Thought Capture: Recent Episodes
David Pierce
Will God call me to something I hate, to someplace I hate, to a group of people I can't stand, or to a job that brings me no joy? Do you know the purpose for which God saved you? Do you know where you fit in God's strategy for your church? Questions that Christians don't ask because they don't think there is a knowable answer.
Ben Franklin is credited with saying, "The only two things certain in life, death and taxes." Was he right? When you ask people if they are saved and going to heaven, some are honest enough to say, "I hope so." Christianity is not a hope so religion. It is not an end-of-life wager, a crutch for the weak-minded, or a non-intellectual explanation for the unknowable.
Unless you have lived a very charmed and protected existence, you have experienced betrayal. Inflicted by somebody you were supposed to be able to trust. Oh, the deep hurt that emerges from these incidents. Particularly when that person is a family member or a church member who stabs you in the back. Hopefully, when this occurred, you found depth in your faith and obedience in your heart. These experiences make or break you. From the Bible, we learn that Joseph was from a dysfunctional family. Yes, this family had Jacob as its father, and it was a home full of contempt and jealousy.
It is considerate to serve those who serve you. It is admirable to forgive someone for an unintentional offense. But it takes authentic love to serve those who don't serve but look to be served. It takes Christ-like love to forgive those you know will betray and abandon you when you need them most. Join us Sunday morning when Jesus' ministry to His disciples gets personal...
How comfortable are you with the language that God is wrathful about the matter of sin? Modern preaching errs when it presents only a God of miracles, blessings, and deliverance. Most Sunday morning sermons do not qualify as warnings. The fear of God takes a lot of explanation for the modern congregation. Pastors wanting to remain popular and relevant, edit the need for repentance right out of their content. This Sunday morning, the full dynamic of the revelation of God's wrath that must be satisified. Hallejuah, there is opportunity to be covered by grace but that requires repentance.
Barna Research a few years ago reported from their research that 1 in 3 church attenders state that they have never experienced the presence of God in a worship service. Get this, of those saying they had experienced an encounter with God, one-half of those say it is rare... once in the last year. If ever revival in the church was needed, now is the time.
Do you have more Pharisee in you than Jesus? A preacher once got a note before he stood to preach. The note said, "I have proof that you had an adulterous affair 30 years ago, before we leave here today, I am going to tell the congregation." Did he scuttle his notes that Sunday for a message on grace? Did he opt to give a message that dealt with both truth and grace?
The eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. It picks it up into the sky and changes the battleground. In the sky, the snake has no stamina, no power, and no balance. It is useless, weak, and vulnerable unlike on the ground where it is powerful, wise, and deadly. Take your fight to the devil by praying, and when you are in that spiritual realm God takes over the battle.
You may have noticed that some Christians don't believe that they have been to church unless it was an emotional experience for them. Still, others seek only a lecture, an educational experience from the pulpit. Lastly, some extroverted church attendees need physical involvement. They can't stay in their seat nor keep their hands on their lap. And each group thinks the other two groups are not really doing worship the right way. Is worship style a preference or a Biblical prescription? This Sunday's sermon is sure to make you examine your expectations and consider what God expects from you.
Interpreting God's will can be confusing, and illogical, with abrupt changes of direction, mysterious at times, and a succession of opening and closing doors. I have never known God to reveal steps 1, 2, and 3 and guaranteeing success with each step. For me personally, it has only been the next step is... Apostle Paul had a dream one night that interrupted his well-intentioned and well-thought-out plans. That is the purpose of the biographies in the Scriptures. We get a bird's eye view of why God puts us in certain situations that seem like detours but serve a greater purpose in the grand scheme of things.
The Pain from your unresolved past will continue to plague your best intentions until you learn to think differently. This is the fight for your mind, fought effectively on the spiritual battlefield only. Satan wins the battle every time if you are deceived into believing you can do nothing different. Let's talk about it.
Satan is behind the distortion“You know what the bible says, you shouldn’t judge.” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard someone say that. There are a lot of erroneous interpretations of the bible that become accepted by nearly everyone. They are simply wrong. And this is one of those cases. The next five verses in Matthew 7, are vital to the right interpretation. There is an application for the Christian that is as rock solid and clear as anything that is written in the Bible.
