Category: Uncategorized

The Christian Disciplines, pt. 3

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Hello! Here at Colona Community Church, we have been studying the various Christian Disciplines and how to practice them in our lives. Pastor Alan has spearheaded this series, but Pastor Jed jumped in to teach us about the discipline of worship. To listen to this message, and others in this wonderful series, scroll down. Each message included in this section of the series has audio and the notes from that particular message, with links to BibleGateway for the Scriptures referenced in the notes. May you be as blessed by this series as we have been!

The Christian Disciplines: Worship

The Book of Revelation shows worship towards the Lord God for who He is. See Revelation 1:4-8, 9-18; 4:8-11; 5:12-16; and 19:11-16.   See also Psalm 100.

  • WHAT is Worship? 
    • Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (shachah)  means to bow down, physically lowering the body, prostrating oneself, or showing deferential respect. The word appears 172 times in the Old Testament, and when directed toward God, it is translated as “worship.” It comes from a recognition of superiority, voluntary humility, an intentional action.   
    • Greek word προσκυνέω (proskuneō), means to prostrate oneself or bow down in reverence. It is derived from the gesture of kissing toward a superior or deity (two root words: πρός (pros, “toward”) and κυνέω (kyneō, “to kiss”).  Psalm 2:12 
    • Old English weorðscipe focuses more on the state or condition of someone who is worthy to be worshipped. It literally meant the condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, or renown. It is formed from two root words: “worthy” combined with the suffix “ship.” His Worthship! 
  • WHO do we worship and WHY do we worship? 
    • Exodus 20:1-3, 5  “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God (“Adonai”), who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not bow down to them or worship them. I the Lord your God (“Adonai”) am a jealous God.’” Our worship is for Him alone! What did the Israelites continue to do? God compares it to spiritual adultery.  
    • Worship occurs when a humans (and even creation) encounter the greatness, glory, and holiness of God and his Son Jesus Christ. Worship is that response to Him because He is deserving and worthy of worship. Praise is for what He does. Worship is for Who He is. Worship is what we give Him as “Adonai”: our Owner, Master, and Lord. See Isaiah 5:5-6; Acts 9:1-6; Revelation 1:12-18.   
    • Our worship can be verbal, actions, and deeds. Everything in our lives (Colossians 3:17) can and should be a submissive act of worship to God, an acknowledgement of Who He is and our submission and obedience to Him. He is above. I am beneath. He is the greater. I am the lesser. He must increase. I must decrease.

The Christian Disciplines: Service

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.
  • Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Service:  As the cross is the sign of submission, the towel is the sign of service.” -Richard Foster
  • Key Verses:  Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 9:35, Acts 9:39, Titus 3:2;1:8, 1Timothy 3:2, 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, Luke 9:46, John 13:14-15, Acts 6:1-7.  
  • What Service is Not! 
    • The marks of self-righteous service.
      • Service operating in its own strength and skill minus humble dependency on God.
      • Service that looks for the more visible, attention-grabbing positions of service rather than the hidden acts of service.
      • Service that fixates on numbers and “results.”
      • Service that picks and chooses who it will serve.
      • Service that might actually harm a person out of misguided sense of compassion.
      • Service that splits churches.
      • Service that focuses on titles and positions.
  • What Service Is!
    • The marks of true service:
      • True service focuses on function not position, titles, or authority. Never an attitude of, “Do you know who I am?”
      • True service is a life of abiding to produce real fruit in life.
      • True service is often not in spectacular moments but a daily consistent lifestyle.
      • True service is at its highest level when done without anyone knowing.
      • True service can involve a level of suffering.
    • Specific types of Service (Richard Foster) 
      • Guarding others reputation/dignity.
      • Allowing oneself to be served.
      • Practicing common kindness and courtesty.
      • The act of hospitality.
      • The act of listening.
      • The act of bearing sorrows.
      • The act of sharing in God’s word
  • Conclusion: “Practice routinely purposeful kindness and intelligent acts of beauty.” -Dallas Willard “If you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe.”  -Bernard of Clairvaux

The Christian Disciplines: Confession

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

Key Texts:  1 John 1:5-10, Psalm 51, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 5:16, Jeremiah 44:1-4

  • General Principles on Confession 
    • One type of confession is between you and God. 
    • One type of confession is between you and a trusted individual for the purpose of healing.  James 5:16 
    • Confession has at least four results. 
      • There is forgiveness, cleansing, restoration and joy. 1 John 1:5-10 
    • Confession is an acknowledgement of the ugliness and seriousness of sin in light of the holiness of God. Jeremiah 44:1-4 
    • Confession to one another has its basis in the priesthood of believers.  1 Peter 2:9 
    • Confession has four primary components which we will see in Psalm 51; examination of conscience, Godly sorrow, a determination to change, an acceptance of consequences.   
  • David’s Confession.  Psalm 51 (2 Samuel 12)  
    • Confession appeals to God’s love and compassion. Psalm 51:1 
    • Confession brings a totality of cleansing from all types of sin.  Psalm 51:1b-2 
    • Confession involves an awareness and acknowledgement of sin.  Psalm 51:3 
    • Confession acknowledges that sin is not only against another person, it’s also primarily against God. Psalm 51:4a 
    • Confession is willing to accept God’s judgement and consequences.  Psalm 51:4b 
    • Confession acknowledges the reality that we are born in sin. It’s the natural human condition.  Psalm 51:5 
    • Confession has a desire to match our desires with what God desires for us.  Psalm 51:6 
    • Confession brings about cleansing. It’s a complete cleansing through the blood of Christ (His death on the cross).  Psalm 51:7 
    • The ultimate result of confession, forgiveness, cleansing and restoration is joy.  Psalm 51:8,12,14b 
    • Confession makes petitions to God. These petitions include erasing guilt, working on the heart and spirit, preserving service, restoring joy, and giving a desire to obey. These are marks of genuine confession.  Psalm 51:9-12  
    • God’s forgiveness draws a three-fold promise of response from David.  He would tell of God’s mercy, he would praise, he would sacrifice.  Psalm 51: 13-17 
    • Sin can have far-flung consequences.  Psalm 51:18-19 
  • Conclusion: You can have the assurance there is no sin that can’t be forgiven if you will acknowledge it and confess it.

The Christian Disciplines: Guidance

Key Idea: Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  
 
Purpose of Practicing: To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.  

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

How Does God Guide His People?  
Acts 15:1–35, Proverbs 3:5–6; John 16:13; Romans12:1–2; James 1:5 

BIG IDEA: God guides His people as they submit to His Word, seek Him in prayer, listen to the Holy Spirit, and receive wisdom through the community of faith. 

