LWCC: Recent Episodes
Living Water
Podcasts from Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan. These podcasts are practical, challenging and encouraging, always pointing you to the source of hope.
Let's clear up some questions, errors and poor interpretation in today's message as we look at Paul's crystal clear instructions for how the Spiritual Gift of Tongues is supposed to be exercised.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on May 12, 2024.
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Here's an overview of the most important thing we need to know about spiritual gifts, as given to us by the Apostle Paul. It's from 1 Cor. 13, the first three verses.
Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, May 5th, 2024.
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We wind up the REACH series today with Hope Part 2. We'll find out how you obtain this living hope and how to know it's active and functioning in your life.
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REACH stands for Recognize Everyone And Communicate Hope. Today we're starting to look at the kind of hope God gives us as believers in Christ, and the kind of hope we want to share with those who don't yet know Him.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, April 14th, 2024. This is part of the REACH series. REACH stands for "Recognize Everyone And Communicate Hope."
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Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024 at Living Water Community Church. Speaker, Pastor Clark Cothern.
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When God accomplishes his purpose, it's never easy, but it's always SO worth it!
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We continue looking at Acts 10 and the highly unusual incident when God called Simon Peter and Cornelius together to compare notes. That event signaled a spread of the gospel to every nation, tribe and language. It showed that there is no people group less deserving than any other people group to receive the gospel of Jesus.
Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI on March 17th, 2024.
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Our vision is summed up in this word: REACH.
Today we'll look at how Jesus recognized people, so we can learn to see them as Jesus sees them.
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Here is one more quality seen in successful Kingdom citizens, Jesus included. How can we, as believers in Jesus, develop this quality? We'll explore that question today.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
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What does God think about success? What is his standard for measuring success? We'll discover in this series that His standard for measurement is very different from the messages we get from the world. And when we "get it" and get Him, we are liberated!
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If you don't have the backstory, some stories don't make much sense. We'll look at one story that helps us see the meaning to the Christmas story we're familiar with.
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It seems impossible from our human perspective. We'll see why it's entirely possible for us to trust in this unique event related to the incarnation of God and why it's so important to us as believers. This was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.
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Here's another paradoxical principle. Jesus' parable about a man who finds a pearl of unsurpassed value helps us understand what it is we have to gain as we see what we need to lose when it comes to God's Kingdom.
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Jesus taught what appear to be paradoxical principles, but he did so on purpose, so we would be intrigued enough to dig in and find out what he meant and how his teaching leads us to become truly free as citizens of His spiritual Kingdom. This first principle, "Surrender to be Free," kicks off this series called Paradoxical Pursuits.
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Sometimes we need to say, "I quit," and this message helps us see how we can tell when to quit and what to quit, in order to put life back into our life.
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It's hard to say no sometimes, isn't it? Knowing our purpose helps us say no much more easily. Find out how to sharpen your "no" skills.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on October 1st, 2023.
In the last message (Sept. 17, 2023) we started providing five steps you can take to exercise God's wisdom as you deal with the "crazy makers" in your life. Today we'll tackle the final three steps.
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You've probably dealt with a difficult person, haven't you? Maybe you're dealing with one right now! This message, and the next one in this series, provides some practical steps we can take to exercise God's wisdom as we deal with the "crazy makers" in our lives.
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Romans 7 tells us how we feel when we continually fall short and can't figure out why we keep doing things we know aren't good for us. Romans 8 gives us the antidote. It all has to do with our nature, and for the one who trusts Christ, we have a power within us, greater than our will power, who changes our nature.
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How can we change how we respond to change? What Biblical teachings help us develop a redemptive attitude toward dealing with difficult changes? This message helps us do just that. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sept. 3, 2023.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on August 27th, 2023.
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We're starting a new series titled: Time for a Change. This teaching shows that change always starts with choice, and the most important choice we can make is the one to allow God to change the way we think. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
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We're flipping the script on the series, "Love to get it, hard to give it," with this look at overcoming a chronic critical spirit (attitude). Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan, on August 6th, 2023, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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How can we learn to love others like Jesus loved people, and like how he loves us?
Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
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The second half of the look at friendship as something we love to get but find hard to give sometimes. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, July 16th, 2023.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on July 9, 2023 by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on July 2, 2023.
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Cristi and Amy serve in Bucharest Romania, in a local church, in cooperative ministries with other churches, including ministry to Ukrainian refugees. They shared stories about how God is at work in Romania with Living Water Community Church, on Sunday, June 25, 2023.
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Here's another attribute that we love to get but find hard to give. It was preached on Father's Day, June 18, 2023, by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
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Here's something else we find easy to get but it's tough to give. We'll look at forgiveness with help from the Apostle Paul. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, June 4th, 2023.
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This is part of the series, "Love to get it, hard to give it," about things God wants to develop in his children. This was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
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Jesus said that those who are gentle will inherit the earth. What does he mean by that and how in the world is gentleness a powerful weapon? Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, May 14th, 2023.
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You are likely aware of the term, "Echo Chamber," as it relates to social media and those who listen only to people who agree with them. That's not a new phenomenon, believe it or not! We will see in Mark's gospel how the disciples were influenced by their own version of an echo chamber. And we'll see how Jesus makes it possible for all of us (as his current disciples) to get rid of our blind spots and see more clearly what the Kingdom of God is really about. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church on Sunday, May 7th, 2023.
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Steve and Stephanie share experiences from a recent trip to Romania where they helped serve and encourage fellow believers who have been caring for Ukrainian refugees. That report is followed by Mark Elwell's message about a biblical view of the word "repentance." April 30, 2023.
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Jesus makes a huge promise to those who give up a lot to follow him. We'll see how this works.
Preached on April 23rd, 2023 at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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We'll explore the motives of a man who had great wealth and was unwilling to follow Jesus because he didn't understand what Jesus expected of those who would be citizens in the Kingdom of God. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, April 16th, 2023.
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We'll look beyond the fact that Jesus was crucified and we'll see why it was so important and why it still changes people today. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023.
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Jesus provides another clue about the Kingdom he came to introduce and how we become connected to it. Mark 10:13-16. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, March 26th, 2023.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
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We've looked at what Jesus says about Gehenna, or a place used as an example of the ongoing torment for those who reject Christ, and now we'll see what Jesus means by his use of the word salt. He uses it in several different ways and they all point to the refining process God offers to those who accept him, since he will "salt us with trials," that refine and equip us to be flavorful in our world. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
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Tough question. Hope-filled answers. This was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, Mark 5th, 2023.
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Here's a passage that causes some people to ask, "What in the world are you talking about, Jesus?" We'll find out why Jesus uses a hyperbolic example of why it's important to remove ourselves from sin, even if it's painful at the time. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb. 26th, 2023.
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We invited Greg Smith and the church planting team from The Well, to come share the vision God has given them to plant a new church in the Ypsilanti area. This is Greg's message. It is radically biblical and challenges all of us to behave toward people who are different than we are as Jesus behaved toward the woman at the well. This message is from John chapter 4.
Here is a link to the scene from the series, "The Chosen," taken from this passage: https://youtu.be/ordhsDeAt60
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Sometimes what seems like a lack of faith (or disbelief) is actually contaminated faith. This message shows how we can filter out some pollutants to our faith so it can be rejuvenated and made more effective. The message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
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God gives us glimpses of glory which gives us hope, direction and resolve to finish the journey. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, January 29th, 2023.
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In this radically Biblical message, Jesus says some things that caused many to leave after the free meal. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on January 8th, 2023, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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In this message we'll look at the other Joseph, the one in the Old Testament and see how God's interruptions become incredibly redemptive. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, December 18th, 2022.
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We'll see how Jesus becomes God's autobiography, helping us "read him" so much more clearly.
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In this Advent season we'll see both the what and the why of Christ's unique birth, which we celebrate at Christmas. Preached on Sunday, Dec. 3rd by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
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Simon Peter gets Jesus' identity correct, but he still has to learn a few things about Jesus' purpose and the method by which Jesus will accomplish what he has been sent to do. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, November 27th by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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Jesus continues to teach the disciples (and us) by following up on a lesson in a riddle related to the feeding of the 4,000. They still didn't see clearly what Jesus patiently taught them, including lessons through his miracles. He then taught them about how spiritual sight is sometimes gradual, and they wouldn't "get it" until after Jesus' own resurrection, but Jesus laid the groundwork by repeated teachings and miracles so that the lessons would sink in deeply once his work on the cross had been accomplished.
Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
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Jesus uses a teachable moment to help his disciples learn about a danger they needed to avoid. We need to avoid this same danger. The lesson has to do with yeast (leaven), an analogy about how certain motives can work its way destructively into our character. This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, November 13th, 2022.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Nov. 6, 2022. Jesus challenges religious leaders who have plenty of evidence for his authority and yet demand more evidence. For them, it's not an evidence problem.
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Jesus has some important teaching for us about God's plan and he teaches us through this second miracle that involves feeding a large group of people. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, October 30th, 2022.
