Comox Pentecostal Church: Recent Episodes
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This Podcast is the recorded teaching ministry of Comox Pentecostal Church located in the heart of the Comox Valley.
- The Covenant vs consumer relationship2. The Love vs like ( feelings are not always reliable )Feelings don't make for a lasting relationship.
God's Words MatterEngagement - InteractionReading the Bible 4 times/week or more gave significant change:30% lonely decreased57% alcohol decreased68% infedelity decreased32% anger decreased40% bitterness decreased60% spiritual stagnantion decreased61% porn decreased200% sharing faith increased230% discipling others increased
Daniel 2:3 gifts:1. Gold - Kingship, King of All Kings2. Frankinsense - Diety3. Myrrh - DeathGifts from JesusCreation is a GiftGiftings is a GiftSpirituality is a GiftService is s GiftHospitality is a GiftHealing, Wisdom are GiftsWe don't have to earn these giftsBring our finest gift to Jesus which come from God ( is actually a Re-gift )God should be at the centre of our Life
Woman: Mary Eve Isreal ChurchDragon:- bent on Accusing ( feel condemned, not convicted. Accuses God to people people to God )- bent on Deceiving (not worthy, do Not get caught up in white lies, compromise )- bent on Destroying ( to me, church. Making war against us )OVERCOME- don't be over come by Death- hesitant to share Gospel- weld yourself to Truth
Foundational Reminders1. Purpose factor2. Human factor - unique image bearers, multiply to fill the earth & spread the gospel, have dominion ( God People Creation )3. Satan factor - spiritual interference, twists God's word only to steal, kill & destroy. In Revelation satan present, is defeated, resistant - will be dealt with.4. Apocalyptic factor - not the end or disaster, means "unveiling", includes exagerated & embellished symbolicism, not chronological order.5. Bracket factor - I Am coming (Rev 1:7, Rev 22:7, Rev 8, Rev 22:12, 22:20 ). My kingdom is adding His influence already6. The Time factor - these things are happening in past, present future7. The Chapter 4 5 factor - see reality from Heaven's perspective - still in the throne roomSeals in the Throne RoomThe coming of Jesus Christ His Kingdom is met with resistence upheaval but ultimately leads to the culmination of all things.Will you Trust the Lamb ! ?
Rest is a Form Of Trust - Jesus will take care of everything.Jesus has stronger, bigger shoulders.Steps to RESTORE your soul1. God's Word2. Prayer3. Others
- Jesus promises to be at work in the midest of those who oppose ( Rev.3:9)
- Jesus says He will strengthen them & put them together on mission ( Rev.3:12)
- Jesus draws attention to the opportunity in front of them ( Rev. 3:8 ) God is at work in the Comox Valley CPC - has an OPEN DOOR ( an opportunity )
- Vanc. Islanders are Spiritually Open.
- Vanc. Islanders see Creation as their Cathedral.
- Vanc. Islanders are relational - will eat drink with you.
- We are in a post-modern, post Christian setting ( a blank canvas).
- People are realizing the empty promises of gods of thi age ( money, sex, success etc).
- Gen Z is especially curious about Jesus.
- Post- pandemic more than ever wondering about the confusing world.
- Comox Valley is still a small community.
- You are warm, friendly, loving church family.
- Jesus is magnificent! "I am the way, the truth life. No one gets to the Father except through me"
- God's heart toward you is gracious, replenishes
- God's way is a thing
- ONLY Jesus ! - only one way to the Father ( exclusive way )
Behold Jesus 1. Behold Jesus who Beholds us. ( He is among the 7 Lampstands. He knows us, searches our minds & thoughts) 2. Behold Jesus who is Merciful 3. Behold Jesus who is Just. 4. Behold Jesus who promises to Return. 5. Behold Jesus who promises to Share Authority. 6. Behold Jesus who promises to Share Himself ( the morning star is Jesus ). 7 Behold Jesus who is Better.
Questions To Consider: 1. Reflect upon a time when your love and passion for Jesus felt most alive 2. Do you want your love for Jesus to grow ever more this season? 3. What is one thing you've done before that you could do this week that would kindle the flame of love for Jesus?
