The Open Door Church 337: Recent Episodes
The Open Door
Listen to a message from our Sunday service. The Open Door is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others.
Message: When the Church first began, they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. These are things that we should still be devoted to. To go along with their devotion, they loved the Lord and their neighbors with their actions. Thye gathered daily, they were unified, and they were grateful for what they had.
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
https://opendoorla.org/
Message: After Peter is done preaching his first sermon, the men who are listening have an opportunity to respond. Scripture tells us that they were cut to the heart. With that, the invitation was sent. That invitation was to acknowledge, believe, and confess. It was the invitation to the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.
Scripture: Acts 2:38-39
opendoorla.org
Message: In Acts Chapter 2, once the Disciples receive the promised Holy Spirit, they go out and they preach the Gospel in Jerusalem. Peter stands up and preaches the first sermon of the new church. In it, he preaches the message and the miracle of Christ. He preaches the righteousness and diety of Christ, he preaches the death of Christ, and he preaches the resurrection of Christ.
Scripture: Acts 2:1-8
opendoorla.org
MESSAGE: After Jesus ascended, the Apostles had to go back to the upper room in order to wait on the promised Holy Spirit. So, that begs the question, what does waiting on the Lord mean? And what does it look like? Waiting on the Lord is a confident trust that God will fulfill His promise and that He has a purpose in the waiting. It looks like what the Apostles did during this time: they assembled, they prayed, and they prepared.
PASSAGE: Acts 1:13-14
https://opendoorla.org/
MESSAGE: Right before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he promised that the Apostles would receive the Holy Spirit soon. Today, we look at that promise. We see that this promise is the promise of the Father. We see that this promise is the promise of the Restored Kingdom. And finally, we see that the promise of the Holy Spirit is the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit.
PASSAGE: Acts 1:4-8
https://opendoorla.org/
Message: Pastor Jeff Williams is beginning a series through the book of Acts. In this first message, he discusses the many infallible proofs that Scripture provides to prove the Gospel. These proofs are: The appearances of Christ, the testimony of the Apostles, the transformation of the Disciples and others, and the personal sacrifices the Apostles made.
Passage: Acts 1:1-3 "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 28:9-17
Mark 16:12-13
Luke 24:33-35
1 Corinthians 5:15-16
John 20:19-20; 26-17
John 7:5
1 Corinthians 15:7
James 1:1
Luke 24:44-49
Mark 16:19-20
1 John 1:1-2
2 Corinthians 13:1
Acts 5:28-32
1 Corinthians 4:9-10
Revelation 12:10-11
John 20:30-31
https://opendoorla.org/
Message: In Philippians, Paul tells us to have the same mind in us that Christ has. That means that we must have the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ sees what the Father is doing, it sets our minds on eternal things, it is crucified, and is filled with the peace of God.
Passage: Philippians 2:4-7 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
https://opendoorla.org/
Message: The Lord is inviting us to join in Him. Before we can do that, we need to understand that there are 3 tables shown to us through Scripture. The first is the table of creation, where we were in fellowship with God. The second is the fall, where we now are invited to seek God, and the third is redemption, where we will celebrate with God. Between the fall and redemption, we find ourselves in the already not yet. As a part of that, the Lord sets before us a couple of tables. The first is the table of invitation, where the invitation to believe in and be joined with Christ is presented. Then, there is the table of participation where we get to participate in Christ’s sacrifice through the Lord’s supper. And finally, the table of application where Christ enters us and we live with Him.
Passage: Matthew 22:1-13, 26:26-29; Revelation 3:20
https://opendoorla.org/
Message:
How do we allow God’s good work to be completed in us? We grow in our identity in Christ, we grow in our purpose, and we grow in our practice. We, as Christians, have to understand that our identity can’t be found anywhere except for in Christ. We have to commit everything to the Lord and our thoughts and desires will begin to be transformed to His. After that, we have to put off the old man and put on the fruit of the Spirit.
Passage: Philippians 1:2-6 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Message: The Word of God is living and activeThe Word of God never comes back void. The Word shows us our need, and how to trust the Lord in that need. God's Word strengthens us and makes us wise about our days. The Word makes it clear who has rejected Him. The Word of God is about us knowing the Lord.
Passage: Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Message: Our theme for this year is COMMITTED TO JESUS. In the passage for today, Paul warns Timothy to not have a form of godliness (pretend to be godly), but rather to be totally committed to Jesus as King and Lord. The 3 essentials to being committed to Jesus. 1) being committed to the sufferings of Jesus, 2) being committed to the lordship of Christ, and 3) being committed to the love of Jesus Christ.
Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14 "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed..."
opendoorla.org
Message: This year, we will be focusing on finishing the race together. In our passage, Paul asked the Galatians you were running well, who hindered you? The answer is both the world, and you. That begs the question, how can we hinder each other? By discouraging instead of encouraging, by running in the wrong lane, and by having a little bit of, but not too much, disharmony.
Scripture: Galatians 5:6-10
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?This persuasion is not from him who calls you.A little leaven leavens the whole lump.I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
Message:
As we come closer to Christmas, we are anticipating the coming of the Lord. While we are patiently, expectantly waiting on the Lord, we get to grow with Him, learn to recognize Him, labor to be with Him, and enjoy the wait with Him.
Scripture:
Luke 12:36
opendoorla.org
Message: As we begin our Advent season, we need to remember to keep our lamps burning. We need to be sober-minded in this intoxicating world. We need to gird up our minds against the lies of this world. We must stand on the truth of God's Word. And we must be ready to give an answer; to let our light shine before men.
Scripture Reference: Luke 12:25-27
opendoorla.org
Message: The Greek word translated "Forgiveness" literally means "to Let Go!" To forgive debts, like God did for us, is a beautiful work of God in us and towards others. Let's discover in God's word the Beauty of Forgiveness by "Letting Go!"
Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:21-22
Message: In this episode, Pastor Jeff discusses the great conflict (struggle) that Paul has for the people of Colossae. He so desired that they would have a full assurance of understanding of who God and Christ truly are. A part of Paul's conflict or struggle was to share the word of God in such a way that they would not hear him, but hear and see Christ. What a great Conflict for all of us to have, to allow Christ to be heard and seen through us!
Scripture Reference: Colossians 2:1-3
Message: Have you ever experienced something so good you didn't want it to end?
[Testimony of relationships and dating]
Psalm 126 is a community song of trust and confidence in God, where the Israelites are asking Him to repeat Himself, proclaiming Him as the One who brings joy out of sorrow, laughter from tears and good out of evil.
We often thing things are going to drag out, then God comes through. Then, we want God to keep doing it again, especially doing good when things are bad, where we are held captive or gripped by something. Things of this world are addictive, except God, in Him we choose to be rescued or delivered.
3 key points:
Sorrow is essential for the seeds of life to be produced, never wasted by God. Godly sorrow is repentance, worldly sorrow is death. Godly sorrow clears us from fear, indignation, etc., through tears and anguish we still get up. There is a sowing of tears in a field, the world, who is watching and wondering where our strength comes from.
The tears in the bag of God are precious, sown in the weeping, the trials and struggle, so Christ is lifted up in our need for Him. The world is watching us harvesting what is precious and valuable for God. It is important to see them as precious and valuable too, sharing with them God's ability to solve their problems.
There is a need for more harvesters with a sincere love of God and others. Tears show our compassion and get the Lord involved in the comforting, therein is joy. In Jeremiah 29:11 scripture states the thoughts of God are for our good. Joy is a word from God that goes beyond our circumstances. The world takes pleasure in our sorrow, but in God there is joy no one can take away.
Bundles of wheat are called sheaves. The sheaves are harvest evidence despite the conditions of the growing season.
[Sheaves testimony from an episode of Little House on the Prairie]
[Testimony of biblical Ruth and Naomi gleaming the fields and meeting Boaz]
There is a reaping of joy when we let God bring us to the harvest; He will not leave or forsake us.
Why does God do it?
To show us His faithfulness, to convince us to great joy and for the developing of trust and confidence in His ability to do it again.
In Philippians 4:11-13 we are encouraged to be content in the waiting, Christ will strengthen us.
Have great rejoicing, be expectant that God can and will come through again and again!!
Scripture:
"When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south."-KJV
Message: Revival is a refreshed hunger, a desire for righteousness and to know God. Our desire should be to make Jesus the Lord of our lives. In the reference scripture, a man blind from birth, was healed. The Pharisees would not accept the healing and questioned the man, having predetermined Jesus as a sinner, not of God. In his frustration, the man questions their motives. The Pharisees had no desire to be disciples of Jesus. The man heard Jesus and responded in obedience, the aspects of a disciple. The Pharisees rejected Him choosing to follow the Laws of Moses. Moses had take the place of Jesus in their minds, so they could not hear it, see it and therefore would not believe it or respond to it. Men cannot fix himself, others cannot fix us. Only Jesus can, when we take His teachings and find rest, it's a choice. We stumble to be disciples, turning to the system or classes in place instead of Jesus. We must fully surrender to Jesus as Lord. Fully resting in Him and opening our hearts to truth and wisdom, we are blessed. The Pharisees missed who Moses wrote about, they let their pride and Laws get in the way, putting their faith in another man. In rest, the Spirit is noticeably different, in whatever state there is contentment. The Pharisees chose to serve a man and reject God. It is our plight as well, the cost of our unsettled lives. In our choice to follow Jesus, we choose love, forgiveness and are a disciple of His ways. The Pharisees did not understand that the words of Moses which they trusted for salvation and righteousness. His words were dishonored by their behavior, because He wrote of Jesus. Believing in Moses was to believe in Jesus.
Will you be His disciple? Psalm 121:1-2 and Hebrews 12:2-3 points to help as we consider Christ's sacrifice when we get tired or weary.
Scripture: John 9:27-28 "He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. - KJV
Message: Maybe you had to choose between two things? Hard-pressed is having a difficult decision and choosing which way to go, better or best, or the better over the more needful.
[Testimony of Better and Best, Salt and Light]
What is better and what is best or needed? Accepting Christ is a newest, an abundance, but it is also a life of affliction and sacrifice for others and yourself. Christ gave Himself for us so we could give for others.
There are 2 things going on in today's scripture regarding difficulty in the decision making process. It is two good things, serving Christ is this world and enjoying Him in another. One is better and the other is best, living for Christ and living with Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul chooses "better" which are perilous times, so through him others would find Christ and rejoice. In Philippians 2:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 16:22, there is a call to love others, live out an abundant life because Jesus will live out His promises, and a warning of being cursed without Christ. It is a call not to be the same as the world, and an expectation which exalts Christ. When we answer the call and wholly commit to be used by God on this earth, we will be hard-pressed but not unto death, with a promise of a coming life. While we are waiting, experience His abundant life in this world, making a difference in this time and place, so others see Jesus in us and cry out to Him. Let the world see our neediness for Jesus. Living according to His will; it will let them see a reflection of His image, life and work. The transformed life is an example to others, leaving no argument.
Seek the Lord to give you a voice and opportunity to increase the boundaries of your territory, letting Christ be seen in us is to have Him high and lifted up. Let the light and salt of Christ come out in you, someone way want what you have. We are encouraged in Jude 1:21-22 to make the most of opportunity to make a difference with your hands. In having compassion, you may help pull somebody out of the fire.
Let God use your story, your hard-pressed times, to display a life undefeated and joyful.
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-24 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." - NKJV
Message: Intro [A personal story reflecting on a lesson in learning to drive in a bottleneck with rubberneckers] We can rubberneck scripture, passing it by without understanding it. The scripture passage is Jesus on the cross being mocked by passerby's for not using his power to save Himself.
There are three groups of passerby's: 1) the casual people who have heard His claims to be the Son of God without any understanding. 2) the scribes and elders who examined Him and knew His works. They represented Jerusalem, the center of power and faith. 3) the thieves who were in the same state of judgement and affliction. The three represented the whole world during a dangerous and politically charged time of Passover. There were thousands, some scholars estimate millions, gathered to see the Savior, the Passover Lamb and the Messiah. They mocked from a refusal to believe and trust God for themselves. They mocked Him to save Himself, but it was because He didn't, we are saved. This was the peak of God's love, to endure the cross for our salvation, but it was also the summit of man's hatred of God. Don't take a careless stance of Jesus Christ in your life. Today with all the endless suffering of society, we can become insensitive and lose compassion
[25:26-27:30, Testimony of driving in the snowmegeddon of Texas]
Allow yourself to be crucified to the old self and let Christ come in, this is faith. The magnitude of His love is not a fleeting passerby, but an intentional, caring, protecting and covenantal love as prophesied in Ezekiel 16:4-8. He is a God with a plan and a purpose of atonement which leaves us speechless against Him. How often do we pass by what God is doing? Never forget how God rescued us and when we see Him doing it for someone else, rejoice.
Let us proclaim Him as the Son of God, keeping our eyes fixed upon Him as we encounter the world, becoming sensitive to God's work and having an answer from faith of Christ who lives in us.
Scripture: Matthew 27:39-44 "And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing." - NKJV
Message: Peter is talking about the sufferings of the world and brings in spiritual gifts. Why don't we get involved? We know our flaws and mistakes.
[04:16-08:20 Tim Wilcox's Testimony - God had a purpose]
There's a lot of labor that goes into running a church, but there's also spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given to everyone who is a believer, to minister the grace of God to others. Ask yourself, "what does it mean to serve?" God has a plan for you. He wants to use you where you are with plans He has for you. We can look in the mirror and not believe who God says we are, because of our strength and weaknesses. The weaknesses are for our reliance on others. Find people in your life who you can be open and honest with, so they can place strengths around you. We as stewards of God's grace, will give an account for our lives before God for the abilities He has given us. The gifts are to show how good God is in our lives, resulting in joy. If there's no joy, you need to reflect on your reason for serving. Don't misunderstand the grace of God, it's Jesus doing everything and we just respond to Him.
1 Peter 4:11 is an overview of spiritual gifts, citing two categories, speaking and serving. Everything can be grouped into these two, one is upfront and the other is going on behind the scenes, respectively. God wants the glory. He has given you all these things in Jesus Christ for the His kingdom. The saying goes,"It doesn't matter who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory." We surrender and ask Him to control us, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us; it's a continuous process. It's an opportunity to live out the love of God, to live out His praises and His love. Use your gifts for the glory of God.
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - NKJV
Message: In a society and church where where we are made to feel dispensable, not needed, unnecessary and expendable, God never will. There are many parts making up the family of God, and every part is indispensable. In Corinthians 12, the church is starting to have division based on the importance of spiritual gifts. The message of this chapter is to value the place God has given to every member of the body. Paul explains the focus on the gifts can cause us to miss the point of them, to build the body of Christ in love. The gifts are a blessing, vital and needed in God's kingdom. The viewpoint can get distorted when gifts are seen as greater or weaker based on outward or inward application; also seen greater or weaker based on value. All gifts are valuable to the kingdom of God, the riches only having value in heaven, where He gives honor to those lacking it in the public forum. The passage of scripture addresses how we measure the gifts strength, what we view as honorable gifts and what we perceive as presentable gifts, but God places value on them all, everyone important.
[22:15-34:45] A testimony about the value of godliness in crisis.
We are valuable beyond measure, moving, guiding and directing the body into great glory for God's kingdom through us. Each and everyone of us are indispensable.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:22-25 "No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another." - NKJV
Message: We need someone to speak for us sometimes when we're going through a hard time. [testimonial of advocacy] Scripture expresses the full fellowship we can have with God, Jesus Christ and should have with others. These relationships should grow in the abiding love of God. John wants us to know his reason for writing is to introduce the Advocate. There is an ongoing defense and comfort for our sin, but in Christ there has already been reparation for our sin. There two methods of purchase used by Christ. He died for our sin debt and us as the redeemed of the Lord. Secondly, redemption is the spilling of blood on the earth at His death, the earth also purchased. The "payment is full" was for the people and the place. Christ finished the work so we wouldn't have to stand for ourselves. Christ as the defender took authority, but there is one who accuses us before heaven, so He defends us before heaven. Even with Satan's limited access, he has not stopped trying to judge and condemn us, so Christ is there to remind him, "It is finished!" Psalm 94:22, "But the Lord is my defense and my God is the rock of my refuge." Christ is pleading our cause with God, seated on the right hand, defending and advocating, throwing out the accusations. In Romans 8:34, Christ died for it all, rose again and sits at the right hand of God, that our relationship with the Father would continue to grow, our faith not fail, our inner man be strengthened and our weapons be mighty with none greater. This is so the good work begun in us by God, faithful and just, will complete it until the day of redemption. Christ as comforter through the Holy Spirit, acts as advocate in a distressed world, when we have fallen short, reminding us Christ is righteous and our faith belongs to Him now and forevermore. When our flesh and Satan brings lies about who we are, the Comforter guides us in the truth, John 16:7, 12. This is not advocating ease, letting Christ do all the work. In Matthew 11:28-29, we are to take His teaching and instruction, learn to be like Christ and find rest there. The stirrings of the world will not so easily unhinge us when there is strength in the inner man and trust in God's unchanging Word. Our remembrance of the Way, the Truth and the Light, will be the things we can trust in, no matter what the world throws at us. Our strength is in His might, we are set free in His truth when we put on the new man, Christ's character and attributes, Colossians 3:10-12. Sin hinders our relationship when we take our eyes off God, but we are righteousness in Christ gives all access to the throne of God. Through convictions and chasenings of our sin, we are trained and disciplined to grow and produce peace with Him and within ourselves. [Personal testimony of Christ's defense and steadfast love] In Romans 5:1-2, Christ will not allow us to be accused of the things He's paid for, so we could have peace with God. Let us rejoice in the hope of this glory.
Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." - KVJ
Message: A letter of Paul to Timothy as he nears the end of his life as he has kept the faith and awaits the crown of righteousness. Paul has been isolated and imprisoned, relying on the support of friends for survival. Paul reflects on his life in Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit, caring little for his life, but that he might finish with joy in the plan God had for him.
God has a plan and purpose for each of us, carrying it out in and through us. Paul is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and it allows us to see ourselves. In 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, we sing the praises of God together , but his grace should not be taken for granted. God has delivered us and salvation is critical.
In all things we are in a fallen world and are in need, but are not to be part of this world. There are trials, because we proclaim the name of Christ, it arises from nowhere, so we're reminded of prayer, patience and God's plan.
*IN-BY-AS
In faith* we're called to finish the course, letting nothing forfeit us.
By God, by the supernatural power in us, defensively and offensively, we are to fear nothing, He is greater than any situation. Nehemiah 4:14 is an encounter with overwhelming forces. It's a reminder to remember the Lord, fight by the power truth and Word of God. People call us out, treat us wrongly, but God has another report of you. We are known and beloved by* Him.
As we are in the middle of battle, there is a power available to us, when we walk in God's strength. The strength is His truth and promises as our identity, that others my see us in Christ.
There are many crowns awarded to believers after salvation. The Greek word for crown in stephanos, royalty and honor, such is the name of Stephen the martyr. In the New Testament, it refers to the reward for the faithful, not to seize unearned, but for a follower of the Lord, obedient to stay on the course God had laid out. A crown of righteousness is given to those who long Christ's appearance and those in the struggle to keep Him first. With lamps lit and oil full are those living for His appearance in their life as Savior and Shepherd, seeking Him in prayer, studies, and testimony, anticipating His return. Everything we've done, outside the righteousness of God will be consumed by fire. In this there is conviction for the things we prized in this world above God, thereby missing the reward He has for us. It's a reminder to lean on the Lord as course to follow, as a ministry to finish, which produces an opportunity to reveal Himself and a good God to others. They're examining us, "reading our book", to see if we're holding fast to our profession of faith and the calling placed on us.
