating the truth of the Gospel. It begins with love and pure motives.
The Church of Jesus Christ was born on Pentecost, not with a new set of rules (a new Torah), but with the indwelling Spirit of God. There's much we can learn from this.
God has revealed His Glory in creation, and one of the common metaphors He uses to describe Himself is the image of motherhood. The heart of a mother reveals the Glory of God
When engaged in a spiritual battle with the kingdom of darkness, the only power that will prevail is the power of the Holy Spirit
The event and the process of salvation are spiritual armor, like a helmet to protect the mind from spiritual attacks.
God has given us Spiritual Armor for our Spiritual Battles. Today we learn about The Shield of Faith.
The famous "triumphal entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem on his way to be crucified to take away the sins of the world. Jesus shows us the way of peace with God and with each other.
God gives the followers of Jesus "armor" to protect us in the spiritual battles we face. Today we learn about the "breastplate of righteousness"
Followers of Jesus are in a spiritual battle, and God has provided us armor to protect us.
Followers of Jesus are called to forcefully advance the Kingdom of God as we fight the good fight of the faith.
Followers of Jesus face an opponent trying to defeat them with the disciplined rigour of an Olympic Wrestler.
The 3rd theme of Advent is Joy - as we celebrate the advent (arrival) of Jesus, we rejoice in God's plan to saturate the world with the Joy of Heaven.
Advent is a season of expectation for celebrating the Advent or Arrival of Jesus the Messiah. The first Theme of Advent is Hope.
Jesus said "I am the way and THE TRUTH and the life." Transformation happens through experiential relationship with The Truth Himself.
We all delight in what we treasure; that's part of our God-given nature. We also have a duty to treasure that which is supremely valuable - God Himself - and the Glory of treasuring God above all else is the key to life and ministry.
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated "heir" in English (Kleronomos) signifies more than one who inherits or obtains a portion - it means to take into possession.
How to live our everyday lives here on earth the way we would if we really understood what it means to be not of this world and to be citizens of heaven even while we're living here.
Continuing in our series Witness - Stories of the First Jesus Followers, we'll hear about miracles, an angelic jail break, and the spread of Jesus' teachings throughout the city.
A seed grows into a tree that bears fruit containing more seeds. Growth through Multiplication. This is God's plan for fulfilling the task of taking the Gospel of the Kingdom to every people group on the planet.
"In God's Garden even broken trees bear fruit". We are all called to play a role in being witnesses for Jesus locally, regionally, in other cultures, and to the ends of the world. Today we'll hear how that's possible.
Jesus healed all who came to him, as we see in Matthew 8:16. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, why would be not want to heal everyone today?
Continuing in our series, "Witness - Stories from the First Jesus Followers", we are reminded to take off our masks - to be authentic with each other in an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and forgiveness
Jesus tells His followers that they are His witnesses. Today we look at a story from the first Jesus Followers to learn about the culture of their community that supported their lifestyle of being Jesus' witnesses.
A look at the Old Testament wisdom book Ecclesiastes for lessons on the illusion of control
Witnesses tell others what they have seen, heard, experienced, and learned about Jesus. We are witness for Jesus, and so is the Holy Spirit who helps us with everything we need.
Jesus told His followers they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Him throughout the world. We are reading stories from the book of Acts to learn from their experiences what it looks like to be Spirit-empowered witnesses for Jesus.
How do you find strength to carry on when it feels like all hope is lost. We'll explore the experiences and Psalms of David to discover how David found strength in the Lord his God.
The world around us longs for real spiritual experiences. Pentecost Sunday celebrates the outpouring of God’s experienced presence as recorded in the book of Acts. Contrary to popular belief, the story of the Bible is mostly not about getting to Heaven, it’s the reality of Heaven getting into us. Life with God makes all things right.
There is an infilling of God's Spirit at work internally in our lives as He continually completes the work of salvation, forming us into Christlikeness, and there is also the outflowing of God's Spirit like a rushing river through our lives as He empowers us to extend the Kingdom of God.
Both Male and Female reflect the image of God. The Bible also uses the image of a Mother to describe the Character of God.