Mouth - double edged swaord Feet - brazen bronze (Copper + Iron = strong no rust Hands - Right 7 stars - angels 7 planets ( only 7 known Voice - rushing water ( thunders) - awe - in spring
D - DiscipleshipN - NurteringA - AccountabilityHumans are more responsible with AccountabilityEnemies multiply kisses, friends' wounds are faithful (Prov 27:6 )
Week 8 Genesis The story that makes sense of all out stories. 1. Read through Genesis 11: 1-9 together. Bonus: Read Acts 2:1-11. Can you draw any parallels or reversals between the passages? 2. What stood out to you or spoke to you in this past Sundays message? 3. What does the structure of the text (hint: chiasm) show us about what we should learn from the story of Babel? 4. How has this series from Genesis 1-11 spoke to some of your deep questions and helped to make sense of your life story? How does Genesis 1-11 speak to Gods ongoing mission in our world?
Week #7 Genesis The story that makes sense of all our stories 1. Flip through the pages of Genesis 5 10. What happens in the story of God and the flood? 2. What stood out to you or spoke to you in this past Sundays message? 3. What does the fact that other cultures have flood stories say to you about the biblical story? 4. Why did the flood happen? What does this reveal about Gods character? (revisit the implications of the words Judgement, Grace and Covenant if not already discussed in question 2)
Genesis The Story that makes sense of all our Stories Week 6 1. Read Genesis chapter 4 2. What stood out to you or spoke to you in this past Sundays message? 3. How was Gods grace demonstrated through Genesis 4 and the story of Cain Abel? 4. Read Luke 10:25 37. How does Jesus answer to the question Who is my neighbour? affect our understanding of Where is my brother?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Read Genesis 3.7-24.2 What stoodout, or spoke to you in this past Sunday's message?3. How was grace experienced in the four primary relationships (God, self,others, creation) after the sin?4. As you think about everyday life, where might you notice areas ofbrokenness in and around you?5. Where are you seeing hints of gracein the midst of darkness?6. Conclude by praying for your local mission field andfor each other.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.1. Read Genesis 2.25 -3.10.2. What stood out to you or spoke to you in this Sunday's message?"3. Review the four steps the serpent takes in tempting Eve. Can you describe how he uses the same steps with you?4. In what ways might you tend to relate to God with suspicion and distrust in everyday life?5. What might remedy this?6. Conclude by praying for your local mission field and for each other.
Discussion Questions: Genesis Series Week 3Read Genesis 2: 16-18 together as a group.What stood out to you or spoke to you from this Sunday's message?There's so much depth to these verses, such as the real meaning of "knowledge of good and evil", seeing the love and care in God's command, etc. Which one stood out to you the most and why?How can you make God the center of your life and depend on him in ways you are maybe holding onto independence?Conclude by praying for your local mission field, and for each other.
Read Genesis 1:26 - 31, 2:4-8, 15, 18-25 and read Psalm 8. 1. How does Psalm 8 mirror Gen 1 2? What does Psalm 8 say about the status and purpose of people? 2. What stood out to you or spoke to you in this past Sunday's message? 3. If someone asked you what it means to be human, how would you answer them? 4. How might seeing all people as image bearers created by God change the way we think about them or treat them? 5. Conclude by praying for your local mission field and for each other.
- New Covenant Giving: Is for Everyone2. Is Consistent3. Is Proportionate4. Is Attached to Vision (for God's People)
- PREPARE- find the purpose- be filled with the HS (Psalms 46:10 )- receive God's grace2. POSITION- submit (place under, align with) yourself to God- resist the enemy - (temptation)- draw near to God ( requires action intention)3. PERSEVERE- allow HS transfomation- we need to partner with the HS to allow transformation- growth takes time- humble yourself, God will lift you up (establish His purpose)
Gospel Fluency Discussion Questions OPTIONAL: Read Chapters 14 &15 of Gospel Fluency. What were some highlights? What challenged you? We are taught to "eat the meat and spit out the bones". While all of us would have some things we will leave behind, what are one or two things from this book you found most helpful and important to embrace? 1. On Sunday we thought about five trees. which tree has spoken most meaningfully to you? Why
Tree of Life, Tree of Freedom, Tree of Faithfulness, Tree of Forgiveness, Tree of Renewal
- What do you feel the Five Trees reveal about God? In other words, what do they show about what God is like? Is this actually good news to your neighbors, co-workers, and classmates( your mission field)? Why?
- Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 and 3:13-15 These were our texts on Sunday. What stood out to you in them?3:15 says to "Always be prepared. Let's pair up and practice answering:
How has God's story changed your story? Include as many of the five trees as you can in your answer. Remember to use the name, Jesus! Take about 3-5 minutes each. ( Group leader, please manage time for the group)
- What's next? Should we meet in December? Should we keep meeting next year as a group? How can we stay connected and go "on mission together"?
- Communion and prayer time. ( read 1 Cor 11:23-26 for guidance)
OPTIONAL: Read Chapters 12 13 of Gospel Fluency. What were some highlights? What challenged you? 1. On Sunday we talked about the Tree of Life in Revelation 22, renewal, and the resurrection of Jesus What stood out to you? What kind of things do you long to see renewed? 2, Do you think people in the Comox Valley also long for things to be made new? What might be some things your neighbors/coworkers/ classmates (mission field) may be longing to see renewed? How is the gospel good news to them? 3. Read 1 Peter 1:3 What do we learn about God from that text? It has been said that "the resurrection of Jesus means hope for every circumstance and hope for every person." Do you think this is true? How so? 4. Communion Prayer (Read 1 Cor 11:23-26 for guidance). 5. Christmas Outreach Planning: We only have this week and next week to finalize our plans. Take whatever time is needed to work on this together now. Have you let the church know your plans yet? Please send a brief description of what you are doing to the office at office@cpclife.com. We are praying for you.
Gospel Fluency Discussion Questions OPTIONAL: Read chapters 10 and 11 of Gospel Fluency. What were some highlights? What challenged you? 1. On Sunday we talked about Jesus and how the fourth tree is the cross, which means forgiveness. What stood out to you or spoke to your heart in a meaningful way? 2. Is God's forgiveness Good News to the people of the Comox Valley who don't know Jesus yet? How so? What would you say are some ineffective ways of trying to help people to see their need of forgiveness from God? What might some effective ways be? 3. Read 1 John 1:5 - 2:2 What do we learn about people and what do we learn about God from this text? Although "confession" is not part of our tradition in the same way as in the catholic church, confession is biblical and has great value. Why might some be hesitant to confess their sin to someone else? What could the benefits of confession actually be? 4. Communion and Prayer (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 for guidance). 5. Christmas Outreach Planning: Take some time to continue working on your group plan together. We want to hear about it! 1. Appoint someone to send a brief summary of your group's Christmas Outreach Plan to the church office. 2. Send it to office@cpclife.com
Gospel Fluency Discussion Questions OPTIONAL: Read Chapters 8 & 9 of Gospel Fluency. What are some highlights? What Challenged you? 1. On Sunday we talked about the tree of Mamre and Abraham. We considered how God formed a covenant family through which He can make himself known, offer relationships, and extend His purposes. God is faithful, even when things are difficult and even when we are difficult. What stood out to you or spoke to your heart in a meaningful way? 2. Part 1: Is the message of God's faithfulness, (gospel) good news to you? How so? Part 2: Is God's faithfulness, good news to the people of the Comox Valley who don't know Jesus yet? How so? Give some examples of things people in the C.V. may be facing and how the faithfulness of God speaks good news to that. 3. Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13 Pretend we only have three verses to discover what God is like. Make a list together of the things we learn about God through this passage. This "Trustworthy saying" was likely an early Christian hymn. How do you see the gospel in its words? (What is the good news it is relaying?) 4. Communion Prayer (Read 1Cor. 11:23-26 for guidance.) 5. Christmas Outreach Planning: By now your group should have decided on a Christmas Outreach that you participate in together. If not, make that decision today. What are the next steps? What do you need to do to plan and be well-prepared for this group Christmas Outreach?