Introduction – We All Want Guidance  
“How do I know what God wants me to do?” We want a map; Scripture gives us a Shepherd. Acts 15 shows how God’s people discern His direction.

  • We Must Recognize Our Need for God’s Guidance.  
    • Acts 15:1–2 The church faces a major crisis and seeks counsel. 
      • Our understanding is limited — Proverbs 3:5–6 
      • Guidance begins with surrender — Romans 12:1–2 
      • Ask first: “Am I willing to do whatever God wants?” 
  • God Guides us Through His Revealed Word 
    • Acts 15:13–18 James turns to Scripture.  
      • The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired. 
      • Don’t neglect God’s revealed will while seeking His secret will.  
      • Begin every decision with: “What has God already said?” 
  • God Guides Us Through The Holy Spirit 
    • John 16:13 “The Spirit of truth… will guide you into all truth.” 
      • The Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts, produces wisdom, and directs. 
      • Distinguish “God told me” from “I have a strong impression. 
      • Test impressions by Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and fruit. 
  • God Often Guides Through Other Believers 
    • Acts 15:6, 22, 25, 28; Prov. 11:14.  
      • Gather, Discuss, Listen, Examine Scripture, Pray, Discern together.  
      • We need people who love us enough to disagree with us.  
      • Corporate discernment protects us from baptizing our own desires. 
  • God’s Guidance Often Requires Waiting 
    • Acts 13:1–3, Worshiping, fasting, waiting; then the Spirit directs. 
      • Hurry makes discernment difficult. 
      • Waiting exposes impatience, fear, and desire for control. 
      • Sometimes the most spiritual answer is: “I don’t know yet.” 
  • God’s Guidance Leads to Obedience 
    • Acts 15:30–35; James 1:22 
      • Guidance is not merely information; it is direction for obedience. 
      • Seek → Discern → Obey 
      • Not: Seek → Debate → Delay → Ignore 
  • CONCLUSION: The Shepherd is more important than the map. 
  • God guides through His Word, His Spirit, Prayer, Wise Counsel, Christian Community, Providence.

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 

Closing question: “God, what is the answer?” “God, where are You, and how do You want me to walk with You?” 
 
Final Thought: The ultimate goal of divine guidance isn’t merely reaching the right destination; it is becoming more like Christ along the way. 

The Christian Disciplines: Celebration

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

Primary Text: Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

  • INTRODUCTION — The Often Forgotten Discipline 
    • Christianity is not merely the avoidance of sin. Spiritual maturity includes learning to delight in God. 
    • Celebration is a discipline because joy must sometimes be chosen. Circumstances do not always produce joy naturally. 
    • Foster places Celebration among the inward disciplines. It is not entertainment or escapism; it is a response to the reality of God. 
    • The biblical command is striking: Paul commands believers to rejoice even while writing from hardship (Phil. 4:4). 
    • Celebration is rejoicing if of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22 
  • What is Christian Celebration? 
    • Definition: Celebration is the disciplined response of the believer to God’s character, grace, presence, provision, and saving work, expressed through joy, thanksgiving, praise, fellowship, worship, and a renewed enjoyment of God’s good gifts. 
    • Celebration begins with God, not circumstances. “Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). The object of joy is the Lord Himself. 
    • Celebration recognizes grace. We celebrate what God has done rather than what we imagine we have earned. 
    • Celebration receives life as gift. Scripture repeatedly portrays meals, fellowship, worship, harvest, marriage, deliverance, and answered prayer as occasions for rejoicing. 
    • Celebration is different from superficial happiness. Biblical joy can coexist with grief, trials, and suffering (2 Cor. 6:10; James 1:2–4). 
  • The Biblical Foundation for Celebration 
    • Truth 1 – God commands His people to rejoice.  Phil. 4:4; Phil. 3:1 
    • Truth 2 – God’s joy gives strength.  Neh. 8:10 
    • Truth 3 – God’s salvation produces celebration. Luke 15:22–24 
    • Truth 4 – God’s presence is the source of fullness of joy. Ps. 16:11 
    • Truth 5 – Christ intends His joy to be experienced by His disciples. John 15:11 
    • Truth 6 – Thanksgiving is a continuing posture of the Christian life. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 
  • Why Celebration is a Spiritual Discipline. 
    • It retrains our attention. We learn to notice evidences of God’s grace that routine can make invisible. 
    • It combats the tyranny of circumstances. Joy becomes anchored in God’s unchanging character rather than today’s headlines. 
    • It resists legalism. The Christian life is not sustained merely by duty; grace produces delight. 
    • It strengthens community. Shared joy turns isolated believers into a celebrating people. 
    • It produces witness. A joy that remains credible in difficulty can point others toward Christ. 
  • The Practice of Celebration 
    • Celebrate God’s character. Deliberately praise Him for who He is—holy, faithful, merciful, wise, sovereign, and loving. 
    • Celebrate God’s works. Recount answered prayers, deliverance, provision, salvation, and spiritual growth. 
    • Celebrate ordinary gifts. Receive food, friendship, beauty, rest, work, recreation, and creation with gratitude rather than entitlement. 
    • Celebrate with others. Create occasions for meals, testimony, worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving. 
    • Celebrate even in trials. Not because suffering is good, but because God remains good and can use suffering for His purposes. 
    • Practice holy spontaneity. Allow gratitude to become expression—sing, pray, laugh, testify, give thanks, encourage someone. 
  • Dangers That Distort Celebration 
    • Hedonism: enjoying God’s gifts while forgetting the Giver. 
    • Escapism: using pleasure to avoid pain, responsibility, or obedience. 
    • Sentimentality: confusing emotional excitement with biblical joy. 
    • Comparison: allowing another person’s blessings to steal gratitude for God’s gifts to us. 
    • Gloomy spirituality: assuming seriousness is always more spiritual than joy. 
  • Rejoicing vs. Anxiety, Philippians 4:4 
    • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” 
      • The COMMAND: “Rejoice.” Christian joy is not merely a personality trait. Scripture calls us to cultivate it. 
      • The OBJECT: “in the Lord.” Our deepest joy is rooted in a Person, not a circumstance. 
      • The SCOPE: “always.” Paul does not qualify the command by saying “when life goes well.” 
      • The EMPHASIS: “again I will say.” Sometimes we need to hear the command twice because discouragement has trained our hearts in the opposite direction. 
      • The FOCUS: Think upon these things 
  • Application – How Do I Begin This Week? Psalm 118:24 
    • Morning: Begin the day by naming three reasons to rejoice in the Lord before asking Him for anything. 
    • During the day: When something good happens, stop and explicitly thank God rather than simply enjoying the benefit. 
    • Evening: Keep a “grace inventory”—record evidence of God’s goodness, provision, protection, or work in your life. 
    • With others: Ask someone, “What is one thing God has done recently that you want to celebrate?” 
    • In difficulty: Do not deny the pain. Name it honestly, then deliberately name what remains true about God. 
  • CONCLUSION – Joy as an Act of Faith 
    • Celebration is not pretending that everything is good. It is declaring that God is good even when everything is not good. The disciplined believer learns to recognize grace, receive God’s gifts, remember His faithfulness, and rejoice in Christ 

The Christian Disciplines, pt. 2

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Pastor Alan continued his teaching through the Christian Disciplines in July, with lessons on Study, Simplicity, Solitude, and Submission. All of these messages can be found in this post, with audio recordings and Alan’s study notes. Scriptures referenced are linked to BibleGateway.com. Enjoy!