Worship attendees tend to grade the church experience for its friendliness of the congregation, the entertainment value of the preacher's sermon, and the skill of the musical talent. We don't pass out report cards, but sometimes it feels like one is being filled out each Sunday. The truth of the matter, there is only one grader, and He is filling out a report card for each attendee. Does our worship on this Sunday please Jesus? It's just the opposite of how we think. We are grading the performance of leaders on the stage. He is grading the hearts and attitudes of those sitting in the pews. The leaders are graded on faithfulness to the truth.
We Three Kings is a popular Christmas Hymn. This scene, which didn't place at the birth of Jesus but sometime later, is a rich passage full of application.
Since the dawn of time, man has needed a talisman, a belief in something that gives him security in an insecure world. What good is religion without examination, and faith without firsthand intimate knowledge. The greatest peril would be to have a picture of Jesus on the wall, a family Bible on the coffee table, and a plastic Jesus on the dashboard of the family automobile and not know how to pray. To know Jesus is a living and growing revelation. Serving Him is being in the service and discipleship of His local church. Anything less is merely living in personal deception or a foolish superstition masquerading as faith. Don’t subscribe to anything less than a hot-hearted relationship with Jesus. Religious sentiment does not save you.
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah…PRAISE YE The LORD!... Baptists are not known for being particularly loud on Sunday Mornings. There is no way to read Psalm 113 quietly. It would be like singing the hymn Stand Up for Jesus from the seated position. It doesn't work. This will require somebody to say it out loud...Hallelujah!!!
Some people don't want to deal with this question. It may even anger some that you would ask it. They don't like the exclusivity of the gospel. The open-door policy of "easy believism" is the preferred take on the message of the Bible. Jesus spoke in parables; He gave the interpretation to a smaller select group. Why?
What possession, ideal, activity, allegiance, or relationship is preempting your complete obedience to God? Nothing and no person(s) can stand in your way of fully surrendering your life to Jesus. You must tear down that idol!
If you believe that the majority of humanity will be present in Heaven, you are mistaken. Jesus said, "There are few who find it." The word "few" suggests a small percentage. Entrance into heaven is not based on moral character, politeness, generosity, sincerity, church attendance, saying a prayer over a meal, believing in God, conservative values, patriotism, doctrine, or belief in life after death. We can add to that list, water baptism and church membership.
Time is significant in both the physical and spiritual realm, its the restrictions of this world. There is a reason that Revelation says, at the culmination of time, "then time will be no more." The practical application is, there is a last opportunity to say yes to Jesus. When He offers healing and salvation, you need to respond, because there is the possibility that this is the very last chance.
Right in the middle of the Bible sits the Book of Psalms. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 with 176 verses. Those verses deal with the affection for the Word of God. When you read the Bible, God is not looking for your intellectual agreement, He is looking for you to give Him your heart.
I’m not a prosperity preacher, but we are not taking advantage of what God wants to give us. There are 3,000 promises in the Bible.Peter reminded us, He has given us all things related to life and godliness, and by these we become partakers of the divine. Sunday, we will re-visit Joshua's division of the Promised Land. Its a scene to learn from, for Caleb spoke up and said, "Give Me this Mountain!" It was inhabited by a fierce people, it would not be an easy task taking it. But God had promised it.
People read the Books of Acts and wrongly conclude that the power and impact of the first century church was an anomaly. That can't happen today! Wrong! If you say, I don't see it happening today. I would agree with you. But that does not mean it can't happen today. God is waiting for you and I to recognize we lack power and influence because we are looking for programs and charismatic personalities to lead us to the happy life of success. Open the Bible and ask the question, what is missing in the modern church experience?
The motivation for serving the Lord comes from the amazement that He loves us and is committed to us for eternity...
Peter failed the faith test at the crucifixion, 6-weeks later after Pentecost he emerges with a certainty that only grew as his life journey got tougher. The gift of eternal hope is available to you. Because you will endure a lot on this earth before you leave, but through the turbulence your confidence should grow not wither.
