The Oasis | Sunday Sermons: Recent Episodes
The Oasis Church
Listen to The Oasis Church’s weekly Sunday service. Pastor Jeff Royce has dedicated his life to teaching the Bible. He believes that the Bible must remain central in our lives even when God’s Word has become irrelevant and secondary in many churches today.
Jeff teaches the Bible with passion because he truly believes in its life-changing message. He teaches positively because the Bible is filled with hope and encouragement and practically because the Bible does speak into every area of our human existence.
Services are at 9am & 11am on Sundays, and 7pm on Wednesdays at the corner of Greenfield & Queen Creek, in Gilbert, Arizona.
Difficult Times – Disciples Thriving (2 Timothy 3:1-9) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Useful For The Master (2 Timothy 2:14-25) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Creating A Spiritual Legacy (2 Timothy 2:1-13) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Purposeful Christianity (2 Timothy 1:8-18) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Next Level Christianity (2 Timothy 1:1-7) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth
Old Testament Context For The Temptation Of Jesus ( Luke 4 ) The post Old Testament Context For The Temptation Of Jesus first appeared on The Oasis.
The Fingerprints Of God ( 2 Corinthians 13 ) The post The Fingerprints Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
Being God Strong ( 2 Corinthians 12 ) The post Being God Strong first appeared on The Oasis.
Serving Under The Blessing Of God ( 2 Corinthians 11 ) The post Serving Under The Blessing Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Art Of Servant Leadership ( 2 Corinthians 10 ) The post The Art Of Servant Leadership first appeared on The Oasis.
Preserving The True Gospel ( Galatians 1-3 ) The post Preserving The True Gospel first appeared on The Oasis.
The Working And The Wealth Of Grace ( 2 Corinthians 9 ) The post The Working And The Wealth Of Grace first appeared on The Oasis.
Evidences Of God’s Grace – 2 Corinthians 8 The post Evidences Of God’s Grace first appeared on The Oasis.
Having Everything In Christ (2 Corinthians 6) The post Having Everything In Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
The Contours Of Serving God (2 Corinthians 5) The post The Contours Of Serving God first appeared on The Oasis.
More Than Meets The Eye (2 Corinthians 4) The post More Than Meets The Eye first appeared on The Oasis.
The Sufficiency In The Spirit (2 Corinthians 3) The post The Sufficiency In The Spirit first appeared on The Oasis.
Serving Triumphantly (2 Corinthians 2) The post Serving Triumphantly first appeared on The Oasis.
Prepared For His Presence (2 Peter 3:14-18) The post Prepared For His Presence first appeared on The Oasis.
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done (2 Peter 3:8-13) The post Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done first appeared on The Oasis.
Be Certain About These Things (various scriptures) The post Be Certain About These Things first appeared on The Oasis.
Our Amazing God! (2 Peter 3:1-9) The post Our Amazing God! first appeared on The Oasis.
The Lord Knows How (2 Peter 2:1-10) The post The Lord Knows How first appeared on The Oasis.
A Desired Entrance (2 Peter 1:12-21) The post A Desired Entrance first appeared on The Oasis.
Divinely Equipped (2 Peter 3:18; 1:1-4) The post Divinely Equipped first appeared on The Oasis.
The Way, The Truth, The Life (John 14:1-6) The post The Way, The Truth, The Life first appeared on The Oasis.
The Resurrection And The Life (John 11:17-27) The post The Resurrection And The Life first appeared on The Oasis.
I AM The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-21) The post I AM The Good Shepherd first appeared on The Oasis.
The Light Of The World (John 8:12-20) The post The Light Of The World first appeared on The Oasis.
I AM The Bread Of Life (John 6:32-51) The post I AM The Bread Of Life first appeared on The Oasis.
Before Abraham Was I Am (John 8:48-59) The post Before Abraham Was I Am first appeared on The Oasis.
A Disciple’s Reset (John 21:1-14) The post A Disciple’s Reset first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Raises The Dead (John 11:38 – 44) The post Jesus Raises The Dead first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Gives Sight to the Blind (John 9:1-12) The post Jesus Gives Sight to the Blind first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Walks On the Water (John 6:16-21) The post Jesus Walks On the Water first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Feeds The Multitude (John 6:1-13) The post Jesus Feeds The Multitude first appeared on The Oasis.
The Healing Of The Lame Man (John 5:1-15) The post The Healing Of The Lame Man first appeared on The Oasis.
Healing The Royal Official’s Son (John 4:46-54) The post Healing The Royal Official’s Son first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call Of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-19) The post The Call Of Jeremiah first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call Of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13) The post The Call Of Isaiah first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call Of Esther (Esther 4:1-16) The post The Call Of Esther first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call Of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:1) The post The Call Of Samuel first appeared on The Oasis.
The Call Of Moses (Exodus 3:1-4:17) The post The Call Of Moses first appeared on The Oasis.
The God Who Shelters His People (Leviticus 23:33-44) The post The God Who Shelters His People first appeared on The Oasis.
The God Who Forgives (Leviticus 23:26-32) The post The God Who Forgives first appeared on The Oasis.
The God Of Hope And Victory (Leviticus 23:23-25) The post The God Of Hope And Victory first appeared on The Oasis.
The God Who Is Faithful (Leviticus 23:15-22) The post The God Who Is Faithful first appeared on The Oasis.
Worshipping Our All-Sufficient Source (Leviticus 23:9-14) The post Worshipping Our All-Sufficient Source first appeared on The Oasis.
Worship The God Of More (Leviticus 23:6-8) The post Worship The God Of More first appeared on The Oasis.
Worshipping The God Of Provision And Protection (Leviticus 23:3-4) The post Worshipping The God Of Provision And Protection first appeared on The Oasis.
Worshipping The God Of Rest (Leviticus 23:1-3) The post Worshipping The God Of Rest first appeared on The Oasis.
Reasons To Rejoice (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) The post Reasons To Rejoice first appeared on The Oasis.
A Regular Guest At The King’s Table (2 Samuel 9:1-13) The post A Regular Guest At The King’s Table first appeared on The Oasis.
Not My Will But Yours Be Done (Luke 23) The post Not My Will But Yours Be Done first appeared on The Oasis.
The Light Of The World Is Jesus (Luke 22) The post The Light Of The World Is Jesus first appeared on The Oasis.
God Has The Last Word (Luke 20) The post God Has The Last Word first appeared on The Oasis.
Recognizing The Time Of God’s Visitation (Luke 19) The post Recognizing The Time Of God’s Visitation first appeared on The Oasis.
Will He Find Faith On Earth? (Luke 18) The post Will He Find Faith On Earth? first appeared on The Oasis.
Serving In Light Of Eternity (Luke 17) The post Serving In Light Of Eternity first appeared on The Oasis.
What Are We Living For? (Luke 16) The post What Are We Living For? first appeared on The Oasis.
The Passionate Pursuit Of God (Luke 15) The post The Passionate Pursuit Of God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Spirit Of Christ’s Kingdom (Luke 14) The post The Spirit Of Christ’s Kingdom first appeared on The Oasis.
The Nature Of God’s Kingdom (Luke 3) The post The Nature Of God’s Kingdom first appeared on The Oasis.
The Pitfalls In Serving God (Luke 12) The post The Pitfalls In Serving God first appeared on The Oasis.
Comfort For Troubled Hearts (Isaiah 43:1-4, 16) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth The post Comfort For Troubled Hearts first appeared on The Oasis.
Help For Our Fear (Isaiah 41:10-20) Pastor Jeff Royce and Worship Leader Nicole Ainsworth The post Help For Our Fear first appeared on The Oasis.
The Priorities Of God’s Servants (Luke 11) The post The Priorities Of God’s Servants first appeared on The Oasis.
The Harvest is Great, But the Workers are Few (Luke 10) The post The Harvest is Great, But the Workers are Few first appeared on The Oasis.
Serving Jesus Demands Commitment (Luke 9) The post Serving Jesus Demands Commitment first appeared on The Oasis.
The Blessing of Believing in Jesus (Luke 8) The post The Blessing of Believing in Jesus first appeared on The Oasis.
The Blessing of Being with Jesus (Luke 7) The post The Blessing of Being with Jesus first appeared on The Oasis.
The Fruit of Christ’s Servants (Luke 6) The post The Fruit of Christ’s Servants first appeared on The Oasis.
Spiritual Realities – Stephen Royce The post Spiritual Realities first appeared on The Oasis.
The Perfect Pattern for Ministry: The Jesus Way (Luke 4) The post The Perfect Pattern for Ministry: The Jesus Way first appeared on The Oasis.
The Ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 3) The post The Ministry of John the Baptist first appeared on The Oasis.
The Necessities of Life (Luke 2:21 – 52) The post The Necessities of Life first appeared on The Oasis.
The Good News That Brings Great Joy! (Luke 2:8-14) The post The Good News That Brings Great Joy! first appeared on The Oasis.
The Birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1-7) The post The Birth of Jesus Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
The Angelic Announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-56) The post The Angelic Announcement to Mary first appeared on The Oasis.
His Name Is John (Luke 1:1 – 25; 57 – 79) The post His Name Is John first appeared on The Oasis.
The Heartbeat of True Worship (Psalm 111) The post The Heartbeat of True Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
Determined To Worship (Psalm 108) The post Determined To Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
Come Let Us Worship (Psalm 95) The post Come Let Us Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
Our Affections Fixed; Our Desire Focused (Psalm 92) The post Our Affections Fixed; Our Desire Focused first appeared on The Oasis.
The Problem Of Evil (Part 5) presented by Stephen Royce The post The Problem Of Evil (Part 5) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Privilege of Corporate Worship (Psalm 84) The post The Privilege of Corporate Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
The Problem Of Evil (Part 4) presented by Stephen Royce The post The Problem Of Evil (Part 4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow (Psalm 65) The post Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow first appeared on The Oasis.
The Problem Of Evil (Part 3) presented by Stephen Royce The post The Problem Of Evil (Part 3) first appeared on The Oasis.
All Our Longings Are Met In God (Psalm 63) The post All Our Longings Are Met In God first appeared on The Oasis.
The Problem Of Evil (Part 2) presented by Stephen Royce The post The Problem Of Evil (Part 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
God Alone Is Our Hope (Psalm 62) The post God Alone Is Our Hope first appeared on The Oasis.
The Problem Of Evil (Part 1) presented by Stephen Royce The post The Problem Of Evil (Part 1) first appeared on The Oasis.
When God Is All We Have, God Is All We Need (Psalm 46) The post When God Is All We Have, God Is All We Need first appeared on The Oasis.
Desire is at the Heart of True Worship (Psalm 42) The post Desire is at the Heart of True Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
How to Worship God (Psalm 100) The post How to Worship God first appeared on The Oasis.
