International Family Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Josh Roberts
Listen to the weekly podcast of International Family Church in North Reading, Massachusetts led by Josh Roberts. Watch our full service experiences at intlfamilychurch.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Stephanie Roberts shares in week 3 of The Bible. Learn to live what the Bible says. When we live according to the Word, we live in the freedom Jesus bought and paid for us to live in.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Man can try to deconstruct it, but God's Word is INDESTRUCTIBLE. It's eternal! Join us for the next three weeks as we deep dive into how the bible works, who it's for, and how to use it in your life.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | The Church is not a building; it's a group of individuals who have placed their faith in Jesus. "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5 ESV)"
Speaker: Josh Roberts | So many people are settling for “existing” on this earth. They wander, clumped together, following each other with no purpose, pleasure, or signs of life. However, when we walk with Jesus, there comes a new vitality — a superabundance of life. The life that God intends for you is more than you can handle, beyond what you can imagine, and will never compare with any natural blessing. It’s BEYOND what you need.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | From the outset of humanity, the enemy's agenda is to distort what God has spoken to mankind and create a false reality in which the truth is objective. Therefore, we as believers must ask the Lord for spiritual discernment, be proactive in studying the truth in scripture, and spend more time with the Holy Spirit.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | The world tells us that there are many ways o reach God or heaven, that you can go to church, simply be a good person, follow a list of do’s and don’ts, or do whatever is right in your own eyes. However, the Bible says something very different: that there is ONE way.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Many Christians have a second-hand relationship with Jesus instead of knowing Him personally. But when we do know Him, w have a power that we inherit as we hold Him as THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE.
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | With that new life comes a DESIRE FOR THE WORD, spiritual hunger! "Like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], if in fact, you have [already] tasted the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord." —1 Peter 2 verse 2-3 AMP
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Protecting your identity is imperative like never before. There is a battle waging for your identity and the enemy would love to keep you from discovering who you really were created to be. If He can lie to you and convince you that you are something you are not, you will never achieve God's plan for your life.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Water baptism is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ's death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead. Water baptism signifies a brand new life: It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.
2023 is the year for us to courageously step into something new that will not fit into our old ways of doing things. As we anticipate what God wants to do with the rest of this year, it will require refreshing our spirits, souls, and bodies. It will require a change in us as God's vessels and an expansion of our hearts.
Joel chapter 2 verses 28-29 “It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
Speaker: Josh Roberts | When Jesus gave the parable of the wineskins to the Pharisees in Luke 5, He was telling them that doing what He has come to do will require a new kind of vessel. This new skin represents a new body as we die to our old selves, and the new wine symbolizes a new spirit: the Spirit of God in us. Jesus answered not only what kind of teacher He is, but what kind of disciples He is making, and ultimately, why He is doing things the way He is: He is challenging them to think differently - New is Necessary.
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Love All, Serve All (P. 3) The world's philosophy on growth or personal development only benefit you. Spiritual growth and development always benefit others. MARK 10:35 Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Nothing reveals how the Lord has transformed us like serving others does. When we serve others, it changes our dull lives into extraordinary legacies.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Heaven rejoices when the lost are found – when a sinner is rescued from hell – when a soul turns to God. Therefore, our mission is the same as the mission of Jesus: That found people find people.
Speaker: Josh Roberts |
VISION DOES 3 THINGS….
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Gives clarity and a picture of the future.
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Sets boundaries and provides a sense of purpose.
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Empowers us to take action.
This year as a church, our focus involves seeing people saved and empowering those who get saved to serve others.
Speaker: Mark Brazee | The modern church has the same call as the early church: The Great "Go-Mission." Like the early church, God doesn't have a money problem when it comes to sending out those to do His will. He has a people problem.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | In everyday matters, we should recognize that the Holy Spirit has insight that we don’t have, and we need to give Him a place to speak! By yielding to God in the little things, we train ourselves to be led by Him so we don't wreck in the most important things.
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | The WIND of the Spirit can only be discerned by having a prayer life. As we cultivate the spirit of prayer and become familiar with His voice, we develop our ability to know, by the Spirit. the things that God wants to do in our lives.
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | As we move into Prayer and Fasting as a church, it's important to remember the power given to us when we speak out loud over ourselves and our situation. As fasting moves our flesh out of the way, amplifies what God says to our spirit man, and our eyes fix back on Jesus, we then BOLDLY pray out those words.
"I am your only God, the living God. Wasn't I the one who broke the strongholds over you and raised you up out of bondage? Open your mouth with a mighty DECREE; I will fulfill it now, you'll see! The words that you speak, so shall it be!" Psalm 81:10 TPT
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | How do we pray? Is God really listening? What's speaking in tongues? In this three-part prayer school, we will unpack how to use the gift of prayer and tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Are you seeking the Lord in this season or have you let yourself grow weary? Like the wise men, we should be on a pilgrimage in search of the King. A Pilgrimage is often used to describe an individual's journey through life and sometimes used as a general description of personal growth and exploration. Key Verse: Matthew 6:33
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:8-10 NLT) God, Himself declares His goodness, and you should declare it over your own life!
