Blog

Palm Sunday

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Alan spoke last Sunday on Palm Sunday and two important questions we must ask ourselves. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Scripture he references.

Palm Sunday / Triumphal Entry Sunday / The Beginning of Holy Week

  • There are two important questions we should ask ourselves:
    • Who is Jesus?
    • What kind of Jesus do we really want in life?
      • the crowd in Jerusalem began the week shouting, “Hosanna!” and ended it shouting, “Crucify Him!” – Jesus wasn’t the Messiah they were expecting.
  • Matthew 21:1-17
    • The people were expecting a Messiah who would save them from Roman oppression – a conquering king on a white horse, rather than a prophet from Nazareth on a donkey (the suffering servant)
      • He brought a kingdom, not of military might, but a kingdom of:
        • peace
        • forgiveness
        • love
        • justice
        • righteousness
    • They shouted “Hosanna!”
      • a mix of two words
        • yasha (defend, deliver, help, preserve, rescue)
        • na (I beseech, I pray)
      • “Deliver us” – from Roman oppression
      • Jesus came for a bigger issue – sin
        • deliverance from the penalty of sin
        • by the cross & the resurrection
      • Jesus gives us so much more!
        • do you ever feel oppressed, tangled up?
        • YHWH – breath
          • the idea in the OT was that salvation was the loosening of things that bind you so that you can breathe more easily.
      • They wanted a kingdom of earthly power.
        • Jesus brought a kingdom of heavenly power
        • the Beatitudes teach us how to live a kingdom life
      • Jesus showed the ultimate humility
  • The God we, as Christians, worship:
    • He is a God of love.
    • He is also a God of wrath.
    • He is a triune God:
      • Father
      • Son (subject to the Father)
      • Holy Spirit (subject to the Son)
    • Jesus is a keeper of His Father’s temple (Matthew 21:13)
      • He and the Father are one.
      • John 17 – to know what Jesus wants for you in this life
  • Hebrews 1:1-9
    • Jesus is a deliverer, a king of a heavenly kingdom
      • Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
        • Why do you sometimes feel oppressed/depressed?
          • You’re looking at the world more than at Jesus.
    • v. 1 – God (the triune God)
      • 1 in essence; 3 in personality
      • We tend to make God in our image, rather than realizing He made us in His image.
      • God spoke the Word – Jesus is God the Father speaking to us.
        • the final Word
        • Jesus represented God the Father exactly as God the Father was
        • Romans 3:23
          • in our thoughts and actions, we all miss the mark
          • Jesus never missed the mark!
    • v. 2 – Appointed heir & creator of all things
      • In Greek, this is in the aorist tense, meaning once and for all time.
        • heir of ALL things
        • we are heirs & co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
          • must be a son or daughter to be an heir
          • those who believe in Him have the right to become children of God (John 1:12)
          • we are born children of Adam, but through Christ we are adopted by God
      • Jesus is the blueprint of all that has ever happened
        • “worlds” in vs. 2 is better translated as “ages”
    • v. 3 – Sustainer
      • everything is sustained by the Word
      • John 1:14 – we beheld His glory
        • we only reflect His glory
        • Jesus IS the glory of God
      • Upholds
        • Jesus is the one who keeps everything going
        • Colossians 1:17
        • If He holds the universe together, can you trust Him to hold your life together?
      • Redeemer
        • He purged our sins
    • v. 4 – Ascended
      • at the right hand of the Father in majesty
      • intercedes on our behalf
      • He is our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1-2)
  • He is Alive!
    • Who is He? He is…
      • Creator
      • Revealer
      • Sustainer
      • Redeemer
      • Intercessor
      • King
      • the Prince of Peace
      • the Humble Servant
      • Everything

Communion & Our Purpose

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan is back and began his spring/summer teaching by giving a message on Communion and Our Purpose. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and link to Scripture he references.

