church of Christ Merced: Recent Episodes
church of Christ Merced
We are the church of Christ that worships at the corner of 4th and P street in Merced, CA. If you are interested in learning more about the one true church spoken of in the Bible, please contact us (209)-722-0312. You could also reach us through our email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com, or our website at www.churchofchristmerced.com
It is important that we pay attention to where our pleasure comes from. If we get it from the wrong place, it could cause hs to become addicted. We must separate our physical love and pleasure from that of our spiritual. The pursuit of spiritual love and pleasure will show ourselves approved in the eyes of the Lord. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Self elevation leads to shame and abasement, which is exactly what social media is based on. Humbling yourself will lead to being exalted in the eyes of the Lord. He glorifies those things which are secret and sacred, while social media is constantly disclosing those secrets. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Pressure has the power to transform. When the world puts pressure on us, we need the strength to push back to avoid a hardening of the heart. However, we can't do this without the strength and love of God. For more information about this episode,contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
The act of purging is cathartic for many people, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. When your heart is troubled, some kind of pressure must be applied to rid it of that trouble. After everything is purged, the release of pressure and newfound elation is sweet. We have to go to God and ask for His grace and mercy in order to purge the trouble from our hearts. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
The stress and anxiety of uncertainty is crushing. Many people look for relief in worldly things, but in reality, it can only be overcome by God through praise, thanks, and submitting ourselves to Him. We have to keep the Law in our heart and stay focused on the Lord. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
When it's convenient, we humans accept anyone and everyone. When it's not, we let hate and discrimination run rampant. The saving power of Jesus Christ doesn't discriminate, so why do we? For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
There's a stark difference between the freedom you want and the freedom you need. Freedom means many things for different people at different stages in their lives. When we were baptized, we gave up the freedom our flesh wanted for the freedom our spirit needed. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
In order to live as a spiritual Jew, we need to be hearers and doers of God's Word. As long as we fulfill our purpose, God will take care of us like He takes care of the lillies and the birds. It's not the circumcision of the flesh that matters, but that of the heart. For more information on this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
The word "in": most often used to mean being fully encased or surrounded by something. When we worship in spirit and in truth, we are to be fully surrounded in it, not with our foot hanging out. God wants 100% of us to be in Him. Being halfway in isn't good enough. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209 722 0312.
Words are immensely powerful. They are a reflection of what's in your heart. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it bears, we are known by the words we speak and by our actions. We need to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or call us at 209 722 0312.
Before Stephen was stoned, he talked about all of the great men of faith, heroes of the faith, who were precursors to Christ. Jesus Christ is our ultimate hero, with the superpower of sacrificial love. This is a power we all have and need to exercise to our friends and enemies to reach the peak of our superhero powers. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
When we see a light amidst the darkness, we are drawn to it. That is because where there is God, there is always light. Satan's powers are the absence of that light, that activity, that hope. We need to stay in the light to stay in the presence of God and resist the darkness. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We often see our blessings as burdens, as chores that we need to take care of. We need to be humble and remind ourselves that God did not have to give us this life, but He did. Like the servants of the nobleman, we need to invest our blessings for God's benefit. For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Don't let separation anxiety from God cause you to seek comfort in the world. It can not hold the weight of your sins, but the strong foundation of the love of God can. For more information about this episode, contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209 722 0312.
How can a rational human being act in a way that is directly contrary to God's Will? We get to choose the victor of the fight between our flesh and the Holy Spirit, as we can either walk in the light or not. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
In order to combat the wiles of the Devil, we need to put on the armor of God to help us to keep fighting.