The Holy Spirit gives many spiritual gifts to Jesus' followers, and we are instructed to earnestly desire them, especially the gift of prophecy.
The Holy Spirit empowers followers of Jesus to join Him in bringing healing to people, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
An important step in preparing my heart for the infilling of the Spirit is remembering that I am not my own, God has purchased me with the life blood of Jesus Christ and my entire life now belongs to Him.
1 of 6 Talks Leading up to Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is a Revealer of Truth - about who Jesus is, about who the Father is, and about who we are
Both the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Resurrection of Jesus continue to impact our lives today
Simon Karisa is the overseeing bishop of Harvest International Ministries in Kenya, a network that has grown to approximately 4500 churches. Simon will be sharing stories of the Lord's work in Kenya and bring a message from the Word or God.
The Bible reveals the Holy Spirit as the experienced, empowering return of God's own personal presence, enabling us to experience the life of the future now
Jesus began His ministry with the announcement that the Kingdom of God is now at hand. The inbreaking of God's Kingdom changes everything. In this 2nd part of the series we learn about Power and Authority in God's Kingdom.
The Bible reveals the Holy Spirit as the experienced, empowering return of God's own personal presence, enabling us to experience the life of the future now
Jesus sends his apprentices out with instructions to proclaim the Kingdom of God is near and to do the works of His Kingdom, healing the sick, binding up broken hearts, casting out demons, etc. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual tools/gifts to do the works of the Kingdom.
When Jesus launched his ministry with the words, "The time is now. The Kingdom of God has come. Repent and believe the good news," He revealed a radical new reality: in Him the powers and life of the future age are available now to all who will put their faith in Him.
Jesus began His ministry with the announcement that the Kingdom of God is now at hand. The inbreaking of God's Kingdom changes everything. In this 2nd part of the series we learn about Power and Authority in God's Kingdom.
Jesus is the King of God's Kingdom. He inaugurated the Kingdom of God so we can taste of its goodness and power now before the end of the world comes when He returns and establishes God's Kingdom in all its fullness.
Jesus Cherishes the nations - every culture, every language, every ethnic group - and we who follow Jesus are called to join Him in a partnership of Cherishing the Nations.
Sharon Mitchell, a missionary and "global nomad" shares God's love for every culture and the myriad ways the beauty of the Gospel is displayed in every culture on earth
Thanksgiving is the language of Faith. It is also the "gate" by which we enter God's Presence.
Testimonies from our teams' recent trips to Uganda and Zambia, Africa -- living out Matthew 9:35-10:8
"Why in the world are we here? What is our role? What is our goal? Following the will of God!"
In 2 Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to guard the treasure that has been entrusted to him. We each also have treasures entrusted to us that need to be guarded. In chapter 2 of 2 Timothy, Paul exhorts Timothy to be strengthened in the Grace of Christ Jesus. Paul says he need the strength of a soldier, of an athlete, and of a farmer.
Old and New followers of Jesus alike have all been entrusted with a treasure we are called to nurture and guard. We guard the treasure by passing it on.
Ordinary followers of Jesus can make a Real Impact in the world when they enter into loving relationship with God and each other. We'll here stories of Grace Vineyard's recent missions trip to Zambia, Africa.
The scriptures are replete with exhortations to share the Gospel of the Kingdom in word and deed, just like farmers must continually plant seeds if they are to reap a harvest. We are exhorted, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Discovering our call to share the truth and power of Jesus to heal and restore broken lives
Followers of Jesus are called to a lifetime of spiritual growth, and the context for that spiritual growth is in the community of other followers of Jesus. We experience the transforming power of God's Grace together.
Followers of Jesus have much more than a set of religious beliefs. Together we experience real, relational, life changing encounters with the Glory and Goodness of God. Jesus promised quite simply, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20)
Jesus taught the disciples a model prayer that is often called "The Lord's Prayer". Each phrase of this model prayer is loaded with meaning that will empower our everyday prayer life.
Jesus connected fruitful living with prayer in one of his most memorable word pictures - the vine and the branches. Today we'll learn some simple principles for experiencing fruitfulness from a prayer empowered life.
