The Message
The Power of Worship
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
John 16:33NIV “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” AMP 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (TPT), “And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous,[a] for I have conquered the world!”[b]” -Praise is celebration.. worship is adoration – A DEEP LOVE & RESPECT ACTS 16:25 niv 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” HOW YOU FEEL CAN NOT CHANGE HOW YOU FOLLOW we worship Jesus regardless of the season 3 REASONS WHY WE WORSHIP 1. WORSHIP ALWAYS BRINGS YOU BACK TO WHERE YOU NEED TO BE 2. WORSHIP TAKES YOU TO WHERE YOU NEED TO GO 3. WORSHIP PLANTS YOU, & WILL SUSTAIN YOU RIGHT IN THE MOMENT WORSHIP IS WHAT WE DO, IT'S WHO WE ARE
Searching For God
April 28, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
Ephesians 3:20 (TMSG) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. God wants us to leave a mark on humanity Acts 20:24 (NLT) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God Five Things about being intentional about a life with an IMPACTFUL shadow: 1. Your shadow has influence whether you want it to have or not A life casting a Godly shadow, moves others onto God’s agenda. HEBREWS 12:14csb Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord. A self-centered shadow causes those in your shadow to drift 2. Your shadow is always consistent with your life A shadow is a reflection not a projection 3. An Impactful shadow comes from God’s ongoing work in your life. Jeremiah 18:2 New Living Translation (NLT) 2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” if you want to have a lasting impact yield to - GOD'S HANDS - GOD'S DESIGN - GOD'S PROCESS 4. Our greatest impact does not come from our access to many but our access to few John 4:39 (NRSV) Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” John 4:40 (NRSV) So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. John 4:41 (NRSV) And many more believed because of his word. John 4:42 (NRSV) They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.” - We think stages and crowds – God thinks coffee shops and relationships - We see websites and followers – Gods sees ordinary 1:1 conversation - We see conference and campaigns - God sees doing life together 5. Obeying His impulses, and take the risk The power of our shadow is not for status but for service Acts 20:24 (NLT) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God Ephesians 3:20 (TMSG) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us
Our House
April 24, 2024
1. John 17:16 They are not of this world even as I am not of this world. 2. We live in an environment of expected microwave results to rotisserie circumstances, but some things just take time. 3. Matt 6:6 NASB https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/mat.6.6 4. Eph 6:10 https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/eph.6.10 5. John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 6. John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 7. John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” 8. Isaiah 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the Lord , My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 9. Matt 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God ” 10. PHIL 4:19 https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/php.4.19 11. James 4: 7-10 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you. 12. Matt 6:10 Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in Heavan. 13. Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Searching For God
Pastor Bracken Christian
Hosea 6:3 So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” THE RAPTURE IS ONE THE LORD’S MOST PRECIOUS PROMISES TO THE CHURCH 1 Thess 1:10 Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; 38 And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. THERE IS A 7 YEAR TIME PERIOD RAPIDLY APPROACHING Jeremiah 30:7 “The time of Jacobs trouble” Daniel 12:1 “A time of distress such as has never occurred” Revelation 3:10 “The hour of testing” Matthew 24:21 “A time of great tribulation” Revelation 7:14 “The great tribulation” Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Rev 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. THE CHURCH IS PICTURED HERE IN CHAPTERS 4 & 5 5:9 And they *sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” THE CHURCH IS NOT SEEN AGAIN UNTIL Rev 19 WHERE WE THE CHURCH WILL RETURN WITH JESUS TO THE EARTH AT HIS 2ND COMING. Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 1 Cor 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God (SAINTS): Rom 11:25 for I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the gentiles has come in; 26 and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “the deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” 27 “and this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” IN SCRIPTURE YOU HAVE THE CHURCH AS WELL AS JEWS WHO HAVE YET TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST. Luke 21:29 Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. ANOTHER MYSTERY PAUL TALKS ABOUT “EPH 5” THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IS LIKE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A HUSBAND AND WIFE A MYSTERY – “IT WAS NOT UNDERSTOOD IN THE OLD COVENANT” ANOTHER MYSTERY “1 Cor 15” 1 Cor 15:51 “BEHOLD, I TELL YOU A MYSTERY” THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH “CATCHING AWAY OF THE SAINTS” THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH IS SOMETHING THAT PAUL GOT BY REVELATION (GAL 1:12, 2:2) 1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “death is swallowed up in victory. 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the lord. THERE ARE TYPES OF IT HAPPENING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT GENISIS – A MAN BY THE NAME OF ENOCH. HE WALKED WITH GOD BY FAITH AND GOD TOOK HIM ANOTHER PICTURE IS THAT OF ELIJAH THE PROPHET… HE WENT TO HEAVEN IN A CHARIOT SOME OTHER TYPES AND SHADOWS ARE IN THE LIVES OF NOAH AND LOT. THEY DIED BUT THEY WERE BOTH DELIEVERD FROM JUDGMENT. WHEN THE WORLD WAS JUDGED AROUND THEM, THEY WERE SPARED AND SEPERATED. GO TO 1 Thess 4 AND LOOK AT WHAT PAUL SAY’S ABOUT THIS EVENT WHERE THE RIGHTEOUS ARE SEIZED UP OFF THE EARTH 1Thess 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep (dead in Christ), that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so god will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. WE WILL HAVE A BORN-AGAIN GLORIFIED BODY Matt 24:36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. 1 Thess 5:1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. PAUL WAS PREVIOUSLY TALKING ABOUT THE CATCHING AWAY OF THE CHURCH NOW HE TALKS ABOUT SOMETHING THEY ALREADY KNOW ABOUT. EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD SAY’S, “JUDGMENT”, “DOOM AND GLOOM – TROUBLE”, DESTRUCTION NOW WE HAVE’NT READ ANYTHING IN 1 Cor 15 OR 1Thess 4 THAT PERTAINS TO THE BELIEVER THAT SOUNDS LIKE DOOM AND GLOOM PAUL IS TALKING ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT THINGS HERE 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 while they are saying, “peace and safety!” Then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; And they shall not escape. 4 but you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 for God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ WHEN THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES ON PLANET EARTH IT IS A DAY OF WRATH ON HIS ENEMIES Today there are 8 billion people in the world. If 2 billion were taken in the rapture. That would leave 6 billion behind. The seal judgements (Rev 6:8) are going to kill one fourth of those people (1.5 billion), leaving a total of 4.5 billion. The trumpet judgments will kill one-third of those remaining (another 1.5 billion), making a total of 3 billion gentileswho will die during the first half of the tribulation; Half of the world’s population. Percentage wise, more Jews will die in the tribulation. Zec 13:8 “Two-thirds of them will be killed by the antichrist. There are approximately, 15.3 million Jews in the world today. So the total number of Jews destined to be killed is about 10 million – one third more than those killed in the holocaust. THE WORLD/GENTILES ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE A MASS SLAUGHTER THAT IS UNPARALLELED IN ALL OF HISTORY. THE TRIBULATION PERIOD IS A TIME FOR MEN TO MAKE THEIR FINAL CHOICE. THERE’S A LOT OF SIFTING THAT TAKES PLACE… IF YOU’VE ALREADY MADE YOUR CHOICE THEN THERE’S NO NEED FOR YOU TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE SIFTING HERE WE SEE THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN APPOINTED TO WRATH 1 Thess 1:10 and to wait for his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
Sitting With Jesus
April 17, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
FIRST POSTURE YOU SHOULD DO WITH JESUS IS SIT WITH HIM EPHESIANS 1:20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places EPHESIANS 2:6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus 3 THINGS SITTING/RESTING REPRESENTS 1. WE DECLARE "IT'S DONE" 2. GIVES CONTENTMENT 1 TIMOTHY 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 3. GIVES US CONFIDENCE HEBREWS 10:35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. YOUR DESTINY - IS TO SIT & KNOW HIM, BE CONTENT & HAVE SO MUCH CONFIDENCE THAT HE IS IN CONTROL
Searching For God
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
