Commerce Community Church: Recent Episodes
Dr. B. L. Rice
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
Jesus, God's Lamb, was sacrificed once and for all! The writer of Hebrews wrote regarding the New Testament sacrifice of Christ's life: "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12
God shelters us by the power of His Word and the precious Holy Spirit! Christianity has been swept into the anxieties of the world. God is saying to major in spiritual things instead of the worldly things.
Isaiah 9:6-7 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."
Humanity was created by the dust of the earth and God breathed into mankind the breath of life! The very breath we breathe has come from God, we are a creation of this awesome glorious God!Psalm 1139:17-18 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
Most of all our greatest examples of endurance would be to remember Jesus on the Cross. Heb 12:2-3 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Psalm 34:1-4 "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
The message is about "being a witness for Jesus Christ" to the point that people notice - to the point that our lives are energized - we have collided with evil and we are a witness for Almighty God! Chapter of Acts 17:27-28
For Jesus sail "I will give you the promise of My Father, the Power of the Holy Ghost, and He will guide you into all truth, and He will empower you with a holy unction. We are His witnesses, He is the light in our life! We are the light house to the lost. We must shine in our family, shine on the job, emanate His presences in all that we do.
Take time to remember the places where He met you and you knew He brought you through the difficult issue. He robed you with the garments of salvation! Isa 61:10 "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
Mark 4:35-41: And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Faith is what it takes to believe on the Lord Jesus as our Savior, it is the way to our salvation and eternal life. Faith is WALKING through our trials, sorrows, and difficulties.
Our hope must be in our God, not in the things of this world. We know this, but we must be more mindful of spiritual things and practice our faith. Faith is more than confessing what we believe. It is trusting the Lord Jesus in all things, and is actually walking in a realm where you know that whatever happens, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Faith works best when it is activated by need.
Faith is more than confessing what we believe, it is trusting the Lord Jesus in all things and it is actually walking in a realm where you know that whatever happens He will never leave you nor forsake you. It is living the life of trust more than confessing it!
Just as our human father has certain responsibilities for his children, God has taken responsibility for us, His Children. So today as we honor our fathers, we remember our "Heavenly Father" and offer up praises of worship and adoration unto Him for giving us life.
Let the church be prepared, let us be ready for the coming of our Lord and Savior. As we "wait" let us order our steps. Be of good courage, always be prepared for His coming. Let us no fret, but cease from anger, do good and trust in the God of our salvation.Psalm 37:7-8 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Once we begin to experience a joyful spirit, the blessings of the Lord will bring us right into the presence of our God. Ps. 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.
Gen. 2:8-9 "And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." God had great purpose as He planted His garden with humanity on His mind. From the beginning of creation He planted a beautified garden and placed humanity in it.
We pray to learn a spiritual lesson today as we rejoice in the creative beauty that God has given us in things He has planted. It is all the planting of the Lord, and we as His people are a receiver of all His doings.
I think of my mother, the mothers of the Bible and the mothers of our congregation. And I am grateful for the Christian mothers that have been in my life. We give honor to the mothers of our house today and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
There remains a secret place in Him, it is personal, every saint must find that place in Him for themselves. And when we do we will sense the shadow of the Almighty surrounding our lives, and sheltering us with His peace, His grace, and His mercy!
Jesus' entire life was a sacrifice that His fruit might bring our salvation. To do this He must die, be buried, and come forth in resurrection power! His sacrifice would end in giving us eternal life. He is calling for our sacrifice. What can we sacrifice for our Lord and Savior?
Scripture declares in 2 Cor. 5:21 "For God hath made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." This is to say when Jesus lives in us and we take on His name of Christian, we are restored to Father God. Our desire is to be in 'right standing' with our God. Right standing is to follow after His Word until our meditation of Him guides us into paths that are right in His eyes. We are challenged to be acceptable to our God and Savior.
We remember in scripture when Jesus was baptized His Father was blessed and pleased! Matt. 3:17 "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The message today is about pleasing our God! Do we often think that our Father in heaven desires to be pleased in His people? What are our thoughts about our Heavenly Father? He is a God full of feelings and desires for His people. I Sam. 12:22 "For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people."
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:20-21
O glorious dawning, O joyous resurrection! Does your heart fill with joy at the thought of eternal life? Resurrection morning, the moment of great triumph over the enemy of our soul!
As we come to Palm Sunday and we see the crowds worshiping Jesus, we muse upon His thoughts. What is He thinking as the praises go up? Matt. 21:9 "And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." Vs. 15 "And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased."
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.Rev. 3:20I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
Jesus was polished in the wilderness, Mark 1:11-13 This was Jesus' spiritual discipline as He made ready to assume the ministry that lay ahead of Him. He was polished as He became the brilliant light of the world, prepared to be a "shaft"/an arrow in God's quiver, hid until the appointed time.
This is a time to reflect on our heavenly Father's "Bountiful Goodness"! To be greatly thankful that He is our Lord and guides us through our difficulties by the Power of His Holy Spirit! In the goodness of our heavenly Father, He has given us Jesus, the One who went about doing good.
It is evident that humanity has wondered far away from God. We as lovers of Christ are commissioned to follow even closer to Him and give specific time in our life to talk to Him. O Lord, help us in our striving to keep our conduct wholesome, to face the temptations of our day, and to stand always in the faith of our salvation.
As I mused through the Psalms, there perhaps is a secret as to why the Lord calls David "a man after His own heart." In the Psalms there is a multitude of "I Wills" - some are David's and some our God's. But it gives us an insight to the heart of David and to note how God addresses Himself with an "I Will".
We open the "Lenten Season" and it begins with Ash Wednesday. This day is a day of self-examination, and moves onward to Maundy Thursday, and finally Good Friday! "I" is so often in our conversation, it is a term that identifies what we think or want personally. It often evades our knowledge that we refer to ourselves so often. Humility rises to the surface as we face the examination of ourselves before the Lord. How much of our lives is about Him, and less of ourselves, as we bow to our covenant with the Lord!
God is able to deliver from the present evil world: II Timothy 4:18, II Peter 2:9Our Faith stands with the Power of God: I Corinthians 2:5, II Timothy 1:7-9The Power of God is Wisdom: I Corinthians 1:21, Luke 22:69-71
I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Paul was an energetic servant of God. As he and Silas prayed, praised and sang at midnight something glorious happened! They were not in church, they had been beaten with many stripes, thrust into prison, and their feet were fastened in stocks.Yet they sang praises! Even in these dire circumstances their voices were a witness and a testimony of the Christ they loved, for the prisoners heard them.
We serve a "God of the Better!" Better than what you ask? Better than anything this world has to offer! He is the Highest Potentate in our world, and world for that matter. He is God, and He is better than any fear or temptation - anxiety, or anything the devil has to offer of this world.
In decisions that lie ahead may we hear the message "fear not!" Should there be disappointments, let us hear the angelic message that gave the shepherds guidance and led them to the Christ. In the year that lies ahead there will be many opportunities to hear these powerful heavenly words, "fear not!"
The day God fulfilled His promise and sent a Child born of the Virgin Mary. A Savior for all mankind, it is truly an awesome day. Our Advent candles: 1: Hope (Ps. 31:24), 2: Peace (John 14:27), 3: Joy (John 15:11), 4: Expectation (Rom. 8:19)
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Rev. Don Van Zandt shares about the "joy" Christ feels for us. Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.
Lesson: Genesis 27:15-24 and 42-44Isaiah 30:18 The Lord is a God of judgement: blessed are all they that wait for him.
This glorious season of Christ's birth begins with thoughts of His love for us, that He would give Himself for our redemption. Note, this is the first gift ever given, the most valued gift. The remembrance of Jesus and all His gifts He has given, is still giving!
The Word of God is so full of praising, and giving of thanks, we must become full of praise and worship that others might see our dedication to our faithful God!
Thanksgiving is a powerful entity, a strong partner of Thanksgiving! But today's message deals mostly with "Continual Thanks!" In this season of Thanksgiving it would be great for us spiritually if we could major on "continually giving thanks!" Hebrews 13:15 "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name."