Maybe it's someone you know who persecutes Christians, what's your response going to be? When you are challenged, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?", do you say, "Yes, I do!"
The crown of righteousness is for believers, purchased by Christ and bestowed to the saints who love His appearing, putting everything else secondary to His work, calling and leading. Will we say, "I do!"? The crown is a symbol of trust and desire to be with Christ in every aspect of our lives, given by the righteous Judge to all those who love His appearance and anticipate it.
This is not our safe place, be expectant of Him; He is excited about you. Trust and lean upon Him, fighting the fight of faith, not only for eternal life but for the crown of righteousness of God, of Christ, in you.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." - KJV
Message: Have you ever been in a place where things don't go your way, trouble on every side? God is there. In the scripture reference, Israel has been exiled, but God has a plan for deliverance from Babylonian captivity and restoration for the faithful remnant. Have there every been times when it's not easy to see God working, seeming long and feeling forgotten? Israel felt that way. Similarly, we often try to fix problems with church programs instead of Jesus Christ when we feel forsaken.
There are 3 key points to being sought by God often and not forsaken.
-
Your Salvation is coming. God desires to deliver us in the physical and also in the spiritual, a laying down of the natural for the supernatural. God has a plan to bring it all together and will not rest. All the while Israel is waiting to be rescued from exile. God is not resting until salvation is in every aspect of our lives. God will not hold His peace, wanting to redeem us into righteousness and reflect His image. Hebrews 7: 24-25 points to a continuous light, eternal salvation to the uttermost, which is a reflection of the completeness of the saving, a perfection, holy and without blemish. It is a salvation that frees us from the wages of sin and the chains of sin. No matter what it looks like from the natural eye, it's a never-ending presence.
-
His reward is with Him. A spiritual good work is being accomplished that is worthy of reward. Isaiah 62:6 reveals God's love sets watchmen over us to protect us. God is saying He will save Jerusalem and us, it will make praise in the earth. The watchmen have a constant duty. They are to discern and be prayer warriors for a people who are under attack from Satan who wants to steal, kill and destroy. God calls us to pray without ceasing, giving Him no rest. God reciprocates with reward, allowing us to trust in His name. Simply, we can trust God the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. It is important to be ready for His reward. Isaiah 35:10 encourages of God's ransom for us will return. Hebrews 6:11 encourages us to be seeker of Him, the sacrifice will be worth it. For the unbeliever, Luke 13:27-28 warns of being unknown while working themselves.
-
His work is before Him. In Isaiah 62:10 we are called to prepare a highway for people, removing distractions to the way of the Lord, let them see Jesus at the center of it all. We are to prepare our hearts to receive Him and not miss opportunities. Ephesians 2:10 makes us a part of His workmanship. In us and through us, Christ is a living word for someone to see and desire salvation. He wants to use us to uplift His Kingdom as we fix our eyes on Christ as the reference point in our lives. [Testimony of Godly care] God is ever-present and trustworthy all our days.
Scripture: Isaiah 62:11-12 "Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming;
Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’ ”And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.
Message: Why do people refuse to believe in God when He is evident in all of creation? Most people suffer with pride, not wanting God to run their lives, which results in losing the meaning of life. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” - Psalm 14:1. In Mark 9:14-29 The disciples are unable to heal boy with a mute spirit. The boy's father has brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus heals the boy on the belief of the father, who repents of of his unbelief, but He has scolded the disciples for being faithless. By the actions of both and our actions now, we show our unbelief. Hebrews 11:1-3 defines faith as visualizing God's plans before reality. As we trust, His plans become steadfast and secure. The man's trust was shaken, wondering if even Jesus could heal his boy. He cast his sight on the natural, where eyes can be deceived. As his eyes left Jesus, his belief waned. The emphasis is a continual trust, regardless of what our natural eyes see. The man acknowledged his failure to believe and and asked for help from Jesus to believe. The power to heal came from his trust in Jesus. In our lives when the the Lord showed up, it was preceded by the thought of being alone, but He was faithful to be there, building our trust day by day. All things are possible to the believer with trust and faith. Faith is described as a mustard seed, small, but with everything it needs to flourish. At the moment an unsuitable environment changes to a condition conducive to growth, it explodes with life. The mustard seed is the natural, but the spiritual is the seed of Christ that will grow when nourished. Nourishment is a continual relationship as the branch is to the vine, connection is critical to growth. Our connection is with Christ and in Him we keep His commandments and experience joy. Let us be conscious of our unbelief, seek Him, trust Him and cry out His help as we journey with Him. Take the step of faith to make the Jesus the Lord of your life. We are to glory in Him, not in ourselves. He is excited about the day of our acceptance.
Scripture: Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” - NKJV
Message: Studies say every 1 to 2 years we have a huge transition and every 3 to 5 times in a life we have "life quakes". We have 2 responses: we lean into the Lord or we back off. Israel is an example of these responses. The context of Deuteronomy 30 is Israel's captivity, exodus and entry into the promised land. Out of fear they stay away from the promised land, instead dwell in the wilderness for 40 years. The older generation dies and Moses reaffirms the blessings and curses of the Law according to their obedience. Their transitions are the death of Moses, accepting the leadership of Joshua, moving into the promised land and having to conquer the land. They still have the responsibility to follow the Lord and have to make choices such as, life and good, death and evil. Immediately after Joshua dies, they choose death and evil. Hebrews 4:1-11 stresses obedience resulting in rest and a hardened heart of disobedience resulting in unrest. So in times of change we also have the chose to lean on God before and after, the reward is eternal rest from believing in Jesus. Hebrews 10:26-31 explains deliberate sin resulting in death and a fearful expectation of judgement and losing their land. For those rejecting Christ is the fear of falling into the judgement of God. As with the Israelites, we also have difficulty choosing God, trying to handle it on our own. In Deuteronomy 30:11 trust is simple. We are to come as we are to God, believe in our heart and confess with our lips Jesus is Lord. The difficulty is getting over ourselves and believing everything the bible says about Jesus is true. It says, we are sinners accountable for what we've done and saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Rejecting God gave the Israelites freedom to do what was in their hearts, to make up their own rules and be the authority. The book of Judges is a great snapshot of what we are like without God. We have the same frame mind and the same options. God gives us opportunities to respond to the gospel and hear what Christ has done for us. God gives us reminders of His faithfulness in hard times. It's something we wrestle with, what is going to be your choice?
Scripture: Deuteronomy 30: 11-20, The Choice of Life or Death
Angela Nicholas shared on fear, anxiety, and worry at the Women of Wisdom brunch on July 29.
Message: Have you ever pondered the question, What is Life? There are different thoughts that go through our minds. There are also many quotes about life. Thomas Edison, an American inventor, once said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how lose they were to success when they gave up." In 2018, LIFE magazine published one of their issues with the title, "Miracles Of Faith: Inspiring stories from the Bible, history and the lives of Saints." Also, in 2019, LIFE magazine published another one of their issues with the title, "Jesus: Who do you say that I am? 1 John 5:11-12 breaks down the definition of life in reference to Jesus Christ and 1 John 1: 1-4 there is a deeper detail as Christ is the completer of our joy. On the surface life and death seem easy. We see death as the end of physical life and life being everything previous to death. However, both are also defined in the spiritual sense as death as eternal separation from God, life being eternally in His presence. In Genesis, we see whereas Adam was made in the image and likeness of God, Adam's sinful flesh and likeness passed on to all mankind. Jesus, born of a woman was not exempt, being flesh, yet, as God would be the the sinless sacrificial offering for the debt of our sin. In our flesh we battle in our Spirit over sin, a rebellion against trusting God using the free will He gave us. In John 3:3-7, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the need for rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God, a birth of the Spirit which comes after our fleshly birth through the waters of our mother.
There are 3 key points to this life the message attempts to make: Be born of God, love God and keep His commandments. To be born of God is to believe in Jesus the Christ and recognized God as your Father. [Personal Testimony] When we love God, we love His children and through Him keep His commandments. It is meant by God to be life giving, not burdensome. In John 10:10, life abundant is God's plan, whereas the enemy wants to destroy life. God's plan is to overcome the world being born in Him, then through His forgiveness, we are able to get up to walk in faith again. Our victory is to trust we have overcome the world in Jesus the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Scripture: 1 John 5:11-12 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" - NKJV
Message: Have you ever see something you've been captivated by? We can see God working today with Jesus at the center of it all. In Luke 10:9, Jesus sends out the seventy-two people to share that "the Kingdom of God is now". Allowing only the provisions of the Lord, they went out and returned rejoicing from their encounters with the power and authority they had been given. In comparison, in Acts Jewish exorcists tried to cast out demons in Jesus's name, but lacked the relationship. In Luke 10:18-19, Jesus reflects on the day Satan was cast down when he turn his heart away from God and rejected God's authority. In Ezekiel 28:14-19 Jesus's authority is illustrated over Satan, "unrighteousness was found in you..I destroyed you...I cast you to the ground..consumed you with fire..turned you to ash..you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever" In order to be blessed to see, you must make and appointment, prepare for resistance and be like a child. To make an appointment is to be sent out and it is not to be missed. It is to know Who is making it and to make it. Seasons and times pass by, in them there are appointments and destinations for the plans of God. There's going to be be who refuse Jesus, kick the dust off your feet and leave. There is also going to be resistance in and from yourself to do what you are asked to do when it it looks tough. The Lord is at work, move on and see His plans unfold. Natural eyes are not always aware of the spiritual struggle taking place, but God will see it through. In Luke 10:21, a little child can get the simplicity of the gospel. Our knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The love of God is simple, it's Jesus in your heart which is used to share the gospel. Let us not become wise in our own eyes, not to see the unfolding plan of God, it's supernatural. Salvation is easy enough for a child to get it, but we have a hard time getting to the point of needing Jesus. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read of the love of the Lord is never ceasing, mercies never ending and of His great faithfulness. Jesus rejoiced deeply in the Spirit when His nameless children trust in Him and see Him. Don't get too mature and too safe as to miss the works of God or miss the simplicity of His love. Back to the disciples in Luke 10, Jesus turns to them to point out the how blessed are those who see what you see, rejoicing and excited of the things of the Kingdom of God on earth. [Pastoral testimony from 37:42-42:20] When we step out in faith and trust Him, He is rejoicing in our midst for the new course of life which privileges us to see His wonderful works.
Scripture: Luke 10:23-24 "Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” - ESV
Message: Have you ever wondered how God works? It's often unclear to the natural eye. We will ask for an open door, or steps, or the shortest route. Whatever the case, His plans are unique to each of us, each a masterpiece. Solomon concluded after trying everything his way, there is some satisfaction in this world, but there is nothing more satisfying than the work of God. Solomon counsels us to consider God's plan and take action, it is our choice, it is wisdom to do so. Wisdom is life; it is the judicious application of knowledge. The parable of the talents is an example of perspectives of using wisdom in faith to what has given to us. God weaves into our lives, first through our parents as visible representation of His desire for us to be His children. In this relationship, there is correction in love for our good. He displays Himself through creation, provision and trials. In considering His work, we are to be thankful for being given purpose and priority. He leaves us no excuse to reject Him, rather He gives us reason to draw to Him as a loving Father. He wants to bless us before Him in our trust. He keeps us with living water, whereas the world will cause death, missing His blessings and constantly needing a "bailout". The portrait of our lives reveals where we are in our trust with circumstances and diversity. We are to see the futility of this world without God, determining nothing comes before Him. He is worthy of all our glory and all our honor.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 "Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him."
Message: Paul is closing his letter and giving final thoughts on salvation to the Jews and Gentiles, to have hope through God's Word. He relates the word to a lamp to tell us where we're heading when we're helping others through the practice of faith in Christ. Paul is speaking into 3 things: 1) Christ bears no reproach, 2) Scripture was written for our learning, 3) Through scripture we might have hope. We have life because Christ bears us, so we could be encouraged. Christ endured our shame and our reproach for our righteousness before God. We learn from scripture not to vindicate ourselves, but to rely on God's plan, as Christ did. The Word is light and truth in our lives, bringing us rest when we want to burden ourselves with the things God never intended. The Word is inspired by God for man's profitability, reproof, correction, instruction and righteousness, however make room for the spiritual maturity of others. Through us, others may have hope and comfort, as they see His patience for us that He may have patience with them, drawing them near. Patience is developed through Jesus by laying aside our sin and embracing the trials with thanks. Often times we are impatient because we think we will lose or be destroyed, it takes trust and belief in Jesus to maintain it. It takes the Holy Spirit to form and grow our patience. He is called for that very purpose, to comfort. This is where patience and comfort are united, enabling us to live as children of God and dispel darkness. Let the reading of the letter and practical daily application bring hope, strength and the ability to suffer. Have confident expectations of His promises; God shows up!! Walk in oneness to glorify the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. You have the ability to be on the journey with one another, ignoring the differences and lifting up the beautiful diversity of God, according to the way Christ loved. Satan cannot overcome or destroy Christ, but he can fragment the body of believers. No longer of one mind, Christ becomes hard to see. Fitly joined together as a body, Christ is evident, visibly glorifying God and His plans. Abound in hope trust God and watch Him do some amazing things.
Scripture: Romans 15:3-4 "For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." - NKJV
Message: Have your ever felt there was something you knew was not wrong to do, but you should not do it? Christian liberty is often referred to as freedom with guidelines to serve on another with love. It is freedom from sin as well, but with accountability to Christ as God's standard is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit and His Word. There are areas of freedom less defined, leaving it to our conscience to sort out the evidence of deep convictions and the Holy Spirit to speak to our heart. To go against there convictions is an act of sin. In the early church it was things they ate, daily observances and behavior during the observances which were targeted. Paul is telling us to let Christ convict us on these things that are doubtful. There are many convictions, but it doesn't mean God holds everyone to the same things. We are to ask ourselves, "can I do this with a clear conscience or am I convicted?", according do God's standard to love our neighbor. We are to operate out of faith to allow God's conviction to dictate our hearts, steering us away from rationalizations of the conscience. Rationalizations may develop from scar tissue of past experiences, a lens which blocks us from having the compassion of Christ. [Personal testimony of projecting our conscience on others] This projection leads to subjective legalism, a personal interpretation over the standard law or code onto others. We can share experiences with others to help them avoid pitfalls, but we are to use discernment. Judgement and contempt could cause them to stumble. Don't let spiritual maturity be a requirement for fellowship, use it discern whether it's weakness or rebelliousness. Make room for others to grow in faith, i.e. new believers, legalists, those lacking sound doctrine or just haven't walked it out yet. God is the judge; He makes us stand and transforms us day by day. Flaunting your convictions differing from your brethren and destroying other's convictions is not Christ's love. Be sensitive, because convictions can go both ways, show love by laying down your life. Conscience matters, each of us will give account for ourselves, Christ is the judge for reward. God wants a personal relationship and speak to your heart on the matters He has presented to you.
Scripture: Romans 14:12-13 "each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." - NKJV
Message: There are 3 ways to live our lives before this world as Christ would: I) Submit to the government, II) Love your neighbor and III) Put on Christ. Society can seem challenging and stressful as we resist authority, but to resist is to resist God and bring judgement on ourselves. It is an act of faith to trust the One who appoints authority and to submit to one another, but it is His plan. Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, Paul suffered under Nero, neither reviled or denied their authority. God assigns authority to hold off the evil of foolish people and execute punishment, in the same act bringing life to those doing good. We are to use our freedom against evil and take a stand for God. Sometimes we use this same freedom to resist God. Through our freedom we are to submit to the authority God appoints to accomplish His plans. We are to resist, however, something in contradiction to God's law. Our obedience is to Him, Acts 4:19. Laws are a part of God's plan for protection from the destructive nature of sin which leads to lust and eventually death. In 2 Peter 3:39, "that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" is our part in God's love and in fulfillment of the Law. Some are not aware of God's laws, but they can see the manner of your love, Christ in us rejoicing in His truths which is able to bear all things. One of those truths is the manner of Christ, an intentional interaction with the people around us and the world. To be able to respond is to be watchful and aware of the changing atmosphere. The transformational work of the Holy Spirit casts off the old ways and helps develop a consciousness and concern for the wicked ways of the world. As you respond, walk in the plans and intentions of God's plans, put on Christ.
Scripture: Romans 13:13-14 "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." NKJV
Message: Believers who haven't practiced Christianity have perpetuated evil, being Christian in name only. In reality, we are to share love, because God first loved us. What is the life of a Christian? Someone who trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In the bible, Christian is referred to three times as someone who was behaving like Jesus and following Him. In the passage below, Paul is describing the presentation of Christians for our eyes and ears to understand.
The sermon describes three ways to live the Christian life: I) Be living sacrifices to God!, II) Serve God with your Spiritual gifts! and III) Behave like a Christian.! God. God calls us to make a choice how to live for Him in soul and spirit. This gives us the the ability to take up Christ's life daily. On the altar as a living sacrifice, means it's an ongoing offering of thanksgiving, a pleasing aroma. It means a life set apart for God, a holy and acceptable sacrifice outside of the world's way. It is to be in right-standing with God and His righteousness. In Greek it is Logikos, to live according to the Word of God, which is a transformation process of supernatural means. [ A personal testimony of transformation is given here] As we spend time in God's presence and glory, there is a metamorphosis where the old is washed away and the new closes in. In the new, the Word of God asks us to use the spiritual gifts given to us, because the body of Christ needs your member, which is valuable to the body and the world. It's value is to let everyone see Christ and grow in their relationship with Him, serving Him also. An unsettled life is a call to do what we've been created, formed and transformed to do. It is our responsibility, but God lets us, allows us, to live it. It is a giving of ourselves to God without restraint to use us. There is a final challenge to act according to the plans and purposes God has for you. A follower of Christ is to have love as the primary characteristic. What we bind to, cleave to, comes out of us, so cling to what is good, love. Kindness shows affection and honor in the care of others, expecting nothing in return. We owe to one another mutual submission, bearing burdens, showing grace and mercy, surrendering ourselves in the understanding of what God has for us. The life as a Christian isn't to be hard or overwhelming, God intended it to be good and glorious while living in His joy and peace as a sacrifice to His plan. May it be proven in your life.
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Message: God's operation plan is how He desires to share the Word. The elect are those accept Christ, a free gift, not of works. In this atmosphere, Paul speaks of the ongoing war for our souls, of the strategic plan of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy, whereas God's plan is for life, life abundantly. It can seem like there is no hope with so much going wrong and so few desiring to do God's will, as it was with the Israelites. There were few willing to make Christ the Lord of their life, challenge by conformity. God's plan has never changed, it is secure and it is our responsibility to take the step of faith in Him, out of a life of works and self-righteousness.
There are 3 phases to His operation plan: I.) God has a remnant according to grace; II.) God is multiplying by grafting and III.) God returns to Israel.
I. There were so few following God, it was the consensus He had forgotten them. However, He called the few of Israel who embraced the gospel. Through the prophet Elijah's anguish and loneliness, God revealed the few, the remnant preserved by grace.
II. Outsiders saw the Israelites as God's chosen, whom He showed favor and strength. Though small in number they were feared and viewed as large due to God's protection. The remnant had to go to the Gentiles to expose the flaw of their thinking about a God others could not reach. They were to tell of a plan which included all, a grafting process of hope and opportunity through Christ.
III. In Romans 11:25-26, there is a revelation of the mystery behind the blindness of the Jews for the sake of the Gentiles. The Jews must reach the whole world before Israel would be saved. The kingdom of God will be for all, Jew or Gentile, who call upon the name of the Lord.
