Tag: Jesus

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.

My Times Are in His Hands

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Jed steeped in the last Sunday of June to bring us a message about time entitled, “My Times Are in His Hands.” To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Jed’s study notes with links to BibleGateway for Scriptures referenced. Enjoy!

Psalm 31:14-15 

In public speaking, the resource of TIME is often badly mismanaged. The 80-20 Principle – using your time wisely through pacing. In general, our lives are focused on time, are measured and experienced through the passage of time, are bound or constrained by time, and how we use or waste our time.  

God instituted the existence of time at creation but He Himself does not exist in time and is not bound or governed by time. He is greater than time and exists outside of time. All human history lies before God as if in the eternal present. He is Yahweh/Jehovah, the great I AM. The “I was and is and is to come” (Rev. 1:8). 

II Peter 3:8-9 “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”  However, God has appointed times for creation (including you and me) and its history. He has appointed times for His plans and purposes: Acts 1:6-7, II Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2-3 for people in the Bible, including Jesus (John 2:4, 17:1).  

______________________________________________________________________________ 

  1. Commit your times to the Lord.  Psalm 31:14-15. Dedicate and donate your time to the Lord. The word “times” is plural – refers to people, circumstances, events, changes, lessons, triumphs, periods of testing, etc. Every aspect of our lives at every moment is in His Hands. Psalm 62:8.  
  1. Invest your time. It is a gift from God to use wisely. Do not waste it by “burying” it in the ground (Matt. 25:14-30). Consider “tithing” your time.  

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 

  1. Be wise with your time. Ecclesiastes  3:1-8  “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity heaven.”  Limit time on your cell phone and other potentially idle activities. See Romans 13:11-12, Amos 5:13, and Matthew 16:3. Learn time appreciation and time management.

And the first Sunday in July is when we are blessed to join with other churches in Ouray County for Sunday in the Park in Ridgway. This year was a beautiful time of seeing God’s hand of love, protection, and provision over our little county which is currently facing the Gold Mountain Fire. We were truly blessed with relatively smoke-free skies and wonderful worship and fellowship with other believers, as well as a fantastic message from David Brickner, Executive Director of Jews for Jesus.

Here are a few pictures I actually remembered to take that morning! 😁

Thank you to Ridgway Chrisitan Church, Ouray Christian Fellowship, Ridgway Mountain View Fellowship Church, and Josh Young & The Valley Collective for such a special time.

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.

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.

The Importance of the Resurrection

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Happy Resurrection Day! Pastor Alan is back and brought us a fabulous message about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To listen to this message, simply click on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes I took during the message, so I hope they help. Praying this message is a blessing to you on this beautiful Easter Sunday.

The Importance of the Resurrection

He is risen, indeed!

  • 1 Corinthians 15:14
  • Matthew 28:1-10
  • Mark 16
  • John 14:6, 11:25
  • The Resurrection is Incomparable
    • 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
    • The Resurrection is incomparable:
      • because of the person of Jesus Christ
      • because it is the most important message that can ever be proclaimed
      • because of the devotion it demands
      • because of the level of wonder it inspires (John 20:4-8)
      • because of the lives it changes (Acts 17:6)
    • The tomb is empty so you don’t have to be
  • The Resurrection is Indispensable
    • 1 Corinthians 15:13-19
    • The Resurrection is indispensable because:
      • without the resurrection, there is no forgiveness of sins
      • without the resurrection, there is no power of preaching
      • without the resurrection, we lose the assurance that those believers who’ve already perished are with Christ
      • without the resurrection, the inescapable (bodily decay and death) is hopeless
    • Romans 10:9-10
  • The Resurrection Gives Us an Imperative
    • We are to tell others about Christ and His resurrection
    • Hebrews 12:1-3
      • Life isn’t a sprint; it is a day-by-day marathon.

Covenant Names of God Series

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Pastor Jed has taken us through a terrific series looking at the names of God. Each of the messages can be found below with the audio and Jed’s study sheets. I’ve also included links to Scripture that Jed references on his study sheets. Those links will take you to the corresponding verse(s) at Bible Gateway. Praying this series blesses you as much as it has blessed us here in Colona.

Covenant Names of God, pt. 1

Hebrews 11:3, Hebrews 1:3. He sustains all things by his powerful word. See also Philippians 2 – The Name of “Jesus.” 

A name “identifies” someone; it carries significance. meaning, and history. A name reflects personal identity, familial connections, and cultural heritage. Parents often choose their children’s names for their meanings. God chose names in the OT: Adam, Eve, Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Isaac. Also, the Names/titles of Jesus.  

Why does God have so many names? It is His means of revelation: revealing Himself, His character, His attributes, His will, His works, etc. so that we might know Him, acknowledge Him, and worship Him. His names reflect God’s relationship with humanity. His names are a PLEDGE of Himself to humanity! 

Genesis 1:1 – El – Hebrew for “God” which occurs over 248 times in the OT. El is the root word for Elohim which is the very first name/title of God in the Bible. It  describes God’s greatness and glory and reveals His power and authority. The second part “ohim” points to His creativity/creative power. Shown in Genesis 1-3.  