Communion & Our Purpose

  • Intro: The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a tradition that was to be used by fathers to teach their children the important parts of the faith. It can still help us understand our purpose today.
    • What is the chief end of mankind?
      • to glorify God & to enjoy Him forever
        • we glorify Him by enjoying Him
        • what & who do we love most in life?
        • to glorify God is to love Him/to enjoy Him more than anything else in life
  • John 21
    • Peter had denied the Lord 3x; this story is now post-resurrection
    • v. 10-17
      • v. 15 – what are “these”
        • maybe the other men
        • maybe more than the other men do
        • maybe the fish (Peter’s profession/career)
        • Peter says that he has phileo (brotherly affection) for Jesus
      • How does Jesus ask Peter to show love?
        • Feed the sheep – serve
        • Peter served by becoming the leader of the Roman Church
    • v. 18 -25
      • serve, follow, sacrifice
        • how we glorify God
      • how much will you sacrifice for Him?
  • How do we glorify God & enjoy Him?
    • serve, follow, sacrifice
    • can’t do it of our own accord
      • doing it on our own is outward show – Pharisaical
      • empowerment through Christ living in you is the only way you can function in the image in which you were created
        • like a glove – without a hand in it, it has no purpose
  • When we take communion, we say we are taking in Christ.
    • The only one who ever lived as mankind was intended to live is Jesus.
    • Christ in us is the only way to live as God intended us to live.
    • common – union / communion teaches us that Jesus is the hand in the glove that leads us to function as we are supposed to function
      • the cup
        • Matthew 26:36-46
          • prayed 3x
          • what is the cup?
          • Jesus took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself
            • spiritual death is separation from God
            • Jesus was separated from God so we could be reunited with Him
        • Luke 22:20
          • the New Covenant in My blood
          • the Old Covenant (Mosaic Covenant) – the Law
            • sacrifices to temporarily atone for sin
            • Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10)
              • we don’t have to sacrifice animals or do penance
              • repentance (new covenant)
              • the law is written on your heart (Jeremiah 31:31-40)
  • John 17:3 – Eternal Life is to know Jesus and the Father who sent Him
    • what is to know Him?
      • not just knowing about Him
      • communing with Him
  • John 6:53-65 – the visual of communion
    • Our purpose in life is to love Him above all else but we can’t do that without having Him in us – that is the point of communion.

The Great I Am

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

We had a few weeks of special messages around the holidays that I wanted to share with you. First is a short message from friend of Colona Community Church, Jim Juhl (the audio quality isn’t great, but it’s a lovely message). Also included is Terry’s message, entitled “The Great I Am,” from the Gospel of John.

Here’s Jim’s message:

And Terry’s message:

The Great I Am

  • Intro: We were created for relationship with God, but sin has gotten in between. There must be a second birth (John 3:3) to be saved from our sin. Jesus came to reconcile us to God.
  • God calls Himself, “I Am” (Exodus 3:13-14); Jesus has seven “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John.
  • “I Am the bread of life” (John 6:35)
    • Jesus had physically fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
    • Now He is feeding them spiritually (v. 33-35)
  • “I Am the light of the world” (John 8:12)
    • We can’t exist without light
    • Spiritually, we can’t thrive without His light chasing away the darkness
    • the Word is life & light (Psalm 119:105)
    • Light coming into the darkness makes people accountable for their sin.
    • God is drawing people out of the darkness & into the light
    • the dwelling place of the believer is the Word of God
    • Matthew 6:33
  • “I Am the gate/door” (John 10:9)
    • the door to eternal life
    • John 10:10 – the thief vs Jesus
  • “I Am the good shepherd” (John 10:11; 12-15)
    • gives His life for the sheep
    • He is making intercession for us (Romans 8:34)
    • sheep have one obligation – keep your eye on the Shepherd
    • the Shepherd fends of the enemies of the sheep
      • sheep are easy marks
      • peace & joy come from knowing He’s looking out for us when we follow Him
    • the Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep
      • reversal of the Passover
  • “I Am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25; 24-26)
    • v. 24: Martha knew the Scriptures
    • v. 25-26: Jesus gave new revelation to Martha
      • John 5:28-29 – everyone that dies will be resurrected
        • to eternal life or
        • to eternal damnation
  • “I Am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6; 1-7)
    • v. 1-3: He is preparing a place for us in the Father’s house
    • v. 4-5: the disciples didn’t know what He was talking about – they couldn’t truly understand until they had the Holy Spirit
    • v. 6-7: Jesus is all we need
  • “I Am the true vine” (John 15:1; 2-6)
    • If He’s the true vine, there must be a false vine.
    • Isaiah 5: Israel was the vineyard, but the fruit rotted
    • v. 2: we will be pruned for our own good
    • v. 4-5: live & dwell in the Vine & God will take care of us
      • no other way to please God than to trust & obey
    • He wants Christlikeness in our lives – can’t do that apart from Him
    • v. 6: branches not bearing fruit will be taken away and burned
  • He is all we need!

