Life-Changing Encounters!

Riverview Church - Bonsall

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Life-Changing Encounters!

Happy Easter!

March 31, 2024 • Pastor Mel Svendsen

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Bottom Line: The resurrections of Christ is the greatest event in human history. It powerfully declares God's love for us and His desire to pursue us, deliver us, and change us by the power of Jesus' death and resurrection.

1. Jesus' encounter with the thief on the cross. Matthew 27:44

Initial heart condition: Mocked Jesus

Life Change: Jesus Remembers Me; Luke 23:41-43

The Thief: Demonstrates the power of God's amazing grace!

"We must never forget the thief of the cross. He is often used as an encouraging example of a "deathbed" conversation, but certainly, much more is involved. Instead of seizing his last opportunity to be saved, perhaps it was his first opportunity! And think of the courage needed to confess to Christ openly before that derisive mob. However, when one interprets the passage, one thing is clear; where there is life, there is hope." Wiersbe

2. Jesus' encounter with the Roman centurion. Mark 15:20,39

Initial heart condition: Crucified Jesus

Life change: Truly this man was the Son of God; Mark 15:38-39

The Centurion: Validates the universal invitation of God's good news!

3. Jesus' encounter with Thomas the Disciple. John 20:23

Initial heart condition: Hardened heart of disbelief.

Life change: My Lord and my God; John 20:28

Thomas the Disciple: Highlights Jesus

invitation to evaluate the evidence and work through your doubts!

Jesus invites all of us to evaluate the evidence like he did with Thomas...

Belief - Life Changing Faith:

Placing your faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the wrongs (sins) that you have committed and, in response, deciding to live your life for Him! Ephesians 2:8-9

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel

July 7, 2024

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel Life Changing Faith - The Book of James Bottom Line: Believers in Jesus Christ are to love the wisdom that comes from above and to reject any infiltration of the wisdom of this world into their lives because it only leads to separation from God and His amazing plan. Intro: 1. God's wisdom leads ultimately to good outcomes. James 3:13; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6 a. God's wisdom naturally "shows up" in real life. v.13 b. God's wisdom is done in meekness v.13 Meekness: -not weakness -not about a prideful display of your intelligence or your "superiority" -Biblical meekness is seen in a person's desire that all the glory must go to God. 2. God's wisdom fights against jealousy and selfish ambition. James 3:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:25; James 1:5 Adopting the wisdom of the world results in.... Loss of Focus | Lack of Perseverance | Not Serving | Avoiding Personal Time w/the Lord | OK w/ Offensive Actions | Reduced Desire for Teaching | Ignoring Internal Toxins | Numb to Sin & False Teachings Around You The Beautiful Qualities of Wisdom from Above: James 3:17 Sincere | Impartial | Full of Mercy... good fruits | Open to Reason | Peaceable | Pure

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel

July 14, 2024

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel Bottom Line: Discontentment is as old as sin itself. We must find in Christ all that we need and be content in every situation we find ourselves in as God moves us toward becoming a better person that is passionate about accomplishing God's goals for our lives. 1. Discontentment puts you in conflict with others and God. James 4:1-3 "Contentment": Being satisfied, thankful, and joyful for what you have through Christ with no need or demands for more. It is a powerful quality that aids a person in conquering all the circumstances of life. If Jesus Christ is your preeminent (superior to all others) passion, then it… A. Resolves the war within you v. 1 B. Reduces the war with others. v. 1 C. Reveals the way we should pray. v. 2-3 2. Discontentment is fueled when we align ourselves with the thinking of this world. James 4:4-6 “Friendship with the World” (Worldliness): When a believer exhibits actions, attitudes, or opinions that violate principles or commands in God’s Word. A. Friendship with the world = compromising what is right. v. 4 B. Compromising what is right = opposing God. v. 4 C. Opposing God = restricting the work of the Holy Spirit in us. v. 5 D. Restricting the work of the Holy Spirit = developing destructive pride. v. 6 3. Our contentment in Christ will be fueled by a humble, submissive spirit! James 4:7-10 Plan of Action: A. Submit to God. B. Resist the devil C. Draw near to God. D. Take steps toward purity E. Be willing to move from "brokenness" F. Remember the reward

Taming The Tongue | Message from Pastor Mel

May 5, 2024

Bottom Line: We, as believers with genuine faith, must be committed to honoring and obeying God in WHAT we say and the WAY in which we communicate with those around us. Intro: 1. Get your communication under God's control... completely! James 3:1-2 a. Teachers - Realize your _________________ v. 1 b. Believers - Realize your _________________ v. 2 2. Consider the impact of how you communicate... soberly. James 3:3-5 3. Identify the destructive tendencies in your communication.. humbly. James 3:6-8 4. Deal with your n eeded "speech changes"... aggressively. James 3:9-12 Now What? 1. Pray humbly asking the Lord to convict you of changes you need to make in your communication. 2. Ask a spouse or close friend which tendency exist in your life reassuring them that you won't become retaliatory or defensive.