The Christian Disciplines: Study

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.
  • Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Introduction: The Disease of Biblical Illiteracy
  • Books on Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster. 

The Christian Disciplines: Simplicity

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines. 
  • Purpose of Practicing: To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Simplicity: The art of letting go and being centered. 
  • Conclusion:  Our lives can be fractured and frustrated by too much complexity. Trying to manage too many things. We have to practice simplicity.

The Christian Disciplines: Solitude

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.
  • Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Reasons for Solitude and Silence
  • Conclusion: Each day find a time and place of silence and solitude to draw close to God and quiet the chatter. The first language of God is silence.

The Christian Disciplines: Submission

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines. 
  • Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Scriptural Definition:  Submission is the act of self denial in our relation to God and others.   
  • Key verses:  Philippians 2:1-8, Mark 8:34, Matthew 23:8-12, Matthew 21:28-32, Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Colossians 3:18-4:1
  • Main Ideas on Submission: 
    • Submission is modeled by Jesus. John 13:1-5, 5:19
    • Submission is counter-culture; it is not based on cultural hierarchies. Galatians 3:28
    • Submission is tied to the cross and Christ’s servanthood. Galatians 2:20
    • Submission calls for self-denial above self-actualization or self-fulfillment. Luke 9:23
    • Submission lays down the burden of always having to be in control.
      • I can’t; He can. He never said I could; He always said He would. He always will, and that’s all I need to know. – Maj. Ian Thomas
    • Submission is not just outward obedience while holding on to inward rebellion. Matthew 21:28-32
    • Submission ultimately says, “Thy will be done.” Matthew 11:28-30
  • Daily Application:
    • Take time to focus on others not just yourself.  
    • Value the voices of all people.  
    • Don’t put too much stock in titles.  
    • Practice submission in seven areas of life:
      • God
      • Scriptures
      • family
      • friends
      • church
      • less fortunate
      • worldview. 
  • Conclusion: Jesus modeled submission in His relationship to his heavenly Father, in his role as a servant, and his death on the cross. We therefore say, “Thy will be done, how can I serve, and how can I take up my cross today.

The Christian Disciplines

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Pastor Alan started a new series called “The Christian Disciplines.” He has spoken about the first few of the twelve disciplines, and you can find those messages below with audio and outlines for each.

The Christian Disciplines

Key introduction verses:  1Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3; Matthew 16:24, 28:19-20.

  • The Disciplines: What are the key Christian disciplines? They are as follows: 
    • Meditation
    • Prayer
    • Fasting
    • Study
    • Simplicity
    • Solitude
    • Submission
    • Service
    • Confession
    • Worship
    • Guidance
    • Celebration
  • Key Truths in the Practice of Disciplines
    • Christian disciplines are often commanded by God.
    • Christian disciplines require sacrifice. Matthew 16:24.  
    • Christian disciplines begin now.  Luke 9:57-62
    • Christian disciplines are to be sown.
    • Christian disciplines are to be a source of joy because, if practiced, they free us. John 8:31-36
    • Christian disciplines are a safeguard against the natural tendency of spiritual laziness. Proverbs 24:33-35. 
    • Christian disciplines are to put us on the path, and in the place, of deeper transforming intimacy with God. James 4:8
  • Hindrances to Practice of Disciplines 
  • Conclusion: Christian discipline is not to be a drudgery, nor is it simply an exercise in will power alone. It is an acknowledgement of God working in us while at the same time we work out our salvation in practice.  Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 1:29.

“Joy is the keynote of all the disciplines. The purpose of the disciplines is liberation from the stifling slavery of self-interest and fear.”  Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.

“Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing themselves.”  Leo Tolstoy

The Christian Disciplines: Meditation

*Note: only the last fifteen minutes or so of the message were recorded, but the entire outline is here. Sorry!

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered (dying to self) and more Christ-centered.

Warning: The Christian disciplines aren’t a means of salvation. We are saved by the work of Christ appropriated by faith. We are however, to grow in our walk with God and the disciplines are one means to do that. We are to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration

Meditation:  Key verses:  Psalm 19:14; 1:2; 119:97, 101, 102, 148 

  • Christian Meditation vs. Eastern or secular forms of meditation. 
    • The focus of Christian meditation is an intense reflection on obedience and faithfulness.  This is seen in the Psalms. 
      • Psalm 119:15 – meditate and reflect upon the face of Christ.
    • Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind while Christian meditation an attempt to fill the mind by focusing on the wonderful works of God.
      • Be careful of what the vacuum (the empty space) is filled with. 
    • Detachment (if that’s really possible) is the goal of Eastern meditation using language such as merging with the cosmic mind.  Christian meditation goes beyond detachment to attachment.  We detach from life’s distractions so we can be better attached to God.  
    • Eastern meditation stresses an exploration of the subconscious (scary stuff sometimes); Christian meditation explores resting in Jesus.
      • Pray God would guard your mind.
  • Practicing Christian Meditation 
    • Christian meditation is the practice of silencing our mind so that we can listen, hear and obey.
      • Two Hebrew words for meditation:
        • hagah: to mutter, ponder, or speak quietly to yourself
        • siyach: to muse/reflect upon, then act on it (in obedience)
      • Jesus practiced this in relation to His heavenly Father. John 5:19, 30.  
    • Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice.
      • We hear His voice primarily through His Word. 
      • Are we listening to hear his voice or all the voices of the world? John 10:1-5, 14  
    • Jesus invites us to sit still, be silent, and hear. 
      • He knocks; can we hear the knocking? Will we open the door? Revelation 3:20 
    • Get outside in God’s creation and reflect. Psalm 19:1 
  • Why Meditation Matters 
  • Conclusion: This week practice. 
    • Select a short passage.
    • Slow down and read it repeatedly.
    • Speak it, muttering it to yourself.
    • Reflect deeply, asking questions.
    • Apply. How will I obey?
  • Further exploration: Classic Books on Christian Meditation 
    • Confessions – Augustine of Hippo 
    • The Imitation of Christ – Thomas a Kempis 
    • The Cloud of Unknowing – Anonymous 
    • The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence 
    • Desiring God – John Piper 
    • Knowing God – J. I. Packer 

The Christian Disciplines: Prayer

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines. 