Prayer is one of the most, if not THE most, overlooked resources for enforcing the victory that Jesus won over sin and Satan on the cross. When we understand that God, in His Sovereignty, often waits for His people to pray before He acts, we learn that prayer is our #1 strategy for living.
One of the many things moms are known for is "The Power of a Praying Mother". We'll look at some stories of praying moms and learn 3 principles that we can all put into practice in our prayer lives.
In the aftermath of Easter Weekend - Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection - not even one of the disciples understood what it all meant or believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. These were very ordinary people. Yet Jesus chose them to be the people through whom He would bring Christianity to the ends of the earth. Let's explore their story and learn how God usses ordinary people to do extraordinary things
After the events of Easter weekend - the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, then reports of Jesus' resurrection - the disciples were disoriented, confused, not sure what they should do. We'll learn from Jesus' interaction with Thomas and then with Peter about the path forward in times of uncertainty.
The Apostle John teaches us another principle for thriving for a lifetime: learn to discern whether the source of spiritual revelations and experiences is human, divine, or demonic.
Empty Vessels. Jesus is looking for people who are listening obediently to fill with His Spirit and to do His Kingdom work.
NOTES
Luke 10:38-42
The Beatitudes - Mathew 5:5-11
Blessed are: The poor in spirit…
Lack: Self-fulfillment. Ego.
Blessing: …theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are: Those who mourn…
Lack: Solace. The “hole” of loss.
Blessing: …they will be comforted.
Blessed are: The meek…
Lack: Ambition. Self-promotion.
Blessing: …they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are: Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…
Lack: Self-righteousness.
Blessing: …they will be filled.
Blessed are: The merciful…
Lack: Judgment. Unforgiveness.
Blessing: …they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are: The pure in heart…
Lack: Cynicism
Blessing: …they will see God.
Blessed are: The peacemakers…
Lack: Anger. Hatred of “them”.
Blessing: …they will be called children of God
Blessed are: Those who are persecuted because of righteousness…
Lack: Justice. Security.
Blessing: …the kingdom of heaven
- The essence of Jesus’s earthly ministry was emptying himself of his inherent divine power.
Jesus Emptied Himself – Philippians 2:1-11
- Jesus modeled self-emptying for us.
- We are called to be like him.
- This self-emptying is the core of our call to follow him.
Empty Vessels – 2 Timothy 2:20-22
The Call to Self-Denial – Matthew 16:24-25
Mary and the One Thing – Luke 10:38-42
The central teaching of Jesus is not afterlife, systematic theology, or good moral behavior; the central message of Jesus is the Kingdom of God. Let’s explore together how just a little (quantum) shift in our paradigm can open us up to a whole new world of Divine reality.
The beloved Apostle marvels at the love God lavished on us when Jesus gave his life so that we could become God's children, and just as children look like their parents, the children of God are characterized by love and righteousness.
Week 3: Defending Against the Attacks of the Evil One
1 John 2:18-29
With the love of a concerned spiritual father, John prepares us to defend against the attacks of the evil one.
Like a rope made up of 3 braided strands, John weaves together 3 important strands that work together to help us thrive in life for a lifetime.
In this study of 1 John, we learn from the Apostle's example insights for thriving in life...for a lifetime.
The scriptures reveal Jesus' surprising plan to bring transformation to the entire world through regular people like you and me, gathered, growing, and serving together in what Jesus calls "The Church".
Practical training in how to facilitate Effective Prayer Encounters - experiences with God that can heal and change people's lives.
A scriptural journey of bringing old things to an end as new beginnings our brought into our lives.
In week 2 of our Series, "Equipping The Saints", we will be looking at the reality that Jesus' ministry was launched as an attack of His Kingdom against Satan's Kingdom. It is a case of Kingdoms in Conflict.
We will look at the story of Creation from Genesis to discover how we become spiritually mature
CJ Orndorff from 2nd Chance Outreach Ministries will take us through the Scriptures showing the value of lifes trials when we go through them with Christ
Learning from the example of Jesus and the first generation of first disciples what it looks like to do works of ministry
Timeless lessons for everyone who seeks to follow Jesus and join His purposes for our world.