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Jesus demonstrates how compassionate and loving he is by healing a deaf and mute man. But he also teaches about how compassionate he is toward all sinners by touching them at the grossest point of their worst infirmities and making it possible for them to be whole again. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Oct. 16, 2022 by Pastor Clark Cothern
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern, on Oct. 2, 2022. Mark 7:24-30. What did Jesus mean by responding to a woman's request to heal her daughter with a parable about children and dogs?
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, by Pastor Clark Cothern. We'll look deeper into Jesus' teaching about what makes us truly clean. Spoiler alert, it's from the inside out, not the outside in.
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September 18, 2022 - "True Cleanliness", Part 1 - Mark 7:1-15
Pastor Clark Cothern: Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI
Musical Prelude: Casting Crowns: "Come to the Well"
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Last week in Part 1 we looked at some reasonable answers to skeptics related to different town names involved in Jesus' water walking incident and where the disciples sailed from and to. Now in Part 2 we're getting into the nitty gritty of the miracle, including the main lesson in the miracle. How does Jesus teach them about a Kingdom definition of success in this miracle? Listen to this message and find out.
Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022.
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First we'll look at three secondary lessons learned from the miracle that took place just before Jesus' water walking incident, then we'll take our first tiny step toward seeing how Jesus' water walking is all about his identity. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, September 4th by Pastor Clark Cothern
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We'll discover some more refreshing "golden apples" in this passage, having to do with Jesus' identity, and we'll tackle another apologetics issue and get some affirmation that the Bible continues to be a trustworthy source of truth. This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, August 28th, 2022.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern on August 21st, 2022, at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
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We'll find out more about Herod (Antipas) and why he was no nervous when he thought that Jesus might be John the Baptist, back from the dead. We'll also have an "Apologetics Affirmation" of Scripture and learn about two tools in our apologetics tool belt that will help us validate certain statements made in Mark's gospel. This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, August 31st.
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Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Sunday, July 24th, 2022.
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Today we'll look at several practical ways God provides for those who are working at sharing the gospel and teaching and leading others in ministry. We'll also find out how these instructions from Jesus to the twelve can be applied to us today.
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We have a lot to learn about Jesus' identity, purpose and His ability to provide and empower those who follow Him, starting in this training mission with the twelve disciples.
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What happens when you're rejected? We'll learn a lot about how to deal with people who aren't eager to accept truth from this passage. Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on June 26th, 2022.
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Tom Harkaway speaks about lessons we can learn from the disciple Thomas. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on June 12, 2022.
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This is the second half of the "Oreo Cookie" section in Mark 5. In this section we'll see more of the Father's heart as we see Jesus relating to two people who each approached him with humility and faith. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on June 19, 2022.
Mark's Gospel contains some interesting literary style and in today's passage we'll see how one story (Cookie #1) is interrupted by another story (the filling), and then the wrap-up to the first story becomes Cookie #2. We'll see how Jesus displays his compassion and authority by helping a Synagogue official and a woman who had suffered for twelve years from a medical condition that no doctor could cure. This message was preached by Clark Cothern on June 5th, 2022.
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There's another Memorial Day that we connect with in the Old Testament. Mark Elwell helps us make this connection as we look at various passages that give us a deeper appreciation of the Passover and how that factors in to helping us remember what Christ did for us and why it was necessary.
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We'll see how the man who had been possessed by a legion of demons feels about Jesus, and we'll also look at the people who witnessed this event. Plus we'll answer a couple of questions about the pigs who ran down the hillside and drowned. This message was preached on Sunday, May 22nd, at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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We learn so much about Jesus' power and compassion through this incident.
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Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on May 15, 2022.
Today we'll see how many people miss the main point of this true incident when Jesus calms a storm on Lake Galilee. It's not all about us!
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In these parables, Jesus shows us about how God works in bringing forth growth as truth of the gospel message begins to dawn on them. It grows almost imperceptibly at first, and it's a mystery as to how it's taking place. We'll see three reasons to trust God to continue revealing himself to those we are praying for who haven't crossed that line of faith yet.
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In Mark 4:1-20 Jesus introduces a series of parables by telling the "parable of parables" so those who are eager to learn more will understand why he teaches that way. This parable also helps us understand why some people "just don't get it." This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, April 24th, 2022.
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God has placed eternity into the hearts of human beings. We all have questions about what happens when we walk through death's door. This passage (1 Corinthians 15) helps us answer many of those questions and shows us what kinds of bodies those who are in Christ will have in heaven.
Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on April 17th, 2022 by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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What makes God angry? We'll see this demonstrated by Jesus on the first day of Passion Week. We'll also see how God allows anger, as long as it's aimed at the right things, handled in the right way, and that we don't hang onto that anger. This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on April 10th, 2022.
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Jesus' response to religious leaders reveals that there is one sin that will not be forgiven. This passage, along with some insight from 1st John chapter 5 helps us understand what this sin is and how we can avoid it. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on March 27th, 2022.
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In Mark 3:13-19 we'll see how Jesus called twelve ordinary men to become his disciples and later how they became apostles. Jesus didn't stop calling people to join him in his redemptive work, though. We'll see how we can hear God's voice as he calls us to participate in his redemption mission on earth. Preached March 20, 2022, by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
Crowds began to gather around Jesus. In today's message we'll look at the process of moving from being a spectator in a crowd to becoming a committed member of a loving community. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on March 13, 2022.
Jesus demonstrates that he is Lord of the Sabbath by healing a man, in front of religious leaders. We'll learn how God's gift of the Sabbath allows us to remember who we are and where we find our true satisfaction. This message was preached on Sunday, March 6, 2022 by Pastor Clark Cothern.
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Jesus confronts religious leaders who missed the point of the Sabbath. God instilled his rhythm of rest into every part of creation and that rest is for our benefit. This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.
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We're looking at this passage through the lens of a question, "What does God's timing have to do with Jesus' actions?" Our vision of reaching those who are not yet justified is clarified by knowing some things about God's timing. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on February 13th, 2022, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
Sometimes God answers your request, but not in the way you thought He would. His response is always aimed at your best interest and it's always better than your original request. This message looks at Jesus' teachable moment from Mark 2:1-12. It was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Feb. 6, 2022, by Pastor Clark Cothern.
There is so much to learn about sin and God's healing of forgiveness in this true story. This is the time when Jesus healed an outcast and showed us how sin is like leprosy in some powerful ways. The message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Jan. 30, 2022 by Pastor Clark Cothern.
Jesus calls James and John. Mark 1:19-20. Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. Pastor Clark Cothern, preaching.
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Contrasting Matthew 10 with Luke 22, we look at what many see as a contradiction. Is Jesus condoning the use of force to defend the Kingdom? This message was preached on Dec. 26, 2021 at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. Pastor Clark Cothern. www.lw-cc.org
Mark starts his gospel by introducing John the Baptizer who introduces Jesus and inaugurates His earthly ministry. One of the reasons John was so effective is that his character and lifestyle matched his message.
We're starting a new journey. This one will take us through the shortest and most action-packed of the four gospels. We're praying that this series will help renew a sense of purpose, hope and courage as we walk with Jesus through this gospel together.
This message paints a picture of what the Body of Christ looks like when we each lay down our personal preferences for the sake of the mission we are called to carry out. Unity in Christ doesn't mean we lay down our individuality, but it does mean we blend our preferences with other members' preferences SO THAT (those are important words) those who are far from God will see him more clearly and be drawn to him.
This message was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 at our in-person worship service. www.lw-cc.org
Pastor Clark Cothern (Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI) has preached on this topic before, but this message includes new material and incorporates a collection of illustrations and Scripture passages that help make the answer clearer than ever.
Why does God choose to heal some people and not others? This biblical message dives into the true nature of a loving God who always does what is best for His children and is always motivated by His love. It was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on August 29th, 2021, by Pastor Clark Cothern. www.lw-cc.org
From Sunday, August 22, 2021. "Why I Choose To Believe the Bible" - Part 2
Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern. www.lw-cc.org
There are many questions raised about the trustworthiness of the Bible as an inspired holy book. This 2-part message addresses some of those important questions. Pastor Clark explains why he chooses to accept the Bible as an authoritative book and a guide for life.
Here are the Top 10 Clues to help us discover the identity of Jesus. It was preached virtually on August 8, 2021, to Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
Simon Peter writes to a group of people who have suffered, and who will continue to suffer. His words in 1 Peter 1:3-12 show us three things we should do in the face of suffering. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church on August 1st, 2021.
Pastor Clark preached a message with the same title a year and a half ago, but this message approaches the question from a different perspective and with many illustrations from real life. This message looks at John 14:1-6 and was preached at Living Water on July 18th, 2021.