Purpose of Practicing: To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

  • Principles of Prayer:  
  • Conclusion:  One thing in the Christian life that we spend all our life doing is praying.
  • Books on Prayer: 
    • Prayer, Richard Foster
    • Prayer, Timothy Keller
    • Pray Big, Alistair Begg
    • A Guide to Fervent Prayer, Arthur Pink
    • With Christ is the School of Prayer, Andrew Murray 
  • Books on Spiritual Disciplines: 
    • Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney
    • Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster.

The Christian Disciplines: Fasting

Note: this message also only has the last fifteen minutes or so recorded. I apologize. We’ll get back in the swing of things soon!

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

  • Fasting: Fasting is mentioned almost as many times as baptism in the Bible.
    • Fasting is instructed by Jesus.  Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:12 
    • Fasts are found throughout the Bible. They fall into different categories: 
      • Normal – no food, just water.
        • Jesus in wilderness didn’t eat for forty days. (Matthew 4:1-2)
        • Doesn’t say he went without water.  
      • Partial – abstaining from certain kinds of food.
        • Most notable example is Daniel. 
      • Absolute – No food or water for three days.
        • Three days is the maximum time the body can go without water before things begin to break down.   
      • Supernatural – There are two supernatural fasts recorded in the Bible.
      • People who fasted in various ways, and for different reasons, in the Bible: Moses, Daniel (Daniel 9:3), Elijah, Esther (Esther 4:16), Anna (Luke 2:36-38), Paul (Acts 9:9), Jesus, Apostles (Acts 13:2-3). 
    • Fasting’s primary purpose is to create a deeper hunger for God. 
    • Fasting exposes emotions and bad habits (sin) that need to be addressed.
    • Fasting is associated with a call to repentance and dependence on God.
    • Fasting puts you in a better place to listen for God’s guidance.
    • Fasting helps us realize that sacrifice is a part of worship.
    • Fasting is a reminder that we are to do all things to the glory of God.
  • Conclusion:  Fasting is not a means for manipulating God; we already have God’s love and attention. The primary purpose of fasting is to increase our hunger for God.

Living in Grace – Mind the G.A.P.

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Pastor Alan returned to Colona for the summer with a message all about grace. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. As usual, I’ve included Alan’s notes and links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures referenced.

Living in Grace – Mind the G.A.P. (Grace Alters Perception)

What is grace?  It is all we are in Christ, not based on merit, but given to us by God the Father through Christ and the Spirit. 1 Peter 5:10

Where is grace found?  In Christ who is full of grace and truth and gives us grace upon grace. A greater grace.  John 1:14-17

3 Stages of Grace

  1. Grace at the point of saving faith.  
    • The point is this, salvation is never earned. It is a gift. 
    • The word grace carries the idea of gifting. Ephesians 2:8-9
  2. Grace as the means of Christian living. James 4:6. God gives more grace!
  3. Grace in the “afterlife”. 

Conclusion:  Grace reminds us we need to talk more about what God has done, and is doing, for us and less about what we are doing for Him.

The following Sunday was Pentecost, and Pastor Alan shared an awesome message about the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, due to a technological failure, it did not get recorded. So, I am going to do the best I can and share Alan’s study notes here.

Pentecost – Acts 2

  1. What was Pentecost?  
    • The background of harvest festivals and giving of the law on Mount Sinai is the important backdrop to what is happening. 
    • The festival is called Shavout (the Feast of Weeks/Harvest).
      • Marked the early grain harvest.
      • Shavout has the same Hebrew root as Sabbath.
        • שָׁבוּעַ shabuaʿ – seven or a week
        • Shavout means 7×7 (49)
        • Pentecost is Greek for 50
    • The giving of the law was marked by wind, trumpets, fire, and smoke.
  2. Spirit’s Coming Acts 2:1-13
    • The setting: There are one hundred and twenty of Christ’s followers gathered in one place. They had been told by Christ earlier that the Spirit would come so there was no doubt an anticipation.
    • The supernatural: There are three things describing the Spirit’s coming.
      • A sound like a violent rushing wind.  vs 2
      • Tongues of fire that rested on each individual. vs 3
      • The ability for the crowd that shows up to hear the Jewish Galileans in their own language (i.e. their native tongue). 
        • These people were from all areas of the Mediterranean basin. 
        • Side-note: This phenomenon is not the gift of tongues that Paul talks about to the believers in Corinth.
      • What can we imply and apply from this supernatural event?
        • The Spirit comes in power to give power, like the noise of the powerful wind.
        • The Spirit purifies.
        • The Spirit gathers people from all nations like a giant harvest.
        • The Spirit writes the law (Mount Sinai) on the hearts of people.
          • This is explained in Peter’s sermon that follows.
  3. Peter’s Sermon (Acts 2:14-21)
    •  What’s not happening? vs 14-15
      • The strange language phenomena is not drunken speech. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning.
      • The explanation:
        • He quotes with slight alterations, from the prophet Joel and Ezekiel. 
        • The point is the time has come and God is pouring out his Spirit on all people, and those people will prophesy (speak forth about the things of God – Prophecy is more about “forth-telling” than “foretelling”).
        • Luther said, “The knowledge of God, through Christ, which the Holy Spirit kindles and makes to burn through the word of the gospel.”
  4. The Spirit Working Through the Sermon (Acts 2:37-47)
    • There is repentance when the Spirit moves.
    • There is salvation where the Spirit moves.
    • There is baptism where the Spirit moves.
    • There is devotion and communion where the Spirit moves.
    • There is sharing where the Spirit moves.
    • There is awe where the Spirit moves.
    • There is hospitality where the Spirit moves.
    • There is prayer where the Spirit moves.
    • There is growth where the Spirit moves.

Flourishing in Older Age

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Knowing our congregation is mostly on the other side of the hill of life, Pastor Jed spoke for a few weeks on the importance of flourishing in older age. 😊 To listen to these messages, simply click play on the appropriate audio player below. Also included are Jed’s study notes with links to Bible Gateway for the Scripture.