Practical steps for walking in the revelation that Jesus + nothing = everything!
If we are made right with God by His Grace alone - Jesus + Nothing = Everything - what does that mean for how we live out the life of Grace? If Jesus has done everything to make us right with God, do we just do nothing, sort of floating along downstream in the river of God's Grace? In his talk at Grace Vineyard on Sunday morning, September 26, 2021, Brian Sliffe will helps us think through "Walking in Grace: Practical steps for living in the revelation that Jesus+nothing=everything".
Scriptures for this talk:
Romans 5:6, 8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 1:12
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
1 Peter 1:14-16
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
John 13:34-35
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Matthew 22:35-40
35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
John 15:5
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
1 John 4:10
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Psalms 1:2
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
Better Together Part 1
We only find our ultimate meaning and purpose in life in our relationship with Christ
Colossians 1:15-16 (The Message)
15 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. 16 For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels — everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
God’s purpose in you is to make you like Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
God’s purpose in you is toe make your life become praise and worship to Him
Romans 12:1
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
Ephesians 1:11-12
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
God’s purpose through you is to help people everywhere to know and worship Jesus with all their lives
Ephesians 1:3-11 (New Living Translation)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
God has chosen to fulfill both His purpose in you and His purpose through you together with the body of Christ as we serve Him in His mission.
Romans 12:4-10
4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (New Living Translation)
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
When we work together to serve Christ’s Mission, we are forced to grow as we face the inevitable struggles of relationship
- Speak the truth in love
Ephesians 4:25
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body
- Deal properly with anger toward each other
Ephesians 4:26-28
26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
- Get a job so we can help each other financially
Ephesians 4:28
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
- Use our speech to build each other up
Ephesians 4:29
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
- Put off our old sinful ways of relating, now treat each other the way Christ treats us
Ephesians 4:31-5:2
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We are better together.
As we work together, serving the mission of Jesus Christ, Christ’s purpose is not only fulfilled through us, His purpose is fulfilled in us.
Ephesians 4:16 (New Living Translation)
16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Steve and Lisa Rogers share stories from their June trip with the Honduras Vineyard Mission Partnership, highlighting the power of relationships for everything we do in life in ministry.
Galatians: The Gospel of Grace (week 6) July 4, 2021
Promise vs. Performance
Galatians 3:15-29
15 Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
"For a promise to bring results it needs only to be believed. For a law to bring results, it needs to be obeyed." -- Tim Keller
- Note vs 16 & 29 -- Abraham's Seed16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ....29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
- when you put your faith in Jesus, you were made right with God AND you became Abraham’s heir, receiving both the benefits and the responsibilities of God’s promises: To be blessed and to be a blessing
HOW • WHAT • WHEN • WHERE • WHY
Who – bless everybody, especially those for whom it is most difficult
Luke 6:27-36
27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
How in word and in deed
IN WORD – remember: we humans tend to magnify the negative and minimize the positive. If I tell you 9 positive things and 1 critical observation, you’ll focus on the 1 negative.
Ephesians 4:29-30
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
What Be a blessing
When At all times
Where Everywhere
Why It is our calling, our responsibility, our privilege, and it is the means by which we inherit the blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
The backstory of the letter to the Galatians. Acts 13-14 ; Paul and Barnabus begin planting churches in the region of Galatia. The Judaizers undermine Pauls message with a false gospel of salvation by works. In response Paul writes a letter to the churches in the region of Galatia to remind them of the true Gosple of Grace.
