Pinecrest Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
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Sermon audio from Pastor John Anderson and guest speakers at Pinecrest Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia.
God instituted marriage and the home, and His Word gives us specific instructions about how to make it happy and healthy. Although we are all equal in the sight of God, He has appointed different roles for us to fulfill. Home life will not be successful if we try live by our own rules.
The Apostle Paul encourages us that through the power and enabling of the Holy Spirit we can kill off the old sinful habits of the flesh and learn to walk in the Spirit and make progress in our journey of sanctification as God’s children.
We must be convinced that God is working in our lives at all times to conform us unto the image of His Son - in the good and the bad times, in the ups and downs of life. The Old Testament character Joseph is a great example of the principle that God’s economy of promotion usually begins with problems. We must be patient and let the process work itself out in our lives if we hope to have a meaningful life.
The trials, tests, and troubles that enter our lives are natural and normal. No one is exempt. How do we endure them, have the right view of them, and let them produce patience in our lives?
Amidst all the wrath of God being sounded out in the Trumpet Judgments, God gives us a reminder between the sixth and seventh trumpets that in the end, He is working out His plan and will have ultimate victory over the devil. We rejoice in the victory that is ours in Jesus Christ, but carry a burden for the lost and undone who don’t know God and His grace and mercy.
Like some of those present in the early church, modern day religionists advocate spiritual growth by many things other than what the Scripture teaches. Genuine spiritual growth comes from being connected to the Head of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ. Get connected to Christ and His church and see growth and usefulness in your Christian life.
Do you believe God orders every single day of your life? He does, even the overwhelming, difficult days. We can only be ready for the overwhelming days if we have walked with God and learned His ways and gained confidence and trust during the normal, ordinary days of life.
Paul’s great burden was not only for the salvation of the lost but the grounding and establishing of God’s people in the principles of the Word. This first point of the message discusses how we can be strengthened in the inner man.
Every Christian is a disciple of Jesus, and is also a disciple maker. The Apostle Paul gave his adult life to proclaiming the gospel, and as is the case in our experience as well, he did it through the power of Christ that works within the believer. Pay the price and be a fruitful witness for the Savior!
None of us like to think of ourselves as enemies of God. But according to God’s Word, that’s exactly what we are before being reconciled to God through Jesus, His Son. What a great exchange: our sins for His righteousness! We who are His children are now His ambassadors, given a ministry of reconciliation to share the good news with those still in darkness.
The day is approaching when God will take His vengeance on all those who have rejected His truth, persecuted His people, and failed to give Him the worship due His holy name. Here are four of the seven trumpet judgments that will be poured out on man during the Tribulation. Great silence in heaven proceeded these great “woes” that were about to be unleashed on the earth.
Many of God’s children struggle with the gap between our “then” and “when” - the then of the day we trusted Christ as our Savior, and the when of the time we’ll meet Him in heaven. But what about today? What does the gospel do for me today?
As we venture into the book of Colossians, this is an introductory message to acquaint us with the city, the founding of the church, and its focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ in all things.
What a great illustration for us from the life of the Apostle Peter, that one can be a follower of Jesus Christ, yet not be converted or changed into a fruitful believer. Usually this change comes into our lives by suffering and pain, and learning to depend upon God for everything.
This passage is one of the “mysteries of the kingdom” parables. Here we find truth concerning the nation of Israel as the covered treasure, and the church as the costly pearl. Rejoice in the truth that each one is valuable in the sight of God, and Jesus is what makes them valuable!
We really only have two choices when it comes to ruling and directing our life: either you are the lord of your life, or Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. Decisions made in those spheres of living impact everything in our life and in the lives of those we have influence over. What an example we have in the life of Ornan in today’s text. He was all in!
The most significant question in our world is answered completely in the person of Jesus Christ! Truth is not a textbook to study, feeling to act upon, or a status to achieve; it is a person to know!
Ingratitude is the soil in which so many other sins grow and mature. Certainly the children of Israel forgot the blessings of God and did their share of complaining and murmuring; but are we present day Christians just as guilty? Let’s learn from their mistakes and cultivate a thankful heart to God!
We’re all making a life right now, not just making a living. We are either wasting our life on things with no eternal importance, or we’re building a worthy life, one that God can look at and say “Well done!” The Apostle James reminds us that the brevity of life makes it very valuable. Will you pursue God and His will in every aspect of your life, or pursue earthly accomplishments that don’t matter in eternity?
