Rockville Assembly of God: Recent Episodes
Stan Nelson
God loves all people and all nations. For God So loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish.
God loves all people and all nations. For God So loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish.
Our perspective directs our reality. Jesus gives us a new perspective. This new perspective redefines our relationships.
As humans, we have about 60,000 thoughts a day. We can have great thoughts or we can have bad thoughts. IF we are not careful our thoughts can easily move to negative thoughts that work against us. The good news is that we can overcome these self-destructive thoughts and move into life-giving thoughts that bring fulfillment and peace.
Neuroscience now confirms what God has been saying for a few millennia; that humans can change/rewire their minds by changing their thinking.
Your mind is a gift from God. The human brain is capable of great things. Humans have used their minds to do great things and not so great things. Because humans have the capacity to use our minds for great things or harmful things, the enemy of our souls tries to damage our control our brains so that we will destroy each other. God gives us the ability to win this battle for our minds. Through our choices we can take control of our thoughts and win the battle for our minds.
Zechariah and Elizabeth waited most of their lives for a prayer to be answered. The Lord heard their prayer and answered it when they were well along in years. Their faithfulness was rewarded. How long do we prayer for something? Are we praying "Long Time Prayers?"
The Wisemen that came to worship Jesus about 2 years after he was born brought gifts for Jesus. They were led by a star. God still guides us through divine means and when we find Him, He is still worthy to be worshipped.
Where do thoughts come from? Are our thoughts helpful or maybe even hurtful? How do we protect our mind from hurtful thoughts and hopelessness? God offers a prescription to protect our minds with His hope.
Where do thoughts come from? Are our thoughts helpful or maybe even hurtful? How do we protect our mind from hurtful thoughts and hopelessness? God offers a prescription to protect our minds with His hope.
What if you only heard part of the words someone was speaking to you? Would you benefit from the conversation? What if you intentionally tuned them out? The people of Nazareth had tuned out Jesus to the point that He could no little or no miracles. What happens when people tune God out?
Life has some valuable lessons. If we are open to learning from each situation we face we will grow stronger. If we aren't open to learning, we will face hardships that could make us doubt God and His love for us. Jonah had a hard time learning from his life lessons. God's lessons were for teh benefit of Jonah and the people of Nineveh. Maybe your life circumstances are not just to help you but to help many people?
Jonah was angry at God for sparing the people of Nineveh. He wanted God to give them their due justice. Have ever hoped that God punish our enemies but instead He spared them? Did it make us angry? Do we have the right to be angry?
What would you do with a second chance in life? In a relationship? For a career? For health? In regards to your faith? We see throughout the Bible how God gave many people second and third chances in life. God's ultimate desire is to redeem our lives so that we can have a chance to thrive in life.
Sometimes we make some bad decisions and think we are stuck. Jonah made some bad decisions and was swallowed up by them. While int he belly of a great fish, he called out to God in his distress. God heard his cry and delivered him. In our distress we can call on God and He will answer!
All of us make mistakes. Sometimes we admit our mistakes but make no change to move away from these mistakes. We see that Jonah admitted his mistake but made no effort to make things right. What can we learn from this?
Falling asleep at the wheel while driving is very dangerous. For the drive, passengers and those around the car. Likewise when we sleep though our lives, we can miss out on important relationships and even cause problems for the lives of those around us. Are you sleeping through life? God can help you redeem your life purpose.
Everyone is fighting an internal battle. God knows about it and wants to help bring an inner peace.
What if we could pray like Elijah and see the same results that he had? What if miracles were designed to be more of a common thing? Is there a way to be One with All of God?
What happens when people unite in prayer? What happens when people do not unite in prayer? There is great power in unity. Many great things have happened throughout history when people have untied for a good or noble cause. Imagine what great things could happen when believers united in prayer?
Based off Erwin McManus' Book "The Way of the Warrior," today we look at owning defeat. We look at overcoming victimization and how to stop using the "victim card" which keeps us from freedom.
God gave the Baptism in the Spirit for the Purpose of Witness and the building up of His Church. The Purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for entertainment but to empower each willing believer to be be a gateway for God's supernatural power to help build up His Kingdom.
God gave the Baptism in the Spirit for the Purpose of Witness and the building up of His Church. The Purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for entertainment but to empower each willing believer to be be a gateway for God's supernatural power to help build up His Kingdom.
Sermon Series Based off Erwin McManus' book "The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path To Inner Peace."
How many of us would love to rollback to a time in our lives and change something we did so that we would not feel the negative effects of that time? The Good News of the Resurrection is that we can have Jesus give us a New Life so that we can have a fresh start.
When we think of a King we think of someone who is served by many people around that king. In the Kingdom of God, servanthood is held in high esteem. Jesus would come into Jerusalem recognized as king but would lead His people through serving.
The Fire department's mission is Rescue. Jesus' mission was to Rescue mankind from sin, the devil and eternal death. He gave His life so we could be rescued. This mission is part of His plan for the Church. If rescue is Jesus' mission, then rescue should be the mission of His Church.
We live in a world wired for sight and sound with constant noise and messages going into our minds. The reality this constant overload of stimuli is wearing us down and we really need alone time. hat we need is alone time with God. Being alone with God is different than being lonely.