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this episode contact us at 209 722 0312 or email ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
For more information about this episode contact us at ministry@churchofchristmerced.com or 209.722.0312
If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Perserverance is a hallmark of living a life as a Christian. When there is a delay of success, we need to perservere and continue to live righteously. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
As we go through this world, we must stick to the judgements of God, as it keeps us holy. We have to respect His Laws and protect our minds to be holy as He is holy. God demands all obeisance from us, and that's what we need to give Him. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
There is a mutual gratefulness between us and God. We owe Him everything, as He gave up His Son on the cross for us. In return, God has a people to love Him and serve Him. This reciprocity of love results in an alignment of mindset and values. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
The fear of loss causes divisions among us. When someone envies what you have, you feel the need to protect it from them, causing strife. We must shed that fear through the love of the Lord and build our lives on the foundation of God. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, our faith will be tested by fire to reveal any blemishes we may have and determine our righteousness. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
The calling we follow hails from the past, present, and the future. A love for something is a preference for it, and if we don't take the time to appreciate the preference we have for our calling, we will lose sight of it like Peter. We have to be willing to do anything for it. Do you love Jesus Christ enough to forsake all else and follow Him? For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
God is the Master of all things, but death is the last enemy He will defeat. In order to be saved and truly live, we have to die and be born again through baptism. We have to put to death the lusts of the flesh in order to live spiritually, constantly living and dying at the same time. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
When we look at the craftsmanship, design, value, and purpose of God's creations, we can't help but bask in its glory. Those who put the glory of the old over the glory of the new are blinded by a veil. When we turn our hearts to God, the Spirit of the Lord will lift that veil and set us free. We must work every day to be as holy as possible on this side of life to join God in His glory and splendor in the next. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
All of our actions have a cost, whether positive or negative. When we were baptized, we automatically rejected all previous allegiances and swore our allegiance to God. Jesus tells us to be ready to give up everything for Him, including our life. We have to give up our life on Earth to accept a new one in Heaven. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
When we were young, our parents would tell us not to play past the end of the street, but we always wanted to know what was out there. Constantly striving to experience everything the world has to offer is a distraction from our purpose, and it is certainly not worth our soul. We need to strive for the mastery, not for the world. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
We've all heard the saying "losers never win and cheaters never prosper." Without proper teaching and guidance, children will grow up to be those losers and cheaters. Just like Jesus ordained the apostles with the vocation of equipping evangelists and teachers to spread the word, we need to stay true to our vocation of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Equity hinges on the fact that there is only one source of truth: if everyone's truth is different, how can we be equal? Our bodies are manifestations of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the different parts work together equally and in harmony to maintain the body. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Just like oil and water, the physical and the spiritual don't typically mix. There has to be a continual "shaking" to keep them together, like God sending the Jews into tribulations. The Holy Spirit is the seal that binds us to God, effectively mixing oil and water. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
As the end time nears, the righteous will get closer to God, and the gap between the righteous and the unrighteousness will become that much more apparent. We need to think on those things that are true and just and keep our eyes focused on the race ahead of us in order to present ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
We all form stories in our heads based on non-verbal communication from others. Maybe someone gave you a weird look, or their smile didn't seem genuine. If we dwell on these stories, we can't be in control of our lives. Being obsessed with stories keeps us from focusing on the truth and makes us forget who we are. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
We have to have faith that when we start something, God will carry us through. We can't win without Him, who strengthens us despite our many weaknesses. Even in the case of Jonah, God, in His infinite wisdom, grew a fish to the size necessary to swallow Jonah. God works, and we need to have faith that He will not let us down. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
In the end, we're all going to die. During these last times, the struggles we're going to endure seem daunting, but we need to cling to our faith. We believe in the same God that kept Paul safe and sane while he was on the battlefield and in prison, so He will do the same for us. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
We are all of one body and one mind, so if one of us has a disturbance, we all need to be disturbed. The connection that we have causes us to be disturbed when members of the body are not aligned in a singular mind. We have to ensure our foundation of faith is sure in order to prevent these intrapersonal schisms. For more information about this episode, contact us at 209 722 0312 or email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