The Devil’s Best Kept Secret

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Since Alan is in Texas for the winter, Terry has taken the teaching reins for the next few months. He began with a four-part series on hell that he titled, “The Devil’s Best Kept Secret.” All four parts are included below with audio, notes, and links to Bible Gateway for Scripture references. Be blessed!

Hell – The Devil’s Best Kept Secret, pt. 1

  1. Intro
    • The Watchman (Ezekiel 33)
    • As God’s Church, we need to deal in truth.
    • There are two sides to the Gospel:
      • accept Christ as your Savior – go to heaven
      • reject Christ – go to hell
    • Broad is the way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7)
    • Matthew 25:41 – hell was not made for man, but that doesn’t mean man can’t choose to go there.
  2. Six Questions God Answers About Hell
    • What is hell?
    • What goes on in hell?
    • What is the duration of hell?
    • What is the experience of hell?
    • What has God done to keep us from hell?
    • Why do we need hell?
  3. We Need to Know About Hell
    • Eternity should weigh on our minds.
    • Satan (the current ruler of this world) doesn’t want people to know about hell.
      • If you don’t know about it, you don’t know you need to be freed from it.
    • As a Christian, you can’t say you love someone, if you don’t tell them both sides of the Gospel.
  4. Things the Enemy Says About Hell
    • Satan says, “You will not surely die.”
      • There’s no real consequence for sin.
      • The devil is a liar and the father of lies. He was a liar & murderer from the beginning (John 8:44).
    • There is no hell.
      • Truth has no relevance in our society anymore.
      • Hell is only figurative.
    • Annihilationism
      • The idea that in hell you just burn up quickly & it’s all over.
    • Second Opportunity
      • Reincarnation until you get it right.
      • Purgatory
        • You loved ones can pay or do “penance” to get you out of this temporary holding place.
        • Jesus never speaks of purgatory.
    • Progressive Evolution
      • We just get better and better over time.
    • Good works will outweigh the bad.
    • God is love, so He’d never send someone to hell.
  5. Things Jesus Says About Hell
  6. Conclusion
    • We are eternal beings. He created us to be with Him in this temporary life and for eternity in Paradise.
    • Everything in this temporary life pales in comparison to eternity.

Hell – The Devil’s Best Kept Secret, pt. 2

  1. Review
    • Jesus tells us more about hell than anyone else in the Old Testament or the New Testament.
      • He doesn’t want anyone to perish. What love!
    • The devil’s greatest trick was convincing the world he didn’t exist.
      • The Bible tells us there was a rebellion in heaven (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28).
      • The devil & his minions are here to steal, kill, & destroy God’s creation.
    • If you’re not in the kingdom of light, you’re in the kingdom of darkness, doing Satan’s bidding (whether you want to or not).
    • Lies of the Enemy:
      • There is no punishment for sin.
      • There is no hell.
      • The grave is the end.
      • Annihilationism.
      • You get a second (or 3rd or 4th, etc.) chance.
      • God is only love.
      • There is no God.
  2. Luke 16:19-31
    • God lets us peek into hell & see what it’s like.
      • This is not a parable – names are given (unlike all other parables).
      • Matthew 6:19
      • Matthew 25:41
        • Anyone who is rebelling against God (denying or ignoring or rejecting Him) is bound for hell.
    • v. 20-21: Lazarus
      • poor
      • covered in sores, which the dogs licked
      • longed for even the crumbs from the rich man’s table
    • v. 22: Abraham’s Bosom
      • not heaven – Jesus hadn’t died and risen again yet
      • was a temporary holding place of comfort for those who died in faith before Christ’s sacrifice
      • 2 Corinthians 5:8 applies to believers today
    • v. 23: The Rich Man
      • in hell instantly
      • 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says we are made of spirit, soul, and body
        • spirit & soul go into eternity
          • either heaven or hell
        • body goes into the grave
      • he is conscious/cognizant
        • shows there is no “soul sleep” or “annihilation”
        • is being tormented
        • has memory of his “good life” (part of the torment)
      • sees Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom
    • v. 24: Rich Man Cries Out to Abraham
      • begs for Lazarus to help him (reversal of how things were in life)
        • new priorities (not wealth/power/status anymore)
          • wants just one fingertip of water to cool his tongue
          • is in agony in the flames
        • during his life, he loved his life, the world, and his sin more than God
          • our hearts are hard and dark apart from God
          • Ephesians 2:1-3 – three things set us against God
          • 2 Corinthians 4:4 – people don’t follow God because their minds are blinded
    • v. 25: Abraham Responds
      • “Remember”
        • implies your memories will be intact in eternity
      • reversal of v. 19
        • couldn’t take all his wealth/power/prominence with him to comfort him in eternity
      • not asking for a second chance to correct his wrong against God
      • Matthew 6:33
        • Our priority needs to be God & glorifying Him
        • He will meet our needs
        • This life is temporary
        • The believer thinks about eternity
    • v. 26: Great Gulf Fixed
      • you can’t go from hell to heaven or vice versa
    • v. 27-28: The Rich Man’s Concern
      • send someone to my loved ones, so they can avoid hell
    • v. 29-31: Abraham’s Response
      • they have the Word of God, they don’t need anything else
      • even if someone comes back from the dead, those of hard hearts still won’t believe
        • Jesus died & rose again, but people still deny Him
  3. The Church’s Job
    • to reach others for Christ
    • to share both sides of the Gospel
      • believe in Christ = eternity in with Him
      • deny Christ = eternity in torment