Lazarus received a second chance in life after Jesus resurrected him from the dead. Imagine the pain and loss his sisters, Martha and Mary felt the four days that he was dead in the tomb? Sometimes we experience loss and never fully recover. So we live in a tomb of sorrow or lament. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus is calling you out of the tomb of sorrow.
Will there be persecution of Christians in the US? Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were persecuted for their faith in God. The Bible shows how to handle persecution.
Faith in God means taking a risk. American Consumerism has made Christianity sterile, safe, and without risk. The Bible has a different concept on faith.
God intended to empower believers through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit for personal victory and Kingdom building ability.
It is easy to forget the sacrifices of others that gives us the life, liberty, and opportunities we have today. We must think of the next generations coming after us. We must give sot hat they can have life as well.
The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead can overcome any darkness that tries to keep you down. Find out how.
What the Church calls Palm Sunday is much bigger than people waving palm branches around when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Jesus was fulfilling prophecy, setting up His Kingdom and preparing people for true freedom through His Lordship in their lives. Why is Palm Sunday so important to you?
It would seem that when you pursue your divine destiny that things come up to prevent you from fulfilling it. Life gets busy and then 40 years later and you still haven't started. There is no better time than the present to start.
King Saul lost his kingdom because of the 8 dream killers talked about in this message. David became the King because he passed the test of character building. In order for us to achieve our divine destiny we must pass the test of our character.
What happens when you step out in faith to chase your dreams and you end up on the run living in a cave? This is exactly what happened to David before he became King of Israel. We often view David as possibly perfect and that he had no struggles. The reality is that he had many struggles. Our dreams will be tested and we will face cave living on our way to fulfill our dream.
One encounter can change the course of your life. How do you prepare for such a point in your life? Are you ready to pursue your destiny?
Gideon was the least of his family. He was hiding in a winepress. God views people in high esteem. He doesn't want us hiding because we think less of our God given purpose.
Can you imagine being able to sit with Jesus face to face? Imagine how much wisdom, faith, peace, and power you can receive from sitting with Jesus? It is all possible if you open the door of your heart to Jesus and have times of fellowship with Him.
Would you agree that life is precious? God values every human life. Today we live in a world that not every life is valued as God sees it. Life is not disposable but eternal.
God established the blessings of Firstfruits. God practiced this principle first by offering His Firstborn for the salvation off who would accept Him. The principle of Firstfruits can be a source of blessing in t he lives of those that practice it even still today.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem during the procession of the lamb, it was really Him that was the Lamb of God, that would take away the sins of the world. We often view this event as Palm Sunday as a nice religious remembrance of Jesus coming into Jerusalem. IT was bigger than that. Jesus was coming in as the Promised Messiah that would open the door for the forgiveness of sins. Who is this Jesus to you?
In order to overcome the giants of our lives we must face the truth that we need God's help. We must be move out from fear and face the giants through God's power.
You give power to what you focus on. The army of Israel was focused on Goliath the Giant. They were held in fear. David focused on what would be given to the one that defeated the Giant. What are you focusing on?
The human imagination is powerful. We can imagine good and bad. The Imagination can free us or hold us in bondage. Likewise, our past can propel us into a great future or trap us in regrets or fear. David the shepherd, used both his imagination and past to help free people and give him a great future.
Your Mind works in cooperation with your body and spirit. If you are afraid, it will control the way your body and soul react. If you are confident your body and soul will align behind that. We must learn to live in God's purpose and get our Mind, body and spirit unified to live life to its fullest.
Knowing your identity will help you live out your God given destiny. God wants you to know this identity. The world we live in tells us that our identity is in what we do or what we have. God has a different view and so should you.
The mind is a forerunner of all our actions. A negative mindset brings about negative results in life. A positive mindset brings about positive results. God gives us a great instrument called the brain. We must learn how to use it for greater things.
The shepherd boy, David was upset that no one would stand up to Goliath the giant. His past experiences, his faith in God, and God's power helped him to defeat Goliath. David understood the Kingdom of God and the power that is available to those that serve God. Jesus gives you authority to defeat the giants holding you back.
At times it is easier to give up rather than pushing through. Jesus said to pray and not give up. He knew we as humans would have weaknesses and even give up at times. He gives us a very great tool to overcome many problems with: Prayer.
Christmas brings the message of hope and joy. Zechariah and Elizabeth didn't have much joy as an elderly couple without kids. They remained faithful, obedient and expected God to answer their prayers. God did bring them joy through a son. Their son, John the Baptist, would become the forerunner to Jesus. We can learn joy from their account.
Humans have a long history of not getting along very well. Rick Warren says, "During the past 5560 years there have been nearly 15,000 wars, and these are only the ones we know about. The problem is that humanity needs peace within before we can have peace with others. Jesus came to bring this peace. Christmas is about reconciliation.
"When will the violence end?" "Why doesn't the government do something?" "When will God deliver us from bad leaders?" Signed a First Century Citizen. Not much has changed. We ask the same questions. God announced to Mary that a Savior would be born through her. Her question was, "how could this be?" The angel answered, "the Holy Spirit will come upon you." God would send a Savior and the empowerment of the Spirit to bring hope and deliverance to mankind. This same message is available to us today! Hope through Jesus and Spirit empowerment to all who desire it.