Joel 2:13 On this, our first Sunday back to in-person worship after 16 months, are we eager to return to busy activity, or are we eager to return to God? He's the kind of God who longs for His children to return to Him. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern @ Living Water Community Church on July 11th, 2021. www.lw-cc.org Music: Neon Dreams Citation: Clark Cothern III Music: Bossa Flute Groove Citation: Clark Cothern II
True Freedom Matthew 16:24-25 It's counterintuitive, this concept of surrender. It's the only real way to find true freedom, and yet we really want to cling to control. This message, with some analogies from flying in a stunt plane, explores why surrender is really the only way to freedom. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on July 4th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Neon Dreams Citation: Clark Cothern III Music: Bossa Flute Groove Citation: Clark Cothern II
God has a Sense of Humor Genesis 18:1-15 God created everything and everything God created has a purpose…including humor. We’ll look at one memorable story in the Bible that demonstrates how effective humor becomes as it helps us to get engaged in the story, remain focused on the details, remember the story longer, and grasp a bigger and more important message contained in that story. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 27th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Neon Dreams Citation: Clark Cothern III Music: Bossa Flute Groove Citation: Clark Cothern II
Daniel 12:5-13, Part 1 The Antichrist and the Great Tribulation I thought about getting close to the end of the book of Daniel today, but leaving you with a cliffhanger and saying, “Tune in next week for the answer to the question, ‘What is the second Abomination of Desolation’ associated with the Antichrist?’” That would be mean, though, and since we’re this close to getting to the very end of the very end, let me push through and let’s finish up with some very important lessons as we live faithfully and watch for Jesus’ return. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 20th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 11:36—12:4 The Future Global Crisis (The Antichrist) Last week we looked at the first great crisis coming in a few years after Daniel received some frightening prophetic revelations. That first great crisis involved the ruler Antiochus IV and had to do with his destruction of Jerusalem and the desecration of the Jewish Temple. This week the focus shifts toward a farther future event, with an even more frightening ruler, the Antichrist, who will exalt himself above all gods and who will say awful things against the God of the Universe. Even though this is disturbing news, we learn that God is merciful and that the reign of this awful ruler will not last forever and that those who stand firm to the end will be delivered for eternity. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 13th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 11:21-35 Antiochus IV vs. Judas Maccabeus Knowing what's going to happen before you have to go through a painful procedure helps you prepare for the pain, especially when you know that the pain won't last forever. That's what the message to Daniel does for Israel; let's them know that they are headed for a very painful season, but that there will be an end to the pain. This section of Daniel gives us more information about the character of the ruler we now know as Antiochus IV, who turns out to be an archetype of the future Antichrist. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 6th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 11:2-20 By putting our super-sleuthing tools to work we can deduce who is being referenced in this chapter. We are getting a prequel leading up to Antiochus IV, with different details than the first time we encountered a prophecy about him. It's amazing to know that these predictions were written before the actual events. That gives us confidence that God's Word can be trusted and that we can live faithfully since we know that the promises for the future of His people will be kept. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 30th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 10:1—11:1 Sending in the First String When Daniel has some big questions, he gets a really big answer, this time from what we believe to be "the first string," namely the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus, God the Son, in pre-incarnate form. We get some really encouraging lessons from this passage, including the fact that when we pray, our prayers go immediately to the One who can answer. Even though our prayers may not be answered immediately, we can be assured that they will be, and when they are, God will give us reassurance and courage. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 23th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Last week (vss. 1-19) Daniel prayed for his people and a future restoration of Jerusalem. This week Gabriel answers Daniel and provides a Good News/Bad News Message about when the restoration will happen. He gives insight into "The 70 Weeks." There are some specific numbers dealing with an extremely important future event in this passage. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 17th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel prays for the return of God's people to their homeland and the restoration of God's City, Jerusalem, as promised through the prophet Jeremiah. We learn a lot about our attitude in prayer and about God's faithfulness. He always keeps his promises. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 9th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") Link for Song mentioned: https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA
A Ram, a Goat and the Little Horn, (the interpretation) Daniel 8:23-27 That question, "How long, Lord?" has been asked a lot in the past year! Daniel asked the question because he wondered how long the terrible things he saw in his vision about Jerusalem would last. And God provided the answer: There will come an end to this awful season. That's good news, both for Israel (in history), and for us today. It's also good news for those who trust Christ for our ultimate destiny, since we know God will ultimately put an end to seasons of suffering and persecution. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 2nd. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 8, Part 1 (8:1-22) More clarity from history (A Ram, a Goat and a Little Horn) Just in case you thought the book of Daniel would be boring, let me assure you that it is definitely not. In fact, it gets more intriguing with each new chapter and each new vision. Today we'll notice a shift into the direction of Israel from Babylon and we'll see a predicted "very bad season" in the future. The good news is that it is also predicted that this bad season won't last forever. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on April 25th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Daniel 7:7-28 What in the world does all this mean? (Part 2) Something's different about the fourth kingdom (and beast) in chapter 7 than the fourth kingdom (and beast) in chapter 2 of Daniel. That difference shifts our focus into the future and reveals a frightening being who will wage war with God's people, for a time, but who will be destroyed by the powerful word from God's mouth when God is ready for the final judgment and the eternal reign of Christ. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on April 18th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
If the fourth beast in chapter 7 is pretty terrifying to you, you're in good company. Daniel was terrified too. We're going to start a portion of Daniel's dream that points us to a far future event in Daniel's time (and one that's getting closer and closer in our time). Though we can't pin down specifics about names and dates, we can learn from Daniel's experience and God's Word that God is still sovereign over all nations and leaders. When national and international events threaten our sense of security, we have the historic assurance that ultimately God will prevail, and His kingdom will last forever. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on April 11th. www.lw-cc.org Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
We might think we know a lot about a person, until we hear, "the rest of the story." That's what we're going to hear today, about Jesus who did far more on the cross than we might have imagined. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on April 4th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Daniel wasn't flashy and he didn't lead a national revival in Babylon, but he got the job done, and God did things through Daniel that even Daniel wouldn't see in his own lifetime. It's it good to know that we can live faithfully, with hope for our eternal future, since God never wastes any of our obedient efforts? This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on March 28th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Daniel 5:10-31 Last week we saw the set-up for the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall in Belshazzar's banquet room. Daniel interprets the cryptic words and gives an apocalyptic proclamation about the king and the length of his reign. (Spoiler alert: It's not long) We have a lot to learn from Belshazzar about the need for humility and respect for God's authority. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on March 21st. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Daniel 5:1-9 Sometimes the warnings are clearly sounded and yet people refuse to heed them. Other times people don't even recognize the warnings even though they are right in front of their faces. We will discover some reasons why King Belshazzar was given the handwriting on the wall, and we will see the consequences for his arrogant behavior. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on March 14th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Pride: Setup for a Fall Daniel 4:1-37 When there is no humility, there will be humiliation. We can learn a lot from an ancient king with modern problems. We'll see how King Nebuchadnezzar III (a.k.a. Nabonidus) had a dream that predicted his own fate, but because of his pride, he failed to heed the dream's warning. In this story we see the consequences of pride, but we also see the gracious character of a God who always lifts up those who humble themselves. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on March 7th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
What if God doesn't answer a prayer the way we think He should? Is He still a loving God? That's one of several questions that get answered in this look at three men who stood tall and stayed cool in the face of adversity. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on February 28th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Feb. 21, 2021 God Reveals Mysteries Daniel 2:24-49 There is only one person who knows everything and can reveal the deepest mysteries. Daniel gave credit to the God who revealed the king's dream and its interpretation. We can trust this same God who provides enough light for our future so we can walk faithfully into a future, filled with the knowledge that Jesus is coming back one day. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on February 21st. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
God's Wisdom and Power Daniel 2:1-23 God often has unique ways of displaying His wisdom and power. In this passage God gives Daniel the unusual ability to know and interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Daniel uses some peaceful weapons to calm down a volatile situation and keep him and his three friends alive. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on February 14th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
In Daniel chapter one we see how God uses young people who put Him first to influence leaders of nations. Daniel starts his influence by diplomatically offering a test related to the kinds of food he and his friends prefer to eat. Who would have thought that even something as simple as what you eat could have a profound effect on others? (Stay tuned to find out why they didn't want to eat certain foods. That's where the real influence comes in.) This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on February 7th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Introduction to Daniel Let's get a look at the forest before we start looking at the trees. We'll see a beautifully designed book that folds together, with parallel events that connect to one another in a way that reveals not only God's creative inspiration in His biblical writers and prophets, but also helps reinforce the major themes, all pointing to the fulfillment of prophecy, the Messiah and his first and second comings. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on January 24th, 2021. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Paul ends his first letter to the Corinthians with some practical advice, revealing timeless principles of Christian leadership. We are all leaders, whether we realize it or not. These words from Paul become a strong summary of his teaching throughout his letter. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on January 24th, 2021. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy") www.lw-cc.org
Paul makes many comparisons to demonstrate how Christ's resurrection becomes the prototype for a believers' resurrection. His teaching in this part of his letter to Corinth shed light on our anthropology (the inherent value of humanity), our soteriology (the study of salvation), and our missiology (our mission as believers). It's a fascinating study and points believers to a great hope since we know we will have imperishable bodies after our own resurrection. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on January 17th 2021. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Jan. 10, 2021 1 Cor. 15:12-34 Resurrection of the Dead Paul uses a "Frank Capra-like" hypothetical situation to demonstrate what life would be like if Jesus had NOT been raised from the dead. But since Jesus WAS resurrected, we have so many reasons for hope. See why your life can be like Bedford Falls instead of being like Pottersville. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on January 10th 2021. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Jan. 3, 2021 1 Cor. 15:1-11 The Most Important Message When I was taking "Junior Lifeguard Training," as a teenager, we were given what our instructor called "THE most important message." It helps sum up what Paul said was THE most important message to the church. All that important instruction leading up to chapter 15 dealt with symptoms that appear when people fail to heed this most important message. Find out what this message is why it's so vital to us if we are going to fulfill our purpose. is message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on January 3rd 2021. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
