Sermons and Such

Many Servants - One Lord

2009-07-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 4:7 - 15 - "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 1Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."

***Effective ministry requires teamwork
Unity included diversity
Interdependence is God's design

***Effective ministry requires encouragement
Encouragement keeps you in the race
Encouragement is focused on God's grace
The quality of your encouragement is directly related to God's work in your life

***Effective ministry requires humble sacrifice
Phillipians 2:2 - 4 - "...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Sacrifice requires putting others first
Sacrifice is the key to teamwork

***Effective ministry invests in the future
Pass on your faith - Paul passed his life on to his companions
Pass on your ministry

***Every believer is significant in the plan of God

***In the kingdom of God, there are many servants, but one Lord

Every Believer a Witness in Christ

2009-07-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mel started this sermon talking about Alfred Nobel. His brother, Ludvig died in 1888, and the obituary accidently reported that it was Alfred who had died, labeling him the 'merchant of death.' He invented dynamite, and an article can be found on him here. Not wanting to be remembered in such a terrible way, he is who the Nobel Prize is named after.

Colossians 4:5 - 6 - "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

***There can be a great difference in what you think you are and how others see you

***Walk the walk (v 5)
1 Thessalonians 1:5 - "...because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake." - You become the testimony others can see

(a) Live in the wisdom of Christ - "Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you in all wisdom."
Christ is looking more for our devotion to Him than for our service to Him. There is a difference in trying to live right and having a relationship with Christ.

(b) Live in the opportunities given by Christ - Obedience to Christ is found in the timing of our response

***Talk the talk (v 6)
(a) Our speech shold be gracious - your mouth is a reflection of your heart (Matt 15:18 - "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.'")

(b) Our speech should be salty - it should make a difference - a simple word of truth can set a person free

(c) Our speech should be ready - be ready to speak a word to people that need - God's word and a spirit filled life are a powerful combination

***Is there anything in me that would obscure the vision of Christ to a watching world?

***No matter what has happened in your past, you can determine today how you will live the rest of your life

***God expects every believer to be a witness for Him

***To be in Christ will impact the way you live, what you say, and people will be drawn to you

A Call to Prayer in Christ

2009-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 4:2 - 4 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."

***How important is prayer in your life? Could you say that you are earnestly praying? Is it a priority or is it something you do if you have time?

***Prayer does not fit us for the greater work - Prayer IS the greater work (Oswald Chambers)

***God does not need us, but for some reason, He has chosen to work through His people

***Prayer is the fruit of Christ in you - to be like Christ is to be a person of prayer

***Prayer is intentional and consistent - it is a decision to invest your life in eternal things

***Prayer is from a heart of gratitude - do it with thanksgiving - do it with a grateful heart that recognizes God's work in your life

***We are called to pray with and for our spiritual leaders
Ephesians 6:18 - 20 - "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

***Leaders live in a spiritual battlefield - Satan would love to see a leader fall

***Leaders proclaim an eternal message

***Leaders are one among many members in the body of Christ

***Is Christ in you producing the fruit of prayer?

***He is calling you to pray today because He knows your tomorrow

***God is calling you to pray because He is conforming you to the image of His son

***Without prayer, a church is like a body without a spirit - it is a dead, inanimate thing. A church with prayer has God in it. Prayer is the one distinguishing mark of the house of God.

Your Family in Christ

2009-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:18 - 4:1 - "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven."

Galatians 3:27 - 28 - "..for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

***Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom from responsibility. It is a higher accountability.

***The sovereign God of the universe made you just as you are - you need to be content as you are and fulfill the role He has given you.

1 - Marriage relationship
(a) - wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting to the Lord
submit = modest cooperative demeanor that puts others first
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Mark 10:42 - 45 - "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Philippians 2:3 - 4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
(b) - husbands - love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
A husband honors the Lord by his tender and sacrificial care for his wife

2 - Parental relationship
(a) children - obey your parents in all things
(b) fathers - do not provoke children to anger

3 - Work relationships
(a) bondservants, obey your mastsers
(b) masters, give bondservants what is just and fair

***The Lord validates and blesses every person who lives their life unto Him

***In every relationship you have, be a blessing

***Are you living your life for God's glory?

***Are you living in a way that honors Him?

***Don't look for another life - this is the life God has given you.

***When you begin to try to live someone else's life, everything falls apart

***Live your life in a way so that everyone knows you believe in Jesus Christ

The Word of Christ in You

2009-06-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mel is back and it felt good to get back into the study of Colossians:

Colossians 3:16-17 : "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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."

***God wants to reveal Himself to you and has chosen the sacred text as a means to do it

***The Bible is:
**God's revelation of Himself to humankind
**a tool through which God speaks to His people today
**a record of God's interaction with human history...the supernatural is, therefore, both expected and accepted
**contains divine truths about God that is unknowable apart from revelation
**requires enlightenment of the Holy Spirit for full an accurate comprehension

**The Bible is the work of God from the beginning to the end
**Revelation - the act God uses to communicate Himself and His will to people
Hebrews 1:1-2 : "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe."
**Inspiration - the influence of the Holy Spirit upon the minds of men, which rendered them agents of God for the faultless communication of that revelation
**Illumination - the divine quickening of the human mind, allowing it to understand the truth that has been revealed and communicated

***The Peace of Christ rules where the word of God dwells

***The Word of Christ should be lived - we don't read it for information, but for transformation

***The Word of Christ has the power in and of itself to bear fruit

***Encountering God in His word changes your life - Hebrews 4:12-13 - "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

***The goal of God's word is ultimately a relationship - John 5:39-40 - "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

The God of Your Father

2009-06-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mel was back, but with this being Father's Day, he decided to deviate from Colossians and bring us a sermons about Fathers:

Exodus 3:6 - "Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God."

***God has a purpose for every life. We must, therefore, be good stewards of every life God sends our way

***As a father, does you life inspire children to follow your God?

***God pursues His people
**The God of history was in the present, ready to do a work in the next generation
**The God of history is about to do a great work in this day, in this church

***God builds upon His past activity
**Moses stepped out in faith, within the context of who God was
**We must pass our faith to the next generation...we must teach them or they can't follow
Judges 2:10 - "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.

