Never Stop Praying - Big Faith, Small God or Small Faith, Big God

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Never Stop Praying - Big Faith, Small God or Small Faith, Big God

1 Thessalonians 5:17

August 18, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

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I Thessalonians 5:17
“Never Stop Praying!”

Big Faith, Small God or Small Faith, Big God?

Many false teachers today have the same message - If your faith is big enough, God will always heal you and make you prosper. As if God has no plan of His own. He is compelled to give those with big faith anything their heart desires. This “big faith” theology equals a very small, insignificant God.

Others, however, who hold to the perfect authority of God’s word, hear Jesus’ say that all we need is a tiny, mustard seed of faith. If we posses mustard-seed faith, we will see God enact His will. True faith, by Christ’s definition, always involves the surrender of our will to His Sovereign plan. And a big God has the power to do anything He chooses. (Matthew 17:20) This “Big God” theology only requires faith to believe that Jesus is the Christ and that He acts according to His Sovereign will. His will is always “good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1)

So, when a teacher tells you to work your faith into a really big frenzy, tell Him your God is bigger than his faith. And God can always be trusted.

Praying for you,
Pastor Steve

Wide Awake and Ready - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

August 25, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

Wide Awake and Ready I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Battle Strategy for Life on a War-torn Planet No commander worth his salt would send troops into battle without adequate training, equipment, and a winning strategy. Citizens of the Kingdom of God are provided with all three. The goal of these strategies is nothing less than to please God and bring Him great glory. In the Bible, these strategies are also known as “doing God’s will.” In I Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are given a three-pronged strategy for success in daily living; “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” This strategy is exactly the opposite of the world’s battle plan which is; grab for the pleasures of the flesh, attempt be self-sufficient, and complain about everything. A simple adjustment of our attitudes and words will invite the daily victory of Jesus. Where once was darkness and despair, this three pronged strategy will bring light and hope. Join us this Sunday as we learn to walk in victory! Blessings, Pastor Steve Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of August 26th Q: When have you felt the most gratitude toward God? Q: Do you “give thanks” to God in public, such as praying before a meal? Why or why not? READ FIRST: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Q: Is “giving thanks” an act of the will or the emotions? Does it seem insincere to speak words of thanksgiving when you don’t feel grateful in your heart? Q: In spite of all the harsh circumstances life throws at a Christian, what are some things for which we can always praise God? Q: What does this verse mean by "For this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus?”Does this command seem impossible to obey at times? Why is giving thanks important to God? Why is this important for us?

How to Live Like a King's Kid - Part Two

August 11, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

The oldest book in the Bible tells the story of the suffering of a righteous man. In a matter of a few days, Job suffered the loss of his all his wealth, his servants, his seven sons and three daughters, and his health. The only thing left to him was the breath in his lungs and the affliction of three insensitive, know-it-all “friends.” We live in tragic and sorrow-filled days. Mass shootings have become increasingly more common in our nation. According to the LA Times, in order for an act of violence to be classified as a “mass shooting,” at least 4 individuals must lose their lives. By this standard, since the beginning of 2019, there have been 4 mass shootings, for a total of 48 lives lost. Unimaginable suffering and chaos has resulted from these senseless, wicked acts. For a follower of Jesus Christ, the most impactful response to this news is to cry out to God and “weep with those who weep.” We cry out for His comfort on those who have suffered great loss. And we fervently pray for the rapid spread of the gospel, revival in His church, and the healing of the soul of our nation. There is only One ultimate answer to our national sorrow. In Job 9:32, we read the ancient cry of a broken heart, “If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together.” Job longed to have an advocate in the Heavenly courtroom. He was fully aware that he could not find favor with God by the strength of his own virtue. (Job 9:32-35, NLT) Six centuries later, the answer to Job’s heart-cry would be realized in the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to “set the captives free” and “bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted.” He fully accomplished His mission, and He is now the “one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity.” (I Tim. 2:5) With Jesus as our mediator, we can bring our requests before the Father with full confidence. And He commands that we pray for all people, especially for “Kings and all who are in authority.” And we pray, “Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, forgive our sins and heal our land.” Fight the good fight, Pastor Steve

How to Live Like a King's Kid - Part 1

August 4, 2019 • Pastor Luke Dailey

As a person who was blessed to have grown up in a Christian home, I have many people to be grateful for. My parents, though not perfect, lived a gospel focused life. They showed me what it means to not only say you’re a Christian but to also live it out. In fact, their imperfections made the gospel more clearly understandable. They were parents who weren’t focused on their good deeds or perfect marriage. They were parents that were dependent upon the Savior. Along with my parents showing me the Christian life, Chris Wright took the time to teach me the gospel and how it translated into every area of life. He spent time teaching me his love for Jesus. I witnessed him living the gospel out in ways that I never seen before. He was a man that walked by the Spirit of God. And then, of course, I have Pastor Steve Pope to be grateful for. This is a man that has walked with me for the last 8 years. He has been mentoring me into ministry. His devotion to truth in Scripture and his love for God is one to be admired. He’s a man that I look up to. I respect and love him because of the life he leads. We all have people we look up to. Our passage in 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us to honor and respect those that teach us the Word of God. We have so many to be thankful for. Come this Sunday prepared to give thanks to God for the men and women He has placed in our lives to build us up in His character. See you Sunday, Pastor Luke