Despite who your friends, your family, or this world prefers, the one who God prefers will be taken care of. The world prefers those with a Type A personality or those who are motivated by winning. God prefers those with a Type B personality or the personality of humility. These people put others before themselves and don't think of themselves more highly than they ought to. We need to have a Type B personality and give all glory and honor to God. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
God is our protector and our provider, the Master of our fate and the Captain of our soul. Unlike the ideals portrayed in Henley's Invictus, God has power over our soul and can easily conquer it. Without Him and the gift of His Son, we would have no way of obtaining eternal life. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
Jesus is the perfect friend and mediator for us. He always knows what our needs and wants are and puts them before His own. We can always rely on His love, as there is nothing that can separate us from it. While the friends of this world are unpredictable, Jesus will remain the same always and forever. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
God is, was, and always will be. He is not bound by the constraints of time like we are. The wisdom of man is akin to the foolishness of God. We need to acknowledge God in everything we do, as we are only a product of His greatness. For more information about this episode, contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
What satisfies you is what will bring you peace. If you look for that satisfaction in physical things, you will be searching your entire life. The hole in your heart will never be filled. Search for that satisfaction in the love of God, and you will have great gain and eternal peace. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
The choices we make everyday are important: they dictate who we serve and where we will rest eternally. Our choices make us a wheat or a tare. Wheat make the choice to follow God because of a genuine love they have for Him. Tares look and act like wheat when they're young, but it becomes apparent what they really are when they mature. When the harvest comes, the tares will be plucked up and burned, and the wheat will be saved for the barn. What will you chose to be? For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
God has given us the greatest gift of all: His Word. The Word of God is our protection against the trials and tribulations of this world and our guide as we try to run a righteous race. It reveals the true thoughts of intentions of the mind and gives us the knowledge to guide others to God. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com.
There are only 2 options for the afterlife: eternal life in Heaven, or eternal damnation in Hell. With the coming of the new year, our resolution should be to prove ourselves to be holy and living sacrifices unto God. We aren't promised this year, so it's something we need to work at everyday. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
The future of Jesus is permanent, as it is written in Revelations. He was the light in the beginning, is the light in us all today, and will be the light of the everlasting day in New Jerusalem. While no one today has seen Jesus Christ, they should be able to see His light shining through us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
When people look at you, would they be able to tell that you are a child of God? Do you prove you are a child of God through your actions? Just like a child acts and talks like their parents, we are to exemplify the traits of God as we walk through this world. For more information about this episode,contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
This world is full of false prophets, false teachers, and false messiahs. We need to exercise meekness to patiently wait on the Lord with quiet confidence. We know that there is only one True Messiah, and that He will come again. We have to hold fast to our faith, no matter what is done to us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
God has designed us all to be able to endure the inherent troubles of this world, or the ones from the curse placed upon Adam and Eve. The decisions we make in life can add troubles on top of troubles. We have to remove ourselves from these troubles and have the confidence of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Jesus Christ straightaway. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312.
Under the Old Law, obedience (as defined by the world) was based upon repetitive actions that could easily be faked to fein true love for God. Not only could you fool others, but you could fool yourself into believing you were righteous. Under this new and better covenant, obedience is based upon true love and fear of God, with actions that cannot be faked. If you love God with all of your heart, mind, and soul, you will keep all of His statutes. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312
God's providence is absolute, and will always be done, no matter what we do. Nothing can remove us from God's Plan except from ourselves through sin. If we make plans and fail to take God's Will into account, we are bound to fail. If we do, nothing will be against us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or 209 722 0312
King David was able to lead his people with boldness and confidence because of hid strong faith in God. He asked God to look inward to him and examine his thoughts and his true intentions. We need to examine ourselves to make sure we don't have a beam in our eye that is hindering us from seeing the world as God wants us to. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
We are nobody to the world, but somebody to Jesus Christ. We are virtually invisible to those of the world, like Lazarus in the parable of the rich man. We should glory in all that we are, including our weaknesses, so the Power of Christ may rest upon us. Even though tomorrow is promised to no one, us "nobodys" are promised joy, peace, and the fruits of the spirit. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
We serve an Almighty God who is great in power, and great in mercy. He showed us His mercy when He sacrificed His Son to save us. We need to praise God in all things, as He always has our best interests in mind. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