The Thanksgiving season reminds us of all the reasons we love our God, all the times He has been there for us, and how great He is as we reach out to Him in worship and Praise!!
At least four times in our scripture reading today it states Jesus was full of compassion. And then several times in scripture it speaks of Jesus as being moved with compassion. There are also other times that compassion is seen in the heart of an individual, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Deut. 8:2
Rev. Wood is a missionary from Mexico. He is a pastor, head of a Bible College, conducts tent meetings , and runs the New Dawning Orphanage Padilla, Tamaulipas, Mexico. As you can tell, Rev. Wood is extremely busy doing the Lord's work. We have known Rev. Wood since he was 12 years old, and continues to work in missionary work to this day!
Let us sing a song of praise for He had done mighty things in our Lord's house! "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation day to day." Psalm 96:1
Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
The Lord has great expectations for His children, thus He gave us a free will expecting us to serve Him with all our hearts.This is the true saints' desire.
Who is like unto Thee? Let us meditate upon the holiness of God. It is difficult to talk about the holiness of God in one message. There is so much to be covered when we meditate upon our Holy God. Holiness for us is a commitment to a Christ-like life style. To understand holiness in our lives we look to Jesus. We see His actions, His passions, and His commitment to His Father.
Changes are made and as we move through the changes we discover more power of faith, trust, and patience among so many more things. This was the movement of a church building, but the real movement was the Spirit of God moving with purpose to fulfill the Father's Will. A move of God is still going on... For His Spirit is not just in a building, His is building something much more precious!
It is the sacrificed Lamb of God who redeemed us and set us free from the darkness of evil! O praise His Holy Name, the Lamb of God who gave to us this greatest gift, the gift of salvation!
Children are the gift of God, they are a witness of the creative power of God, and ultimately a servant in His kingdom. Jesus gave this most powerful object lesson of a child to His disciples. Mark 9: 36-37 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, "Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."
O, to seek the Lord for help in our warfare, and be not tempted to respond un-Christian like. Walk away seeking the Lord and rejoice in God's love and strength! This is the day to lift up our hands and give glory and honor unto the Lord of our salvation.
The church-at-large is to rise up and do what God wants us to do in both our personal lives and our beloved country. "Dry Bones" be gone! We have a loud and clear call from our Lord to wake up and show forth our light. Ezekiel 37:1-10
Rev. Don spoke today about our spiritual 401K, investing in our eternal destiny. As we invest in our heavenly kingdom we bankrupt satan's kingdom. Unleash the authority you have been given by your investment in the Lord's kingdom, His 401K.
"For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? For their rock is not as our Rock." Deu 32:28-31
Judges Chapter 7: Gideon is an example of God controlling a situation, and His power to do all things. Temptation will not overtake us. We have to trust God. Listen to what God has to say. Then surround the enemy and watch God conquer. Situations are only circumstances, remember nothing is too hard for God.
Hear the cry of the Psalmist, "Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance." Psalm 106:4-5 May we remember the day You covered our sins and cast them in the sea of forgetfulness. May we remember You suffered when we are challenged with discontentment or remembrance of things that have hurt us. May we constantly remember Your steadfast love and the power of "Who You are in us!"
Just as our human father has certain responsibilities for his children, God has taken responsibility for us, His children. Our God is an everlasting Father, promising He will never leave Thee. Romans 8:15-16: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."
These are questions that need to stir our heart on occasion that we might grow in the things of the Lord! Christianity has wondered far away from total dedication.. Saints we need to strengthen our Love for God! It is good to stop on occasion and have a checkup as to how committed we are to God’s Love!
Green is a symbol of resurrection, we see it each year as the green springs forth all around us. What an incredible symbolism of our eternal life. To the Christian, it is our eternal destiny! It is growth, flourishing, as the rainbow filled with the colors of God. We are surrounded by Him. His presence surrounds us every moment of every day.
The mighty wind of God descended upon humanity this very day of Pentecost! O what a glorious entrance into our lives. Out of the treasures of God came the Holy Ghost, as the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house! The Spirit of Truth was ushered in and a Great Witness was given that Christ was sent from Father God, and this day of Pentecost He is glorified to all who believe on Him.
Proverbs 16:15-17 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.Proverbs 16:19-20 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
This is a day no doubt everyone remembers their mother wither she was great or she disappointed you. She gave you Life! The Greatest Gift she could give. Let us be thankful, and why not give her a call if she is still with us on this earth!
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 Moses commissioned Aaron to speak this message unto the children of Israel. In this blessing of Aaron the priest is what God is to us! He is the blesser, the perserver, the provider. He is the Lover of His people, He truly is our caretaker and the peace giver! If we sincerely believed this, He would be the first we call on in our struggles of life.
We turn to the New Testament to hear the spiritual aspect of food for our souls. Hebrews 10 is a great study for your devotion this week. O how awesome is the New Covenant! The Word of God turns to exhort us in spiritual matters relating natural food to spiritual food.
Today we find a mortal being in scripture that will give us some thoughts that will strengthen our spiritual life. We are flesh, and sometimes fail our beloved God, but let us look at a man whose "heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord!"
Psalm 145 is the psalm I wanted us to look at and meditate upon, so today the question is before us. "How often do I praise God?" When we praise Him, it is like saying I love You, Lord, and then we go into the many reasons we love Him. Then we declare His wonderful works to everyone around us! This psalm is a personal psalm of King David.
John 20:27-29 "Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, it is sad that the praise that sounded forth was temporary - for some of the same voices that "Praised Jesus ultimately turned to yell crucify Him." Shallow praise will never be in eternity! Only the ransomed will experience the glorious unending high praises that fill the heavens.
As we walk with Jesus in this Lenten Season we come to "A Mountain" where the awesome holy moment of Transfiguration happened. What a powerful moment that the disciples were given to see Jesus illuminated, glorified, and brilliantly shining, and with Moses and Elijah.
There may be various studies on the manifestation of Christ, but today, in this Holy Season of Lent, it is good to remember and mediate upon the fact that Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil.
Today we follow Jesus into the synagogue and hear His first sermon. It is more than a sermon, it is a revelation of who He is and what He has come to earth for ... He stands up to signal He will read the Torah. Interesting, they hand Him the book of Isaiah. Hear the passage He chooses ... Isa. 61:1-3.
We do not have the whole account of Jesus' temptations for the scripture begins with "being forty days tempted of the devil, and Jesus fasting, now He was hungry. After these forty days of temptations we are now privy to the final three temptations which no doubt encompassed the totality of His temptations.
This is a remembrance! It is placed on the church calendar by our fore fathers many years ago that there would be a call to keep the suffering of Christ before us that we might remember the price He paid for our eternal life. So we stop in this holy season of sacrifice and each Sunday we walk with Jesus until resurrection brings the glory of life after death to us!
We know we are not perfect, yet He remains the same. Heb. 13:8 tells us, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." He asks one thing of Us; Jesus said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 10:27
We look to the scripture to find biblical strength as we seek to develop a greater trust in God and grow in spiritual strength! We live in such a hurried time, busy, busy and little time to contemplate the love or glory of our God.
The price was paid by our God and His son! The call here is for us to thirst after Spiritual matters. The call here is for us to thirst after spiritual matters.
"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied." I Samuel 17:45
Faith is part of our confession, but it must "have stay power behind it." We must be able to "walk" out the circumstances that sometimes challenge us. Faith is a staple of our life in Christ! It is a "Fruit of the Spirit" with companions of love, joy, peace, gentleness, longsuffering, goodness, meekness and temperance!
Mat 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.Mat 2:11-12 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
This is a strong strategic hour in which we live. As we look to the future our hope must be in our God, not in the things of this world. If we know this, we must practice our "faith?" Faith is more than confessing that you believe and trust the Lord Jesus. It is actually walking in a realm where you know that whatever happens He will never leave you nor forsake you. It is living the life of trust more than confessing it!
Whose government is it? As the prophets gave the message of the virgin birth, another prophetical word is seen: Isa. 9:6-7 "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever."