Even David, a “man after God’s own heart”, had his weaknesses and moments of fear. Often when God allows tests and trials to come into our lives we panic. When we do we are saying, “I can’t trust God to handle this situation.” Our panic will always bring repercussions that harm ourselves and others.
As we look at God’s judgement being poured out on earth with the 5th and 6th seal judgements during the Tribulation, we will notice two prayers mentioned in these verses: the prayers of Tribulation saints in heaven, and the prayers of Tribulation sinners on earth. Oh how different and revealing they are, as we see the unrepentant heart of man under God’s hand of wrath.
All of the events in this signature chapter of scripture occur around the throne of God. It is amazing for the Christian to imagine one day standing before the throne of Almighty God! There is no doubt we will experience the sights and sounds of all that we see in this passage of God’s Word. Heaven will be wonderful, not because of the place, but because of the Person!
Great heros are born for great moments. David seemed like the most unlikely candidate to face the Philistine giant Goliath, but his trust in the Lord God was resolute. He cared more about the name of the Lord than his own safety. Our hero, the Lord Jesus Christ, also trusted in His Father to win the battle over sin, death and hell. Today He is helping us defeat our goliaths!
The Lord has a path laid out for each of His children, a journey for us to travel in His will. King Saul got off the path of God and it cost him dearly. What are the warning signs that reveal to us that we’ve lost our way?
How often in our impatience, our lack of faith, and our stubbornness do we act on our own outside of God’s will? In this passage we see Saul acting on his own and offering sacrifices instead of waiting on Samuel to arrive. God was showing Israel who they really were in requiring a king like all of the other nations! We can be self-willed and war, or Spirit-filled and wait.
In His letter to the church at Thyatira, Jesus exposes their sin as “tolerating evil”, as not denouncing the Jezebel spirit and activity in the church. What we passively tolerate (while knowing it’s wrong) today will eventually define and dominate our lives tomorrow.
One of the worst things that can happen to us is when we get the desires of our heart and we’re not delighting in the Lord. Israel wanted a king, just like all the other nations. They were delighting in the culture around them and it affected their ability to make spiritual decisions and brought some awful consequences.
The Creator God, artist of all created things, made you so unique and valuable. But your soul, the essence of who you are, is extremely rare and valuable. God was willing to pay the ultimate price for your soul - His only begotten Son - to purchase it and redeem it for all of eternity. Don’t gamble with your soul and your eternal destiny!
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are all in bondage - either to sin or to the yoke of the Lord Jesus Christ. We all make choices about who our master will be. Christ has, at great cost, freed us from sin and He deserves to be in control of our lives!
There are three key words in this passage of Scripture that instruct us on how to have victory over the pull of sin in our lives as children of God. Praise God, we don’t have to live in bondage to the “old man” anymore!
With all that the land of Egypt had to offer Joseph, he still realized it was not home. Christian, don’t put your roots down too deep in this world. We’re not home yet!
So many questions surround the subject of children going to heaven and how God views their young eternal soul. The scriptures give us a little insight into the subject, but there is still so much we don’t know. We must trust that in the kind heart of God, young children are “safe” in His protection.
To many of God’s children, heaven remains an ethereal mystery, clouded in conjecture and unanswered questions. But God’s Word sheds much light on our eternal dwelling place, and offers hope as well as facts about the real place that Jesus said He is now preparing for us!
Justification settles our position before God. Sanctification deals with our condition. When we were crucified with Christ, our flesh died! Dead people can be raised to newness of life in Christ, and should not live the way they used to, covered in grave clothes.
We can’t hide from the fact that each one of us is a sinner. Where did sin come from? What is the result of sin upon mankind? Is there really a cure, a solution to my sin problem? Thank God that where sin abounded, His grace did much more abound!
Why does God speak about the subject of money so often in His Word? Because He knows the power it can have over our hearts and lives. How can we be a faithful steward over all the resources He has entrusted us with? How can we truly invest in the eternal?
Paul writes to the Romans in this passage about the many blessings and benefits that are ours through the Lord Jesus Christ. They give us great hope, peace and joy even in the midst of our tribulations!
Is your faith the kind that absolutely cannot be shaken? Is it a faith that not only believes that God can but knows that God will? Paul talks to us in this text about the faith of Abraham and the fact that this same faith can help us today to be fully persuaded that what God promises, He will perform.