***Let's move forward with the faith that reflectts the God of our Fathers

***Are you seeking to pass your faith on so that it doesn't die with you?

You Can Trust Him

2009-06-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mel was away again this week, so our sermon was by Lanny Loe, our Minister of Missions. As noted above, this sermon is titled, 'You Can Trust Him.'

Romans 1:17 - "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

***God is working in our lives, continually teaching us to take the next step

***It is okay not to understand; it is not okay to stop trusting

Luke 2:48 - 50: "When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them."

***When the events do not fit into our standard of good and bad, we become anxious

***When difficult days come into our lives, He has been preparing us beforehand for these tragedies

Mark 9:30-32 : "They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it."

***God knows what you are going to experience and He loves you so much that He tries to prepare you for it

John 8:25-27 : "Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied. "I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world." They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father."

John 16:12 - "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear."

***Jesus wants you to understand - He wants to reveal Himself and His ways to you

***Understanding often occurs with hindsight and the gentle remindings of the Holy Spirit

***You can know Him, but sometimes you can't always find Him

***When your understanding is clouded by tears, grief, and shock, rely on your relationship with God

***When you don't understand....trust

Are You Living Like Jesus' Disciple?

2009-06-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mel was out of town for two weekends in July, so we had the privilege of hearing two of our other pastors' preach on those Sundays. This sermon was by Bo Stevens, our Minister of Discipleship. As noted above, this sermon is titled, 'Are you living like Jesus' Disciple?'

John 13:31-38: "When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."
Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"

***The essence of being a disciple is having a desire to follow Jesus

***Jesus' call of discipleship is a call to total abandonment to Him

***Bondservant: voluntarily chosen; obedient no matter what He may ask

***Volunteer: does what suits him

***Jesus does not call us to periodic volunteerism; He calls us to be His servants daily, with nothing held back

***Do we want to follow Christ on our own terms or are we willing to be a bondservant?

John 15:12 - 14: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

***Do you actively love your brothers and sisters as God has loved you?

***The Lord does not want us to just tell the gospel....He wants the world to see Him in you and me

***The world will see the reality of the gospel as we live like disciples and love one another with a love that doesn't exist naturally in this world

Forgiveness in Christ

2009-05-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

***Are you more concerned about your rights than about your relationships?

***If you can't find and give forgiveness, you will never know love

***Love is the motivator and reward for forgiveness

***To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize the prisoner was you

***Unforgiveness will destroy you, not the other person

Mattnew 18: 21-35 -"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

***Jesus taught the lesson of unlimited forgiveness, then He lived it out before them

Mark 11:25-26 - "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

***He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass

***Forgiveness does not overlook the deed - it rises above it

***The greater the offense, the more you need to forgive

***If you focus on the person or the deed, you will not be able to forgive

***Look to Christ - He will give you the strength to forgive

***When you are unwilling to forgive, it says more about your relationship with Christ than your relationship with the person

***Whose voice are you listening to?

***Freedom to live is on the other side of forgiveness

***You won't have abundant life in Christ until you forgive everyone who has sinned against you, whether you want to or not

Loving Others in Christ

2009-05-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:12-17 - "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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."

***God's love is best expressed in the family of God

***When you think on things below, you feed your sinful nature; when you think on things above, where Christ is, you feed your soul

***Believers are chosen by God, separated unto Him and deeply loved

***You are children of God by the will of God, so start living like it!

***Put on the new life - make choices that reflect your new nature
(tender mercies..heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, love one another)

***Let the new life work in you

***Let the peace of God rule (reign, have dominion) - when the peace of God rules, we will be unified

***Let the word of Christ dwell in you and transform you

John 13:3-5 - "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

***To be confident in your salvation give you the freedom to serve

John 3:21 - "After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."

***Judas' betrayal....Jesus washed his betrayer's feet adn it troubled him...He loved even his enemy

John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

***Don't wait for someone else to serve you....look for ways to serve others

***When you begin to love, you will find that it comes back to you

***We love the people that love us

***Are you loving one another as Christ has loved you?

***Love is not just words....it is action. Love will be expressed....it must be expressed

***Love in action is the only proof we've been born into the family of God

Choosing to Live in Christ

2009-05-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:1-17 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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."

***The Christian life is more than being saved from death....it is being saved for life

***Christianity is not just about the good things we receive, but choosing to live under the Lordship of Christ

***Every believer has a daily choice to make: Die to self and live for Christ

Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

***If you don't live for Christ, self will take over in an instant and the concerns of the Father go by unnoticed and rejected

***Jesus looks for ready obedience, not reluctant submission

Colossians 3:5 - "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."

***The nature of these sins move inward - they are self-centered sins that come into our life and destroy us - they eat away at who we are

Colossians 3:6 - "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."

***Put off all these things - the nature of these sins move outward and hurt others - they are spiteful, mean and antagonizing

***What you take in shapes who you are and the life you live is a reflection of who you have become

***You can tell a self-centered person by the way they treat those around them

***What are you taking into your life?

***What is feeding your soul?

***Choosing to live for Christ is not a one time thing - it is a daily decision

Colossians 3:10-11 - "..and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

***To put off the old man and take on the new is to take your eyes off the things of earth and set your eyes on Christ

***It is the knowledge of Christ that renews your life

***No one can make you respond in anger

***Choose to be teh person God created you to be

Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

***if you want to follow Jesus, it makes more than one step....KEEP WALKING!

Hidden with Christ

2009-05-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:1-4 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

***Christianity is not just being free from sin...it is new life in the family of God

***v.1 - Believers have been raised with Christ
**Believers already belong to the world above
**Believers already have knowledge of things above
**Believers are under the rule of Christ

***v.2 - Believers are 'hidden with Christ'
**The world cannot see believers as they really exist
**The world cannot ultimately harm one hidden with Christ
**The world cannot understand the strength of one hidden with Christ

***What does it mean (for us here on earth today)?
**Do not devalue life on earth
**Do not be so heavenly focused that you are of no earthly good
**Do not be afraid to stand out