Thank God for the remnant.
Scripture: Romans 11:5 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." - KJV
Message: There's a responsibility to communicate the message of the bible, to call upon the name and confess Jesus. God's plan is to send people to proclaim the gospel. How? In a Acts 8, they allowed themselves to be scattered by God into the world. It begins with the people closest to us sharing Jesus in many situations. In Peter 3, we are to be prepared to explain the hope within us. We are to be the letter of Christ to be known and read to all men from our hearts. God will open the door to share His word and it's use for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, for He knows there will be a time when people will turn from the truth. It is important to reach people early, before this time comes. God uses imperfect vessels to express the activities of His movement, transformative power and radical love. What are some ways to effectively preach the gospel? In 2 Corinthians, we have won through Christ, so there is no reason to defend or take offense. Respond in a way as to preach the love of God. Ministry happens in every opportunity we have, especially in trials, so respond by the Holy Spirit in God's truth through the Word. Be doers of the Word, not just hearers and be blessed as the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing how good God has been.
Scripture: Romans 10: 9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - KJV
Message: Paul is speaking to the Romans about tripping on an element God desires for all of us, to be in agreement with Him. To be in proper relationship is less an act and more being. Why stumble on the promises of God? Works took the place of faith. What is the root cause for lack of faith? There are 3 factors; 1) Zeal 2) Ignorance 3) seeking to be self-righteous.
The zeal they had was a passion for God, but missing the knowledge of His divine plans, Paul's life before conversion. Awareness of God as the reason for their passion was missing from their zeal. They were in need of awakening of God's love in their hearts, a breathing of His revelation knowledge. The lack of knowledge is referred to as ignorance. The thinking of the time mistakenly supported the cause of self-righteousness, unaware and uninformed of Christ as the end of the Law, preferring to abide by the letter of the Law. It would never work, righteousness is of faith based on Jesus Christ. Trying to establish righteousness was futile, in that, it is not submitting to the righteousness of God. How then is righteousness gained? Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." -KJV A confession of this caliber to the Jews was to place allegiance above the emperor, a step of faith and trust in Christ as the foundation of their hope of salvation. Paul's urgency, don't stumble!
Scripture: Romans 10:1-4 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." - KJV
Message: In chapter 9 of Romans, Paul begins to address the confusion and stubbornness surrounding some of the Jews refusing to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. They struggled with the idea that they needed to choose Him. That they’re birthright was not the kingdom of God.
In his discussion, Paul highlights vessels of wrath and mercy. There are those that, when they don’t turn away from sin, get it right, and allow themselves to be transformed, become vessels of wrath. Then there are those who God showed His immeasurable mercy to and they received it. Yes, He saw the pain and suffering, trials and tribulations, anguish and despair, and brokenness and death that would come in this broken world; because of sin, but God was willing to show His wrath and displeasure on all of that sin and death. Willing to put a stop to it; to make His power known. His wrath, when it comes, is righteous in mercy and justice.
John 10:10 says that “The thief cometh not, but to kill steal and destroy, but I cometh that you might have life and life more abundantly.” God sees the murdering and deceptions and he grieves it. He is in anguish over it. He wants it to stop, but because He desires for all to come to the saving knowledge of Christ, he remains long-suffering even with that murderer, that adulterer, and that deceiver. Even us, He knows, could be snatched up in that impartial and fiery wrath and would not desire that we be lost to an impatient dealing of justice. In this way, we are often keenly aware of our pain, but not God’s. So what if God always intended to call them? The gentiles. Hosea 2:23; “...I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people…” -KJV. God didn’t forget about anyone. He did’t choose some and forget others. His plan was always to call every single one of us.
When the spirit of life enters in, you become a vessel of mercy. Your inner man is strengthened as a part of the riches of God’s glory. Another part of the riches of the glory of God is that all of our needs are met, not our wants; peace, hope, or patience in adversity. Whether physical, spiritual, psychological, or emotional, God supplies it all. Sometimes, He even supplies that which we didn’t know we needed. Even with His long-suffering heart, God will cut the work short in righteousness. Paul says this to ensure that his audience doesn't assume that they have more time than they do. He’s going to make a short, though effective, work of this despair and these trials. It’ll pass us before we know it, so are we standing in righteousness?
How are we made righteous then? Through faith. The gentiles obtained to righteousness through their belief, but Israel themselves did not because they did not seek it by faith. The thing that truly allows us to see, hear, and experience God is faith. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When Peter claimed Jesus as the living son of God, he (Jesus) exclaimed that flesh and blood; Peter’s knowledge and intellect, did not reveal this to him, but God did. You allowed yourself to see and allowed yourself to hear, so you’ll have everything you need, you’ll be more than a conqueror, and the glory of God shall rest upon you.
What if that was His plan all along?
Scripture: Romans 9:22-23 “What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,” -KJV.
Message: There is an attack on women and mothers in our society. The role of women is established to complete and complement Adam. Women are twice refined, having been created from Adam who was made from dust which was refined into man by God. Women are to be treated with care as with a fragile and valuable china. The place of women is to be joined with man to make the home, the raising of children and all other things of life better. Women are an important representative of God's love, teaching those in her care to trust the sovereignty of God and His Word. God's plan for women is the reason for the "all out" attack, in that ever birth reminds Satan of a seed which will bind him and cast Him into the lake of fire. Motherhood reflects the glory of God, the creational role, because it is the clearest example of the difference between man and women. In a loving mother, we are shown what God's love is like and see Christ gathering His people as a hen gathers her chicks under wing. Mothers can take the abstract feelings of love and materialize it into a child, a meal or a hospitable home. A father's role is not abdicated by the role of women, rather it is to be part of the team, which began before children, to determine how they would be raised. As fathers and mothers we often fail, let us look inward with prayer.
Scripture References: Genesis 2: 18-20, Genesis 3:14-15, Revelation 20:10
Message: Paul has a passion for Israel, God's chosen people, who believe His promises are not being kept. We can perceive a God who abandoned them and we can also perceive He abandons us. In this chapter, Paul looks at the error of the Israelites, so we will not fall in their ways and restore our trust in God's promises. A review of Israel reveals a people God set aside for Himself as a model of faith and obedience to the world. They were given special instruction to live according to His will, but they got fixated on the "special", rejecting God. They were the least and not a great people, but God wanted to love them and chose them. God gave His word and would not break His covenant promise. Israel began to think they were better (Abrahams Seed, Elect of God), a veil of self righteousness and glory, operating outside of God's purpose. Paul went to correct this false thinking, showing faith by works was dead, being void of relationship with God and unable to see Christ.
Paul makes 5 points to answer the question, "Who are the Israelites?"
I. Those Who Are The Father's - 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - KJV
II. Those Whom Christ Came For - Mark 2:17 "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - KKV
III. It Isn't Because God's Word Isn't True - Romans 9:6 "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel " - KJV
IV. It's Not By Physical Birth - Romans 9:7 "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called." - KJV
V. It's The Children Of The Promise - Romans 9:8b "They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." - KJV
God had a divine plan of love, by His reasoning, rewarding faith and obedience in the Lord, for a chosen lineage. God is not a God of hate, but that none would be lost, even in us, as in Israel the nation. God is calling us today, as in the day of Israel, by His Spirit; WE are Israelites.
Scripture: Romans 9:4-8 "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. " - KJV
Message: We don’t want to be people who just go through the motions, that simply operate in legalism, instead, we should have a heart and a desire to serve God; letting our motivation be from a transformed heart. We can see that there is sufficiency, adequacy, and abundance in Christ. Paul highlights that there is a kind of security in Christ that was never present in man’s efforts to be righteous in their own sight.
There are four essential results that are important for us to talk about; there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ, there is a conflict between the spirit and the flesh, there is a full result of the Gospel, and there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.
They that are joined to the flesh, mind the things of the flesh… and we were once outside of our will to do anything about it. The natural man cannot truly have an intimate knowledge of God, so there’s a conflict. Many of us look at conflict the wrong way. It’s because of who we are, whose we are, and the plan and the purpose that He has for us that there’s conflict. If you’re a child of God, you’re going to have conflict. It quite literally means that the war has begun in you. The carnal and the spiritual will never resolve themselves because one is death and one is life.The scripture refers to believers as the beloved of God. God demonstrates acts of enduring love towards all people, but to be beloved is to be a recipient of a convenient love. Charles Spurgeon said; "Accepted signifies that we are the objects of divine satisfaction, even divine delight.” God’s love is not a love that holds on to you one minute and lets you go the next. Nothing can separate you from the love of God; not even yourself.
You’re secure because God loved you and loves you just that much. You are secure in God and Christ’s finished work. Because of their sacrifice, we have an opportunity for the righteous standard of the law to be fully satisfied in us, through salvation.
Be the believer that’s secure in Him.
Scripture: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - KJV
Message: Having spent time on grace and sin, Paul begins to spend time on the Law and it's weaknesses. Previously, Paul discussed death to the body of sin, and the "new" man alive in Christ. Now, he continues to explain, we are also dead to the Law. Paul is describing a new way of living to the grace of God, by the grace of God. Incorrect logic supports the mindset of earning salvation and pleasing God through actions void of relationship. The truth is we are already right with God at the moment we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, because of the blood of Christ. There are three points to make about Paul's message: 1) God's grace is greater than the Law. Our best efforts to earn salvation is never good enough, God declares us righteous in Christ; we receive this through faith alone, a faith to trust Him. We are not saved by a list of do's and don'ts, but by grace through faith in Christ, our salvation is in God's hands. - the gospel - the good news. The Law exposes who we are, our flesh and sinful passions, bearing fruit unto death, stemming from disobedience rising out of rebellion. Bearing fruit is a working progress representing what is going on inside us, death bearing death and life bearing life. Sin is the actor, the Law is the weapon sin uses. We try to call sin everything, but sin. Paul's point, we bear fruit when delivered from the Law, not the principle of justification and sanctification by it. We now serve he newness of the Spirit, a freedom to serve God better. In comparison, the oldness of the letter of the Law says we have all offended, but haven't been caught yet. A newness of life says, "we don't HAVE to; we GET to". 2) God's grace is greater than my struggle. The clarity of struggle, Paul says, reveals there is no good thing dwelling in our flesh, it is undependable, destructive and controlling. Trying to work out our salvation is performing the motion without having it figured out. Paul describes the flesh as another law warring against his mind in Christ, against what God has done, encouraging disobedience and corruption of the Law. 3) Serve the Law of God. Paul challenges us to remember whose we are, why we serve and with what we serve. The mind, as a child of God or the flesh through the Law of sin? We are made to serve God, but who is in control? The mind (heart) of a child of God is called to conquer the flesh. We have grace and favor with God to defeat the entity trying to overtake us, walk in it!
Scripture: Roman 7:4-5 "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death." - KJV
Message: Paul address how we should conduct ourselves as saints and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The illustration is the stages of a butterfly, the pupae being the stage of transition from caterpillar to an adult. In context, people who emulate Christ, transform and are called Christians. Paul is supporting the difference between the "old" man and the "new" man. The "old" man's death in Christ frees him from sin, whereas the Law attempts to reform in order to change. "In Christ" represents our faith and trust in Him, then death can liberate us from sin. Just as a dead man has no authority over us, so is our "old" man. The struggle begins the moment we accept Christ. The "old" man's habits, thoughts and ways must be subdued by the "new" man to walk in a newness. It is a process. The "old" man is created according to God, righteousness and true holiness. The pattern of our life says, "YOU'LL never get there! ", but God operates differently. His Word and prayer renew us so the "new" man can grow. The caterpillar's function is to eat and store up to become the butterfly, so it is with the "new" man and God's Word. What seems to be the struggle of the "new" man is renewal by the Word. Paul lays out rhetorical questions, because, how did Christ do it? First question, "Shall we continue to sin, so grace abounds?" We tend to thing grace is a free pass, when it's a method God uses to bring a sinner to salvation. God's idea has a different idea, to use grace to carry us into the life to come. Second question, "How should we that are dead to sin live any longer in it? It is impossible, it is not designed to work that way. Points to remember as we walk out the newness. We are baptized in Jesus Christ's death, the "old" man dies. The challenge is death, so it is important to complete the suffering to be free from sin and live subjected to God. It is only possible through Christ to be servants to righteousness, to walk in the newness of life, so others will see it and go searching. Don't miss what God has for your because of the deeds of the "old" man. Strike them down, then watch God do great and wonderful things, because it is His desire.
Scripture: Romans 6:1-4 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Message: The religious leaders setup Jesus for death, at His crucifixion they provoked Him to save Himself. There are three things that speak to the heart of all scripture from beginning to end, Christ is patterned, promised and present. Christ is a repeated design in His character and conduct for the whole world. Christ was promised in scripture to be Savior who would die for our trespasses and sin. These promises appear in the writings of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus's own words and the apostle Paul. Christ, to have been the pattern and the promise, has been present from the beginning. To get to the point of seeing Him and have evidence of His presence, we often need to be in a trial or in suffering followed by a transformational life-altering step of faith. We may be drawn to ask for a confirmation of faith to trust Him. Let us be blessed to behold with our eyes and hear with our ears. This human perspective requires understanding God's divine perspective, do you have it? Trusting God and walking with the Lord makes us aware of His patterns, promises and presence. Our humanity looks to save itself, something Jesus would not do, choosing to suffer and be rejected. As in the days of Noah, destruction by water, and in the days of Lot, destruction by fire, so will it be in Christ's return. Just like these were saved, so will those who come to faith and repentance be saved when the earth and the works in it will be burnt up. Jesus willingly gave His life that we could live. Repent before a risen Savior, turn toward Him, there is no other way, HE IS THE CHRIST!
Scripture: Luke 23:35 " "And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” " - NKJV
Message: Jesus had a triumphant entry leading to death on the cross. This led people and rulers to ask the question, 'Is He Christ?', the same question many still ask today. Even John, while in prison, sent messengers out to ask. We ask to know if He can truly save. There are compelling pieces of evidence to give us hope, truth and peace. Feast of the Tabernacles is the backdrop of His entry filled with symbolism and prophesy. Genesis 49, 1200 BC, foretells Christ through Jacob's words to his son Judah, emphasizing the truth of God's plans, despite many attempts by man to stop them. Zechariah 9 foretells of Christ's humble entry on a donkey colt, symbolizing a peace-time king. This is a stark contrast to a war-time king and Roman power and might. Even the disciples were confused, until they remembered the scripture Jesus revealed to them. In Matthew 21, Jesus cleans out the temple and heals people. The people rejoiced and declared His lineage of David, but the chief priests and scribes became angry, holding Him in contempt for it. Rousing of Jesus' zeal is foretold in Genesis 49, as a He returns a gathering place for the people back to God. The temple represented a place of sanctuary to those of God, a place to go to Him in faith. The palm branches show their recognition of the Messiah, unable to save, deliver or set themselves free, they display their repentance and praise Him.
Scripture: Luke 23:25 "And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. " KJV
Message: Has someone ever done something to you that made you angry? All of us!! What could be so offensive to make God have wrath? Sin, deserving death, however, God had another response, eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul makes a comparison against the offense and the free gift. There are 3 points: 1) the offense 2) the Law and 3) the free Gift. The first Adam was the first of created humanity. He was given a command by God, Eve's understanding of the command came from Adam. God's desire was to have Adam to trust and obey, but he fell to Satan's deception which reflected "God is not enough", causing death to all humanity. This was sin, an intentional offense, knowing better and doing it anyway. And, death reigned as the by-product of sin. Unable to get up on our own, God gave us the Law. The Law came from humanity's desire not to be led by God. They thought they could "be God" and keep it, justifying themselves. The Law would show them right from wrong. Knowing right from wrong revealed sin where it a not known , leading to condemnation. The Law was too late and too weak, so staying in the Law still led to condemnation. Unable to keep the whole Law, there would be no way for mankind to save itself from death without God's grace. His grace was justification through Jesus Christ, One for the many offenses. The resulting gift was life to all humanity by the righteous act of One. When Adam was disobedient leading to death, Christ's obedience led to justification of life. Christ became the form of man, leading a life of humbleness and obedient to death on the cross. God love us much to allow then events, which can free us from condemnation and eternal death, leading us back to life.
Scripture: Romans 5:15 "But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." - KJV
Message: At some point all of us ask ourselves, "why would I want to be part of this organization or group?" Paul addresses the point of being a child of God and the benefits. There are 3 Key benefits: 1) When we have peace with God, there is no more wrath and are no longer enemies. He is satisfied and we are no longer rebellious. When we accept Christ, the war ends and live in the promise of eternal peace. 2) We have access to God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's guidance in all spiritual truth. Therefore, God's grace is to and for us, giving us the ability to demonstrate it to others. There will be those who persecute us, but there will also be those who need us. 1 Peter 2 calls us living stones, chosen to offer up acceptable sacrifices to the living God. It causes people to see something different in us. 3) We rejoice, being convinced the One we are boasting about is worthy. We are at peace with God, therefore at peace with others. Our patience is developed by a God who proves Himself over and over. The experiences begin to show favor as God's work, not ours, building trust in His ways. We arrive at the point of knowing the futility of life without God on our side. God is glorified in us, through Jesus Christ the benefits are great and mighty.
Scripture: Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." - KJV
Message: Ever heard the term hard-headed? When we have things that are hard to let go of, something we're stuck in, it is referred to as hard-headed. It's difficult to walk away when we're stuck in our ways and have a new way in Christ. Paul is reminding Jewish believers in Rome of the futility of works, to earn our salvation and righteousness in the sight of God. He reminds them of the need for spiritual understanding of the truth to accept the inheritance promised to Abraham. The Jewish Rabbis believed Abraham was justified by keeping the Law perfectly. Paul reminds them of Abraham's faults, so he was not made righteous by keeping the Law, but was accounted righteous by God. Faith kept Abraham from boasting in his own works to obtain righteousness and placed it all on God. In comparison, we are saved by God's grace through Christ, so we are unable to boast in our own works. Dependence on works strips us of the credit of grace, instead incurring the debt of works. In Greek, grace translates to a spontaneous generosity of the heart without any expectation of return. In modern terms, grace translates to God's unmerited grace. A system of works seek to put God in debt to us, His favor and salvation given to us by being being good. To all who believe, have relationship and depend on God, righteousness will be credited. Another entry point and exclusion of the Gentiles to righteousness before God, was the Jewish interpretation of the Mosaic Law by circumcision. Abraham's righteousness through faith occurred before he was circumcised, so Paul questions the Jews and proposes the extension of righteousness to all. He explains that faith by works and circumcision through the Mosaic Law retains the debts and righteousness through Christ cancels the debt. He concludes with a question, do you trust in your own abilities or do you trust in God to obtain righteousness. Step into belief and watch God work through you.
Scripture: Romans 4:1-3 "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." - KJV
Message: Are there times when you struggled and came up less than your self-imposed expectations? The perfection sought, no matter how hard you worked, came up short? Are you driven by perfection? Paul addresses perfection in our own sight, being enough. In and of ourselves, we are not enough. We do not measure up to the standard of God, HIs righteousness, therefore we need a way. Weighing the good and the bad, hoping to do more good and earn righteousness will not work. God's standard requires 100% compliance, failure to meet 1 point is to be guilty of all. Paul reminds us, sin is easily seen from outward actions and inward sin is easily recognized in the blasphemy and the hypocritical living of lives. Paul assesses mankind as all under sin's bondage. God gave us the Law to show us sin, revealing our inability to keep it's statues and save ourselves from unrighteousness. Paul wants to acknowledge the fact that we are not enough. He points to Psalm 14 as the report card, "there is none that do good, not one". The Jews and Gentiles had both sinned, there is a righteous debt to pay and they were useless to pay it themselves. Where's the hope? Surrender to the Law, be under it, see your guilt, acknowledge your sin and see the penalty of it. The cost for the righteousness of God is paid by the One who has come to justify us, Jesus Christ. Faith, not of works, in Jesus Christ pays our sin debt. God now sees the believer as measuring up to the perfection of the fullness of Christ, delivering us from the wrath of sin. Where we are not enough, God sent Christ who is more than enough, through Him you will never be short and always be sufficient.