Don't judge Christianity merely by behavior, it goes deeper than that. It's an attitude, a Christ-like attitude that is prescribed. It is not only what you say, but a judgment on what thoughts you allow to go unchecked. Pray before you hear this sermon, everybody is on the hot seat on this one.
Child of God you have been given a powerful tool in the gift of prayer. But, does that mean God can be manipulated to do what you think should happen?
There are a lot people that have some firm beliefs that include there is a God and Jesus is the Savior. There are a lot of people that try to live a good moral life. But are they attempting to live it only in the flesh with their intellect and nothing supernatural has happened to them?
There is a right way to pray and a wrong way to pray. There is an ineffective prayer and an effectual prayer. Prayers that find a answers by receiving revelation. Circumstances will change, because you will change.
Don't read this passage Scripture casually and dismiss it. So many have done that and missed a fundamental truth that unlocks our understanding of our spiritual struggle.
A sermon delivered to the congregation leading to a time of communion. There is no doubt Jesus loved you when He made the sacrifice on the cross. The real question at the Lord's Table, how much do you love Him and His Church?
Mary, the sister of Lazarus, steps into the narrative of the gospels and each time she is criticized unjustly. She is defended by Jesus and she has grasped an understanding that no one else present gets. Be like Mary in your worship.
Social media friend lists grow and genuine friend lists continue to shrink. Loneliness is a major issue in our culture. Churches do church services online while in person congregations get smaller. Sunday School has become a relic of the past. People suffer from commitment phobia. How important are relationships to our spiritual life and our happiness?
Hypocrite, a term hurled as an insult at somebody else. Someone is assuming the role of a Christian, trying to convince you and the those around them that they are authentically Christian. Could you be guilty and not realize it?
One of the reasons the church is not growing, we are not socializing and befriending lost people. Isolationism is not holiness. That was true 2000 years ago, it is true now. How many non-Christian friend do you have?
The moral implosion of our culture rightfully causes concern. God will judge it. Meanwhile, we live here in it much like the children of Israel during the plagues of Egypt. Breaking NEWS, God is speaking to the church. He is not going to fix it, we are getting ready to leave.
The Bible is chocked full of example where God allowed someone to be humiliated in order to wake them spiritually. Does God still use this method?
False Faith and Salvific Faith, faith with no works, believing the right things, possessing moral character and still not saved. Listen to this explanation of how James and Paul agree and not disagree.
Sin, it's a serious matter...particularly to God, the question is ...is it serious to you. Sin is more than a list of selfish acts. It goes deeper. It's a desire issue. This topical sermon defines sin and you have a decision to make regarding the position of your heart.
The difference between the church in the first century and the church of the 21st century...back then the preaching was done outside the church...now all the preaching is done in the church...
The church needs to be reminded, heaven will look and feel a lot different than it does here on earth below. Phillip was called away from a successful ministry to the hated Samaritans to once again experience a divine appointment with an Ethiopian eunuch. The gospel jumps over walls that men build and fortify.
Unchecked thoughts, become bad behavior, this impacts everybody around you, it takes the joy out of your life, that diminishes your testimony, and that impacts the effectiveness of our church...take charge of your thought life that is your responsibility and nobody elses
Christianity without compassion is faux religion. Christianity without compassion that results is no move to action is ineffectual. Jesus tests his disciple's compassion for people with frequent opportunities to show love and mercy. I wander how often we fail the exam?
Going to Church for the Wrong reason can be dangerous. Gone it seems, the fear of God. A married couple went to church and lied not to men but to God. They buried them that afternoon. It is in the Bible. It's a warning.
What does it take to get an adult to see who Jesus is and what authority He has over your life? Let's ask Saul.
Abraham with all his flaws and missteps, did one thing consistently from the beginning. He lived for the future. That faith sustained him and pleased God. Let's have the same character.
There are in the pews of the church individuals who think they are saved who are not. There are a number of saints who are saved who time to time doubt their salvation. Where are the confident children of God. It is God's desire that you move an act with confidence.