He is the God who makes covenants with those He has created. A covenant involves a binding agreement between two persons. God spoke His covenants.  

  1. Genesis 5: 23-24, 27 – Methuselah means “Man of the dart” or “His death shall mean judgment.” He lived for 969 years and then came the flood, God’s judgment upon mankind. After the flood, the rainbow was a promise of His covenant with Noah to never destroy the earth again with water.  
  1. Genesis 13:14-17 – Elohim made a covenant with Abraham. Psalm 105:8-10  
  1. Isaiah 42: 1-2, 6-7 – The New and Better Covenant through Jesus Christ. Elohim made this covenant with all humanity through His Son who was also a perfect man. Jesus is the Mediator of this new covenant. Hebrews 8:6 and 9:15. It was a covenant sealed with blood, with His life. Last Supper: “This is the cup of the New Covenant in my blood.” (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20 and I Corinthians 11:25).  

Other references: Psalm 91:2-4, Jeremiah 32: 38-40, I Kings 8:23, Psalm 57:1-3 

Covenant Names of God, pt. 2

God has many Names. This is one of the ways that God REVEALS Himself, His character, attributes, will, works, etc. so that we might know Him more fully. His names are also a PLEDGE and a PROMISE of Himself to humankind.  

El – is Hebrew for “God, the One True God of Israel.” 

Elohim – Sovereign, Mighty Creator, Covenant Maker Genesis 1:1

Elohe-Israel – The Personal God of Israel Genesis 32:28

Elohay – The LORD MY God Isaiah 43:1-3a

Eloheenu – The LORD OUR God Exodus 33:13

Elyon  – The LORD Most High  Psalm 47:2 

EL SHADDAI – the All Sufficient One. Derived from (a) field which produces crops in abundance. (b) breast, i.e., the Many-breasted One meaning abundant provision, nourishment, and productiveness. God shows His all-sufficiency by turning nature around and providing miracles that are contrary to natural events.   

ADONAI – The Master, Owner, LORD who owns His people, His servants, and protects, provides for, and directs them. This name signifies ownership and reflects our responsibilities to Him as His servants who are owned by God. We must allow Him the room to control our lives, and we then submit to, obey, and serve Him.   

Exodus 21:1-6 – a “bond servant,” a freely voluntary servant for life. Adonai is the God who totally owns His people and whose servants have chosen to serve Him because they love Him. He protects, provides for and directs them. Beautiful illustration of the Father-Son relationship between God the Father and the Son.  

Philippians 2: 6-8. Consider Jesus’ struggle in the garden of Gethsemane. 

Romans 10:9-10 – Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer but must also be our Adonai. Other scriptures related to Adonai: Psalm 123:1-2; John 13:13-16; I Corinthians 3:5-6; Colossians 1:24-25; Matthew 10:38; and Luke 9:23-24.

Covenant Names of God, pt. 3

Exodus 3:10-15   Yahweh (Hebrew) which was the common form of the name of God used by the Jews. Verse 14 – Derived from the Hebrew chavah which means to live, to be, or being. Translated “I AM THAT I AM,” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” This name brings Him forth (a) in the present tense, the God of the Now, and (b) in a personal way: Who He is – the One True God who is self-existent, unchangeable (James 1:17, Psalm 102:27), and eternal. He is the intimate God Who is ever revealing Himself through His Names, Word, and Spirit. 

Jehovah is the Latin derivation of the Hebrew name Yahweh which precedes other Names of God that reveal His role. I AM eternally exists to be our ____________.   

  • Jehovah Rapha/Rophe – I AM the LORD your HEALER.                

Exodus 15:26  – Revealed Himself as Jehovah Rapha and Numbers 21:4-8 – the snake on the standard is a symbol of Jesus on the cross because He became a curse for us. This Name finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. See Acts 10:38; Isaiah 53:4-5; Galatians 3:13-14.  

  • Jehovah Shalom – I AM the LORD your PEACE. I am your Peace.  

Judges 6:22-24  –  Revealed Himself as Peace is a Person and He is Peace. He is called the God of Peace as seen in Romans 15:13, 33; 16:20; II Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Thessalonians 3:16; and Hebrews 13:20). He is Peace, He gives us peace (John 14:27), and He gave Jesus to be our peace with God (Romans 5:1) and our peace with one another (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17).   

  • Jehovah Tsidkenu  –   I AM the LORD your RIGHTEOUSNESS.            

Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16 – Revealed Himself as Jehovah Tsidkenu.  

Romans 3:10-18, 21-24 – We are all unrighteous and fall short of the glory of God. We cannot earn His righteousness through ourselves or our own good works. Jehovah Tsidkenu made it possible for us to be righteous in His sight through faith in Christ Jesus (See also Matthew 6:33; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21).