Philippians 3:12-14 - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

1 John 3:2-3 - "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure."

***Christ will increase in our lives as we are hidden in Him...dead to self...alive to Christ

***Never allow anything in your life to distract people from seeing Christ

Free in Christ - Part 2

2009-05-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:11-23 - "In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

***When you are in sin, you are dead

***Stay with Christ - He alone set you free from sin

Romans 6:22 - "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

***Are we still in bondage to sin or have we been set free by the power of Christ?

1 John 1:5-10 - "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

***If the light of God is in your life, it dispels the darkness

Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

***The kingdom of darkness is all that opposes God

***When you are walking in darkness, you cannot clearly see your spiritual life (!!)

***If you are living in a constant state of sin, you are not living in the presence of God

1 John 1:8 - "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

***We tend to dwell on the ACT of sin rather than the NATURE of sin

***The trouble is not what is coming out of you, but what is already in you

***The secular world cannot help you if sin is your problem

***Romans 3 describes what sin has done in your life...
-we lose our desire to seek God
-we cause pain because our sin hurts everyone we come in contact with
-we do not understand spiritual truth
-we turnt to that which is empty
-we lose our fear of God
-we cause pain to those around us

***We need to repent:
-confess you were wrong and sinned against God
-say you are sorry you have sinned
-ask God to forgive you for your sin
-ask God to cleanse you of your sin
-ask God to empower you to walk in the Spirit

***Is is not a choice to do right, but to make Christ your Lord

Free in Christ

2009-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:11-15 - "In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

***Every person lives by faith in what they believe to be true

***Do you believe that Jesus' life, death and resurrection is sufficient for salvation?

***The symbol of His shame has become our symbol of victory in Him

***Jesus has given us life...(v 13-"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,...")

***Jesus has cancelled our debt of sin...(v 14-"having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."

2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

***Our sin was nailed to the cross....how does that make you feel?

***Jesus disarmed evil powers...(v 15-And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.)

***When Christ forgives your sin, He frees you from the unrelenting power of sin

John 3:15-18 - "...that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

***It is not enough to 'believe'...it must be lived out in daily life

***Does Jesus Christ have absolute power in your life? If so, you can overcome anything

***Does your life reflect what you say you believe about Christ?

***Do you pray as if God answers prayer?

***Does your life demonstrate that you believe in Jesus Christ?

Alive in Christ

2009-04-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:13 - "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,"

***Satan has been good at keeping us from understanding what happened on the cross

Romans 5:6 - "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."

***Death is not primarily about our body, it is the plight of our soul

***Jesus referred to death as 'sleep' because He could bring people back to life...He used 'death' differently than we do

***Jesus came from eternity and His perspective on life and death is much different than ours

John 8:51 - "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."

John 6:35 - "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

John 5:24 - "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."

***He didn't come to save us from 'sleep,' but from 'death'.....spiritual death

***On that awful hill called Mt Calvary, we see the Savior 'sleep,' we do not see him 'DIE'!

***Christ died for the ungodly; He tasted death for all mankind

Romans 8:1-2 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

***The Christian will never die - he may 'sleep,' but will never experience eternal death

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

***Satan tries to make us feel sorrow and agony for Christ's beaten body

***Unforgiven sin keeps us from eternal life

***All the concerns of our lives are changed because of the resurrection

***The primary concern of Jesus was to secure our soul in eternity

***Physically, we're born and live until we die...we progress toward physical death; Spiritually, we're all dead until we're made alive in Christ...we progress toward spiritual life

***What is the condition of your soul? Are you dead in sin or alive in Christ? Are you moving toward death or eternal life?

Complete in Christ

2009-04-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:6-12

Colossians 2:6-12 - " So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."

Deuteronomy 10:16 -"Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer."

***Baptism is a picture of our complete salvation

Matthew 3:1-17 -"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' " John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

***Jesus was baptized to please the Father - not because he had to be - it ws an act of obedience

***He wanted to identify with the humble - those He would save

***He wanted to make a public declaration to do the Father's will

***Baptism was a foreshadow of His life, burial and resurrection

***Jesus was not primarily concerned about physical death, but about spiritual life

***All who are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life are complete in Him

Romans 6:3-11 -"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

***He could not provide our salvation unless He first assumed our position

***Thru baptism, Christ identified with us....thru baptism, we identify with Him

Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."

***When you put your faith in Christ, you are complete in Him

***Baptism doesn't save you....It is a symbol of our union with Him

***Are you right in Christ? Are you complete in Him or are you still struggling with your sin?

***In Christ you are complete - Apart from Him, you have nothing

Secure in Christ

2009-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:1-10

Colossians 2:1-10 - "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

***When you know and experience a love relationship with Jesus Christ, everything in your life is interpreted by that one reality

***How did Paul gain such a love for the Church? He met Jesus Christ and Christ loves the Church. Once he met Christ, it changed his thinking

***If you are not walking in a love relationship with God, there is a great question as to whether you are a Christian

1 John 3:14 -"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death."

1 John 4:16-21 - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

***The only real evidence that you are a child of God is that you love the people of God

***Those who are in Christ love the church and would give their lives for it

***We are interdependent in the body of Christ - we need one another

***Every child of God has a strategic place within the church

***God doesn't forgive because you ask, He forgives because you repent

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

***Do you love the church like Christ loved the church?

***The love of Christ compels us - it is the motivating factor of all we do

***Are you building up the body? Are you loving people in spite of themselves or are you one who is quick to become angry?

