Month: July 2022

Unlikely Hero

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good morning! While we missed Pastor Alan last Sunday, we were blessed to have Terry step in to take us through chapters 6 & 7 of the Book of Judges, teaching us about God uses unlikely heroes. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Scriptures he references. Enjoy!

Unlikely Hero

Judges 6 & 7

God has called us: not the mighty or the famous, but those who are willing to let Him work through us. (1 Corinthians 1:22-29)

  • Judges 6:1 – shows the rebellion of God’s people & the sovereignty of God over all things
  • Judges 6:2-7 – Midian laid waste to Israel until the people finally “cried uncle”
  • Judges 6:8-10 – God sent a prophet to remind the Israelites of all He had done for them, and of their disobedience.
  • Judges 6:11-12 – Gideon, hiding from the Midianites, was approached by the angel of the Lord, who called him “mighty” (God can use any willing heart – 1 Corinthians 1:22-29).
  • Judges 6:13 – Gideon essentially asked the question we all are probably asking in these days, “Why are things the way they are?”
  • Judges 6:14 – Instead of answering his question, God began to impart His strength.
  • Judges 6:15-16 – Gideon told God he was unworthy to be sent out, but God reminded Gideon that He was with him.
  • Judges 6:17-21 – Gideon asked God for a sign to prove that this calling was really from Him
  • Judges 6:25-27 – God told Gideon to tear down the idols, but Gideon (still fearful) did it at night.
  • Judges 6:34 – the Spirit came upon Gideon
    • In the Old Testament, the Spirit came when needed, but then departed.
    • In the New Testament/Covenant, the Holy Spirit ABIDES in His people
  • Judges 6:37-40 – Gideon, still wanting to make sure this is from God, asked for more signs.
  • Judges 7:1-8 – God winnowed down the Israelite forces until only 300 remained to go against over 135,000 Midianite forces, so there’d be no doubt Who defeated the Midianites.
  • Judges 7:9 – God had already won the battle, already knew the outcome. All that was left was for Gideon and his 300 men to remain faithful.
  • Judges 7:10-14 – God knew Gideon’s heart, so He gave Gideon a fourth sign.
  • Judges 7:16-22 – Gideon & his men were “armed” with trumpets, torches, and pitchers to cover the torches. God did the work – He confused the enemy & they destroyed themselves. Not one of Gideon’s 300 men were killed!
  • The story of Gideon shows us that the idols in our lives must come down first before God can prove Himself mighty in/through us.
    • Hebrews 12:1-2 – throw off those things holding us down, so that we can finish strong
  • We need to redeem the time, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16)

The Holy Spirit’s Work

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good afternoon! Pastor Alan recently continued his message series from the Gospel of John by teaching about the work of the Holy Spirit. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Pastor Alan’s outline with links to the verses he references. Enjoy!

The Holy Spirit’s Work

John 15:26-16:15

  1. The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus (especially through the Word).
    • As we live by the Spirit, we witness/testify/tell the truth about Jesus. (John 15:26-27)
  2. The Holy Spirit keeps us from falling away.
  3. The Holy Spirit is the cure for our self-first perspective & for seeing life only in light of our current circumstances.
    • Joy is not based on circumstance. (John 15:11)
    • People will never see Christ in us if they only see us. (John 16:5-6)
  4. The Holy Spirit is our indispensable help & our biggest advantage.
  5. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts & convinces us of 3 things: (John 16:8-11)
    • our sin/unbelief
    • our lack of righteousness (Matthew 5:20)
      • A great definition of grace: it’s no longer my righteousness that God sees when He looks at me, but the righteousness of Christ.
    • the judgment (1 John 2:15)
  6. The Holy Spirit guides in truth & allows us to do many things in the truth. (John 16:12-15)

Conclusion: My hope is we have seen how indispensable it is to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in our lives.

Contact info: Dr. Alan Brock, albrock.ab@gmail.com, www.Summit40.com

Relating to Christ, Believers, & Haters

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

The first Sunday in July, we joined Ridgway Community Church for the 35th Annual Sunday in the Park in Ridgway (always a wonderful time & highly recommended, if you’re in the area). Last Sunday, Pastor Alan taught us about John 15 and how to relate to Christ, to our fellow believers, and to those who stand against us. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Relating to Christ, Believers, and Haters

John 15

  1. Our Relationship to Christ (John 15:1-11)
    • Life flows from Jesus, and if there is life there will be some degree of fruit.
    • This is the last of the seven “I Am’s” in John’s gospel. All of them show the uniqueness of Jesus.
      • Jesus doesn’t say, “I am a vine.” He doesn’t say, “I am the vine.” He emphatically says, “I am the true vine.” So, in essence, Jesus is saying you don’t have to be of Israel to be right with God. You only need to find life in Him.
    • So, what is the evidence of being a living branch that is abiding in Christ?
      • There is pruning.
        • Those the Lord loves, He disciplines.
        • A constant conviction, perhaps to get rid of the dead wood in life. (v. 2)
      • There is assurance.
        • Yes, there needs to be personal examination but don’t become depressed and paralyzed by over-examination.
      • Abiding is putting His Word in you and asking of Him through prayer.
        • Connection is strengthened by communication. (v. 7)
        • What we ask for is shaped by the Word.
      • There is love.
        • Obedience doesn’t earn love, but it’s the evidential measure of love.
      • There is joy.
        • Joy is linked to connection, obedience, and assurance.
        • It’s ultimately not letting the world get you in a state of constantly being overwhelmed. (v. 11)
        • If you grew up in an environment that dished out portions of love in connection to your performance and obedience, this concept may be hard to grasp.
        • Jesus wants you to have a joy that overcomes a dark world.
  2. Our Relationship to Believers (John 15:12-17)
    • In a word, we are to love one another, and that often involves giving a part of our selfishness up. It’s called making sacrifices.
    • Jesus would have His followers primarily see Him as their friend. As a friend, Jesus does three things:
      1. He reveals His Father’s will to us.
      2. He chooses us.
      3. He appoints us to bear the fruit of love and joy.
  3. Our Relationship to Haters (John 15:18-27)
    • If we are connected to Christ, have even the slightest conviction about His teaching, and reflect His life, we will be hated. The hatred toward Christianity in this country is growing. How should we respond?
      1. Don’t be surprised.
      2. Remember who you belong to. (Acts 5:40-42)
      3. Don’t be an obnoxious jerk in response.
      4. Remember, no one likes being exposed. In a sense, a person living for Christ exposes those who aren’t.
      5. Don’t judge the world as if it knows the way, the truth, and the life. Pray for them and witness to them when you are ready for their responses.
      6. Rely on the Spirit’s protection and comfort as you confront the world — He (the Spirit) will bear witness.

Salt & Light

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good evening! I’m trying to get caught up, and I apologize for the late postings. This message was from the last Sunday in June. Pastor Alan was away, so we got to learn from Terry about Matthew 5:13-16. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Salt & Light

Matthew 5:13-16

  • Jesus said He was the light of the world, while He was in the world. (John 9:5)
  • When He ascended, He passed the torch onto us. (Matthew 5:14)
  • Though “good itself does not dwell in me” (Romans 7:18), God makes us salty and puts His light in us.
  • v. 16 is a command, not a suggestion.
  • The Church of Laodicea is the church of the last days. (Revelation 3:14-22) But, Jesus doesn’t talk to the CHURCH who overcomes… He speaks to the ONE who overcomes… (Revelation 3:21) It’s an individual calling to rise above, be salty, and shine your light.
  • v. 16 is also an INDIVIDUAL command, not a corporate one. Don’t wait for the Church to shine; it’s on you!