It's not enough to just be a good person, we have to be righteous people. A natural, good man does good works in hopes of getting them in return. A spiritual, righteous man does good works to show glory to God. When God sacrificed His Son to pull us out of the death of sin, we stopped living for ourselves and started living for Him. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
We are blessed to be partakers of the gift of God's Glory, which He gave to us with the intention of us spreading it to the world. We were once slaves of sin, but God freed us and we are now His servants of righteousness. To show this, we need to be active hearers and doers of the Word. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
We are to love our enemies as God loved us when we were enemies to Him. God exercises His Glory to all people, no matter if they've "earned" it or not. We should do the same, giving and doing good for others despite how they act towards us. Showing this perfect love rejects fear, which is the root of hate. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
God showed the utmost sympathy when He spared Noah and his family from dying in the flood. We need to exercise this type of sympathy with everyone, not giving grudgingly or of necessity. We need to be unafraid to act on this sympathy, so the love of God can dwell in us. For more information about this episode contact us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
We have to put full trust in God to lead us in the right direction. Every time we doubt and look back, our life goes down a wayward path. When we lose focus on those things which are most important, we don't notice when the path changes direction, leaving the opportunity for Satan to sneak up on us. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
A lack of trust in God's direction leads to a lack of confidence, which leads to us questioning whether His Words are the truth. We need to have the same trust in God that Abraham had to willingly go to sacrifice his son Issac, or that Joseph had to believe his wife was impregnated by the Holy Ghost. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Believing what God says is truth and that the Bible is a constant truth is the foundation of righteousness. While this world uses physical traits to denote morality and affiliated groups (flying certain flags, wearing certain colors), we use our actions. Jesus tells us in John 7:24 to "judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." God doesn't care about what you look like, He cares about what you believe in and act upon. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
If you asked 10 different people how to become a Christian, you unfortunately would get 10 different answers, despite the fact that the Bible clearly details the steps to becoming a Christian. There are many accounts in the Bible of religious people being converted. What does this tell us? Join us as Bro. Marzette walks us through accounts of conversion. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Our function on this Earth is to fear God and keep His Commandments. If we stay true to the course and fulfill this purpose, the things we hope for will come to pass. Even though the wicked can make poor decisions that have good outcomes, we can't be distracted and must continue to make righteous decisions, no matter the outcome. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Where our heart is, all of our desicions will be aligned with how to get there. We have to examine our hearts to figure out why we're making certain decisions to ensure they are aligned with God. Our decisions need to be based off of our love for others, not our love for ourselves. We don't have enough time to do anything else. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Knowledge begets wisdom, and wisdom, in context, brings about understanding. Don't follow anyone who isn't living what they teach. They obviously have the understanding if they know it's wrong, but don't believe it enough to act. Action is what activates our belief. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
When we stay silent about things people in our lives are doing wrong, we are giving them permission to do so. There's more than one way to be silent, like not speaking the truth or leaving part of it out. It's our duty to speak the truth in love to those who need to hear it. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We are blind. Blind to the future holds, blind to God's plan for us, and blind to what path we should go on. Being spiritually blind allows us to exercise our faith in God. It's almost as though it's a curse to see and a blessing to be blind. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Much like popular apocalypse movies, Pharoh was given 10 very clear warnings about what was to come if he did not release God's people. He ignored these warnings, and paid the price. God's Word affords us the knowledge of having the warning, as well as the way to salvation from what it's warning us from. Don't be like Pharoh; heed the warning. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
God takes things away from us to work our patience, so we may be perfect and complete, wanting nothing. When one loses everything physically, they gain everything spiritually, through knowing that God is all-powerful and controls all. It's not about what God can do for you, but what you are commanded to do for Him. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Without having ever seen God's face or witness His full power, we still love Him with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. Our love is perfected by having faith that He loved us as well. This perfect love and faith is what binds us all together as one family. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We've all heard the phrase "If you love it, why don't you marry it?" This can be applied to our spiritual lives as well. If you love God, why don't you make the commitment to serve Him in all aspects of your life? For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Jesus acted selflessly, with only others in mind. He gave and gave and expected nothing in return. Those who received that love had 2 choices: they could either take that love and keep it for themselves, or they could pass it on. If they choose to pass it on through kind actions or words, they are helping to complete the circle of love. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