***If the love of Christ is in you, you will love the people of God

Serving in Christ

2009-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:24-29

Colossians 1:24-29 -"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

***To be in the presence of Jesus is to know the power of God

***The mystery of God: Christ in you, the hope of glory!

***Everyone in Christ is made perfect, ('perfect' in Hebrew means 'fulfilling a purpose'; in Greek, it means 'ideal')

***Christian perfection is found in fulfulled purpose

***Christian service is accomplished through Christ in us

***Christ does not give you skills, talent or power - He gives you Himself

1 Samuel 16-7 -"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

***The Christian life is not only about going to heaven when you die, but about dying to yourself on earth

***Is your faith based on religious activity or on a relationship with Christ?

***It is crucial to not just CALL Him Lord, but to MAKE Him Lord

***Is there any excuse for inactivity when God is in you?

***A life God can use is a life motivated by a pure heart

***Are you serving the Lord? If not, why not?

***It's not about you, it's about Christ IN you!

***He is the answer to every question you have.

The Priviledge of Suffering in Christ

2009-03-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:24

Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church"

***How do you view suffering? What perspective do you bring to life? The same instances can cause different reactions based on perspective. To those who trust in God, there is no bad luck or misfortune...only God

***Paul made a choice to willingly suffer to follow Christ

Philippians 1:27-30 -"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

Hebrews 2:9-10 -"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."

Hebrews 5:8-9 -"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"

***Not all suffering is because of sin

**Jesus did not sin, yet He suffered. He had a greater purpose

**We learn more and grow more during suffering than any other time

**You'll see a good picture of yourself while suffering

***Suffering is the source of our salvation -- someone suffered on our behalf

2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Luke 22:42-43 -""Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."

***Suffering is the strength of our salvation - true Christianity is involvement, not escapism

2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Philippians 1:29 -"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,..."

***Suffering is the sign of Christ in us - the image of Christ includes suffering

***Christ loves the Church

***What about you? Is it a joy to serve in the Church?

***Are you looking for things you can do to build up this body?

***Have you found your place of service?

***STOP WHINING - Why does serving God seem to be such a hardship?

Reconciled in Christ

2009-03-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:19-23

Colossians 1:19-23 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."

***We don't set the criteria for heaven - God does!

***Genuine faith makes a difference in our life

***He has provided all you need to be holy and blameless before God IF you continue in the faith

John 10:27 -"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"

Philippians 1:15-16 - "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel"

2 Timothy 1:12 - "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day"

1 Peter 1:3-5 -"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

***If you are a Christian, you are safe and your eternal salvation is secure

***Colossians doesn't talk about security, but perserverance

Revelation 14:12-13 - "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."

***The emphasis of perserverance in the Bible is on the price, but on the person

Hebrews 10:26-29 - "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

***Salvation makes a difference. If our salvation does not show a new lifestyle, we should not presume upon God eternal life

Matthew 7:21-23 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

***Your salvation is not a private matter. It is demonstrated in full light before a watching world

***Are you living your life on a false security?

***The blood of Jesus was not shed to get you into heaven, but to reconcile you with God

***How is your relationship with God?

Colossians 1:22 -"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"

***Christ's goal for your life is holiness

***Salvation is secured in Christ

***Are you in Christ?

The Father's Love - Through Christ

2009-02-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:12-14

Colossians 1:12-14 - "...giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

***A relationship with Christ is all we need for victorious living

***The gospel of Jesus Christ - the intersection of time and eternity where you find yourself in the presence of the resurrected Christ

***Salvation is the beginning of a new life

***Paul gives three reasons to be thankful
**The Father has qualified them to share in His inheritance
**The Father has delivered them from the power of darkness
**The Father has carried them into the kingdom of His son

***Wherever there is sin, there is the dominion of darkness

Matthew 6:21 -"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

***Your redemption ws paid for by Jesus a long time ago, but it is appropriated by you today

***We are powerless over sin until we give our life completely to Christ

***By God's mercy, He provides redemption through Jesus' blood

***Christians are not better than non-Christians. They have recognized their need and turned to God for help

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

2009-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:3-8

Colossians 1:3-8 -"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit."

***Paul does not thank the Colossians for their faith. He thanks God for their faith.

***The gospel of Jesus Christ is the source of everything good in your life.

***The gospel of Jesus Christ is the event of salvation that comes alive in each person who hears and receives it.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 - "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

1 Corinthians 2:2-5 -"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

***When you are confronted with the gospel, you are face to face with Jesus Christ.

***The gospel is carried to the world in the body of Christ: the Church.

***All that you need for godliness is found in the gospel of Christ. The only thing missing is our willingness to respond.

***What have you done with the gospel?

Faith in Christ

2009-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:1-8

Colossians 1:1-8 -"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit."

About Colossse:
Colasse was a prosperous city in the fertile Lycos Valley
Laodicea became the center of trade and commerce
Hieropolis became the center of great pleasure

***Christians have been given everything needed for a victorious life in Christ

***America is being threatened by the lure of materialism, temptation of worldly pleasure, influence of foreign religions, and false teachers who do not know Christ.

***Don't be deceived. Life is found in Christ.

Colossians 1:4 -"...4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints"

***Is there evidence of that fruit in your life?

***In a world that is complex and confusing, is your faith in Jesus Christ clearly visible? Your faith will be they key to abundant life

***God gives to us in the same measure that we are ready to receive by faith

***Your life is a reflection of your faith in Jesus Christ. Where is your faith placed?

Matthew 13:58 - "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

***Are you known for your faith in Jesus Christ?

***Victory in life is available to all in Christ

***When Christ enters your life, everything changes - for you are now 'in Christ'!

Prayer: Joining God

2009-01-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

John 5:17, 19-20; 2 Kings 6:15-18

John 5:17 - "Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

John 5:19-20 - "Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these."

***Have you learned to recognize the activity of God in your life?

***When you look at Jesus' life, He is always keenly aware of what His Father is doing

***If you don't pray, you will find yourself out of step with God and miss opportunities that might be right in front of you

***Prayer opens your eyes and hlpes you see what He is doing

2 Kings 6:15-18 -"When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, "Strike these people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked."