December 27, 2020 “Take the Spirit to Work Day” Galatians 5:22-25 Pastor Clark would like to proclaim every day of 2021 as "Take the Spirit to Work Day." He explains how taking the Spirit with us into all our work situations results in tremendous benefits, to the people we serve, to those we work with (and for) and especially to us. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on December 27th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Dec. 20, 2020 What makes waiting easier? Luke 2:21-35 Last week we looked at a word not normally used to describe Christmas: Disgraceful. Today we’re looking at another word that most of us don’t particularly like: Wait. We'll see how the coming of Jesus provided relief and hope, along with the promise of a future consolation. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on December 20th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
We all use a lot of positive words to describe Christmas, don't we? Today we're going to look at one word that I believe really has to be used if we are going to describe the real Christmas. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on December 13th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Has a song ever given you a thrill? We're going to look at one that has tremendous history and meaning. This song in Isaiah 9 points the way to a future event that will explode the darkness with a joy that will be for all people. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on December 6th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Some promises take a long time before they are fulfilled. That doesn't make them any less valuable though. When Micah promised a leader for Israel it took 700 years for that leader to appear on the scene. When he arrived, the Messiah ushered in God’s promises and pointed the way to another, far distant promise. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on November 29nd 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul gets really specific about the importance of a clearly proclaimed gospel as opposed to self-oriented, "feel good" worship. We'll clarify a couple of difficult passages that are often used incorrectly and therefore harmfully. It's a fascinating, and liberating study! This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on November 22nd 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
What's the secret ingredient needed to activate all the spiritual gifts? Paul tells us in chapter 13. The entire chapter helps us learn what he means at the end of chapter 12 when he says that we need to earnestly desire "the most helpful gifts." This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on November 15th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul gives us some additional insight about how a dysfunctional, divided church can become a cohesive, Christ-honoring Body of Believers. He addresses some spiritual gifts given to various members of the Body and how they are to be exercised. The emphasis from Paul is that these gifts are given to be used, "for the common good." This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on November 8th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
There is a LOT more to this passage than simply addressing abuses of the Lord's Supper in 1st Century Corinth. We also need to address some big questions about God and the way he chooses to punish some of his children. More importantly, we need to address WHY he punishes. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on November 1st 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Somewhere along the way, the word "submit" got subverted. It became a 4-letter word (sort of). We'll look at Paul's words about submission and discover the context which shows how submission is a powerful thing, rather than something to be afraid of. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on October 25th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Am I willing to put my faith filter above my political filter? That's a tough but necessary question. Paul helps us answer it through his writings to the church in Corinth and in a couple of other letters. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on October 18th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Have you ever been able to learn a lesson from someone else’s bad example? I sure have. Sometimes not soon enough, though. Some lessons are still learned the hard way. Paul talks honestly to the church in Corinth about lessons they should have learned from Israel's history. He cares enough about them to warn them so that they don't suffer similar consequences to their forefathers. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on October 11th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 9:24-27 that we’re all running a race. However, are we in it to win? What’s our motivation and what are we willing to give up? This passage has valuable lessons on self-discipline and devotion that should characterize the life of the believer. This message was given by Dr. Steven Pipe virtually for Living Water Community Church on October 4th, 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul seemed willing to flex his methods in order to reach different subcultures. How could he do this without being "wishy washy?" This message explores Paul's motives and objective behind his flexible methods. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on Sept 27th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
What was the "nerve" that Paul's critics struck? It's clear that Paul ramps up his passion level in this chapter. Why is that? We'll find out that it's not what we might think. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on Sept 20th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
What could food sacrificed to idols possibly have to do with modern Christians? A lot more than we might think. This message explores the type of attitude that results in unity and community, especially when we think more highly of someone else that we do ourselves. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on Sept 13th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Sometimes things just don't seem to make sense. Then you discover what the intended purpose is and the light bulb goes on over your head. That can be true for certain scriptures as well. This message looks at the purpose of marriage, as designed by the God who wants the very best for married couples and for society. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on Sept 6th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul addresses the Greek mindset that people should feed their physical appetites (all their appetites) since our souls are separate from our bodies. But Paul shows our freedom in Christ doesn't provide license to dishonor Him. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on Aug 30th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul gives some stern advice to the church in Corinth regarding their suing one another over civil matters. Why was this such a big deal? What should they do instead? This message addresses these matters and shows how important it is for believers to become reconcilers within their own congregations.
Dealing with an immoral church member when the Church congregation itself is boastful and arrogant. Paul corrects both in this difficult chapter. This message was given by Mark Elwell virtually for Living Water Community Church on August 16th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to “imitate me” and in turn to imitate Christ, showing us what it means to be a father, how we model to our children, how we as children imitate our fathers, and the ultimate example as seen in Jesus Christ. This message was given by Dr. Steven Pipe virtually for Living Water Community Church on August 9th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
How do you maintain hope when your circumstances seem completely out of control? Paul addresses this question and we can see abundant evidence that his counsel is more applicable now than ever. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on August 2nd. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul goes into more detail in this section of his letter about what those "corruptible materials" are that he mentions a few verses earlier. He contrasts human wisdom and God's wisdom and shows why God takes seriously those who make it their mission to tear apart what's being built up on the foundation of Christ through the gospel message. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on July 26th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
A lot of people are wondering a lot of things these days. We'll see how, through Paul's letter to Corinth, we can anchor our faith to something tangible and immovable so that our hope turns to faith. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on July 12th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul gets behind the division caused by people choosing one leader over another. Envy! But how can we tell if we struggle with the kind of envy that wants to be the boss of us? This message helps us find out. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on July 12th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Paul talks about a mystery revealed. What's the mystery? How is it revealed? Do we play a part in the great reveal? This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on July 5th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Some people hear the gospel and think it's foolishness. Others see it as the power of God resulting in their salvation. How can it be so different?
Since this is Father's Day it's a good time to look at Paul's advice to people in Corinth who had developed a form of "Team Politics" within the church. He reminds them who their real leader should be. When we're focusing on Christ as the Head of the Body, all the power struggles and team associations disappear because we're too busy outdoing one another in showing honor.
This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 21st. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
2nd message in this series on 1st Corinthians. Paul had reason to be angry with the "messed up" church in Corinth. Instead he begins his letter with grace and gentleness. Why is that? At the beginning of this message Pastor Clark lays out plans for #sacklunchsaints, a vision to share hope around the world.
This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 14th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
This message begins a new series as we work our way through Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. It comes at a time in our nation's history that reflects many of the same cultural tensions that existed in Corinth. We address the events in America as part of the Worship Exhortation and in the message itself. How can we effect change in this kind of atmosphere? The Apostle Paul will help us see how that's possible.
This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on June 7th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Psalm 145 God is good to all, Patient to all, Near to all who call upon him. In this Psalm of praise we see all kinds of positive attributes in a God who cares for everyone. But we also have pesky verse 20 that some people might get bent out of shape over. We'll see why this too is an attribute for which we can really praise God. He is not only loving, but, fortunately for us, He is also just. That's reason to praise Him! This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 31st. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Psalm 95 Sing for Joy! (But first, soften your heart and open your ears.) It seems like there's an abrupt shift in tone in the middle of Verse 7. This message shows why and explains how we can recognize our own need to soften our hearts so that we can hear more clearly God's voice and then we'll be ready to sing for joy to the Rock of our Salvation! This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 24th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
How can the nations rejoice when there are so many enemies all around? This psalm points ahead in history to some events that will make it possible for everyone who trusts in our Deliverer to praise God and be glad. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 17th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Today we’re looking at The Title Track of the Psalms, the very first Psalm. You could consider this the prologue to the album. This contains foundational principles that set the stage for all the rest of the Psalms. We'll see what's different about the truly, deeply contented person and someone who is not consistently content. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually for Living Water Community Church on May 10th. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
Have you ever wished that God would speak to us?
He has. And one way He has spoken (and continues to speak), is through His creation.
We'll see how, in Psalm 19, God pours forth speech without even saying a word!
This Message was give virtually by Pastor Clark Cothern on May 3rd 2020 for Living Water Community Church
Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
In this look at Our Shepherd in Psalm 23 we'll tightly focus on verse 4: “Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, you are with me.”
How can someone have no fear of evil or death even though bad things still happen to people? And what do we mean when we say, "Be safe?"
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern virtually, for Living Water community Church On April 26th 2020. Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
For seven weeks we're looking at the top 7 "hits" from the Jewish Songbook, namely, the Psalms. Today's Psalm, (27) reveals how we can find true and lasting peace, even in the midst of a crisis (including a global pandemic). We'll discover how there is no need for fear when we are at peace with the God who is still in charge.
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern, Virtually for Living Water Community Church
Music: Bensound.com ("Energy")
He's alive! And that isn't just a metaphor. Learn how, to Simon Peter, the Resurrection had a face and a name. Also, hear the testimony of Callie Cothern who experienced what it was like to have a virus attack her heart when she least expected it.