Also, Pastor Jed blessed us with a musical service for Mother’s Day. I did my best to put together a medley of the songs he sang and placed the audio at the bottom of this post. While the recording quality isn’t great, I do hope you enjoy! ❤️

Flourishing in Older Age, Part 1

  • Psalm 91:14-16 “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” 
  • Psalm 92:12-15 “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” See also Isaiah 46:4   
  • To flourish: 
    • To grow luxuriantly: to thrive.
    • To achieve success: to prosper. A flourishing business. 
    • To be in a state of activity or production: The artist flourished around 1850.
    • To reach a height of development or influence: The company flourished with record profits under the new owner. 
  • Remember our Father Abraham:  
    • Genesis 15:15 to Abraham “And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.” 
    • Genesis 25:8 “Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.” 
    • Galatians 3:8-9   We which are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 
      • Verses 13-14 –“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” 
    • Romans 4:17-21 – Abraham gave us the example! Also Elizabeth in Luke 1:36 
  • Make a commitment to God to entrust your life to Him, every day until your last breath. This means spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions, conscience) and body.  
  • 3 John 2 – “prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.” 
  • Next Week: “Steps to Flourishing in Old Age.” What is our responsibility?

Flourishing in Older Age, Part 2

 How do you as Christian personally approach flourishing in older age? 

  • Place your life in His hands (Psalm 31:14) and trust him to cause you to flourish in your older years. Pray to God to give this to you in your life.  
    • Psalm: 18:28; 73:23-28; 90:10a,12; 91:14-16; 92:12-15; Isaiah 46:4.  
    • 3 John 2 – Make a commitment to God to entrust your life to Him, daily until your last breath. This means spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions, conscience), and body. Have faith and hope that the Lord will sustain and preserve you in older age.  
  • Give God’s Word first place in your life: Read it. Meditate upon it. Memorize it. Speak it. Live according to it. It is your food, your life.  
    • John 6:63; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:7-8. See also Psalm 119:159  “See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.” “Preserve my life” is mentioned many times in Psalm 119, a psalm about God’s Word.
  • Trust the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.  
    • Romans 8:11; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 
    • 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 – outward decay vs inward renewal day by day achieving for us an eternal weight of glory. Look not at the things that are seen (temporal) but at the unseen things (eternal).  
    • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – glorify God in your bodies, honor God with your bodies by (a) living a pure life physically and sexually, (b) practice healthy nutrition and hydration, (c) have regular exercise and activity (within your limits), (d) maintain a heathy weight, (e) get enough sleep and observe sabbath rests, (f) avoid things that are not good for the body (alcohol, drugs, etc.), and (g) limit risky behaviors.  
  • Have the faith of our father Abraham in Romans 4:11-25.  

A sampling of Pastor Jed’s Mother’s Day Service

The Power of the Resurrection

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Pastor Jed shared this message a few weeks after Easter (sorry it’s taken me so long to get things up-to-date…I’m trying!) about the power of the resurrection of Christ. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Jed’s study notes with links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures.

The Power of the Resurrection

  • Romans 10:9-10 – believing and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead is essential to our salvation.  
  • Acts 2:23-24 “God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.”  
  • Acts 2:31-33 – JC was raised to life and exalted to the right hand of God. He received the promise of the HS and poured the HS out on us.  
  • The POWER of God (Holy Spirit) raised Christ from the dead. 
    • Romans 8:10-11  “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.  
  • Ephesians 1:19-23 – Paul’s prayer – that we may know Him better including His power. 
    • KJV and ASV – the exceeding greatness of His power. 
    • NIV – His incomparably great power to us who believe. 
    • GOOD NEWS – how very great is his power. 
    • New Living Translation – incredible greatness of God’s power. 
    • AMP – “what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe.”  
  • Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know you and the power of your resurrection.”  
  • The resurrection of Jesus Christ from sin, the curse, and death was God’s single greatest display of His power. This is the power that is now working IN US! 
  • This is this same resurrection power that works in us day by day:
  • I Corinthians 15:3-8, 12-22 – speaks of the futility of our faith if Christ was not resurrected from the death. See also verses 35-55 – Our eventual resurrection from the dead totally, with a glorified resurrection body. See verses 49 and 56.

Getting Real About Repentance

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Pastor Alan took a Sunday to address the concept of repentance, to help explain what true repentance is and why it is so important to us as Christians. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes I took during his message, with links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures referenced. Praying this is a blessing to you!

Repentance

  • Biblical repentance means to turn from something (sin) and to Someone (Christ).
    • Daily self-examination is required.
  • Repentance is NOT:
    1. “I got caught & I’m sorry [for getting caught].”
    2. Just an outward “cleaning up” of behavior by your own self-discipline.
    3. “Good” outweighing “bad.”
    4. “Keeping up appearances.”
      • Two great tests to see what’s in your heart:
        1. Play around with God & see what comes out of your heart.
        2. Drive on the highway in Austin, TX. 🤭😁
  • Four Things Involved in Repentance (Mark 8:31-38)
    1. Surrender
      • He must be in charge.
      • Ask yourself, “What do I love more than Jesus that I’m not letting go of?”
      • Hebrews 12:1
    2. Sacrifice
    3. Separation
      • Separation from sin & from this world
      • Ephesians 4:17-32
      • Ask yourself, “Do you care more about what others think about you or what God thinks about you?”
    4. Seriousness
      • Ask yourself, “As a Christian, how are you doing laying aside the things of this world, taking up your cross, and following Christ?”
      • Not in comparison to others, but in light of the holiness of God.
      • Romans 6:23
      • Luke 18:9-14

The Holy Spirit Series

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Good afternoon! Pastor Jed just finished up a wonderful series on the Holy Spirit. All six of the messages are included in this post. To listen to a message, simply click play on the audio player for that part of the series. Also included are Pastor Jed’s study sheets (although, due to a minor clerical error, I didn’t have a sheet for part 2 – I did my best to get the verses Jed referenced and other important info down for you), as well as links to Bible Gateway for Scriptures he references. Praying you are blessed!

The Holy Spirit, pt. 1 – The Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible

Review: Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 4:4-7    

The history of the Person, role, and work of the Holy Spirit (HS) in God’s plan is revealed throughout the Bible, from Genesis 1:1-2 where the HS was at the very beginning as the “active agent” of creation to Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’”  In between, the HS is noted EVERYWHERE in the Bible.  

Matthew 28:18-20 and Matthew 3:16-17 are two accounts that show the Trinity.  

  • God is the Triune God, the “Trinity” who is revealed and seen throughout the Bible. There are three Persons of the “Godhead”: 3 in 1 and 1 in 3. A mystery!  
  • Not “separate” or “many” gods but One God Who is comprised of 3 equal, different Persons who have different roles and different levels of authority, but are all the same Lord. All are Life, Light, and Love. All are God! 
  • All 3 Persons of the Trinity are spiritual beings (Jesus became a man and now has a glorified body). II Corinthians 3:17-18 
  • All 3 are eternal, worthy, holy, loving, omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere).  
  • The Father is Spirit and is the One in authority, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Director and Administrator Who sits on the throne of heaven.  
  • Jesus is the Son existed at the beginning as a spiritual being who became took on the form of man, was crucified as our sin-bearer, and is now the risen, glorified, and exalted Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Forgiver and Shepherd.  
  • A gift to us from the Father and the Son, the HS indwells us and gives us grace, power, and guidance to live the Christian life. He is the active agent of God in our lives but is often ignored or relegated to the “back burner.”  