Scripture: Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.." KJV
Message: Paul is addressing the reprobate mind, the mind that rejects God, missing His plans and purposes, failing the test. Legalism is missing God's intent. Paul addresses those who are obeying the rules, living life as a series of do's and don'ts, where it's only about keeping the Law. He is trying to introduce the Spirit of the Law to organized religion, a form of godliness which focuses on doing moral things, but missing God. God began to define the laws that would please Him, because legalism isolated the Law from Him, resulting in a life devoid of personal relationship. Paul addresses the Christians and Jews who are without a relationship with God and are judging others by being moral in their conduct. Paul uses the Pharisee and the Publican parable to give an example of two responses to sin. The Pharisee who exalted himself for following the letter of the Law and the Publican who humbly admits his sin and is exalted. What's the measuring stick? We will be judged by how we judge, so don't. Use discernment to determine when holiness and righteousness will be received by the unfit, but leave them room to let them change. Humbleness avoids judging others and condemning yourself. Remember God desires all to come to salvation and delays our judgement with mercy. Paul, once a zealous Pharisee, counted his status as nothing. He pointed out boasting and self-righteousness by God's chosen as blasphemous and a poor example to the Gentiles. Examine the Law and determine how much you need Jesus, because we all fall short. It's a matter of the heart, let praise stem from God, not from man.
Scripture: Romans 2:1 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." - KJV
Message: How are you living God's plans and purposes? We watch things to see how they work or don't work. Paul is uncovering the legalism of the Law, the heresies, where previously he was was persecuting Christians in accordance with the Law or with the support of the Law. Paul is in Corinth writing to the the Romans, to encourage them in the salvation of God by grace through faith. New Testament Christians use Romans to strengthen their faith and learn how to live with their new beliefs. It is the power of God in which we receive salvation through the gospel of Christ. The righteousness of God grows through the gospel by faith to help us live as a new creation. Living is walking in trust of a truth in our life, a path directed by God. The righteousness of God is revealed through His wrath from our rebellion. Trusting in this world is like stepping in sinking sand. God is manifest in everyone, but revealed through manifestations in our lives as our rebellions are shown. The Jews had clues to God, but refused Him in their heart. They reasoned away their evil ways, unwilling to see the light of God, giving in to the desires of their hearts. They valued the world over God, so He desired to show them their sin, to see their own destruction. He repeated the process until they were drawn back to Him, seeing their self-worship and need for a Deliverer. This is God's loving response to their unrighteousness. The answer is to focus on heaven rather than earth, but we choose paths of destruction, reaching for the wrong things, creating a way to get what we want over what God wants for us. We, by default are rejecting God and walk deeper in sin, wanting no one to tell us what to do. Even so, God in His compassion makes a way through His Son to live life.
Scripture: Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”" - NKJV
Message: There are many in our society that question the fairness of God, but keep it in the recesses of their minds. Paul addresses God's ways and plans through Esau and Jacob, representing two nations, a stronger and a weaker. The Hebrew translation clarifies the description of stronger and weaker to larger and smaller groups of people. Esau sells his birthright for food from his tricky brother Jacob, God sees all, but doesn't control all, as He governs what He sees will happen. Is God unfair, loving Jacob and hating Esau? Tradition dictates a birthright is given to the oldest, who will carry the rights and responsibilities of leading the spiritual direction of the family. The spiritual leadership is thought to be the birthright Esau despised. Blessings were a material superiority, affording a double portion of land and property, usually decided by choice or preference. Esau was only interested in the blessing and was distressed along with his father Isaac when learning they were tricked. In his heart, Esau despised the gift of birthright from God, but desired the blessings of land, property and riches. Did God hate Esau? No, God would have also taught Esau, had he had a humble and contrite heart. God still loved Esau, but "lesser" and "with disregard", because the condition of his heart. Paul refers to Malachi 1:1-3 to demonstrate God's response to Israel who are questioning His fairness, as similar to Jacob and Esau. Jacob used trickery, but his heart was for God's plans and will, whereas Esau despised God's ways, preferring prosperity. Israel has a half-hearted approach to God with empty offerings and worship, only desiring the blessings, so they detect unfairness. It is a faith walk, God sees it all, your despise of His plans, but in love draws us to Himself with suffering to save us from hell. Turn to Him in faith and let Him be the Lord of your life, receive the birthright through Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the Father and be blessed forever.
Scripture: Romans 9:10-13 "....Rebekah conceived twin sons by one man [under the same circumstances], by our father Isaac; and though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything either good or bad, so that God’s purpose [His choice, His election] would stand, not because of works [done by either child], but because of [the plan of] Him who calls them, it was said to her, “THE [OLDER (Esau) WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER (Jacob).” As it is written and forever remains written, “JACOB I LOVED (chose, protected, blessed), BUT ESAU I HATED (held in disregard compared to Jacob).”" - AMP
Message: We will never be left out when we call on the name of Jesus. Jesus was taken outside the city according to Roman and Jewish customs of the time, after the the trial for sin, to be crucified. The place is referred to as Golgotha, Skull Rock and Calvary. They mocked Him and led Him out of the city to be crucified, a process used in Exodus and Leviticus for the consecration and purification of priests. Hebrews is showing the need for a Savior, a parallel to the priests process for sacrifice of sin which occurred outside the city, then the blood transported back into the city for the offering. Isaiah 53:3 prophesied the treatment of Jesus and the perspective of the people, though He was to bear their sin. Culture says "you are either with us or against us", put out because you are not conforming to the thoughts of the culture. Mosaic law was based on conforming to the law to give the appearance of godliness, where behavior was controlled by guilt and shame with the threat of social rejection. It is important to hear God's voice when various and strange doctrine are present, because we have a heart established through faith by grace. There is no profit in other doctrines, they have no place to put problems, whereas we have an altar of sacrifice to the holy righteous God. We have the sacrifice of Jesus where we can place our sin before the throne of mercy, justified before God. Therefore, offer a sacrifice of praise continuously, stirring yourself with His goodness, grace and mercy. Despise the shame of the world, we have access to the city of God, through Jesus. We cannot be cast out, but will suffer for a better thing, not of our own merit, but of God. See Jesus as ever-present and see yourself included in a city, not made with hands. There's a hymn by E.E. Hewitt (1898) which sums it up like this, "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"
Scripture: Hebrews 13: 11-12 "For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." KJV
Message: You're going to have trouble and trials which can seem strong enough to shake your confidence. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting Him in all things to maintain a confidence. Historically, Hebrews was written by Paul in 70AD before the destruction of the temple and the capture of Jerusalem. Paul is building up the Christians and Gentiles on God's faithfulness during the trials. He was addressing their fears and enabling them to have confident hope (boldness in Greek) in God. It is vital to believe His purpose and plan for us. A loss of confidence can be equated to a soldier dropping his shield and fleeing in battle. Called as a soldier of the Lord, the devil will attack to question your integrity. We are reminded of the strength of the Lord in our faith in Psalm 27:1 and our defense in Hebrews 10:34 against the weapons of the devil. The key is to know within yourself, heaven thinks of you better. Waiting for "something" to give you substance leads to hunger unsatisfied and always missing the mark. God is all we need. It is boldness, a leap of faith and trusting in the One who knows it all. Christ as the Lord of our life, is faith in operation, generating boldness and access to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Faith defined in Hebrews 11:1-2 is hope from things unseen, which gives good report according to the Word of God and gives Him glory. However, going to God with boldness of faith causes suffering, but He promises reward for it, justice. We can miss Christ's plan for us and our time with Him when we take our eyes off Him in our impatience. God is in the process of transforming us, testing our faith with patience, because He can solve anything. The work of righteousness will continually be performed in us, helping us to become fully confident in God, not ourselves, completing His plan and purposes. Wisdom and our days are from God, rejoice in it, be lifted up and remembered. Let your confidence remain amidst the trials and temptations, hold up your weapons, be strong in the Lord, trust Him all your days and into eternity.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:35-36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." KJV
Message: What are some steps to draw near to God? We accept Jesus, but it is important to go to the root of the separation. There is someone or some thing keeping you distant from God, the desire's of Satan. When we are not in God's presence, there is an absence of light and truth. There are 3 challenges: holding fast, considering others and assembling. Hold on to hope in the struggles and trials. In the challenges we are reminded to stir up, strengthen and encourage, a lifting up and exhorting of one another. We are to hold fast our faith, it's Satan's desire is to weaken our trust in God. It's through the tough times we learn to depend on God. The enemy wants to invade your belief and shatter your trust, so you would go running to some other faith. Fixing our attention on God allows us to know where we are in our faith. What happens when we lose faith? We try to do it ourselves, be the master of our own fate. Time will prove we are not able and turn to God for help. We are rewarded in His trust, through His faithfulness. We are to exercise faith by sharing it with others. When we share, it is a consideration, a thought beyond ourselves, a focus on others. A focus is to think of ways to stimulate others to love and good works. From God's perspective, take time to see others as made in His image, His creation and wonderfully made. We struggle with relationships with God because we struggle with others, who are made in His image and likeness. To love God is to love others, otherwise it is to live a lie. In loving others, there is assembly, divine purpose, worship and conducting the divine affairs of the royal kingdom of God. There is change with assembly, such as, warfare and direction. Our coming together moves God to inhabit our praises. See the joy in assembly, use it wisely to see others as God sees them and you will draw near to Him. The body of believers is a gift.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Message: In Genesis the beginning of a tenuous relationship between God and man is recorded. Adam and Eve were given a command, breaking it would cause death and separation from God. Sin fell on all mankind, the Spirit no longer dwelled with men. God sent a flood, but man still would not turn and could not save themselves, they would need a Savior. Sin kept a barrier between God and man, a gaze onto Him would result in death, so rituals were used just to get close to Him. God wanted a deeper relationship, therefore He had a plan from the beginning to restore man unto Himself. Through Hebrews, God spoke of an undying love, desiring relationship. He creates a new covenant to save us, it would be written on our hearts and minds. In the form of a living Word in us, He could transform us. We are left to process the debt for sin He no longer remembers, which was paid in full by Jesus. The remission of sins no longer required an offering. What was impossible for man was possible for God. By the blood of Jesus, we now have access to God's grace, the veil has been torn. Christ the high priest lives in us, a new and living way is made for us to draw near to God. In Hebrews 10:22, the Greek word for "Let" is ketecho, meaning to permit or allow. It also means to hinder or obstruct. One is for good, permitting God into our lives as new creations. The other allows bad, but prohibits sin's full force, resulting in a strained relationship. We should desire an abiding and genuine relationship through Christ the high priest, who makes intercession for us to draw near to God. Jesus in us, we have His heart, assurance, unwavering faith, a conscience free from evil and a body washed with pure water, His blood. Our conscience wants to reject what we can't understand. It wants to believe works can save us, whereas only the blood of Jesus purifies thoughts of saving ourselves. Satan, accuses everyday, you can add to it by letting your conscience accuse you. Purge your conscience to serve the living God with joy, gladness, hope and peace. Draw near to God and watch what happens: transformation, growth and peace through the blood of Christ for God's glory.
Scripture: Hebrews 10: 22-23 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" KJV
Message: According to God's power, He has given us ALL things that pertain to life and Godliness. If THESE things abide in you, they make make you neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ. Peter tried really hard to be that guy, but he was the guy who cut a man in anger, rebuked Jesus, and denied him thrice. What does your life in Christ look like? Sin can be perplexing in its difficulty, but we know God is able t do miraculous thing in us; participation in the divine nature means that we must depend on the divine power. The divine nature of God is represented, but not limited to these attributes; infinite, immutable, self-sufficient/sovereign, omni-potent, omniscient, omni-present, and wise. God desires each of these for us; through the divine nature He places within us. If we were to give notable guidance in walking out divine power power, the strong key points are to have diligence; virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity; love. God so wants to be exercised and expressed. To be let out, not corrupted by this world and the flesh. The nature of His divine power, is who you’re called to be. Let His power have its perfect work in you.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-8 "as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - NKJV
Message: Paul addresses the Galatians with an aggressive letter to point the people back to Christ. The Galatians are adding requirements to salvation. Paul compares the people to the Israelites and Moses from captivity, rescue, provisions and the wilderness. Paul points to God's faithfulness, the purpose of the Law and Christ in their lives. Christ has freed us from sin and the Law, paying our debt of sin from breaking the Law, saving us from death. Christ has freed us from ourselves as we attempt to make an idealized version of ourselves, only to achieve below God's standard. We have rest in Christ, His yolk is our freedom from slavery to the Law. Like the Israelites, anything less than God's provision is a return to slavery and potentially worse conditions. Paul also questions their intentions, seeing a dilution of the gospel. He reveals the trap of legalism tied to their lists of rules and things to do, which they are using for evidence of salvation and judgments. We're to be on guard for ourselves and others for the subtleties and trickery of works based faith, which entraps us into trying to save ourselves. Salvation by grace is a confession and belief in Jesus, evidenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit's influence in our lives, giving us access to God. Paul stresses the seriousness of following the commands of the Lord to display the freedom of expressing His goodness and glory. In freedom we use the Holy Spirit to instruct us. Using God's grace to sin, entices sin and ways to justify it. Freedom is to be used around those who are of like consciousness, otherwise sin inadvertently by tempting others. Our ability to access the throne of God is freedom. How do we daily live out freedom? Love God, love our neighbors, though we may fail at times. Reject teaching that says we can save ourselves. Seek forgiveness of others. Love and sacrifice ourselves for those around us. In all things, rest in Jesus.
Scripture: Galatians 5: 1-6 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." - NKJV
Message: The Jews could not obtain righteousness through the Law or works, so Paul speaks of a mystery revealed to them by God. The mystery is Christ in us our hope for future glory. Man fails, with Christ in us we cannot. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would enter to empower people for service, then leave. In the New Testament, believers hadn't received the Holy Spirit yet, Jesus sends them out, but their strength didn't have sticking power. There were conditions for the Holy Spirit to stay. In ourselves we are unrighteous, but Christ in us, we are perfectly righteous. It is the truth of Christ in our hearts fulfilled where there are riches given. The Holy Spirit has a temple to reside in, leading us to all spiritual truth. Christ gives life to our mortal bodies, once dead, now alive, there's life beyond our earthly existence. We no longer operate in darkness, but have the light of life, seeing what is of God. The light of life dwells in us for the whole world to see. How does this happen? A child in a manger, a light into the darkness to shine throughout the whole world, saying "come to me all you weary and heavy burdened, find rest for your soul". Christ reaches out from the cross as your Lord and Savior, for whoever believes is activated by faith and the door to your heart opens to let Him in by God's grace. There's no other way. Let God speak to you today and gives the greatest gift of all mankind, letting the light of Christ be the light in you.
Scripture: Colossians 1:27: "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Message: God delights in giving us His kingdom's authority, riches, might, life and liberty to those who believe. There's not a condition with God, it is gifted, unlike the world which creates lists. What has God gifted to you? Gifts speaks of the thoughts of the giver. God gives with no restraint and cheerfully, the kingdom. It shows how much God loves and values us each day. He never wants us to wonder about His love, loving us unconditionally and everlasting. Trust and obedience shows an acceptance of the gift and His character. God's wrath is a protective love for us, keeping us from destruction. He protects us through Christ who is unfailing in His intimate pursuit of us. Grace, first given to us with wisdom and insight, is the salvation plan unfolded through Christ. It gets us through any situation and is sufficient for all things we work on. The Church is often thinks Christ or the Spirt being the gift to the church, seldom thinking the church as the gift. Believers gather to give glory and honor to God. The church meets our needs, we in turn use our gifts, talents and abilities to serve and edify the body of Christ. The church allows rest, comfort and edification in the presence of the Lord, through the Holy Spirit. The gift of the church joins us together amidst diversity into true community to promote the ministry of Christ. The gift of eternal life is known as the One who is life, the true God. Just as Christ laid down His life, knowing His Father's love and in obedience, so we are called to lay down our life for others, safe against man's attempt to take it. We have comfort and strength in the promise of eternal life. God's gifts sustain, give glory, direct and give love. Whatever God calls you to step in to, do it without fear, our time is short. Merry Christ-magnified-in-you.
Scripture: Luke 12:32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." - NKJV
Message: Because of God's love, He gave us a gift, when we accept the gift, He is with us. God desired to be with those He created, but saw man's depravity. Flesh corrupted it's way on the earth, wanting kings to rule them, rejecting God. It divided them leading them into destruction and captivity. Man became wise in his own eyes; God became silent. They were in darkness for 400 years without God, but there was a promise of forerunners to the Messiah, announcing His arrival. Then, there was a Light, when Jesus Christ came as man; God working through His creation. Saints of God have Christ with us, dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us hope and comfort and never leaves us. Let God be with you in a fully present way. Stir up the gift of God in you, fan the flames and continue to kindle it. We can give devotion and prayer, however, we can also step out into our gifts, talents and abilities. The Holy Spirit engages us, reminds us and leads us into spiritual truths. We will not be left or forsaken, so trust God, knowing He is with us.
Scripture: John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." NKJV
Message: Why would God send a gift for us or what is God trying to do for us? In our process of gift giving we ask ourselves questions about the best gift for a person, like, "What are they missing?", "How should it be wrapped?" and "What will be their reaction?". Everything else about gift giving will now hinge on timing and location! The thoughts of gift giving by the Lord exceeds the thoughts of man. In the scripture passage, Isaiah is speaking to the people in captivity, encouraging them to turn from their sin. God deals with us according to our condition, calculating our desire for His gift to be proportional to our readiness to receive it. There's a dilemma. God punishes man and man goes to hell. God doesn't punish us and His justice will not be satisfied. God's wrath is against unrighteousness, not man. Unrighteousness suppresses the truth of our identity, which displays His glory in us. Jesus came in the image of an invisible God to restore the fullness of God's image in us. The word propitiation is used to describe this satisfaction. Jesus satisfied God's payment for sin, otherwise we have all earned separation from God, death. Jesus sacrificed His life and burned God's wrath for our sin at the foot of the cross. It's not over. In love, God continues to wait for us to wade through the circumstances of life, desiring none perish, but rather we discover the life He's planned for us. Remind yourself daily how good God's gift of salvation is!!