Gospel Fluency Discussion Questions Optional: Read Chapters 6, &7. What were some highlights? What challenged you? 1. On Sunday we talked about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and how it points to God's purpose of freedom for people. What stood out to you? How does this tree uniquely point to God's love and His desire for relationship? 2. What kind of thoughts and ideas do you think people of the Comox Valley have about God? What misunderstandings about God may people have that would cause them to prefer independence? 3. Read Galatians 5:1 and 5:13-17 How do you see this passage relating to the ideas of freedom, choice, love, and dependence? Theologian Dustin Benge said, " Unbelievers recognize their sin as their freedom. Believers recognize their sin as their bondage. Jesus Christ changes everything." How does Jesus Christ change everything? 4. Communion and Prayer ( read 1 Cor. 11:23-26 for guidance) 5. Christmas Outreach Planning: Last week your group brainstormed ideas of things you could do to help someone who doesn't know Jesus yet feel the good news this Christmas. Begin narrowing down your ideas to one you could work with together. Wouldnt it be wonderful to really meet someone's needs or bless them?
GOSPEL FLUENCY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - WEEK 2 OPTIONAL: Read Chapters 4&5 of Gospel Fluency. What are some highlights? What challenged you? 1. On Sunday we talked about the Tree of Life and considered three words: Gift, Middle and Choice.
Which word stands out most to you? Why?
- Read Romans 8:11
Do you think that most people wonder about what happens after death? How does this passage give us hope after death? If you are facing difficulty on a Tuesday or feeling discouraged about something on a Friday, how could this scripture be of hope and encouragement to you? In other words, how does this verse speak into our everyday living?
- On Sunday it was said that the Tree of Life is a Tree of Dependance.
How might people in the Comox Valley struggle with this? How might Christians today struggle with dependance?
- Communion and Prayer ( Read 1 Cor 11: 23-26 for guidance)
- Christmas Outreach Brainstorm: As a group list 4-5 ideas of something your group could do together to practically express the love of Jesus by meeting the need of someone who doesn't know Jesus yet. Pray and ask God to lead your group to focus on one.
Gospel Fluency Discussion: Week 1 Optional (Read Chapters 1-3 of Gospel Fluency. )What were some highlights? What Challenged you? 1. What are you hoping to grow in over the next 7 weeks? Why? 2. Read Romans 5:6-11 Make a list of all the things God did or does that are mentioned in this passage. What do we learn about Gods heart when we look at this list? What kind of things does this passage say we need to know about ourselves? If someone was facing an everyday kind of difficulty, how might this passage speak hope to them? 3. Communion and Prayer, (read 1 Cor 11:23-26 for guidance) 4. Next week we will explore ideas for a group Christmas Outreach.
1 Corinthians 6:13-20 "Your body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body .... Do you not know that your body is a member of Christ himself? .... Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? ... Your are not your own; your were bought at a price. Therefor honour God with your body"
- Sex is Not a basic human need.
- Those who are single are equally affirmed.
- Marriage was God's idea.
- Sex is God's idea for pleasure, procreation within a mutual whole-self-giving consensual life-long covenant. Sex is a covenant renewal celebration.
Week 5: Discussion Questions for 1 Peter Series Personally ( Coffee Club Prep) Read 1 Peter one last time. In your own words write a sentence or paragraph to summarize the book. Coffee Club ( Discussion Guide)
What spoke to you as your read 1Pster this week? How would you summarize the book?
What intimidates you about the idea of being a missionary ( or a witness) in your neighborhood, workplace, school, ( or wherever your local mission field is)?
How does 1 Peter speak to those feelings? fears and concerns?
Who are the people that you could potentially be "on mission" together within your mission field? What could it look like for your + those other believers to share in a small group with a common mission?
Check-in with each other ( "how are you really doing?") and pray for each other. also, pray for the potential of teaming up with others in the future to share in community and common mission.
Coffee club discussion guide: 1. What spoke to you as you read 1 Peter this week? 2. This we are considering how 1 Peter calls us to maximize the potential of our proximity (2:11-12), This happens as we make Jesus visible in Society, work, home, Christian community, and suffering. ( 2:13-4:10). Tell us about someone that makes Jesus visible well in one of these areas. What makes them so inspiring in their example? 3. It can sometimes be sobering to remember that our lives paint a picture of our neighbors and our coworkers to imagine what Jesus might be like. None of us do this perfectly. what is one area you need God's help to reflect Jesus better? 4. What is one thing you could do this week to deepen a friendship with someone you see regularly who doesn't know Jesus yet? 5. Check in on each other, pray for each other and your mission field.