The earthly parents of Jesus were really good people - they kept the law, the feasts, they sacrificed and prioritized their religion. But one day they left Jesus in Jerusalem as they made their way home from the latest celebration of the Passover feast. They were so preoccupied that they didn’t realize He was not in their midst. What a reminder to us modern day parents, who often get sidetracked by everything going on in life and fail to include Jesus in our homes and in our parenting!
God established the home and intended that it produce a society that honored Him and its fellow man. Satan has hijacked the home today and our struggles at home have led to the disintegration of our society. Here are some scriptural priorities and practices that can connect heaven to our homes!
So many people are trusting in the wrong things to get them into a right relationship with God - family and religious heritage, good deeds, religious practices, etc. However, God’s Word claims that only one thing will make us right with God, salvation by faith alone in the work of Jesus Christ.
The world in which we live knows nothing of peace. The majority of man’s time on earth has been marked by war and conflict. We as God’s children have an assignment here on earth - to represent the King of Heaven as an ambassador of peace. We have the sacred responsibility to help people accept God’s peace in exchange for their hostility and sin.
We are all leaving a legacy, a memory of what we stood for and how we lived our lives outside of self-interests. What will you be remembered for? Are you building an eternal heritage for those who come behind?
How many of God’s people can say they have a truly effective prayer life, that prayer is a high priority in their daily schedule? Here are some struggles and solutions to having a powerful relationship with God in prayer.
How is it possible to move on from past hurts? Does God just expect us to forget how bad we’ve been treated and not seek vengeance? Here is an example from scripture of what can happen when we fail to move on and forgive.
We continue to examine the fact that we cannot mix our good deeds with the holiness and righteousness of God. Christ became the propitiation for the sins of man. God’s holiness has been fully satisfied by the sacrifice of His Son, and He can now look again in favor upon men. By all means, say “Yes” to God’s grace!
Haggai concludes his prophecy with a personal message to Zerubbabel, the discouraged governor who was overseeing the rebuilding project. God is still in charge and will use any and all circumstances to bring about His plan! When the outlook is bleak, try the uplook!
The prophet Haggai continues to identify the reasons the Jews are not experiencing God’s blessings. He urges them to get specific about their sin and identify the idols that have broken off fellowship with God. Our obedience brings God’s blessings!
Despite all of our efforts to live morally and do good works, mankind falls short of God’s standard - perfection. How can we stand before Him perfect? Only by faith in the finished work of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross and the empty tomb. Don’t pass up God’s amazing grace for religious tradition!
Israel was given a great privilege - they were given the Word of God! But they faltered in their responsibility to share it and live it before the world. How much greater is our responsibility today, for we have the completed Word of God and the example of Jesus Christ? Let’s not miss our advantage point.
Back in their home capital after exile in Babylon, many Israelites were filled with discouragement at the prospects of the new temple not measuring up to the old temple of Solomon. God, through His spokesman Haggai, offers them encouragement and hope that He will shake the world from this place when His Son Jesus comes to take over! One greater than Solomon is at work and God will ultimately receive glory from their efforts on rebuilding the temple.
As a nation, Israel repeatedly missed her opportunity to show the world who God was. The Gentiles did not believe their words because their lives didn’t back them up. Continually focused on the external, they failed to change what mattered the most - the inward man of the heart. Is the church of today making the same mistake?
The prophet Haggai was a part of those Jews who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, and God gave him an important message to deliver to His people. That message identified their misplaced priorities and included a clarion call to make God and His work and His house a primary concern in their daily lives. The LORD “stirred up their spirit” and the work on the temple and in their spiritual hearts was begun once again!
If anyone had some good reasons to quit serving God, the Apostle Paul would certainly qualify! But here in this chapter of scripture, he gives us sufficient motivation to keep pressing on - to not grow weary in well-doing. Are you living for the eternal or the earthly, temporal things that don’t really matter?
Humanly, we like to judge ourselves in comparison to other people. We tend to stack up pretty good against our fellow man. But one day we will all stand before God to be judged by His perfect standard, the righteousness of Christ. What have you done with the measure of truth that you have received?
In the first chapter of Romans, Paul had made clear the fact that God has revealed Himself to all men and that we are without excuse in denying His power and control over our lives. God’s love in Christ is also abundantly evident, but in our pride and hypocrisy, we have attempted to redefine our sin and God’s purpose for our lives. The first few verses of Romans chapter 2 encourage us to wipe clean the windows of our soul and agree with God!
The early church had little in the way of possessions, prestige or privilege, but they were filled with God’s Spirit and turned their world upside down with the message of Christ! Why is it that today’s church has much but accomplishes so little for the kingdom of God? Could it be we are missing the secret of power with God and success with the souls of men?