Scripture: Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him." NKJV
Message: We don't really own our homes, unless the note has been paid. We need to allow Jesus to take ownership of our house, so there is no fear of what can be taken or controlled. Jesus is being questioned about driving out demons and the people are wanting a sign. Jesus discerns the people's hearts are hardened and evil, pointing to many previous signs as He recalls the story of Jonah to them. He is essentially challenging them to be with Him or positioned against Him. He points to the ability of demons to lead us away from God. Demons can possess people, causing sickness and hurt and search for people to possess. Some demons are more unclean and evil than others, looking to steal, kill and destroy. As we look to scripture, demons obey the authority of God, leaving when commanded. The moment we accept Jesus, we are regenerated, born-again spirits, but still flesh. We have to allow the deliverer to occupy us, to be set free. Otherwise, the demon returns to an empty house, swept and garnished, with no life and no power. As he looks in, is apparently surprised to find it in order. It could mean the person learned to do right and make changes, which without the accepting the deliverer, presents an opportunity to return. It could also represent a person following the rules, learning some things to help with temptations, giving the appearance of holiness, but lacking the power to dispel the lies. The spirit re-enters "his" house, seeing no one and wanting rest from roaming, finds a place to dwell with 7 evil friends, who will provide security against another eviction. The house needs to be a dwelling place for Jesus, a temple of the Holy Spirit. Worshiping in spirit and truth creates a dwelling place. As a dwelling place, understand the battle, who you are, whose you are and the plans and purposes God has for you. Be watchful and ready to resist the devil. Be firm in your faith and trust God. When unclean spirits try to make it seem like it's their house, respond with, "This is God's house!!"
Scripture: Luke 11:24-26 "“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” - NKJV
Message: Todah is Hebrew for "Thanks". In the early days. singers and songs were offered in thanksgiving to God. Breaking down the word Todah into it's meaning results in the phrase, "the true doorway into the presence of God". It's thanksgiving that leads into intimacy with God. It is an act of worship and adoration, an offering of praise for the goodness and sacrifice of God. Giving thanks, something happens, we fix our eyes on Jesus, our attitude changes and blessings find us. Giving cheerfully, some happens, there is an increasing, a generosity that wells up acknowledging God as sustainer. A grateful heart gives intimate praise, is content, trusts and has peace when the storms of life subside. Why give thanks? It's God's will. In Christ Jesus we know who we are and whose we are. We belong to the High King who knows the plans for our life, which is to be a living example of His goodness and grace as we abide in Him. A mindset on giving thanks allows all other things to get replaced. We are no longer focused on sin, but persuaded in joy to express the action of thanksgiving.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - NKJV
Message: There was a need for God to send a light into the darkness for hope and peace. Has prayer seemed rigid and repetitious? Are you forgetting to take time to have heart to heart time with Father God? God wants to have heart to heart talks with you, be one mind with you. Jesus is asked by the disciples, teach us to pray, perceiving there was a proper way. Jesus is characterized as being alone in prayer in the gospels, commanding “watch and pray”, and being questioned by the Pharisees. Jesus defined fasting and praying as being in the presence of the Bridegroom, so the disciples fulfilled the purposes of fasting and praying by being in His presence. Fasting and praying were for the relationship with Jesus in His absence. The Lord’s prayer is a model, not meant for memorization, but for remembrance and reflection in the manner described. Jesus’s desire is to see Him in the right way with the parable of the “midnight friend”. Many times we think we are troubling or going to trouble God with requests and keep Him at a distance. A relationship requires persistence. There is no hesitation to ask in a friendship, fully confident a provision would be no problem if it’s within the friend's resources. The parable exhibits God’s desire to meet our needs, He is all sufficient. So, seek His will, in every situation see His plan for you. Knocking opens he door to the mysteries of heaven, believing in His name, God has wonderful things to show us. The process gives us what we can handle, in love, provides all our needs, but we need to meet God part of the way. We need to be be close enough to take the next step, which makes it harder to fall away. Ask, Seek, Knock!!
Scripture: Luke 11:9-10 "So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Message: Have you ever felt like you did something because you had to do it? Obligations get heavy, leaving you with the feeling of "nothing left to give". Mary and Martha give context to a loving God. Those who have a love for God, have a love for others and give generously. Martha works as Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Martha wants Jesus to rebuke her for not working, but commends her instead. Caring for others is life changing , making people stop and examine the unconditional love. Jesus addresses Martha's name with double emphasis, which is a Hebrew speech pattern expressing deep intimacy. Jesus points to Martha's anxiousness and worry of serving alone. He contrasts Mary as doing what is "good", giving the focus to Jesus's words and sitting at His feet. Jesus didn't want to minimized Martha's serving, He wanted her to see serving as grounded with Mary's kind of love for Him. He wanted to show her how her burden would disappear as she drew to His feet. Why? Have a heart for God and you will have a heart for people, because this is Christ. Following Christ is like becoming Martha's and Mary's, allowing Jesus to elevate you, producing mutually enforcing relationships.
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - NKJV
Message: Jesus is engaging individuals, a lawyer wants to test His knowledge on scripture and the Law. Lawyers were scribes, specialist n the religious law, interpreters and teachers of the Law of Moses (Pentateuch), questioners of difficult and subtle details. They were considered to be wise and prudent, highly esteemed, so much so, people stood to ask questions. The scholars of the time debated eternal life, focusing on obedience to the Law. The lawyer sought to trap Jesus into an answer which would counter the Law by definition of neighbor. Jesus' answer relates the segregational interpretation of the neighbor law to anyone in your proximity. The lawyer knows the religious cultures definition, but wants to know "who else", in order to know where his obligation ends. Jesus gives the parable of the good Samaritan. In the parable, a man's identity, affiliations, religion, nationality and status are unknown, only he's half dead and 3 travelers see him. Jesus' answer to the lawyer was simple, a neighbor was the traveler who showed unconditional mercy to the unidentified man. Jesus had identified love for the lawyer. Love fulfilled the Law. The traveler's mercy was love. "To love on another" can be related as "to love one and others". Christ died for the one and others. We fail to love everyone out of a tormenting fear. We are reminded in 1 John 4: 18 "there is no fear in love, perfect love casts out fear" Love enables us as it shines in and through us, with the question, "Who Am I A Neighbor To?" Keep yourself in the love of God.
Scripture: Luke 10-25-29 "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Message: Ever been waiting for something with your name on it, such as, making the cut, getting tickets, receiving money? In Samaria, the Jews and Samarians were in a natural battle stemming from hate and rejection. Jesus was there to show love for everyone in their battle. The disciples returned with accomplishments from ministry, Jesus reminded them of His part in crippling Satan, defeating His authority to accuse. Satan went to great lengths to destroy a Redeemer of sin, so he could continue to accuse. Christ triumphed by remaining faithful to the will of God, making atonement for all men. Salvation is here, the Kingdom of God has come. The war in the spirit was won with Christ's words, "It is finished." We suffer from the residual effects of a fallen world, accusations are now of our own mind. But, we have been given authority over all the power of the enemy in the name of Jesus. Your name is written in heaven, the battle is won; we are in a war of faith and trust. Rejoice in eternal life through Christ today. Embrace victory and act victorious, because we can live like Jesus. A name written in heaven means sealed in the book of life; no weapon formed against us shall prosper; death has lost it's sting; we have an eternal place where God is waiting. Rejoice!!
Scripture: Luke 10:17-20 "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Message: We've all suffered through something and asked why! We've heard "No Pain, No Gain"! Scriptures remind us "it rains on the just and unjust" when there's no "rhyme to the reason". Jesus predicts His death and shocks the disciples who have a preconceived idea of His purpose. It's bothering to see Him walk towards the time unconceivable by man, but planned by God. Jesus came to serve and be a ransom for many, preferring to spend time and energy explaining suffering to those bound by the Law. The Law was pure, because it came from God, but it has legalities. Sin is a legal debt, incurred by breaking the law of God, invoking a penalty and requiring a payment. The Law is a covenant of works between God and man, which is unable to deliver us into eternal fellowship due to man's inability to keep it. There are conditions of the covenant which man broke. The Law is absolute requiring a perfect standard, if broken, punishable by death. And, if man could have kept the Law there would be no need for a Savior. Therefore, a perfect representation of man must suffer, the hope for mankind. Lightening the requirements to suit man would be going against God's character, represented by the Law. Man changes law to fit his new moral consciousness, God does not change. The Law showed our need for Jesus for justification by faith to attain righteousness and eternal life. In fulfilling the Law, Jesus laid down His life to save us, as we are unable to save ourselves. A worthy example of why we are also called to lay down our lives for others who are in need of a Savior.
Scripture: Luke 9:21-22 "And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Message: Jesus had done many works; performing miracles and ministering to all. Now, we see him beginning his transition plan; calling his disciples to him and sending them to proclaim the gospel. It’s important to be one who’s sent and not one who just goes in our own will, abilities, or timing. That being said, all of humanity is called by God. In a believer's life, we are called to serve God and serve others. To be a light in the darkness, to bring hope to the lost and the broken, to love unconditionally, forgive freely, and rejoice always. Furthermore, being called can be defined as; the act of God choosing or summoning an individual to serve a specific purpose or destiny. To be clear, being called doesn’t mean we’re chosen, but it also doesn’t mean we have no say. God calls and we can decide whether or not we accept that calling. If we choose to accept this calling, we will still need God's power and authority to accomplish it. The key again is to not try and find this in ourselves. The only true strength is the all-powerful sovereignty exercised by God or an ability that finds its source in God. As for authority, Jesus didn’t give out just any authority, he gave his; the power and authority of the kingdom of God. Finally, you must be sent by Jesus. You must walk with Jesus to be both wise and gentle and, knowing that the work in us and through us will not be easy. In this, we must resist the temptation to think too highly of ourselves, but we also shouldn't view ourselves as more lowly than we ought to. God says you are the apple of my eye, my royal priesthood, and a holy nation. Jesus said a great deal more by telling his disciples to bring nothing with them; he gave them a visual picture that they were servants of God, that this is a journey of faith, and that they could trust in him. If anyone cannot trust God in everything, then can they truly ask others to trust them in anything? So, be one that Christ sends, not one that goes in his or her own power. God wants to grow and strengthen you for his high calling; unfolding his plans and purposes for you in a beautiful way. Accept the calling.
Scripture: Luke 9: 1-2 "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." - KJV
Message: Jesus travels with Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, with the intent to heal his dying daughter. The key point "Fear Not, Only Believe" is intended to give you a place of rest, a sense of calmness, and be an anchor for your soul. This main point breaks down into three subsections; 1. Trouble Not; defining the circumstantial remark made by a member of Jairus' household in response to the tragic passing of his daughter. The real truth is death is not the end for the believer and our troubles also trouble the Lord. 2. Fear Not - This explains the heart and soul of Jesus' intention. An earthly fear is one that instills dread and is constantly a snare. Perfect love casts out this type of infectious fear. 3. Only Believe - The members of Jairus' home laughed at Jesus, but his response showed a singleness of mind that he desired for the rest of them to have. He removed them from the room, quieting the noise and focusing instead on the sleeping child. The greatest tragedy would be turning away, running to isolation when there's a trial in our lives. We need to silence the lies. So he says; "Believe."
Scripture: Luke 8:50 "But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." - KJV
Message: We have trials and struggles, seemingly endless, sometimes making joy take a little longer than expected. Hold on!! Trust in a loving God who can heal, save, deliver and set free. A woman with a long term illness touched Jesus's garment out of desperation. Risking condemnation for an act forbidden by religious authorities, Jesus commended her for her faith healing. Often we do not risk because it appears beyond our ability, unable to rely on God's sovereignty. Faith only needs to reach out and know it applies to all. It is tested consistently for steadfastness. It must endure questioning by the Lord for sincerity and a courage to respond to His healing authority. Things holding you down have no power over Jesus' righteousness. The woman was Jesus' example of true faith which clung in hope, healing and Him, persuading the stop to draw attention to her actions and the healing she received. Be comforted, go in peace, trust the Lord for restoration, knowing in the touch you are touched by Him. We serve a God of hope.
Scripture: Luke 8: 43-46 "Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”"- NKJV
Message: In the parable of the sower, there are people who have a heart, their spiritual ears, which will be able to receive the Word of God. Jesus is addressing those in need of a Savior and heart for the kingdom of God. The parable has truth to be heard by the spiritual deaf, who become curious to understand the story and become drawn to God's Word. Israel is given as an example of God's decision to place them in slavery to open their spiritual ears. Jesus encourages us to learn from this example to accept God's Word and gain the ability to discern the mysteries of the gospel. To become trees of righteousness, check the condition of your soil, is it fruitful, does it accept the seed, which is the Word of God, does it give glory to God? Good soil makes God a priority, it pursues relationship. Trusting in salvation is to receive life, otherwise all life can be taken, even though it seems certain to remain without a decision. When you hear the cry of Jesus, God is giving your a moment, respond, do not waste it!!
Scripture: Luke 8: 8-11 "But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” And He said, “To you it has been given to know the [f]mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.’ - NKJV
Message: Ever had challenge or difficulty with authority? And, maybe think authority abused it's power? We must understand there is an element of responsibility and accountability when given authority! A centurion officer who has had to achieve position by mostly physical means up to now has submitted to the authority of Jesus as a believer. Transformation from a soldier to a softened heart of great faith. God has the authority to govern all things holy and just with sovereignty and undying love. Jesus' actions were under God's authority to do a work for all. The religious leaders challenged the authority of His ministry. The centurion recognized Jesus as one under God's authority and having God's authority to do work. In the same way it is our right to respond through Jesus. God's right to rule determines our right to act, with Jesus in the middle as an example for all. It requires surrender to God's will in faith, stepping out in belief and humility under the Lordship of Christ. Trust God is working on your behalf as Father of heaven and earth, just as Jesus did.
Scripture: Luke 7:6-10 "Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick." - NKJV
Message: Jesus is speaking directly to the disciples, showing fulfillment in all they were doing. It will take God and they will need Jesus to be blessed in the poverty they will endure to share the gospel. He told the the disciples, they and others would seek out of hunger. Hunger is a strong motivation, producing energy and decisive action. It is a blessing to desire righteousness over the fleeting temptations of the world. The work is having a hunger and thirst for righteousness. The world is desensitizing us, we should never allow ourselves to be removed from sorrow. Weeping shows meaning and compassion Allow yourself to be hated, a transformative work of being unconcerned for yourself and/or the approval of others. Offenses may come, seek the kingdom first for the Son of Man's sake, revealing a testimony of a changed life, which leads to good works. Our response should be joy, which is contrary to the expectations of the world. It's nonsensical to all who would miss the call of Christ and the reward of heaven to follow the world. Be satisfied in Him.
Scripture: Luke 6:20-23 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:“Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets." - NKJV
Message: How did Jesus get to the point of following when His own hometown rejected Him? In the process of doing what God asked Him to do; He fulfilled His ministry as the Light, blessing people with the Word of God, healing, signs and wonders. The called "the chosen" followed Him, starting with His 12 disciples. In particular Matthew "Levi" left his past, rose and began to follow Jesus. It was courageous to endure certain persecution, which is not a natural task, but a spiritual decision. When Matthew made the decision, Jesus reminded the religious leaders He was not here for the perfectly righteous who had no need, but for the sick who need a Savior. We are called back to Genesis to be [spiritually] fruitful and multiply by following Him as fishers of men.
Scripture: Luke 5:27-28 "After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them." NKJV
Message: When should you do something? There is a timing for everything in life and God has the plan in His space of time, grace, redemption and deliverance to get us to hear. Hearts have to be prepared to listen, the Israelites waited 400 years for the Word brought by John the Baptist. Even Jesus had prerequisites to understand man's timing, sorrows, afflictions and temptations. He is the fulfillment of Light in the darkness, the fulfillment of scripture to the glory of God. To hear the gospel is to be healed and set free with new sight, a transformation which leads to leaning on God in all things. The acceptable time, the day of your salvation is NOW!
Scripture: Luke 4:17-19 "And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”" - NKJV
Message: Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be worked over by a tool called Satan. Christ is fulfilling the failures of the people of Israel and Adam. The Holy Spirit is pleased to affirm Christ's identity as the Son of God. Satan's deception worked with Adam and God allows him to approach Jesus to question the clarity of scripture again. Jesus wields the sword, described in Ephesians 6:17 as the Word of God, against Satan's perversions that involve recognizing his trust over trusting God. God is working in our lives to bring us to recognize dependence on Him and the gift of redemption from sin by Christ, so we may stand in His presence. If not, Satan can take the record of your debt, stand before God and accuse you. Trust in Jesus, rely on Him to be your payment for sin, His righteousness to count for yours and you will live.
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 "And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
and him only shall you serve.’”And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." - ESV
Message: Expectation is to believe something will happen. In Luke the people were expectant because John had prepared their hearts for repentance at the coming of the Lord. He is causing them to notice and wonder the religious leaders power, calling them out about misleading the people. He proposed to point out the authority of Christ is mightier than all things, even death. Therefore, leaning on Christ and acknowledging His authority will direct their path. This trust will strengthen them and make possibilities. Through the baptism of water, we acknowledge Christ, to the believer who has also accepted Christ there is a baptism of the Holy Spirit, stored wheat. Christ's desire is for everyone, but for those who separate themselves as chaff, the ungodly, there is baptism of fire, a burning of the unused portion of wheat. Applied to the world, there will be a separating of wheat from chaff, sheep from goats, believers from pretenders, relationship from religious and Christians from church goers. Clean up your life like your expecting Christ, not with works, but by making a way to receive Him in your heart, for "for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:13 NKJV).
Scripture: Luke 3:15-17 "Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”" NKJV
Message: Luke is sharing with one and many through Theophilus. He shows the prophets who exclaim of knowing good to expose evil, just as out of eternity Jesus will come for all the earth. It will be an unfathomable joyous event, the redemption of man from the law into the family of God. Though unnecessary, but customary, Jesus was included in the obedience of the law required by God's redeemed (chosen) people. It is important for people to see joy of Jesus' obedience in you in order to receive Him and see the joy of suffering in His name. Suffering is temporary fro the price eternal glory, a joy experienced through salvation of a life in Christ. Watch God create joy in the trials of our faith!!
Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 "Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” NKJV
Message: Zacharias is muted and deafened by the angel Gabriel for disbelief in the birth of a son, John, during his old age. Mary is pregnant with Jesus and visits Zacharias' wife Elizabeth who is 6 months pregnant. In the womb, John leaps at the presence of Life in Mary. Zacharias can possibly see the joy of the women and the rejoicing. At John's birth, divine work is unveiled in the agreement on his name which was given to his parents independently by God. Zacharias' ears and tongue were released; he began prophesying of the possibilities of God when the outlook is impossible. He continued prophesying John's life as preparing the way of the Lord, who would bring Light to the darkness and peace. Zacharias' belief was restored in the mercy, justice and faithfulness of God, enabling him to serve without fear of condemnation, but in the holiness, righteousness and redemption of sin. In the darkness, in the impossible, God sends Light, the Light shines, the Light has a vessel in us which emits the Light. Elizabeth, Zacharias and Mary rejoice as evidence of the Light. To be delivered, the world must see the Light in us. The Light illuminates the path of dark places.
Scripture: Luke 1:79 "To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace." NKJV
Message: Luke is getting an account from eyewitnesses, storytellers, who were accepted by the people to be accurate as he cross-checks the facts with his. He is wanting to reassure the faith of the skeptics and doubters referred to as Theophilus or possibly to a respected individual. Luke presents the case for Christ's resurrection. He uses eyewitnesses and the witness of the scriptures to establish the truth, after the resurrection Jesus spoke, walked, ate and cooked for people and his disciples. He gives us the perspective of Theophilus to encourage us to look, think and act with spiritual eyes and ears. In relating the story, he shares the gospel to everyone in a clear, concise and convincing manner to challenge us to transform one, leading to many. Or, maybe it's focus is a personal message to affirm faith in the unseen, Christ in you, where salvation rests.