Beyond a Shadow of Doubt (1 John 5:13-21) The post Beyond a Shadow of Doubt first appeared on The Oasis.
The Wonders of His Love (1 John 4:7-19) The post The Wonders of His Love first appeared on The Oasis.
Living In Victory (1 John 4:1 – 6; 5:4 – 5) The post Living In Victory first appeared on The Oasis.
A Loving Heart, An Assured Heart (1 John 3:11-24) The post A Loving Heart, An Assured Heart first appeared on The Oasis.
Becoming a Confident Christian (1 John 2:28 – 3:10) The post Becoming a Confident Christian first appeared on The Oasis.
Do Not Be Deceived (1 John 2:15-29) The post Do Not Be Deceived first appeared on The Oasis.
God Comes to Us for Our Joy (1 John 1:1 – 2:2) The post God Comes to Us for Our Joy first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested In the Waiting and the Praying (James 5:7-18) The post Faith Tested In the Waiting and the Praying first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested By Our Values (James 4:13 – 5:6) The post Faith Tested By Our Values first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested By Settled Hearts (James 3:13 – 4:10) The post Faith Tested By Settled Hearts first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested By Our Words (James 3:1-12) The post Faith Tested By Our Words first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested By It’s Fruit (James 2:14-26) The post Faith Tested By It’s Fruit first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith’s Response to the Law of Love (James 2:1-13) The post Faith’s Response to the Law of Love first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Tested By It’s Response to the Word of God (James 1:19-27) The post Faith Tested By It’s Response to the Word of God first appeared on The Oasis.
Tests of Living Faith (James 1:1-17) The post Tests of Living Faith first appeared on The Oasis.
What To Do When Facing the Crisis of Our Life (Isaiah 36-37) The post What To Do When Facing the Crisis of Our Life first appeared on The Oasis.
Peace Be With You (John 20:19-31) The post Peace Be With You first appeared on The Oasis.
Characteristics of a Healthy Flock (1 Peter 5:1-11) The post Characteristics of a Healthy Flock first appeared on The Oasis.
Living on the Edge of Eternity (1 Peter 4:7-11) The post Living on the Edge of Eternity first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter’s Message on Suffering (1 Peter 4:1-6; 12-19) The post Peter’s Message on Suffering first appeared on The Oasis.
Making the Most Out of Life (1 Peter 3:8 -22) The post Making the Most Out of Life first appeared on The Oasis.
For The Lord’s Sake (1 Peter 2:11 – 3:7) The post For The Lord’s Sake first appeared on The Oasis.
The Priorities of a Soul Set Free (1 Peter 1:23-2:10) The post The Priorities of a Soul Set Free first appeared on The Oasis.
Evidence of a Soul Set Free (1 Peter 1:13 – 22) The post Evidence of a Soul Set Free first appeared on The Oasis.
The Salvation of Our Souls (1 Peter 1: 1-12) The post The Salvation of Our Souls first appeared on The Oasis.
The Worship of Heaven (Revelation 5:1-14) The post The Worship of Heaven first appeared on The Oasis.
An Oasis in the Desert (Isaiah 43:19-21) The post An Oasis in the Desert first appeared on The Oasis.
Christ’s Message to His Church (part 2) (Revelation 3:1 – 22) The post Christ’s Message to His Church (part 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Message From Jesus To His Church (part 1) – (Revelation 2:1-29) The post Message From Jesus To His Church (part 1) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Church’s Vision of Christ (Revelation 1:1-20) The post The Church’s Vision of Christ first appeared on The Oasis.
Repentance, Obedience, and Endurance (2 Timothy 2 and 3) – Stephen Royce The post Repentance, Obedience, and Endurance first appeared on The Oasis.
Rediscovering Our Awe of God – Part 4 (Psalm 145:17-21) The post Rediscovering Our Awe of God (Part 4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 2018 The post Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 2018 first appeared on The Oasis.
Rediscovering Our Awe of God (Part 3) (Psalm 145:11-16) The post Rediscovering Our Awe of God (Part 3) first appeared on The Oasis.
Rediscovering Our Awe of God (part 2) (Psalm 145:5-10) The post Rediscovering Our Awe of God (part 2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Rediscovering Our Awe of God (part 1) (Psalm 145:1-5) The post Rediscovering Our Awe of God (part 1) first appeared on The Oasis.
Our Incomparable God! (Exodus 15:11, Psalm 33:8, Isaiah 40:1-31) The post Our Incomparable God first appeared on The Oasis.
Consecrated Worship (1 Chronicles 29:1-20) The post Consecrated Worship first appeared on The Oasis.
Putting First things First (Haggai 1:1 – 2:9) The post Putting First things First first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Final Appeal (2 Corinthians 13:1-13) The post Paul’s Final Appeal first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Supernatural Sufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:1-21) The post God’s Supernatural Sufficiency first appeared on The Oasis.
Beware of the Pretenders (2 Corinthians 11:1-33) The post Beware of the Pretenders first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul Defends His Ministry (2 Corinthians 10:1-18) The post Paul Defends His Ministry first appeared on The Oasis.
The Economics of Grace (2 Corinthians 9:1-15) The post The Economics Of Grace first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Amazing Grace (2 Corinthians 8:1-24) The post God’s Amazing Grace first appeared on The Oasis.
A Heart Condition (2 Corinthians 6:11-13; 7:1-16) The post A Heart Condition first appeared on The Oasis.
An Appeal to Examine One’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:1 – 7:3) The post An Appeal to Examine One’s Ministry first appeared on The Oasis.
Motivations for Ministry (2 Corinthians 5:1-21) The post Motivations for Ministry first appeared on The Oasis.
The Truth That Keeps Us From Being Discouraged (2 Corinthians 4:1-18) The post The Truth That Keeps Us From Being Discouraged first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s Ministry = Transformation (2 Corinthians 3:1-18) The post God’s Ministry = Transformation first appeared on The Oasis.
The Value of Our Trials (2 Corinthians 1:1 – 11) The post The Value of Our Trials first appeared on The Oasis.
Sunday, August 5, 2018 – The Holy Spirit in the Book of Revelation (various scriptures) The post The Holy Spirit in the Book of Revelation first appeared on The Oasis.
The Anointing of the Spirit (1 John 2:20-27; 4:1-6; 5:5-9) The post The Anointing Of The Spirit first appeared on The Oasis.
The Spirit of Christ, The Spirit of Glory (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14) The post The Spirit of Christ, The Spirit of Glory (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
God Is Not Casual In Revealing Himself (Hebrews 2:1-4:16) The post God Is Not Casual In Revealing Himself (Hebrews 2:1-4:16) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Remarkable Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7; 14) The post A Remarkable Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7; 14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Results of Partnering with the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26) Paul tells us that if we are vitally connected with the Spirit, there will be tangible and clear evidence in our lives.. This evidence shows us that we are living for something bigger than ourselves rather than living for ourselves. The post The Results of Partnering with the Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Only By the Spirit (Galatians 3, 4, 5) Maybe our greatest struggle in following Christ is learning to totally rely and depend upon the Spirit always. It is only through Him that we can experience the fullness of Christ and the wealth that God has in store for each of us. The post Only By the Spirit (Galatians 3, 4, 5) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Glory That Lasts (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) Paul is contrasting in this passage the glory associated with the old covenant to the glory connected to the new covenant. Through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, the glory He produces never fades. Therefore, we can live our lives with such confidence and courage. The post The Glory That Lasts (2 Corinthians 3:3-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Knowing the Faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22) Our security and stability is found in God. He’s got us and is faithful to us always. We can rely and depend upon Him in everything. In these verses, Paul gives details in how the faithfulness of God is experienced in our lives everyday. The post Knowing the Faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Supernatural Church (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of their supernatural capacity or ability through the enablement of The Holy Spirit. The church is to reflect The Trinity. We are diverse in many ways but unified in our purpose, desires, and intent. Too many churches exist at the natural rather than the […] The post A Supernatural Church (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Focus of Spiritual People (1 Corinthians 3:1-17) According to Paul, spiritual people are those who are tuned into God through the Spirit and who are living their lives beyond themselves through the power of the Spirit. When we are engage with the Spirit of God, there will be certain priorities that take precedence in our lives and Paul declares […] The post The Focus of Spiritual People (1 Corinthians 3:1-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
True Spirituality (1 Corinthians 2:1-16) Paul challenges Christians to live beyond themselves by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can do things and know things through the help of the Holy Spirit that we could never do on our own. May our lives reflect not what we can achieve but rather what God can achieve […] The post True Spirituality (1 Corinthians 2:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Becoming What We Are: Reflecting God’s Image (2 Cor. 3:7-18, Rom. 1:21-25, Isaiah 44:17-18, Eph. 3:8-21) Having defeated sin, Christ made it possible for us to reflect God’s image as he intended. But, how does the Spirit help us do this? What are the dangers of neglecting our sanctification? The post Becoming What We Are: Reflecting God’s Image first appeared on The Oasis.
Created In God’s Image (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:29; Luke 20:19-26; Colossians 3:1-10) What exactly does it mean to be created in the image of God? How we understand this great truth has massive implications for how we see ourselves, other people, and even our own Christian growth. The post Created In God’s Image (Genesis, Romans, Luke, Colossians) first appeared on The Oasis.
When God Rules Our Hearts (Romans 14:17; 15:13) When the Holy Spirit is allowed to lead our lives, there will be clear evidence manifested. Evidence that will assure and encourage our hearts as followers of Christ; but also evidence that will provide proof to the reality of the invisible God living within us. The post When God Rules Our Hearts (Romans 14:17; 15:13) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Blessing of a Child of God (Romans 8:12 – 27) As Paul continues his teaching on the Holy Spirit, he reminds us of the wonderful blessings that flow into our lives through the presence and ministry of the Holy Sprint. He is not just present in our lives to make us aware of these blessing, but to […] The post The Blessing of a Child of God (Romans 8:12 – 27) first appeared on The Oasis.
If the Spirit of God Lives In Us… (Romans 8:1 -11) Paul has great encouragement in store for us in this great chapter, as he works through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. There can be such a contrast and distinction between someone who is indwelt by the Spirit, and […] The post If the Spirit of God Lives In Us… (Romans 8:1 -11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Holy Spirit in Romans (Romans 1:4; 5:5; 7:6) As the apostle Paul is writing to his fellow Christians in Rome, he takes the opportunity to remind them of how central the role of the Holy Spirit is to their lives as followers of Jesus Christ. The Holy Sprint is the One who keeps us focused, filled, and […] The post The Holy Spirit In Romans (Romans 1:4; 5:5; 7:6) first appeared on The Oasis.