What's behind the notion that everything should always go my way? That's what we're going to explore today. If you had some challenges in your week like I did, I'll bet you just might be encouraged by what we discover.
This Sermon Was given By Pastor Clark Cothern Virtually on April 5th
Allowing Christ to overcome my irrational belief that everything always goes my way.
What is it about us that causes us think that things should always go our way? We’re going to explore this idea this week.
So…how did your week go? (Have you forgotten what day it is? I think it may be February 65th or something like that.)
Jesus never made a blanket promise in His preaching and teaching that would give us that impression. (See Matt. 5:11)
At the core of this problem (the Bible calls it sin) is the concept that somehow we should know better how things should go than God knows.
Three words for “sin” include:
Hamartia (Greek) means, “Missing the __________.” (Rom. 5:12)
Rasha (Hebrew) means, “to intentionally _________ or __________ from the path.” (Psalm 18:21)
Pasha (Hebrew) means, “to ________ against authority.” Often translated as “______________.” Psalm 51:13
The root problem: “I know more than God does.”
Even in the Coronavirus Pandemic we see evidence of the curse of sin.
Everything on the earth was affected by the curse of sin.
Mankind was ______________ from God.
Work would become _____________.
Mankind is subject to _____________ and _________.
Perhaps the most devastating result of the fall is that we (mankind) lost sight of our true ______________.
You are NOT the ________ ___________ of the world.
If you try to find an answer to the question, “what is love?” I think that you keep arriving at something that points to God and that we can’t improve on what He started for us by creating this world.
Why can’t people see clearly what God displays for us?
Because of the fall our “consciences are _____________.” (1 Timothy 4:2;
Romans 1:21).
“Taste and see that the LORD is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8, CSB)
Only God can make us spiritually sensitive again. The word “regeneration” describes this.
Many people in Jesus’ day wanted a good old-fashioned revolution. They wanted renewal on their terms.
Why did Jesus do for us what he did, even though it seemed very unfair to Him? Because of his love for us.
And someone might ask, about God, “But why didn’t He do something about that rebellion if he knew it was going to happen?”
He did!
Christ became the unblemished Lamb sacrificed for atonement of sin. John the Baptist announced, “Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world.”
Because Jesus is also the Good Shepherd, we can trust him with our lives and can become the sheep of his pasture. He is the GOOD shepherd, the one who lays down his life for his sheep.
Is the Lord your shepherd?
Trust Jesus. He will hold you fast.
Suddenly (it felt like overnight), we all found ourselves "sheltering in place" and dealing with a whole new set of reasons to be irritated and angry. This message helps us find the positive purposes for our feelings and gives us an action plan to help us identify and process those feelings so that we rule them instead of them ruling us.
This Sermon was given virtually by Pastor Clark Cothern on March 29th
Mar. 29, 2020 Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my irritations.
We all have our default emotional reactions to various stressful situations.
I. A Theology of _______________
A. ______ has feelings
Jesus is God (incarnate) and he experienced all the feelings we feel. (Hebrews 4:15)
B. My feelings are actually a ________ from God.
C. Biblical _______________ avoids two extremes:
a.
b.
D. The ___________ and _______________ are also God’s gifts.
Once we know the cause we can determine if the cause is real or imagined.
(Proverbs 25:28; Proverbs 14:29)
II. Understanding ________ and managing it.
A. Anger is:
1) Anger is destructive to the ________. (Proverbs 14:30)
2) Anger is destructive to _______________. (Proverbs 15:18)
3) Anger is destructive to ___________ itself. (Proverbs 14:29)
4) Anger is also _________________. (Prov. 19:19)
B. Appropriate anger is actually a _______ thing.
“He who is ________ to anger is better than the mighty…” (Prov. 16:32a, NASB)
The Biblical ideal is not “____ anger.” The Biblical ideal is “_________ anger.” (Eph. 4:26)
You can be angry and you can sin. Or you can NOT be angry…and sin.
2020-03-29 – Overcoming irritations and frustrations – Page 2 of 2
“He that is angry without cause, sins, but he that is not angry when there is cause, sins.” --John Chrysostom
Remember that Jesus is God. Jesus never sinned. And yet Jesus was angry. He was slow to anger, but he was angry.
A Sabbath healing, for example. (Mark 3:4-5)
God had revealed this “slow to anger” character quality to ___________. (Ex. 34:6, ISV)
A LOT of people today (in America and I suspect in many other countries) would say, “I don’t want to serve an angry God. I want a God of love.”
Here’s a truth that I firmly believe is rooted in the Bible and in God’s character:
You cannot have a God who is perfect in __________without a God who is also perfect in _________.
If you never get angry about anything then you don’t truly ________ anything.
When we love someone, there are times when anger (at that which would harm the one we love) is the absolutely most appropriate response.
III. An action plan for being “Slow to anger.”
A. “Is this a ________ irritation or is this something much more important?”
B. “What am I _________ angry about?”
C. “How can I display my anger in a ____________ way?”
D. Check your ________. (Proverbs 15:1)
E. Don’t let your anger ________ with you.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16, NIV)
None of us knew (until just before this message) that we would be self-quarantined and meeting online. If ever there was a time to focus on physical, emotional and spiritual health, it would be now. This message gets seriously practical about things we can do to maintain health during this unusual season. This Message was given Virtually for Living Water Community Church by Pastor Clark Cothern Every day I am taking steps toward good health. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Use your bodies for God’s glory.) Allowing Christ to overcome my lack of discipline (feeding my mind, soul, body). Every day I am… Taking steps toward good health. Intro: Clotaire Rapaille (A Frenchman’s true story) Today’s focus: Taking steps toward good health. 1. Physical Health 2. Mental Health 3. Spiritual Health 1. Physical Health (Psalm 119:73) God made your body. Jesus died for your body. The Holy Spirit lives in your body. God’s going to resurrect your body. God expects you to ________ ______ your body. (Proverbs 3:7-8) Daniel’s story. (Daniel 1) 1) God’s Word is practical and it applies to our overall _________. 2) It’s easier to get healthy wen we have supportive _________. 3) Health is not just about losing _________. Here are five biblical healthy habits: 1. Eat Healthy _________ The foods God gave us, in as natural a form as possible. 1 Corinthians 6:20; 6:13b 2. Balance Your __________ (Mark 1:35) Room for ______________ brings ___________. Sabbath rest is so important that God put it in the _____ ________________. 3. Think Healthy ______________ (1 Timothy 4:7-8) a. ________ about it. b. Identify the ____________. c. Take an ____________ step. d. Ask: “Can ______ solve this?” Here’s an action plan for you: 1) Pray specifics (Lord, I’m fearful about…) 2) Communicate with supportive friends. 3) Do something to encourage someone else.
Have you ever felt that you lacked motivation or that you have procrastinated on an important task and you couldn't figure out what was going on? The Bible has some important things to say about becoming productive and the principles are valuable for everyday situations and for eternal, spiritual focus. Let's see what the Bible says about becoming focused, purpose-filled, productive people. This Sermon was presented remotely for LWCC on March 15th 2020 Mar. 15, 2020 Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome laziness. (So I can be productive.) Introductory Comments and Missions Report Have you noticed how people who are really productive also seem to be fulfilled? A Bible word for productivity is “stewardship.” Productivity: “Making the most of what you’ve been given.” When it comes to productivity it’s not ____ _______ you get done. It’s ________ you get done. It’s easy to become frenetic and get a LOT done and still not get the most important things done. Biblical principles based on the term Fruitfulness. Fruitful – abounding in fruit, producing good results, beneficial. The Greek word for Fruitfulness is karpovß (karpos). “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8, NIV) 1. When I bear fruit I bring __________ to God. (John 15:8a) 2. Bearing fruit shows that I am a _______________. (John 15:8, NIV) The branch reveals the _________. 3. God’s desire is that I bear __________ fruit. (John 15:16; Eph. 3:17) A balancing principle in fruitfulness: Productivity requires ________. Meaningful margins result in ________________. When we put our roots into the good soil of God’s Word and practice building Sabbath margins into our lives, we can bear the kinds of fruit expected of true disciples: a. The fruit of _______________. (Matt. 3:7-8, John the Baptist) b. The fruit of the __________. (Gal. 5:22-23, character qualities of Jesus) c. The fruit of another ______________. (Matt. 28:18-20, the Great Commission) d. The fruit of _______________. (Rom. 12:5, the spiritual gifts given to serve others) Here are some practical, biblical things you can do to bear biblical fruit: 1. Put down deep _____________. “There’s no fruit without a root.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8) When the heat’s on. Times of drought. Redwoods vs.Tumbleweeds And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. (Col. 2:6, NLT) Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Col. 2:7, NLT) 2. Pull some _________ in your life. “As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” (Luke 8:14, NET) What things in your life choke out productivity (fruitfulness)? 3. Allow God to do some _____________. “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Heb. 12:11, NLT) 4. Wait patiently and expect a _____________. Jesus said this: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24, NIV)
Do you ever wonder why you try to do good things? And have you ever wondered what keeps you from doing them? This message explores the ways pride and fear can keep us from doing what we want to do with the proper motivation.