Hell – The Devil’s Best Kept Secret, pt. 3

  1. Intro
    • If they reject God in this lifetime, they will reject God for eternity.
      • The rich man didn’t ask for forgiveness (Luke 16:19-31).
  2. Aspects of Hell
    • Mark 9:48
      • the worm does not die
      • the fire is never quenched
    • Revelation 14:11
      • the smoke of their torment goes up forever
      • no rest day or night
      • 24/7 pain, torment, remembering
  3. This lifetime is all that we have to choose where we will go for eternity:
    • At the moment of death
      • the believer goes to rest in paradise with God
      • those who reject Christ go directly into the fires of hell
        • no rest for the soul
      • Luke 23:39-43
        • Even at the 11th hour, a soul can be saved.
  4. There are Two Deaths
  5. There are Two Resurrections
    • First Resurrection
    • Second Resurrection
      • Revelation 20:11-15 – Great White Throne Judgment
        • all are on an equal playing field before God
        • courtroom scene
          • books are opened
          • spiritually dead will be judged according to their deeds
      • To have your name written in the Book of Life is to believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
  6. Another Myth of the Devil
  7. Conclusion
    • We need to cry out to the Lord to mine the dark recesses of our souls, so we can be single-minded and focused on Him.
      • Let God bring us to victory over sin through the Refiner’s Fire.

Hell – The Devil’s Best Kept Secret, pt. 4

  1. Intro
    • One other aspect of hell
      • There are degrees of damnation (opposite the rewards for believers)
        • false teachers will go to deep darkness
      • Based on the amount of Light we receive (accountability)
  2. But God…
    • 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 – One day the Restrainer will be removed
    • The most important thing God has done is to send His Son.
      • We messed up in Genesis 3
      • We are renewed at salvation
        • He restores our relationship with Him
      • God broke the power of sin in the life of a believer
        • by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
      • God restored Paradise
        • it is in spirit form within believers today
        • will be manifest at His Second Coming
      • He adopted us as sons & daughters in the family of God
        • joint heirs with Jesus Christ
      • He gave us a new heart
        • central part/core of who we are
        • our hearts are deceitful apart from God (Jeremiah 17:9)
        • from our hearts comes wickedness (Matthew 15:18)
        • He takes out our heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26)
  3. What is taking place now?
  4. Our Duty
    • The Church is supposed to sound the alarm about the fires of hell.
    • We need to let our loved ones know the truth.
    • We are watchmen set on the wall, and we need to do our part, to help rescue the perishing.
    • To do this, we need to seek God first and always (Matthew 6:33).

The Power of the Resurrection

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan took us through a short series on the power and importance of the resurrection. The three messages are all posted below, with audio & notes for each. Praying they bless you!