Speaker: Josh Roberts | GENEROSITY SPEAKS — The time, talent and treasure God has blessed us with are to be used to bless others. Living a generous life expands our worldview and motivates us to be like Jesus.
Speaker: Bishop Brian Greene | In order to get through the labor pains, you have to P.U.S.H.! It’s not always though PRAYING Until Something Happens, sometimes it's PRAISING until something happens, because God always keeps His promises. If He said it, he will do it!
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Tithing is not being generous; tithing returns the first fruits to God. GENEROSITY is everything you do after you tithe. The time, talent, and treasure, that God has blessed us with are to be used to bless others. By choosing to live a generous life, our worldview expands, and we are motivated to be like Jesus. Psalm 92 : 12 NIV "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon."
Young Gun: a young person who is successful or who is expected to be successful; assertive and self-confident. Five of IFC's young adults, ages 18-28, finish the phrase: "I'm at my Best When" and share how God has transformed them into their very best.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Many people get caught up in praying for the WHAT when they should be praying for the WHO. We find ourselves praying for situations, opportunities, objects, people, etc, instead of simply praying for HIM to show up. HE is the wind, the Breathe of God.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | No matter what the call on your life may be, you are dead in the water without the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing into your sails. The Holy Spirit is the power needed for forward momentum in your life.
Acts 1:8 AMP — But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Vision leaks, but now is the time to finish the 4th quarter strong! To fulfill our 2022 mandate of “Stay the Course, Full Speed Ahead” we must continue to make the Word our diode and allow the Spirit to fuel us. “Full Speed Ahead” means to do something with as much speed or energy as possible; to go with enthusiasm, vigor, or energy into whatever task is being undertaken.
Speaker: Chip Judd | Wouldn't it be great if our #1 GOAL in life aligned with our #1 NEED in life and with God's #1 INTENTION for our life?
Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Speaker: Josh Roberts | God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. For everything that God has sent you to do, He has already provided the tools (Holy Spirit, Favor, Anointing, Wisdom) to get it done.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Just as Jesus was sent to earth with a purpose, YOU have been created and "sent" with a purpose. Your purpose goes beyond your life here on earth, your life has ETERNAL implications.
ROMANS 12:2 AMPC "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Jesus was sent to this earth with a purpose and a mission. He wasn’t sent to check on things... He was sent to restore things. Key Scripture: JOHN 17:14-19 MSG
Speaker: Earl Darlington | As the academic year begins, many Christians find that their spiritual walk begins to suffer because they had not predetermined to strengthen their walk with God before entering this new season. As a result, they let life around them dictate their attitudes and behaviors rather than Biblical principles. Pastor Earl Darlington brings a 5-point charge for strengthening your Christian walk this school year.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | "Benevolent detachment" is the ability to let it go and walk away in kindness and love (emotionally, soulfully), and turn things over to Jesus.
Key Verses:
• 3 John 2: Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
• John 7: 37-38 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said.
Speaker: Tom Kiessling
God wants your soul to prosper, but first, we must be anchored to The Word.
Deuteronomy 32:1-4 NLT “Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say! [2] Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. [3] I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God! [4] He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
Speaker: Tom Kiessling | God wants you to prosper both in the physical and in the supernatural. He wants our SOUL to prosper, to be well, to be whole.
Speaker: Josh Roberts | Our lives are wired to warn us when things run low (low fuel, low battery). Although we can set alarms and warning signs for things that naturally get low, how do you do that for your spirit?
We have to rely on the power of God to prevail so that we can maintain a FULL spirit and a healthy soul!
Speaker: Josh Roberts | The Well of Life isn't something we build, it's something we draw from that resides inside of us. But you can only draw up what you put in! What's filling your soul today?
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Family Values - values passed on from generation to generation within families that pertain to the family's structure, function, roles, beliefs, attitudes, and ideals.
Why have family values? Values serve as the guard rails for the Vision you have for your family!
Speaker: Stephanie Roberts
Christianity is supposed to be about me becoming more and more like Jesus, not my own desires and preferences, not what is convenient for me. There is no perfect church, organization or leader and no Savior but Jesus. Perfect church is the one God has called you to.
Mark 10: 42-45
42 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Speaker: Josh Roberts
When we accept Christ into our lives there should be a progression of changes that takes place in our life. Our life begins to be changed into the image and likeness of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB)
But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.
Jesus lived the life of a servant. God who came to earth as a man to serve humanity. When we follow Him we transform from wanting to be served to how can I serve others.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Galatians 5: 13 (TPT)
Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom. But don’t view this wonderful freedom as an excuse to set up a base of operations in the natural realm. Constantly love each other and be committed to serve one another. For all the law can be summarized in one grand statement:“Demonstrate love to your neighbor, even as you care for and love yourself.”
Our value isn't found in what you can accumulate but what you can give and serve others. True fulfillment comes when we are focused on how we can serve others.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then...
The question always comes up, "How long do you have to stand?" You stand until you win!