Galatians 1:1-11
1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,
To the churches in Galatia:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Paul Called by God
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
The Transformative Power of the Gospel
May 16, 2021
Notes:
“The Gospel is always relevant, always transformative, and is always our central message”
--Phil Strout, The Greatness of the Gospel Booklet
“The Gospel is the Good News that God intervened on behalf of humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. ‘The Gospel rests upon the history of Jesus Christ. His birth, obedient life, atoning death, physical resurrection from the dead, and His ascension into heaven.’ In the end, He will set all things right as it was intended.” --Phil Strout, The Greatness of the Gospel Booklet
Romans 12:1-2
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Galatians 5:19-25
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
John 3:3-18
3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven — the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Chaplain Jason DiPinto teaches on training for our Spiritual Battles
Matthew 24:1-8, 36-51 (ESV)
1 “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Point 1: We must always BE READY for whatever our CALLINGS or our LIFE requires
Point 2: When we train, we crawl, walk, run.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Philippians 2:13
13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
I Corinthians 9:24-26
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
Matthew 25:34-40
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
Point 3: Our Training and discipleship happen when were in community.
Easter Sunday Service at The River Gardens
Take Your Place
Look to Jesus on the cross, look to Jesus at the resurrection, and take your place.
The story arc of the entire Bible can be summarized in 4 chapters:
Chapter 1 – Creation
Chapter 2 – The Fall
Chapter 3 - Redemption
Chapter 4 – New Creation
Creation
Genesis 1:26-28
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
- It was always God’s intent that He would rule over creation through humans, made in His image, living in intimate relationship with Him, entirely dependent on Him.
- The world was perfect, beautiful, full of peace, there was perfect justice especially in the sense that there was no oppression, none of the corruption of power where the strong oppress those who are not as strong as they.
- This would all be blown apart in Chapter 2 – The Fall
The Fall
God had given them one rule – there are fruit trees everywhere. They may eat any of the fruit. But there is one tree they may not eat of – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If they eat of it, they will surely die, says God.
The tempter says God is lying. They will not surely die, he says. Rather, they will become like God. They look at the fruit, see it’s beauty, begin to look at it with lust in their hearts. They make the fatal decision to disobey God, to try to do things their own way, to become like God themselves.
And all hell breaks lose.
And they who were created to be God’s vice regents over the earth, give rulership to the serpent, to Satan.
And Jesus calls him the prince of this world, the ruler of this world.
Paul writes to the Ephesians:
Ephesians 2:1-10
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The Final 2 Chapters – Redemption and New Creation
- God already has a plan in place to redeem this broken world. He tells the humans that one day one of their offspring will crush the head of the serpent, but the serpent will bruise his heal.
- Out of the chaos God chooses a man named Abraham, and says he will give him a family, and through that family will bless all the people on the planet.
- God forms a nation from Abraham, a nation called Israel, and the Bible is the story of that people.
- God establishes that in a temporary sort of way animals, can be slain in sacrifice as a way to deal with their constant sinning. God gives them laws showing them how to live in love, peace, and justice.
- And God sends prophets to them telling them of a day coming when he will redeem the entire world through the work of special person called the Messiah. He will suffer and be killed in their place, taking upon himself all the combined sins and evil of the world.
Isaiah 53:2-6
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Chapter 4 New Creation
Those same prophets also predicted that God would recreate the whole world and restore it to what it was at creation.
Isaiah 11:2-9
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him —
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord —
3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
The New Creation is best described by the words of the Revelation:
Revelation 21:1-5
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
2 Crucial Things Took Place on the Cross.
And currently most Christians only emphasize one of them. But both are crucial.
John 12:31-33
31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
1st – Sin has been dealt with.
Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
On the cross, Jesus took away
- The Penalty of Sin
- The Presence of Sin
- The Power of Sin
Hebrews 9:26
But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
2nd – Satan has been dealt with. The powers have been destroyed. The ruler of this world as been driven out.
Crucial truths from the Bible –
Colossians 2:15
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Hebrews 2:14-16
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
1 Corinthians 2:8-9
8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
In the Resurrection, New Creation has Begun. Jesus’ resurrection is the first fruits of the resurrection of all of Creation. Of the New Heavens and the New Earth.
Chapters 3 and 4 – Redemption and New Creation – are overlapping. Redemption is complete. New Creation has started in advance before it’s consummation at the return of Jesus.
Revelation 1:4-6
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever!
Revelation 5:6-10
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
Because of the Cross, you can take your place. You can live the life of purpose for which God Created You.