Suffering and adversity are part of life. God does not cause evil or the pain and suffering from evil. God is good. God is hope. Hope will help a person walk through adversity. God is the ultimate source of Hope. He will help anyone that comes to Him.
Saying you are a friend and being a friend are two different things. In a world of shallow social media friendships, we need real friends that really care. To have friends you must be friendly and have love towards others. Real friends walk their friends through adversity. Job's friends weren't really friendly. How can we be real friends?
Sometimes we face the storms and trials of life because of the people around us. Paul the apostle warned the ship captain that sailing would be dangerous. The ship captain ignored his warming. Paul had to go through the storm. We will see what we can do when we are forced into the storm.
Isaiah saw the Throne room of God. This divine encounter changed him for the good. Sadly today, we have a lava lamp view of God versus an Isaiah 6 view of God. We limit His power by our view of Him. Reawaken the Wonder of God by changing your view.
Missionary Suzanne Spolarich helps us to see how Micah 8 6:8 applies to our lives today.
God has divine purpose for every person. Knowing this purpose will help you walk through adversity.
"If God is a loving God, then why is there so much suffering?" This is the wrong question to ask. God is a loving God and He does not do or create evil. The question should be "Why do we blame God for our mistakes?'
Walking through adversity has many aspects. One of them is building and keeping a strong faith. A strong faith will help you walk through adversity.
Our faith is only as strong as the tests it survives. Faith in God is the most important power we possess for successful living. Faith in God increases through adversity.
Every person on the earth has faced or will face adversity. We may not understand why we face adversity, but God walks with us through it. Job learned about adversity. We will glean some wisdom from his adversity.
I(t is never too late to change. It is never too late to change the way you think. You can make good decisions which will bear good fruit in your life!
The human mind is a super computer in many ways. It can create, calculate and remember. Sometimes it remembers bad things which inhibits a person from going forward. The Creator of the Universe, gives people the power to transform their thinking to be freed from bad things. God helps us "Put on the Mind of Change."
Whenever you attempt good change, you will face obstacles. One must be determined to overcome these obstacles. At time we need help overcoming obstacles. God offers help through His Word, His Presence and prayer.
Change is hard because it challenges our habits. We have good and bad memories of our past. Sometimes we get stuck in our past. TO move forward in live we must align our faith with our action to get on the path to change.
Change is the easiest thing to say to do, but can actually be one of the hardest things to accomplish. Real change takes commitment to undo bad hang ups or habits. Change is possible. God empowers people with the ability to overcome and change for the good.
If you don't row your boat in the ocean, the current will carry you where it wants. In life, if you have no compass, direction or purpose, you will carried away by various cultural currents. In the world of faith, if you don't stay on course with God there is a chance that your faith can drift.
Why does life seem unfair? Why do evil/bad people seem prosper? Why doesn't God answer all my questions?
God intends that your praying secures divine answers. God intends that your prayer life moves mountains. God intends that united prayer intercession to change whole nations.
Spiritual warfare can be like wrestling in that it demands constant awareness. It requires physical, mental and emotional conditioning. Spiritual warfare requires a higher level of spiritual fitness. God wants His followers to mature in faith and pray real prayers.
Fire can be productive or destructive. Fire has many good uses. Uncontained fire can be destructive. Contained fire is a great thing. A chimney is built to hold fire. Believers are built to hold the Fire of the Holy Spirit.
Abraham Lincoln lived a significant life. His life impacted those around him. King David served God's purpose in his generation. Every person has a God purpose for their generation. Are you living a significant life? God can help you to live out His significant purpose in your life.
We sometimes use ordinary as an excuse. We try to disqualify ourselves from God by saying we are just plain, ordinary people. We think He works through superstars alone. Actually God loves taking the ordinary and doing the extra-ordinary through it. He gives the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to help the ordinary become extra-ordinary.
At the Day of Pentecost, onlookers asked, "What does this mean?" after hearing the disciples of Jesus speaking in tongues. What that meant for that time was that the Church was born to help those out of darkness. What does this mean today? The same thing it meant for the Church when it was birthed at Pentecost.
The early church was threatened and told not to speak in Jesus name. What did they do? Did they comply or try to hide? No. They prayed. God answered their prayer and great things happened. God should be the first place we go when we are in need.
The Holy Spirit is God (included in the Trinity). Jesus said that the Spirit would come to guide, comfort, counsel and empower His followers. Listen to see how the Spirit can help you live a full life.
We hear the word "love" thrown around loosely in our culture. True love is more than a word. It involves action, devotion and commitment. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Jesus wanted proof and gave him what He was looking for. This Love test still holds true for those that claim to "Love Jesus."
Many wish they could go back and undo something in their life. Some things can't be undone. Jesus shows that He is Lord over life and death. He goes and undoes death and raises Lazarus from the grave. Jesus, the Grave Robber, can resurrect your situation, dream, relationships and life!
Sometimes things don't go as you hope or pray. God is in the business of making miracles out of seemingly hopeless situations. Imagine being born blind and then Jesus giving you sight? When God is in the picture, nothing is impossible.
Sometimes God does things that don't register with our logic, like walking on water. We either try to explain it away or deny it. Sometimes we must just embrace the mysterious power of God. Learn how to expect God's miraculous power in spite of your human limitations.