The Holy Spirit, pt. 2 – The Power of the Holy Spirit

To watch the video of Mr. Rogers’ testimony before the Senate Subcommittee hearing, click here.

  • The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, and the Father spoke – the Triune God (Matthew 3:13-17).
  • All three persons of the Trinity are:
    • eternal
    • worthy
    • holy
    • omnipotent (all-powerful)
    • omniscient (all-knowing)
    • omnipresent (everywhere all at once)
  • The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a “thing.” He is the “work horse” who is the Creator. The HS has the Executive function in the Trinity, i.e., He executes (conducts or carries out) the will and works of God. Like the Father and the Son, the HS wants to be known/wants you to know Him, that is, having a daily, intimate, experiential knowledge of the HS versus just knowing about Him. 
  • Matthew 9:17 – Wine in the Bible is a type or symbol of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When Jesus says you can’t pour new wine into old wineskins, He is explaining why the HS could not be poured into people in the OT: because of man’s sin and unrighteousness. A new wineskin must be created (a born-again, worthy vessel) first before it can be filled with the fine wine of the Spirit.
    • Believers are now that new wineskin, that tabernacle, that temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) of the Holy Spirit.
  • Other symbols of the person and the work of the HS in the OT:
    • oil
    • water
    • fire
    • wind
    • clouds
  • The Holy Spirit played a vital role in the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:35).
  • The Holy Spirit led Jesus out to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
  • Luke 4:16-21: Jesus’ public ministry began with a declaration that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him.
  • If it was important for Jesus to have the Holy Spirit while He ministered on earth, how much more important is it for us to have, know, walk with, be led and guided by the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit, pt. 3 – The Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel

The 4 Gospels are full of the Holy Spirit (HS). However, there seems to be more of a concentration of Jesus’s words regarding the HS in the Gospel of John.  

John 3:5-8 – Being born of the Spirit: Spirit gives birth to spirit (spiritual rebirth). 

John 3:34 – The Father gave the Spirit to Jesus without measure, without limit.                                                                                   

John 4:23-24 – Woman at the well – “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, God is spirit, his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”                                                                          

John 6:63, 68 – The Spirit gives life; God’s word is full of the Spirit and life.  

John 7:37-39 – An open invitation to receive the HS (drink freely)                

John 14:15-18 – Jesus asked the Father to give us this gift of the HS. He is the: (a) Paraclete (one called alongside to help), (b) Advocate (def.: one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal, one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group, one who pleads the cause of another). (c) The Spirit of Truth and (d) will be with you and in you. Keeps the presence of Jesus in our lives.  

John 14:25-27 – The Father sent this Advocate in Jesus’ Name. The HS will (a) teach us all things, (b) remind us of the God’s Word, and (c) bring peace (Galatians 5:22 – the fruit of the spirit is peace).   

John 15:26-27 – The HS actually goes out (proceeds forth) from the Father. He will testify of Jesus Christ and helps us to testify of the Lord. Acts 4:27-31, II Tim 1:7  

John 16:7-10 – Jesus had to return to the Father so that the HS could be sent to us. The HS will convict or prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. 

John 16:13-15 – The Spirit of Truth (a) comes to guide us into all the truth. (b) He only will speak only what he hears the Father and Jesus speaking. “The Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (c) The Spirit always agrees with the Father, the Son and the Word of God. He will never do anything contrary to God or His Word. “He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” and (d) will tell you what is yet to come.

The Holy Spirit, pt. 4 – The Holy Spirit in Acts

John 16:7-10 Jesus had to return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit (HS) could be sent to us. The HS convicts (or proves) the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. AND 16:13-15. The Spirit of Truth comes to guide us into all the truth. He only will speak only what he hears the Father and Jesus speaking. The Spirit always agrees with the Father, the Son, and the Word of God. He will never do anything contrary to God or His Word. The HS will tell you what is yet to come.                

Luke 24:45-49 Jesus stated that he was going to send what the Father has promised. Wait for Him. When He comes, He will “clothe” with power from on high. The word power in the Greek “dunamis,” like the English word dynamite.  

Acts 1:6-9 Jesus did not answer the disciples’ question. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

Acts 2:1-4 The day of Pentecost when the HS was poured out as never before. THIS was bringing the presence and the kingdom of God to the earth.  

Acts 2:14-21 Peter filled with the HS (same man who denied Jesus X3) preached to them, quoting from the book of Joel. Then he cited the HS in verse 33. The HS testified through them to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Acts of the Apostles? No! This book is an account of the Acts of the HS through the Apostles.  

“We don’t need the HS. He came to give birth to the church and help establish it.”  

  • The Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
  • Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5 
  • The HS is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

“You are focusing too much on the Holy Spirit.” No! In church history. He has largely been ignored and underutilized. We need Him now more than ever! 

The Holy Spirit, p. 5 – Essential Points

  1. The Holy Spirit (HS) is God’s seal of ownership in our lives.  

The fact that the HS lives in us (1) makes us “sanctified” which refers to the process by which believers are “set apart” by God for His holy purposes. Romans 15:16; I Peter 1:2; Romans 1:2-4. (2)  is God’s seal of ownership of believers and a guarantee of what is to come. II Corinthians 1:22; II Corinthians 5:4-5. (3) is the sign of and testifies to the fact that we have been adopted by God into sonship. By the HS, we can now relate to God as our Father. Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7.  

  1. He is the POWER of God to witness to and live our lives for Christ.  

Luke 24:45-49 and Acts 1:7-9. The Greek word for power is “dunamis which means ability, power,  and strength; it also means inherent, miraculous, or moral power.  Zechariah 4:6; II Timothy 1:7; Romans 15:13; I John 4:4.  Power to:  

  • Truly live the abundant life in Jesus Christ. John 10:10 
  • To overcome sin and to successfully live the Christian life. Romans 8  
  • To live in victory above sin (Romans 8), the world, the flesh, the devil, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the (boastful) pride of life. I John 2:16  
  • Help us be witnesses and to testify of Jesus Christ and the Father God.  

John 4:23-24, 15:26-27, 16:13-15; I Corinthians 12:3; I John 4:2-3.  

  • To experience God’s resurrection power in our mortal bodies. Romans 8:11 
  1. The HS helps us to know the Father and the Son. HS gives us wisdom and knowledge through the Word and by direct leading and guidance.  