Today is the Advent candle of Joy and we celebrate God's Son, Jesus our Savior! Ir was for "joy" that He yielded Himself to bring salvation to God's chosen and then to the Gentiles. Thank God for the kings of the East who came to worship the new born King and caused eternal life to be given to the Gentiles also! Do we recognize the power of Jesus' "joy?" A joy that brought sacrifice and great physical pain to Jesus, not to mention the moment that God looked away as Jesus took upon Himself our sins! What a God we serve, what a Savior we have!
Consider the Mighty Power of God! We are not wimp Christians, we are filled with the Power of God's presence, and His love and strength abides in us. Isa. 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
To celebrate our Savior, first we must give reverence and homage, adoration and honor to our Father God who has turned the darkness into light by the Power of His Spirit! True, when we lift up Jesus, it honors out Father God, but all too often God is thought about as the one who corrects an punished our wrong doings, Today we give highest praise to our Father in Heaven as we begin the glorious Advent of Christmas.
Jesus' Words, "Abide in Me, and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the Vine. I am the Vine, ye are the branches." The branches receive life and nourishment from the vine or the branches will wither and die.
Prophecy is fulfilled and a glorious eternity is set before the believer, the one who believes in the Son of the Living God! The saints' song of praise breaks forth, "I WILL ENTER HIS GATES" with thanksgiving of praise. Heaven's Gates open wide to receive the praises of His people.
Many undaunted saints have gone to their eternal rewards through persecution, hardship and death. In light of it being "All Saints Day" it is a time to reflect on the martyrs who have given their lives for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 119:17-18 "Deal Bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live, and keep Thy Word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law."
Rev. Greg Wood and Brother Ricardo visited us all the way from Mexico. Brother Ricardo shared music with us from Mexico. Rev. Wood shared with our church his ministries: 24 hour radio, TV, the church he pastors, a Bible College, and one closest to Commerce Community's heart, the New Dawning Orphanage. https://www.facebook.com/newdawningchildrenshome/
"Who is Worthy" is Jesus, the Lamb of God! But today as we examine this question, we will become more mindful that Christ is the Worthy One! And hopefully it will stir our hearts once more to the Power and Glory of our Savior!
As seen in Psalm 92 which is called a psalm for the Sabbath, it calls for "Sing Praises," not only with our voices, but with instruments also. We are reminded that should the wicked flourish, they shall be destroyed for ever. And then we see the blessings, we shall be anointed with fresh oil - the righteous shall flourish.
The important issue here is "Above All Things" found in scripture so that we might grow in His grace and be prepared for His coming.
“How we Give Thanks for our Lord!” It is good for us to dwell on the things that He has given us and to remember them with Thanksgiving in our heart. Even in an adverse situation there is cause to give devotion unto the Lord! As our hearts turn to embrace a “Thankful Spirit” and to meditate upon the Goodness of God, He will visit us! It is good to know that He dwells in the midst of our Praises. It is with heartfelt devotion we give unto Him as we Worship our God and Redeemer. May our Praise and Worship encompass a Thankful heart!
David was willing to stand for Israel and his God! O how we need such courage in this hour! So many things tried to dissuade David from his stand! There was a willingness in him as he took his stand for God's people.
When God calls you gracious, He sees you as a treasure, He delights in you, regardless of your status or behavior. But the glory of God is found in grace - free and unmerited favor, manifested in God's love for us. God, sending Christ to bring us grace, this unmerited favor; salvation from sin, divine blessings, and eternal life to mention just a few! 2 Co 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Today we are invited to the table of the Lord. It is a special invitation and important that we "never forget" this supper that we have been blessed to attend. Holy Communion is not a ritual to be observed, but a blessing to be received and remembered throughout all of our lives.
O God, awaken our hearts to this moment in time, that we might rehearse the goodness of God and be strengthen by the things that you have already done in our lives. Remember in Ex. 33 when You passed by Moses, You proclaimed: "I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy."
Hear the words of Jesus when He said..."I will build My Church; and the 'gates of hell' shall not prevail against it." Jesus is saying, should "the gates of hell" come against My Church, it will not prevail! Prevail means "more powerful than opposing forces - victorious! The enemy may buffet us, and seek to harass us with the "cares of life,' but we are triumphant in the redemption of our Savior! 2 Cor. 2:14 "Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ!"
Several questions are posed today as we remember our Lord and Saviour! 1. How do we witness His love to others? (Acts 1:8) 2. What am I spiritually passionate about? (Luke 12:34) 3. Is my love for God "First Place" in my heart and life? (Luke 6:45) 4. And how full of joy am I? (John 5:11-14) These are sobering questions as we pause to sincerely think upon our love for our God, His Son, and the power of the Holy Ghost!
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:9
Many good things can result from the trials and temptations we face. One great result, if we allow it, is that we are being conformed into the image of Christ if we respond patiently without anger, blaming others, etc.
"Thou art worthy" for Thou was slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood and hast made us unto our God kings and priests! The voices came forth from ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands!"
Our soul needs a revival of joy, the joy that Jesus promised. John 15:11 "Jesus said: These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full!" Sometimes we evaluate happiness with joy, but the joy Jesus gives supersedes any other kind of happiness because it lasts, it never fades, it is always available to us if we will receive it!
When our Nation Celebrates a Holiday, we can always see a Spiritual Opportunity. The Awesome Freedom that God has given to us in our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! Today we honor our God-minded forefathers who set in motion a nation whose motto is ”In God we Trust” – We are One Under God! We also honor every man and every women that has gone to battle for the Freedom we have in our Country.
The phrase "Upright in Heart" refers to the godly person being one who is unbending and standing straight up for the Lord and for His Word. Straight up in their lives, unbending in their convictions, unwavering in their Christian conduct and faith. Josh. 1:7 "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
Today's message is about a Father, our heavenly Father which found a young man who loved Him, walked in His statutes and made sacrifices and offerings unto Him. God gave Solomon a dream about the time he had arrived at kingship.
Our first response to an attack of the enemy/satan is to do what the King did to David, He tried to put on the amour of the day to protect David. The world’s way will never conquer, what we need is the Amour of God! It may look like we are in an “unmatched” battle. We must not be like King Saul and respond with “dismay and great fear!” Let us be reminded of David’s first response as He faced the giant/enemy! “Who is this Philistine/enemy that he should defy the armies of the Living God!”
1– God is furious with sin 2– The Lord is Good 3– We have a Strong Hold in the day of trouble 4– He knows us when we Trust in Him! Everyone is vying for Acceptance ... O the power of God’s Word: “He has Accepted us in the Beloved, the family of God!” As Accepted in Christ, we are part of the Kingdom of God – and hear what the Kingdom of God houses – “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost. For He that in these things serveth Christ is Acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace, and things wherewith one may edify another!” – Rom. 14:17-19
Today we look at the assistance, the help of our God as we journey through this life that He has given to us. It is important to remember that in the midst of God's fury of sin, He continues to love us. We find assistance, that is help many times in the scriptures. Isaiah the prophet tells us, "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." O the blessings of His assistance!
“The sea obeys His command, the mountains quake, the hills melt, and the earth burns at His Presence!” His Word says: “Who can abide in the fierceness of His Anger?” This is a strong lesson that declares the heart of our Lord! It restores an awesome fear of the Lord” who loves His People, sent His Son, in our time, and allows His Love to suppress His Anger at a rebellious nation. Yet we will see this glorious fact: “He knoweth them that Trust in Him! To them “The Lord is Good, and He is a Strong Hold in the time of trouble!”
Consider the Cup, All that was in the Cup, the nails, the crown of thorns, the stripes – all emitting His Precious Blood, the Blood that would cover our sins! Here in Luke He takes the Cup up twice: first as He mentions His desire for them; and after dinner as He tells them, “The Cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you.” What a moment it must of been at the Table of the Lord. In the Bread we see the Broken Body of our Lord! Depth of thought must be given to this Sacrifice of Jesus’ that He gave to us!
Ordinary people with a willing heart, touched by the will of God fulfilled the heart of God, and salvation became a gift to all mankind! "Obedience" is not always the easy path, but it is the most rewarding journey anyone will ever take...It is a journey of trust and faith as God moves among humanity to perform His will giving thanks for our moves among humanity to perform His will. Giving thanks for our mothers and blessing them!