Jesus took two fish and five loaves and multiplied them to feed over 5000 people. He is Lord Algebra. He can take what little we have and multiply it into greater things. Lear how to let go of your little so God can make it great.
Sometimes we place limitations on our own lives because of false assumptions or a bad set of beliefs. Sometimes to see the miraculous you must think and believe the box of preconceived or false assumptions.
Does God order our steps? Does God set up divine appointments? Do you recognize the Divine Appointments set up in your life?
Some times it is hard to believe that God still does miracles. We can get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of life that we miss the miraculous. For God the miraculous and supernatural are natural to Him. Slow down and see all the miracle that happen everyday. This New Sermon Series is based of Mark Batterson's book, "The Grave RObber."
Jesus taught His disciples the Command of Faith with various examples. The Command of Faith is to be used by believers to overcome evil, spiritual roadblocks and the devil. The Command of Faith is a great weapon to use to Spread God's Good News and overcome evil with good.
What is "Praying for Real?" It is being proactive in prayer regarding God's Kingdom and purpose. Basically it is warfare prayer. It is when a Christian moves from just praying for their own well-fair to praying for the Kingdom of God to advance. This kind of prayer is for every follower of Christ.
God gave His people the formula for returning a nation to Him and the returning of His blessing. It is found in 2 Chron 7:14.
Christmas is about God with us. Isaiah the prophet called the coming Messiah (Jesus) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He can still be Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
A gift that is never opened can never be fully enjoyed. In fact, no one benefits from an unopened gift. Likewise, some of the gifts of God must be unwrapped and applied to our lives in order for us to benefit from them.
A newborn baby brings hope and excitement to a family. The baby changes the family dynamic. The Birth of Jesus still brings hope and excitement. Having Jesus in your life changes you. God crated mankind with a purpose. Jesus helps us discover and live out that divine purpose.
There were over 300 prophecies that came true concerning the Birth of Jesus as the Savior and Messiah. Jesus is in the Royal bloodline of Abraham and King David. He is also in the Divine Bloodline of God. When a person accepts Jesus they accept and are adopted into this bloodline. This brings new life to all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jesus warns believers to watch out for false prophets. He calls them wolves in sheep's clothing. He said you can recognize them by their fruits. Here are some ways to recognize false teaching and prophets.
Throughout life we need to learn how to prevail and resist in prayer. Jesus says that if we ask, seek and knock that God will hear and respond. Learn how to become a prevailing, praying Christian.
Everyone can become judgmental and critical. Jesus tells us that we are not to judge. He also says that if we persist to judge, we will be judged with the same measure.
Worry is negative focused thinking. We spend a lot of time worrying about things that never come to pass. Jesus tells us to not worry and how to overcome worry in Matthew 6.
We are self-consumed from birth. It is good to have self-care. How ever being self-absorbed can be detrimental. When we are self-absorbed we can cause more stress and worries than needed. Jesus gives a simple statement in Matt 6:33 that can solve that problem. God promises to take care of all our needs if we seek Him first.
Jesus is the image of the Invisible God. God became flesh as Jesus. Through His humanity, Jesus reveals God to mankind.
"The eyes are the window tot he soul." We all know that what we can see can form or shape our thinking and faith. Jesus said if a person has good spiritual vision they can have a good life. IF a person's spiritual vision gets clouded or darkened it will negatively affect their life.
Without a heart a person cannot live. If a person's heart gets unhealthy, it affects the quality of life. In the same way the heart of the soul determines what kind of life we will live. The heart is often associated with as the seat of our emotions, thoughts and soul. God tells us to guard our heart because it determines the course of our life (Prov 4:23).
We all fear getting infected with a deadly virus. But we all want to have an Infectious attitude. The Bible makes clear the difference between an Infected (negative) faith and an Infectious (positive) faith. Like it or not, you have one or the other. Learn how to identity and cultivate the right one.
Jesus understand stress, burdens and even persecution. Jesus gives a way to come out from these things to get rest and strength to carry on.
God makes a way for His followers to overcome temptation and to not be overcome by evil. It is simply by asking for God to help with our temptations and to ask God to deliver us from the evil one. This prayer model can help you win over temptation and over evil.
We need daily food and forgiveness to thrive in life. Without these we will eventually die. God loves us so much that He provides both for the asking.
The Lord's Prayer helps believers confront "me-ism" which has been around since the beginning of time. "Your Kingdom come, your will be done" reminds us that there is a Heavenly Kingdom which is greater than the kingdom of self or mankind. This teaching will expand your prayer life.
Jesus teaches His followers how to pray with a prayer model that has come to be known as the Lord's prayer. It really should be called the Disciple's Prayer because Jesus was giving His disciples a pattern of prayer to use to make their prayers real.
Jesus confronted hypocrisy in the Sermon on the Mount. He told His followers to do good from the goodness in their heart not to show how righteous they were. We see hypocrisy in every aspect of life. Jesus calls us to be real not religious.
God has formed every person. He has a great divine purpose for each person. This purpose is more fulfilling than we can imagine or dream about. All we need to do is connect to God and submit to this great plan.
Forgiving and praying for your enemy is the hardest thing in the world to do. To do so proves your spiritual maturity. Jesus commands to forgive and pray for our enemies. Learn how to be free and mature in real love.