God clearly reveals His solution to our sin problem in Romans 1:16-17. But mankind seems intent on having his own way, and satisfying his every desire. In this passage we learn that God will eventually just let man have his way - but it always leads to self-destruction.
Our culture always puts the emphasis on the external, but the emphasis in the Christian life is always on the internal, the hidden man of the heart. The only way to change the inner man is through the power of the Holy Spirit. What does that look like in our lives?
Mankind is the crown jewel of God’s creation, and therefore is more accountable to Him than the other created beings. Let’s learn how God has revealed Himself and what our responsibility is with the revelation we have.
How’s your prayer life? That’s a good question for the child of God to ask frequently. Is it possible to pray in the will of God, aided by the Spirit, aware of God’s will in all matters, and see specific answers to those prayers? It is, when we pray in the Spirit.
Are you passionate about sharing the good news of the gospel with others? It seems we get excited and fired up about everything in life except for the most important thing, the answer for our sin problem. Don’t let a politically correct society muzzle you from being a spokesperson for the good news!
Many people today value their experience over the truth. But there are some plain truths about the New Testament practice of tongues that explain it’s role in the early church and whether we should be using this sign gift today. Let’s examine God’s Word for the answers.
There is much confusion today about speaking in tongues for the modern-day Christian. Let’s see what God’s Word says about the purpose for tongues, who the practice was for, and what exactly this verbal miracle of communication was in its essence.
What if you had to write your “spiritual biography”? In this passage of scripture to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul introduces himself and tells us several things about his life and work for Christ that should characterize our lives as well.
Are there still Apostles of the Lord among us and active in the church? What does the scripture have to say about the requirements and responsibilities of an Apostle? Here is a search through the New Testament that will provide answers to these very questions.
In this, our introductory message to the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul immediately identifies his commitment to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will go on throughout this great book of scripture to stress time and again that the gospel is man’s only hope of salvation and the very reason God sent His Son.
This familiar story from the first chapter of the OT book of Ruth reminds us that we don’t need to be worrying, fretting, forcing the issue, or running ahead of God. There is great wisdom in WAITING on God and letting Him lead and guide and order our steps.
Our personal relationships with others really do affect our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Here is some biblical instruction on how to make reconciliation a priority and maintain a good relationship with God.
Usually we are asking the Lord for His blessings, but when is the last time you blessed the Lord? What happens in our Christian life when we bless the Lord?
Every Christian is endowed with a spiritual gift at the moment of salvation by the Holy Spirit. What are these gifts? What are they for? How do we know we are successfully using them?
If you know Christ as Savior and Lord, you are involved in quite a journey here on earth; the Bible refers to it as a “race”. How do we run it successfully, joyfully, and fruitfully?
Everything the local church needs is provided by God through the giving of spiritual gifs to His children. Each of us has a gift that is to be used in His body, the church so that the church functions properly and impacts this world.
The writer of Hebrews spells out for us the secret to true contentment and living without fear in these time-tested promises of Jesus. He will never leave us or forsake us!
There’s a great difference between knowing the “ways” of God and knowing His “acts”. Moses knew His ways! Are we content to be interested in God, even infatuated with Him, but not becoming intimate in our relationship with Him?
Jesus concludes the kingdom parables with the illustration of the drag net, drawing all men into final judgment. We don’t like to hear about hell and eternal retribution, but it is the most loving and kind thing Jesus could do for us - warn us of coming judgment and invite us to escape it by accepting his offer of forgiveness and eternal life!
This command to be "filled with the Spirit" is often overlooked by God's people. Our lives are to be permeated, influenced in every part by the Holy Spirit as we yield our lives to His control. It is not a "feeling", but rather a "filling."
In the kingdom parables of the treasure hid in a field and the pearl of great price Jesus reminds us of the tremendous price He paid to redeem Israel and to purchase salvation for His body, the church. His death proves our value to God.
Jesus is continuing His teaching of the Kingdom Parables to the disciples and relates truths illustrated by the mustard seed and leaven. We can expect that truth and error will grow side by side and each will have their converts. Some of Satan's biggest lies are in the religious realm!
What is the Holy Spirit doing in this world today? The Apostle John, along with other New Testament writers, detail His important work in deterring evil and drawing people to Christ.
In his conclusion to the book of Ecclesiastes, wise Solomon instructs us to pay attention to the decisions we make today for they will make or break our tomorrows. He affirms the seriousness of life by reminding us that we all have an appointment one day with God Almighty. Live life in such a way that you will be ready for that appointment!