There is Refuge in Christ for we are able to enter into the Presence of God through Jesus’ Blood and find the Anchor that is steadfast. An Anchor is used to secure the Ship, to keep it from drifting away in stormy weather. Without an Anchor, the ship will slowly drift away with the wind and strong current. If it is not Anchored it will put the vessel and the crew at great risk. The Anchor will secure the ship at a safe place. We must Anchor our Soul, that is the desires of our life in Christ!
God is not to be worshiped merely because of the temporal, material and physical blessings of life, but simply for Who He is. O Church, let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we will walk upon the "High Places" and sing the songs of Zion!
We celebrate this glorious day because Jesus was the victor over the enemies of His Father God! The devil's defeat is pending, it will come, and we will sing togther in God's eternal home.
These are Jesus' final days on earth as He makes preparation that leads to His moment of sacrifice. He continues strong about "His Father's Business" which is our eternal salvation. Think of the anguish that must have been in Jesus' heart as the final preparations were being made for His journey to the cross. He would ride triumphantly into Jerusalem, but His heart must have been heavy.
Jesus spoke to the religious leaders of the day and asked this question, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, the Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the Corner, this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?" Matt. 21:42
We can draw examples of Jesus' cleansing the Temple for we are the Temple of God. Jesus suffered the Cross that we might "house" the Triune God, His Son, and Power of the Holy Ghost!
If Israel could come forth in such a praise as they sang "Spring Up, O Well;" How much more can we sing "Spring Up, O Well!" He is the "living water" that quenches our thirst and fills our vessel with life! Hear the prophetic words of Isaiah: 12:3 and 5, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things."
We are triumphant because of Jesus' strength and power over the works of darkness. In all things He has gone before us and prepared the way. As we draw near to Him in this Holy Lenten season, the holiness of His person will surround us with His joy!
As this holy season begins and as we look within to contemplate the gift of salvation that has been given to us, we may find things that we need to change. A fresh sanctification, a growing moment in our dedication to our Lord and Saviour! When this happens there will be "outward signs" of the inward change. The ashes tell us we have inventoried our inner man and have set a fresh course of action to draw nearer to God! I Tim. 4:11-13
Do we see God in our trials, our waiting periods, our difficulties? God continues to desire to reveal Himself to His people. He reveals Himself in Jesus, our Saviour, and through the Power of His Word and the comfort of the Holy Ghost!
Holy, Holy, Holy, reverberates throughout heaven as our God is Worshiped! It is a sound heard perpetually around the Throne of God according to the Revelation in Scripture!
His love is not a starry-eyed feeling, but it is strong and tough as a "wooden executioner's cross" and as eternal as a universe beyond time.
"I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shall know that I Am the Lord!" Eze. 16:62 We are the receiver of an awesome covenant given to us in the blood of His only "ways" that God has led us these many years. God was reminding them He had led them for those 40 years in the wilderness and He continues to lead us today.
The Wind of God surrounds us, The breath of God never leaves us – it is in us! And always encamping about us, as it returns we are kept in the circle of God’s Love. Of course by now you are seeing the revelation of this Message, it is the “Rushing Mighty Wind of God’s Holy Spirit that surround us, never leaves us and is always around us! Let us meditate upon the power of this Truth! God uses the natural things of this earth to teach us Spiritual Strengths!
Today the song of the Lord seems so powerful, we need Him to inhabit us! Psalm 47:6-7 Sing praises to God, sing praises: Sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: This is my prayer for the New Year, that a song of praise will fill our soul until it bursts forth in glorious worship!
The Foremans singing and Rev. Foreman preaching the "Feeding of the 5000" Mark 6:30-44 1. Start where you are. 2. Use what you have. 3. Do what you can. 4. Leave the rest to God.
I know a praying church will survive the storms! How do I know? Because Jesus can calm any storm that the enemy can deliver. What this past year tells me is, Jesus is preparing His people for a glorious "Advent!" He is coming!
He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! He came by flesh into this world to be a witness of His Father, the God of Heaven. How glorious is this?
Today we celebrate Jesus, He Shall Be! It is Joy Sunday so first of all, "He shall be our Joy!" Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
He is the propitiation for our sins: Let's examine the word "propitiation." This word is a strong word, a powerful word. It is sobering. Jesus became the atonement for our sins. It was an awesome act of God to show His love to us in such a personal way.
Today let us go back into time "before" the cry of the prophet and see who Jesus was, how did He come into being. We hear Jesus giving the information to His disciples in John 16: 28; "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world."
Because of the attacks of the enemy, Christianity perhaps has forgotten the power of our God. He has given us His strength to "Triumph in His Praise." As we praise and glorify our God we are reminded, "His mercy endures forever!"
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen!" What does all this mean to us? Let us enlarge our hearts to seeing His glory in our lives, that a "Doxology of Adoration" will rise not just from our lips, but from the depth of our hearts unto the Eternal God Jehovah!
Lesson 2 Kings 10:15-20, 25-31 It is good to be zealously affected always is a good thing. Gal. 4:18a
As believers in our Saviour we must be alert in the time of distress and fight against the threats of the evil one. These are things we know, but the hour is upon us to put into practice the Spirit of God. "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears." 2 Samuel 22:7
As the elements are raised, it is a holy moment, a sacred response as His people consider the great gift God has given to the body of believers. It is good to pause today as we respond to Jesus command, "This Do In Remembrance of Me!"
The message is about ourselves. It is about approving ourselves as a faithful and dedicated believer in our witness which is our ministry unto the Lord and unto those we come in contact with each day.
We welcome our missionary from Mexico, Dr. Greg Wood. Members of the Commerce family have visited this ministry in Mexico several times. His daughter, Alma, who has assisted him since her youth, is with us today. She also has a great ministry. We continue to remember the Mexico orphanage in Padilla, Mexico, which Commerce Community has been honored to support!
All Powerful Father who reigns over this people, we come in thanksgiving to worship and praise You for all Your goodness unto us! We thank You for the confidence You have given us in eternal life by sending Jesus to cover us with His precious blood. He has sent the power of the Holy Ghost to guide us along this journey on earth! As thankfulness arises in our heart may our confidence in You be strengthen and absolute! Darkness can not prevail for You have sent Your light into our world! Our confidence is in You! And in You there is no fear! O Lord draw our loved ones unto salvation I pray.
Ps. 89:7-9 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. Lam 3:24-26 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
God's desire is - that we might "feel" Him. It is one thing to say we love Jesus, another thing to serve Him, and yet another thing to follow Him - so close that we "feel" Him! Christianity must rise to the occasion. Our witness for Jesus must be strong, and full of the power of our salvation! It is not enough to be a good person. The heart of God is calling for His people to draw near.
“How Excellent is Thy Name O Lord our God!” Today we consider the Power of the Name of Jesus! It is an Excellent Power of Love and Mercy which He has bestowed upon His people. His Name is full of Glory, so such that our vocabulary cannot express in words, His powerful Greatness!
The forever question that is asked: How do we know there is a God? The answer to that question is found in John 1:1-5 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
The blessing of inheritance arrives to the believer as Christ fulfills the Father's will at Calvary. Just to meditate upon the blessings that encompasses our life as a Christian is overwhelming and then to see the "promised blessings" in scripture is, well it's just overpowering!
My soul shall be joyful in the Lord. There is hope and strength in the song of the Lord. There is encouragement, and most of all a joy that will fill our spirit, our soul, and speak a peace that passes all understanding in the midst of the turmoil a peace that passes all understanding.
These truly are the days of Elijah, where we must declare the Word of the Lord to the conflict of the enemy. He is warring for our peace and our soul, but we are as God has said: "More than conquerors!" What are the weapons that can pull down the strong holds? The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy and admonishes him to "Fight the 'Good Fight of Faith' - and to "Lay up in store a good foundation against the time to come," that they may Lay Hold upon eternal life. Cast down imaginations and anything into captivity and to the obedience of Jesus Christ!