Every day I am allowing Christ to reveal His light to others.
(2 Cor. 5:18-20; Matthew 5:15-16. Shining God’s light.)
Allowing Christ to overcome my pride and fear.
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern at LWCC in Ypsilanti Michigan on March 1st
Message Notes:
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my pride and fear
as I reveal His light to others.
Matthew 5:11-16
Fear and pride may factor into our alleged morality.
In the Sermon on the Mount we see how Christianity is not only different from the world. It’s also different, at its core, from religion.
The Light we’re talking about sharing isn’t a light of _____________.
Background concept: Who killed Jesus?
So who did kill Jesus? _______________ _______________.
Contrasts by Jesus:
a. Paths
b. Houses
c. Trees
What you don’t hear Jesus saying:
1) Kingdom light is _____________ than religious light. (Matt. 5:14a)
This reveals how Jesus expects Christians to relate to the _________.
2) Kingdom light is ____________ than religious light. (Matt. 5:20)
What does Jesus mean by the word “surpass?” (Vss. 21, 27, 31, 33, 38)
What do the words “But I say to you…” point to?
Fear and Pride: Reasons for Our Actions
Example: Lying or Not Lying
3) Kingdom light is ______________ than religious light.
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my self-centeredness and unbelief.
(2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Mark 9:24. I am an ambassador of healing.)
Allowing Christ to heal relationally [as I let go of revenge], spiritually [as I forgive offenses], often resulting in physical healing [since forgiveness and healing are often related].
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb 23, 2020 @ Living Water Community Church
Sermon Notes:
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my self-centeredness.
Luke 10:17; Mark 2:2-12; Romans 7-8
Even those who appear to be morally upright can exhibit self-centered behavior.
For example: Luke 10:17
This selfish tendency can distort the beauty of God.
What’s needed most to combat self-centeredness is ___________________.
Mark 2:2-12
We’re really good at minimizing our own ______ and __________________.
The truth shall set you free. But first the truth will make you ________________.
A danger of “religious rightness” is that our pride in moral achievement turns us into modern day ________________.
When you know who you really are in Christ, you will be able to:
1) Admit your own ______________ tendencies. (Rom. 7; Gen. 4)
It resides _____________ us.
It ______________low.
It comes back and ______________.
2) Avoid ____________ solutions to your real problem.
Merely avoid the _________________ of sin.
This shows who (or what) you really _____________.
3) Apply the _____________ solution to your real problem. (Rom. 8)
Allow the Holy Spirit of Christ to deal _______________ with you.
Continually allow God’s Spirit to _____________ your heart.
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my complacency.
(1 Thess. 5:17. “Pray continually.”)
Allowing Christ to speak to me through His Word and prayer.
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern @ Living Water Community Church on February 16th.
Message Notes:
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my complacency.
1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 11
The little memory verse with huge meaning. John 11:35
Another little verse with big meaning. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Context: The verses around it, starting with verse 17.
Notice the “always” (and related words) in verses 16-18.
How, though?
-
We should live in a constant state of _______________ upon God.
-
We should pray to the God who saves _______________ and _________. (Rom. 1:9)
-
We should pray without _____________ ______ on God’s answer. (Luke 18:1-8)
How does continual prayer overcome my complacency?
Three things you can do while in God’s waiting room:
-
______________ those who faithfully persist in prayer with patience. (Heb. 6:12)
-
Don’t put your life on ________.
Waiting is an _____________.
Here are five habits to practice while waiting on God:
a. Keep on _____________. Matthew 7:7
b. Keep on _____________. Romans 12:11
c. Keep on attending a ________ _________. Hebrews 10:25
d. Keep on _______________ seeds of truth. Ecclesiastes 11:6; 2 Cor. 9:6
e. Keep on ___________________. 2 Timothy 3:14
Don’t give up on prayer and don’t get tired of doing the right things. Gal. 6:9
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my pride, self-importance and self-reliance.
(2 Cor. 10:5. “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”)
Allowing Christ’s will to overcome my will.
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb 9th 2020 at Living Water Community Church
Message Notes Feb. 9, 2020
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my old nature.
Colossians 3:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:15-17
Paul gives us a picture of a ________________.
(See Isaiah 64:6 and 2 Cor. 5:17)
Jesus made a promise to his disciples. (John 14:15-17)
Why doesn’t the world receive the Holy Spirit? Why don’t people recognize Him?
(Matt. 18:3, NASB)
Jesus plainly said why he had come. (Luke 19:10, NLT)
This happens through _________________. And the Holy Spirit is provided by God so that the ________ will recognize that what Jesus had taught is true.
This term “converted” means to turn completely around and face in a completely new direction.
God’s Holy Spirit doesn’t replace your personhood. It’s not so much a “_____________” of who you are, but a “________________” of who you are.
A conversion of thought comes when you understand a ___________ you’ve been missing.
God’s Holy Spirit (John 16:8):
-
Convicts of ______.
-
Reveals God’s ________________.
-
Warns of coming______________.
If you want to live securely as God’s child:
-
You can’t allow yourself to be led by your ______________. (1 John 3:7)
-
You can’t allow yourself to be led by friends who aren’t led by _____. (Ex. 23:2; Rom. 12:2)
Here’s what you cando to be led by God’s Holy Spirit:
-
You have to ________ to be ______. (Psalm 40:8)
-
You have to let God change the way you _________. (Rom. 12:2)
-
You have to be _______________ to do what God ________. (John 7:17)
-
You need to look to God’s _________. (Psalm 119:105)
One pastor said, “When you open your ________ God opens His __________.”
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my pride, self-importance and self-reliance.
(2 Cor. 10:5. “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”)
Allowing Christ’s will to overcome my will.
This Message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb 2nd 2020 @ Living Water Community Church
Message Notes: Feb. 2, 2020
Every day I am allowing Christ to overcome my pride, self-importance and self-reliance.
(2 Cor. 10:5. “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”)
Bottom line: Every day I am allowing Christ’s will to overcome my will.
Think for a minute about how many dangerous thoughts can bombard your mind in just one hour.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
This battle takes place in the mind.
What is a “stronghold?”
We can demolish those strongholds and Paul the Apostle tells us how.
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)
Here’s the big question: How?
Three practical principles for taking down strongholds:
- You can’t __________ everything you ____________.
(see Jeremiah 17:9)
- You need to _________ your mind from _______________.
(see Proverbs 15:14)
Just because you can do a thing doesn’t mean you ___________ do a thing.
Sometimes the reason we _______ like garbage is because we’re _____________ on garbage.
Philippians 4:6-7:
Continual ____________________ prayer.
- Share your ____________ with other __________________.
(And) “I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.” (Philemon 1:6, NASB)
Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Mark Elwell on January 26th 2020
Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Dr. Steve Pipe on January 26th 2020 Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Mark Elwell on January 26th 2020
Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Dr. Steve Pipe on January 26th 2020 Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Dr. Steve Pipe on January 26th 2020
Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Dr. Steve Pipe on January 26th 2020 Winter Bible Study 20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Dr. Steve Pipe on January 26th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Tom Harkaway on January 25th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Tom Harkaway on January 25th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Pastor Mike Burrell on January 25th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Pastor Mike Burrell on January 25th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Pastor Clark on January 25th 2020
Winter Bible Study
20/20 Vision Through 20/20 Hindsight
Sharpening our vision through a clear look at history through the eyes of five Old Testament prophets, Samuel, Elijah, Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
These presentations were given on January 25th and 26th at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This Message was given By Pastor Clark on January 25th 2020
This Sermon was Preached by Pastor Mike Burrell @ Living Water Community Church on January 12, 2020
Why are small groups so important? Where did they originate? What are some biblical examples of small groups that made a difference? How can I be transformed through small group participation? Pastor Clark shares his heart-felt vision for 2020 and it's all about relational, transformational, biblical small groups.
This Sermon was preached on January 5th 2020 by pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church
God poses some challenging questions to Malachi regarding God's people and their allegiance to Him. How do these questions apply to us? Tom Harkaway tackles these questions with insight and scholarly research. This study leads us to some good questions of our own as we face a new year in our walk with the Lord.
This Sermon was Preached on Dec 29th @ Living Water Community Church by Tom Harkaway
Haven't you seen a movie in which you started watching what you thought was the main story only to realize later that there was a much larger story surrounding the one you started watching? That's what Christmas is like. In this message we'll see how the larger meaning of Christmas becomes more apparent as we notice how the birth of Jesus was a historic event, a global event and eventually how it becomes a personal event for all who are drawn into it.
This Sermon was Preached on Dec 8th 2019 at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan by Pastor Clark Cothern
Questions for Discussion:
-
What movie have you seen that hooked you with the story you started watching and then you began to see that there was a much larger story involved?
-
What's the most typical story you tend to see portrayed at Christmas time?
-
What are some historical events about the Christmas story that have been corroborated (validated because they support one another) as factual?
-
What is it about the Christmas story that makes it global in scope?
-
What is it about the Christmas story that makes it personal?