A New Commission (John 20:19-23) After Jesus’ resurrection, when He appears to His followers, He gives them a new commission. There are two parts to this commission. First, there is the pronouncement of peace. But if there’s the pronouncement of peace, there is a second thing – the power of the Holy Spirit. The post A New Commission (John 20:19-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
How to Conquer the World (John 15:26-27; 16:5-33) What can bring comfort and strength and solace and vigor and vitality when we’re facing trouble? Jesus’ remedy for trouble, distressed Christians is to explain to them more deeply God in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is say it is at the very heart of what […] The post How to Conquer the World (John 15:26-27; 16:5-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Other Advocate (John 14:15-31) Jesus has told His followers that He is going away and this news troubles them greatly. Jesus assures His disciples that His leaving will be to their advantage for He will come to them again through the presence of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes, they will actually know […] The post The Other Advocate (John 14:15-31) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Holy Spirit Shapes Our Hearts (Various Scriptures) Our worship and walk with God is always and primarily a matter of the heart. This is where the Spirit works within us. His focus is not on the external matters but the internal matters that drive and decide every choice and decision we make. The post The Holy Spirit Shapes Our Hearts (Various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Holy Spirit (Various Scriptures) I would invite you to join us as we journey through the New Testament exploring all passages that mention the Holy Spirit. Our hope and prayer for this extended series is that we might learn to trust the Holy Spirit more and that we might be more willing to conform our […] The post The Holy Spirit (Various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
Celebrating a God of Covenant (Genesis 9:1-17) In this last message on the life of Noah, we see God entering into a covenant with Noah. In this message, we will discover what the Noahic covenant is and also why God chooses to enter into covenants with us sinful human beings. The post Celebrating a God of Covenant (Genesis 9:1-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Reestablishing the World (Genesis 8:1-22) In these verses a new world emerges from the receding waters of the great flood. In this chapter four distinct scenes will appear. As we examine these scenes, we will see that their message and truth is for believers in every age, including us. The post Reestablishing the World (Genesis 8:1-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Flood (Genesis 7:1-24) For the last 120 years, God’s word of judgment had been announced to the world, and yet the world had not turned from it’s sin. Judgment has now come and what God does is entirely justified, entirely right, entirely fair, no matter how severe it may be. God in His grace preserves […] The post The Flood (Genesis 7:1-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
Sin Meets Judgment and Grace (Genesis 6:1-22) God reveals why a great and cataclysmic judgment is coming upon the whole earth. However, before judgment falls, God’s grace and provision is seen through God’s relationship with Noah and in His instructions to Noah. The post Sin Meets Judgment and Grace (Genesis 6:1-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Foundations For Faith (Genesis 4:1 – 5:32) In these chapters, we have different scenes which depict for us truth that forms a foundational faith in our lives. We see some who respond to God in faith and others who continue to rebel in unbelief forming a striking contrast to one another. The post Foundations For Faith (Genesis 4:1 – 5:32) first appeared on The Oasis.
Christmas Viewed From Afar (Genesis 3) We are not ready to rejoice in the glad tiding of Christmas, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, His incarnation, and advent into the world until we understand our need for Christmas. To do this, we need to go all the way back to the beginning and be reminded […] The post Christmas Viewed From Afar (Genesis 3) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Best Gifts of Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25) As we examine the story of Christmas a little closer, we discover the gift that we all need as well as the gift we all should really want. These gifts are why Jesus came and should be our favorite gifts from year to year. The post The Best Gifts of Christmas (Matthew 1:18-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Blessing God (Jude 1:24-25) Jude ends his wonderful letter by focusing on God. These verses exalt God’s power and glory. They anchor the believer’s assurance in God’s power and the believer’s hope in God’s glory. We learn from this that Christians are to praise God at all times. Even in times of discouragement and challenge in the […] The post Blessing God (Jude 1:24-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
How to Thrive Not Just Survive (Jude 1:17-23) In a very complete and positive way, Jude gives us instructions on how we cannot only survive in the context of a world where the church is being influenced by false teaching, but where we can thrive and grow within this environment. The post How to Thrive Not Just Survive (Jude 1:17-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Contradiction Of Ungodliness (Jude 1:5-16) Jude teaches us that the very things the ungodly fight to hold onto are the very things that end up destroying their lives. Only an openness and acceptance of God’s truth in our lives can bring true freedom. Many today want the harvest of great spiritual blessing and benefit without being […] The post The Contradiction Of Ungodliness (Jude 1:5-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Defending the Faith (Jude 1:3-4) In these verses, Jude is getting to the heart of the letter. He’s going to tell us why the letter was written. Jude’s answer may surprise you. It is every Christian’s responsibility to know the truth of the faith, to care about it, and to protect it within the community of believers. The post Defending the Faith (Jude 1:3-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
What Is a Christian? (Jude 1:1-2) How should we think about ourselves as Christians? How should we view our life purpose? What privileges has God bestowed upon us and how do these impact the way we view ourselves? In just two verses Jude goes a long way to giving us the answers to all these […] The post What Is a Christian? (Jude 1:1-2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Content In Every Situation (Philippians 4:10-23) As Paul ends his letter to the Philippians, he wants to thank them for their support of him. However, he also wants to share with them a key component in experiencing life at the highest level which is contentment. The post Content In Every Situation (Philippians 4:10-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Experiencing the Extraordinary Supernatural Peace of God (Philippians 4:1-9) This is a very practical passage, all centered around a wonderful promise. But surrounding this promise of God’s peace are Paul’s exhortations that tell us how we can truly experience and enjoy the peace that passes all understanding. The post Experiencing the Extraordinary Supernatural Peace of God (Philippians 4:1-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Guide For Growth (Philippians 3:12-21) We are saved so that we can become more like our Lord Jesus Christ. This requires that we commit ourselves to those things that will lead to our spiritual progress. We cannot work for our salvation but we should most definitely work from our salvation so that we become all […] The post Paul’s Guide For Growth (Philippians 3:12-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Fighting For Joy (Philippians 3:1-11) Paul wants his dear friends in Philippi to experience real joy. It is a joy that remains and triumphs because it is not derived from us, nor is it based on our circumstances. It comes from God Himself. God was so serious about joy that He would send His Son […] The post Fighting For Joy (Philippians 3:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul’s Missionary Report (Philippians 2:19-30) Paul highlights some of God’s choice servants who have ministered to him and encouraged him while in prison. He also wants to take this opportunity to tell the Philippians that despite his being in prison, he’s in a good place because he is right where God wants him to be. The post Paul’s Missionary Report (Philippians 2:19-30) first appeared on The Oasis.
Living In Hope (Philippians 2:12 – 18) A follower of Jesus Christ must cling to the hope that produces confident expectation in the ability of god to bring about change but also in the reliability of God to execute His promises to us. The post Living In Hope (Philippians 2:12 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Principles for Effective Service (Philippians 2:1-11) Ecclesiastes 10:10 states, “If an iron ax head is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge; he must exert a great deal of effort. Effectively serving Christ isn’t always about doing more. It’s learning to be more effective in what we’re already doing – sharpening our edge. Paul helps us to do […] The post Principles for Effective Service (Philippians 2:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Following Christ in the Last Days (Daniel 12) Paul informs us in 2 Timothy 3 of the unique challenges that will face believers in the last days. Daniel 12 is the Old Testament equivalent of Paul’s teaching. Daniel 12 teaches us how to live as faithful exiles in a world that is not our home. It […] The post Following Christ in the Last Days (Daniel 12) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Signs of the Times (various Scriptures) The Bible states that no one knows the hour or day of the Lord’s return. However, Jesus says this – His followers should be aware of the season of history leading up to His return and the signs of the times that signal His return is near. We will […] The post The Signs of the Times (various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Collision of Worlds (Philippians 1:22-30) Paul reminds Christians that we possess dual citizenship. We are citizens of earth to some degree but more importantly we are citizens of heaven and we are already part of Christ’s Kingdom. Therefore, there is also a collision of good and evil taking place all around us and this […] The post A Collision of Worlds (Philippians 1:22-30) first appeared on The Oasis.
Priorities Shape Perspective (Philippians 1:12 – 21) The Philippians are so concerned about Paul and have so many questions as to why God would allow his imprisonment. Yet Paul takes this opportunity to remind them that our priorities in life will shape and mold our perspective on each and every situation in which we find ourselves. […] The post Priorities Shape Perspective (Philippians 1:12 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Makes All the Difference Everyday (Philippians 1:1-11) How could a prisoner be so thankful and joyful? How could one bound in chains be so confident and composed? Paul wants to let his dear friends know that it’s all because of Jesus. Jesus makes all the difference in our lives everyday and this kind of […] The post Jesus Makes All the Difference Everyday (Philippians 1:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Great Shepherd Of The Sheep (Hebrews 13:20-25) This passage is designed to teach us that God has not left us to live the Christian life on our own. God will equip us with everything we need in order to live the life that He has called us to live. God supplies us with the […] The post The Great Shepherd Of The Sheep (Hebrews 13:20-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Hebrews 13:8-14 The author of Hebrews is telling us in this passage that Jesus Christ is the secret to the Christian life; that Jesus Christ is the key to living the Christian life. Jesus will supply and furnish us with everything we need so we must keep following Him no matter what the cost. To quit following Jesus […] The post Let Us Go To Jesus (Hebrews 13:8-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
“Be Prepared!” (Hebrews 12:12-17) The Christian life is a long distance marathon through a difficult course. In order to be prepared for this rigorous journey, we must enter into serious training and do so as part of a dedicated team of believers. The post Be Prepared! (Hebrews 12:12-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Encouragement for the Weary: It’s All About Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-4) The author tells us in Hebrews 13:22 that this letter is a word of exhortation. We could also use the word encouragement. “Now I urge you brothers and sister, bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact, I have written to you briefly.” So in this […] The post Encouragement for the Weary: It’s All About Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith Is? (Hebrews 11:1-6) Faith is an important and repeated subject in the New Testament. Two hundred and forty plus times, God speaks to us about faith in the New Testament. When God repeats something 240 times, He wants you and me to understand! Faith is vital not only to salvation; faith is vital to the […] The post Faith Is? (Hebrews 11:1-6) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Meaning of Membership (Hebrews 10:19-25) The author of Hebrews lays out for us in this passage what it means to be a member of the body of Christ. So many want the privileges of something but not the responsibilities. Here we are given both so that we may experience the fullness of our salvation. The post The Meaning of Membership (Hebrews 10:19-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Always Keep Jesus at the Center of Everything (Hebrews 9:1-28) In this chapter, the author reminds us of the limitations of Old Testament worship, the limitlessness of New Testament worship, and the life and death repercussions of our worship. What does our worship declare to others about our God? The post Always Keep Jesus at the Center of Everything (Hebrews 9:1-28) first appeared on The Oasis.