"When do you win?" When you don't have to stand anymore – when you get what you are believing for. If you're tired of standing, stand some more.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
It's important to speak what you see in your heart, but it can't stop there. Faith must be acted upon.
James 2:14- 18 MSG
14-17 Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
18 I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.”Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
The quality of your life is determined by the foundations you use to build your life upon.
Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
You have to hear God's Word before you can believe it. Then as you believe it, you begin to see things through the eyes of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith sees the end result before it can be seen in the natural realm.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Foundations - Principles upon which something stands or is supported / an underlying base or support / the basis or groundwork of anything:
Your quality of life is determined by the foundations you use to build your life upon.
Matthew 7: 24 TPT
24 “Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation.
25 When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation.
26 “But everyone who hears my teaching and does not apply it to his life can be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand.
27 When it rained and rained and the flood came, with wind and waves beating upon his house, it collapsed and was swept away.”
Speaker: Verna Del Turco
Anyone can do ordinary - we see it all around us. It requires no effort, no excellence, no creativity. It's just... ordinary. We are surrounded by mediocrity - and if you’re not intentional, you will end up in the quick sand of ordinary. The extra to our ordinary lies in the Holy Spirit.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
God's desire for us is that we live with intense and eager enjoyment. Spiritual enthusiasm isn't something you work up. It's not a product of your environment. It's a posture of your heart. Enthusiasm is born in the presence of God by the power of God.
I Corinthians 15: 57-58 NLT
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Why is Easter Sunday is one of the most celebrated days in the Christian faith? It's the day we come together to remember that Jesus is who He said He is and He did what He said He would do!
Part 4: Who's Your Ray?
Josh Roberts
Many people today have lost hope. They have lost their ability to see the future and have given up on their dreams. There is a responsibility on the local church to restore hope to the hurting, healing to the broken and light to the lost.
Romans 10: 13-15
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Part 3: No Perfect People Allowed
Josh Roberts
Romans 3:23-24 MSG
For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
"A world you refuse to enter is a world you will never reach." - Jonathan Del Turco
How do we take advantage of opportunities to share Christ with the people around us in our everyday lives?
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Jesus didn't see people for who they were. He saw them for who they could be. He saw potential in everyone. We are supposed to do the same thing. We are to call out the greatness in those around us.
My behavior and attitudes change the more I get to know Jesus, the more I come to understand who He is and how much I need Him in my life. The more I come to know my Heavenly Father, the more I want to be like Him, I want to act like Him, I want to say what He says. When I know Jesus, I trust His plan for my life. I trust His Word and the guidelines He has put in place.
Every believer would do great to have a circle of friends that are passionate about Jesus! Godly friends are nurturing and bring out the best in you. Godly friends are essential, they promote godly values and help build character. Godly friends are life giving, they bring joy and happiness in your life.
When we talk about “being full” in our relationships, we're not talking about quantity, but rather quality. It's about lasting relationships. Relationships that are Authentic and built upon principles found in Gods word.
Proverbs 12: 26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 13: 20
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
The most powerful message to an unbeliever is the message of Jesus.
The most powerful message to a believer is the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1: 8 (AMP): But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
So how can you stay full of the Spirit?
The life of a believer was never meant to run on half empty. Refuse to settle for “good” when “great” is attainable. God’s plan for us as His children is that we live “full lives” - lives full of the Word, full of the Spirit, and full in our relationships with others.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. - Matthew 6:33 NLT
What does it mean to stay the course?
"Stay The Course" - originated as a nautical metaphor on maintaining a constant, unaltering course while navigating. To continue with a process, it means to pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism.
Full Speed Ahead: With as much speed or energy as possible. It means that one is going with enthusiasm, vigor or energy into whatever task it is that is being undertaken.
We have natural eyes that allow us to see things. In fact, the only organ more complicated that the eye is the brain. But what about spiritual vision? What about God-inspired vision? What about things that we see in our hearts or in our spirits that have yet to happen?
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish.
When are God’s plans and purposes most vulnerable? The two most obvious times are:
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At the beginning when His plans and purposes are brand new and have no roots in the ground.
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When there is a transition of authority of those leading His plans and purposes.
Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his Church. He paid the highest price for it, and he wants it protected, especially from the devastating damage that is caused by division, conflict, and disharmony.
You are a spirit, you have a soul and you live in a body.
Galatians 5: 16-17 AMP - But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.
John 3:16-17 MSG
16 This is how much God loved the world He gave his Son His one and only Son. And this is why, so that no one needed to be lost, by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole & lasting life.
17 God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, He came to put the world right again.
Psalms 23:1-6 MEV1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I Corinthians 14:2 AMPC
For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].
John 16: 7 (ESV)
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
Zechariah 4:6 NIV
…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Not by might - not by human force, resources or ability
Not by power - not by firm resolve or fierce determination alone
But by my Spirit - means breath or wind
We are wearing ourselves out only getting places by our own efforts and abilities. But it’s not by might nor by power but by my (wind sound) but by my Spirit says the Lord. God never intended for us to live our lives under our own effort and ability but by the power of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is permanently called closely alongside each of us to provide coaching, direction, instruction, and counsel in our life journey. John 14: 16 (AMPC) - " And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor--Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever." The Holy Spirit is a Person whose number 1 role is to help us succeed in fulfilling God’s will in every area of our lives.