When we make decisions, no matter how big or small, we can turn to these three questions to evaluate what decision to make: 1) What path should I take? 2) Why should I take that path? 3) How should I get there? The answer to all three is Jesus the Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and if we follow him all our decisions will be righteous. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We all know that our phones track what we do, where we go, and what we say, whether or not we're actively on them. Much like our phones, God is always watching and listening, so we must maintain our purity no matter where we are. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Change is an unavoidable but necessary part of all of our lives. Without change, whether that be a physical or spiritual change, none of us would be able to be saved. While change can be frightening at times, we have to embrace what it provides us to not waste an opportunity. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The term "consumer confidence" is often used when referring to Cryptocurrency. In relation to Christianity, we need to have consumer confidence in God and His power. We need to invest in Him and His Son with the currency of faith in order to "cash in" on Heaven when the time comes. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
When Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego were threatened with death by King Nebuchadnezzar, they stood against him. They were confident in their faith and refused to worship the gold image the king had created. With their confidence, Christ delivered them out of the fiery furnace and saved them from death. We need to exercise this same confidence as we go through our daily Christian walk. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
One believes in God for one of two reasons: avoidance of everlasting damnation or inclusion in everlasting life. Believing in God to avoid Hell is not enough; one cannot make it to Heaven based purely in fear of the alternative. We must follow God with the love of self-sacrifice, which is strong enough to overcome the sins of this world. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Those who love their lives are creatures of this world: they put physical things before the spiritual in exchange for their eternal lives. We need to love God and His Son more than our lives and this world. Faith that promotes physical action is the way we need to show the Lord that we are ready to leave this life and pass into everlasting life with Him. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The Almighty God is the master of all things in Heaven and on Earth. His mastery makes him the controller of these things, and therefore gives Him the power and the right to judge us by our actions and thoughts. All God asks from us is to show Him gratitude for all that He does for us, and praise His name. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Just as we go through physical transformations as we grow older, we go through spiritual transformations as we mature in the Word. These transformations bring us closer and closer to our Lord. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
God chastises those He loves to keep then from going astray. This correction teaches us that what we did was wrong and will hopefully keep us from doing it again. The more we learn, the more we can absorb from God's Word and apply it to our daily lives. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Unity is important for the children of God. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Before Jesus died for our sins on the cross, people had to go to the elders of the church to make their requests known unto God. Now, through Jesus Christ, we can go directly to God in prayer. When we pray, we should only ask for those things which are spiritual for ourselves, not physical. Our Father already knows what we need physically. We should take every opportunity to pray for others, as prayer is a form of self healing. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
There is peace in pleasure, as pleasure balances out the constant imbalance in our brains called homeostasis. It takes away our discomfort, even if it's just for a short time. However, the desire for pleasure leads to sin. We need to consume pleasure in moderation to avoid sin. To do this, we need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. We need to learn how to deal with our discomfort in order to stay in a perfect balance of homeostasis. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Just as an apple tree can only bear apples, a good man can only bear good actions. This also applies to evil men. One cannot have an evil heart and do good actions. The state of your heart determines your actions, which determines whether or not you are good or evil. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The world is stuck in the continual strive for greatness. From academics to athletics, people are obsessed with dominating the competition and replacing others as the best of the best. What they don't understand is that we are already great. We are great because God sent His Son to die on the cross for us, and Jesus willingly did just that. We are great through the love and sacrifice of God and His Son. For more information about this episode contact at us churchofchristmerced.com
There is only one truth, and that is the truth spoken of by Jesus Christ to His apostles. While false prophets twist the truth into lies, we can always decipher what is right and wrong with the Holy Spirit that is inside us. Join us this Sunday as we delve into the meaning of the truth and what it means to us. For more information about this episode contact @ churchofchristmerced.com.
When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil, they got celestial knowledge that was not meant to be shared with their terrestrial minds. To handle the implications of knowing good and evil, we need Jesus and the Word of God to direct us in how we are to act and treat others. The Law of God is the only thing that can do that, as the laws of man are a curse that will guide us wrong. Note: Celestial vs. Terrestrial can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:40 and not Romans 8. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
What does the Bible say a man should be? Despite the world's definition of a man, they should be in submission to one man: Jesus Christ. Note: We sincerely apologize for the abrupt audio cutoff. For more information about this episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com.