***There is a difference when you see things from God's perspective rather than man's. Our eyes can deceive us. When God speaks, He changes our circumstances

Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

***There is a spiritual battle in our land

***Your perspective in life is greatly influenced by your prayer life

***God is at work. Are you prepared to join Him?

Prayer: Knowing You

2009-01-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

John 17:20-26

John 17:20-26 -""My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

***You are a plant...Jesus is the living water

***Does your life look like a withered plant in need of restoration?

***Prayer is giving your life to God and receiving live from God

Luke 11:1 -"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

***Prayer is, first and foremost, a relationship with God as our Father

***If you don't know Him, how can you ask to receive from Him?

***The essence of prayer is knowing God

***"Prayer is the contact of a living soul with God." -- EM Bounds

***When Christ begins to pour Himself into you, you will know His joy

***Jehovah Shammah - 'the Lord is there.'

***You cannot know the joy of the Lord's presence until you know Him...and you cannot know Him until you learn to pray

***Jesus didn't teach his disciples to preach, but He did teach them how to pray

***Knowing how to speak to God is more important than knowing how to speak to man

John 7:38-18 - "On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

Prayer: Knowing You

2009-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 11 - 12 -

Hebrews 11 - The roll call of the faithful - they released their life so God could work through them

***The same God that spoke everything into being is the same God that speaks to us

***When we make our lives available like the men in Hebrews 11, God's will WILL be accomplished

***When God announces what He's about to do, it's as good as done

***If you are self-centered when God speaks, you have missed the experience

***You are a child of God and that gives Him the right to express Himself in your life

***God doesn't use just anyone - He uses His own

Hebrews 12 -
Hebrews 21 - 'Therefore let us run the race set out before us...'

***How should you face 2009?

***Faith = confident expectation that God will do what He says

***The key to the future is what God will do when he finds one who believes and will follow Him

Hebrews 11:5 - 'By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.'

***Without faith in 2009, there is no way you can please God

***Hebrews 12 begins with 'Therefore...' We have a choice - the saints (ordinary people) in Hebrews 11 made their choice...we need to make ours.

***NOW is our choice to decide whether to follow God.

***Don't say, "I hope everyone else responds"...YOU respond!

***Facing 2009 is a heart choice

New Life

2008-12-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

***God's love is eternal

***Why has God kept His hand on us?

John 20:21 - "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"

***The Father had a purpose for sending Jesus to earth

***The coming of Christ was very costly

***The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shows us that Jesus' death was not His will, but the Father's will

***For Jesus to do the will of the Father meant sacrifice for everyone that was dear to Him

Philippians 2:5-11 - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

***The Father sent Jesus...Jesus now sends us

Luke 18:18-30 - "A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

***The cost of discipleship cannot compare to the reward of eternal life

***There are two words that can't be said together...'No Lord.'

Hebrews 12:1-3 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

***Have you taken account of your life this year? What do you sense that God may require of you as you head into the new year?

***Satan will try to bring discouragement by telling you the cost of obedience, but he will never tell you the cost of disobedience....(LOVED THIS!)

***Can people see eternity in your eyes?

***Are those watching your life convinced that eternity is real?

***Choose today to live your life for eternity.

The Promise of Christmas

2008-12-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday morning (Dec 21), Pastor Mel preached what I believe was the best sermon on the Christmas story that I have ever heard. Following are the notes:

The Promise of Christmas
Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25 - "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel" which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. "

***God loves the impossible - That is when He does His best work!

***Verse 22 is talking about the prophet Isaiah: "Now all this took place that the prophecy (of Isaiah) would be fulfilled."

***The prophecy and its fulfillment are both from God - God spoke through Isaiah 700 years earlier.

***God always keeps His promises.

***God had a sovereign promise to fulfill through Mary.

Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's Commission - "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6-7 -

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase 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."

Luke 1:34-38 - ""How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her."

***And Mary was amazed - She'd studied the scriptures and now realized Isaiah was talking about HER! (W - O - W!!!)

***Mary's assignment is not so different from ours because God has chosen each of us for an assignment.

***God knows your name and had a sovereign plan for your life. He is bringing about circumstances that you may hear and obey Him.

***Security does not mean isolation from all pain, but it means confidence in God's purpose and will.

***As long as you remain in His hands, God can do anything in your life. He is the same God to you as He was to Mary!

***No matter what your circumstances, choose to remain in the hands of God and trust Him.

***There may be times you feel ill-equipped and all alone, but God shows up and tells you not to worry...He has a plan.

***What has been written in heaven regarding your life?

This really was an excellent sermon to me. I absolutely LOVE the way Pastor Mel brings new eyes to things I've known in my mind for years, like this Christmas story. They are certainly very sobering thoughts! While I knew Mary realized what a miracle Jesus' birth was, I had never thought about the fact that Mary had studied the scriptures herself and what it must have been like for her to realize in the moment that the angel spoke to her that SHE would be the one all this would be fulfilled through. Can you imagine what a sobering realization that must have been for her? That thought has been on my mind all week. I really just can't even imagine!

Commandment # 10 - 'Finding Contentment'

2008-12-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Following are the notes on the 10th Commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#10 - FINDING CONTENTMENT
Exodus 20:17

Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

***Everything God promised is found in putting God first. Everything God promised can be destroyed by putting 'Me' first.

***The 10th Commandment is about finding contentment.

***Self-centeredness always leads to self-pity.

*** To be content in life is not to possess good self-confidence, but to have absolute confidence in God.

***When we say we are not content, we are saying that God is not enough.

1Timothy 6:6-10 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Psalm 73:25 - "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."

***The greatness of Christianity is not simply the blessings that come, but the relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

***The 10 Commandments are given under the premise that we want to belong and that we have made a committment to God and to one another.

***When you find Jesus Christ, you will find contentment in life.

Commandment # 9 - 'The Power of Words'

2008-11-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

The week away at my mom's got me behind on my sermon notes. I've got the CD for hte 8th sermon, but haven't sat down to listen to it where I can take notes. I will do that very soon, but following are the notes from November 30's sermon regarding the ninth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#9 - THE POWER OF WORDS
Exodus 20:16

Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."

Pastor Mel started out by telling a story about a man named Alexander Papaderos. The story is too long to recount here, but I found it on the internet and if you are interested, you can go HERE to read it. It is a great answer to the question, 'What is the meaning of life?'