Personally (Coffee club Prep) Read 1 Peter, this week and note a few things that stand out to you about Jesus Coffee Club (Discussion Questions)
What spoke to you as you read 1, Peter, this week? What did you notice about Jesus? Peter outlines ways our lives shouldnt be like anyone elses. What are a few ways yours has become much like the culture and society? What tensions do you feel in 1 Peters call to both be set apart from people and who dont know Jesus yet also be sent to people who dont know Jesus yet? You have been sent by God on His mission in the Comox Valley! Who do you see regularly (weekly) that doesnt know Jesus yet? How well do you know this mission field? What could you do to deepen your connections and friendships in your local mission field? Check-in on one another and pray for each other. This week also pray that your connection with your local mission field will deepen.
Coffee Club - Read 1 Peter this week 1. What spoke to you the most as you read 1 Peter ? 2. What are you discovering about Jesus in 1 Peter ? 3.What is something you are realizing about yourself & your Citizenship as we consider 1 Peter ? What are the implications ? 4. What is one thing 1 Peter is calling you to new obedience in this week ? What would that look like? Look in on each other pray for each other.
First & Foremost our calling is to Worship Jesus. Being at the feet of Jesus 1. Recognizes who He is 2. Position of honour 3. Worship 4. Shows a sense of trust
First Love 1. Is attentive eager 2. Joyfully seeks to please 3. Always has time for the Beloved 4. Can withstand what others say 5. Is curious
Take Responsibility & Initiative
Being About: Rather Than: Information Formation Maximizing Time Being present Comfort Convenience Facing Journeying Entertain Me Delighting In Instant Gratification Patience My Image God's Design Individualization Community Independence Interdependence
Bible/Prayer Reading Goals Prayer habits/Patterns Journalling Rest Sabbath Play Recreation Simplicity Action Helping Neighbours Serving Church Exercise Physical Health Relationships Self - EHS, Counselling With family - marriage, children others ( Coffee Club)
"Being heard is so close to being loved that to the average person they are almost undistinquishable." For Relection - To Be a Good Listener 1. Stop interrupting 2. Put your phone down 3. Be less concerned with "being right". 4. Stop preparing my response. 5. Ask questions to clarify rahter than mind-reading or making assumptions 6. Relect back
Sabbath is: 1. Rebellion 2. Worship 3. Holy - God made it "set apart" with purpose 4. Blessed Sabbath is Life Giving - a day of Delight.
Reflection 1. Think of 1-2 losses because of the Covid pandemic 2. What best describes the feelings you have because of these losses? 3. What words come to mind to describe people who viewthe pandemic differently? 4. Invite Jesus into your grief. Release your feelings to Him.
Let go of things you are clinging to ! Jesus' 1st teaching in Matthew 5 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit" A honest Prayer for us: "God bring me closer to you, no matter the cost"
Jesus walks through the mess of our lives and helps us through it. It is good that you exist You are lovable You are good enough You are a joy You have nothing to prove
People are "Professional Pretenders" How can you draw close to God if you are far from yourself - St. Augustine Pay Attention to Your Soul - True fellings don't always mean true facts. - you can disagee without detaching, attacking or being silent
Goal 1 Emotional Health Goal 2 Meaniful Spirituality - Self aware - Slowing down to be with God - Loving others well - Growing by making changes
- Quality of life is inseperably welded to your Feelings
- Failing to give Serious Priority to your Emotional Health will cost you more than you know.
- Jesus is at the centre of your health & healing.
- 1-12 Unbelief - just a carpenter
- 14-29 Execution of John
- 30-44 Just a Shepherd
- 45-56 Is Jessus Christ a qhost ?
Fist time in history that there are Five generations in the home, workplace, and Churches.
Darryl Johnson Adam & Eve = every one of us: " I want to do it my way " - Both will " I want my own image " cause Death
Worship means: 1. Utilizing our Gifts 2. Utilizing our Abilities 3. Utilizing our Interest & Passion 4. Utilizing our Resources
Realities of Biblical Giving: 1. Choice - I WILL sacrifice 2. Cost 3 Motive - We give not to get 4 It's Personal - We give to God