In this passage of Scripture, Jesus gives a sober warning in the parable of the wheat and the tares that many in the church are not true believers but are just actors. It’s time to stop playing church! One day we will stand before the Judge of all and our true identity will be revealed.
Solomon in his wisdom reminds us that the wise man is the careful man and the fool is careless. A little bit of foolishness can ruin the testimony and reputation of an otherwise respectable person. Here are the things we need to be careful about.
These early Christians in the city of Thessalonica displayed a genuine conversion to Jesus Christ and their testimony bore the faith, hope, and love that is truly characteristic of followers of Jesus. Their faith was widely spoken of, even before mass communication was thought of!
The most important question for every person is "Do I know for sure that I am a Christian?" The Apostle John gives us some fool-proof evidence that will help us cement in our minds the assurance that God intends for us to have regarding our relationship with Him through the Son.
Death is "the great equalizer" for all of mankind. No one can escape their appointment with death. But the way we live has a lot to do with how we will die. Here is a good perspective from Solomon on how to prepare for that inevitable day.
Does God actually want us to be happy as we go through life? The answer is YES! But it starts with true humility. Here are some thoughts from Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, about what he discovered concerning truly being happy in life.
Many who say they are a believer in Jesus Christ are not "followers" of Christ. A true disciple continues to follow Jesus and obey His Word. Here are some characteristics of those who are religious, but have no relationship with God and His Son.
Many of God's children have never grown up! The writer of Hebrews gives us some of the signs of spiritual immaturity and encourages us to go on to "perfection", or a mature stature in Christ. Are you growing in the Lord and in His Word?
The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, gives us some insight into the kind of wisdom that God gives. It's ours for the asking according to James the Apostle (James 1:5) and will help us navigate the road of life successfully.
Wisdom cries out, "Here is what I look like!" She defines herself with several indisputable characteristics in this Proverb. God is not hiding His wisdom from us and encourages us to ask for it (James 1:5). Are you on a pursuit for God's wisdom?
Solomon stated in Proverbs 4:7 that "wisdom is the principal thing" and acquiring it is a life long occupation for the child of God. But often we go about that in a very different manner than is prescribed in God's Word. In today's text we learn from several paradoxes just how wisdom is manifested in our lives.
Psalm 24 masterfully describes our King, the King of glory, who ministered in Galilee, prayed in Gethsemane, was tried at Gabbatha, suffered on Golgotha, claimed victory over the grave and is seated in glory! One day He will return as rightful ruler over all of creation and of our lives.
It is amazing to follow through the scriptures the theme of the water and the blood that God used to display His glory and show the world that He was God! Of our Savior, the Apostle John said, "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ . . . "
Sometimes in life we become our own god, seeking to rule our lives from the earthly and physical side instead of submitting to the God who created us. What happens when we reverse roles with God?
Christianity is not a dead faith. We are given new life in Christ and given the Holy Spirit to energize, teach, guide, and lead us into a fruit-filled existence. Here's a story about a couple of people who had an encounter with the risen Christ, and how it changed them!
In today's society and even in the life of the church, many people go from one thing to the other to try and escape to a different life. Solomon tried it all and realized that man should live with a spiritual mind, prioritizing that which will last for eternity. There is a way to "live better."
Even the greatest servants of God doubted Him occasionally. In this text we find John the Baptist doubting when sitting in a prison for doing right. Thankfully we learn some reassurances and reminders from our Lord to help us when we doubt.
Never in the Scripture does it say that "God is fair." It claims only that He is just. We do not live in a fair world, because we live in a sinful world. We need to examine the Bible and the promises of God to develop the proper world view.
Many people today are just trying to endure, or even escape everyday life. How then do we enjoy it? Does God really have a purpose for my life?
What made Solomon full of regret when he came to the end of his life? Here are some ways to just about guarantee that you will hate your life!
King Solomon had the resources, the wisdom and good health to try and satisfy every desire he could imagine with the things this world has to offer. At the end of it all, he had to admit that it was all vanity, emptiness. Only Jesus can give meaning and purpose to this life and pleasures forevermore!
The human heart is always searching for more - never satisfied. Solomon had the resources, time, the mind and the opportunities to search out all that life had to offer. His amazing conclusion was that life is "vanity" - empty without God and His purposes for our lives.