There's a danger in familiarity. There is a danger in the familiar stories of Christmas, that we will drift toward sentimentality rather than hearing and receiving truth that changes us. In this passage we'll see what the real meaning of Christmas means to us and we'll answer the question, "What will we do to become close to the One who became close to us?"
This sermon was preached on December 1st at Living Water Community Church by pastor Clark Cothern.
Dec. 1, 2019 Matthew 1:18-25 Emmanuel: What does it mean?
Questions for Discussion:
-
Why is there a danger in familiarity? What did Jesus say about people in Nazareth?
-
What does it mean to say God is with us?
-
What is the real meaning of Christmas? a. The Creator of the universe has become a ________ _______. b. It also means that the God who appeared in the Old Testament as a _____________ and a _______ has become a vulnerable _______ in order to be close to us.
-
What, in turn, will we do in order to be close to Him?
Here are Simon Peter's closing thoughts, in a nutshell:
I. Humility a remedy for anxiety.
II. Resist the enemy by what you feed your mind.
III. Friends in Christ give you strength to stand.
It's all relational in nature. As we learn to submit ourselves to others, especially those in authority, and especially those who are mature in Christ, we learn to trust God more and become anxious less often. We resist the enemy by turning to God and His Word instead of turning to anything else that would keep us from feeling things we don't like. Friends who care for one another and pray for one another hep us do both of the first two things on Peter's list.
This Sermon was preached on November 24th 2019 at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan by Pastor Clark Cothern.
1 Peter 5:5-14
Rock Solid Advice
Questions for Discussion
-
What, for you, triggers anxiety? (That may require some serious thought and perhaps some discussion with those who know you well.)
-
Simon Peter offers advice that might sound a little "out there" at first. He says we should become humble and submit ourselves to authority as part of getting rid of our anxiety. After hearing the pastor speak about this for a few minutes, do you get a sense for what Peter might have meant?
-
What are some ways we tend to avoid bad feelings, especially anxious thoughts and feelings? What things are good for us (and feed our souls and bodies) and what things are harmful to us (by keeping us from healthy habits)?
-
What are a few basic things we can do as an alternative to "escapism?"
-
How do friends help us in this pursuit?
-
What is necessary in a friendship for you to stay friends even through disagreements?
Peter talks about leaders as one shepherd to another. He provides the criteria for spiritual leadership in local expressions of the Body of Christ. You'll learn how the world's standards for leadership are miles apart from God's standards. It's a unique calling, this thing called Godly leadership, but the rewards are incredible. Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4
This Sermon was Preached on November 17th @ Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan by Pastor Clark Cothern
Questions for Discussion
-
What are some differences between what the world looks for in a leader compared with what God looks for in leaders?
-
Why are the responsibilities of an Elder so weighty?
-
What are four aspects of the Shepherd's job description?
1)
2)
3)
4)
-
What attitudes should a Godly Elder possess? Why are they so important in leading a "flock?"
-
What are some of the rewards promised to leaders who continue to follow Jesus' example and serve willingly?
Have you ever been in a place so dark that you felt disoriented? I suspect we all have at one time or another. In this passage Peter helps us gain perspective in our dark seasons and shows us how they can become a positive test of faith. We'll also look at some of Jesus' words to his disciples as they were getting ready to head into a terribly dark time. Peter's advice and Jesus' words from John 16 provide some promises that give us a ray of light when we're experiencing darkness.
This Sermon was preached on November 10th at Living Water Community Church by Pastor Clark Cothern
Questions for Discussion:
-
Have you ever been in a place so dark that you felt disoriented?
-
Peter talks about dark times being opportunities for us to test our faith. In verse 12 he tells his readers not to be surprised that they find themselves in trying times. Why should we not be surprised that we find ourselves in dark places at times?
-
How does knowing Jesus help us as we seek perspective when we’re in darkness?
-
In John 16 Jesus makes two important promises (verses 12-15 and 16-24). What are those two promises?
How does knowing the truth that the Holy Spirit reveal help us find peace when things aren’t peaceful? What truth is he talking about?
- Peter says that in darkness we can still find reasons to rejoice. What is at least one reason to rejoice?
In verses 14-16 of 1 Peter 4 Peter talks about two different kinds of suffering. What are they?
How do we cause ourselves to suffer?
If we allow God’s judgment to come upon us as believers, how does that help us as we face darkness and earthly suffering?
- What about this passage allows us to commit ourselves to our faithful Creator to continue, “doing good,” even when we find ourselves suffering and in emotional darkness?
It's tough to maintain a positive attitude when you are being mistreated, isn't it? In this passage Simon Peter encourages fellow believers who are experiencing mistreatment and he also challenges them to live with the same attitude that Christ had toward suffering. As the world becomes more and more hostile toward Christianity we can take heart from this message because it reminds us that we know the ultimate outcome.
This Sermon was preached on November 3rd 2019 by Pastor Clark Cothern @ Living Water Community Church
1 Peter 4:1-11
Suffering, Serving, Sharing
Questions for Discussion
-
Is it easy for us to forget there are many Christians experiencing serious persecution? Why or why not?
-
What attitude does Peter say we should have about suffering?
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What is different about believers in terms of their outward behavior? What are possible responses of friends who see the difference?
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Why would the awareness that “the end of all things is near” be an encouragement rather than a discouragement?
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What are some things Peter says we should do as we wait for the end to come?
-
What is a definition of God’s glory? What is meant by the phrase, “the beauty of His holiness?”
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What are some things believers look forward to when the end finally comes? What are some things we won’t miss?
How come bad things happen to good people? Is it fair that Christians get treated badly simply for doing what’s right and trying to help others? And what about that perplexing notion that Jesus "descended" to preach to prisoners after he died? These questions are answered in this section of Peter’s letter.
This Sermon was preached at Living Water Community Church on October 27, 2019 by Pastor Clark Cothern in Ypsilanti Michigan.
1 Peter 3:8-22
Suffering for Doing Good
Questions for discussion
-
According to Peter’s words in this letter, should believers in Christ expect to suffer even if they “do good?”
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What does Peter mean when he says that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil?
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When Christians suffer for the sake of Christ and refuse to retaliate what do we hope may happen as outsiders witness that behavior?
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When people ask us about our differences how does Peter say we should respond? In what tone should we answer?
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The same gospel is true today as it was in Noah’s day. What is that gospel message?
-
What are some of the rewards awaiting those who suffer for Christ’s sake here on earth?
1 Peter 3:1-7
Be peculiar: Submit as Christ submitted
This passage can be easily misunderstood. To get at what Simon Peter says about submission in the home (including wives submitting to their husbands), Pastor Clark will eliminate several things that don't represent biblical submission. These reflect the world's view of submission. Then what we're left with is a balanced biblical view of submission that empowers women and challenges men.
This Sermon Was Preached on October 20, 2019 at Living Water Community Church by Pastor Clark Cothern
Last week we learned that it’s biblical to be peculiar. We’re different because we’re God’s special possession. Simon Peter continues to encourage and admonish believers who need to be reminded of their status as joint-heirs with Christ. In this passage, a continuation of his previous thoughts, he says that one way we can be peculiar (different from the world) is to submit to authority.
This Sermon was preached at Living Water Community Church on October 13th 2019 in Ypsilanti Michigan by Pastor Clark Cothern
Being "peculiar" might not mean the same thing we think it means, at least not when we explore the meaning of the original word for "peculiar" as used in1 Peter 2:4-10. But, because of the way the world sees believers in Christ we are in fact a bit peculiar. Learn how we can be peculiar and why it's important that we are.
This Sermon was preached on October 6th 2019 at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan
1 Peter 1:13-23
"Living like you’ve got a new heart" explores the motivation for living with joyful expectancy. Would you do anything differently if you received a heart transplant? We probably all would. This message explores the motives for living with expectancy based on the fact that through faith in Jesus we really do have a new heart because we're new creations in Christ.
This Sermon was spoken by Clark Cothern @ Living Water Comminity Church in Ypsilanti MI on September 29th 2019
Joyfully Rescued
God's rescue plan gives believers reason for a living hope. That's how Peter describes what the gospel means to Christians. He addresses people who have moved away from their familiar surroundings and who are feeling pressure from persecution because of their faith. Peter's words are encouraging to us today since we face many of the same trials his audience faced.
Preached on September 29, 2019 by Pastor Clark Cothern in Ypsilanti MI
Peter is writing to a group of people who are feeling the heat from persecution. This true story about a remarkable escape from prison reveals God's divine help available to those He has chosen to advance His Kingdom and fulfill His purposes. We'll also answer the question, "What happens when God chooses not to answer a prayer the way we want Him to?"
Scripture: Acts 12
Preach by Pastor Clark Cothern on September 15, 2019 in Ypsilanti MI
A lot of us can identify with Simon Peter. He often speaks first and then thinks later. He boldly proclaims loyalty but then caves because the heat gets turned way up. And yet with all Peter's faults, we love him. Maybe it's because we see his character arc played out over time. This series will help us understand how Jesus' view of us changes our view of ourselves. Chances are good that you'll see some pretty radical transformation in your own life as you look at Simon Peter's life.
Scripture: John 21 Preached on September 8th 2019, in Ypsilanti Michigan.