Do you believe in the Afterlife? Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? If you don't, you are in the same situation of those in 1 Corinthians 15. You love a lie. Learn exactly what this means and more in this week's episode. Note: We apologize for the audio cut-off. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We're all weird. Whether it's just a nervous habit or something a little more serious, we all have our flaws about us. Only through the Grace of God can we overcome them and achieve everlasting peace. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We can only focus on one direction at a time: in front of us. Our watchman, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, take care of what's behind us. We have to have full confidence in Them, and fight the urge to turn around. This would cause us to turn our backs to God and face Satan. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
It's in a dog's nature to only be loyal until the next meal. People can be the same way. They can only be faithful during times of famine, and stray from the Lord during times of feast. Note: The verse Bro. Garner was looking for was 1 Timothy 6:10. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Love and obedience are forever linked. It is our love for God that keeps us obedient to His Commandments. Those commandments are fundamentally based in a specific type of love: a love of self sacrifice. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Do you take the Word of God to be the truth? It is the only truth we can rely upon to be consistent. Take the Word of God to be truth, and all men to be liars. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Our duty as Christian citizens is the same no matter what country we are from or currently residing in. We are to hold the leaders of our country with respect, and not speak evil of them. We are also to love all citizens of the country, as God loved us. The only thing we should be concerned about with our country is whether or not we can continue to live peacefully and righteously. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Our spirit is always ready to do what is righteous, it is our body that keeps us from easily acting on it. It is a never-ending battle, one that we can ask God for help in. We should not be too proud to not ask for help, because we all need it. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Life is under no obligation to be fair to you or anyone else. People view life as being unfair when they are going through a rough patch in their life. This is because they are looking at the s-o-m-e of the plan God had made for them, not the s-u-m. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The purpose of the Gospel is only to give us what we need to live faithfully in order to get to Heaven. It is not obligated to explain the meaning of life or why bad things happen to good people. The Light is what fights the darkness of this world. It protects us from all of the evil (the Scripture's definition) and helps us to stay on the straight and narrow path. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Reviling is defined as criticizing in an angry or abusive manner. As children of God, when someone reviled against us, we are to take it as Jesus would. We are to keep our composure and answer that hatred with love. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
One must have a open heart (which is one's mind) to truly understand God's word. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The nature of mankind is one of duality. There is the spiritual nature of man, that which follows the commandments of God and a physical nature, that which follows after the lusts and the flesh. These two aspects are constantly warring against each other to gain control over our actions. Following the teachings of the Word of God is the only way for the spiritual nature to prevail. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Why is it so hard to be kind when it's not convenient for us? The answer is simple: fear and the flesh. Our flesh keeps us from doing things that may cause us to be at a disadvantage in the future. This fear of being unprepared causes many people to stop being kind and helping those in need. We have to overcome this fear and be a servant to those in need as Jesus was. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We are all worth more than the sum if our parts. Our worth is not based on our physical bodies, but on how much God loves us. While we were yet sinners, He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. The amount of self worth that comes from this act of love is outstanding, and we should always remember how much we are really worth. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
An unwavering, complete trust in God and His Word is essential for our journey to Heaven. He has laid out a roadmap for us in His Scripture that we must follow explicitly to arrive at our destination. One cannot go where they think is best or do what they think is best, but must follow God's instructions. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Pledging our allegiance to God means to commit ourselves to Him and following His commandments. If we do this, God will remove all of our fear of tomorrow. We will never have any need and can give all of our time and attention to living in the present. We can live selflessly, giving to those who need it and spreading the Gospel throughout the world. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
To act with fidelity is to act on faith one has in something. We are to act with fidelity regarding our faith in the Almighty God if we want to have an active faith. As James 2:26 says, "...faith without works is dead..." For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Whitney Houston's song "Greatest Love of All" is truly inspiring and uplifting, but the true greatest love is not the one described in her song. It is the love that Jesus Christ showed us when He died on the cross for our sins. It's a very rare form if love, one that is almost never shown to a good man of the world, let alone a righteous one. The greatest love of all is the love shown by those who lay down their lives for their friends. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