The Power of the Resurrection Now and Forever 

Big Idea:  The bodily resurrection of Jesus changes everything in the world and in your life. It gives us hope for now & for eternity. The resurrection is the heart of the gospel message.  When a person encounters the resurrected Christ, they are changed.  The resurrection is the surety that this world we live in of death, chaos, and decay will one day give way to Christ’s kingdom and a new heaven and new earth.

  1. The resurrection is at the core of the gospel.
    • Paul says it is of first importance.
    • The gospel is:  the death of Jesus, the burial (empty tomb), the resurrection, the post resurrection appearances. 
    • Without the resurrection, you’d still be imprisoned in your sins.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:1-5  
  2. The resurrection means you aren’t enslaved by sin.
  3. The resurrection means we don’t have to fear death. 
  4. The resurrection frees us from all evil power and authority over us. 
  5. The resurrection is the surety of Christ’s coming kingdom that is all about restoration and hope,  
  6. The surety of Christ’s coming to make all things new calls for repentance now, “Repent for the kingdom heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:17
  7. The resurrection is the only reason preaching has any purpose. 
  8. The resurrection is the only reason faith has any power. 
  9. The resurrection means the Lord extends an invitation to each believer every day. 
  10. The resurrection of Christ is the surety of the bodily resurrection of all believers.  

The Resurrection and Relations

Big Idea:  In America and the world, all kinds of relationships are broken, and we are in utter chaos.  These include race relations, class relations, wealth relations, one-on-one relations, and sexual relations.  In short, it’s a big mess, and we must view all relations in light of the reality that we are new creations due to the resurrection of Christ.  

  1. The resurrection and race relations.
    • “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o’clock on Sunday morning.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
      • It’s not WHO you are, but WHOSE you are.
      • It still happens in the Church today, thought that’s the last place it should EVER happen.
    • Galatians 2:11-21
      • Justification by faith overrides all else.
    • Isaiah 19:23-25
    • Revelation 21:22-27
    • Bottom line:  If we make an idol of our national and racial cultures, we are not putting on the new creation we are in Christ.
  1. The resurrection and class relations.
    • Luke 14:7-14 
    • Matthew 6:2
    • Bottom line:  Jesus says that those who are in Him shouldn’t play socially elitist games for their own gain. Instead, help those who have no means to repay you.  
  1. The resurrection and our relation to our finances (wealth).
    • Material possessions mean nothing if you’re not rich in Christ.
    • It’s not about the amount you give; it’s about your sincerity & willingness of heart.
    • Bottom line:  We don’t deal with our resources by the rules but by our relation to Christ.  We give in light of his sacrificial giving to us. 
  1. The resurrection and our broken relationships.
    • 1 Corinthians 6:1-6
    • Romans 2:1-4
    • Matthew 7:1-2
    • Bottom line:  Be careful not to jump to judgement. “Vengefulness, quick to litigation, and self-interest (pride) are part of the spirit of this age” -Timothy Keller. When we say, “Vengeance is mine,” we want to play God. (Romans 12:18)
  1. The resurrection and sexual relations.
    • 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
    • Bottom line:  What we do in our bodies matters.  In light of the resurrection, we are to flee porneia (sexual immorality). 

Conclusion:  The fact we are new creations through the resurrection of Christ, impacts everything we relate to.  

Living Christ Risen

Big Idea: Only in understanding the reality of the risen Lord can the way be open to live as God intends us to live. Morality alone will not save you. As Paul stated, “to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). What is sin? To fall short of the glory of God! The wages of that sin is death (Romans 6:23). The following are crucial dynamics to living life as God intends us to live it:

  1. Realize who you are in Christ.
    • Ephesians 2:1-7
    • These verses are the most ultimate before and after picture you will ever see.
      • v. 1-3: Before=the Walking Dead
        • dead
        • following the world
        • following Satan
        • disobedient
        • living in the flesh
        • children of wrath by nature
      • v. 4-7: After=Alive in Christ
        • recipients of love and mercy
        • made alive in Christ
        • saved by grace
        • raised up with Him
        • set in heavenly places (present tense)
        • a picture of immeasurable grace
        • gifted with faith
        • created in Christ (a new creation)
        • given a purpose
      • Are you in the before or after category?
  2. Reflect DAILY on who Christ is.
    • Ephesians 1:15-23
    • Ephesians 3:14-21
    • What we reflect on with our minds will affect our hearts.
    • Also, what we reflect upon will be reflected outwardly toward others.
    • What we know affects who we are.
      • gnosis – mental level
      • epignosis – knowledge that affects you
    • Romans 12:2
  3. Redirect (repent) DAILY towards Christ.
    • Ephesians 4:17-24
    • Living as we are intended calls US to put off (die to certain practices) and put on other practices. It’s an ongoing redirecting of desires.
      • If it can’t get into your mind, it will never get into you heart.
    • What are the proper motivators for putting off the old person and putting on the new? Let’s talk about improper verses proper motivators.
    • Romans 8:29
  4. Relinquish your life to Christ.
    • Philippians 1:21
    • “The only one who ever lived life fully, as God intended life to be lived was Christ. The only life we can live as God intends us to live is the life of Christ.” -Major Ian Thomas, Founder of Torchbearers International.
    • Galatians 2:20
    • What would Jesus do? Wrong question. A better question is “What would I allow Jesus to do through me?”
    • John 12:23-26
      • Lose your life for Christ so that Christ may live in you.

CONCLUSION: Christ is alive to live in us. The extent to which His living in us becomes apparent is the measure to which we die to ourselves so as to reflect the reality of Him in us. “The life that Jesus lived qualified him for the death that he died. The death that he died qualifies us to receive the life that he lives. That’s the heart of the gospel in action.” -Major Ian Thomas

All the Way with God

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Terry stepped in while Alan was away to take into the book of Colossians and teach us about persevering to the end. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

All the Way with God

Colossians 1:8-14

  • Colossians 1:13
    • This is salvation.
    • Believers are in the kingdom already (spiritually).
      • The kingdom will be fully realized at His return.
      • The Lord’s Prayer tells us the Father’s plan:
        • Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
  • Colossians 1:14
    • We have redemption through His blood.
      • He paid our ransom out of the kingdom of darkness.
    • Produces the forgiveness of sins
      • Restored relationship with God through His blood fulfilling the wrath of God
  • What do we do now that we’ve been redeemed?
    • Colossians 1:1-8 summary:
      • Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae
        • He heard that this church was being well taught by Epaphras, and that they showed love in the Spirit.
        • He prayed for the church at Colossae and all believers.
    • Step One on the Stairway to Heaven
      • Colossians 1:9
        • Be filled with the knowledge of His will.
          • The will of God is found in the Word of God.
          • When you know His will, you will gain wisdom & spiritual understanding.
          • Philippians 3:12-14
            • let go to take hold
            • leave the things of the world behind
            • take hold of the things of God
    • Four More Steps on the Stairway
      • Colossians 1:10
        • Walk in a manner worthy of Him.
          • Be uncompromising in your witness.
          • Walk very carefully.
          • Remember others are watching you all the time.
        • Be pleasing to Him.
        • Bear fruit.
        • Always grow in the knowledge of God.
          • Yield yourself & your desires to Him.
          • We’re here on God’s business, to be His representatives in the midst of the darkness.
    • Strength to Climb the Stairway
      • Colossians 1:11-12
        • You need strength to walk the Christian life.
          • Strength comes from the Holy Spirit.
        • That strength provides:
          • patience in the times of trial & times of joy
          • joyfulness
          • thankfulness
            • He has qualified us to share in Christ’s inheritance.
        • Finish the race strong

The Faith-Rest Life

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

We had a few weeks of mission reports and a special musical service before Pastor Alan began a short series on the Faith-Rest Life. Unfortunately, the first message (“Living the Sabbath Principle”) did not get recorded, but I’ve included Alan’s outline with a few notes below. The second and third messages, with their recordings, are below that, each with its outline. Praying these messages bless you.

Living the Sabbath Principle (The Faith-Rest Life)