Let’s Move On To Maturity (Hebrews 5:11 – 6:1) Even though the recipients of this letter are presently struggling in their faith, the author of Hebrews instructs them here that the antidote for their present condition is continual spiritual growth. In fact, our spiritual growth is really the answer for overcoming all things in our lives. […] The post Let’s Move On To Maturity (Hebrews 5:11 – 6:1) first appeared on The Oasis.
Mercy and Grace In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:14-16) The author of Hebrews is telling us to hang tight to Jesus and draw near to Jesus because no one can help us like Jesus can. When we personally come to a place where we know Jesus, we will have the confidence to always ask Him for […] The post Mercy and Grace In Time of Need (Hebrews 4:14-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Don’t Stop Believing (Hebrews 3:7-19) There’s something important for us to learn about living the Christian life from the story of Israel’s journey in the wilderness. In this passage, the point of the author of Hebrews is not to criticize the Jewish people of old, but to warn Christians now about the dangers of unbelief. The […] The post Don’t Stop Believing (Hebrews 3:7-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Is More Than Enough! (Hebrews 2:14-18) There are many situations and circumstances in life where we are reminded as human beings that we are not enough. The author of Hebrews, for two chapters now, has been pressing home this truth to us that there is never a time when Jesus is not enough. His […] The post Jesus Is More Than Enough! (Hebrews 2:14-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Oh, The Possibilities! (Hebrews 2:1-4) The author of Hebrews is reminding us that if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we possess a great salvation. The danger is that one can possess something even as great as God’s salvation and yet it makes little difference in the way one’s life is managed or navigated. The post Oh, The Possibilities! (Hebrews 2:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Christ: God’s Very Best (Hebrews 1:1-14) The book of Hebrews begins and ends with Jesus. Jesus is both the full and final revelation of God to man. Only when we give Jesus His rightful place in our lives, will everything else in life fall into it’s rightful place. The post Jesus Christ: God’s Very Best (Hebrews 1:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Hebrews: The Book of Better Things (Hebrews – various Scriptures) The author of Hebrews sets forth that whatever God offers us is always better than anything else we are offered by others or whatever we want or desire apart from Him. Therefore may we never settle for anything less than God’s best or our lives. The post Hebrews: The Book of Better Things (Hebrews – various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
Dealing With Disappointment (Genesis 40:1 – 41:1) We will all face disappointments in our lives. Feeling disappointed is not a sin. How we respond to it is the crucial issue. Here we look at a season in the life of Joseph and learn how to properly respond when we are faced with disappointment in our […] The post Dealing With Disappointment (Genesis 40:1 – 41:1) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Essence of Salvation (2 Kings 5:1-19) In this passage of scripture, we have the story of the healing of Naaman the leper. We discover a beautiful story of how the God of the universe works in order to bring one man to faith. It is an account that will inspire, encourage, and challenge us in […] The post The Essence of Salvation (2 Kings 5:1-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Follower’s Opportunity (Mark 15:42-16:8) Before finishing his story, Mark wants to provide his readers with three very simple but important truths, and one very important opportunity. The opportunity is what will we do with this story? What will we do with Jesus? The gospel of Mark was written to evoke a lasting response to […] The post A Follower’s Opportunity (Mark 15:42-16:8) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Gospel Illustrated (Mark 14:53 – 15:41) Mark enjoys describing individuals who encounter Jesus. In this passage, three such encounters are highlighted, each one demonstrating a different facet of the Gospel message. The post The Gospel Illustrated (Mark 14:53 – 15:41) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Follower’s Tests (Mark 14:1-52) In this passage of Mark’s gospel, the disciples undergo four tests, and they fail each of them. If the gospel of Mark was written to evoke a lasting response in word and deed to the true identity of Jesus, this chapter teaches us how the disciples respond when the heat is turned […] The post A Follower’s Tests (Mark 14:1-52) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus Teaches About the Future (Mark 13:1-37) Jesus seizes the opportunity with His closest followers to inform and instruct them about future things. His revelation of these things is not designed merely to instruct them as well as us. His teaching on these things is also for the purpose of motivation and preparation of His disciples in […] The post Jesus Teaches About the Future (Mark 13:1-37) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Message Shared By Brian Tammany The post A Message Shared By Brian Tammany first appeared on The Oasis.
The Absolute Authority of Jesus Christ (Mark 11:27 – 12:44) Jesus claimed to have unique and unparalleled authority. Based upon these claims, what will our response and attitude be towards His authority? In this passage we see those who reject and those who accept His authority in their lives. Based upon who Jesus is, no […] The post The Absolute Authority of Jesus Christ (Mark 11:27 – 12:44) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus has been preparing His follower’s for His own suffering and death. I will be through the sacrificial death of the Messiah that a great spiritual harvest will be possible. Jesus blesses us abundantly and therefore He expects to find fruit in His followers. But in this passage, we see that in spite of all […] The post A Follower’s Fruitfulness (Mark 11:1-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Qualities of a Christlike Servant (Mark 10:32-52) What images come to your mind when you hear the word “servant?” Jesus talks candidly to His followers about the primacy of serving others. However, in an age dominated by false ideas of serving others, how do we discern a true servant from a fake one? In today’s passage […] The post Qualities of a Christlike Servant (Mark 10:32-52) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Follower’s Perspective (Mark 9:30 – 10:31) Mark records the encounters the disciples had with Jesus where He would teach them to embrace God’s perspective. Paul writes in Romans chapter 12 about the necessity of God re-shaping our thinking. We are going to discover if you and I need to re-think things and begin to look […] The post A Follower’s Perspective (Mark 9:30 – 10:31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Who Is Jesus? (Mark 8:27 – 9:29) If the purpose of Mark’s gospel is to inspire a lasting response in word and deed to the true identity of Jesus Christ, then this passage once again focuses on Jesus’ true identity. Mark clarifies Jesus’ identity, mission, calling, and His ability for us so that each of […] The post Who Is Jesus? (Mark 8:27 – 9:29) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Anatomy of a Follower of Jesus Christ (Mark 7:1 – 8:26) In this passage from the gospel of Mark, Jesus conducts a spiritual exam on His followers, especially the disciples. Specifically, Jesus is going to test the spiritual health of their hearts, ears, and eyes. Let’s look in as Jesus the Great Physician administers the examination. The post The Anatomy of a Follower of Jesus Christ (Mark 7:1 – 8:26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Faith in Action (Mark 6:1-56) In this passage, we will discover the theme of faith and, in particular, faith-based action. Mark will disclose five scenarios, each highlighting a different dimension of faith. We will see the disciples play more and more of a prominent role as Mark’s gospel unfolds. Many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles will be performed […] The post Faith in Action (Mark 6:1-56) first appeared on The Oasis.
Turning to Jesus (Mark 4:35 – 5:43) Many times in our lives, we try to deal with life first before turning to God. In our feeble attempt, apart from God, we can even make matters worse. Instead of Jesus being our last resort, these miracles recorded by Mark not only authenticate who Jesus is, but encourage us […] The post Turning to Jesus (Mark 4:35 – 5:43) first appeared on The Oasis.
Influencing Others for Christ (Mark 4:1-34) Jesus calls us to be influenced by Him so that we can be influential for Him. We are to be salt and light in our culture. To do this, we must remember the purpose, power, and potential of God’s message that He has entrusted to us. Also, we must […] The post Influencing Others for Christ (Mark 4:1-34) first appeared on The Oasis.
Who Are the Closest to Jesus? (Mark 3:7-34) Jesus identified His disciples – those willing to follow and learn from Him – as those closest to Him. They are closer to Him than His natural family members. This would have been a startling statement for Jesus’ hearers who thought family was the end-all be-all. Jesus […] The post Who Are the Closest to Jesus? (Mark 3:7-34) first appeared on The Oasis.
Who Does Jesus Think He Is? (Mark 2:1 – 3:6) Remember the purpose of Mark;s gospel is to evoke from us a lasting response in word and deed to the true identity of Jesus. In this passage, Jesus reveals His true identity but as He does, we clearly see the controversy this revelation causes. Have […] The post Who Does Jesus Think He Is? (Mark 2:1 – 3:6) first appeared on The Oasis.
How Have You Responded To Jesus? (Mark 1:1 – 45) The purpose of Mark’s gospel is to evoke from the reader a lasting response in word and deed to the true identity of Jesus Christ. In chapter one we see different responses to Jesus. We must consider if we are a follower of Jesus Christ. […] The post How Have You Responded To Jesus? (Mark 1:1 – 45) first appeared on The Oasis.
Christmas Eve Service At The Oasis Church Galatians 4:4-7 The post Christmas Eve Service At The Oasis Church first appeared on The Oasis.
The prophet Micah is given a message from God to encourage the faith of God’s people. Their Messiah is coming but not in the way they might expect. The methods of God are usually not our methods. The post The Hope of Christmas (Micah 5:2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that we are not just walking through life but we also war in this life against a spiritual enemy. The emphasis however is not upon the enemy as much as Paul’s attention is directed toward the resources that God provides His people that are more than adequate when facing down […] The post The Reality of Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
God created us to live in relationships with one another and He provided us the blueprint for not only surviving our relationships with one another but for thriving in them. However, to enjoy and not just endure these relationships, one must learn to live under God’s arrangement. The post Living By God’s Design (Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus that if they are allowing the Holy Spirit’s control in their lives then they will make their corporate worship a priority in their lives. Their worship will both elevate God and exhort their fellow believers. The post Evidence of the Spirit’s Filling (Ephesians 5:15-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many Christians miss out on abundant life now and their future inheritance in the kingdom because they choose to follow the crowd rather than following the Lord. When we stop following the Lord and walking in His light, we lose sight of our true spiritual condition as well as become lulled into a false sense […] The post Dare To Be Different (Ephesians 5:6-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul declares to the believers in Ephesus that receiving an inheritance should be a constant motivation and inspiration for living for Christ now. To the surprise of many, not all Christians will share in an inheritance in Christ’s future kingdom. The post Inheriting A Kingdom (Ephesians 5:1-5) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to put on the “new man.” The “new man” is what a believer has been created to be in Christ. We have become partakers of the divine nature and therefore possess great supernatural ability. However, we must learn what we possess and how to use it properly as we could do […] The post Our Supernatural Powers and How to Use Them (Ephesians 4:25-32) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul informs the believers in Ephesus that if they are committed to spiritual growth, inevitably they will be confronted with the Word of God. This truth is not given to us for information but for transformation. Growth equals change. If we are growing, we are changing. The post Let’s Get Real (Ephesians 4:17-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul states that it is the church’s responsibility to manifest who God really is. However to do this consistently and correctly, the church needs to be made up of growing, maturing believers whose focus is not only their own spiritual growth but the spiritual growth of those around them. The post The Marks of Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:11-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul informs the believers in Ephesus that they are gifts to the church. However to be a gift that benefits and profits the body of Christ, certain things must continually be kept in mind by each part of the body. These are the principles Paul shares in this passage before us. The post Being A Gift (Ephesians 4:1-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul states that the glory of God should be evident in the church – within each and every community of believers. How is this possible? It is possible when the people of God recognize their spiritual power, passion, and prosperity. The post To God Be The Glory (Ephesians 3:14-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
So much about local church ministry is focused on ourselves and our felt needs. Paul, however, informs the church at Ephesus that when we become part of the body of Christ – the church; it’s never about us. This is a message the church needs to hear today more than ever. The post It’s Not About Us (Ephesians 3:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
[Bilingual Service] Strengthening the Family Weekend (Special Guest Speaker – Pastor Miguel Olachea) Sunday The post Strengthening the Family Weekend (Special Guest Speaker – Pastor Miguel Olachea) Sunday first appeared on The Oasis.