Partnership - a cooperative relationship between people or groups who agree to share responsibility for achieving some specific goal. God has a vision - His vision is for the harvest - and a vision for the harvest is a vision for people.
Notice it wasn’t the strongest or the bravest that God chose. God chose the ones who would not give in to fear and put their trust in Him and were on high alert, sensitive to God’s instructions.
Courage as the ability to confront fear in the face of pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
3 INSIGHTS CONCERNING COURAGE:
Insight #1: Courage is not gender specific, and it doesn’t require an education, an age limit, or a résumé.
Insight #2: Courage is not inborn like some personality traits. It’s learned.
Insight #3: Courage is feeling fear but choosing to act anyways.
"God loves with a great love the man or woman whose heart is bursting with a passion for the IMPOSSIBLE." - William Booth
The eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them. - 2 Chronicles 16:9 TLB
Trust in the LORD with all your heart do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT
You can never make God move in your life, but you can make room for Him to move in your life.
With men it is impossible, but not with God. But with God all things are possible. - Mark 10:27
Values - A person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.
If we do not define our values based on what the Word says, culture will have no problem defining them for us.
Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm…
God is just and generous in all of His dealings with us. Believers are all recipients of God’s justice and generosity. Disciples are not just recipients but have become facilitators of God’s justice and generosity.
Psalm 145: 8-9 MEV
8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and great in mercy.
9 The LORD is good to all, and His compassion is over all His works.
True justice is defined by the Lord as showing mercy and compassion towards others who are less fortunate than you. It is demonstrated by acts of giving and service.
To go from a believer to a disciple, you have must make the decision to align yourself with a new group of people who have the same guiding principles in their lives. God did not create you to do life alone and He has a tribe you need and a tribe that needs you.
John 17: 15-18 NLT 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
This world comprises our homes, neighborhoods and our neighbors, schools, colleges, places where we shop and eat, and our workplaces. We need to develop relationships by engaging in the lives of the people God has brought into our lives. This world was never supposed to be a threat to the church but rather the mission field of the church, which, through Jesus Christ, has the power to change our world rather than be changed by our world!
2 Peter 1:3-5 NLT
[3] By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. [4] And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. [5] In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence.
Believers attend church, read their bibles and pray. They go to bible studies, worship in service, and they appear to be devoted followers until God’s commands conflict with their goals of happiness and prosperity.
Disciples see the truth of the Bible as God’s perfect message to them even when it makes them uncomfortable. A disciple is governed by the authority of God’s word.
In this special Mother's Day message, Verna Del Turco tells a story of the legacy her grandmother began in the early 1920's that is still having an impact into it's fifth generation. The decisions we make today not only affect us, they affect the legacy of our family for generations to come.
Are you a believer in Jesus who does “the church thing” every now and then as long as nothing else comes up, or am you passionately pursuing what it means to be a fully devoted disciple of Christ?
In part 4, Pastor Josh discusses the role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives and how being sensitive and submitted to the Holy Spirit is an active part of being a disciple of Jesus.
A Servant’s heart is a choice you make and a posture you take in all of the relationships God brings into your life. The motto of a disciple, “above all else I am a servant.”
Matthew 23:11-12 MEV
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 For he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
I JOHN 4:7-9 NIV
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Where are you in your relationship with God? Are you just a believer in Jesus who does "the church thing" every now and then as long as nothing else comes up, or am you passionately pursuing what it means to be a fully devoted disciple of Christ?
Resurrection Sunday is the perfect day for one dead season to end and another new season to finally begin!
If God answered all your prayers would it change the world or would it just change you?
God wants us to be God-conscious not self-conscious! That comes as a result of cultivating the presence of God in our lives. Drawing near to Him and letting Him speak to us through His Word.
A recent poll was taken and people were asked “Who they were closest to?” 40% of all Americans say they are close to NO ONE! People are isolated more than ever. God's plan for your life includes others
Dreams and visions and how active they are in your life, are the keys to you walking in the fulfillment of the perfect will of God for your life.
Proverbs 29:18 MEV
Where there is no vision, the people perish...
You were created for significance not just survival.
Every dream goes through tough times, but always remember, those who preserve and refuse to give up will enjoy the fruit of their dreams.
Perseverance - the continued tenacity to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Merriam-Webster
Are you a believer who believes in a God you no longer trust? Many today believe in the existence of God, and as believers affirm the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, yet there seems to be a giant disconnect. A disconnect from our faith in Christ to get us to heaven and our trust in God to navigate us on earth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
When life becomes hopeless to you what or who do you turn to?
Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Proverbs 13:12 NLT - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
In today's message Pastor Jonathan introduced the mandate for 2021.
Proverbs 29:18 MSG - If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles and fulfilling dreams. That is who He is. That is what He does and the bigger the circle we draw, the better, because God gets more glory.