JEREMIAH 29:11-14 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, JEREMIAH 29:13-14 msg “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. PSALM 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 139:17-18 nlt How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! GOD IS PURSUING YOU! HE PURSUES US FIRST 1 JOHN 4:19 19 We love because he first loved us. Genesis 3:8-9NLT 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+3%3a8-9&version=nlt#fen-nlt-64a] and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” HE PURSUES US WHEN WE ARE LOST LUKE 15:4-6 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ Stuff will not make you happy. Stuff will not last forever. MATTHEW 5:6 MSG AND NIV Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 1. PRAY 2. FOCUS YOUR SEARCH ON JESUS 3. READ THE BIBLE 4. REMAIN OPEN 5. ASK QUESTIONS 6. INVESTIGATE 7. TALK TO PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND FOLLOW JESUS 8. JOURNAL 9. SPEND TIME IN NATURE (Romans 1:20MSG. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, Ignoring God Leads to a Downward Spiral ROMANS 1:18-23 But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand. 24-25 So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes! 26-27 Worse followed. Refusing to know God, they soon didn’t know how to be human either—women didn’t know how to be women, men didn’t know how to be men. Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men—all lust, no love. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it—emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretches. 28-32 Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating. Look at them: mean-spirited, venomous, fork-tongued God-bashers. Bullies, swaggerers, insufferable windbags! They keep inventing new ways of wrecking lives. They ditch their parents when they get in the way. Stupid, slimy, cruel, cold-blooded. And it’s not as if they don’t know better. They know perfectly well they’re spitting in God’s face. And they don’t care—worse, they hand out prizes to those who do the worst things best!
#TRUTHBOMBS
April 10, 2024 • Kevin Simmons
ORIGINS AND BUILDING BLOCKS TRUTH: CREATES….IT IS MY ORIGIN REDEEMS & RE-CREATES THE DOORWAY FEEDS…TRUTH IS MY FOOD & WATER FOR MY SPRIT-PERSON WAGES WAR IN BATTLE DELIVERS GUIDES HEALS JESUS IS THE WORD AND THE WORD IS TRUTH. · John 14:6 I am the Way the Truth and the Life · John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth · Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth and every one of your righteous rules endures forever · 1 Peter 1:23 having been born not of a corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the seed of the WORD OF GOD that lives and abides forever!! · James 1:18- Of His own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. OUR RE-BIRTH- THE NEW CREATION Born of the Water Born of the Spirit Brought of the Word John 3:5- except a man be born of water of the Spirit he can not enter the kingdom of God. TRUTH REDEEMS In order to corrupt God’s creation Satan had to attack truth. In order to Redeem humanity God had to send Jesus, The Truth to defeat Satan. Jesus (The Truth) is the Door *Psalm 119:130 The entrance of your Word brings light *Magnifying truth takes you into God’s presence “If I can live in constant revelation of TRUTH then I can experience more and more full measures of God.” BELIEF SYSTEMS “The systems of truth that you meditate on have the ability to propel you into the stratosphere where all things are possible OR chain you completely to the prisons of impossibility.” Proverbs 23:7- As a man believes in his heart so he is. MEDITATING ON TRUTH · Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. · Ephesians 6:14 stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… · Psalm 119:11- I have hidden your Word (Truth) in my heart that I might not sin against you · Isaiah 26:3- You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. · Truth effects your every moment- Good themes….good meditations….Light · Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me (quicken me), O LORD, according to Your word. · Psalm 51:6- Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Dwell in fullness- A belief system where you’re constantly delivered…where you’re constantly healed…always prosperous, always victorious- be renewed in the spirit of your mind! Activate! Be quickened! Let the glory God has placed in you be manifest! TRUTH DELIVERSNOTES FOR TRUTH MESSAGE ORIGINS AND BUILDING BLOCKS TRUTH: CREATES….IT IS MY ORIGIN REDEEMS & RE-CREATES THE DOORWAY FEEDS…TRUTH IS MY FOOD & WATER FOR MY SPRIT-PERSON WAGES WAR IN BATTLE DELIVERS GUIDES HEALS JESUS IS THE WORD AND THE WORD IS TRUTH. · John 14:6 I am the Way the Truth and the Life · John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth · Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth and every one of your righteous rules endures forever · 1 Peter 1:23 having been born not of a corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the seed of the WORD OF GOD that lives and abides forever!! · James 1:18- Of His own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. OUR RE-BIRTH- THE NEW CREATION Born of the Water Born of the Spirit Brought of the Word John 3:5- except a man be born of water of the Spirit he can not enter the kingdom of God. TRUTH REDEEMS In order to corrupt God’s creation Satan had to attack truth. In