“For it became God, to make the Captain of our Salvation perfect through Jesus Sufferings,” Not only do we have a Captain, we have a Great High Priest, a Good Shepherd, a Chief Shepherd and a Bishop of our soul! Jesus is all in all! No matter the Invasion of the enemy, Jesus is beside us and He dwells in us! While our world is experiencing an Invasion from Hell, God is Greater and as we read in Scripture we know the “Battle belongs to Him!” Our dependence is upon the Almighty God who send His Only Begotten Son to Redeem humanity and now we wait in great expectation for His Return.
Eph. 6:12; "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The Word of the Lord is our strength as we are in the battles of our day! Our weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God and thru our trust in Him, we can pull down the strong holds! Let me quote Rom. 8:37-39 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2:24
There is no name higher to use. This question ran through my mind, " how mighty is almighty?" Has Christianity forgot the Great God we serve who loves us and sent His Son to redeem us? He is mighty and afforded the name "Almighty God!"
How blessed we are to have the freedom that God has given to this country. The freedom that many have given their lives for in the past and even today. As we celebrate this important event in our country, may our hearts be filled with thanksgiving. July 4 is a day of celebration for liberty...but the greatest liberty is to be free of the bondage of sin, and to know the grace and mercy of our faithful God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lev. 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Psa 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psa 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Singing unto the Lord is a powerful way to Bless the heart of God especially when you Sing the Psalms. 1 Chron. 16:9 “Sing unto Him, Sing Psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.” Ps. 105:2 declares this thought again: “Sing unto Him, Sing Psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wondrous works.”
Through our Saviour we will Triumph! He is the source of our strength, “a present help in the time of trouble!” To Triumph in the Works of His hands is a most powerful statement. Consider the Works of our Creator, and ponder the glorious Gift of Jesus as He has Redeemed us, He is in the Believer who is serious about Him, He surrounds us day and night and He will never leave us. Let us say “I Will Triumph” in Lord, My God, My Saviour, and His Holy Ghost! Let us give forth a Triumphant shout of Praise.
Real people standing against the seasons of their lives that were difficult, but it did not detour them from what God required of them. It was a testing and trying season, but God was there all the time.
Are we waiting patiently, full of expectation for the Holy Ghost to flow a fresh through our hearts and souls? This is the question the Lord spoke to me. I thoughts sure ... but then I felt the urgency of the question. I heard the voice of the Lord stir deep in my heart. We are going to need this Holy Ghost power more than we ever imagined as we face these days of the devil's torment. This Holy Ghost nudges us to hear the voice of our God. It nudges us to stand against the darkness of this hour - We must not only "listen" but respond!
We are in a “Pressing” mode – pressing to overcome the fear of our day; pressing to stand against the works of darkness; pressing to be obedient to the His Voice, and pressing to – well just overcome all the things that have transpired this past year. The great news is this: “No weapon formed against us will prosper!” – we may be partakers of hardship, but “Our Hope is steadfast” – Jesus has never left us! Forgetting those things which are behind – I Press Toward ....
The heart of this message is "that no one come behind in the gifts of God." As the testimony of Christ is confirmed in you, you are a witness of God's great gift of salvation!
I Cor. 12:5, 28, 11 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
O the glorious gifts of God, search them out, meditate upon them and you will sense the powerful presence of your Lord and Saviour. I will pray with the Spirit, I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with understanding...to understand we must fill our life with His Word.
What the Church of Jesus Christ needs today is a "fresh burning" a desire to plunge into the heart of God. Could we be like the disciples? We know spiritual things but are not experiencing the power of the precious Holy Spirit.
This power we need, a power that will bring us into eternal life. Yes, sustain us while we "witness" of Jesus on this earth. O the power of resurrection, we know about it, we talk about it, but there is a depth to reach that will push our faith beyond the flesh and keep us from the hours of temptation.
Jesus moves onward to bring salvation to all humanity, even those who would persecute Him. He could do this because He trusted His Father. There is power in us when we trust our God and His Son, our Savior.
God was gracious to offer His beloved Son to the Gentiles. We are a blessed people. We must embrace the "Power of Trust!" Trust is the "firm belief in the reliability, truth, strength of someone." That someone is Jesus! After Peter's struggle, we hear him say... "I'm a servant of Jesus Christ," to them that have obtained like precious faith.. The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perished.
Heb. 12:2 resonates once more in my soul - "Look to Jesus, He is the author and finisher of our faith!" He could see the "joy" that would come because of His sacrifice, yet He cried out for the Father to relieve Him of the moment. As the angel drew near, Jesus was strengthened! And "joy" overtook Him and we are blessed as we trust in Him!
Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
His desire was to please His Father, and while He was tempted, His trust in the Father's will strengthened Him for the task that lay ahead.
This is a powerful request of Jesus, it is a command straight from the heart of our Lord and Saviour! It is easy to be friendly, but to show unfeigned love go someone is special, but most important; is that our love be an example of the believer and that is to love all humanity, Jesus being our example.
God says, "I will do new things, and before they spring forth I tell you of them!" Can the house of the righteous stand in the wonderment of God's doings? God is doing what He has promised to His house the believers ... He speaks to the Church telling us "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
Could it be that our strength is according to our love for God and His people? As we are experiencing the signs of the times, wherein Jesus has warned us about, the last days...How strong is our love, how much do we love our neighbor?
This is a great hour for the saints, we can be a witness of spiritual strength as we go about our daily responsibilities. Our world need a witness of God's love, strength, and faith in this hour! We sing the song, "More of You Lord, More of You."
"Stand, See, Ask for the old paths." What are the "Old Paths?" Love God with our whole being! Love our neighbor as our self. Withstand the evil of our day - Shod our feet with the gospel - Stand fast in the Holy Spirit - Open our eyes, that we may behold wondrous things.
When we magnify Him we "increase" our love for Him! Such increase of our Lord causes hope to arise, peace springs forth, and we remember God is for us and no weapon formed by the enemy can daunt the power of His blood that covers us!
It is good to be reminded that God is requiring His people to stand strong in the face of this hour of darkness. Let us think what we would like to "get done" as we enter this New Year!" Let's Get It Done in 2021!
Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. No wonder Isaiah wrote (12:3) "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water our of the wells of salvation." Oh, that our joy might be full in Jesus, our life giver - O let the celebration continue as we celebrate life!
This is the holiest time of the year as we celebrate "Salvation Has Come!" The gifts of Christ that He has given to us can not be purchased with monies, they are powerful gifts of His love. Let's take a look at these gifts; joy, peace, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life!
The shepherds were invited to visit the Christ Child! They returned to their field, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen. This is the most glorious advent as the total event unfolds! I'm wondering what Mary and Joseph thought as the shepherds came bustling into the stable?
While Christ was with His Father from the beginning, He was privy to the offering that His Father would ask of Him. It was not just His obedience, but as God's plan for humanity came into focus, it would require obedience in the lives of others, Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and the kings all that responded to obedience. In all, it must have been an obedience of their hearts! Today such obedience is being offered to the body of Christ.
In this moment in time where there is much turmoil, devastation, and strife, we open our hearts to the "joyful sounds," despite the commotion in our world. As we hear the joyful sound of prophecy may it drown out the noise of the day and bring us into His joy! Micah 5:2
II Samuel 23:8-12 Don't let the sword go! Don't give the enemy any ground! Don't give up!
God's Word makes it perfectly clear that it is God's will for us to have a victorious, healthy and prosperous life. These are God's promises to you. You have to believe His promises, reach out for them in faith and snatch them for yourself.
Let's meditate a bit on what a glorious event that will be. Imagine the banquet table ... it will have to be miles ling to seat all the saints. Yet, I am sure, we will see and interact with all. Our human minds cannot comprehend it; but we will be seated with friends and loved ones. We'll see men and women of the Bible who inspired us to finish our course. But best of all, seated at the head of the banquet table will be Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Bridegroom. What a tremendous event! Revelation 19:7-8
1) God is the God of All Comfort, 2) What shall I do, 3) He is our help We have unsaved loves ones, a lot of brokenness, heartaches, illness, health and problems. What shall I do? So the message is about love, trust, helping, and prayers.