Mark 11:25 Amp
Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go) in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.
If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it shall be done for you.—John 15:7 MEV
Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
A life of uncertainty is never an issue of unmet needs but always an issue of disordered priorities.
Matthew 6:33 NIV - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Stand up and fight for what belongs to you and your children! We have an inheritance! If you don’t fight then you by default forfeit God’s promises for your future!
The Holy Spirit wants to be your partner everyday, helping you live beyond your feeling and emotions into a life of faith and confidence.
John 14:16 NASB - I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.
John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
When you are a follower of Christ who is still living life your own way doing your own thing, only an encounter with God can wake you up to living a God first life.
Romans 13:11 AMP - Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ].
Becoming united doesn't happen around a man or a name of a church or which political party we voted for. It happens when we become united around Jesus.
Becoming united doesn't happen around a man or a name of a church or which political party we voted for. It happens when we become united around Jesus.
The greater your capacity to love the greater your ability to see people the way God sees people.
If you want your love for others to grow and work for you; your #1 battle that you must face and win is against selfishness.
1 John 4:16 NIV: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Love is the way to victory and good success!
John 13:34-35 MEV - 34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Love must be more than a feeling, a theory, or a word; it has to be an action. An action that challenges us to love others like we have never loved others before.
John 13:34-35 NIV - A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Love is the greatest risk you will ever take. To not take it, is to limit your life, and be robbed from the most important part of life — a loving relationship with God and others.
We will only be able to change the world as we are able to serve those in it.
Ephesians 2:10 LB:
It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.
You will never experience the full life Christ has promised until you see others as He sees them and serve them as Jesus serves them.
We are people of faith, and we know the end of the story before it even begins. We must keep our eyes on the Lord and our minds on the Word because we have a faith that overcomes the world.
Storms of life are the great revealer. Storms don't make us or break us they just reveal the quality of our foundations.
There is no greater difference a person can make than to help someone else be in heaven for all eternity.
2 Peter 3:9 MEV: The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
The problem with indifference is that many who have it don’t know it; and those that do don’t care.
Proverbs 1:32 NIV: For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
Indifference - That which is looked upon as not mattering one way or another, that which is regarded as being of no significant importance or value.
Hebrews 2:1 NIV: We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Family success has nothing to do with luck or fate and has everything to do with intentionally obeying and surrendering to God and His Word.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Making godly decisions for your family's stability is not just about today, it's about your family's future and it's about your forever.
God has made a covenant of provision and protection for you and your family that requires your cooperation, the use of your heart and mouth!
There is only one burden bearer and it’s not you!
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. “
The key to living free must be what Jesus Christ has done FOR US on the cross; not what others have done TO US.
"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." - Mark Twain Righteous Anger is when we take a stand, speak the truth, peacefully protest and express the problem in the way that accurately represents God's heart. Sinful anger is getting angry at something – maybe even something legitimate, something that also angers God – but then allowing that anger to lead us to do wrong things.
God is far more interested in who you are than in what you do. Character is who you are when no one is looking. Character is how you treat people who can’t do anything for you. Character is how you respond or react when adversity comes knocking on your door.
When there seems to be no way, focus on your heavenly position and not your earthly condition.
When there seems to be no way, focus on your heavenly position and not your earthly condition.
When there seems to be no way, focus on your heavenly position and not your earthly condition.
When there seems to be no way, focus on your heavenly position and not your earthly condition.
"There are two types of tired, one requires rest and the other requires peace." - Paul Scanlon
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give you isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled and afraid." - John 14:27 LB
Fear is a spirit, it doesn’t just disappear and go away on its own. It must be confronted.
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you, do not look around in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand...Fear not; I will help you! - Isaiah 41: 10,13
The more we focus our eyes and our mouths on the problem, the more fearful we become. You know that whatever your eyes become consumed by builds up in your heart and eventually comes out of your mouth.
Your mouth and your words belong to you, and you can always choose to speak what will please God and benefit you.
Hebrews 4:14 AMP
Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him].
The battle your fighting determines your quality of life. The enemy is fighting to keep us distracted, distressed and depressed so that we never live in the fullness of the freedom God has provided for us. We need to be free in order to grow into all he has for us, fulfilling our potential.
Until you’ve been exposed to your options you are destined to think like you've always thought and have what you've always had.
"We are all born originals but most of us die copies." - John Mason
The value of life is not in it’s duration, but in it’s donation. Servanthood is not about position or skill. It's about attitude.
Faith is believing God's Word is true no matter what any other information source may reveal. What we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, is not supposed to be our final authority. As members of the Kingdom of God we now live by faith, making God’s Word our final authority.
In order for us to live beyond our emotions and feelings, we have to let God’s word be the antihistamine to our emotional allergic reaction.
You can be young only once, but you can be immature indefinitely. It's time to grow up and walk in the wisdom of God. Wisdom teaches you the lesson before you make the mistake. Consequences demand that you make a mistake first. Only then will it teach you the lesson.
"Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish..." - Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision. Where there is no illumination, no understanding of God's master love plan for a person’s salvation and their unique purpose for why they were born, the people perish. (Perish- to put into confusion and scatter abroad.) So because vision is redemptive in nature—it is always unselfish, always pointing the way for others.
Fasting is not a Biblical requirement; it is a choice. It is a vow you choose to make to connect with God on a deeper level and disconnect from all the clutter in your life. When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will; instead, by praying and fasting, we are the ones changed.
You can never make God move in your life, but you can make room for Him to move in your life.
The real test of your faith is found when all hope seems gone and you’ve had to wait for your breakthrough longer than you ever expected.
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. - Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG
Before you can enter the world of the generous , you must first pass the heart test.
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. - Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG
God wants to do more for us than He's currently doing, but we have to stop robbing Him of the opportunity to enlarge our world.
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. - Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG
Before you can enter the world of the generous , you must first pass the heart test.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The fruit of the Spirit is not about how we feel, but about what we choose to do.
Gentleness is not so much about our natural personality traits as it is about our attitudes and how we approach others.
Galatians 5:22 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Goodness: It's a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person.
Faithful - one who is dependable, trustworthy, and loyal, who can be depended upon in all of his relationships, and who is absolutely honest and ethical in all of his affairs.
GALATIANS 5:22–23 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
PATIENCE:
• The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
• The ability to remain calm and not become annoyed.
• The ability to give attention to something for a long
time without becoming bored or losing interest.
KINDNESS - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
There isn’t any difficult situation that you will face that the fruit of the Spirit will not enable you to overcome.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV 1984
The fruit of the Spirit is the outward evidence that there has been an inward invisible change in our lives.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
God’s ultimate goal for your life is not your comfort, but for your character development.As individuals we can’t get so focused on our gifts and abilities that we ignore who we are becoming.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV 1984
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Our mandate is to create an environment that challenges all of us to move beyond ourselves, to let down our walls, remove our masks, and to step out from behind the comfort of our digital screens and have the courage to cultivate true friendships and a deeper level of freedom.
Our mandate is to create an environment that challenges all of us to move beyond ourselves, to let down our walls, remove our masks, and to step out from behind the comfort of our digital screens and have the courage to cultivate true friendships and a deeper level of freedom.
No matter how crazy the situation is, God is working behind the scenes to turn your mess into a message. He’s working to turn your test into a testimony.
Your mouth and your words belong to you, and you can always choose to speak what will please God and benefit you.
If you will be bold enough to stand your ground, God will see to it that no matter how difficult it may become, He will help you each step of the way and ultimately enable you to finish victoriously.
Philippians 1:6 NLT - And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
The world has changed, but the need for deeper, more meaningful relationships will never change. Its’ time to return to the table.
In this week's message Pastors Jonathan and Verna talk about the four seasons a marriage goes through and draw from over 43 years of experience to describe practical steps you can take to have a healthy, thriving, God-centered marriage.
Gods plan for our lives has always included others. He is the original family man. No matter if they are blood related or simply God ordained relationships, your destiny is defined by family.
No one is called to do life alone.
Tommy Barnett is the Co-Pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in America: Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona. With an average weekly attendance of over 16,000, Dream City is a soul-winning church, committed to reaching the city, country and world for God. The church has become known as “The Church with a Heart” because of its more than 260 ministry outreaches, and each year, thousands give their lives to Jesus Christ and hundreds are baptized.
Pastor Barnett and his son Matthew also co-founded the Dream Center in Los Angeles, an inner-city church and outreach center that touches the lives of 35,000 people each week. Its over 175 ministries reach out to gang members, drug addicts, unwed mothers, children without parents, the homeless and needy, motorcycle groups, AIDS victims, and many others.
The most rewarding moments in life are always found on the other side of inconvenience.
Life teaches us that all too often the best things in life – its greatest breakthroughs, miracles and memories – seem to be deliberately placed just beyond our convenient reach.
Every time opportunity knocks we have a choice to make, allow fear to stop us or choose to walk in courage.
John 16:33 NIV
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in The Lord.
The secret to walking in God‘s highest and best is to be ready when opportunity knocks. Will you be ready when opportunity knocks?
"For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries." - 1 Corinthians 16:9 AMPC
Jen Tringale is an internationally known speaker, author, and strategist on awakening destiny. She is known for her integration of purpose, innovation, faith, and spirituality. Her messaging reaches across cultures and vocations to unlock the purpose and potential within individuals, organizations, cities, and nations.
The key to living free must be what Jesus Christ has done FOR US on the cross; not what others have done TO US.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31- 32 NLT
God loves you because of who He is, not because of anything you did or did not do. In this episode, Pastor Jonathan talks about how you can overcome guilt and shame and no longer be stuck I yesterday's pain.
When Jesus cried out "It is finished," he meant It was finished in the past, it is still finished in the present, and it will remain finished in the future.
Resurrection Sunday is the perfect day for one dead season to end and another new season to finally begin!
The most gut-wrenching cry of loneliness in history came not from a prisoner or a widow or a patient. It came from a hill, from a cross, from a Messiah. When Jesus screamed... “My God, my God, why did you abandon me!”