Ephesians 1:17 – “to know Him better.” The Holy Spirit allows us to intimately know the Father and the Son. Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-11. The HS is the Spirit of Truth. John 14:16; 26, 16:13-15. He receives from the Father and the Son what He is to make known to us, revealing God’s ways, things, and thoughts so we can know/understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:6-16.

The Holy Spirit, pt. 6 – The Holy Spirit in Us

The Holy Spirit now LIVES WITH and IN US! Like JC, the HS has come to forever make his home in us as His tabernacle or temple, that is a place of habitation (where someone lives). John 14:16-18  V. 17  “But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” 

  • Jesus dwells in each of us individually by the HS.  

I Corinthians 6:18-20  – “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God.” See Romans 8:11; II Corinthians 4:7; I Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 2:20, I John 4:4. 

CONSIDER HOW YOU WOULD TREAT A PERSON WITH YOU! 

The HS is God’s seal of ownership in our lives. We are “sanctified” by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16, I Peter 1:2.  He is called “the Spirit of Holiness.” Romans 1:2-4. Sanctification is the process by which believers are set apart for a holy purpose. It is a position before God as well as a growth process.   

II Corinthians 1:22 “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”                                                 

II Corinthians 5:4-5 “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”                                                                                   

Go one step further: The HS guarantees our position before God: we are the children of God. II Corinthians 6:18. This status comes with privileges. I John 3:1-2; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:4-7. 

Advent Series

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Hi all! I know it would have been much more timely to post these during Advent, but maybe I’ll be more on the ball next year (God willing!). Until then, here is Pastor Jed’s lovely series on Advent. He brought us five messages, one for each of the candles (including the Christ candle) in the Advent wreath. Praying you enjoy and maybe even re-listen to them for Advent next year.

INTRODUCTION:  

Advent is a Christian tradition of observance, expectation, and hope which is celebrated 4 weeks prior to Christmas. It has been a part of the public worship of many Christian denominations for centuries. “Advent” means “arrival” (Latin) or “coming” and it prompts us to pause each day in December and remember why Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago.  

The observance of Advent dates back to the 4th–5th centuries. Early Advent wasn’t about celebrating the birth of Jesus. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the season focused almost entirely on preparing for Christ’s Second Coming and “final judgment” through a period of prayer and fasting. The season was marked by a penitential attitude, in contrast to contemporary expressions of cheer. Advent’s connection to the Nativity only emerged centuries later during the Middle Ages in Christian communities in Western Europe when varying regional differences converged into a standard tradition, which is more closely linked Advent to the Christmas story. Today, Advent is observed as part of the both the religious and the secular holiday calendar. Modern-day Advent is often celebrated with families in the home or in church (my Catholicism). 

Modern day traditions vary by country, but common ways of commemorating Jesus’ birth are through Advent calendars (often mass-marketed), wreaths, and candles. Today, the advent wreath and candles provide beautiful symbolism for each week of advent as we wait for Christmas to arrive. 

The Advent Wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839. A Lutheran minister working at a mission for children created a wreath out of the wheel of a cart. Later it evolved into a wreath of evergreens symbolizing everlasting life in the midst of winter and death as the evergreen is continuously green. Evergreens also symbolize eternal life and God’s unending love. 

Advent Candles. Each of the four Sundays before Christmas, a new candle is lit; typically three purple and one rose (though colors may vary). Each symbolizes a different aspect of Advent; sometimes a fifth white candle, the Christ candle, is added and lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The candles are associated with spiritual virtues like hope, peace, and joy, traditions established by Lutherans in 19th-century Germany. 4 candles = 4 Gospels. 

Candles are often nestled in the evergreen wreath. The light of the flickering candle flames reminds us who Jesus is: He came as the Light of the World.  John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Verse 9 says, “The light that gave true light to the world was coming into the world.”  

There is also an element of Advent that is linked to the Second Coming of Christ. Early forms of observance—especially in Gaul and parts of Spain—focused on both the Incarnation (or birth of Christ) and the Second Coming of Christ.  It also helps us to give attention, observance, expectation, and hope for His 2nd Coming.

Advent, week one: Hope

On the first week of Advent, as we light the Hope Candle, also known as the “Prophecy Candle” or the “Prophet’s Candle.” This candle symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the coming Messiah, promised throughout the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophets, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. We are reminded to prepare our hearts for the foretold birth of Jesus, and now for the Second Coming of Christ. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting.

READINGS:

  • Genesis 3:14-15 
  • Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting will call him Immanuel.” 
  • Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”  
  • Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” 
  • Isaiah 40:3-5 
  • John 1:1-18

Advent, week two: Peace

On the 2nd week of Advent, we light (a) the Peace Candle which symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and the world. (b) aka the Bethlehem Candle. Micah 5:2 foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (the birthplace of King David). This candle reminds us of the preparations made in Bethlehem for the arrival of the Savior, as well as the humble and quiet circumstances of His birth. The purple candle symbolizes preparation for the coming King. 

READINGS:

Advent, week three: Joy

Today we light the Joy Candle (aka the Shepherd’s Candle) which reminds us of the joy that filled the shepherds’ hearts when the angels announced Jesus’s birth, declaring “good news of great joy for all people.” This candle is often pink or rose which signifies joy. The shift from purple to a pink candler symbolizes a shift from the somberness of repentance to the joyfulness and rejoicing of the coming Savior.  

The world’s definition of “Joy” is (1) an emotion or feeling of great happiness or pleasure (delight) or a state of great happiness, euphoria, or bliss. (b) the expression or exhibition of this emotion/feeling.  

True Joy is a quality of the character of God. It is a part of Who He is – He is Joy! True joy comes from God to us. Jesus was often joyful (Luke 10:21) and Joy motivated Jesus to endure the cross (Hebrews 12:1-2).  

John 15:9-11. The Lord freely offers us His joy. See Psalm 94:19, 16:7-11. 

Biblical Joy goes deeper than and transcends happiness or other feelings which are rooted in external circumstances. Joy is a deeper sense of pleasure, contentment, fulfillment, and peace that is rooted in our relationship with God and in knowing God (John 17:3). It is based on Who Jesus is rather than who we are or what is happening around us.  

Joy is a “fruit” of the spirit by the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). It comes by abiding in the presence of God (Psalm 16: 11), hoping in His Word, and is sustained by trust in God’s promises and the work that He accomplishes in us. Joy involves a choice to respond to life’s challenges with this “force” of joy within us which is greater than the world and its circumstances.  See Habakkuk 3:17-18, I Peter 1:8, James 1:2-3. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10  

Final Blessing: Psalm 30:11-12 and Romans 15:13

Advent, week four: Love

John 3:16-17. God’s motivation for our salvation and redemption is His LOVE. See also Romans 5:8.  