God is the God of all comfort, this is a truth! What a powerful a powerful statement. It is recorded in God's Holy Word. 2 Cor. 1:3: He is the comfort in our lives. Scripture tells us when the Comforter is come, He comes with a Spirit of Truth.
It is God's profound desire that we are "happy!" But, it is not a happy that is normally defined by the flesh in which we live. It is a happiness that comes from the person of Jesus Christ.
As the believers' eyes are opened to spiritual things, we begin to see the Word of God coming to pass in our generation. It is an hour when Jesus is standing at the door of our heart, saying that He desires to "sup" with us! Rev. 3:20 The word "sup" is more than just sipping coffee with us, it means He desires to sit down with us, commune with us. But the final thought in the message today is "Greater is He that is in us then he that is in the world."
Wisdom and knowledge - And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28
Rev. 3:7-13 Jesus, the Angel of the churches, identifies Himself - Jesus identifies Himself as: holy, true, He has the Key of David, and when He opens the door, no man shutteth it!
There is but One Holy Spirit, and He was given to us as Jesus’ life flowed out of Him at Calvary: John 16:7 Jesus said: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” In the Holy Spirit of God there are abundant operations, He guides us, He nudges us, He protects us, He illuminates God’s Word to us … etc. It is sobering as we hear Jesus say: You have a name to live, but thou art dead. I believe we are watchful, but we need more strength for the day lest we die, and that is spiritually! Again we “Hear” - Hold Fast – Repent - Overcome, “Let us have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying unto the Churches!” Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain.
Thyatira was full of works, charity, service, faith, patience and again more works than at first. It is important that as we work, as we serve, and even as we walk in faith and patience; His eyes are ever upon us and nudging us to grow in His grace, mercy and His Word.
Jesus commended Pergamos of their works, holding fast to Christ’s Name, and not denying the faith. Christ identifies Himself to the Church as One Who hath the sharp sword with two edges. In most of these Churches Jesus cuts into their hearts with praise and then is the same case, He cuts into their lives with… “I have a few things against thee.” Be aware of the doctrine of Balaam, lest it be a stumbling block in someone’s life. Jesus cries out “overcome – repent.”
At Smyrna there is no reprimand, but a very strong warning. As we enter the Church at Symrna we hear Jesus identify Himself. He is the First and the Last, was dead and is alive; the Lord always sees the work we do for Him. The witness we are for Him; the good and the right things we accomplish...we must never forget He also sees our tribulation: something that causes great trouble or suffering in life. And when there is lack, He also sees our hardships. We know these things, but when trouble knocks at our door we need to be reminded that God sees everything!
Rev 2:1-7 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
Today we celebrate our fathers, we are thankful for every one of you. We ask the Heavenly Father to bless you in a special and unique way today! We not only celebrate our fleshly fathers, but our Heavenly Father! When we say my Father it tells us we have been fathered, it’s personal. Some have had painful experiences, and some have had good experiences; but we all have had an eternal father who has given us Promise and has not failed us. Jesus said: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with Power from on high.” Luke 24:49
Jeremiah 29:11-13 As we read this passage of Scripture in Jeremiah, we see the Revelation of “The Cup of Blessing!” We have communion with our Heavenly Father when we partake of the “emblems of His body and blood!” Communion has a strong meaning –It is the sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a spiritual level. -- It is a relationship between an individual and the Lord Himself. It is the service of christian worship which the bread and the fruit of the vine are consecrated and shared.
It is in the waiting to see the hand of God move, that sometimes like David we are disquieted and our hope does not have any strength. We learn what is needed in the waiting process: Ps. 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope.: If our hope is in anything other than God's Word, we will be as the writer of Proverbs proclaimed - "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick!" The strength of our hope is the Word of God.
How wonderful to celebrate Pentecost Sunday at this very time when we need a refreshing of such Power to strengthen us, to embolden us, to breathe upon us this Promise of Jesus! John 14:16-17 “I will Pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
Who Am I, that a King should bleed and die for? This is my message today, giving glory to Jesus our King who has died to give us eternal life!
The secret place is under the shadow of the Almighty! To dwell under God's shadow is to be protected- have safety! The devastation of our day requires safety. So we must "reason" what is the right thing to do? If we will dwell under His shadow, that is close to Him; He will be a refuge, a hiding place, a place of protection, a place of security! Remember the first words of scripture here, "He that dwelleth!"
The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul! Mankind has moved a zillion miles from the position that God intended for him. If there ever was a day that we need a "fresh breath of God to breathe on us - it is this day."
Reason together, what God is doing in the earth. Reason has a lot of thought. Reason Together! It means: "Explanation or justification for an event - a good obvious cause to do something - a premise of an discussion in support of a belief - the power of the mind to think, understand, what is right, and to find an answer to a problem by considering possible solutions, to persuade someone... Let us reason: God anchors us to Himself and in Him we are safe from the ill winds of darkness, to ever rule and reign with Him!
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that Father hath sent me. John 5:36
Lam. 3:21-25 How great is our God! Sending Jesus to be the strength and the "Rock" of our Life, giving us power of the Holy Ghost! Heb. 6:19 Let us gird up the loins of our mind, be sober, and be vigilant. Hope thou in our God! His grace is sufficient, Jesus' love endures! He is our resurrected Lord!
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Commerce Community Church has not been able to assemble together. Until we are able to gather again, Commerce is taping the Sunday morning service. Typically we have only the pastor's message (Video Sermons), now we are taping the entire service.
David declares “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Know that the “Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivered them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.” Ps. 34:7-9. Our Lenten messages began with the Joyful Path, a Path of Trust – these are not mere words, this is our passion, our trust is in the Lord.
We must learn to approach our difficulties with the “Joy” – His Joy! For it is He who has redeemed us! Happiness can easily be short lived, but sincere Jesus’ Joy is Eternal. God had a Path for Jesus, it lead to Gethsemane and Jesus was willing to obey His Father, He considered it a Joy. But with that Joy He had to “give” His life. That is called a “Joyful Sacrifice!” Because He gave His Life, we now can draw Joy from His Sacrifice.
We see this in Jesus Life as He faced the Adverse conditions that the enemy brought against Him. Remember the times that Jesus went alone to Pray. Jesus rose above the Adversity. While we rise above the crisis, or the circumstance, it often exercises our Faith.
It is a time of not only recognizing Jesus Suffering and obedience to His Father, but it is a time of remembering God’s Offering. God’s Offering is sometimes forgotten as we see the suffering of Jesus. God’s Offering was “His Only Begotten Son!”
Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
There is often sacrifice in true love! Our society today is full of love – love of the things of this world, lustful love, love for power and praise! The heart of God is still calling for pure love, as in the moment He spoke to Peter: “Lovest Thou Me?” Sacrifice is involved, as in God’s offering of Jesus; Consider the painful sensation in the heart of Abraham when God said to him, offer thy son for a burnt offering. Let us recognize afresh the desire in God’s heart for our love. His desire is not just for words, but action, as we see the day of Jesus return approaching.
I believe the saints of the Gospel of Christ see the signs of our time, but perhaps we fail to sense the urgency of our day. When you study Jesus Life, as we will note in the Message today; He warned them, blessed them, taught them, and revealed Truth to them. The emblems of His Sacrifice opened their eyes and they knew Him. He vanished and they said: “Did not our heart burn within us!”
Usually it is in silent Prayer meditation longing to find a source of comfort for the moment. This is the message today. Bits and pieces of wisdom for the tomorrows that follow. There is always comfort in God’s Word, but sometimes it is the last place we go to be comforted. One such verse that caught my eye was in Isaiah 34:16 and almost audibly I heard the words … “Seek ye out of the Book of the Lord, and Read …”
We hear Jesus say “Launch out into the deep …” we turn to the fruit of the Spirit given to us for a deeper experience in our salvation. Not only the Fruit of the Spirit, but the simplicity of God’s Word reveals truth that will sustain us when we are toiling through a night experience! In a crisis we must do as Peter did, respond with “nevertheless at Thy Word I will...!”