  1. Introduction
    • Genesis 1:27-2:3
      • Adam & Eve were created on the 6th day; God rested on the 7th day.
      • Adam & Eve entered into God’s rest; sin took them out of that rest.
  2. Sabbath Principle – what is it?
  3. Four passages of scripture with Sabbath implications.
    • Exodus 17:1-6
      • God had just delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and they grumbled. He has delivered us from so much more, and yet we still grumble.
      • Key truth: God puts us in testing circumstances, the “no water” places. Will we respond in faith or fear? To not respond in faith is to in effect believe God isn’t present.
    • Numbers 20:1-13
      • This is God’s grace. He gives us living water, even when we don’t deserve it.
      • Key truth: We often will blame others, or God, and want to escape a testing circumstance. We will miss God’s blessing if we don’t follow his instruction.
    • Hebrews 3:7-13
      • Key truth: What we hear can determine how we respond to life’s tests. Do we hear God’s promises and act in faith or do we hear all kinds of other voices? If we don’t hear, we will never rest, and it’s hard to hear if we aren’t still.
      • What keeps us from being able to be at peace in life’s stormy tests? This passage says there are 5 things:
        1. An evil heart of unbelief
        2. Departing (standing off) from God
        3. Deceitfulness of sin
        4. Wandering hearts
        5. Ignorance of God’s ways
    • Hebrews 4:1-16 (Next Sunday)
  4. Conclusion
    • We can live in Sabbath rest or circumstantial chaos. There’s a choice to be made.

Sabbath Rest (The Faith-Rest Life)

Hebrews 4:1-12

  1. The dynamics of living the Sabbath rest (Faith-Rest Life)
    • God’s rest is a standing promise to stand upon. vs 1
    • God’s rest must be entered into by faith. vs 1
    • God’s rest can be missed. vs 2, vs 5
    • God’s rest if rejected angers God. vs 3a
    • God’s rest is based on His resting. vs 3b-4a
    • God’s rest, if rejected is an act of disobedience. vs 6
    • God’s rest is a time sensitive offer. vs 7-8
    • God’s rest is a rest from work as we know work. vs 10
    • God’s rest involves an effort. vs 11
    • God’s rest involves God’s word as a revealing source. vs 12
  2. Conclusion: Living the faith-rest life is available through actively resting on God’s promises. The time to start living is now.

Great Necessities for Sabbath Rest
Hebrews 4:12-16, Isaiah 40

  1. Introduction: Sabbath is not a day of rest; it is resting on the promises of God. Faith-rest is not based on our feelings, but on His promises. You’re never going to be able to say, “It is well with my soul,” if you carry around the baggage of the past.
  2. The necessity of evaluating life by God’s word.
    • Men do what is right in their own eyes.
      • This leads to unrest, anxiety, and fear.
    • The only way we know if we are obeying in faith or disobeying in unbelief, is by the evaluating power of God’s word.
    • Hebrews 4:12-13
    • God’s word has evaluating power because it is:
      1. Alive
      2. Powerful
      3. Cutting
      4. Penetrating
      5. Judging
  3. The necessity of holding to one’s profession of faith by holding on to our high priest, Jesus.
    • Hebrews 4:14-15
    • There are trials and temptations that test our faith. We can look at how Jesus responded.
      • He used the Sword of the Spirit to battle temptation
        • Three ways Satan tempts (1 John 2:26):
          1. lust of the eyes
          2. lust of the flesh
          3. pride of life
  4. The necessity of prayer.
    • Oh, what needless pain we bear…
    • We often look at prayer as a last resort.
    • Hebrews 4:16
      1. Pray with confidence (James 1:2-8)
      2. Pray for grace and mercy (Luke 18:13)
      3. Acknowledge your need!
  5. The necessity of waiting on God in dependent trust.
    • Isaiah 40:28-31
    • The idea of waiting on God has many aspects in the Hebrew language.
      • It means to believe God is reliable and can be leaned on. The Hebrew word “amen” carries this aspect.
      • It means you can throw your cares on God.
      • It can mean taking refuge in God by fleeing to Him.
      • It can mean trusting God for deliverance from pain.
    • All of these things can be involved in waiting for God. The outcome of waiting on God is we exchange the limited resources of our strength for His divine power.
  6. The necessity of trusting in God instead of idols of our own making.
    • Isaiah 40:18-20
    • How many things in our life do we put our trust in that will just topple over?
    • What makes you think you can run with the horses? (Jeremiah 12:5)
  7. Conclusion: The faith-rest life is still offered; will we enter in?