Why would God send you back to a tough situation? We probably to need to ask Hagar. She ran away from Abram & Sarai for some very logical reasons. The Angel of the Lord chased her down and sent her back for a season. Some practical instruction from the Lord is included in this challenging passage of Scripture.
Christianity is not a group of volunteer do gooders. Rather, it is an assembly of individuals compelled to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. The call is all hands on deck. Jesus demands get to work, you are either for me or against me.
Luck...good or bad has nothing to do with it. Being between a rock and a hard place is a strategic plan God uses to bring you to maturity. You can resist it or embrace it as a test of faith. Pass the test and a receive a promotion, fail the test and repeat the trial.
If we are made free in salvation and we are unaware of the freedom that we have in Christ, are we still in bondage to sin? If we are given power in salvation, but we are unaware of the power we have access to, are we powerless? Join us this Sermon, as we pull the blindfold off your spiritual eyes, and fully inform you of the freedom and power you have access to as a child of God.
Whether it is environmental causes, genetic, or demonic there could be a curse on your family. If so, is it a hopeless situation you are doomed to live in and pass on to the generations that follow you?
Whoever first said that God will not put more on you than you can withstand, did not know what they were talking about. The Bible is chunked full of humanity exposed to unbearable burdens, Mary and Joseph are a prime example...However, this text states, "with God all things are possible. The text also promises that if we submit He is always present guiding and empowering.
The baby born to Mary & Joseph, His demeanor, mission, and method was known before He ever arrived. Comprehend what Isaiah prophesied and it all makes sense, even the opposition He experienced from the Pharisees (the religious Jewish sect).
Mankind wishes to tap the power of God, but He looks to tap your humility. It is the vehicle that His mercy and grace come into your life. The birth of Jesus was God stepping into a messy situation.
Culture and Tradition often distort clear interpretation of Scripture. Don't be guilty of taking your beliefs to the Bible to prove yourself right. The Bible is given to us to reveal the mind, heart, and plans of our Creator. God chose two women to reveal Himself to. While the men in this situation are in the dark. What can we learn from these two ladies that will put us in the posture to hear from God?
If God redeemed you, He will provide for you, protect you. Your job is to live for Him with the confidence of faith. God can always be trusted in every season of life and what it brings
The report card on a worship service is not grading the preacher, the choir, or musician. The progress report is on you. Did you worship in spirit and truth?
Christian, you are not a better person than everybody else, you were blessed by God to be given a taste of grace. And everyday, you should become more aware that you need mercy and grace continually.
True love is rare. How rare is it? The secret to buying into this fact, is understanding what true love is and how it it behave and how long it endures. Join us for this sermon on love Without measure.
Nobody likes to wait, but mature faith knows that is part of God's divine strategy. The whole counsel of Scripture reminds us repetitively, Wait on the Lord!
If you listen to the world's truth, success and happiness is tied to "a healthy self-esteem." Paul tells Timothy beware when the church adopts this philosophy trouble will follow and a great falling away. Listen to this sermon and realize that is a big problem in the church to be avoided.
The crucifixion of Jesus was gory and painful, but that is not what saves us. He did indeed raise from the dead, but that is not what saves you. His experience of being the substitutional sacrifice for sin is what made your sal vation possible. Listen and know the truth of the matter.
Why did Luke include this embarrassing moment in church life in the Book of Acts? Take a listen and the preacher will tell you.
The message was delivered to a large Homecoming audience there to recognize the longevity of this particular fellowship, the text was taken from the Book of John
the whole truth of the matter ...there is sin, Mercy, grace, then the suffering for righteousness and before the promised glory...we don't hear that too often in the church...no wonder so many fall from grace when challenged by the harshness of life here below.
We must learn to live like a child of the King. It's a matter of knowing who you are. Our immaturity in this area forces God to withhold from us the power of the Kingdom. It can be dangerous to live in ignorance, don't reduce salvation to a get out of hell card at the end of life. Jesus died so that we could in victory, not in bondage. He died for our freedom.