[Bilingual Podcast] – Strengthening the Family Weekend (Special Guest Speaker – Pastor Miguel Olachea) The post Strengthening the Family Weekend (Special Guest Speaker – Pastor Miguel Olachea) – Saturday first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul declares that Christ has made us one with God and one with our fellow believers. The oneness is vital to our growth spiritually, as well as essential to our testimony to the world as Christ’s followers. The post Christ Makes Us One (Ephesians 2:11-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Our salvation in Christ is an ongoing process as we become a living demonstration to others of the reality, character, and power of our God. When we get stuck in this process, we must remind ourselves of just what God has accomplished in us in the past. This will provide us with much needed encouragement in the […] The post Making the Impossible Possible (Ephesians 2:1-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Special guest speaker, Stephen Royce The post Special Speaker, Stephen Royce first appeared on The Oasis.
In this revealing portion of Scripture, Paul reminds the Christians at Ephesus of what God the Father has further done for all of us when He placed Christ as Head of the church. The post The God Who Holds Nothing Back (Ephesians 1:15-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul emphasizes the necessity of being in Christ. It is not only being in a fixed relationship with Him. It goes beyond this point. It is learning to live everyday, every moment of our day in union and fellowship with Him. This is the life that determined His children should have until the day of our complete […] The post In Christ Alone (Ephesians 1:7-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
So many Christians today keep looking for God to bless them but fail to acknowledge that we have already been blessed. The people of God are responsible to live everyday with an attitude of stewardship of what we’ve already been given. This lifestyle will truly bring glory to God. The post Living As Blessed People (Ephesians 3:9-10; 1:1-6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul exhorts the followers of Christ in Thessalonica to maintain a disciplined life and to not allow themselves to be influenced by those who are undisciplined. This quality of life not only benefits ourselves but leads to our being a proper example to other believers. It is also through our consistency that we develop the […] The post Being Disciplined in a Culture of Disintegration (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
What will a person’s life look like and what will he or she be focused upon if sold out to the purpose of God? Paul expands on his instruction about being strong through God by describing these things in very practical terms. The post Living the Good Life (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 16-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
In light of the challenges present during the last days for the people of God, Paul exhorts us to live a life of distinction. This life of distinction will be evident in two ways. There will be a clarity of our faith that is apparent to those around us. Others will not have trouble knowing where we […] The post A Call to Clear and Consistent Faith (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul declares that despite the spiritual darkness and deception prevalent in earth’s final hours under man’s control, God’s glory is evident. His glory will be seen in His strength on display even in the darkest days of human history. Let us stay focused on the glory of our God. The post The Glory of God in the Last Days (2 Thessalonians 2: 3-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus asked if He will find faith on earth when He returns (see Luke 18:8). The world discourages us from doing so, but if we are to be faithful to the Lord, we must respond to Him in faith. The response of faith is summed up in, “Yes, Lord.” The post Responding In Faith (Various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul senses that many in the church at Thessalonica are becoming unsettled by the events happening around them and by the false teaching that they are being exposed to. He writes to build spiritual stability in their lives through the accurate teaching of God’s revelation. Followers of Christ should maintain a calm and confident composure […] The post Remaining Stable In An Unstable World (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) first appeared on The Oasis.
God has a part for each of us to play in the church. As each person does his or her part, the body grows in love. What would the dynamic of the local church be if everyone were to be obedient to God’s calling on their individual lives? The post God’s Calling On My Life (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reveals to the church at Thessalonica the two very distinct destinies that await every human soul. We determine our destiny based upon our response to God’s revelation in our hearts. Knowing our destiny as Christians should lead to faithfully carrying out our duty. The post The Destinies Of Mankind (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
The church in Thessalonica was persevering in spite of all the pressures coming against her. Their endurance was only making them stronger. As God sustained them through all their trials and tribulations, they were evidence to the credibility of the gospel message. The post Sustainability Builds Credibility (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5) first appeared on The Oasis.
Dealing With Discouragement – Brian Tammany The post Dealing With Discouragement first appeared on The Oasis.
The Bible and Burdens (various Scriptures) What is a burden and what does the Bible teach about them? This very important and relevant topic will be tackled. We will learn what burdens we are to keep, what burdens of others we are to bear, and what burdens we are to throw onto God. Come to Jesus and find […] The post The Bible and Burdens (various Scriptures) first appeared on The Oasis.
God’s question to Adam highlights the value God Himself places on relationships and also upon the fulfillment of our God-given purpose. Relationships were disrupted and responsibility was abdicated when man put himself in the place of God. The post Where Are You? (Genesis 3:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Paul ends his letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds the believers of what God is always achieving throughout their life now and what all believers have to look forward to one day. The post What Does God Have Planned For Us? (1 Thessalonians 5:23 – 28) first appeared on The Oasis.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 22, the apostle Paul directs our attention to eight spiritual exercises that will make us strong for the Lord. In short yet powerful commands, we are challenged to live our lives in a very specific and intentional manner that will conform to the will of God. The post Spiritual Exercises That Make Us Strong (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul exhorts that as The Day of The Lord approaches, being part of a healthy community of believers is essential to our being prepared. He instructs us as to what should characterize our church continually in order to be a church that encourages and builds up one another. The post Marks of a Healthy Church Family (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
The times in which we live will divide. Some will rise to the occasion while others will be defeated by their circumstances. Those who will step forward are those who are prepared spiritually for the times in which they live. While some will be sleeping, others will be wide awake. Paul reveals what spiritual preparedness looks like […] The post Being Prepared for the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:6-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Hope Of Heaven from Guest Speaker, Stephen Royce The post The Hope Of Heaven first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul exhorts the believers in Thessalonica that to live in light of Jesus’ return is also to seize the opportunities we have to be a light for Jesus Christ and to do so with a sense of urgency. The unique character of the last days provide followers of christ with ample occasions to manifest the difference Christ can make in […] The post Now is Our Time to Shine (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) first appeared on The Oasis.
In order to comfort and instruct the believers in Thessalonica, Paul goes into detail about the next event to take place on God’s prophetic calendar. It is the blessed hope of the church which is Jesus’ return from heaven to take His people away from the earth before God’s judgment is poured out. The post The Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul takes the opportunity to remind the believers in Thessalonica of the hope we have as Christians when facing death and even dealing with the death of other believers. Through Christ, the fear and power of death has been defeated. The post Hope In Death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul has prepared the believers in Thessalonica to stand firm in the midst of affliction, and to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ. Now in this passage, he instructs them on how to live in such a way that others will desire what they possess. by Pastor Jeff Royce The post Living a Beautiful Life (1 Thessalonians 4:3-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul keeps his brothers and sisters in Christ focused on their first day in eternity. If we want to stand before Jesus in a certain spiritual condition, we must work towards that condition now. by Pastor Jeff Royce The post Living From Eternity Backwards (1 Thessalonians 3:9 – 4:2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul was concerned about the spiritual welfare of the believers in Thessalonica. They were facing severe trials and Paul knew that trials can destabilize Christians quickly if they are not strong. He was also aware that our spiritual enemy knows when we are vulnerable and will seek to gain an advantage. Paul’s heart was encouraged when he heard how the Thessalonians […] The post Prepared for Our Destiny (1 Thessalonians 3:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica that in eternity, what will have made his life purposeful was the impact and influence made for Christ in other people’s lives. This truth is true for all of us. At the end of our lives relationships will show more than anything the evidence of Christ in our lives. The post The Purpose of Our Life on Earth (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, Paul is expressing thanks for how the Thessalonians welcomed and responded to the Word of God as it was taught to them. God never intended His Word to be for information but for transformation. The post The Word of God Transforms Lives (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
This chapter reveals how to serve God by revealing to us the example of Paul and his companions when they first came to Thessalonica. In a few short weeks a community of believers were present and a local church was established; a church that became a model for others to emulate. It all started however, […] The post Principles of Spiritual Service (1 Thessalonians 2:5-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Paul and his companions sailed to Italy, they encountered an extremely violent storm which threatened the lives of all on board the ship. As Luke relates this story, he reveals the encouragement that the followers of Jesus Christ received during the ordeal and how their encouragement led to the strengthening of all on board. The post Encouragement in the Storm (Acts 27: 1-44) first appeared on The Oasis.
We have already seen how this local church in Thessalonica became a model church for other churches and how they became a church of influence. But beginning in chapter 2, we are taken behind the scenes to view what kind of service and ministry was responsible for bringing this all about. The post Model Service (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
At The Oasis, we have a partnership with a local church outside of Mexicali, Mexico. Today, we are privileged to hear a message from Pastor Miguel Olechea who is the pastor of this church. May you be blessed and refreshed through this bilingual service at The Oasis. Mr. George Herrera serves as our interpreter. The post A Message From Pastor Olechea (bilingual service) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul relates to the believers in Thessalonica why their fellowship has become an example to other churches and why their local church is so influential to other believers. All churches should aspire to be like this group of believers in Thessalonica. The post The Spiritual Character of An Influential Church (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul is profoundly thankful that the church in Thessalonica has become an example to other churches and become an influential group of believers. Here we discover the characteristics of becoming an influential local church. The post Being a Church of Influence (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares with this local church how thankful he is for them. They have become the kind of fellowship of believers for others to emulate and follow. See what distinctive feature set this community of believers apart. The post A Model Church (1 Thessalonians 1:1-6) first appeared on The Oasis.