order to Redeem humanity God had to send Jesus, The Truth to defeat Satan. Jesus (The Truth) is the Door *Psalm 119:130 The entrance of your Word brings light *Magnifying truth takes you into God’s presence “If I can live in constant revelation of TRUTH then I can experience more and more full measures of God.” BELIEF SYSTEMS “The systems of truth that you meditate on have the ability to propel you into the stratosphere where all things are possible OR chain you completely to the prisons of impossibility.” Proverbs 23:7- As a man believes in his heart so he is. MEDITATING ON TRUTH · Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. · Ephesians 6:14 stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… · Psalm 119:11- I have hidden your Word (Truth) in my heart that I might not sin against you · Isaiah 26:3- You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. · Truth effects your every moment- Good themes….good meditations….Light · Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me (quicken me), O LORD, according to Your word. · Psalm 51:6- Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Dwell in fullness- A belief system where you’re constantly delivered…where you’re constantly healed…always prosperous, always victorious- be renewed in the spirit of your mind! Activate! Be quickened! Let the glory God has placed in you be manifest! TRUTH DELIVERS
Searching For God
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
JEREMIAH 29:13-14 msg “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+2%3a10&version=esv ESV / These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God Luke 6:24-26 But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get. 25 And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games. There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it. 26 “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. 2 Peter 1:3-4 msg Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. 1. JESUS IS THE ROAD John 14:1-7 “Don’t let this rattle you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.” 5 Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” 6-7 Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!” PSALM 103:1-5 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, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 2. JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD - Sheep have no sense of direction - Sheep are defenseless - Sheep can’t get up without help - Sheep are emotional and recognize the Shepherd’s voice - Sheep are not meant to carry burdens - Sheep will settle for less - Sheep are valuable - Sheep cannot care for themselves when wounded PSALM 23:1 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. 3. JESUS IS OUR EVERYTHING John 15:5 NIV “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” 4. JESUS GIVES US REVELATION THE ONLY WAY TO GET REVELATION, IS THROUGH PERSONAL DEVOTION. - WHAT YOU DO IN PRIVATE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW YOU FAKE ACT IN PUBLIC? MATTHEW 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” DISTANCE CREATES DISTORTION…SO YOU BRIDGE THE GAP WITH COMMUNICATION 5. JESUS IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL SATISFY YOU MATTHEW 5:6… “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. PROVERBS 27:7 tbt. - when your soul is full, you turn down even the sweetest honey. But when your soul is starving, every bitter thing becomes sweet 6. JESUS IS LOVE The biggest indicator of how much influence Jesus has in your life, is how well you love. 1 Corinthians 13:3-7 So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 7. JESUS IS THE FIRM FOUNDATION 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely. Luke 6:43-47 You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. 46-47 “Why are you so polite with me, always saying ‘Yes, sir,’ and ‘That’s right, sir,’ but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. Vs 48 But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. JEREMIAH 29:13-14 msg “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. 2 Chronicles 26:3-5 - 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20chronicles%2026%3a3-5&version=niv#fen-niv-11738a] of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
LEAD
April 3, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
A LOT OF OUR FULFILMENT IN LIFE COMES FROM THE SIMPLE ABILITY TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT. - We live the best when we live without regretting the past or fearing the future HEBREWS 13:8 “JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER JOHN 11:4-6 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, JOHN 11:20-27 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” - JOHN 8:53 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” - JOHN 8:58 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” o EXODUS 3:14 – 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus+3%3a14&version=niv#fen-niv-1594a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Come and See