To live faithfully until death as we are commanded to do, we must have an active faith. We have to believe that it is utterly impossible for God to lie, and believe in His Word. We must make our faith active by acting on our beliefs and fulfilling God's commandments. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Our love for God should not be expressed simply by our words or by the giving of a "spiritual Valentine," but by our deeds. We need to follow His commandments and they should not be grevious to us. If God holds your treasure, then He also has your heart. If He has your heart, then you have His love. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The Almightly God is unparalleled in every way. He has existed forever, as He created all things, including time itself. Many people have created false gods and idols, and have been declared themselves as gods. They allowed their worldly knowledge and wisdom to pervert them. Note: The verse that refers to God not being made with men's hands is Acts 17:24-25. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Every now and then, it is important to remember that you are special. The probability of you existing is a 1 in 10^2,000,685 chance, which is very close to 0. However, we are a part of a group of special people, and we are no more special than any of our brothers and sisters. Jesus was incredibly special, but He did not hold Himself to a higher standard than His disciples or followers. He accepted them all as his brothers, sisters, and mothers. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Every year on the 18 of January, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. He is considered to have died a martyr. This is because he died for his religious beliefs, that all men were created equal. While Jesus also died for his religious beliefs, it was his purpose to die on the cross. It wasn't just that he died because of His belief but that death was necessary part of his belief. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus accounted in John 3 tells us exactly what we need to do to be added to the Church of Christ. We must be born again of the water and if the Spirit, and believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. It is the only way to walk in the lighy as God wants us to. It is also are obligation to bring the light to others who are in darkness. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We need to be a part of a community to get the feedback and support we need to become better servants of God. The individuals of this community need to be charitable, selfless, caring, and love eachother as God loves us. They need to use their strengths and weaknesses to work together and strengthen the whole. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Take the time to acknowledge God and what he does for you. He bends the rules of nature ( that He created) in the favor of those who find pleasure with Him. God created all things, even those things which science has no explanation for. He can easily set you on what path He wants you to take. Follow Him on that path, and gain your mansion in Heaven. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Hospitality is a part of God's Will. Being hospitable is to fulfill our purpose to prove that the perfect Will of God is truth. We have an obligation to show hospitality to everyone, regardless of religion, financial status, or anything else that would otherwise distinguish them from us. We have an obligation as evangelists to give the gift of the Word of God to those who have yet to hear it. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Doubt can be defined as the wavering of faith in things that are thought to be the truth or real. Every single one of us has absolutely no doubt that gravity exists because we see evidence of it everyday. If you believe that gravity will pull you back to the ground the millisecond after you reach the apex of your jump, you should also believe that God exists and acknowledge that Satan exists. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The engagement we have with Jesus Christ is much like the engagement a man and woman would have. The rules for this engagement include excersizing love, obedience, and faithfulness, and being spiritually circumcised from sin. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Presumptuous is defined as failing to act in a way that us permitted or appropriate. If one us presumptuous, they as overconfident and arrogant, and believe in many cases that they are above the law. They simply believe it doesn't apply to them. When it does, and it causes them to sin. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
As Ruth found favor with Boaz through her faithfulness to God and taking care of her mother-in-law, we have found favor in the eyes of God through our obedience and humility. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Many people have used this phrase to justify questionable or sinful actions. With God, it is always better to ask for permission than to ask for forgiveness. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb.11:1 For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Being thoughtful is a hallmark to who we are as Christians. We are to put the needs of our brothers and sisters before our own. When there is one cookie left in the jar, will you be the one who gives your brother the whole cookie, splits it, or eats it all before they can? For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The mystery of the love of God is that He loves each and every one of us equally. This mystery was revealed to us by God sending His Son to die on the cross, which was done because of His love for us. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Hindsight is a very valuable tool for you and others to reflect on what you have done in the past, learn from it, and apply it to your life presently. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Repentance, like growing a tree, is a process. It needs to be constantly acted upon to keep it "alive." God's hope for us is that all people repent and that no one will perish when He sends His Son back to retrieve His children. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The leaders of this world are simply hirelings in place of the Sheperd. He will return, and will take us home. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Time is a precious resource that we know will end when Jesus comes again. Use the time that God has given you not to daydream and dwell on the past, but to continue to strive for perfection. No matter your age, there is always something you could be doing to be closer to God. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Don't compare yourself and your righteousness to other members of the Body. Be you and the best Child of God that you can be. It has nothing to do with memorization, syntax, or dress, and everything to do with Love. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Happy September! Please enjoy this lesson about faith and truth! For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