Covenant Names of God, pt. 4

John 3:16 – Imagine Yahweh/Jehovah, the Great “I AM THAT I AM” had a One and Only Beloved Son and that He freely gave His Son to us and for us. John 3:16 and Matthew 3:17  

Colossians 1:15-20 and Ephesians 1:19-23 describe this Son in His fullness, His glory, His power, His position of authority – all of Who He is and what He has. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” and “raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”  

Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” 

John 1:14, 16 – The Great I am Jehovah summed up everything that He that He has revealed through His many Covenant Names and put Himself in the “package” or form of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Name “Jesus Christ” itself embodies and encompasses the entire scope, significance, and power of God’s Names.  

Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which mean “Jehovah is Salvation” or “Jehovah Saves.” Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean “Anointed One.” In John 18: 1-3, Jesus declared “I AM” – Yahweh/Jehovah. 

Seven times Jesus said “I AM” in the New Testament: 

  • John 6:35 – “I am the Bread of Life.”   
  • John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the World.”  
  • John 10:7 – “I am the Gate for the Sheep.”  
  • John 10:14 – “I am the Good Shepherd.”  
  • John 10:25 – “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”  
  • John 14:6 – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  
  • John 15:7 – “I am the True Vine.”  

Covenant Names of God, pt. 5

Jesus Christ is the Name that is above every name in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Matthew 28:18).    The Name of Jesus is a “covenant name.” i.e., “Jehovah is Salvation.”  

Acts 2:33-39 and Acts 4:12 – The Greek noun for salvation is sozo.

His Name encompasses and sums up every Covenant Name of God and includes salvation from everything that sin plagued us and provides love, grace, mercy, promise, health, power, authority, dominion over the devil, etc.  

II Peter 1:2-4 – Reassures the believer that they are not missing anything essential for living a life that pleases God. As a part of our inheritance in Christ, the Father has given us access to and use of His Name: Jesus Christ.  

The Name of Jesus Christ:  

Covenant Names of God, pt. 6

  • John 1:18 – Jesus Christ was Himself God, was at God’s side, and is in closest relationship with the Father.   
  • John 10:30, 38 – He was One with the Father.  – “I and the Father are one” and “the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” 
  • John 3:16-17 – The Father gave Him to/for humanity.   
  • John 1:14 – He came from the Father.   
  • In the Gospels, Jesus introduced and spoke of Almighty God as His “Father” which was often offensive to religious Jews.  
  • Matthew 6:7-9 – He taught His disciples to pray “Our Father” and to relate to God as their Father.  
  • John 20:17 – After His death and resurrection, He said, “I am returning to my Father and your Father.”   

Jesus discusses His relationship to the Father in John 14:6-12, When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we become “born again” because God the Father gives us a second spiritual birth (John 3:3-8, II Corinthians 5:17) by His Holy Spirit. God literally becomes our “Heavenly Father”, and we become His very children (Ephesians 3:14-15; I John 3:1). Unlike many earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father is now a perfect, accessible, close, loving, kind, forgiving, trustworthy “Parent” who is intimately acquainted with us, helps us, answers our prayers and wants us to know Him. (Matthew 7:7-11, John 17:3, Eph. 1:17).  

II Corinthians 1:19-22 – The Father gives us the Holy Spirit to show His seal of ownership of us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, as a guarantee of what is to come.  

Romans 8:14-18, Galatians 4:6-7 – God sent the “Spirit of Sonship” into our hearts to dwell there. The Holy Spirit causes us to cry “Abba” to our Father which is a very tender, intimate name to address God, like “Daddy” or “Papa.” 

Covenant Names of God, pt. 7

REVIEW: John 1:18 – Part of the ministry of Jesus Christ was to make known God as our Father.  John 17:3 – Knowing the Father and the Son is eternal life. Ephesians 1: 17 – The Father has given us the Holy Spirit to know Him better.  

Who is the Father? He is the Great Elohim, El Shaddai, Adonai, Yahweh/Jehovah, the God of all creation, of heaven and earth who wants to be our spiritual “Parent” and be intimately acquainted with us, help us, answer our prayers, and wants us to know Him. In fact, His nature is LOVE and He is LOVE Himself (1 John 4:8,16).  He has poured out His own love abundantly upon us (Romans 5:5; I John 3:1-2).   

He is depicted most accurately in the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24. “But while he (the son) was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” V. 20. The Father clothed him in a robe. put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet, killed the fatted calf, and feasted and celebrated because “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”  V. 24. 

II Corinthians 1:21-22 – The Father loves us so much that in His Son Christ Jesus, “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us (“Adonai”), and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”                                                 

Romans 8:14-18 and Galatians 4:6-7 – To mark His parentage of us (i.e., His “adoption papers”), the Father poured the “Spirit of Sonship” into our hearts to dwell there. The Holy Spirit allows us to cry “Abba” to our Father which is a very tender, intimate name to address God, like “Daddy” or “Papa.”  As the children of God, we also can led by the Spirit of God (See Romans 8).   

Our Father has given us an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of God. With Jesus death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the Father, this inheritance has been enacted and passed onto us (Matthew 25:34; Acts 20:32; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 1:3-6, 13-14; Colossians 1:12-13; Hebrews 9:15; and I Peter 1:3-5).  

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.”