For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” - Hebrews 13:5 AMPC
In each statement from the cross, there’s a lot for us to learn about the heart of Jesus and about ourhearts as well.
“forgive” means to release, as in releasing a prisoner or setting someone free from an act they have carried out. It is the decision to not hold something against someone, but rather to liberate a person from the consequences of his actions.
IDENTITY - the distinguishing character or personality of an individual, identity is who you are, the way you think about yourself, the way you are viewed by the world and the characteristics that define you.
3 Things to Know About our Identity:
It’s important for us to know who we are.
It’s important for us to know whose we are.
It’s important for us to know what belongs to us.
IDENTITY - the distinguishing character or personality of an individual, identity is who you are, the way you think about yourself, the way you are viewed by the world and the characteristics that define you.
Knowing who we really are plays a key role in how we think, how we act, and how we actually go about our day to day lives. Knowing our true identity will never come from looking at ourselves, but rather Christ in us.
Once the truth about the lies we believe are exposed and replaced, freedom can be a reality in every area of your life. God has a truth about you that you have not believed or experienced yet. A way He sees you, that you don’t see in you, but in order for you to find freedom it is critical that you to see it as well.
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. " - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV
Once we understand the benefits of connecting we will no longer settle for being alone. We are created for connection, fashioned for relationships, and formed for a family, we don’t reach our full potential isolated by ourselves.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
Our mandate is to create an environment that challenges all of us to move beyond ourselves, to let down our walls, remove our masks, and to step out from behind the comfort of our digital screens and have the courage to cultivate true friendships and a deeper level of freedom. The only thing between you and your dreams becoming a reality is one small act of courage.
Before God can win a victory for me, He longs to win a victory in me.
"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." -
John 10:10 AMP
Vision Sunday is all about communicating what we want to see God do in you not what you can do for us.
Proverbs 29:18 NIV
Where there is no vision, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds Wisdom’s instruction.
Six communicators each have six minutes to talk about a statement they believe about prayer. They include:
Verna Del Turco, Jason Ferreira, Elisabeth Tatro, Suzanne Young, Josh Roberts and Tyrone Callahan.
Luke 2:8-10 NIV
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
It's not what happens around you or even what happens to you, but rather what happens in you that matters most.
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give you isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled and afraid." - John 14:27 LB
Matthew Barnett is the co-found of the LA Dream Center and is the Senior Pastor at Angelus Temple in Los Angeles. Pastor Matthew decided to take part in the World Marathon Challenge to raise money for the Dream Center - run seven marathons, in seven days on each of the seven continents. He shared what he learned from that experience.
As we study the gospels, it becomes evident that there were certain individuals who received their miracle, or their healing, or their needs were met because they placed a demand on the power of God by breaking the rules.
God wants you to fall in love with Him so much that giving becomes a delight not a duty.
Philippians 2:13 MEV
For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
Blessed - ongoing increase, possessing more than enough for you and the ability to give to others.
Matthew 6:21 NIV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How you handle your money reveals volumes about your priorities, loyalties and affections.
Before you can enjoy the rewards of the blessed life, you must first pass the heart test.
Luke 6:38 MEV
Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men give unto you. For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you.
Living blessed does not begin with more money in your pocket —it begins with more Word in your heart.
It is not how much we have that matters—it is whose it is.
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” - Matthew 6:24 NKJV
It is not God's plan for you to live in "not enough" or in "just enough," but rather "more than enough."
What one thing, if it got better, would make the biggest difference in your life? What If we as individuals made a decision to be more authentic in our relationships?
James 5:16 MSG
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.
What one thing, if it got better, would make the biggest difference in your life?
James 3:18 MSG
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Community is built not on convenience (“we’ll get together when I feel like it”) but on the conviction that I need it for my spiritual health.
What one thing, if it got better, would make the biggest difference in your life?
James 3:18 MSG
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
The purpose of community:
to experience a safe and healthy environment where we are able to remove our masks and express our desires, ambitions, fears and weaknesses.
Part 1: Why You Need A Church Family
What one thing, if it got better, would make the biggest difference in your life?
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.
The more I value something the more I gain value from it.
Proverbs 4:7 NCV
Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.
Things that disqualify us from winning the prize.
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Attitude
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Speech
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Conduct
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
When you understand what it means to walk in the wisdom of God; You can live courageously and fearlessly every day of your life.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
God’s plan for your life is that you continually walk in the favor of God, all day, everyday and without interruption.
Speaker: Josh Roberts
The world’s way to success is through hustle. God’s way to success is through favor.
The joy of living for Jesus is not just going to church. It’s when we get so full of Living Water that we can’t help but share our joy with others.
Big Takeaway: We will only be able to change the world as we are able to serve those in it.
The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you can change anything in your life.
Human power and strength alone can never tame the destructive power of the tongue, but when we choose to cooperate with God, it is possible.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! - James 3:7-10 NLT
God did not intend for anyone to succeed alone. Everyone has “God assigned connections“ to specific people that are essential to our God planned destiny.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT
Our lives are transformed when we evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions as “seeds” that will produce a harvest.