What do you think Heaven will be like? A kingdom in the clouds, where those there get to play games and have barbeques? How can you put into perspective what Heaven will be like? Find out in this lesson. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We are made imperfect by our nature and nurture, and the Gospel of God is the only thing that can overcome it. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We are all apart of the body of Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit. Learn what it means to be a part of the body and what you are meant to do. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The Holy Spirit can guide you to do what's right in every facet of your life. Let it. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
From the color of clothes we wear to the type of food we eat, we all discriminate. Don't let it define who you are. Be inclusive, and understand what people are going through to better reach out to them about God. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Devugle into Pslams 103 and see what it means to you. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Happy Sunday! For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
The word "the" has many different uses and meanings, all of which hold a special kind of power. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Use hindsight to your advantage; you can benefit from the knowledge you can get from it. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
True happiness is only in the Lord. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
God's Glory is what we all need. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Stories, in any setting, are an extremely powerful tool. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Apologies for the sound dropping out. The verse read during this technical malfunction is John 3:16-18. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Give control over to God. Please excuse the odd sounding voices. To practice social distancing, half of our congregation was on a conference call. Stay safe, and God bless! For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Don't be unequally yoked with those in darkness, because you will be sacrificing your friendship with Jesus Christ.
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Every single atom in this planet has been here since the Creation. This means that everything belongs to God. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
To learn and practice love, you don't need family or friends. All you need is an enemy. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
In order to be true in the most terrible situations, you have to love God more than anything; even your family. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Patience and Virtue are difficult to achieve by without God's Word. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
With God, love trumps all. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
God's Word will quench any thirst. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Be the peculiar holy creatures God intended you to be and stay away from the temptation of the worldly donut. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Becoming a better person isn't just changing your actions, but changing your mindset. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Stories are used in the bible as a teaching tool, and here's how. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Today, fire is used to determine the purity of different substances. This is what God will use it for when His son comes again. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
It's already here. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
We will be judged by our words and they might be the difference between eternal life or eternal damnation. Every. Single. Word. (Jacob did ask for Esau's birth right.)
People and things change over the years, but God doesn't. He is out unchanging anchor. Happy New Year from the church of Christ at the corner of 4th and P street!
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31
There is a darkness inside of every human being that is capable of making us do horrendous things. Horror movies are a window into that darkness. We cannot give into that darkness at all costs. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Bringing honor to your family, yourself, and God. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." -James 2:26
Message on understanding The Family of God. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
God has a purpose for us all. One must obey his commandments as there is only one way. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Learning God's Word is rewarding, if you follow all his commandments. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Who are you spiritually? Do you often forget you are a Christian? This sermon talks about who you should be and how remember it.
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at; Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
See how God can give you a Sound Mind. For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Do you have time for joy?
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
More information about the this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information about the this Episode contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For more information on this Episode contact the church of Christ at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Lesson on Unity for more information on this Episode email us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
For information about the Episode contact the church of Christ at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Edifying Communication for more information contact us at Ministry@churchofchristmerced.com
Message by the church of Christ at 855 W. 4th St in Merced, Ca. To contact us email churchofchrist95341@gmail.com or call 209.722.0321.
This message is from the church of Christ which meets at 855 W. 4th St in Merced. For a class Please call 209.722.0321 or email us at churchofchrist95341@gmail.com
This message is from the church of Christ which meets at the corner of 4th and P st in Merced.