1 John 3:8b
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
At the cross:
Sin has been dealt with. Jesus has taken away its penalty, its power and its presence
At the cross:
Satan has been dealt with. He has been destroyed by the death of Jesus (that word means – rendered powerless and ineffective. Jesus has disarmed the powers and authorities that are the force behind all the reign of wickedness and evil in this world
Easter – the resurrection of Jesus – is the inauguration of New Creation.
When we look in faith to Jesus, we enter into the experience of all of this – defeat of sin, defeat of Satan, new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Take your place
There are three common threads in Revival History:
- Some kind of crisis
- Unction on the church to pray
- A heart to repent -- 1st in the church, 2nd in the world at large
The Holy Spirit plays a specific role in this process, as Jesus described in John 16:8-11
John 16:8-11 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Welcome
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Pastor Ron shares God's timely truth for our current circumstances.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
Welcome
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Pastor Ron shares God's plan for us to fight and win our spiritual battles together.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
The Belt of Truth
Our Primary text today is Ephesians 6:10-18:
(New International Version and New Living Translation)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Exposing the Devil’s Schemes
Not everything you think is true, so think about what you think about.
Not all of your thoughts come from your own mind – your thoughts can also come from God speaking, and even from demons. This is why we must know the Truth of God’s Word in order to discern the truth of our thoughts.
Acts 8:26-27
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road — the desert road — that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out...
The devil will use unhealed past offenses and wounds to deceive you about present circumstances
Loving confrontation and forgiveness (giving up the right to get paid back for what was done to me) can bring powerful healing for both the offended and the offender
Triangulation – telling a third party about the offense – can spread the deception 3 ways, and none of those involved walk in freedom
Luke 17:1-4 NKJV
17 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! … 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
The Protection of Seeing Things as They Really Are
Truth can be defined as that which conforms to reality; to the way things really are.
The only One who can fully see things in our lives as they really are is the One who is outside, above, and beyond our world: the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
John 14:6-10
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. ...
John 17:15-22 Jesus praying to the Father for us
15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 16:12-13
12 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 8:31-37
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
The Protection of Personal Integrity
Personal honesty is a first line defense against the devil’s attacks
Psalms 25:21
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
“Denial is false armor; self-honesty is risky…But self-honesty actually brings God into your life, and you cannot ask for better protection than that.”
—Gary D. Kinnaman, How to Overcome the Darkness
When we live in falsehood, we are living in Satan’s realm; he attaches himself to dishonesty.
Lying is an attempt to defend or attack – in either case we prevent God from fighting our battles for us.
John 8:44-45
[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
After a fall, personal honesty is key to restoration
John 3:20-21
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light
2 Samuel 12:13
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord."
Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.”
Psalms 32:3-5
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" — and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalms 51:1-12
…3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sin sand blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Welcome
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Christian Twombly shares how Jesus has led him into an Authentic life, and the continuing effects it has had.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
Welcome
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Pastor Ron shares God's plan for us to fight and win our spiritual battles together.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
You can follow along below with the Handout from Sunday:
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New International Version and New Living Translation)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
We need to know that we are in a spiritual battle (verses 11-12)
“If there is a single key area of faith and practice that divides Northern [hemisphere] and Southern [hemisphere] Christians, it is this matter of spiritual forces and their effects on the every-day human world. This issue goes to the heart of cultural definition and worldviews.”
–Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom
“What I am suggesting is that we engage in a critical re-evaluation of our Western worldview on one important issue – the actual existence of good and evil spirits…We must…strive toward making this as important a part of our worldview as it was for Paul. The powers of darkness are real, we need to be conscious of their influence, and we need to respond to them appropriately.”
– Clinton Arnold, Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul’s Letters
We fight spiritual battles together
§ Every “you” in Ephesians is written to the church as a community, not to individuals. It’s “you together”, not “each of you individually”.