A Relationship With The Lord The post A Relationship With The Lord first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul relates that through the example of Christ’s incarnation, we have been given a timeless model to follow. It is through this pattern, we see the heart of Christ which established and continues to fuel the spirit of Christmas. This spirit is expressed by humility, selflessness, surrender, and service. May we strive to follow Jesus […] The post The Spirit of Christmas – Part 2 (Philippians 2:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
We hear the phrase “Christmas Spirit” used many times this time of year but what really is the “Spirit of Christmas” and is there a description of this spirit in the Bible? The “Spirit of Christmas” is a reality and it’s embodied in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The post The Spirit of Christmas – Part 1 (Philippians 2:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
In the conclusion of this letter, the author once again points us all back to God for it is through Him and only through Him that we will navigate life successfully and prosper in life spiritually. The post The God Who Makes Everything Possible (Hebrews 13:20-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
The praise service at The Oasis for this date was not recorded. The post Sunday, November 29, 2015 first appeared on The Oasis.
We are called to be followers of God who grow to trust God in all of life’s seasons and circumstances. We must especially have faith when trials and suffering come into our lives. Are we willing to fully identify with Jesus Christ and His Kingdom? The post Evidences of Faith (part 2) (Hebrews 13:9-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author concludes this powerful exhortation by supplying us with clear markers to determine if we are running the race of life by faith, and to ensure that we will finish life’s race strong. The post Evidences Of Faith (Hebrews 13:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, our author not only reasserts the superiority of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, but reminds us all of our responsibility connected to being a partaker of this New Covenant. The post Living For What Will Remain (Hebrews 12:18-29) first appeared on The Oasis.
Without a clarity of who God is guiding us through life, we will suffer great spiritual loss and ruin. Therefore, our view of God is vital to our spiritual health and well-being. We must make sure we have an unobstructed view of God in our lives at all times. The post Seeing God (Hebrews 12:14-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
If one is a true child of God, then spiritual training is not an option; it is a requirement from the hand of a loving God. It is in our best interest that He provides training and correction so we may grow and mature, and be prepared for the challenges of life. The post The Training Room of God (Hebrews 12:5-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, the author shares how one can navigate the marathon of life and be victorious through life rather than allowing the circumstances of life to defeat and demoralize us. The post Running To Win (Hebrews 12:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
This great chapter not only instructs us about what faith is, but also encourages us as to what we can accomplish and achieve by faith. Faith in God is paramount to a life that pleases God therefore understanding the principle of faith is a necessity. The post By Faith (Hebrews 11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Followers of Jesus Christ must never retreat but continually press on and push forward despite the difficulty. Our God is able to furnish us with His supernatural stamina and strength to finish life strong and to face every obstacle and challenge that life may bring. The post No Retreat! (Hebrews 10:32 – 39) first appeared on The Oasis.
For those recipients of this letter who were contemplating going back to their old life, they were reminded that this was considered turning their back on Jesus Christ, from God’s perspective. Yes, the road they were on was difficult, but they had to endure for there is no other way to accomplish God’s will. The post The Necessity of Endurance (Hebrews 10:26 – 39) first appeared on The Oasis.
Our life and how we live it positively or negatively affects those around us. We are responsible before God not only to live in community and connection with one another but to make sure that our lives are an inspiration and motivation for other believers. Being this kind of an example for others starts with […] The post Our Responsibility Toward One Another (Hebrews 10:19-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
In order for any of us to feel safe, secure, and stable in this world, our hope and faith must be in God. In a world that is ever changing, we must anchor our lives in the changeless God whose word will never fail nor falter. The post God’s Great Assurance (Hebrews 6:13-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author makes is very clear that no human being can recapture the time that is lost in not moving on to maturity in our spiritual life. We only have one opportunity to live our lives on earth and we need to make every moment count. The post Impossible Second Beginnings (Hebrews 6:1 – 12) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author of Hebrews reveals the sad reality of our lives when we do not continue moving forward spiritually and making progress. Our spiritual life never remains static or stationary. If we are not going forward, we are automatically going backward. Going backwards is not only harmful to us but detrimental to the entire body of […] The post Moving On To Maturity (Hebrews 5:11 – 6:3) first appeared on The Oasis.
Though God’s rest is available to God’s people, we must fully apply ourselves in His Word and in prayer to avail ourselves of this rest. God’s rest is experienced when we are settled, satisfied, and secure in God. The post Being Diligent to Experience God’s Rest (Hebrews 4:11-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to be in a position where they are continually strengthening and encouraging one another whereby they may remain faithful and not fall away from God. God will use the community of believers to solidify and stabilize each one of us when we are in right relationship and fellowship with one […] The post Preventing Being Hardened (Hebrews 3:12 – 14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author of Hebrews defines for us exactly what God’s rest is and why we should be seeking it. This passage also describes for us how we can experience this rest in our own lives. God’s rest is the state of God’s best and blessing for His people. The post Experiencing God’s Rest (Hebrews 3:7 – 4:11) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author of Hebrews reveals the glorious destiny that awaits the children of God. This destiny was forfeited for a time by the fall of man into sin but was restored through the work of Christ. The post Our Destiny in Christ (Hebrews 2:5-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
The author of Hebrews is reminding all of us of the character and quality of our salvation. It is tragic to possess such salvation and neglect it at the same time. Our lives are to be a demonstration of the presence and power of God. The post Purposeful and Powerful (Hebrews 2:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
This interaction between God the Father and God the Son will never be fully appreciated by finite human beings. However, what Jesus’ prayer does reveal is how we work through things by praying and how prayer strengthens and sustains us for what is before us. The post Kneeling In Order to Stand (Matthew 26:36-46) first appeared on The Oasis.
(Part 2) As Jesus teaches us how to pray, He reveals the principles and priorities that should occupy His followers as we fellowship with God in prayer. God’s purposes will be accomplished in our lives when we are on the same page with Him. The post The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) Part 2 first appeared on The Oasis.
As Jesus teaches us how to pray, He reveals the principles and priorities that should occupy His followers as we fellowship with God in prayer. God’s purposes will be accomplished in our lives when we are on the same page with Him. The post The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
An examination of how to be fruitful in a society that is rapidly changing. The post The Road To Fruitfulness first appeared on The Oasis.
Jonah recalls his prayer to God from the bottom of the ocean. Jonah reminds us that even prophets of God can run from God but running from God is never profitable. However, the message of Jonah is that God is a forgiving, compassionate, and merciful God and is a God of second chances and opportunities. The post A Prayer from the Bottom (Jonah 2:1-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Daniel prays that God would revive His people not for their sakes, but for His glory and honor. Daniel’s thoughts and words here provide a model prayer for revival in our day as well. The post A Prayer for Revival (Daniel 9:1-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Nehemiah prayed about the desperate condition of Jerusalem and its people, he realized that he was the instrument God wanted to use to bring about change. The post God’s Answer May Be Us (Nehemiah 1:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, demonstrates how one should deal with unsettling news. He takes the details of a letter that is meant to invoke fear and he spreads it out before the Lord in prayer. Hezekiah leaves us all an example of how to navigate crisis in our lives. The post The Prayer of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:14 – 19) first appeared on The Oasis.
God wants us to know what the reality is even though we are unable to physically see it. He desires to create in us a spiritual vision. This is the prayer of Elisha for his servant. The post The Attaining Of Spiritual Vision (2 Kings 6:8-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Prayer reveals our heart. It is in these private moments with God where what is most important or of highest priority is revealed. God’s response to Solomon is an illustration of Matthew 6:33. The post Solomon’s Request of God (1 Kings 3:4-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this account of Israel helping the people of Gibeon by fighting the Amorites, we have Joshua’s prayer to God for the sun to stop. God answered Joshua’s prayer and allowed the Israelites to complete their victory over the Amorites. The post A Day Like No Other (Joshua 10: 1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The people of God have plunged into idolatry and God expressed to Moses His desire to wipe out the entire nation and start over with him. However, Moses seizes this opportunity to appeal for God’s mercy on behalf of the people. Nowhere is Moses seen in as great a light as when he prays for the people […] The post The Intercession of Moses (Exodus 32:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
As we begin examining the significant prayers of the Bible, we learn here how God’s revelation and our prayer life work hand in hand. Prayer should affirm the character of God and shape our own character as we commune and converse with the Lord. The post Abraham’s Prayer in Response to Revelation (Genesis 18:1-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
God wants to use our time with Him in prayer to shape or even realign our heart’s attitude. Jesus illustrates two contrasting attitudes in approaching God in prayer. Our attitude of our heart is vital for it determines how we view God, ourselves, and others. God desires to create within us a heart of humility. Prayer alone does not […] The post The Attitude of Prayer (Luke 18:9-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Jesus makes an important connection in this passage between the quality of our prayer life and the quality of our faith. Jesus also reminds us that the very foundation of our faith begins with one’s view of God. Only an accurate and Biblical view of God builds faith and prayer. The post A Faith To Face God (Luke 18:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
For those who place their trust in Jesus there are so many wonderful realities that await us. This is why we should be devoted to His kingdom now. Our involvement in Christ’s kingdom now will determine our role and responsibility in His kingdom then. The post Our Victory In Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) first appeared on The Oasis.
Due to the abuses that were happening surrounding “The Lord’s Table,” Paul took to correcting these abuses and to exhort the Corinthians to behavior that was fitting to the observance of such a sacred gathering. The post The Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) first appeared on The Oasis.
John uses the word “know” some forty times in this short letter. He states that God reveals so that we can know; and when we know, the truth of God furnishes us with great confidence. The post The Right Knowledge Is Power (1 John 5:13 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter makes it clear that as followers of Jesus Christ, we should be in a mode of perpetual spiritual growth. Without continued progress in our spiritual lives, we have no hope of navigating the challenges around us before Christ returns. The post What Are We Waiting For? (2 Peter 3:14 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
When we become a Christian, we get all of God but God doesn’t get all of us. Our spiritual growth and maturity is the process whereby God steadily brings over every part of our lives to Himself. Jesus died and rose again not just to have part of us but all of us. The post The Wholeness of Our Salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:23 – 28) first appeared on The Oasis.
At the end of this letter to the Christians in Colosse, Paul reminds them that prayer is absolutely essential if we are to impact our world for Christ and to remain on track spiritually and finish strong in the Christian life. The post The Primacy of Prayer (Colossians 4:2-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Contentment does not come naturally to human beings. The state of being contentment is the result of our ongoing spiritual growth. May we learn from Paul’s example what exactly contentment is and why it is so valuable. The post Learning To Be Content (Philippians 4:10-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul warns us of the spiritual battles that await us as followers of Jesus Christ. Yet we can live in victory rather than defeat when we learn to depend upon the most adequate provision of God. Retreat is never the answer. Taking our stand in God’s strength is the only way we will hold our ground against our […] The post Living In The Powerful Resources of God (Ephesians 6:10-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
This is the only place in the New Testament where all three persons of the Godhead are mentioned at the end of a letter. It is to be a continual reminder that the entire Trinity is working on our behalf. The One and Only true God is all we will ever need. The post The God Who Is For Us (2 Corinthians 13:11-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
What Kind of People Should We Be? (1 Corinthians 16:13-24) Because the Lord Jesus has come and because He is coming again, what should our lives be focused upon and characterized by in light of this reality? The post What Kind of People Should We Be? (1 Corinthians 16:13-24) first appeared on The Oasis.