Scripture: Luke 1:1-4 "Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." NKJV
Message: Isaiah is exclaiming his unworthiness, but the Lord has made him worthy, so Isaiah volunteers his life. He sees the majesty of the Lord, is in awe of the sovereignty and victory experienced in the presence of the Lord. He is amazed at the worship of the seraphim who are professing the fullness of God's glory and authority over all creation. Justice will be applied to all the nations as will the gospel, regardless of man's attempts to contain it for his purposes. Repentance is the only acceptable action for playing god and Jesus is the only answer for peace. Isaiah expresses the proper reaction to uncleanliness before God, a plea for his life to be spared though undeserved. Instead of destruction God sends an angel to cleanse him by touching his lips, the point of his shame. Where's your shame, what needs God's touch? What's your guilt which makes demands of God instead of seeking atonement? Isaiah confessed his unrighteousness now seeing the beauty of God's forgiveness, patience and atonement, giving him a purpose. His willful response to God's mission to spread the gospel is to be used, to be sent, exclaiming his availability with "Send me!!"
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-9 "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the traina of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people..." ESV
Message: The Israelites are stubborn and unrepentant, Isaiah is telling them to see the Lord and turn. Turn is to leave the things of the past and move toward the plans God has for you -- a new thing. They were to be an example of His love for all humanity, rescuing them from sin and destruction time and time again. God's rules meant for their good became traditions, missing what He was doing, making it religion instead of relationship. Isaiah calls them out for honoring God through their lips, mouth, traditions and religion. God had to send Christ to do a new thing, a new creation to restore us, to give us a new heart. The miracle occurs when a person accepts Jesus as their Savior, receiving the gift of salvation. This is what the Israelites were missing, doing actions while trying to process it in their head, when all it required was a turning of the heart. God makes all things new, His Words are true, faithful and eternal.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19 "“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert."
Message: From an outside perspective it is difficult to image life as a Christian. Jesus knows about our infirmity, it's fears and demons, the separation it causes and the torment it brings. He desires us to have abundant life and to to free us from the bondage of sin. He lets us see ourselves and our sin through His Word. Do we make a change or say, "it's too much"? Are we ready for Jesus in our life or see the relationship as torment? May it be as we proclaim the name of Jesus, there is beauty and joy is His offer of abundant life, broken chains, hope and our name in the book of life! As Lord and Savior, he has everything to do with us from beginning to end. It may seem daunting, but God works in you to do His good pleasure through the sacrifice of His Son and the Spirit infused in us.
Scripture: Matthew 8:28-29 "When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” NKJV
Message: The bible emphasizes humanity as God's image bearers, as a symbol of belonging and behavior. We represent the unity of a triune God by harmony and diversity of life blessed by God, whereas satan's plan is for separation, deception and disobedience. Man, designed to be at peace with God and immortal, falls to the schemes and lies, is now susceptible to death and corruption. Our vision of God was dimmed, losing the desire and will to behave like Him. Now our mortal eyes see only enough of His light to be drawn to the truth with spiritual eyes. In a valley, everything in the surrounding area is hidden, except for the mountain. From the mountaintop the whole region is visible. Our view of humanity is a place of low, a valley of fallenness and a disadvantaged point, whereas God is the mountaintop. He wants to remind us to see His view of humanity with compassion because of their disadvantaged sight which causes nakedness and shame in His presence. The mystery of heaven may not be visible to others, but you will be and you can express to them what mysteries of heaven you have seen. Exhibit to the world what it is like to be in the presence of Jesus, shine in the darkness of humanity as a flicker of light to give glory to God.
Scripture: Matthew 13:16-17 "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." NKJV
Message: Are you sorry you got caught? In Corinth there is false teaching and disputing which Paul is addressing, because it is causing division and fragmentation. His letter, couriered by Titus, was received into their hearts, though sorrowful. The sorrow caused a stirring and led to repentance. Paul knows from the Lord, sorrow from chastening equates to love and he rejoices in it. Sorrow has 2 forms, with and without repentance, remorse and repentance. The repetition of sin as seen in the Israelites points to the difference between true godly sorrow and remorse. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation when the sorrow of the world produces death. The fruit of repentance is an action of turning away and turning toward a loving God. Another contrast between worldly and godly sorrow is through the actions of Peter and Judas. Peter denies Christ and weeps bitterly in repentance, turning his heart to the Lord. Judas betrays Christ as well, but was remorseful, trying to forgive himself by returning the money, then tried to get forgiveness from the religious leaders. Seeking the worlds forgiveness instead of Christ led to his self destruction. God wants us to have sorrow without separation, wants us to know worldly sorrow leads to death and destruction. We achieve this by turning from ourselves toward Him in every aspect of our lives. Convicted? Run toward God, get indignant about sin, determine to serve the Lord with godly sorrow!
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 "Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." NKJV
Message: Last week we learned to use God's rule of measure to avoid man's. Comparing stems from mathematics, the equal sign, which sums up the factors. In people terms, the "what's in it for me?" attitude becomes a way of life and a measure in this world. Paul to the Philippians is encouraging them in the way of the Lord as children of the Most High God, in particular, treating others with equality. Beginning in Genesis, man wanted to be equal to God, listening to satan and causing separation. The temptation was food pleasing to the eye and full of wisdom, all to benefit man. Jesus' did not consider it a status to be equal with God, though He was, rather He emptied Himself of His privileges. If He was not God, there would be no hope for us, there being no man who could endure the wrath of God for sin. Instead Jesus walked humbly being acknowledged as the "Son of Man", "One with with the Father" and the "I Am". We walk this out by using the gifts of God as privilege, emptying ourselves of status, letting our Spirit witness to the Glory within us through Christ. Knowing who you are is the "special ingredient of equality. God's equality is "none be lost" though we deserve it. so He sent Jesus. Let them see Christ in you.
Scripture: Philippians 2:5-7 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." NKJV
Audio: Interference due to audio quality clears within a minute.
Message: Comparing and measuring is something we all do with friends, intelligence, looks and leadership. It extends to others as we apply it to style, appeal and status. They are age old lies which effects the way we live and leads us into missed truths and hopes into misery and out of wisdom. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he encourages steadfastness and warns of false doctrine. False standards concealed the value of God and others, which points to the wisdom of looking past the natural into the spiritual. Even Jesus was described as normal looking and despised, a reminder for vanity and the treatment of others. God sees us as equals in sin and works, His grace is a gift leaving no room for boasting. Scripture reminds us, measuring is unwise, the standard where everyone else is "less than", where in reality, we are "filthy rags". A "superior" focus leads us to miss the plans of God. Navigating out of physical and spiritual circumstances requires focus on a fixed or permanent feature. The Christian walk has Jesus as the focal point. [Pastor relates his deliverance testimony - using talents for Christ's glory] God's rule of measure is to know who and what is important. God gives us gifts, talents and abilities as influence with hope to enlarge His Kingdom with the Word through us. Our weapon is to cast down arguments and rationalizations to focus on God's plan for you. It takes examination of our thoughts against the Word and obedience to conceal accusations made about you. Let God to the measuring.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
Audience note: You will experience interference during the first few minutes of the sermon due to the audio's quality.
Message: In the garden there was a breaking of the fellowship with God. Therefore, priests were necessary to make offerings and be the medium of prayer to God. Prophets were used to give foreknowledge and forth knowledge of events of God. The history of communication between God and man was at a distance after the fall. This last period is the time of the Messiah. This will be a time of goodness where grace and mercy is shown through His Son, Jesus. The Son will make up the distance and allow us to speak to God, thus entering into a priesthood of believers, offering ourselves as spiritual sacrifices. As priests, we communicate through the Word and let it discern truth. Discernment is through the Holy Spirit who helps, teaches and brings remembrance. The gospel is also spoken to us through people. The people are the Body of Christ, believers who expose us to the voice of truth and bring edification. Truth and edification produces conviction and repentance of our sins, thereby restoring fellowship with God. Cry out to be spoken to and then let Jesus lead.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-2 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." KJV
Message: How can you become something you already are? Sounds like a misnomer. In fact, we are given the power and strength through the Spirit to put off our former self and put on the righteousness of the new self. It's easier said than done, because the old self lingers on. However, the seed of righteousness in the new man cannot sin, it is born of God, but the old man is bound by sin and death, unable to please God. Man has an unregenerated spirit which allow us to operate on earth, resulting in death, unable to discern the righteous requirements of God. Man has a corruptible body of flesh with lust, appetites and habits which does not please God. Man is carnally minded, not subject to laws nor can be, an enemy of God. New man is free from the laws of sin and death, operating in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, allowing us to be in this world, but not of this world. New man is made alive by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, spiritual beings that fight with the flesh, emerging convicted. New man includes a immortal, incorruptible body which awaits us at the moment we are saved. New man is spiritually minded and feasts on the Word of God, denying the lusts of the flesh, walking in life and peace with discernment. The old man is patterned after Adam, bent on sin, whereas new man is patterned after Christ without sin. Therefore, walk by faith in the Spirit of Christ with a willingness to die to sin.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24 "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." KJV
Message: We usually identify ourselves by what we do or our associations. What would the person who knew us the best say? This is who we are by what we've done. Of those attributes, there are some we would change. Though these attributes define us and some we would change, who does God say we are? Throughout all time, Jesus the Light of the world has been rejected by man to keep his evil deeds in the dark. When the Light of the gospel truths shine in our lives, God calls us to repent, leading to fellowship with others and further expose ourselves to the Light. Though we have the gospel, we sin, so God provided an advocate, Jesus Christ, who paid the debt for our sin. In the scripture passages of Hosea, Israel turns from God and is restored from judgement. The scripture relates a God who loves beyond comprehension as He calls us into His family, knowing our sinfulness and will sometimes go through extreme measures to restore us.
Scripture: 1 John 1:6-7 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." NASB
Message: The initial passion and faith of accepting Christ can wane as well as our commitment to God's plan, creating a need to recharge. A "loss of zeal" is another way of stating the missing joy and excitement of the Lord. The call is to have a "fire", a zeal, that is infectious to the people around us for the love of the Lord. Stephen was operating in the gifts God had given him, allowing God to speak to his heart to do great wonders among the people who could not resist his anointing. Therefore, in jealousy, the leaders looked for opportunities to convict him of blasphemy. [Pastor Jeff shares his testimony which could have caused him to lose his zeal] Stephen calls out the religious leader's passionate stubbornness to turn to the Lord. As Stephen, in order for us to be moved to action, there must be a passion, as Christ's passion for the things of God. Satan wants to wear us out, so we give up, but God reminds us to rest, find strength in Him. He reminds us who we are and to stir up the truths though the Holy Spirit. In the Lord's salvation, joy and love our fears are quieted so His passion can come out in us.
Scripture: Acts 7:51-58 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." KJV
Message: Have you ever been invited, but didn't want to go initially, then once there the atmosphere changes to discover you've made a good decision? Jesus is speaking with the Pharisees, they are examining His actions against traditions and the Mosaic Law. Jesus is examining their hearts against their actions through the poor excuses of invited guests in a parable. In the parable Jesus tells of a host who is angered when guests who have accepted invitations, have now canceled with poor excuses. The excuses revealed a heart in the pursuit of man's doctrines over God's, a satisfaction with their circumstances which devalued the effort and a busy time consuming care for the things of life that left them unable to attend. God has prepared a banquet, guests who accept His invitation will never hunger or thirst again.
Scripture: Luke 14:15-18 "And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused." KJV
Sermon: Last week Jesus took steps to get to your door, this week He is at your door. How is He authorized to come to your door without trespassing? Death had authority on earth. Death was redeemable only by death. Christ had to come to take on all condemnation, in His death sin died. Receiving Christ in the Spirit, our sin is also dead and we obtain a righteous life. Christ is at your door with this gift of life, will you walk to the door to let Him in?
Scripture: Romans 5:17 "For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." NKJV
Sermon: God let the Old Testament prove over and over again, we could not do it ourselves, giving us no hope, except for a Savior. Jesus took steps to the door by giving anticipation for His coming, letting us wander, live in captivity and silence to create a longing for Light, then by leaving heaven to be among us to be the Light. When the time had come, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly as the people acknowledged Him as Messiah, casting their outer garments and laying branches in the manner of a king, which signifies a giving of their lives to be saved. Their former behavior cast off and repented to put on Christ as the garment of salvation. Shouts of "Hosanna" said their King was God, hope arrived and victory imminent. The city was held for a high ransom, the King had arrived to pay the price of freedom to those who desired to be set free from sin and death.
Scripture: Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." NKJV
Audio quality: Broken
Sermon: Paul speaks of a warm welcome whether at home or in the synagogue as a symbol of Christ. There's a change occurring in the religious community of the early church toward women and others. Greetings are to be given to women who have been faithful to serve the Lord and to different nationalities, such a Greeks, Romans and Asians. All are coming under the same Lord and a universal gospel, so to create a bridge, Paul suggests relationship formation starts with a sincere greeting to ease tensions. We are to follow up with a salute to recognize, praise, appreciate and thank from a sincere heart. The suggestion is a "holy kiss" as a sign of christian greeting, such as a modern handshake or hug, to display brotherly love and to distinguish from intimate affection. An affectionate greeting such as a hug has healing effects, combating loneliness, anxiety, depression and stress, reinforcing trust, safety, giving and receiving. Be welcoming and ready to take the first steps toward genuine affection in a way to promote pure motives, discretion and true Christian love, which will create unity, healing, understanding and acceptance from Christ through you.
Scripture: Romans 16:3-16 "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits ofAchaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you." NKJV
Note: Sermon is delivered by an 18yo member of The Open Door Church, Christian Leblanc. He was inspired by affirming thoughts from the Holy Spirit as he debated whether he was qualified to preach the Word of God. He is in the Worship ministry as a musician and a Children's Ministry youth leader in the Royal Ambassadors.
Sermon: Should we take heed to the thoughts we get? Yes, they effect the way we are living. Where do thoughts go? They go to good or spiral down. Who is it centered around? Us. Does the reality match the fantasy? No, it's an attempt to remove God and to control the our future. In our minds, it will turn out right, but that's not faith. The sermon focuses on renewing our minds with words that are true, noble, just, pure and lovely, mediating on what is virtuous and praiseworthy. We start with opening up our hearts to the Lord to search our wicked ways and surrendering our thought life. Spend time with the Lord in the Word, as a father or as a friend and your thoughts will align to Him. We can take practical steps. First, taking our thoughts captive in the obedience of Christ. Second, think and guard your attention with the intention inputting God's Word more than the distractions of the world. Your obedience, or lack of, leads to actions, the actions develop patterns.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8 "...brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." NKJV
Sermon: The sermon asks "do we need to grow?". As a church, we've all measured growth by "bodies, bucks and bricks" unconsciously, missing God's plan for us. As an individual, we've asked others to "grow up!", or someone put the question to you. These types of callouts show us areas of immaturity, possibly helping us become all God wants us to be. Scripture also talks about the maturity of a body of believers as divine process toward becoming the embodiment of Christ on earth. There is a wonderful transformation process to project the maturity, wisdom and love of Christ, but we frequently miss the mark. This is the perfecting process, when we desire to be the image of Christ. We are equipped for the work of the ministry which edifies the body, though it seems we are unprepared. So, trust is important to grow though the impossible, letting God do it with the knowledge of Christ. As children, God's truth dispels lies, such as the media's deceitful schemes to separates the people, creating disfunction. Therefore, remembering scripture is critical for intimacy, reasoning and life during the growth process, which edifies God and makes us an indispensable part of the body. Jesus left the "blueprint" and "bread crumbs" for our sinful eyes to see a humility, a divine image, a growth curve through trials and temptations, which evidenced the the maturity obtainable by being with the Father and waiting for the His timing. Allow yourself to grow through God's ways to do greater things.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:15-16"...that we should no longer be children.....but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." NKJV
Message: James is writing to those who have accepted Christ, the conflict from within and their friendships. Friendships are defined by love (phileo) for one another, which gives us influence over them. The prideful influence can distract us from God's influence, as in the garden of Eden, causing separation and spiritual death. This world of temptation, which James speaks of, is love of the driving spirit behind it, Satan and self. Perversion creates a strong desire for flesh, satisfaction gained through temptation, when our focus is off God. The old saying, "the ends justifies the means" encourages pride, ambition and a disregard for others. James calls us to push down the world, walk in the Spirit and be a manifest of the truth. Trust in the Lord, be changed by the renewing of your mind, be equally yoked, be different as a traveler from another country and you will speak greatly of God's transformative power. Lastly, be a light, a new creation, the world will walk to the Light of Christ in you and away from the darkness.
Scripture: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." KJV
Part 3 of 3 "Fellowship That's Full" Series
Message: The disciples had fellowship ideally designed by God. In the new church, the disciples had a common doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Doctrine come to us through the Word of God, shaping and keeping us accountable. The Spirit of agreement unites us together in a giving of ourselves to each other. Jesus was the example of laying down a life for another, broken as bread and shared. In communicating with God in prayer, we are in agreement with His will. In prayer is a cleansing through confession to be in genuine fellowship and righteousness before God. Acknowledging God's handiwork and voice says we believe His words which shape the way we treat one another. We are stabilized in obedience and His indwelling, enabling us to walk in the Light, responding in righteousness. Consistency is found following Jesus and letting His blood cleanse all sin, shaping our minds toward righteousness. These beliefs are founded on the inspired Word of God, the roles, purposes and deity of the Trinity, the resurrection of Christ and the salvation by grace through faith. In freedom there are matters of conviction, conscience and choice, wanting God to be in all of them. In Christian love, let there be no division, but God's love, so our fellowship is full.
Scripture: Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." KJV
Part 2 of 3 "The Fellowship That's Full" Series
Message: With the Father and the Son, we sometimes feel at a distance. It's a relationship which is impossible without the Holy Spirit, who operates within the Father and Son. Scripture alludes to the abiding by the the use of "the Spirit of" God or the Son. Born of the Spirit, He lives in us and makes us common to each other, sharing all things. Success and life depend on the Spirit of the heart, which both reflect the reality of Christ to the world. God commands us to stand in the Light and be in communion, but sin and cares of the world hinder us. Communion is from our hearts in prayer, praise and listening constantly with sincere needs. As we allow ourselves to be comforted and filled up, transformation occurs as life and peace come in and death and destruction go out. The will know the Messiah through our oneness.
Scripture: 1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Part 1 of 3 "Fellowship That's Full" Series
Message: Relationships start with God and Jesus Christ, effecting all other relationships. Fellowship is becoming what God wants us to be, rather the casual wandering into and out of situations. In Greek, the word koinonia defines fellowship as holding something in common with the same interests and placing it into practice according to the work as God designates. Discerning the center of our actions determines if the relationship is fashioned by God. The apostle John speaks of fellowship and the love of Jesus. He described the close, intentional relationship, existed from the beginning. It is still here to show us eternal life through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit if we will trust in it's promises in faith. Look for the footprints of God, turn from self and receive the Lord in every situation of life.
Scripture: 1 John 1:3-4 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." KJV
Message: Sermon teaches the perspective of children and parents according to scripture, listing commands placed on us as believers. The Old Testament points to times when the people were living their own truth, much like today. Two families are contrasted to compare two different styles of parenting and two different ways people chose to honor God. One style honors God above kids and the other honors the kids will, fearing to lose honor with them, but dishonoring God. Parenting when under the authority of God is potent, teaching how to respond to His call by listening repentance and baptism. If you've messed up parenting, you're not done, abide in the gospel. The gospel says you will always be saved by God and brought into a new life from a terribly messed up situation. The sermon's challenge is to stand up and dedicate your parenting from this day forward to honoring God. Fight with intensity against the tendency to honor your kids above God.