March 31, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
Mark 16:1-7 niv When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” HIS GRACE IS FOR ALL (Titus 2:11 NIV 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.) HIS RESURRECTION POWER IS FOR ALL HIS FREEDOM IS FOR ALL 1. COME AND SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE MATTHEW 28:6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. PSALM 98:1 nlt Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! - DEATH DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN DEFEAT - SILENCE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN ABSENCE - LONELINESS DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN ABANDONED - FAILURE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN FOREVER - DOUBT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN DISPLACED 2. COME AND SEE WHAT HE'S DOING ISAIAH 43:19 niv See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ROMANS 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3a28&version=niv#fen-niv-28145a] have been called according to his purpose. LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 3. COME AND SEE WHAT HE'S ABOUT TO DO! PHILIPPIANS 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. PSALM 139:7-12NIV Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. TITUS 2:11-14 MSG 11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Accessing Grace
March 27, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian
* Rom 10:6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. *TPT 32 “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones. * Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. ACCESSING WHAT IS OURS IS GOING TO REQUIRE FAITH! WE CANNOT BOLDLY CLAIM A PROMISE OR BLESSING WE ARE NOT SURE GOD IS NOT OFFERING. FF BOSWORTH I moved this verse up from the bottom 2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 2 Cor 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Rom 8:32 He who did not spare his own son, but delivered him over for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things? Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive (TAKE) the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. * 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. IF YOU’RE NOT GOING TO LIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS THEN YOU WILL HAVE A HARD TIME RECEVING HEALING. 1 Pet 2:24 THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CALLED THE SPIRIT OF GRACE Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? THE GRACE WE ARE REFERING TO IS ALL GOD HAS SUPPLIED FOR US. 2 Cor 8:6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor 9:6-8 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; Phil 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. SUPPLY; TO CRAM THE NET, TO LOAD DOWN, FILL THE STOMACH, FILLTHE VOID, PAY OFF DEBT... Heb 4:16 Therefore let us draw near (come) with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. THIS IS NOT AUTOMATIC... COME/DRAW NEAR; IMPLIES SOMEBODY HAS MADE A DECISION TO ADVANCE SOMWEHERE. THE WORD RECEIVE MEANS; “TAKE” Rom 10:8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. THE REASON WE CANNOT PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH IS BECAUSE WITHOUT FAITH WE CANNOT ACCESS THE GRACE. WE NEED TO BACK UP FROM THE THEREFORE IN 5:1 Rom 4:16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Rom 5:1 Therefore... having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction (Access) by faith into this grace in which we stand Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Hebrews 4:2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
Harvard study shows- 10million adult men in the united states are so angry they are sick Disease called intermittent explosive disorder (IED) BAD TEMPERED PEOPLE ARE 3 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE HEART ATTACKS EPHESIANS 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. LUKE 19:11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. JESUS DIDN’T POINT IS FINGER OF ANGER AT ROME BUT AT HIS OWN PEOPLE 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. LUKE 19:37-38 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+19%3a37-38&version=niv#fen-niv-25770a] “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” REVELATION 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. LUKE 19:38-44 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2019%3a38-44&version=niv#fen-niv-25770a] “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” ZECHARIAH 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion![https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zechariah+9%3a9&version=nlt#fen-nlt-22985a] Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious,[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=zechariah+9%3a9&version=nlt#fen-nlt-22985b] yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt. ROMANS 