***Are you reflecting the light of Christ into the world in which you live?

***As we walk in this world, it sees the light of God reflected in our eyes.

***Don't give evidence that would injure the reputation of another person.

***The sin of silence is as powerful as the sin of lying lips.

***We need integrity in our words. We need to be speaking truth at all times.

***When people think of your life, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

***We build integrity by the way we live our life.

***God is truth and if we are to reflect Him to a watching world, we must be truthful in the way we live.

***Because God is truth, we can stand on His word with confidence.

***Our lives will be vindicated when we trust in God's word.

***As a Christian, our integrity is a powerful tool to a watching world.

***Our words have the power to build up or tear down.

***God is watching the way we regard others...do we build them up?

Proverbs 4:24 - "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."

Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful and above all things beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

***Sin has damaged our heart and we have a self-centered nature that wants to build ourselves up and tear others down.

***To obey this commandment, we need to control our tongue.

***If you are walking with God, you won't be shaken by hurtful words. We know the truth and keep silent knowing we will be vindicated.

***Knowing the power of words, are you willing to let someone else hold you accountable for them?

***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hold your tongue.

***Obey the Holy Spirit even if this means awkward silence.

***Ask the Holy Spirit to take away your anger and fill you with joy.

***Ask the Holy Spirit to help you encourage others. Speak words they need to hear.

***If you allow the world to taint you, how in the world will God use you to be a light to others?

***Your life can be of such upstanding nature that God can use you to speak truth to set others free!

This was a great sermon and I took 2.5 pages of notes! WOW! Such wisdom.

Commandment # 7 - 'Fire Always Burns'

2008-11-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the seventh commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#7 - FIRE ALWAYS BURNS
Exodus 20:14

Exodus 20:14 - "You shall not commit adultery."

***The 10 commandments are like a fence God has constructed for our freedom. They protect us from things in the world that will (and can) destroy us.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

Matthew 5:27-28 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

***This commandment is dealing with the condition of your heart.

***Our actions start as a seed in the heart - and the seed is the same essence as the fully developed plant.

***The heart controls the life.

***God is concerned about your heart. It is either given to Him or to self.

***You are free to choose evil, but you are not free to choose the consequences.

Malachi 2:14-15 - "You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."

Galatians 5:7-8 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."

***Fire always burns. Adultery always causes pain and brokenness.

1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

***Unguarded strength is a deceptive place to be.

1 Corinthians6:9-11 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

***There is forgiveness IF you choose to repent, but there are consequences that may never be removed.

***It is foolish to think that pre-meditated sin is not going to cause destruction.

***No matter how great our sin, God's grace is greater.

***God brings conviction so we can correct the relationship.

***God's power over sin is our only hope to find victory in life.

***God established a fence for your protection.

Commandment # 6 - 'Respecting Life and Extending Grace'

2008-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's excellent sermon regarding the sixth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#6 - RESPECTING LIFE AND EXTENDING GRACE
Exodus 20:13

Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder."

***The commandments move forward through 3 areas: God (commandments 1-4), family (commandment 5) and relationships (commandments 6-10).

***The seed is the same essence as the plant, just in a different form. (The difference between hate and murder).

***God is saying that another person's life has value. Do not take it into your own hands.

***Every person has a soul and no matter what they have done, we need to treat them as God would have us to treat them.

***Your words, and your silence, can destroy a person.

***Does your life encourage others or cause them pain?

Romans 13: 9-10 - "The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

***Light and darkness (love and hatred) cannot co-exist in the same place.

***It is always your turn to right a wrong with another. It is always your turn to obey God and make things right.

***You can easily tell those who are walking in a love relationship with God. They love others.

***No matter what happens TO you, you control what happens IN you.

***When someone puts you to the test (treats you wrong), will you pass the test of your heart?

Matthew 5: 44-45 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

***The 6th commandment is about respecting life.

***Your actions and words reflect the condition of your heart.

***Does your heart prove that you've been born again?

***There is nothing like a clear conscience. It is priceless and worth more than money can buy.

Commandment # 5 - 'Honor and Blessing'

2008-11-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the fifth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#5 - HONOR AND BLESSING
Exodus 20:12

Exodus 20:12- "Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

***The danger of losing the fear of God is that we become wise in our own eyes.

***Wisdom is a by-product of our trust in Almighty God.

***Parents are the keepers of God's covenant...children will follow behind and someday enter into the same covenant. Do your children see the commandments of God in you? Is God 1st place?

***Is your life a demonstration of the goodness of God?

***If your children were going to honor God by looking at your life, would they know what to do?

***The 5th commandment is the only one with a promise attached to it. "I will bless your life and take care of you."

***God put you in your family and your father and mother are to be honored for who they are.

***How do you honor an ungodly parent? --forgive them--be kind to them--pray for them

***To honor does not mean that you approve of that which is evil.

***God's ways are not man's ways. They do not always make sense.

Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

***Giving honor to your parents will bring God's blessing upon your life.

***The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Commandment # 4 - 'Take Time'

2008-10-26T20:00:00.001-07:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the fourth commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#4 - TAKE TIME
Exodus 20:8-11

Exodus 20:8-11 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

***Rest is important....but HOW you rest determines how you are renewed and strengthened.

***A restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.

***The force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying.

***The Sabbath is unique and special.

***Keeping the Sabbath holy uniquely identifies Christians as holy unto God.

***You need a day of rest. In God's eyes, a day of rest is just as important as a day of work.

***You need a day of corporate worship. It is holy unto HIM, not holy unto US.

***You need a day to give time to a personal love relationship with God.

Commandment # 3 - 'There is Power in the Name'

2008-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the third commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#3 - There is Power in the Name
Exodus 20:7

Exodus 20:7 - ""You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

***When we make a choice to enter into a relatinship with God, we also accept the terms of the covenant.

***Make no mistake: There is power int the name of God.

Acts 4:5 - 12 - "The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

***The name of the Lord was indicative of His presence to act in their midst.

***To use God's name is to bring Him into the situation. When you use His name, He listens!

Matthew 12:36 - "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

***Your words now reflect your fate later - they will either justify or condemn.

Acts 19:11 - 17 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. (One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor."