A New Creation – The Only Thing That Matters (Galatians 6:11-18) Paul exhorts his readers not to get caught up in what we can achieve but on what God can achieve. It is not about the work we do for God, but the work we allow God to do in us. God saves us so […] The post A New Creation – The Only Thing That Matters (Galatians 6:11-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
We all have a choice of living for this world or living for the world to come. There are certain characteristics of each and Paul reveals them here in these final verses of his letter to Timothy. The post Putting Life In Perspective (1 Timothy 6:17 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul contrasts the priorities of those who are running after material things compared to those who are preoccupied with spiritual matters. Not the least of which is a growing reverence and respect for Jesus Christ. The post The Pursuit of Dedicated Believers (1 Timothy 6:11 -16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Sunday, January 4, 2015 – Is God Enough? (1 Timothy 6:6-10) Paul speaks about the vital importance of godliness and contentment. He defines what these terms mean and he sets forth the self-inflicted pain we bring on ourselves when these essentials of our faith are rejected. The post Sunday, January 4, 2015 – Is God Enough? (1 Timothy 6:6-10) first appeared on The Oasis.
Reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the new year. The post Reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the new year – Brian Tammany guest speaker first appeared on The Oasis.
Here Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi from the East. This account shows us the contrast between those familiar with the prophecies surrounding the Messiah’s birth and yet they were unaffected. It also shows those unfamiliar with all the particulars and yet very much interested. To honor the King who was born, they acknowledged Him […] The post Worship for Christ From an Unexpected Place (Matthew 2:1-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
We may question why God chose to reveal this great event to shepherds. In this passage, we are given several reasons why! These particular herdsmen responded to God’s revelation the way all of us should respond. God will reveal more and more to those who respond to Him in an appropriate way. The post The Revelation of Jesus’ Birth to Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20) first appeared on The Oasis.
We are reminded here how God works to bring about His will and fulfill His Word. He works through the most powerful world leaders and through the most ordinary and obscure people yet God is behind it all. The post Jesus’ Birth In Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
We are once again given a behind the scenes peek into God’s preparation of Joseph. We see the character of Joseph with regards to his plan in dealing with Mary as well as his compliance to God’s will for his life. The post God’s Instruction to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
We are privileged to go behind the scenes of the most momentous announcement in history. God would be coming to earth in the form of a human being! We are also reminded that God uses very ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary will. The post God’s Plan Revealed To Mary (Luke 1:26-38) first appeared on The Oasis.
Solomon reveals in this passage that everything matters as we pass our brief time on this earth. Therefore, it behooves us to live each day that we are given in light of eternity. The post Life In Light Of Eternity (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
The book of Psalms describes what a biblically spiritual person is and how we can arrive at and maintain good spiritual health and vitality. May we be people of substance and not satisfied with the superficial ways of the world. The post What Does It Mean To Be Spiritual? (The Book of Psalms) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this conclusion to his great letter of the gospel of God, Paul greets his brothers and sisters and shares 3 final words of exhortation with them. They are words of appreciation, warning, and exaltation. May we be inspired to follow the heart of Paul. The post Paul’s Final Words To Those in Rome (Romans 16:1-27) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this portion of Romans, chapter 15, Paul reveals how he approaches serving the Lord. We all desire to know what makes certain people prosper in ministry. Here we have the opportunity to get inside the mind of maybe the most influential Christian ever. The post Insight Into Paul’s Mindset and Ministry (Romans 15:14-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul defines how a gathering of spiritually minded believers differs from those who are getting together just to be social. Those who look at being part of the church for social purposes have self at the forefront but those who view the church from a spiritual place have service in mind. The post The Marks Of A Spiritual Fellowship (Romans 15:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul wants Christians to understand something very fundamental in this chapter. God made us all unique and there will be differences within the body of Christ. These differences are never to divide us but to unify us as we allow God to supernaturally take over our fellowship with one another. The post Embracing Diversity While Promoting Unity (Romans 14:1-23) first appeared on The Oasis.
This passage continues the principles that remind us of our responsibility in this world as Christians. We are reminded that we really can do the most difficult things God asks us to do when we allow Him to do these things through us. We just have to do it. The post Just Do It! (Romans 13:1-14) first appeared on The Oasis.
Because God calls us to live in such close connection to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are compelled to listen to God’s advice on relating to one another. Otherwise we will never sustain our relationships long enough to be of eternal value. The post Doing Relationship God’s Way (Romans 12:9-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul examines the meaning and means by which one expresses worship to God. It may surprise many how Paul defines worship in this passage. The post What Is Real Worship? (Romans 12:1-8) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage of Scripture we are able to peer into the mind of God with regard to His dealings with the nation of Israel. Their future, which is part of God’s unchanging purpose for His people, should give us hope to face each day as well. The post The Restoration of Israel (Romans 11:1-36) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul exhorts his readers to call on the Lord for salvation. He is accessible to all by faith. People need to hear this good news and we need to proclaim this good news. God is near us through the word He has given. The post God Is Near (Romans 10:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
In Romans, Chapter 9, Paul reveals the destiny of the nation of Israel. It is a destiny that is the product of both God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. The post Israel’s Destiny (Romans 9:1-33) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this overview of the book of Job, we are given the wisdom we need to navigate the trials of life and keep our heads about us as we go through suffering. The post August 24, 2014 – Ancient Wisdom (The Book of Job) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul concludes this great chapter on living in the Spirit by revealing the victory that we have through Jesus. We do not have to live as victims as many choose to today. We can live as victors and Paul details the reasons why. The post Living In Victory (Romans 8:31-39) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul describes for Christians just how beneficial life in the Spirit is and how vital it is for followers of Jesus to begin navigating life with the Holy Spirit. The post Life With the Spirit (Romans 8:18 – 30) first appeared on The Oasis.
The Daily Prayer Guide The post Brian Tammany (guest speaker) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul begins to reveal what life can be like for us who possess God’s Spirit. He wants us to be thoroughly acquainted with all that Jesus’ sacrifice secured for us. When we yield to the Spirit, our lives will never be the same. The post Life In The Spirit (part 1) (Romans 8 : 1 – 17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares the personal frustration of overcoming sin in his mortal body in his own strength. His discovery, that is true for all of us, is that victory can only be found through Jesus. The post Victory In Jesus (Romans 7:1-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
It’s not the next big thing that really makes a difference in our spiritual lives. It’s the cumulative effect of the little things we choose to do everyday that really determines our spiritual destiny. The post The Impact of Little Things (Romans 6:12 – 23) first appeared on The Oasis.
This passage reminds us that grace is a provision of God that overcomes sin and that God’s grace also inseparably links us to Jesus Christ. Real living is being alive to God. The post A Proper Understanding of God’s Grace (Romans 6:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds us that what we have received from Christ is far greater than what we lost through Adam. Through Christ, we are to reign in this life not just in the life to come. Are experiencing the quality of life Jesus desires for us now? The post Living As Kings (Romans 5:12-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many people have no idea where they stand with God or they may even believe that they cannot know where they stand with God. However, Paul teaches in this passage that we can know where we stand with God at all times. Do you know where you stand? The post Where We Stand with God (Romans 5:1-11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul gives us a description of Abraham’s faith. It was given to be an example to us so that we could walk in the footprints of his faith. The post The Character of Saving Faith (Romans 4:13-25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul uses two examples from the Old Testament to teach that no human being at anytime was declared right with God through the works of the law. Paul also discloses the benefits that come to those who trust in God for salvation. The post The Blessing of Being Right with God (Romans 4:1-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul establishes how sinful man can become right with God. It is apart from the law and is secured by faith. The post The Revelation of God’s Righteousness (Romans 3:19-31) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul establishes that the fall of man left us in a desperate condition. Only the work of God can bring about salvation and begin to restore man’s heart and mind from rebellion against God. The post Creating a New Heart and Mind. Romans 2:17 – 3:18 first appeared on The Oasis.
Though God will one day judge all human beings, He is now more focused on reaching souls than judging them. And when He does judge, it will be a fair and just appraisal of one’s life. The post A Biblical View of God as Judge (Romans 2:1-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
This question forms the basis for Paul’s comments in this passage of scripture. We will either choose to be a prisoner of Jesus Christ, living by His power and be free or we will become the prisoner of something else and be enslaved to its power over us. The post Whose Power Will Shape Us? (Romans 1: 24 – 32) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul sets forth the truth of god as reality in and around every human being throughout history. The reality, therefore, is not that mankind has a sufficient revelation of God, but that they have willfully and purposefully suppressed that revelation. The post People Are Without Excuse (Romans 1:18 – 23) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul is so anxious to come to Rome to share good news from God to them. The reason for it being good news is that God deals with reality. He doesn’t operate within fantasy or denial but within the reality of each and every situation. This could not be better news for us. The post The God of Reality (Romans 1:16-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul begins his letter to Roman Christians by setting forth the importance of surrender to God. God is at work on our hearts, our minds, and our wills. We are called by God to surrender. The post Surrendering To God (Romans 1:1-12) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter ends his letter of encouragement to those undergoing painful circumstances by exhorting them to keep depending upon the Lord and supporting one another. It is when we relinquish control to God that true stability comes into our lives. The post Dependence Brings Stability (1 Peter 5 : 8 – 14) first appeared on The Oasis.
On the heels of reminding believers about God’s ongoing restoration process in our lives, Peter defines what a proper spiritual environment looks like. Without adequate encouragement and support and left to ourselves, we will begin to crumble under the growing pressure of life. The post The Importance of Our Spiritual Environment (1 Peter 5:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter knows how critical it is to our spiritual life that we maintain a proper perspective on our suffering. So, he leaves us with powerful principles that should guide us through these difficult seasons. The post Final Thoughts on Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter is sharing how vital it is for us to develop a mindset like Jesus. We need to approach every day as Jesus did. We, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, have the mind of Christ and can bring every thought captive to Christ. So Peter reveals what Jesus’ mindset is so that we […] The post Outlook Determines Outcome (1 Peter 4:1 – 11) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter seeks to dispel perspectives on suffering that are in error and to give us God’s perspective on suffering which should strengthen and sustain us when we are going through painful trials. The post Triumphant Suffering (1 Peter 3 : 13 -22) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, Peter is encouraging his readers not to settle for anything in life except what is of greatest value. Too often believers become satisfied with far less than they could be experiencing. it is only when we experience something of greater quality that we even begin to comprehend what we are missing. The post The Highest Quality of Life (1 Peter 3:10 – 12) first appeared on The Oasis.