Jesus was radical with his teaching about revenge. He said don't do it. Turn the other cheek when insulted. He said take a higher stand rather than giving in to revenge and retaliation. Revenge and retaliation often leads to more pain. Find out what Jesus was saying to us about an eye for an eye.
Jesus confronted the use of oaths and swearing to cover up a lie or a false promise. He said telling the truth is the best thing to do. We look at some practical ways to not make false promise or fall into the pervasive indifference to truth-telling in our society.
Jesus talked about Radical Purity from His "Sermon on the Mount." God gave humans many ways to enjoy life including sex within a marriage between a man and a woman. This message focuses on keeping a marriage healthy and preserving yourself for your future spouse if you are not married.
Prevailing prayer takes time and persistence. Prayer is a powerful weapon that Christians often neglect. Real Prevailing prayer takes work but always has a great payoff.
Missionary Steve Hoffman Shares about his ministry in India and how the Power of Pentecost is still available to believers today. He shares examples of God's power in his ministry.
Believers who wish to participate in the gifts of the Spirit and desire to experience God's presence must cultivate the areas of worship, honoring others and faith. We look at how Solomon prepared the people for the Dedication of the Temple and how God was pleased and made His presence known because the cultivated a spiritual atmosphere of worship.
Just as we need oxygen to live, we also need God's breath to live Spiritually. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God for the believer. What happens to a believer or church when the Holy Spirit is taken out? Spiritual death. Find out how to allow God to breath life into you through the Holy Spirit.
God still speaks to us today. In the Book of Acts, we see and learn how Philip knew the voice of the Holy Spirit. There are great benefits from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.
The Church without the Holy Spirit is only a social club or dead religion. The Holy Spirit helps believers in Christ with wisdom, spiritual gifts and guidance. Sometimes our human nature places hindrances on spiritual matters. We will look at the Enemies of Spiritual Gifts and how to be open to the Holy Spirit.
The life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was real and documented. It was not just a point in history. The Resurrection of Jesus changed the history of humankind. In fact, the Resurrection of Jesus can still change our lives today, Listen to find out the Realities of the Resurrection of Jesus.
What is lost can be found. Jesus explains God's redemption power through the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son. God can redeem anyone no matter how far lost they feel they are.
Each person has great potential and has a burning passion to do something great. Sometimes we get buried in life or may have a checkered past and don't thing we can great things. God has a great plan for everyone. He makes big things out of the small. Simon Peter is one of those examples.
Relationships are very important to every person. Also every person deals with anger. Unfortunately anger can kill relationships. Jesus talks about "the anger that kills" in His sermon on the mount. He gives us some practical ways to deal with anger.
In the Book of Acts the Church was birthed on the Pentecost. It was a Church of Action. The question for the Modern is this: Is it a Church that Acts or is it a Church of Action?
Jesus told His followers that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In Jesus' time salt was used as a preservative and antiseptic. Light of course helps people see where they are going. God intended for Christians to be salt (preservative and antiseptic) to society and light the way to Jesus.
Sabotage - How insecurity destroys everything. Insecurity lives deep inside of us. It can corrode our self-image, our relationships and can sabotage our lives. Trinity shares from his life and from the Bible how to eliminate insecurity.
The average person practices a sport or musiccal instrument until they get it right. Professional athletes and musicians practice until they don't make mistakes. Similarly, there is "An art of Spiritual Warfare." Many Christians pray when they get behind. Every believer practice prayer like a professional athlete or musician.
Prevailing prayer is learned in times of difficulties and waiting. Prevailing Prayer is a powerful weapon for believers. Each believer must learn to prevail in prayer.
Some don't like the military or police until they are in need of defense or protection. In the Christian Church some don't like the idea of a prayer warrior or spiritual warfare until they are in need of warfare prayers. God is calling all believers to become prayer warriors. He gives weapons to defeat dark forces.
Prayer is a powerful weapon that Christians can use. You may not have a lot of political or monetary clout but you have plenty spiritual cout through prayer.
Mankind is in spiritual battle against spiritual dark forces that oppose us. God gives spiritual power and weapons to overcome those forces. However, we can become discouraged and not use those weapons. Are you ready to be proactive in your faith?
Success in life calls for serious prayer. Many Christians only dabble in prayer. Prayer is a mighty tool to bring about spiritual and physical victories in your life.
Our world could use more Great News and Great Joy. This is what Christmas is all about. A Savior was born over 2000 years ago offering mankind not only good news of great joy but eternal life and freedom from sin.
Sometimes big things come in small packages. Our expectations definitely control our conduct. If we have little or no expectations from a small thing, we will probably miss out the potential of the small. The Wise men searched for a king but found a baby. We can learn how they reacted to this baby.
Christmas is a fun time of the year. However, Christmas is bigger than what society has made it to be. It is actually about God's promise from the beginning to send us a Redeemer. One who would redeem us from sin, the devil and death. We need Christmas.
Sometimes it is hard to be grateful in a world where it seems greedy or evil people seemingly get ahead. Psalm 37 gives some tips on being grateful.
To a a follower of Jesus means that you will be different than most people. His ways bring true life to every aspect of your life. Two of the hardest things to do in life is what Jesus said we would be blessed if we did or handled them well. Being a peacemaker is hard. Being persecuted for righteousness sake is hard. But they bring blessings from God
Jesus wasn't interested in just giving people head knowledge. He wanted to give you a knowledge that would promote your heart (affections, emotions, will and intellect) to change for the better. The Beatitudes are characteristics that we should live out not just think about.