Scripture: Proverbs 22: 6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it." NASB
Message: Paul exhorts to the church of Philippi; they are a model of following Christ, walking in like-mindedness and obedience. However, they have gotten caught up in names and given it authority over their lives. He reminds us to exalt Jesus Christ above all things, to whom every knee shall bow and the assurance as we to work out our salvation. The work being in God's control through sanctification to bring forth the new man created in Christ. In this we are able to pour into others the joy of our salvation without complaint. Our joy is the favor of God who does not change when circumstances change. We are not of this world, but children of the living God adopted to shine as lights and uphold His Word. Our labor gives honor to the way, the truth and the life that is Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." KJV
Part 2 in a 2 part series titled "Invited To Follow Him"
Message: From Part 1 of the series, we are to bear fruit, be willing to follow and be faithful as fishers of men. In this way, we are to be part of the redemptive plan in the lives of others. Christ uses an ancient vocational phrase "fishers of men", which means to catch others by teaching or persuasion. Jesus was asking the disciples to cast the gospel in order to capture hearts. Without guarantee, He depended on their patience for the right spot, season or time to "fish". Without the advantages of life, the disciples entered transformational process. Jesus fully loved them so they could show love and compassion and taught them the freedom in truth therefore they were free to share the truth. In this way Christ's sacrifice would be revealed, setting up a continual relationship with Him and others. Listen for the invite, abide in Christ and invite others.
Scripture: Matthew 4:19 "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
The theme for the year will be "Invited To Follow Him".
This is a sermon titled after the theme and Part 1 in the 2 Part 2 Series titled "Invited To Follow Him".
Message: Have you lost focus and needed something or someone to adjust your priority? Hearing the voice of Jesus gives us the priorities He has for us. In the scripture passage, Jesus calls men into His discipleship out of their lives for those willing to leave. These disciples, which means follower, would learn to walk in the image of Christ. Jesus would initiate an invite seeing their heart, their willingness. There's a task He's given the disciples, to grow in His grace and faithfulness. Initiated by the Holy Spirit and convicted by sin we are led into truth, through us others too. Putting all things aside we must serve God, obey Jesus and Him give us direction. In obedience, we are to follow Christ's commands, making followers by being the example. Let yourself hear God, forsake all to be in the presence of Christ to be transformed into a disciple to those around us and the nations.
Scripture: "Matthew 4: 18-22 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." KJV
Message: David pens reflection and restoration when encountering evil. He is humbled by fasting and healed through prayer. Christ calls us to fast for a deeper relationship with God, in secret appearing normal, as it is not an affliction of the soul, but an act of obedience to allow ourselves to clearly hear Him and receive His rewards. Biblical humility is believing what God says about you over anyone else, even yourself. A fast is chosen by God to reach you, to break chains. Dedicated prayer and fasting focuses our reliance on God for strength, provision and wisdom by laying down distractions. Fasting creates a new cup for receiving a newness of life, preserving both.
Scripture: Psalm 35: 12-13 "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom." KJV
Message: Paul ministers to the people of Corinth's wealth and indulgence. He receives a vision from the Lord to speak without reservation for instruction in righteousness. He sits in the judgement seat to be condemned or rewarded, it's either life or death. The example is his willingness to undergo judgement to show the love and care he has for their state before Christ. We must similarly be directed with our words to spread hope and magnify Christ.
Scripture: Acts 18:9-10 "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." KJV
Message: Redeem is to buy back a possession. Is something occupying your time and purpose? Time is limited and fashioned for us to make the most of it. Paul implores the people of Colossae to be steadfast and sure against deception with prayer, watchfulness, thanksgiving and wisdom. God lets us see our foolishness supernaturally, so we may see our need for Christ. The contentment and richness of God within us shows in our speech and conduct. We bring hope, peace and transform the lost world around us when we behave according to our calling in Christ.
Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." KJV
Message: We have challenging moments, especially during the holidays. Peter is talking to the people about moments and how to react in them, so to inherit a blessing. In one mind of Christ, we have the kind of love to share to the world. When wronged, we are challenged to love one another and resist retaliation, particularly in our homes and with those who injure us, otherwise there is no reward. It is supernatural to bless within our daily trials, however saved through Christ, our old life passes away to inherit eternal life.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."
Message: Christians have celebrated through Advent the arrival of Christ and in Christmas, the magnification of Christ on earth. The reward of this faith is eternal life as part of God's love. In His love, God sent a Light, the greatest gift, favor through His Son, who is the answer to the darkness and the door to life with the Father. Joy has come into the world.
Scripture: Isaiah 9: 2 and 6 "The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined."....."For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Conclusion to the Christmas Series Titled "The Greatest of These!" based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." NKJV
Message: We must "abide in" to understand God's unmeasurable love. To abide is to stay fixed in heart and mind in faith, hope and love when the sands of life begin to shift. Faith is seen in our testimony of God working behind the scenes in the spiritual and natural. Hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised. A trust that strengthens faith in a life pardoned of sin through Jesus Christ. Love is for us to continue in place through the Word of God as Jesus stayed in the Father. It is the greatest because it is God. We stay in His love when we have faith in the Hope that saves us.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 12-13 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity [love]." KJV
Part 3 of 4 in the Christmas Series Titled "The Greatest of These!" based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." NKJV
Message: We can be alive in Jesus, so He suffered to allow us to live in God's love and rejoice in our salvation
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6 "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." KJV
Part 2 of 4 in the Christmas Series Titled "The Greatest of These!" based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." NKJV
Message: Knowledge is getting better but limited man is only discovering what God already knows. The example of men's words and God's perfect knowledge is found in the book of Job. God holds all knowledge, therefore our faith is built on ignorance with hope attained by observation, experiences and faith in His Word. God uses our memory to help us avoid repeated mistakes, knowledge of right from wrong is learned. Turning away from the knowledge of the truth in willful ignorance leads to sin. Perfection is on-the-scene in the form of God's Word and a life in Jesus to prepare us for the day we meet Him face-to-face in the glory of His perfection, expressed in love, to give an account for our actions. What will you say when asked why you deserve a place in His Kingdom, a place of perfection and goodness?
Scripture: 1 Cor 13:8-13 "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know in part and prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." NASB
Part 1 of 4 in the Christmas Series Titled "The Greatest of These!" based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." NKJV
Introduction: This series comes during a season of remembering Christ's coming, why love is the essence of God and why love is the greatest commandment. Paul writes to the Corinthians who have become enamored with spiritual gifts which have replaced God's love and the love for others. He attempts to draw them back to love.
Message: There are version of love in the Greek, this sermon will focus on agape, the self-giving love which gives without expectation of repayment. What is it for, a love bearing, hoping, enduring and never failing? It is for all things of this perishing world, such as strength of character in any situation, strength of faith now for the "not yet", trusting in the goodness of God and choosing to believe the best in others. We are prone to believe lies and live in fear, so how do you know you have it? Because God's love never fails, it keeps on bearing, believing, hoping, enduring the sin of others and the iniquity of the world for eternity. The presence of His love becomes greater and the need for gifts becomes less, for God's love can do all things.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 7-8 "[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." NKJV
Message: There are a lot of things we can complain about, developing a complainers attitude. In the Old Covenant burnt offerings were used to offset sin and show appreciation to God with sacrifices of praise. In the Psalm, David pleads with listeners to give thanks to God for satisfying the hunger, thirst and satisfaction of their distressed souls. The redeemed cry to the Lord in sincere and earnest pleas for help out of storms, knowing His faithfulness. Our actions reflect proximity to the Lord as anger is transformed to gentleness. In thanksgiving of every aspect of our lives, we develop a rich relationship with God and gratitude for His faithfulness.
Scripture: Psalm 107: 1 - 2 "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy..." KJV
Message: Paul dispels the myth requiring Christ's work alone to be our salvation. We've been enabled by God to do work representing His message and character within our influence. In our newness in Christ, we're given reconciliation and a ministry as an ambassador through His righteousness. We're set free from the residue of sin by Christ for the purposes of God. He is our strength, we are the evidence of the His workmanship for good works, which draws others to Christ. There is an urgency to work with God's grace now, it will not last forever, let us waste nothing.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6: 1 - 2 "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" KJV
Part 2 of a 2 part series titled "I've Been Duped"
Message: The "Spirit of the Age" in the church leaves us feeling duped in the areas of miracles, judging of sin and prosperity. The "Spirit of the Age" is a seduction from tradition and the world away from Christ, when He is the fullness of good over the ways that seem right in our minds.
Scripture: Colossians 2: 8-10 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
Part 1 of a 2 part series titled "I've Been Duped"
Message: This sermon is out of a burden for those of the church who've been duped into thinking there is supernatural and experiences without God's truth. People caught in the spirit of the age, attempting to establish righteousness for themselves through experiences in humanitarianism, psychology, counseling and the construction of a family. Though unrighteousness cannot exist in heaven, God has no less desire to reach the duped.
Scripture: Genesis 11:4 "And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves..." NKJ
Part 3 of a 3 Part Series titled, "For The Health Of The Body"
Message: Faith is a muscle needing exercise or it will shrink. Using the gift of faith is a lifestyle called Godliness producing Godliness, which fulfills God's plans. Tradition can begin to replace faith when Godliness is not exercised and there is a falling back on natural responses. Pressing is needed to strengthen faith in God's promises of salvation through Jesus Christ, whereas tradition is an unprofitable plan to righteousness. Effectiveness is to realize the gifts and enabling us to love God, love others, steward well and minister. Though difficult, His grace will strengthen you, the body of people around you and the world. The result is a fitted body, the way God intended us to edify Him and care for others.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4: 7-8 "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." KJV
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series titled, "For The Health Of The Body"
Message: Our spiritual health and wellness involves examination. The church in Corinth were having meals in honor of themselves instead of the whole Body of Christ. Paul challenges them to show proof of their faith. Proof points to fellowship and discipleship resulting from Christ's indwelling. Manifestations of a relationship with the Lord include knowing the truth from lies, God's Word evidenced in you, a heart for the Lord and being uneasily offended by the God's truths. Paul reveals consequences for the church in Corinth, reassuring them it is not condemnation, but correction in Christ, recommending a change of heart could change their health.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." KJV
Part 1 in a 3 Part Series titled "For the Health Of The Body"
Message: David, the author of Psalm 8, tells us God gave a place for man to be and cared for him. He asks,"what kind of love is this to have great desires for fallen man? We have concerns when there seems to be no way; God wants to be the fixer. It is His promise to heal our brokenness and bind our wounds. It takes trust to accept salvation and walk through sanctification. God knows this fallen world and provides specialty care in His unfailing Word. How do we know? In our trials and tribulations we see God working on us, revealing our worth to Him. Before we speak a word, let us seek to understand a God who cares.
Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4 "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" KJV
Message: God has loved. Nicodemus was a leader in every way: a Jewish leader, a teacher and wealthy, yet in darkness, understanding the burden of the Law, but missing the spiritual in pursuit of the requirements of righteousness in the Law. He knows God from an earthly perspective and desires to learn the heavenly perspective with Jesus' part in it. We don't know, but can speculate that Nicodemus finally understood the prophecy of the crucifixion of Numbers 21:8-9, the lifting of the bronze snake as a God's provision of life to those who saw it. Let him be an example, for in the final hours, as Jesus, the man whom he'd questioned in John 3:4, hung on the cross, Nicodemus risks everything he's built his life on to show his eternity with God rests on the belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Romans 3: 21-24 " But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Message: Have a reverence to be different from the world, fear God, it's life. Frightful fear binds us to the outcome of things, which is overcome with boldness and the perfect love of God. Factors are things that contribute to an outcome, numeric multipliers. Fearing God in our daily lives will factor our actions, contributing to the result of our lives. God is doing His part, we must believe and trust in Him, trust His character, let it humble us and lead us into the rest of His promises.
Scripture: Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil." KJV
Message: Paul is addressing the new Christians about the transformation of their thinking and lives, finding contentment in an eternal kingdom and having grace when persecuted or treated wrongly. In our daily lives of chasing, striving and coveting, we are inconsistent letting God hold us, replacing Him with an object. There is an antidote for irrational passion for things, Godly contentment in His promised provision. Trust He's got your struggle, let Him catch you when you fall, it will build assurance and be a great gain. The trying of our faith is our crown of glory.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." KJV
Message: In scripture there are images of Christ we can almost smell, as in incense or oil. Paul is addressing Corinthians with a reminder of their actions reflecting fragrances of life and death, challenging them to live in truth and life, which is the aroma of Christ. In the gospel of Jesus Christ our aroma is enhanced, darkness is turned to light, His scent is brought to the forefront and we can love others as He loved. Our fragrance can be enhanced in prayer, self-sacrifice and perspective, it is our choice. We seek Christ to be a recognizable aroma now and on His return to earth.
Scripture: "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Message: We've all been in a state of pleading, presenting a convincing argument. We serve a strong God who moves in our lives out of faithfulness, which builds trust. Through Jeremiah, God pleads with Israel to recall their relationship with Him. As an example, He points to the nations who defend their gods, yet God's own people reject Him. Israel should grieve their degeneration from the nobleness given to them by God and return to the faithfulness of His Word. The same God pleads for us to see His riches, to understand the uncertainty of this world.
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:9-11 "Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children's children will I plead. For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit." KJV
Message: In Christ we prepare for storms, but there are still trials to go through, because it rains on the just and unjust. The difference is in the way we respond when life goes wrong. God is for us, using the rod and staff to defend us, count us, give us rest and guide us to pastures of provision, away from self-preservation. By growing us in the fruits of the Spirit, He feeds us, prospers us and provides, enabling us to do the same for others. We can trust God's plans and purposes, which may appear to be hindered, yet come to pass. God is our storm-chaser.
Scripture: Matthew 5:44-45 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." KJV
The speaker is John Newman, the CEO of New Hope Lafayette as a part of The Open Door Church's Community Outreach Sunday.
Message: It opens with Micah 6:8" He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" KJV God, knowing man's heart, uses Micah to discuss His expectations of justice, kindness (mercy) and humbleness with Israel The expectations are a reflection of His love, faithfulness and compassion without abandonment. We are to imitate His mercy (required to do justice) for us toward others. In God's economy there are provisions for the poor, relying on man to hear God's voice and open his hand to a neighbor. In Lafayette, demographics predict poverty, which reflect low performance, low emotional skills and directly correlates to the socio-economic status of the parents. The child is confronted with the reality of "being too weak for the neighborhood or too tough for the schools" with the parental advice for a threat to "attack first or be a target". In this environment, a child grows up lacking the skills to escape generational poverty and hope is lost. The critical element of escape is the help of an "admiring adult". An admiring adult with God's heart says "this is wrong, this needs to be fixed!" There is no silver bullet, but we can express our unique God-given gifts to the community and be a solution. Mr. Newman concludes with "Love God, love your neighbor".
Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:11 "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." KJV
Part 3 in a 3 Part Series: Restore, Renew, Rebuild (RE3)
Message: Nehemiah prophesied of bondage and Isaiah prophesied of impending national judgement and to God's gracious restoration. God is in the kingdom building business, the people are the builders and the gates of hell will not prevail against the restoration of ruin. Israel was captive by generations of sin and could not restore themselves. God has a plan for broken relationships, despair, poverty and addictions, a rebuilding involving His people and sending a Master Builder with the plan to repair the breach. As Builders, we also repair by standing in the gap, giving direction or lighting the path for others. Who are the others, trust Jesus to show you!
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17-18 "Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." KJV
Part 2 in a 3 Part Series: Restore, Renew, Rebuild (RE3)
Message: God has a plan to improve our relationship with Him. Everything is an addiction, something has to change in order to break out, renewing broken bonds. It is vital to start again. The Israelites are the example of brokenness, healed many times, but needing a permanent solution. They needed God. In the same way, we need Jesus to be renewed, through the Holy Spirit, to be planted in our minds to become alive. How? Open your bible, hear the Word of God, which renews, tells of His perfect will and instills confidence as a new man. It allows us to be a tree producing fruit for His glory, an everyday process for our joy to be full.
Scripture: Isaiah 61:3-4 "[He has sent Me]...To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." KJV
Part 1 in a 3 Part Series: Restore, Renew, Rebuild (RE3)
Message: Prophet Isaiah warns of judgement to Israel as a people turned away from God, but given a testament of hope with the prophesying of a Savior. God wants to bring us to a greater place than we were before through restoration, whereas man's restoration only brings us back to our original condition. Jerusalem is destroyed and Nehemiah is going to rebuild, but God wants them to see Jerusalem as a symbol of a life without Him. In restoring Jerusalem, God gives hope with a solution of atonement for all, for all time with the foreshadowing of the Christ who would restore us to God. We have a part to play. God wants to deliver us from our grieving and spiritual heaviness with the joy of the Lord. He wants us to redeem our souls in Jesus Christ and let us to put on the garment of praise.
Scripture: Isaiah 61:3-4 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." KJV
Message: We experience waiting and begin to wonder if a person or a situation is taking advantage of us, which creates disappointment, distraction and disbelief. Abram is asked by the Lord God to journey to a land, to receive a blessing and be the father of nations. God is reassured Abram, when he believed without knowing how the covenant would be fulfilled, God counted him as righteous. God desires we trust in Him to do any great work, rather than believing in the impossibility of righteousness through our own merit, it is a gift.
Scripture: Genesis 15:4-6 "And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." KJV
Message:
Focus is on the "us" perspective of the Pharisee's view of "them", promoting a disdain due to their cultural advantage of enforcing the Laws of God without the power of God. This parable reveals the nature of the "head knowledge" of man abiding outside Lord. Abiding in the Lord we are compelled to love and speak life, while outside the Lord we lose compassion and speak death. In reality, God sees everyone the same, in fact, ** 'there is no "them" there is just faces of us.' Having the mind Christ avoids comparison by self examination using God's standard, by allowing for relationship with God, then others, to become aware of things outside "us" and realizing God's sovereignty over all. We are encouraged to check the thought "this is beneath me" in Philippians 2:5-8 where Christ had no reputation, took for the form of a servant in the likeness of man, humbled Himself as man and obedient unto death.
**is paraphrased excerpt from a speech by Jimmy Doyle of Mission Waco
Scripture:
Luke 18:9-14 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. KJV
Proverbs 18:20-21 "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." KJV
Message: The Psalmist wants us to see God coming through his words, therefore making them important and worth meditating on. The Word (logos) can be planted inside us, transform us and understood when the Spirit of God is in us. As we ready ourselves with the hope within us; God brings the time and season for us to give an answer. The Word (rhema) speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who guides us to specific words of application to life. God strengthens our faith in Rhema words with confirmation and assurances, taking the form of evangelizing, serving and growing in an outward focus. It is a walk in freedom, a sign of God's immeasurable love through Jesus Christ who paid it's price. Use this ready weapon, Sword of The Spirit, to protect yourself from the attacks of Satan: Be in the Word. In the Word gain insights, receive life applications, become closer to God to become joy filled; our eyes and ears open to the things He has for us.
Scripture: Psalm 119:104-106 "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments." KJV
Message: Restoration is a temporary measure; we're in need of redemption. The revelation of Jesus Christ is the beginning of all things new. Giving our heart to Him is the first liberating experience, express it to the glory of the Lord. We sin, but God frees us from death and hell. As believer, we are written in the Lamb's book of life. God will make all things new, separating us from the tragedy being played out in in disappointments and failures of this world. We will be delivered from the bent of sinning in a glorified body as Christ's, living in a new creation free from the bondage of decay in the glorious relationship with God.