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the Love Candle. Christmas is ultimately a celebration of God’s love for each of us which God demonstrated in sending His Son to the world to accomplish the work of redemption and salvation. Advent is a time to reflect on and be grateful for His great, unconditional, and sacrificial love.  

The scriptures teach us that God is Spirit (John 4:24), God is Life (John 14:6, 17:3, I John 5:11), God is Light (I John 1:5), and God is Love (I John 4:8, 16). We have His love because He Who is Love has given Himself to us.  

The book of Psalms repeatedly describes God’s love as great, unfailing, wonderful, priceless, better than life, enduring (endures forever), everlasting, often coupled with faithfulness. Psalm 103: 11-13; Psalm 136.

4 Types of Love: Eros, Storge, Phileo, and Agape (which is God’s love)   

We as Christians are called to (a) Love God. Matthew 22:37–38 and (b) Love others. Matthew 22:39 and John 13:34.  

What does love “look” like? Love is described in I Corinthians 13 and summed up in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 

1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.” Love is more than a feeling. It is an action word:  Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, Love your wives.”  Love your children. Love your family. Love your neighbor. Love the people in the world.  

Romans 5:5 – “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”   

Blessing: Lamentations 3: 19-23

Advent, week five: Jesus Christ, the Glory of the Lord

Isaiah 9: 6-7 

Through Advent, we lit four candles which represent the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of Christmas. On Christmas Eve (traditionally Christmas), we lit the Christ Candle, the 5th candle which is typically white and sits in the center of the Advent wreath. This candle represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. It also represents His Light and Purity. The Christ Candle reminds us that all the hope, peace, joy, and love symbolized by the other Advent candles are embodied in and find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. 

Who is Jesus Christ?  

John 1:1-5 – He WAS God, was present at the time of creation (see Colossians 1:16, and He was life and light and offered His life and light to us.  

John 1:14, 18 – When He became incarnate, He became the Son of God and the Son of Man.  

A name is often given to express who that person is and what that person does. (a) “Jesus” – Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua meaning “Jehovah Saves” or “Jehovah is Salvation” (Matthew 1:21). (b) The Messiah (Hebrew) and the Christ (Greek) which mean “Anointed One.” (c) Immanuel which means “God with us.”  

I John 4:17 – “in this world we are like Him.”  He is often pictured as He WAS in the Gospels. We need to be more concerned with Who He IS…NOW!  

Revelation 1: 9-17    

Other scriptures that describe Who He IS: Ephesians 1: 10, 17-22; Ephesians 4:14-19; Philippians 2:5-11; and Colossians 1:15-20, 2:2-3, 2:9-10, 3:1-4. Notice how often the word “fullness” is used.

Follow Me to Thanksgiving

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Here we go again with me trying to get caught up. Now that the holidays and all their busy-ness have passed, I’m going to try to do just that. Pastor Jed finished his series called “Follow Me” before Thanksgiving. The last two messages are below. He followed that with a message about Thanksgiving. And I’ll be posting his wonderful Advent series as soon as I can. Thank you for your longsuffering with my delays in posting.

Follow Me, pt. 4

Review:

  • Three aspects of Following the Lord are:
    • (1) Know Him
    • (2) Learn from Him
    • (3) Behave and become like Him.  
  • John 17:3 –Eternal Life is knowing the Father and Jesus. He wants to be known and wants to know us!  and allowing Him to know us.   
  • John 1:18 – Jesus came to make the Father known  
  • Philippians 3:7-10 –Paul’s core motivation was to know Jesus   
  • John 14:15-17 – we know the Holy Spirit because He lives with us and in us 
  • TODAY: As we get to know Him, we LEARN FROM HIM. 
  • Matthew 11:28-30   “Take my ‘yoke’ upon you and learn from Me.” The Holy Spirit is the “Yoke.”  He is the main subject in the accounts in John 3 and John 4.  
  • Consider these two examples: Nicodemus in John 3 and the Samaritan woman in John 4.  
  • John 3:1-10; 14-18 – “You are Israel’s teacher.” V. 10. In 21 verses, the entire plan of God for man’s redemption is revealed.  
  • John 4:4-26, 28, 39-42 – The Samaritan Woman at the Well   
    • Differences between the two: 
      • Nicodemus
      • Woman at the Well  
    • Who had the more profound encounter with Jesus? 

Follow Me, pt. 5

Review of this series to date:

  • Three aspects of Following the Lord:
    • (1) Knowing Him
    • (2) Learning from Him
    • (3) Becoming and acting like Him.  
  • John 17:3 –Eternal Life is knowing the Father and Jesus Christ.  
  • Teaching – John 3 (Nicodemus – “You are Israel’s teacher“) and John 4 (Samaritan Woman at the well had a more direct, personal and transformative interaction with Jesus). 
  • Matthew 11:28-30 – the Yoke is the Holy Spirit 
  • He teaches us through His Holy Spirit  
    • Differences between John 3 and 4.
      • One similarity is the Spirit – John 3 (“Born again of water and the Spirit”) and John 4 Woman at the Well – (“God is Spirit” and we must “worship Him in Spirit and in truth”).   
    • The Holy Spirit (HS) is a Person, one of the Trinity, and He and His role is throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. HS is at work in the Old Testament, the Gospels (the ministry of Jesus), the Book of Acts, and the Epistles (Paul and John). He is also the active agent in the life of a Christian believer.  
      • John 14:15-18 – we know the HS because He lives with us and in us. 
      • John 14:25-26 – The Father sent the HS in Jesus’ Name and He will teach us. 
      • John 15:26-27 – The HS is the Spirit of truth, and He will testify of Jesus.  
      • John 16:13-15 – The HS receives from Jesus and makes it known to us. 
      • 1 John 2:27 – the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit

Thanksgiving As Worship

  • To “Give Thanks” means to express gratitude or appreciation towards someone or for something. This expression can be done verbally, through actions, or even symbolically like through prayer or writing (like thank you cards or texts). Giving thanks often implies a sense of humility and acknowledgement of the efforts or help received from others.  
  • Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:15-17  
  • When we give thanks to God, it is more than a polite exercise. Giving thanks to God acknowledges Him as our Source for everything and that HE is the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).  
  • In essence, giving thanks is an ________________________________. 
  • The Bible often talks about “I will thank you.” “I give thanks.” “I come with thanksgiving.” “I offer thanksgiving.”  Giving thanks is an act __________________ to worship Him.  It is something that we must ______!  (See Psalm 17:7, 28:7, 30:12, 35:18, 95:2, 100:4, 118:28, 132:1-3) 
  • 1 Cor. 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Of course, this does not include the things of sin, the flesh, the world, or temptations of the devil.  
  • 1 Thess. 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”