***The power of God's name is for those who know Him personally.

***What does it mean to use God's name in vain? to use it in a manner unworthy of His person.

***We are called to use God's name in a manner worthy of His person.

***Wants WANTS you to use His name and display His glory.

Commandment # 2 - 'Faithful and True'

2008-10-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Following are the notes from this past Sunday morning's sermon regarding the second commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten." I'm a little later posting them than usual, but it's been a good, yet busy, week.

#2 - Faithful and True
Exodus 20:4 - 6

Exodus 20:4 - 6 - "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments."

***God desires an exclusive relationship with you that is real and personal.

***God does not dwell in objects and cannot be controlled by human manipulation.

***The second commandment tells us how to worship the true God. He comes directly to our lives where we are face to face with Him.

***We have access to the presence of Almighty God and He invites us to come.

***There are many people who would like to perform a ritual to Him rather than to walk with Him.

***God is not after your money, your abilities or your gifts. He wants YOU.

***To seek after that which is empty will leave you empty.

Psalm 135:15 - 18 -

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak,

eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear,

nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them,

and so will all who trust in them.

***He leaves you free to choose whatever you desire, but you are not free to choose the consequences.

***Those who struggle with the second commandment are those who are captivated by the world around them.

1 John 2:15 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

***Here's a good question to ask kids: 'What is the most important thing you see in mom and dad's life?' It takes courage to ask that kind of question to kids or anyone you are close to.

***When you give up everything for God, He gives back everything you need for abundant life.

***Let Him have His way in your life and you will experience a love relationship like you have never experienced before.

Commandment # 1 - 'First Place'

2008-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Following are the notes from this morning's sermon regarding the first commandment, from the sermon series, "Living Life to the Power of Ten."

#1 - First PlaceExodus 20:3; Matthew 22:37-38

Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."

Matthew 22:37-38 -"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."

***God loves you and is inviting you into a personal relationship that lasts for all eternity.

***God is not looking for first place in your heart -- He wants your whole heart.

***If you don't understand the first commandment to love Him (He's desiring to be YOUR god), all the others turn into a bunch of rules.

***God is not interested in you being happy; He is interested in you being holy.

***He will allow things into your life to shape and mold you into the person He has called you to be.

***To obey this commandment means you will live with confident expectation that God is in control.

***Worry is the warning light that tells us we don't understand the first commandment.

***He is telling us, "I want to be something you cannot find in any other relationship -- I want to be GOD." (the God who cares for your life)

***What we don't turn over to him takes control and eats away at our life.

***When you try and take control of what rightfully belongs to God, you also take all the responsibility for its outcome.

***The best thing for your life is to surrender it to Him.

***Does God have your whole heart?

***Is He the 1st person you turn to?

We are very blessed to have a pastor who makes us think like this and keeps us mindful of these things with such thought provoking points. Isn't it amazing how so many of these are things that we know, but don't always stop to think about or do on a daily basis?

Money

2008-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

With all the talk about the economy right now, our pastor felt led to change his sermon yesterday (Sept 28)...we'll be back to the 10 Commandments next week, but for now, the topic is money, from a sermon series titled, Where Your Treasure Is:

Worship Through Giving
2 Cor 9:6-8

'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'

***Our response to God's goodness is an act of worship.

***We are not to just receive good things from God -- we are here to give to God as an act of worship.

***God has a law of identical harvest. Gal 6:7 - 'Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.'

***God acts toward us in unconditional love, but not unconditional blessing -- blessings come as a response to our obedience (!!)

Malachi 3:7-10 - 'Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'

***When you understand God's perspective on money, you will be set free.

***Tithing is not giving a gift to God, it is giving back to God what is already His.

***Anything less than a tithe is not a tithe.

***Tithing is an act of worship where we sacrifice what is precious to us.

***If you can't afford to tithe when you are poor, you will never tithe when you are rich.

***Our use of money reflects our heart.

***He is not asking for the 'extra.' He is waiting to see if we love Him enough to sacrifice what is dear to us.

***There is nothing more frustrating to God than to see His people receive immeasurable blessing from Him, then be stingy with what they receive.

Then, one of the last things he said, was 'How can we be mad at the people on Wall Street, etc if we are also not doing what we are supposed to be doing in our giving to God??'

Food for thought.

New Series - The Introduction - Living in the Father's House

2008-09-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

We started a new sermon series on Sunday (Sept 21) titled, 'The Power of Ten,' based on the Ten Commandments:

"Living in the Father's House"
Exodus 19:3-6; 16-19

Exodus 19:3-6 - Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you [will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

Exodus 19:16-19 - On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

***What was God's intent in giving the 10 Commandments? To guide us to have the best life possible in a coventant relationship with Him.

***The 10 Commandments were not given to the world, but to those in a love relationship with Him.

***The 10 Commandments came from a heart of love, but were delivered with absolute firmness.

***The 10 Commandments were delivered in such a way as to instill fear, in order that all would hear and obey.

***The 10 Commandments were delivered in sternness because God saw people wandering off in ways that were not good for them.

Ezekiel 33:11 - Say to them,"As surely as I live declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"

***Because God loves us, He has given us specific instruction to live in harmony with Him.

Exodus 20:1-17 - The 10 Commandments:

1 And God spoke all these words:

2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

The Power of Ten puts you in a position:
-- to reflect God's character to a watching world
-- to know God
-- to experience God's blessing

The Cry of My Heart

2008-09-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25 - "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

***The Heavenly Father hears the cry of His people.

***The gospel story is not just the invention of God, but the incarnation of God.

***God is looking for His children.

***God hears your cry if you are a child of His and you cry out to Him. Do you know how to cry out to God?

***Crying out to God has to do with your heart and you cannot fake your heart. You can't fake being desperate -- either you are or you aren't. Ask God to "Show me what I look like thru your eyes."