§ Ephesians 4:1-6 could best be understood to say
4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you [together] to live a life worthy of the calling you [together] have received. 2 [You together] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 [You together] make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you [together] were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
§ Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 could best be understood to say:
10 Finally, you together be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 You together put on the full armor of God so that you together can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…
13 Therefore you together put on the full armor of God [help each other get dressed for battle] so that when the day of evil comes, you together may be able to stand your ground…
We fight our battles with the Lord’s strength and power, not our own
Our power is “resurrection power”
Ephesians 1:18-22
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
We prepare for our battles with spiritual armor
Ephesians 6:14-17
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Belt of Truth - The Protection of Personal Integrity
Satan is the Father of lies and dishonesty opens us up to his attacks
John 8:44, 10:10
... When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies…The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
If I compromise my conscience and settle for less complete honesty, I allow the tempter entrance into my life; destruction begins its corrosive work at the point of compromise.
The path of self-deception -> denial -> lying will put us in bondage, and the way out of bondage begins with a return to personal honesty.
John 3:20-21
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light…
The Breastplate of Righteousness—The Protection of Living Out What Christ Has Made Us to Be
The Breastplate of Righteousness is God’s righteousness, not my righteousness. It comes through faith, not our righteous deeds
Romans 3:19-22
… no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; …
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known…22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
The Gospel of Peace—The Protection of Relationship
Peace = the prosperity of soul when everything is right in relationship with God and everything is right in relationship with others.
The Gospel of Peace means we can be at Peace with God and Peace with each other
Romans 5:1, 10
…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.….when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son…
The Shield of Faith—The Protection of Trust that Perseveres
Faith is confidence base on the trustworthiness of the one we put our faith in. Our faith in Jesus is strong because He is completely dependable and infinitely powerful. The more we know Him, the stronger our faith becomes.
The Shield of Faith:
¨ Trusts God daily for His help and provision
¨ Perseveres, especially when overcome with difficulty
¨ Doggedly believes that God’s Word is true in the face of every problem, negative thought, or demon
¨ Determines “to rise above the injustices and pains of life, without allowing the flaming arrows of pain and resentment to penetrate your soul. Life hurts. Faith looks to God and refuses to give those hurts a foothold in your heart.”
-Gary Kinnaman, Winning Your Spiritual Battles
The Helmet of Salvation—The Protection of a Mind Transformed by Truth
Our thinking needs salvation, what we do flows out of what we think
Matthew 15:18-20
19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man 'unclean'
Romans 12:2 New Living Translation
2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
The mind is the battlefield of the spiritual war
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with ...have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Don’t believe everything you think
² The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God— The Protection of God’s Empowered Word
When God speaks something, nothing can stop it from happening
God’s Word is infinitely powerful and absolutely reliable
Isaiah 55:11
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
The Word of God becomes a sword as the Spirit inspires and empowers His Words in my mouth
John 6:63
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
Did you find this message helpful?
You can read all of Paul's letter to this church yourself here. You can find the same letter in your Bible at home, called 'Ephesians'.
Welcome
The Grace Vineyard Podcast is back!
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Pastor Ron continues his message on how the good news of how God brings us into Times of Refreshing.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can give and find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
Interested in learning more about some of the men Ron mentioned?
Here are some resources:
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Sermon
& the wikipedia page on Charles Finney
Welcome
The Grace Vineyard Podcast is back!
You're invited to join us as we build growing communities of worshippers,
who are becoming like Christ, empowered to do His work.
Join us as Pastor Ron shares the good news of how God brings us into Times of Refreshing.