Jesus gave the most famous sermon called the "Sermon on the Mount." The sermon was not "5 Steps to Happiness" or "3 ways to increase wealth." This message gave biblical characteristics that would bring life, true happiness and maturity to those who apllied His Words to their lives.
Jesus came to set up the Kingdom of God. The values of the world often clash with the values of Heaven. Jesus gave a sermon with many powerful life changing truths. This sermon is called the Sermon on the Mount. THe first part of the Sermon is called the Beatitudes. These characteristics challenge the way we live and promise a blessing from God for those who live these beatitudes out.
Missionary Bill McDonald challanges us to live out God's great plan for our lives. Bill McDonald is the FOunder of Unsion Ministries.
The Church was once the pecenter of culture. Now the Church is trying to keep up with the culture. God intends that the church set the norm for culture not culture setting the norm for the church. God intends each believer to be good agents of good change for a corrupted society.
God gives you the ability to control and transform your thought life. Outside sources, seek to groom your thinking in negative ways. God can help break down these negative thoughts and replace them with positive life giving thoughts.
A tree is known by its fruit. Everything bears fruit or shows what is inside of it by the actions that it does. A Christian should have the Fruit of the Spirit coming out of thier lives through their actions.
You can tell an Orange tree by it's fruit. You can usually tell what's in a person by their fruit (words and actions). You should be able to tell the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. Many claim to be followers of Christ. Your words and actions will prove who you follow.
Whatever source we feed our thoughts from will come out in our actions. This source directs our thoughts, our words, our motives and our actions. What is the source of your life?
God desires fruitfulness int he lives of people. At times, God as a Loving Father must discipline and prune things out of our lives. As He dioes this work, we become more mature and fruitful.
What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What did Jesus mean by saying, "apart from me you can do nothing?" Who is the vine? Who are the branches? Jesus use this example to illustrate the pupose of a fruitful Christian.
People fill their lives up with the things of this world, yet they are still empty inside or never really satisfied. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He fills us and we are truly satisfied.
Spending time with God changes our lives. Pastor Jonathan Rice challenges us to "Spend Extravagent TIme with Jesus."
Do you wish you could hit a restart button and go back and undo something you have done? Pastor Blane Young challenges you to see Jesus in a different light. Jesus remains the same. He is still all powerful. Over time we can become complacent in our relationship with Jesus. Rediscover Jesus for who He is.
We have been placed on this earth tobe a conduit of God's love and resources. God blesses us so that we can provide love and resources to those in need around us.
King Tut and William Borden were both born into great wealth. Borden died in Egypt as a missionary. He gave most of his money away to missions. King Tut was buried with gold chariots and other riches within a series of 3 gold tombs. The ancient Egyptians beleived they could take their riches into the afterlife. King Tut's riches remained buried for over 300 years until discovered in 1922. What a contrast between two men both buried in Egypt. You can't take earthly treasures with you when you die.
Can you believe that joy is a benefit of giving? We are brainwashed to believe that receiving brings joy. All our life we are told to look for the perfect person and perfect place. We think we will find joy in both. Jesus teaches that joy can come from giving and not getting caught up with material possessions.
As many as 80 to 90% of teens abandon the faith of their parents when they leave the home. Who is influencing the faith of the Next Generation? THe parents? The Church? The Media? Academia? Find out who is influencing them and how to influence their faith.
What happens when a nation forgets God? The nation falls apart. God calls it back to himself. How should the church (believer) respond?
Jonah was called by God to call the City of Ninevah to repentance. Jonah didn't want to do it. He ran from God and wanted the people of Ninevah to receive God's judgement. God pursued Jonah until he went and preached to the Ninevites and they turned to God.
It seems that this world lacks leaders that have Biblical morals and guidance. There seems to be an erosion of the family as God intended. THe Father is portrayed as an idiot in many TV Shows. The Bible gives guidance on how to be a great father and leader.
The Holy Spirit desires to exalt Jesus and help believers live abundant and victorious lives. The Spirit has a job description described int he New Testament. This job description will help believers live a significant life.
Solomon and the Israelites are dedicating the new Temple to the Lord. God is pleased with their work and desire to worship Him. He fills the Temple with His glory. God still desires to be worshipped and still desires to abide in His people. Believers are called the Temple of the Holy Spirit. God can still fill us with His glory.
Have you ever been so hungry that you would sell your car for a meal? How about you would give up your birthright or inheritance for a bowl of stew? Esau was so hungry that he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was a physicall strong person but spiritually he was very weak. If a person is weak spiritually, their flesh will win out most of the time.
God has many promises in the Bible. One Promise is multifaceted and power packed. It is the Promise of the Father that Jesus spoke of in Luke 24:49. This Promise is stillevident and powerful today as it was when it was first given.
God has purpose for your life. He can use your past expereinces, good and bad, to live a fulfilling life. Joseph discovered his purpose 22 years after being sold into salvery and rising to the second highest in Egypt.
Joseph had many reasons to be bitter and want revenge. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely accussed and then imprisoned. Yet, He chose to forgive those that wronged him because he knew he had a greater purpose in life. How about you? Will you forgive so that you can fulfill your divine destiny?