Peter is a guy who knows about betrayal. By looking at his betrayal and Jesus' reaction we’re going to dive into what we can do when we feel betrayed. We're also going to look at what we can do when we’ve been the betrayer.
Sermon By Rev. Jeremy Shaw on July 28th. Bible reading: Exodus 12:31-42 and Exodus 14:5-31 The sermon title is: The Victory of The LORD. Be still; God will fight for you. The battle belongs to the LORD. From a minus to a plus. God is for us and not against us. Faith in God. God’s sovereignty; power; presence...
The first 2 chapters of 2 Peter have been building up to this final chapter. Peter wants to remind us of something important, with a call for us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Having the full and true knowledge of Christ will give us everything we need for life and godliness, to be certain of our calling and His choosing us, and so that we will never stumble. Even though there will be those that would seek to lead us astray, we are called to remember His promises and rely on the Word of God. Of prime importance, Peter wants to reminds us of the promise and hope of the second coming (Greek, parousia) of Jesus Christ. He wants to reminds us that we are in the last days, why Christ has not yet come again and why having the true knowledge of this affects our posture as to how we live our life now.
The first 2 chapters of 2 Peter have been building up to this final chapter. Peter wants to remind us of something important, with a call for us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Having the full and true knowledge of Christ will give us everything we need for life and godliness, to be certain of our calling and His choosing us, and so that we will never stumble. Even though there will be those that would seek to lead us astray, we are called to remember His promises and rely on the Word of God. Of prime importance, Peter wants to reminds us of the promise and hope of the second coming (Greek, parousia) of Jesus Christ. He wants to reminds us that we are in the last days, why Christ has not yet come again and why having the true knowledge of this affects our posture as to how we live our life now.
Simon Peter wanted the readers of his letters to know how important it was for them to be filled with the right kind of knowledge; the kind that is transformative because of the Holy Spirit who provides a "super knowledge" related to Jesus and His identity and purpose. This message encourages believers to continually and actively renew their minds through God's Word so that this knowledge becomes expressed through our actions.
This Sermon was Preached on Aug 18th by Tom Harkaway in Ypsilanti MI
Simon Peter wanted the readers of his letters to know how important it was for them to be filled with the right kind of knowledge; the kind that is transformative because of the Holy Spirit who provides a "super knowledge" related to Jesus and His identity and purpose. This message encourages believers to continually and actively renew their minds through God's Word so that this knowledge becomes expressed through our actions.
This Message was Preached on Aug 18, 2019 by Tom Harkaway in Ypsilanti MI
Associate Pastor Mike Burrell shares a message from 2nd Peter 1:1-9 in which Simon Peter reminds believers in Christ what they first learned so they will remain steadfast in their walk with Jesus. Peter shares how they can remain effective and productive in their spiritual growth even when life gets difficult.
This sermon was Preach on Aug 11th 2019 by Associate Pastor Mike Burrell in Ypsilanti MI
Sermon Preached by Rev. Jeremy Shaw on July 21st at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan.
Failure in God's Economy. Exodus 2:11-3.8a
Preached by Rev. Jeremy Shaw on July 14th at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti MI.
Living Water Community Church was privileged to sit under the teaching of Rev. Jeremy Shaw in July 2019. He and Pastor Clark participated in a Pastoral Exchange Sabbatical, with Pastor Clark preaching at the Dalkeith Baptist Church, just outside Edinburgh, Scotland while Pastor Jeremy preached here in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Pastor Jeremy has served at Dalkeith since 2009. You can enjoy Pastor Jeremy’s messages here.
Preached by Rev. Jeremy Shaw on 7 July
Trusting God when Life is Hard. Exodus 1:1-2:10
Click here for more information about Rev. Jeremy Shaw
This is part 2 of a brief look at the complementary concepts talked about by Paul and James in Romans 3 and James 2. Some say these two founding faith fathers disagree about justification but Paul is talking about how someone receives justification (approval) by God. James talks about how someone demonstrates that someone has received this justification from God.
Do Paul and James contradict one another? This 2-part series from Romans 3 and James 2 reveals how the two passages are complementary, not contradictory. Paul discusses how we are justified before God, by grace through faith, because of the work Jesus did on our behalf on the cross. James discusses how a person who has been justified will reveal that justification through actions that grow naturally out of a relationship with God.
2019 Fathers Day Message
This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on June 16th, 2019
Here's Part 2 in our mini-series titled, "Well, Shut My Mouth!" based on selected passage from the book of James. This message contains practical applications to help us become "Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could have taken those words back? We all have! This message, from the book of James, (James 3:2-12) helps us become more mindful of the power of our words. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on June 2nd, 2019.
This message answers the question, "What does it take to have a lasting, meaningful marriage?" It was preached on the occasion of a couple in our church family who celebrated 50 years of marriage that day. This message was presented at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on May 19th, 2019.
This topical message offers practical, biblical counsel regarding how to honor our parents, especially moms, even when they aren't perfect. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Mother's Day, May 12th, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org Music: www.bensound.com
Our culture is moving quickly toward becoming a culture that values death rather than life. This message looks at how we as believers in Christ can uphold the value of life without stooping to angry, hateful speech or actions. All of us are valued by God and we can become a positive influence in a culture in desperate need of affirmation and hope. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on April 28, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org Musical credit: www.bensound.com ("Acoustic Breeze")
All the Old Testament Jewish festivals point to Messiah. In this look at Palm Sunday we'll see several reasons why the Festival of Booths foreshadowed Messiah's coming. When Jesus Christ fulfilled all prophecies, he also made permanent the temporary things celebrated in the Festival of Booths. Temporary shelter (as the Children of Israel lived in during the Exodus and on their journey toward the Promised Land), temporary sacrifices (as were carried out during Passover) all became permanent through Jesus Christ. This look at Palm Sunday helps us understand how knowing Jesus provides hope for a permanent dwelling where God Himself is in our midst because Jesus became the permanent sacrifice, or "unblemished Lamb," taking away the sins of those who put their faith in Him.
Why did Luke say that Jesus ate some broiled fish in front of a small group of disciples after he had been buried in a tomb? Luke's account of one of Jesus' resurrection appearances shows why Christianity makes a claim no other religion can make. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI by Pastor Clark Cothern on Easter Sunday, April 21st, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org
We've all been there, haven't we? We've all had those times when we felt like we just can't go on and we want to give up. This message shows us what to reach for to help us get up and keep moving forward. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on April 7th, 2019.
All of us have setbacks. We can learn from Joseph (Jacob's 11th son) how to handle the setbacks so God can turn them into comebacks. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on March 24th, 2019 by Pastor Clark Cothern. http://www.lw-cc.org
Music Credit: www.bensound.com "A New Beginning"
This fourth message in a series from the Sermon on the Mount deals with a timely subject, purity. Jesus threw out some radical concepts about dealing decisively with impure thoughts, recognizing that impurity starts in the heart and mind and needs to be halted early before it does long lasting damage. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern. Music credit: "Offering jam" by Clark Cothern III.
How do you become a new creation in Christ Jesus? This message looks at that process and contains some encouraging words about a God who not only starts the work of transformation, but also who promises to continue that process until we are fully mature. This message was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern, on Oct. 28th, 2018.
Moms, do you ever feel like you're raising little animals? This message should be encouraging to you. The Bible uses three analogies to some character qualities that God has for you, and that you can have for you kids. You'll see that He can be like a Mama Bear, a Mother Hen, and a Mama Eagle. Be encouraged that God will strengthen you so you can bless generations to come through your parenting! Preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on May 13, 2018.
This topical message about the true definition of submission and its rewards was preached at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Nov. 4, 2018.
How do you wrestle through seasons of anxiety and emerge into a place of peace? We'll tackle this question as Paul teaches us practical advice from his letter to the Philippians. Preached on Nov. 11, 2018 by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This is the audio only version (podcast) of #7 in the series, "7 Big Questions," from Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. This message was given by Pastor Clark Cothern on Mar. 17, 2019. Music credit: "Offering Jam" by Clark Cothern III.
Here's #6 in our 7 Big Questions podcast series. This message demonstrates how the Bible can be trusted because it passes all the tests of historical accuracy and because it has survived all challenges. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb. 10th, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org
Jesus' own claims as to his identity must be validated or else he is merely a lunatic or worse. This message looks at three evidences of Jesus' identity as God the Son, one of the three persons in the Trinity. This message was given at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, by Pastor Clark Cothern on March 3, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org
Here is a compassionate answer to the tough question, "Does God allow suffering?" It was preached by Pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Feb. 24th, 2019. http://www.lw-cc.org
7 Big Questions series, #3 - Is Christianity too narrow? Many people ask if it's too narrow for Christianity to suggest that Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. This message demonstrates how the Christian worldview is both just and loving. Preached by Pastor Clark Cothern on Feb. 17, 2019 at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
This is the second in a series about big questions thinking people ask. This message was given by pastor Clark Cothern at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, on Feb., 10, 2019. https://www.lw-cc.org
Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI, tackles 7 tough questions in a message series. This first in the series, "Does life have a purpose?" shows where we have to look if we're going to find our purpose in life. This message was preached by pastor Clark Cothern.