If you would like to partner with us in this season, you can give and find out more about Christ's work in our community at Gracevcf.org
EXODUS P2-
w/RON OHST
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Missions Update-
Haven & Samuel share about Germany / Poland
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EXODUS P1
Out of Slavery into the Kingdom
w/RON OHST
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COURAGEOUS JOY P9-
w/STEVE ROGERS
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COURAGEOUS JOY P8-
w/RON OHST
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COURAGEOUS JOY P7-
w/RON OHST
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COURAGEOUS JOY P6-
w/RON OHST
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Missionaries to Cambodia
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COURAGEOUS JOY P4-
w/RON OHST
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WHILE WE WAIT-
w/BARRY YOUNG
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COURAGEOUS JOY P3
w/RON OHST
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TOM and SHERRY GREEN-
Music Set
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THE RED DOOR-
An original play by Marqurite Brunelle
Grace Vineyard Easter Play 2019
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LET ALL THINGS RISE P4-
w/RON OHST
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LET ALL THINGS RISE P3-
w/RON OHST
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LET ALL THINGS RISE P1-
w/RON OHST
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EASTER MISSION P1-
w/RON OHST
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THE POWER of HUNGER and THIRST-
w/RON OHST
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TRANSFORMATION P3-
Honoring The Holy Spirit
w/RON OHST
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WHERE'S YOUR FOCUS-
w/BARRY YOUNG
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KINGDOM VALUES-
w/SAMUEL MADSON
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TRANSFORMATION-
The PROMISE and the PROCESS
w/RON OHST
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WALKING WITH EMMANUEL P3-
A COMMUNITY of LOVE and POWER w/RON OHST
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WALKING WITH EMMANUEL P2-
The Spirit- Baptized Life w/RON OHST
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NEW YEAR- NEW COMMAND
w/TREINA NASH
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WALKING WITH EMMANUEL-
w/RON OHST
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PROVISIONING
w/SAMUEL MADSON
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HUMBLE KING P4- LOVE
w/RON OHST
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HUMBLE KING P3- GREAT JOY
w/RON OHST
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HUMBLE KING P2- PEACE
w/RON OHST
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HUMBLE KING P1- HOPE
w/RON OHST
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SEARCH MY HEART-
w/MICHELLE ERTEL
Psalms 139
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THE BATTLE OF PERSPECTIVE-
w/NIGEL MORRIS
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MARK FIELDS-
Director of Vineyard USA Missions
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EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY- P4
w/RON OHST
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EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY- P3
w/SAMUEL MADSON
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EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY- P2
w/RON OHST
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EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY- P1
w/RON OHST
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GETTING SAAAAAVED-
w/MATT EVANS
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HOW TO MULTIPLY YOUR BLESSING-
w/RON OHST
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A STROKE OF GRACE-
w/RON OHST & DR LAURA DESADIER
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COMMITTED TO LOVE-
w/BRIAN SLIFFE
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A HEART OF COMPASSION-
w/LYNN CERULLO
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LAMBS AMONG THE WOLVES-
w/EDDIE ROACH
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HEART of the MATTER / NEW NATURE P2-
w/BARRY YOUNG
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HEART of the MATTER / OLD NATURE- P1
w/BARRY YOUNG
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A VOICE OF LOVE P-2
w/NIGEL MORRIS
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A VOICE OF LOVE-
w/NIGEL MORRIS
-Guest Pastor from Anaheim Vineyard-
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LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR-
w/CHRISTIAN TWOMBLY
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LOVE ONE ANOTHER-
w/CHRISTIAN TWOMBLY
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CALLED to be the BODY of CHRIST Series-
CALLED TO EXCELLENCE w/STEVE ROGERS
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CALLED to be the BODY of CHRIST Series-
CALLED TO BE WE
w/MATT EVANS
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CALLED to be the BODY of CHRIST Series:
GROWING THROUGH ONTO MATURITY-
w/BARRY YOUNG
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CALLED to be the BODY of CHRIST:
SAVED TO SERVE
w/JOSH HAMMES
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THE KINGDOM OF WONDER IN YOU-
EDDIE and BETHANY ROACH
Missionaries to Cambodia
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THE STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-
w/SHANNON FRYE
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THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-
w/CODY BUSICK
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THE HEART of a SERVANT-
w/CHRISTIAN TWOMBLY- Youth Pastor
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THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-
w/CODY BUSICK
[The audio file is of poor quality- we had to use a back up file]
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-
w/RON OHST
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WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
w/MATT EVANS
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THE SPIRIT of EASTER
w/RON OHST
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JOURNEY TO THE CROSS P4-
w/TED LAWYER, founder and director
of Breath of Heaven Ministries in Zambia.
For more information:
www.bofheaven.org
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JOURNEY TO THE CROSS P3-
The Requirement of Fruit and the Promise of Fruitfulness
w/RON OHST
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