Everyone will take the prosperity test because everyone has something they posses. God is looking for good stewards taht He can pour blessings through to bless the rest of the world. How are you using the possessions that God has blessed you with?
Everyone has some influence over their own lives and the lives of others. Everyone also has an inate desire to rule over thier lives. This is a God given desire. God wants every person to influence those around them. Learn how to influence your world.
Everything God created, He created by His mouth. When He wants something, He speaks it. God has plan for every person. God has spoken your purpose into your heart.
The Resurrection fo the Lord, Jesus Christ from the dead is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. There would be no Christianity if there were no resurrection. The responses and reactions to the Resurrection of Christ vary. However, if you respond in faith, the Resurrection can help your life here and in eternity.
Sometimes it seems even after doing the right thing you are rewarded with bad things. Bad things to happen to all people. Good things happen to all people. We can learn perseverance during the bad times in life. They can be used to strengthen our faith and resolve to fulfill our destiny.
God made humans as physical, intellectual and spiritual beings. He intended that we are fulfilled in all of these areas in our lives. One area that gets ignored in the church but is overly pushed is sex. God made it and the world has perverted it. Find out what Bible says about it.
Blind Bartimaeus heard that jesus was coming down the road he was sitting. He shouts out for Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus wanted to see, Jesus healed him. Do we know what we want from Jesus?
Each person is responsible for their life. God makes us stewards of our lives. What we do with our lives and how we manage it detrmines how far we go in life. If we are good stewards of the things God gives us, he gives us greater responsibilities and gifts.
Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers. If he did not survive the test of the pit he would never fulfill his destiny. Everyone has a "Pit" experience during their lifetime. God can use teh pit experience to mature our faith and character.
Jospeh saved two nations during a severe famine. Before he could do that he had to go through some character strengthing tests. He had a dvine destiny. Likewise, God has a divine destiny for you. In order for that destiny to come forth you must go through character strengthening tests. The first one is the pride test.
Knowing how to pray is more important than knowing what to pray for. We can learn some simple, yet powerful prayer patterns from Elijah and Joshua. They were subject to human limitations just like you and me. Yet they were powerful in prayer. We can learn how to pray like a juggernaut from them.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of God. The Bible is the most powerful book in the world. If we hear teh Word, speak the Word and do the Word, it can change our lives and world.
You have to give something in order to get something. Sacrifice is a bad word in today's "I want it all now" society. Your vision for your life will discipline your choices. God wants you to have a Gilgal experience where He can strip away your pride and self-reliance. Then He can do greater things through your life.
When we hear about big things God is doing in others, it makes us feel insignificant or ordinary. We don't think God can do big things through us. However, God loves to work through the ordinary to do extraordinary things.
What if yoo could pray a prayer like Joshua's "Sun Stand Still" prayer? How owuld your life be differeint? How would the World you live in be different? Can God still answer audacious prayers? God is waiting on people to prayer bold prayers that depend on Him.
Twenty years from now will you be more disappointed by things you didn't do than by the ones you did do? The life of faith is about taking risks for God.
It is often said to new parents, "This baby will change your life." When a baby enters the life of a family, it absolutely changes everything. THe new parents jump at the commands of the newborn. Likewise, Jesus changed the world that He was born into. Jesus still changes lives today!
Why is Christmas such a big deal? Other holidays get one day but Christmas gets an entire month of emphesis. Whose birthday could affect so many people? Christmas is teh celebration of teh Birth of Jesus, the Messiah.
We hear the frustrated and desperate voices of our society calling out for help and deliverance. They cry out for relief from tragedy, for deliverance from bondage and from this evil world. God knew that and sent His Son Jesus, who would be called Emmanuel, God with us.
Fear permeates our society. Fear can infect everything about our lives. This is not God's plan for your life. We look at the CHristmas message and see in three places the people were told not to fear in Luke. Then in four other places in Luke people are told to not be afraid. Through Jesus you can have victory over fear.
Everyone worships someone or something. There are many stars to worship: movies stars, music stars, ahtletes and even the stars. One star led wisemen to Jesus the Messiah. These highly educated magi understood the Scriptures and found Jesus. Whose star are you following?
We live in a negative world. It is hard to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. The Word of God commands us to do so along with practical ways to actually do these things because you want to.
Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina came with warning. Both left a wake of damage. People ignored the warnings of both storms. There is another storm coming. It is rising against society and the Church. The waves are crashing against the moral and faith foundations of society and the Church. Each generation is swept up and pushed farther away from solid ground. The Church must be an anchor of hope in this storm.
Learning starts with failure. When you fail what is the result? Do you feel sorry for yourself? Do you give up? Do you learn from failure and move forward? God wants you to learn from failure and move forward.
Saying No can become a liberating choice in your life. We live ina world with too many choices. We also live in a world where many people want to direct your life. God has a specific call for your life. Learning to say no can free you up to say yes to the right things.
Why appreciate your pastor? Pastor Dallas Cogle answers this question through Scripture.
"You will never know until you try." "You might fail, but you might also succeed." We have heard or said these statements. They are true statements. In life we like comfort and safety. We generally don't like to be stretched or take risks. To grow in life a preson must lear to stretch and risk. It is not as hard as it sounds.