Life will undoubtedly hand us some bad days! Followers of Christ should always respond to those who disrespect us, discriminate against us, and give us evil for our good by bringing a little heaven to earth. His children bring Christ into reality in our world!
There are so many lessons to learn from the life of King Solomon of Israel. The man who had it all and experienced it all said, "There has got to be more to life than this!" How do we really define a successful life?
Is there really a difference in the way God's people gave to God and His work in the Old Testament versus the believers in the New Testament? Here are some eye-opening comparisons designed to encourage us to be "grace givers" in the day in which we live.
It should be the desire of every one of God's children to finish their race strong and accomplish much for the cause of Christ. Israel's first King, Saul, started well but didn't end well! What were the steps that led him away from his God and to a tragic end?
The Apostle James asked a most sobering question, "What is your life?". His divinely inspired answer? It is just like a vapor that appears for a little time and is quickly gone. How can we make the most of our short appearance on this earth?
Do you still believe that God is able, that He will do wonders for you as He has done for others? When is the last time you took a risk of faith to do something big for God? Let's learn some great lessons from Joshua and the children of Israel as they crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land.
The Christian life is not about regulations, resolutions or requirements. It is about a relationship - a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. His command to us is simply "follow me."
Mankind is unique among all of God's creation, but in the Garden we lost the dominion over the earth that God intended for us. Christ's coming to earth in the form of a man enables us to leave the "family of Adam" and be born again into Christ and new life!
As we examine the reasons why Jesus came to earth and why we celebrate Christmas, we learn from the Apostle John that Jesus came to take away our sins and to destroy the works of the devil. That's absolutely the best Christmas gift ever given!
A personal testimony is a powerful witness to the unbeliever. Paul shares with young Timothy how he came to Christ and what a difference it made in his life. Christmas is all about this - that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners".
Jesus came into the world at the perfect time - the time ordained of the Heavenly Father. He came to deliver us from the curse of the law and to place in our hearts a new law, a law that keeps us in love with the Savior, the Word and with fellow Christians. Don't legalize your Christianity!
No doubt, everyone desires to be happy, but we usually try to find it in the wrong things. The Psalm singer shares with us the one thing that will bring true happiness in our lives and the blessed results that follow!
Much of our Christian experience and continuing to ascend requires perseverance in the face of opposition and attack. Certainly Israel knew this! Just how do we do that?
This Psalm of Ascension is attributed to Solomon. If anyone could tell us what a life of self-dependence is like, he certainly could. He finally learned that we need God for everything in life. The second half of this Psalm may describe the most difficult part of life that requires God's help and intervention - raising our children!
This Psalm is a song of revival, of renewal, of Israel making a comeback after 70 long years in Babylonian captivity. We also become captive to our sin, to cold hearts for the Lord, and to spiritual apathy. Let's learn the process for making a spiritual comeback!
Weak faith in a strong object is better than strong faith in a weak object." Our faith is in Jesus, the Son of God! Faith in Him gives us the ability to live victoriously in a faithless world.
In this Psalm of Ascension, the writer is thinking back to the horrible circumstances that could have ruined the nation of Israel, but is reminded that God came through in a miraculous way! We can still trust Him with not only our souls, but with every situation in life.
In this Psalm of Ascension the song writer describes some elements that are present in true worship. Worship that pleases God comes from a passionate, praising and prayerful heart!
When we have a high view of God we'll have the correct view of man. With eyes of faith we must look past the turmoil within us and the trouble all around us to the God who controls all things according to His plan for mankind. Where man rules, God overrules!
Where do we look when trouble is coming from all sides? The Psalmist tells us where our help comes from, reminding us that God won't let us slip and will preserve our very souls!
From the first of the Ascension Psalms, the hymn writer lets us know that we can still worship in evil surroundings. The very things that made him cry out to God in prayer still attack our lives today. God still answers - sometimes slowly, sometimes swiftly, but always sovereignly.
In part two of this message, we continue to look at David's worship as it relates to his returning the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. We learn from his example that God's work must be done in God's way if it is to have God's blessing. Once David proceeded scripturally, he could then praise shamelessly!
This chapter possibly forms the backdrop for the Psalms of Ascension (Psalm 120-134). David has a great desire to return the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful place with God's people. We examine his worship here, and learn much about worship "God's way" and not "man's way". God takes unscriptural worship very seriously.
In life, we all hear or say words at some point that completely change our life and the direction of it. During their early relationship, Simon and Jesus share a moment that would change Simon's life forever.