May we, His gentiles worship Him! Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the kings brought … what will we bring to worship Him in this New Year? The greatest offering we can bring is ourselves … search His Word, lift up our voices in praise and adoration, and bring unto Him the tithe of our labor.
What a wonderful season as we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Now we face a new year! What will this year hold for the Christian, the people of God? There will be "plenty" of opportunities to trust the Lord, to share His goodness in a corrupt generation, to show His love as we walk among His children.
Today we look at the First Witnesses who saw Jesus beside His mother and father. The angels of heaven look on as this holy occasion begins to open … An angel of the Lord is sent to give the message to the shepherds. They are quietly watching their flock by night when the angel appears with the message: “Fear not, for, behold I bring you good tidings of great Joy, which shall be to all people! For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!” The shepherds were frightened as the angel appeared and the glory of the Lord shone round about them … Soon there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, Good will toward men.” Thus we have the first witnesses, “Eye Witnesses” to the Christ born in the inn, & laid in the manger.
There usually seems to be a “conformation” when we take on a faith walk for the Lord. It might be a huge conformation, or it might be a small Word of God in season coming out of nowhere, like a friend, or a statement in a sermon, we turn to a passage of scripture that pops out and speaks to us, etc. Mary’s conformation came when she visited her cousin Elisabeth.
I hear Mary's thoughts as the individuals we will see in scripture today pretty much did not understand just what God was asking them to do, but they obeyed. I hear Mary's thoughts as the angel approaches her with the message "she is highly favored, she is troubled in her mind and wonders what manner of greeting this is, not to mention it is a angel speaking with her. She hears the message that God wants to use her. I'm wondering if we hear the message that God needs us also.
There is great purpose here as we meditate upon the Hymns we sing in our Church. Songs written from the heart directed by Spirit of God are a gift to the Church. When we sing them, there is a sense of the Holy Spirit which brings dedication to our heart.
1 John 2:25 “This is the Promise that He hath Promised us, Eternal Life.” The Promise of the Old Testament is found in Isa. 7:14, and 9:6” And to us Matt. 1:23
Harvest is about bringing in an increase of grain after the season of planting. Let us consider what we have planted this past year and evaluate our harvest.
We are on a spiritual journey, and the enemy of our soul often plants things in our path to detour us from the Work that God has for us. Today’s message is about our Road Work. What can we do for Jesus/Kingdom as we travel toward eternal life. We must overcome the detours, have patience while waiting, and “work!”
Jesus' faith enduring the Cross abolished death, and brought life and immortality to us. May we have the Testimony of Faith in these trying times as we remember the men and women who walked before us.
” In moments of torment, let us remember God’s Word to us, for it is our strength and power for that moment. Hear the Word of Lord … “Whoso keepteth His Word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected: hereby we know we that we are in Him!” – “Herein is our Love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment … There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. We love Him because He first loved us!”
In Genesis we saw God's personal friendship with Adam and Eve. We read that Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God.
Today my Son in the Faith is with us to share about the Orphanage in Mexico. His daughter Alma will also be with him. It is always a joy to hear the news of the children and have Alma share with us too. We are working with Dr. Wood to establish an online Bible College. Of course this blessed me greatly. We have shared our studies and prayerfully they will reach the nations once again through the Ministry of Fountain of Life.
We have seen in Scripture that God fulfills His Will to us. He Promised a Redeemer and Jesus became our Saviour. A Mighty God created us, He made the Heavens and the earth, He is above all and in all! “There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Not only is He a God of creative power, but a God of love, forgiveness, and purpose. God is over all.
When God said "I will redeem them," He kept His Word. What is "I will," for Him? May we say, "Jesus, not my will, but Thine be done."
What is Acceptable in the sight of God. The wisest man except for Jesus was Solomon and he wrote in the Scripture: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” There is a lack of the “fear of God” that is respect for God’s Word today.
A Christian knows that God is with us, and especially in a time of affliction, suffering, or perplexity when we don't seem to understand and are hard pressed! Yet often we give in to the stress of the moment. O thank you Jesus, You have given us a refuge in prayer! No matter how dark or impossible our situation may seem, we can cry out to our God for Help!
"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 2 Cor. 4:15-16
The last words of a departing loved one is always so important, and here Jesus tells us what He desires of us as He leaves us. He said there is a "Power of the Holy Ghost which will come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth."
Show me Your glory, Lord: I will make all my goodness pass before thee, I will be graciousness, I will show mercy! Ponder this: Is there any satisfaction in the Christian heart over the Goodness, graciousness, mercy of our God These attributes come with His glory and His glory is filled with His goodness!
Come Lord Jesus and reveal Your presence to us in the everydayness of our life! Strengthen us to be “doers” and fulfill Your covenant to Abraham, our desire is to be exceedingly fruitful for You!
Have you noticed the clamoring voices of our world? Have you sensed the restlessness in our society lately? Just listening to the political arena today, we are surrounded by a disquieted spirit and a restlessness or lack of peace. O but aren't we thankful for the peace of our Savior? His peace passes all in His presence!
The prompting of the Holy Spirit is: Think of how “Continual” our God is! He is full of Continual Compassion, His Mercy, His Grace, His forgiveness, His Truth – how thought provoking is the thought of “Continual Praise?! “Singing the Song of the Lord in our hearts Continually!”
As I Prayerfully pursued Sanctification and its meaning I knew the Lord is speaking to His Church in preparation for His Coming. His Great desire is that we will set ourselves apart from the world and be a witness of Who He is in our life! And that we will pursue His Holiness and to pursue His Righteousness, that our desires might be acceptable to our Lord and Savior.
God's heart of compassion for us caused Him to offer Jesus for our salvation! Jesus' compassion covered us in His cleansing blood! Let us rejoice in our salvation, and be filled with His great joy sharing our love with others!
Let us not allow the fiery darts that demonic spirits use deter us from our walk with God! Romans 8:37 tells us, "We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Psalms 108:13, " Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies." 1) We are spiritual, 2) If a believer, then satan is there to destroy you, 3) Be aware, 4) Don't allow open doors, 5) What are we to do about it?
Using the spiritual car wash will never wash our spirits as well as a constant relationship with our Lord.
How awesome it would be to stand in the midst of the host of heaven as thousands upon thousands stand before the Lamb, and they are singing the glorious new song, " Thou art worthy to open the seals; for Thou was slain, and has redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue and people and nations; and has made us unto our God kings and priests."
In this moment in our history, we go to God's Word and we are reminded that we have a sure foundation, held together by a "Precious Cornerstone!" On this we build our life. Let us consider our spiritual foundation, and the foundation of our country. It is the will of God that we be secure in our Christian life.
The first of the three things that was spoken to John is found in the first chapter of Revelation imparts the things which has been seen; the Church down through the Ages which John sees as Christ in the midst of the candlesticks. What have we see? - Christ in the midst of the Church! Revelation 1:17-18
We do the Lenten discipline for Him; He suffered and died for us! Let us raise our 'palms' in thanksgiving, and in grateful adoration for the passion of our loving Savior. John 12:12-13
The greatest gift we can give to God is our life, our flesh, our actions, our love! It is the example of Christ in us motivated to “offer service unto Him!” Meditate upon Eph. 5:2
Let us consider seeking the Lord earnestly, enthusiastically and determined to grow in His grace and love.
We are to have unity in belief, spirit and faith. We are to edify one another, encourage each other, and be like-minded with the mind of God.
Truly the Lord Jesus is to be praised, and our Father God is to be revered, let us hallow His holy name!
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
"There is a just God who resides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles." Patrick Henry
We will display the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives if we continue to abide in the vine, Jesus.
Too often we move through life dealing with disappointments, hard circumstances, loss and sometime failure. We must overcome and we can do this by the blood of Jesus that was shed for us.
David was a man after God's own heart. He used the weapons God had given him against the lion and the bear to defeat Goliath. We can use the weapons to defeat satan, the Word of God and prayer!
We can trust you, Lord, for You are our God! You shelter us from the storm, You are our secret hiding place.