9:20-21 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+9%3a20-22&version=niv#fen-niv-28176a]21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? THE FAITH THAT CAN’T SUSTAIN YOU IN YOUR CRISIS ISN’T REAL FAITH A FAITH THAT CAN’T BE TESTED IS A FAITH THAT CAN’T BE TRUSTED WHAT MAKES GOD ANGRY? LUKE 19:45-48 45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2019%3a45-48&version=niv#fen-niv-25778a]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2019%3a45-48&version=niv#fen-niv-25778b]” 47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. MARK 11:15 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, MATTHEW 11:29 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Kjv - 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 Meekness is not weakness - Strength under control CHURCH IS A PLACE TO MEET GOD, WORSHIP GOD, AND A HOSPITAL FOR SINNERS ARE YOU A BRIDGE OR A BEARER FOR PEOPLE TO COME TO GOD ARE YOU A STUMBLING BLOCK OR A STEPPINGSTONE SINNING ISN’T JUST DOING WHAT YOU KNOW YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO. ITS NOT DOING WHAT YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO DO 1 JOHN 1:8-9 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. DON’T JUST MAKE JESUS KING FOR A DAY…..MAKE HIM KING OF YOUR LIFE
His Grace Is Sufficient
March 20, 2024 • Jensen Christian
WHAT IS GRACE? · the undeserved favor of God. · We believe we are saved by faith through grace. · Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given; it is a gift Grace allows you to know, grow, show KNOW: Grace allows you to know the Father John 1:16-18 NIV 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. By Faith through Grace, Jesus gave us direct access to the Father Romans 5:17, 20-21 NLT 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.. 20-21 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“ His ruling Grace positions us as victors, not victims! -puts us in right standing with the Father -allows us to triumph over sin and death GROW: Grace enables you to grow in Him and His Word 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 TPT ”But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.“ Grace meets you where you are at, but it also paves the way to take you where God is calling you to go And who He is calling you to be! Grace not only saves us, but grace is also what sustains us as we walk with God and grow It empowers you and enables you to do the thing that God has called you to do There is Grace for your Race! As my troubles and trials surround me, His grace abounds more and more! Grace doesn’t just help you survive and get through the day, But allows you to thrive and live to the fullest and highest! Grace is made available to us, but it is up to us if we will activate our faith and lean into that grace in our daily lives Grace creates room for us to grow as we walk with God Grace enables you to pursue a holy life Romans 3:23-24 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Grace is the only way to reach the standard that Christ set before us… WHAT GRACE IS NOT: · A hall pass/license to sin because we are “covered by grace” · Something to be abused or taken for granted · An indication that God is weak, passive to sin, or a push over “This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles, and it equips us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:12 TPT Grace gives us freedom to turn our backs on sin… It’s not how much sin can I get away with and still be holy It’s how holy can I actually live It’s not about cutting off sin, its about loving God so much that your desire to sin no longer exists Hebrews 4:14-16 TPT ”So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.” SHOW: Grace empowers and emboldens you to show the Father/Jesus Grace allows us to show Christ In the way we live, the way we interact with others, and in the way we respond to situations Because of Grace we can be bold in our faith! Because of Grace we can be examples, not just to the lost, but to other believers Ephesians 2:7-10 NLT “So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Just as we are given grace to grow, We have to make room for people to grow and learn GIVE GRACE! the revelation of my growth in grace will be revealed in the way I show grace to others Grace allows you to know – access to the father – first Believe by faith through grace Grace enables you to grow –then receive grace – letting His power be made perfect in our weakness Grace empowers you to show jesus - give grace
Reaching Out
March 17, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian
An INVITATION SHOWS YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND YOU'RE INVITED • Jesus invites the people others reject. JESUS HAD A WAY OF INVITING PEOPLE! LUKE 19:5-7 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner." MATTEW 4:18-19 18 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. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. LUKE 5:27-28 27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. JOHN 1:43 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” WE ARE NOT CALLED JUST TO FOLLOW WE ARE CALLED TO FISH ANYONE CAN DO IT FISHERMEN KNOW THEIR FISH FISHING REQUIRES PATIENCE MATTHEW 4:19 , Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. IT'S FULL OF PROMISE AND PURPOSE ROMANS 10:9-10 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ROMANS 10:14 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? WHY DON’T WE SHARE JESUS 1. WE THINK WE CAN’T BECAUSE OF OUR IMPERFECT LIFE 2. WE ARE AFRAID WE DON’T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS JOHN 1:45-46 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. Luke 7:37 “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.” Luke 7:38 “As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” Luke 7:39 “When the Pharisee who had invited him [Jesus] saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.’” Luke 7:44-48 44 Then he [Jesus] turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” MATT 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” • Pointing out women’s sins didn’t lead her away from her sins. • Judging her for her lifestyle didn’t change her lifestyle! • Shaming her didn’t set her free! • (WHAT CHANGED HER? SHE’D BEEN INVITED) "Holes by Scott Lewis I had been in that hole for a very long time, In the dark and the damp, in the cold and the slime. The shaft was above me; I could see it quite clear, But there's no way I ever could reach it from here. Nor could I remember the world way up there, So I lost all my hope and gave into despair. I knew nothing but darkness, the floors and the walls, Then off in the distance I heard someone call "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder." This had never occurred to me, had never crossed my mind, But I started to stack all the stones I could find. When I ran out of stones, then old sticks were my goal, For one way or another I'd get out of that hole. So I soon had a ladder that was sturdy and tall And I thought “I'll soon leave this place once and for all.” I climbed up my ladder. It was no easy chore, For from lifting those boulders my shoulders were sore. I climbed on up the ladder, but soon had to stop For my ladder stopped short--some ten feet from the top. I climbed back down my ladder and started to cry I'd done all I could do. I gave my best try, And in spite of my work, in this hole I must die. And all I could do is sit and think "Why?" Was my ladder too short? Or my hole much too deep? Then from way upon high came a voice, "Do not weep." And then faith, hope, and love entered my chest As the voice said to me that I'd done my best. He said, "You've worked very hard, and your labors been rough, But the ladder you’ve built is at last tall enough. Do not despair. You have reason to hope, Just climb up your ladder, I'll throw down my rope. I climbed up the ladder, then climbed the cord. When I got to the top, there stood the Lord. I couldn't be happier, my struggle was done. I blinked at the brightness that came from the Son. I fell to the ground, His feet did I kiss I cried, "What can I do to repay thee for this?" Then He looked all about Him. There were holes in the ground They had people inside them and were seen all around. There were thousands of holes that were damp, dark, and deep The Lord turned to me and said, "Feed my sheep." Then He went on His way to help other lost souls, And I got right to work, calling down to the holes: "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder." It now was my turn to spread the good word. The most glorious message that man ever heard. That there's one who is willing to save one and all And we've got to be ready when he gives us the call. He'll pull us all out of the hole that we're in And save our souls from death and from sin. So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope Just build up your ladder; He'll throw down his rope.
Accessing Grace
March 13, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian
Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. ACCESSING WHAT IS OURS IS GOING TO REQUIRE FAITH! THE FIRST STEP IS BECOMING CONFIDENT IN WHAT BELONGS TO US. WE CANNOT BOLDLY CLAIM A PROMISE OR BLESSING WE ARE NOT SURE GOD IS NOT OFFERING. FF BOSWORTH Heb 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 2 Cor 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Rom 8:32 He who did not spare his own son, but delivered him over for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things? Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. THE GRACE WE ARE REFERING TO IS ALL GOD HAS SUPPLIED FOR US. 2 Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor 9:6-8 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; Phil 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Hebrews 4:2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. Rom 10:8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.