Many folks are always asking, "How can I know God's perfect will for my life?" God has revealed several things that we can know for certain are His will for our lives. It is in obeying these things that we find our next step on God's perfect path for us. Are you obeying God's revealed will?
Instead of squabbling, stressing, or sulking in our relationships with others, God desires for us to be at peace with all men. That is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we let the Word of God rule in our heart. How's your heart today?
Today we hear the heart of Jeremiah Castille, chaplain for the University of Alabama football team. From a childhood home of addictions, abuse and violence, God turned around a life bound up in hopeless despair and fashioned a man who is a champion for Christ. It all happened because of the power of the Gospel!
One of the most damaging emotions that hinders our walk with the Lord is resentment. In today's message we see a glaring example in David's trusted counselor, Ahithophel. What made him turn on David and prematurely end his life in such a sad way? How do you and I deal with resentment?
The Christian life is meant to be lived alongside other believers, not on an island by ourselves. Many Christians have closer relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ than they do even with blood relatives! We are bound together in Christ. Let's discover how we can be of the "same mind" in our relationships and what it will bring to the body of Christ.
There are many damaging emotions that sap us of spiritual vitality and victory in our Christian life. Worry tops the list! Listen to the words of Jesus as He encourages us not to let our mind get fixed on the fear of the unknown, the spirit of anxiety.
Are you growing in your Christian life? What in your life reveals that you are indeed growing? In this passage of scripture, Paul describes some things that are needed in our life if we are to be making progress on the journey to spiritual maturit
"Tender eyed" Leah was the poster girl for insecurity. Rejected by her father, her husband, and enduring trouble with her sister Rachel, she felt she could never perform enough to rid herself of that fear of loss. Let's learn what causes insecurity in all of us and what we can do to conquer it.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that pursuing Christ is the goal that brings joy into our life. Knowing Christ intimately was his passion! Today we view that stance as radical, but in the eyes of our Savior and Lord, it is normal and produces joy and purpose.
The prophet Nahum paints a sobering picture of the destruction of the viciously cruel city of Nineveh, some 100 plus years after Jonah's prophecy concerning the city. But amid the bleak prediction, Nahum gives a glimmer of hope to God's people, a reminder that God is in complete control and that He is always good!
Here is the second part of a message that describes what real righteousness looks like and how it produces joy in the life of a Christian. It's not how man sees us that matters, but how God sees us in Christ!
Barnabas was called "the son of consolation" by everyone who knew him. As we examine the scripture passages about him in the book of Acts, we learn several important characteristics of one who would be an encourager, always building up and edifying those they come in contact with.
The Apostle Paul did not want to finish his course of life and find out that he had "run in vain" or "labored in vain." He spells out in this passage that we must cooperate with God and His Spirit as we "work out" our salvation with "fear and trembling."
We live in the midst of two very different generations - one that is doomed due to a low regard of God Almighty and their own sinful condition, and another that is hungry for God and dynamically pursuing His will and ways. Which one do you identify with?
When Jesus came to earth in human form, His essence was put on display for us all to see. And what was His essence, His character? It was servanthood, humility, and caring enough for us that He would become sin for us. Oh, what a Savior!
We see it way too often - one of God's children stumbles and falls. We are all susceptible to falling if we don't follow this practical advice from Peter's epistle to "add to our faith." Tap into the divine nature we've been given and experience all that God has for you!
There's no doubt about it, God desires that we be in unity in all of our relationships, and to be "likeminded" as fellow believers. How do we develop the servant's mind that Jesus demonstrated in His dealings with others?
In a day of ease and personal comfort, it's easy for Christians to forget that living for Jesus requires that we pay a price. We're not ready to really live until we learn what's worth dying for!
Here's a great reminder from the life of Gideon that we need the power of God to accomplish anything for His kingdom. There are three kinds of people mentioned in the text. Which one describes your Christian life at the moment?
In Philippians 1:21 the Apostle Paul stated, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." What would be your answer to the question "For me to live is __________________" ? Many things vie for our affections and we try to achieve our joy in a lot of things that don't really matter in God's sight. Paul lets us know in all of his writings that Jesus Christ is all that he needs, and is the source of his joy and contentment.
In Hebrews chapter 11 we examined the faith of many of the Old Testament heroes; not perfect people, but people of great faith! Chapter 12 begins by encouraging us to run our race of faith with a look at our supreme example, the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't let anything deter you from running with patience and faith the race that God has designed for you!