The Bible is chunked full of individuals who experienced an epic Fall into sin. The Biblical narrative takes the pains to reveal many recoveries and some who never recover and prove the lack of desire to recover. Join us for this Sunday morning Sermon on the reconciliation I. Simon Peter's life. After denying he even knew Jesus, he becomes the evangelist 50 days later.
Some say a church has a life cycle, translation they have a prime and then they decline. That is probably true if they are built on the enthusiasm of people and innovative leadership. But, can we build a church that last for eternity. Peter thought so as he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Take a listen to our exposition of God's Word....
Most people belong to a church, it is important they may say for security. You need somewhere to go when you die. Few desire the faith required. Listen to this vision God gave Ezekiel for the exiles in Babylon. Wade on in to a deeper Faith experience.
Has this church lost it's relevance to this community? Are we trying to revive the past or are we looking for God to do something new in us and around us? A message God wants us to hear at this point in time.
Prone to sin, prone to leave the God I love. What will you do when n you realize as a Christian that you have fallen headlong into sin and brought shame to your life, your family, the church, and most importantly to the cause of Christ....lie, cover, or repent. The true test, will you cry out to God.
It is neither a low self-esteem nor a high self-esteem that fuels great acts of faith but a power and stability that comes from knowing who God is and what He alone is capable of doing. Moses had to deal with the tight spot God was forcing this 80 year-old to face....I sending you, but I will not abandon you in your obedience.
The Assembly at the Nazareth Synagogue missed their divine visitation, because they were so concerned about social class they were blind to what Jehovah was about to do. This rural community 50 miles from the big city of Jerusalem had its own social ladder, their mistake was to believe Jesus was only the son of Mary.
Jesus tells 8 parables in the 13th chapter of Matthew. He asks, "Do you understand?" Then they departed...a lose translation might say...let's go fishing then!
Jesus told this Parable to His disciples. It probably puzzled them, later when their eyes were opened it made since. The truth in this Parable alienates some, threatens others, and amazes those who have it revealed to them. Jesus knows who we are.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the complementary Parable of the Leaven was Jesus telling us Satan has a deceptive plan for us to chase shallow results based on numerical growth and cultural popularity.
Matthew 13: 24-30 Jesus continues His explanation of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like here on earth. It come with instruction for those that have ears to hear thus sayeth the Lord.
Psalm 139 is most often used to discuss when life begins. However, there is a whole lot more here than that argument.
The times have changed. Here is a meaningful and relative word from Job 42. We will return to our shorter format at a later time. This edited from our online podcast at the church in late April 2020.
Corona-Virus has changed everything. But, our assignment as Christians has not changed. The Bible prescribes how we should react.
Jesus was regularly in the company of serious sinners and the religious people of His day didn't like it? Are you more like Jesus or the religious of His day?
Church would be alright if it wasn't for people. That has probably crossed your mind before. Jesus had a different approach when it came to disappointing humanity.
Speaking your mind is rarely the Christian thing to do. At least according to the Apostle Paul it is not the way to win people and share the gospel Message.
As we embark into the new year, it is acceptable practice to set goals for the next year. Have you ever considered what God may have to say about new priorities?
Remember Christmas has different meanings to different people. Most of the the people singing Jingle Bells are not Christians. You will not lead anybody to Jesus by knocking off Santa Claus.
You were taught as a child to be polite and say thank you when you received. Being grateful is better judged by how generous you are with your resources and time.
Are you too busy to be involved in a church and take some responsibility? Jesus had some harsh words for some people with good excuses.
Christians can be vain. Is this a problem in your life? What are we communicating to the world when we insist on prideful displays of look at me?
The world says you should believe in yourself and assert yourself amd dont take no junk off of nobody. Is this a Christian attitude?
If you keep falling back into the same sinful activities or thoughts, listen. These Scriptures give us hope, but not before telling us what the problem is.
Can a Christian get away with a bad disposition? Does your faith affect your personality? A healthy dose of Scripture might help.
It is a rare thing to hear a no excuse confession. I was wrong. However, if you are humble enough to admit it there are great rewards for those who do.
We all struggle. It is like a war for control in our mind, and we have a responsibility to fight back. Please listen for instruction and encouragement.