2 Timothy, pt. 8

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Alan finished up his series in the book of 2 Timothy with chapter 4, verses 9-22, “The Final Farewell.” We have a tendency to skip over these verses at the end, but they hold very valuable lessons. To hear this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

The Final Farewell

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Paul is dealing with final matters, and as he does, he mentions numerous people. Some are his friends and allies; others are harmful enemies. Paul did not have a problem calling people out by name if they were causing harm to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  1. Dealing With a Deserter (v. 10)
    • Demas – loved this world
    • Drift happens when we love the pleasures of this present world more than the coming Kingdom
    • John’s description of the “world”
      • kosmos – a sphere of order that is in direct opposition to God
      • 1 John 2:15-17 – lusts of the eyes, lusts of the flesh, pride of life
      • 2 Timothy 3:2-4 – lovers of self, money, pleasure
      • Revelation 2
        • Smyrna
        • Pergamum
        • Thyatira
    • This world is insidious, and it is tugging away at us constantly
  2. Dealing With Others (v. 10b-13)
    • Sending them out
      • Timothy
      • Luke
    • Seeing their best
      • Mark
    • Give them a mission
      • Paul asks Timothy to bring him his most necessary items:
        • cloak (warmth)
        • Scripture
  3. Dealing With Opposition (v. 14-15)
    • Don’t be afraid to confront opposers
    • Realize God’s in charge
    • Always be on guard
  4. Dealing With Being Alone (v. 16-18)
  5. Dealing With Fear & Weakness (v. 19-22)
    • Rely on the truest friends
    • Remember the Spirit God gave us
    • Pray for the grace of God in everything we do

Lessons from the Valley

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

We were blessed to have Dr. Jeff Leigh visit our little church and share a wonderful message with us. He taught about Elijah’s experience from 1 Kings 19. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included notes from his message with links to Scriptures he references. Enjoy!

Lessons from the Valley – 1 Kings 19:1-18

Ephesians 6:13 – it’s not about the tremendous victory in your battle; it’s about simply standing strong in the midst of your valleys.

Valleys are tough things to go through. They reveal our character and weaknesses, what we are standing on. But they can also strengthen us.

1 Kings 19:1-18

  • Elijah had a tremendous victory in 1 Kings 18 – then Ahab & Jezebel threatened his life. Instead of standing, Elijah ran.
  • Simple things can send you running if you don’t stand in the Lord.
  1. What Are the Valleys We Create?
    • Fear + Running
    • Expectations
    • Self-orientation
    • Isolation
  2. Things We Run to Instead of God
    • The past (what worked before)
    • What we understand (our own wisdom)
  3. How Does God Rescue Us?
    • Still, small voice; His Word
    • Gets us up & starting to fulfill His commands v. 15-16
      • Directing us uniquely
    • Helps us to see others v. 18-21
      • Those who are around us
      • Those who are also IN the fight
        • 7000 faithful
        • Elisha
  4. What Mountain Can We Always Stand Upon, Even When in a Valley?
    • Luke 10:17-20
      • Don’t rejoice in the little (or even big) victories in your valleys – rejoice in your salvation by faith through grace. That is the unfailing/unfading mountain that will always give you strength.

2 Timothy, pt. 7

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

In his continuing series on the book of 2 Timothy, Alan led us through the first eight verses of the final chapter. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Enjoy!

2 Timothy 4:1-8

The Big Picture: God gives a charge to all of us. To not act on the charge, or call, could mean an opportunity missed, never to be regained. So, act upon whatever the charge is to you. Don’t wait for a convenient time because there seldom is one. Also, following God’s calling is never promised to be comfortable.

  1. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 2, 5)
    • Preach the Word
    • Be ready all the time, not just when it’s convenient
    • Correct those in error
    • Rebuke those who are sinning
    • Encourage those who are doing good
    • Be level headed
    • Expect and endure hardship
    • Give the good news
    • Do your duty
  2. The Motivations for the Charge (v. 1, 3)
    • God is a watching presence
    • Christ will judge
    • Christ will come again
    • Christ is King
    • The times are getting worse where the truth will not be tolerated
  3. The Cost of Carrying Out the Charge (v. 6-7)
    • For some it meant, and still means, martyrdom
      • but death is not final
    • It means a fight
      • the soldier
    • It means running the race to its finish
      • the athlete
    • It means patiently keeping the faith
      • the farmer
  4. The Reward for Paying the Cost (v. 8)
    • A crown of righteousness

Conclusion: Ask God if there is something He is specifically charging you to do. If it is clear to you, then do it. Don’t put it off waiting for a more convenient time.

“I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.” -William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army, 1829-1912)