"You will never know until you try." "You might fail, but you might also succeed." We have heard or said these statements. They are true statements. In life we like comfort and safety. We generally don't like to be stretched or take risks. To grow in life a preson must lear to stretch and risk. It is not as hard as it sounds.
Sometimes we feel like we are in a no win situation with no choices. Maybe we feel stuck in our station of life. The reality is that we have unlimited choices. We only remain stuck if we do not believe that we have unlimited choices. With God there is always a way out of any situation.
Would you believe it if someone said that your mind can play tricks on you? There is enough scientific and psychological research to prove this point. Our minds are great tools and some times they can be negatively influenced to keep us from truly living life. We will look at a few ways to get control of our thinking.
Blame is an easy game we all do. Responsibility has become a dirty word in today's society. Blame make make us feel good or relieve anxiety, it prevents us from taking ownership of our life. Each person is reponsible for their life. We will learn how to take control of our life by not making excuses or playing the blame game.
Who are you? What formed your life? What house has your thought life created? The mind is the forerunner of all our actions. Our actions are a direct result of our thoughts. Negative thoughts brings about negative results. Positive thoughts bring about positive results.
Have you ever wondered where thoughts come from? Whst influences our thoughts? Who influences our thoughts? God gives us ways to protect and guide our thoughts from fear to hope.
Let's face it, everybody dies. But not everyone lives. Jesus not only can resurrect people from the dead but He can resurrect a person spiritually, emotionally and relationally. Some are stuck in a grave of doubt, fear, regret or of a broken relationship. Jesus can release us from any type of grave.
With the Olympics in mind, we are to pursue gold in our faith walk. Pursuing gold occurs when you perform the proper training.
Life can be overwhelming at times. Sometimes we feel we should just keep our head down and just try to make it through. God has other plans. He doesn't want us to shrink back but to stand with Him through the difficulties.
We each face temptations that can lead us to regrets and even pain. God can help us set up guardrails that will lead us to a blessed and prosperous life through these Godly guardrails. He lets us set our own guardrails.
Culture baits us to the edge with consumerism. If we are not careful we can consume all our resources and end up with a lot of consumer debt. God wants us free of being a slave to money. The Bible gives good guidelines to help us make money work for us.
We benefit from guardrails on bridges and roads. We also benefit from having guardrails in our relationships, our carrers, family and finances. Guardrails protect us from danger and potential ruin. The Bible gives us some guardrails to protect us from sexual immorality.
We all know that guardrails can save our lives on the road. Having relational guardrails can save our relationshiips and even our life calling from God. Friendships are great and can also be dangerous. We will look at some guardrails that we can set up in our lives to help us have great relationships.
We all agree guardrails protect us from danger on the roads. Maybe your greatest regrets in life could have been avoided if you had some guardrails in your life. THis message and series will help us establish guardrails and help us avoid disaster.
No one really needs to tell you that we live in an antagonistic society. It seems that some people are looking for ways to make you fall. God's plan is that you thrive in an antagonistic society. We will learn from Daniel that you can thrive and prosper in difficult society.
The devil works with all his might to stop the church from being an active lifegiving force. The devil attempts to keep the church from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will look at some of the tactics the devil uses to attempt to stop the church.
We have been placed on the earth "For Such a Time as this." We are placed on the earth to live a significant life. We are here to impact our circle of influence to rescue people from the destruction of sin and satan.
We all have influences in our lives. What we give the most attention to in our lives controls us. Good or bad. God gives His Spirit to help us live a life of freedom and joy.
The Bible tells us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Each person has body (flesh), heart and spirit. Each day these three pasrts of us try to be in charge. God tells us to submit to the Spirit to get them all in unity with Him. This message will help each believer begin to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.
Your Presence Is Important God made His presence with people through Jesus. God shows His love through His people. Your presence with people will allow God to show His love through you.
Jesus was laid in a tomb with a tombstone sealing the entrance. An angel came and moved the stone as Jesus was resurrected. As people we roll tombstones over our lives that keep us from living. These tombstones can be an addiction, worry, fear, broken relationships or destructive patterns. Jesus can roll away these tombstones that keep us from living the Life God intended.
What is Palm Sunday all about? It is about Jesus the Messiah, establishing His Lordship over religion and the world system. His Lordhip in our lives brings true freedom.
Faith and prayer not only make us dream big but think long term. Perseverence is needed to see some prayers answered
Not everything in life is easy. God wants us to persevere in prayer. Elijah prayed for years that it would not rain and it did not. Then he prayed for rain and told his servant to look toward the sea seven times. On the seventh time, the rain started to come.
Prayer may seem foolish to those around you. Taking steps of faith may seem foolish. Dreaming big may seem foolish. Noah looked foolish making an ark. Joshua and the Israelites looked foolish marchung around Jericho. If you don't step out in faith, pray and dream big, you may miss out on a miracle.
We will learn from a person who believed that God can do big things. Honi was known as the circle maker. He drew a circle on the ground and prayed within the circle until God made it rain.
Perspective can change a person's life. Perspective can give confidence or make us fear. A good perspective can bring good results. A bad perspective will bring bad results.
Perspective can change a person's life. Perspective can give confidence or make us fear. We look to the parable of the stewards to see that two were winners and one was a whiner. We can learn from this parable how to move from whining to winning.