Scripture: Revelation 21:4-5 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." KJV
Message: Ananias and Sapphira of the early Christian church have been caught in a lie and compared to Barnabas who acted honorably, each in a case of a land transaction. This brings into focus quality of character, one a holding back for personal gain producing a dampening effect on the church and the other a laying down of position to do what God has called him to do. Allow Christ in you to produce a good name instead of status.
Scripture: Acts 5:1-4 "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." KJV
Message: The garden of Gethsemane was a sorrowful and heavy time Jesus is experiencing grief, deep sadness for the crushing burden He would have to endure for the sins of the world and the momentary separation from God. Liken to the olive press, there will be a pressing on us as well as we allow Jesus to transform our lives.
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-41 "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” KJV
Message: God entered mankind and mankind was empowered by the Spirit of God. It was a filling of the Holy Spirit fulfilling the joy of the Law through grace. The Holy Spirit came into a place of unity into a place of diversity as the disciples laid down their lives so God could work through them to speak to all and to reach all. The message was to call upon the name of the Lord for salvation, God's promise was true. It was evidenced in their lives by signs given to each to bring a supernatural encounter with God and the revelation of Jesus Christ to the lost.
Scripture: Acts 2:1-4 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." KJV
Message: There has to be a force greater than ourselves to be effective; it's the person in God the Holy Spirit in fellowship with us. It's a condition of bing in communion with Him, no longer dead but a new life in Christ through amazing grace. Our transformed life is proof God is real and working, dispelling any doubts. We fellowship by showing interest, spending time and being vulnerable with God. The key is knowing the Holy Spirit to receive power, then with the empowerment being a witness to, of and for Jesus Christ. Be careful of knowledge, missing the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. Therefore, stir up the Spirit and watch God do a wonderful work in and through you.
Scripture: Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." KJV
Message: It's not enough to hear, we must obey. respond and seek the viewpoint of wisdom to be strengthened in spiritual truths. We have devices which reject God, respond without God and are unlike God. There are 3 truths speaking to counsel us: God is wise, the world is raging but God disciplines and God will sustain us.
Scripture: Proverbs 19:20=21 "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Message: God has plans revealed to us in His timing, meanwhile working through us in our weaknesses. We are to focus on God the keeper of promises, careful not to let the focus shift to the promise. Contentment is found in God in readying ourselves with a willingness to serve others thereby being in His favor and care. Scripture shows us the way to live out His promises. God sent His greatest force, Jesus Christ, to help us live out His promises for His glory.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-4 "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." KJV
Message: Stand accused of teaching the gospel, show a radical change for having walked with Jesus, evidenced and indisputable by the world.
Scripture: Acts 4:13 "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Series Part 3: The Pursuit Of Happiness
Message: Solomon is in the trying stage and summarizes his experiences in seeking his own will first and God's will second. He finds out everything he did had no value and it burdened his spirit. The sermon focuses on the different bases of happiness and joy. Joy is cultivated internally, making peace with God's purpose as His creation. Happiness is based on other people, places, thoughts and events, however divine perspective finds happiness when God is Lord, Master and Savior. Pursue God, life can be happy and joyful in changing times because He is unchanging.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:8-11 "I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Series Part 2: Liberty
Message: Liberty is freedom from bondage from the tyrant sin and set free by the Word of God through Christ from the penalty and power of sin. Christ is now Lord over our character and conduct. The Holy Spirit is our agent of truth to remind us God wants us to fellowship with Him, to be in relationship with Him and fulfill His divine purpose and plan. God holds us accountable not to judge, but to be the example, edifying other in all we say and do.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Series Part 1: Life (Note: This is the conclusion of the last weeks sermon "Life")
Message: God impacts our spiritual, mental and physical being and comforts us with His Word, bringing it to remembrance by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministering to ourselves and others. It is the Father's nature to bring abundant life, life to dry bones, through the step of faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." KJV
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Series Part 1: Life
Message: Life is the beginning, breathed by God into His image that we may have value and soul. Life is described in the blood; we know Jesus Christ gave His blood, His life, for all mankind that the dead in sin would be made alive. God's forethought of life reveals 3 traits. As creator, God made His vision a reality from beginning to end. God is productive; we have His character which produces fruit through the word. God is a comforter, coming to Him for the pardoning of our sins through Jesus Christ, moving from death into life.
Scripture: Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." KJV
Message: God has given each of us a story to tell, the reason we have hope and joy. God has shaped and fashioned for you someone equipped and made for only you to reach. Peter had a mind for serving and an experience, he wanted to share his life out of deep conviction for us. He wants us to be ready to respond and be strengthened in the trials, keeping ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, while having a compassion to make a difference.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..." KJV
Message: There was a covering over the earth leading to destruction, but God had a plan to swallow up death. At the cross, people expecting a rescue, lost hope as Jesus died, now hiding in fear of misplaced trust, saying in their hearts "was this our Lord?". Unknown to them, in His sacrifice, Jesus took our sins to hell, to death. In Christ's resurrection our sins are dead and covered with righteousness, no longer separated from God. In His mercy, we are God's once again, at peace and rescued to life.
Scripture: Isaiah 25:8-8 "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. KJV
Message: It's prophesied a king would come to do battle for his nation tangled in the depravity of sin. As Jesus entered the city, garments and branches are laid down, signifying those who lose their lives to save it, putting off of the old self to put on Christ's righteousness, the garment of salvation. Together the crowd responds to hearing and receiving the gospel with Hosanna (Come Lord save us now). King Jesus had arrived.
Scripture: Mark 11:7-10 "And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." KJV
Message: God wants peace from purpose through Him, where burdens are lifted. Restlessness results from gathering riches or desiring what others have, creating busy lives and failing to appreciate sleep on the road to success. Society is trying to take away the rest at Jesus' feet as we have desires for the eternal, yet hold on to the temporary. Christ in us and strengthening us; we are rich beyond all measure. He has our good so we can rest in His sweet sleep
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:12-14 "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt." KJV
Note: There are uncorrectable intermittent audio errors from the original recording. Be blessed, thank you for listening.
Message: There is something uncommon among those of the bible. They would sit, stand with outstretched arms and lay prostrate before a Holy God when in His presence. In this scripture David is sitting humbly in the presence of God for a season to reflect and meditate on all God has done in his life during the trials. All we have must be look upon as divine gifts from God, hearing His Word, seeing His Word in the midst of trials and living them in the doing.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:18 "Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?" KVJ
Message: The blood of Jesus was a new way to the Father, no longer separated and with a new High Priest to give assurance, but still drawn by God. In His love He changes us through conviction and convincing. In trust we knock on the door asking God to direct our paths that we may know the hope of His calling.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-22 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." KJV
Message: In adversity, persecution and provocation we grieve from the heart. In this, be thankful. For even in bitterness, when feeling unloved and when pouring out your soul, God speaks, restores our joy, revealing to others what He has done in us. He builds our trust and we exalt the Lord.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-2 "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." KJV
Message: God does not rest; we can find piece and contentment no matter what's going on. Rest requires strength and courageousness to follow the commandments which bring success as God goes with you to make it come to pass. So walk it out without a hardened heart, get to know His ways, in faith labor over the Word which discerns the intentions of the heart and teaches His ways.
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Message: God is working for our good. We doubt because bad things happen, but it is according to His purpose to heal, deliver and set free. Trust in His sufficiency, all other words fall short.
Scripture: Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Message: Pray for effect to reach the throne of God is the hardest, requiring a passionate intensity and discipline with an earnest and humble heart. Our faith is directly demonstrated through our works, therefore let us intercede for all men in prayer to repent, laying all at the altar of sacrifice to God who is able to heal the strongholds of the hopeless and broken. The church is changing, strongholds are breaking, revival is coming.
Scripture: James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." KJV
Message: War and division in the world is causing hurt, personal need and emptiness, let the soul of man be quickened, refreshed and recreated living a life in Jesus Christ. God breathed a living soul into our bodies hoping many would choose life, but man chose death, so not to live in sin forever, God gave us a Way to choose new life, to be restored.
Scripture: Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." KJV
Message: Transforming the old self into the new self is about who we serve and how we serve Him, resisting our desires to take on His, allowing His calling, letting Him grow in you a serving heart in the power of the Holy Spirit, because it is our hope and joy, for others and God's glory.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 " For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy." KJV
Message: Sin separates, but God wants to lift us up through repentance, where there is hope. God hears and restores all when our hearts honor Jesus Christ as our defense for the hope within us.
Scripture: Isaiah 59:8-9 "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness." KJV
Preface: Zealously Affected By Christ will be the theme for year 2021, referenced by the scripture found in Colossians 2:6-7 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." KJV
Message: We have received the strength of Jesus Christ, through faith continue to live in Him with an oath of commitment to follow the Lord all the days of our life, in all things so that we may strengthen others.
Scripture: Galatians 4:18 "But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you." KJV
We live in a world where disappointment surrounds us and if we do not come to the realization of this truth, we are destined to be unhappier tomorrow than we are today. Only God satisfies.
Scripture: Psalm 37:5 "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." KJV
Peace isn't easy or equal perfection. To live is peace we have to give up expectations of perfection, walk alongside Jesus in difficult times and have peace with God. Have you made peace?
Scripture: John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." KJV
Governed By His Wonder Series Part 4
A forward looking scripture emphasizes a Kingdom without end. The Messiah is God; He is a Father and His Fatherhood will be without end.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:7 "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." KJV
Governed By His Wonder Series Part 3
The word mighty is used to describe men and power of nature; within these contexts we're shown the might of God we possess in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." KJV
Governed By His Wonder Series Part 2: A Child will be miraculously born to an amazing counselor who works in all things for God's purpose.
God will cut the proud until just roots remain to rot, but from the stump begins to grow a stem, which is full of life, the Spirit will rest on Him with wisdom and understanding, with counsel and might, with truth and the power to intercede for our greatest good and His glory.
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-2 "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD
"Governed By His Wonder" Series Part 1
Reveals the acrostic of Hebrew letters used in Psalm 111, then uses his own acrostic of "WONDER" to highlight the words and deeds of God. Delves in to the impact of God on us and the impact of His wonder through us on others.
Scripture: Psalm 11:4 "He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate." KJV
With a bountiful harvest there is a need for laborers to reach people everywhere. God readies us, equips us for those losing strength, losing hope and cast down as sheep without a shepherd. Be willing and ready to give an answer, to be used by God to pour out His love onto others. We are charged to preach the Word to be an advocate of the truth God wants the world to know, enabling a harvest of lives for an eternity with Him.
Scripture: Matthew 9:37 ". . .He [ Jesus] unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." KJV
We all play roles between strong and feeble, but we are called to comfort, edify and bear one another's weaknesses until we are persuaded that our only hope is in God for their good and His glory.
Scripture: Romans 15:1-2 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification." KJV
John's baptism was to show Jesus was fully on board with God's plan to save mankind and In this demonstration, He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 11:2 "the Spirit of the LORD shall rest on him".
Scripture: Matthew 3:15 "...Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." KJV
God desires to love and heal us, but our brokenness keeps us from Him. Our actions differ from our words, committing falsehood. Outside of Christ thieves will steal kill and destroy the intentions of our heart.
Scripture: Hosea 7:13 "Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me." KJV
We become partakers through knowing, our choices and God's gift of faith, linking God's part with our part, providing an entrance.
Scripture: 2 Peter: 10 "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." KJV
Success is an ongoing state of God ordering our steps with favor in the form of ideas and growth, otherwise we are operating in our own strength and fail.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26: 4-5"And he [King Uzziah] did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper." KJV
Giving is an examination of the heart, something we do, a letting go of treasures, in obedience, for the purposes of God through us to lift up His Kingdom and show His faithfulness to keep the promises of blessings.
Matthew 6: 19:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." KJV
Spiritual gifts are given once you are born of the Spirit, layered on top of the talents and abilities supernaturally, to be used in different ministries directed by the Lord, empowered by God and fitted together to form the body of Christ.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." KJV
Esteem other higher than yourself, sharing Christ's love with someone is fulfilling the great commission and obeying the great command, which requires a genuine heart to see others grow. Serving demonstrates that love and gives purpose to a longing for God's work, resulting in truth and victory. Are you missing the assignment?
Scripture: Philippians 2: 4-5 "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.." KJV
Unity allows God's Spirit and our body to be in harmony, set free, for the work in ministry according to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." KJV
Be careful not to operate in conditional love, but to operate in all the love God has for us, agape. Through Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts sacrificial love which is the key to harmony.
Scripture: John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
In the power of the Holy Spirit proclaim Christ as God has commanded, compelled by love of God, a compassion for the lost and a focus on the eternal.
Scripture: Acts 13:1 "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." KJV
God wants us to be won back to Him through faith and trust in Jesus Christ who poured out, through His death, an immeasurable demonstration of love. In the triumphant Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit we receive the transforming hope of the certainty of God's love.
Scripture: Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." KJV
There is heat from the stresses of life and a spiritual heat from pressing into the Lord, but we can trust Him when we think our sins are beyond erasing and the guilt remains to replace sin and bring spiritual water to cool the heat thereby producing joy.
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
God has given a task to suffer with Christ who has atoned for our sins that we may be grounded in Him and live out our faith as a testimony for others to see Christ.
Scripture: Colossians 1:23-24 "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church..." KJV
All God has for us, let our soul call out for His blessings to our Personal Lord with a complete offering from the heart toward Him and in awe.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1&2 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits..." KJV
We are valuable to God, being light and salt to the world. Let us savor life, displaying the greatness of God, respecting and referencing Him by submitting to the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Matthew 16:25 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." KJV
In and around our lives we have the peace of God, if in obedience think on truth, the good and the pure, while focused away from a self controlled life, letting Jesus Christ be Lord.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-9 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." KJV
There are some things we are not ready to hear, our hearts lose trust, become troubled and pick up anything, living a life of tradition, religion, process and procedure, thinking it is the way. The way was always intended to be the person of Jesus Christ, the way of salvation appointed by God The Father. Scripture: John 14: 6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." NKJV
God doesn't make us use resources at our disposal to advance the Kingdom of God, but it is His heart for us through Christ, though there will be trials, to willingly lay down our lives.
Scripture: Philemon 1:5 and 14 "...thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" and "do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly."
Now that you have come to accept the Lord, be children of light, not sleeping, but being watchful, sober to the truth, joining in fellowship with Him and others.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief."
There's strengths God desires for us and commands we do with love to transform the world and our lives.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13&14: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."
Hurting people cry out, God hears and answers their distress with unequalled power for His glory.
Scripture: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy" NKJV
Paul reminds us how we get caught up in the wisdom of men and things morally just, but miss the Power and Spirit of God dwelling inside us.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
God is all sufficient to battle spirit against flesh according to His workmanship in us as joint heirs with Christ, which builds our trust.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" NKJ
Together we work with Christ to unfold God's Plan with intended purpose, having received grace and trusting His sufficiency will allow us to do it right now.
Scripture: "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" KJV
The art of God produces life eternally and abundantly in a portrait showing exactly where we are in prosperity, then hands us the brush during adversity to reveal our righteousness or deceitfulness, only to find Him in it all.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 "Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him." KJV
Women are created uniquely that we may experience God and see Jesus through their anointing hands and living sacrifices of love, thereby preparing us to fulfill the plans He has for us.
Scripture: Matthew 26:7 "a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table." NKJV
Satisfaction is not found in possessions, however great gain develops in a strong desire for God's eternal plan.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6 "Now godliness with contentment is great gain."
In the form of a servant, seeking no reputation, Christ's thoughts were fixed on the caring of others in love and obedience unto death.
Scripture: Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" KJV
Faithfulness helps us trust God who saves us from decay, preserves us in Christ.
Scripture Psalm 31:23 "O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer." KJV
The resurrection is a sign of truth in all God's words, the reversal of death has brought the Life that lives in us, Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Luke 24: 5-6 “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? “He is not here, but He has risen." KJV
Are you held in slavery for fear of death?
Scripture: Hebrews 2: 14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." KJV
This is God's love...Jesus died in our place.
Scripture: Hebrews 9:24 "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" KJV
Step out on the promises of God and possess what He has for us.
Scripture: Joshua 6:3-4 "You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets." NKJV
We plan from the heart, but THE answer comes from the mouth of God.
Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." NKJV
God is speaking to our hearts to savor each and every moment of the life He's given us.
Scripture: Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." KJV
In the right situation, at the right time, we can all be quite forgetful, but the worst forgetfulness of all is to forget God and forget people!
Scripture: Nehemiah 4:14 "And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." KJV
Looking at things in a positive light and being excited about the plan and purposes of God.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" KJV
Will Jesus find you standing in faith when He returns? Not in our authority or our strength!
Scripture: Luke 18:8-9 "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" KJV
One of the most enabling characteristics of our Christian Faith is the ability to love others as God and Christ love and demonstrate their love for us. In John 3:16 scripture says "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." KJV
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 12-13 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." KJV
Through our perseverance, we don't feel strong or powerful, but we can prevail!!
Philippians 3: 12-14 "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." KJV
Pastor Jeff shares on Ephesians 1:19-20 focusing on "exceeding greatness of His power to us."
Sunday January 26 sermon.
Pastor Jeff expands on the theme for the year, Vision 2020 and the verse in Ephesians 1:18, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,"
Listen as Pastor emeritus Sam Brooks shares the first sermon in The Open Door’s newly built sanctuary.
Listen to part 3 of how we are to exalt the Lord shared by Elder Oliver Carmichael focused on Romans 12:9-12.
Pastor Jeff shares how we exalt the Lord, a continuation of the topic Elder Jonathan Dupuis shared last week.
A sermon that uses Chick-fil-A as an illustration is a sermon everyone should listen to. Our Elder Jonathan Dupuis shares how we are to exalt the Lord. Psalm 99
The second part of Pastor Jeff's sermon answering the question why do we exalt the Lord. God’s desire has always been that his creation mankind would know him.
The Open Door Church, Lafayette, LA
Listen in as Pastor Jeff Williams answers the question of why- why do we exalt the Lord our God? The primary reason why we exalt God is because He is our Holy King (Psalm 99: 1-5) and worthy of all our continual praise and adoration. We also exalt him for all He has done and is doing for us!
Elder Paul Doherty shares who we are in relationship to God. Paul uses a cool visual during his teaching which you can see on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/y70G6GsVzKA
X2X continues with Elder Gary Thomas sharing who God is, what the names of God shows us about God’s character and how He cares for us.
Pastor Jeff shares the introduction to a new sermon series at The Open Door in Lafayette, Louisiana on August 25, 2019. This series explores what it means to exalt God, who we are, whose we are, and where we are headed.
Pastor Jeff's first sermon as pastor of The Open Door. This sermon was recorded on March 24, 2019.
He isn't far away, He is close. He desires to be close to you. This sermon was recorded on April 28, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
As believers we are apart of the Good Fight. This sermon was recorded on May 26, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
The great commission. This sermon was recorded on June 23, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
God is good! Look back at God's blessings to see how far you've come and how able He is. This sermon was recorded on June 30, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
Are you living by God's every word? This sermon was recorded on July 7, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others. This sermon was recorded on July 21, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, LA.
Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others. This sermon was recorded on July 28, 2019 at The Open Door in Lafayette, Louisiana. Pastor Jeff Williams digs into the character of God and His preserving nature.
This sermon from Pastor Jeff Williams of The Open Door was recorded on August 4, 2019. Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others.
This sermon shared on August 11, 2019 by Pastor Jeff Williams of The Open Door in Lafayette, LA. Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others. This week we focus on finding refuge in God.
This sermon shared on August 18, 2019 by Pastor Jeff Williams of The Open Door in Lafayette, LA. Our focus is to know Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and to serve others.