Pastor Matt Chandler recently told a group of Acts 29 pastors and ministry leaders, “We will not all make it to the end serving Jesus.” Pastor Patrick said that is why the Bible is full of warnings to hold fast, stay awake and keep on guard. It’s critical that we abide in Jesus to show that we are his disciples, because apart from abiding in Jesus we can’t bear godly fruit.
Abide OR Run Aground
1st Timothy 1:18-20 (John 15:4-8)
November 16, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Guard The Deposit
June 14, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Paul’s closing words to Timothy were quite fitting and they must serve as our marching orders as well. 1 - “Flee…” things like the pursuit of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, etc. 2 - “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 3 - “Fight the good fight…” Endure. Persevere. Remember those who have gone before you, like Paul, Timothy, Peter, and others. 4 - “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” In other words, “Guard the deposit.”
Godliness as a Means of Gain, Not A Means of Gain
June 7, 2015 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
The church is to be the pillar and buttress of the truth, not the one that surrenders the truth. If we as a church, or as individuals, move away from the gospel, things begin to unravel and we lose our way. Godliness with contentment, however, is a great means of gain because it has Jesus and not us at the center, and Jesus is the Truth.