***Are you a child of God? When was the last time you cried out to Him?

***Don't keep God at arm's length. Cry out to Him.

Let's Talk

2008-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:31

Acts 4:31 - "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

***Is Jesus someone you've met from afar or do you know him? Has He changed your life?

***Have you talked to the Lord lately?

***If we don't spend time with God and knowing Him, we do not need to be out in the world talking about Him.

***An encounter with God should be your normal daily experience - is it practical in real life?

***Prayer isn't a duty, it's the heart of your salvation. Can a person be saved who does not pray?Can a person be in love with Christ and never talk to Him? There are scores of people who believe in God, but never utter a word of prayer.

***Do you think God is worthy of your time? Does He deserve our best?

***Do you WANT to spend time with Him? Not that you HAVE to, do you WANT to?

***The most important part of your day is time spent with Him.

***The early church had nothing but God, and turned the world upside down.

***Boldness comes from the presence of God.

***Have you learned to talk to God?

***The greatest gift we have is our relationship with God, but sadly it's the one thing we most neglect.

***Do you give to God thinking He is impressed, or do you spend time with Him?

***Everything in your life is a by-product of your relationship to Christ.

***Do you ADMIRE God, or have you MET Him?

The Pillar of Worship

2008-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Revelation 19:1-6

Revelation 19:1-6 - "After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants." And again they shouted: "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever." The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!" Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

***Worship is a heart to heart encounter with the living God. What does worship mean? Why have we come?

***In worship, we learn to say, 'Yes, Lord,' 'so let it be in my life.' Trust Him -- from eternity's perspective, it is all going to be alright. True worship is the desire to know and accept the will of God.

***In worship, we commit ourselves to do the will of God. The will of God is not just something to be accepted; it is something to be asserted.

***In worship, we find the joy of our salvation. True worship is a testimony that the word of God is 'good news.'

***In worship, we find the assurance of victory - by looking to the past and seeing that the battle has already been won.

True worship finds its hope in the reality of Jesus Christ.

Loving Others

2008-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:17-25 - "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you."

***The storms of life are real and many people are just trying to survive.

***If you call yourself a Christian, God hears you.

***Your salvation cost the precious blood of Christ.

***You can love one another because God first loved you.

***Put aside excuses and care for one another -- find a way to bring joy to another.

***Do you say you love people or do you love them? Do you look for ways to bring joy to another? What would it be like if every believer were kind to one another?

John 13:3 - "It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

***People who are confident in their salvation have no trouble serving.

***We live in a tough world and people need a family to love them.

***Ask God to give you someone to love this week.

The Pillar of God's Word

2008-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 66:1-2; Acts 6:1-7

Isaiah 66:1-2 -

"This is what the LORD says:

"Heaven is my throne,

and the earth is my footstool.

Where is the house you will build for me?

Where will my resting place be?

2 Has not my hand made all these things,

and so they came into being?"

declares the LORD.

"This is the one I esteem:

he who is humble and contrite in spirit,

and trembles at my word.

Acts 6:1-7 - "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

***Time given to study the Bible is not an academic experience; it is an encounter with God.

***There is only one way to honor God - OBEDIENCE.

***Your study of God's word is (1) a decision to live in the presence of God, (2) a decision to know the will of God, (3) a decision to join the (I missed this word..maybe community) of God.
Scripture reference:Luke 22:39 - Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.

***More than He feared the cup, Jesus loved the hand from which it came.

***It is only when you have confidence in the relationship that you will have the confidence to obey.

***Obedience is discovered when it costs something - Love is revealed when it hurts.

***Strength is not found in how courageously I struggle, but how completely I surrender.

***If you don't spend time in God's word, you will not know him; If you don't know him, you won't love him; if you don't love him, you won't obey him.

***How you honor God's word, you honor Him.

The Reality of Eternity

2008-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew 25

***Sacrifice is a matter of perspective. Are you seeing your life from God's perspective?

***Evaluate your life and make adjustments to what God has just said -- He only reveals Himself to those He is abou to use!

***The world does not need to merely hear the good news, they need to see it --

James 2:14-20 - "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

***God does not reward the great theologians - He rewards those who do what He says

***Time is short and eternity is long. Do you have eyes for eternity?

***When your spiritual eyes are in focus, eternity is the backdrop of all you see.

***To invest in eternity is to invest in people.

***To invest in eternity is to partner with Jesus.

***To invest in eternity is to receive eternal rewards.

The Pillar of Prayer

2008-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:1-7 - "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

Pillars of a church God can use:
--Prayer
--God's word
--Worship

***You cannot understand the ways or purposes of God unless you spend time with God.

***The mighty activity of God in history has come through fervent, united prayer among God's people.

Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 4:31 - After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly

Acts 12:5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

***The work of the kingdom is not done by our ability, but by God's power.

***The early church had nothing but God and they turned the world upside down.

***If we lose our sense of desperation for God, we are in trouble.

***Prayer is a clear reflection of your relationship with God.

The Wonders of Tomorrow

2008-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Joshua 3:1-7

Joshua 3:1-7 - "Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it."

Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

Joshua said to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people." So they took it up and went ahead of them.

And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."

***Keep your eyes focused on God's activity.

***If you want to see the wonders of tomorrow, prepare yourself today.

Joshua 3:5 - 'Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."

Jeremiah 33:2-3 - "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know."

Hebrews 2:3 - 'how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?'

***Everything God does in our life and in our church is thru relationship...not religious activity***

Growing in Christ

2008-02-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

Colossians 1:9-12

Colossians 1:9-12 - "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."

***God's word is the plumb line for truth

***Salvation is the beginning of a new life in Christ

***A healthy Christian is one who is growing in Christ

***Are you progressing toward God?

***Paul prays for four things:
**That they would be filled with the knowledge of God
**That they may be fruitful
**That they may be strengthened (knowledge alone does not enable obedience)
**That they may be thankful

***A sign of spiritual maturity is if a person is functioning within the family of God

***You can't live your life in isolation from the family of God and grow into all that God calls you to be

***Take the test of maturity - Look at how your life in Christ has connected you to the body of Christ

***Paul's prayer is answered in Christ. He is our knowledge, our fruit, our strength (Phil 4:13 - "I can do everything through him who gives me strength"), and our gratitude (Phil 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus")

***Faith is not something to think about and discuss. It is something to be lived.

***Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Have you set your heart to know Him?