For many Christians today, healthy, long-lasting relationships are only something desired but never experienced. Part of the reason is that there is little understanding of how we should relate to one another. Peter lays out for us in this passage relationship tools that will enable us to build and sustain meaningful relationships. The post The Importance of Relationships (1 Peter 3:1-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
The only way Christians will be able to navigate the pain and suffering of this life is to continually follow the example of Jesus. He left us very clear footprints as a model to be imitated. The post Following in the Footsteps of Jesus (1 Peter 2:18 – 25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter reminds us of the divine favor that God has bestowed upon His people. This favor should lead us to be energetic and enthusiastic witnesses of Who He is to those around us. We do this not by living separate or outside of society but by living distinctly within our culture. The post The Church’s Primary Purpose (1 Peter 2:7-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter tells us what kind of environment promotes spiritual growth and allows the Spirit of God to do as He pleases rather than being quenched and grieved. The post The Characteristics of a Godly Fellowship (1 Peter 2 : 1 – 8) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter has reminded us of how short or brief our stay on earth really is. Yet our life can be filled continually with meaning and purpose when we invest our time and energy into what really matters. This mindset begins when we learn to truly value the salvation we have been given. The post Being Wise Investors (1 Peter 1:18 – 25) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter challenges us by the examples of the prophets and angels who go to great lengths for a better perspective. He encourages us to obtain a better perspective by putting forth the effort to live with constant clarity. A clarity that will be seen in decisive and purposeful lifestyle. The post Living with Clarity (1 Peter 1 : 10 – 17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Many Christians become overwhelmed and discouraged by life’s trials. Peter teaches us to view all of life from an eternal perspective and to comprehend the ultimate purpose of our salvation. It is only then that we begin to thrive spiritually. The post A Proper Understanding of Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter shares with us what he has learned through walking with Christ. He begins his letter by reminding us who we are. When we are mindful of this truth navigating life is more manageable and our perspective is transformed from victims to victors. The post A Christian’s Identity (1 Peter 1:1-2) first appeared on The Oasis.
Elijah was a great prophet of God. Until he was taken up to heaven in dramatic fashion, his walk with God was still providing teachable moments for all of us. Be encouraged not only with his life but also by the spiritual legacy he left behind. The post Lessons From Elijah’s Last Days on Earth – (2 Kings 2: 1 – 14) first appeared on The Oasis.
We live in a world that seeks to push the Word of God into obscurity. Jesus however, said that all mankind will be accountable to His Word. The conflict set forth in this chapter illustrates for us various attitudes toward the Word of God. ****Due to technical difficulties the 12/22/13 pod-cast did not record. We […] The post Our Accountability to the Word of God (2 Kings 1:1 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
he king of Judah joins forces with the king of Israel and soon discovers it is a choice that almost costs him his life. Stooping to help others is admirable as long as it doesn’t require us to sink spiritually. The post The Peril of Choosing the Wrong Allies (1 Kings 22 : 1 – 53) first appeared on The Oasis.
This story reveals that like Naboth, we all have a spiritual inheritance. We must value our spiritual inheritance and never sell out for that which is of lesser value. This is a great revelation into our hearts and the things we really value. The post The Story of Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 21:1 – 29) first appeared on The Oasis.
Here, we see how Israel was victorious over her enemies and how vital it is to obey the word of the Lord. The post God Our Deliverer (1 Kings 20:1 – 43) first appeared on The Oasis.
We see in this wonderful passage how God restores His servant Elijah who has found himself in a very low place. Elijah is discouraged, depressed and gripped by despair. These truths are great reminders to all those defeated followers of God. The post God the Great Encourager (1 Kings 19:1-21) first appeared on The Oasis.
This incredible passage details the dramatic contest on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. This text not only reveals that the one and only God is alive and active, but that He empowers and enables His servants to stand for Him in the midst of great spiritual darkness. The post Standing for God (1 Kings 18:1-46) first appeared on The Oasis.
Whether we are in the middle of serving God like Elijah or we are searching for God or running from God like the widow in Zerephath, God is always the answer to our problem or situation. We must learn to look to Him at all times. The post The Answer Is God (1 Kings 17:7 – 24) first appeared on The Oasis.
We may not choose the times in which we live, but we do have a choice in how we respond to what’s going on around us. Elijah took a stand for God and we should too. What may God be asking you to take a stand for or against in these times? The post Elijah Takes A Stand (1 Kings 16 : 29 – 17 : 6) first appeared on The Oasis.
Throughout this letter, Peter has been encouraging us to make spiritual growth the priority of our lives. His conclusion to this inspiring letter furthers his argument for the necessity of spiritual growth in our lives. Our growth isn’t optional, it’s mandatory. The post Peter’s Last Words (2 Peter 3 : 14 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter reminds us about the mindset and focus that Christians should have as we live in the light of His imminent return. The post Waiting for the Lord’s Return (2 Peter 3:8 -13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter reminds us of how vital it is to maintain a clear head, especially in the last days. There is so much that can potentially clutter our minds and distract us from what is really valuable. The post The Importance of Thinking Clearly (2 Peter 3:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter provides a graphic picture of lives who seek a substitute for Jesus Christ. he alone can satisfy and bring fulfillment into our lives. Life apart from Jesus Christ will lead to emptiness no matter how much we do. The post Substitutes Won’t Satisfy (2 Peter 2:1 – 22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter wants those who read this letter to be reassured because spiritual growth will require sacrifice; a sacrifice that will only be sustained by one’s strong personal convictions. The post Peter’s Testimony (2 Peter 1:16 – 21) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter continues to inspire and instruct his readers concerning their spiritual growth and gives the greatest motivations and encouragement to do so found anywhere in scripture. The post The Motivations of Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1 : 10 – 15) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter continues to inspire and instruct us on the subject of our spiritual growth. He reminds us that this diligent pursuit should be the priority of every Christan. The post The Goal of Our Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1:5-9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Peter explains the necessity for spiritual growth and encourages believers to do so reminding each of us off all the resources God has given us to reach our potential in Christ. The post Resources To Grow (2 Peter 1:1-4) first appeared on The Oasis.
Habakkuk, God’s prophet, goes on a personal journey of faith which begins with wrestling with God and ends with worshiping God. The post Rising Above The Circumstances (Habakkuk 3:18-19) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul has talked about the damage of negative influences but here he reminds us about the power of positive spiritual influences in our lives and what that life looks like. The post The Priorities of a Life That Inspires Others (1 Timothy 4:11-16) first appeared on The Oasis.
The church must be made up of people who are willing to take personal responsibility for their spiritual health and fitness. These are also those who have once and for all settled who God is in their life and what part He will play. The post The Importance of Settled Convictions (1 Timothy 4: 6 -10) first appeared on The Oasis.
God the Spirit warns that many within the church will fail to carefully examine what they are being taught. A lack of discernment is more necessary now than ever. How can we differentiate Biblical teaching from false teaching. The post Heeding the Warning of the Spirit (1 Timothy 4: 1 – 5) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this passage, Paul declares what should be the priorities and focus of God’s people. Starting with the right values is important but sustaining it over the long haul is the challenge in every generation. The post Keeping The Main Things The Main Thing. (1 Timothy 3:14 – 16) first appeared on The Oasis.
We certainly need to focus on the privileges of being a Christian. But, too often, we neglect to remind ourselves of the corresponding responsibilities. Paul wants to make sure Titus brings to the attention of these Christians their responsibility as a follower of Jesus Christ. The post The Responsibility of Being Saved (Titus 3:1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
In this chapter, Paul reveals the characteristics of a life that will be appealing and attractive to others. It will be a life that will draw others to God not turn them off to God. The post A Beautiful Life (Titus 2:1-15) first appeared on The Oasis.
With our technology, we are very well aware of the importance of maintaining a clear signal in order to receive a message or send one out. Paul is teaching us that this principle applies to our spiritual life as well and reminds Titus that he must be receiving an uncorrupted signal from God in order […] The post The Power of a Clear Signal (Titus 1 : 1 – 16) first appeared on The Oasis.
Guest speaker: Pastor Chad Rasmussen The post “Rooted in Faith” (Jeremiah 17:8) first appeared on The Oasis.
As Paul faces death, he reminds us that we never walk alone, that God is always with us, and that our God is always with us. He also says that our God will bring encouragement and refreshment through strategically placed people in our lives. May we be thankful we never walk alone. The post Never Alone (2 Timothy 4:9 – 22) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares in this passage that if we are going to stay on course in our walk with Christ and finish our life well, we must continually live with eternity in view. The post Living In Light of Eternity (2 Timothy 4:1 -8) first appeared on The Oasis.
So many Christians start well but are struggling to finish well. Paul gives Timothy the encouragement and instruction all of us need to stay the course and not take a destructive detour in our lives. The post Staying On Track (2 Timothy 3:10-17) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reveals the unique and difficult climate that will exist as we get closer to Christ’s return and how Christians can navigate and even thrive in such hard times. The post The Challenges of Living for Christ in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1 – 9) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares with Timothy the portrait of a Christian servant and the pattern he should be encouraging others to follow. The post The Picture of a Devoted Servant (2 Timothy 2:14-26) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul shares with Timothy the realities of the Christian life that all of us must come to grips with if we are going to navigate this life successfully. The post What Every Christian Should Know Before Becoming a Christian (2 Timothy 2:1-13) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul reminds Timothy that there is nothing more important than the ministry that God has entrusted to him. There is nothing on earth that will stretch us more or is as difficult but throughout our lives and even throughout eternity, nothing will be as rewarding fulfilling. So Paul would say to all of us to […] The post A Cause Worth Living and Dying For (2 Timothy 1:8-18) first appeared on The Oasis.
All of us have dreams and expectations about our lives but Paul reveals to Timothy that becoming who God created him to be is what makes this life have meaning more than anything else.http://theoasisaz.com/?p=2182&preview=true The post Being Who We Were Created To Be (2 Timothy 1:1-7) first appeared on The Oasis.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to be strong for their own sake. However, in this passage he reminds them that they need to be strong in order to bless and benefit others also. We need to be “iron sharpening iron.” The post Being Strong for Others (2 Thessalonians 3:6 – 18) first appeared on The Oasis.