In this chapter that rehearses the Hall of Fame of Faith, we see person after person who acted by faith and accomplished great things for God. But not all of their stories had a happy ending, and many died in faith seeing only a shadow of the promise that we present day believers have experienced in substance. God still received glory from them all!
It is easy for Christians to become victims when in deep trouble and adversity. But God desires to use our adversity to make us victors! The Apostle Paul found joy, not in his circumstances, but in the gospel.
We would expect to see Joshua in the Hall of Fame of Faith, but Rahab? Seems like such an unlikely candidate, but one nonetheless who acted on what little knowledge she had about God! It's not the amount of our faith, but the object of our faith that is important.
Ten years after the planting of the church in Philippi, Paul writes a letter to them, expressing his thankfulness for the fellowship they enjoy in the gospel, and to remind them of their awesome potential to impact their world for Christ. What would others write about your life today that is bringing them joy and fellowship?
Happiness depends on our circumstances, upon everything going well in our lives. But God desires for His people to experience Christian joy, no matter what is happening in our lives! Our goal should be to passionately pursue Christ, and have an intimate relationship with Him. Then joy will come as a blessed byproduct of that pursuit.
Though not listed by name in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, Joshua’s strong faith is certainly commended. For it was his faith that brought down the mighty walls of Jericho. The strength of his faith was not found in the amount of faith but in the object of his faith
Israel was at a low point in the life of the nation - captivity in Babylon. They had lost their joy and their song. Many modern-day Christians find themselves in the same shape. Find out what causes us to lose our joy and how we can recover that song in our heart!
Moses is listed in this famous chapter of scripture - the Hall of Fame of Faith. We learn what important decisions he made in his life that led to a life of faith and trust in God. Would God commend your faith IN HIM today?
"I know that my redeemer liveth." In this most ancient of scriptural writings, Job testified of some certainties that set Christianity apart from all religions. These are foundational to our faith and inspire hope in our souls!
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." So, just what is this day that the Psalm writer speaks of? This day is the most important day in the history of the world - it changed everything!
We've been invited to three suppers. All invitations hinge on our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's take our place at the table!
Are you passing on your faith to the next generation? These heroes of the faith did, and so can we! Here are some very practical suggestions of things to do that will build faith in your children and grandchildren and will encourage them to have a real and meaningful relationship with their God.
Satan continually lies to us about what is most important in life and what it is that will bring us joy and contentment. Today's text clears all that up! There's a void inside all of us that only God can fill. Don't gamble with your eternal soul!
The first woman mentioned in the Hall of Fame of Faith - but we wouldn't characterize her as a woman of faith in some of her early responses to God! How did her struggling faith turn into successful faith?
God called Abraham the "father of faith." We can all learn from his legacy of faith and his heart to follow God in complete trust and dependence!
Many heroes of the faith have had to stand alone. Certainly, Noah did, for over a hundred years! Just what did his great faith accomplish? Maybe the greatest reward was "the saving of his house", a worthy goal for all of us!
The story of Cain and Abel shows the two classes of people who approach the eternal God - only religious or truly righteous. Discover how Abel's faith received the Word of God, rejected works and responded in worship. He being dead "yet speaketh"!
Paul is writing to a young church at Thessalonica that was being "shaken" and "troubled" by false reports concerning the coming of the Lord. We can benefit by his encouragement to them in the day we are living in, as we see world events racing toward the end of the age.
All of Scripture points us to Jesus. As we study the life of Joseph we see many pictures and types of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Living in the last days doesn't mean we can now relax our guard and not remain vigilant in the battle. Satan is attacking as never before. He knows his days are numbered! Soldier of Christ - this is no time to go Wobbly!
Truth is, it's our natural tendency to not forgive those who have wronged us and even to seek revenge. But followers of Jesus Christ must learn to forgive as we have been forgiven! Forgiveness is one of the things we can do like Jesus!
What happens when we get a fresh vision of God on His holiness and power? A personal revival that's what!
Here's a story of extravagant worship; about a woman who made a costly sacrifice to pour her love and worship on Jesus. Will you follow her example and break your box?
For over 13 years Joseph was subject to great trials and trouble and much injustice. Although none of it was of his own making, he did not pull the "victim" card - he thrived! How can we do that?
We live in a world that follows a new moral code - "If no one gets hurt, then anything goes." Joseph's example teaches us that even though we might suffer for doing right, obeying God is always right!
Life, with its troubles and pain, sometimes robs us of our joy. Our sin often steals away our song. The Lord intends for us to enjoy our walk with Him, not just endure it. Have you lost your song?