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
Jesus came for us because God loves us! It is His desire that we show His love one to another.
This all began back in the Old Testament when a man heard the voice of God to Sacrifice his only son. Because of Abraham’s faith and obedience to follow God even when he did not understand, we have received redemption and eternal life. We know that redemption and eternal life comes through Jesus Christ, but it all started in a father called Abraham. God asked him to do the unthinkable! Willing and obedient he followed the Lord’s instructions.
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
Worry, distrust, negative attitudes, unfaithfulness to read God’s Word, or pray daily is not seeking Him. Just wrong attitudes in general. God has asked us to have a ‘Thankful Spirit’ – to enter His gates with Thanksgiving! His thoughts toward us is: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of Peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Commerce Community Church, located in West Des Moines, IA, uploads Sunday sermons each week. Now you can listen to the weekly sermon anytime, anywhere using the RSS feed. You will be blessed by hearing Dr. B. L. Rice present God's Word each Sunday.
I believe God is speaking to His followers, the ones who are called by His name. Is our conversation “Gracious?” Is it Christ-like? Does it magnify God? Does both blessings and cursing come from our lips? “…be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” ~ 1 Tim. 4:12
It is important to take a good look at Jesus after His death. We often focus on the resurrection and then after resurrection Sunday move on to other subjects. But it is good to focus on Jesus life after His death and after His resurrection. When we focus on this period of His life after everything we learn some powerful information.
As Paul related this to Timothy He said; “I am persuaded that such Faith is also in you! To all the Mothers, we love and appreciate you! Blessed are the Mothers of today and tomorrow, for they have been summoned to a great heroic hour.
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them….” Jesus went and preached unto the spirits in prison; and He said: “I Am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I Am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
What do you think Jesus see’s as He visits the cities of America? Even in our day, He continues to weep for the lost – the unrepentant. He also continues to intercede for the saints as He sits at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus was with the Father in the beginning, and from the sin of Adam and Eve, God's plan unfolds, Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
As He faced the cross, His moment of trial and pain, He took His disciples aside into the garden to pray. O saints! We have a praying Saviour. He continues to ever intercede for us even now at the Throne of our Father God. Jesus is our example of prayer. Prayer is our entrance into God’s throne.
Let's talk about Jesus because He is the center of everything. Approaching Easter, let us focus only on our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Temperance has several meanings: Self discipline, moderation, restraint, habitual moderation in the indulgence of appetites or passions, abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink. Much like meekness, temperance is having our members under control. In the Greek temperance is best translated by the word “mastery.” Which indicates full control over self and the things that one might desire.
One of the most powerful men in scripture is attributed to be ‘above all men upon the face of the earth very meek, Moses.’ Of course we know Jesus is the most powerful, yet it was said of this man. May we embrace the meekness of God’s Fruit within us!
It is more than what we see, it is a principle that Jesus has imparted to us; a fruit of His Spirit that keeps Hope alive until we enter into our eternal destiny. Faith holds our salvation secure through all the trials and temptations, and praying in the Holy Ghost builds our ‘Most Holy Faith.’ It is what we believe!
The goal is to inspire the Church to meditate upon the goodness of the Lord in their lives & in our land. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
The Fruit of the Spirit is sincerely prominent in a Christian’s life. When we can respond in gentleness, we invoke the wisdom of God in the circumstances of our life! O what a Gentle Saviour who lives in us!
We continue to learn that God does not require anything of us that He first has not went through. Think of His longsuffering as His only begotten Son was crucified! Let us meditate upon the Fruit of His Spirit that He desires of us to practice!
The Spirit of JOY is something much more important. It is an inner strength that is attached to Thanksgiving! If we are Thankful, it will release God’s Joy within us.
The fruit of love is see in the Apostle Paul, as his desire is: "That Christ be magnified in my body whether it be by life, or by death."
Be encouraged as the New Year unfolds, practice His way: Embrace the Spirit of Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance: Let us “Practice” together the Fruit of the Spirit of God, and see if He don’t just pour out His Presence and His Blessings upon us! Let us Practice together, His Ways.
Oh, Church, just as we must go the distance for Him, the enemy of our souls seeks to vex His people. We must press for the prize that is set before us.
He is concerned about our illness, the sickness, the physical things that afflict our bodies. He has healed our spirits for the wounds of the past. He has brought great JOY to be our portion in the land of the living.
As we celebrate the third week in Advent, we remember the JOY that surrounds the Lord Jesus' life.
“The Healer Has Come!” Not only is He the Healer of our Soul, but He is also the Healer of our Spirit.
This Advent season we speak of Jesus as the healer. First of all, He is the healer of our souls.
When Jonah finally gave thanks, his nightmare was over, and God released him from the belly of the fish!!
Praise ye the Lord, o give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.
We will rejoice, blossom in Spiritual matters and He will renew our minds and our spirits, bringing our soul/our flesh under His control!
Let us go through the gates of holiness and note our life affects others, for the Lord desires all His people to recognize His glory.
This is our cue that God is requiring something special from His people! In the Book of Ex.15 “Who is like unto Thee, O Lord, Glorious in Holiness.”
This message is encourage the saints to think about spiritual matters in their everydayness of life. God’s Word in “meat” to our soul and we must be filled with this nourishment for our Spirit being.
When you tell the Lord you love Him, do you tell Him why? Be specific with God telling Him why you love Him.
“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” ~ Psalm 119:17-18
He will grace us with a song in the night season, and He will give us gladness of heart if only we will draw nigh to Him.
It was Pastor Rice's 30th anniversary with Commerce Community Church. The church had Allan Robuck, an excellent Elvis impersonator.
What a mighty God we serve! A God that has sent His Holy Spirit through His Son Jesus to dwell in us, empowering us, equipping us, leading and guiding us into all Truth.
For while we are one body in Him, we have many characteristics and differences, thus His gifts bring balance to His church.
It is one of the most precious gifts that God has given to the body of Christ. Romans 5 tells us it is a free gift. There is so much to be seen as we pursue the gifts of God in our life!
What an awesome thought, we are the Body of Christ. When is the last time we gave some depth to our thoughts regarding our position in Christ?
Five people at Commerce Community gave five minute sermons; Danny Casto, Julie Casto, Jodie Taylor, Connie Gregory, and Kevin Dershum
God speaking about Aaron's sons: For their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
There are multitude of "gems" in the Old Testament, types and shadows for our benefit if we will meditate upon them. God wants His people to prosper and be in health as our soul prospers!
Yes, our Father in heaven has breathed on us the power of His name! He is our Peace! Oh, glorious heavenly Father!
David was a man after God's own heart. David had a relationship with God, no matter the circumstances in his life.
May our song of deliverance come forth with strength and power as we remember the delivering hand of our God in our life!
May the Song of Deliverance be on our lips! And may we always bless His holy name no matter the situation.
Have we not known Him? He is our safety, He is our High Tower and our deliverer, our Savior! Let us rest in His care.
God called Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. They all answered, "Here am I." God continues to call His witnesses and may we answer, "Here am I, Lord use me!"
Today we remain His witness, we have received the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost is among us to empower our testimony and insure there will always be an "eye witness" of our Christ!
Some were shallow praises - praises from the lips, not from the heart. We also note that there was what we call innocent or sincere praises.
All Christians would respond: Yes, I want to see Jesus, but note the scripture: To see Jesus, one must have "desire!"
Once our heart is open and we begin to notice the instruction and the response of Jesus to the situations of our life, we then see the passion in his heart.
His message was powerful, life changing, and fruitful! His message, His life, His sacrifice would end in giving us eternal life.
Let us meditate and contemplate, muse if you will, what such a love means? "This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you."
Today we begin to think upon, to ponder, the crucifixion of our Savior, which resulted in our eternal life. The season begins with Ash Wednesday. While we are working at taking something our of our life, that is abstaining, we should also take on a spiritual determination.
There is much preparation in the life of Christ as He moved toward becoming the Sacrificial Lamb for our redemption.
The same as we feed our physical being, we also must give attention to our spiritual bodies.
With a brand New Year before us, we "Press for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."