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." - Genesis 8:22 NIV
Everyone desires to leave a lasting imprint in life. Something that outlives them, a legacy to be remembered that made a difference.
God‘s ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort but character development. Learning humbly is the process of growing through problems and pain and not getting bitter and stuck because of them.
"Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." - Ephesians 4:22 MSG
The day you stop loving is the day you stop living.
Life is all about love
1 Corinthians 13:36 MSG
... no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
1 Corinthians 14:1a NLT
Let love be your highest goal...
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
- Howard Thurman
So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. - Mark 12:30 MSG
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. - Romans 12:11 NIV
Embracing our time here on earth as a limited resource would help us be more authentic about who we are and more deliberate about how we spent our time.
Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us spend them as we should. - Psalm 90:12 TLB
When you don't know how something works you will not know how to fix it when it breaks.
God can make things happen you could never make happen. He’s already placed abundance in your future. Take the limits off God and ask big.
Life is so much more rewarding when you realize you can be the answer to somebody’s prayer. You are a miracle waiting to happen. Many people are praying for a miracle. They’re saying,
“God, please send me a friend.
God, I need help with these children.
God, I need a new job.
God, I need a breakthrough with my family.
God, I need healing in my body.”
We have to realize that we can become the miracle other people need.
God uses people.
He has no hands to heal except through our hands.
He has no voice to encourage except through our voice.
He has no arms to hug except through our arms.
As a dreamer, your only form of measurement should be God’s infinite ability and capacity not your limited understanding and resources.
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" - Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG
Patience is not just waiting passively; it is how we act while we are waiting.
"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." - Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)
"Now to Him Who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us."
- Ephesians 3:20 AMP
Dreaming is not about dreaming the American dream, it’s about dreaming God’s dream.
"Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish..." - Proverbs 29:18
As we begin 2018, hear Pastor Jonathan describe how he sees International Family Church.
Jason Ferreira - IFC Senior High Director
How to stick with a life of prayer and how it will benefit your life in the long term.
Josh Roberts - When you break the hour into segments you can see how easy it is to spend time with God on a consistent basis. In this episode, Pastor Josh breaks down how you can do this and the best practices for making spending time with God easy.
Verna Del Turco - One of the issues that really prevents people from praying effectively is the heavy distraction of worry.
It weighs us down and prevents us from keeping our focus. It occupies our thought life with negative thoughts and pictures
Philippians 4:6 (TLB)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.
Part 4: Prince of Peace
Jonathan Del Turco
When life becomes overwhelming to you what or who do you turn to?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Part 3: Everlasting Father
Jonathan Del Turco
When life becomes overwhelming to you what or who do you turn to?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Part 2: Mighty God
Jonathan Del Turco
When life becomes overwhelming to you what or who do you turn to?
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Part 1: Wonderful Counselor
Jonathan Del Turco
When life becomes overwhelming to you what or who do you turn to?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Part 4: Why are we to praise God?
Jonathan Del Turco
When you finally understand the “why” you will finally understand the “power” of praise.
For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself. - Hebrews 13:7-8 MSG
God is the same whether or not you praise Him.
Part 3: How are We to Praise God?
Jonathan Del Turco
How we praise depends on how well we know the one we praise. Praise must be declared or manifested in some way. Otherwise, it is not praise.
Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard. - Psalm 66:8 NIV
Part 2: When are we to praise God?
Jonathan Del Turco.
God is worthy of our praise all day, every day, no matter what kind of a day it is. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth. - Psalm 34:1 MEV
Part 1: What is Praise?
Jonathan Del Turco.
You were created to live in God’s presence. Life anywhere else is a distorted, dissatisfying imitation. Praise and worship are God’s gifts we use to change our environment so God can restore His presence to man.
Part 6: The Partnership of the Holy Spirit
Jonathan Del Turco.
The Holy Spirit wants to be your partner to help you live beyond defeat, frustration and failure into a life of freedom, fulfillment and victory.
Part 5: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Jonathan Del Turco.
The Holy Spirit wants to fill you with His Spirit so that you can walk in greater confidence and strength through all the seasons of your journey.
Part 4 - His Grand Entrance
Jonathan Del Turco. When you're filled with the Holy Spirit He writes God's ways on your heart so that it's not something you obey it’s something you become.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. -Romans 8:9 NLT
Part 3 - Making Room For the Holy Spirit
Jonathan Del Turco.
The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us as much as we will listen and follow.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. - John 14:26 NKJV
Part 2 - Who Is He? Your Friend.
Jonathan Del Turco.
he Holy Spirit is a friend to be loved, valued and honored. Not some mystical entity that we can never relate to or ever get close to. The Holy Spirit is permanently called closely alongside each of us to provide coaching, direction, instruction, and counsel in our life journey.
"I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth." - John 14:16-17 Msg
Part 1 - Who is He? Your Helper.
Jonathan Del Turco.
The Holy Spirit is a Person whose #1 role is to help us succeed in fulfilling God’s will in every area of our lives.
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. - John 14:16-17 NASB