Encourage the saints about living in God’s purpose in us. 1. Scripture: Col 1:15-20 v16 For by Him ALL things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – ALL things have been created through Him and finds its purpose in…

How to Make Your Life Count For Christ Be a Barnabas! ( Selected Scriptures in Acts) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. If we are honest, every Christian wants to stand before Christ one day and hear the words “well done my good…

Last week we looked at the concluding verses of 1 Thessalonians 4. In that passage we were reminded that this life is not all there is. Not only will we go to be with Christ when we die, He is coming again to earth to occupy His rightful place as the ruler over all creation. Some of us may not die .…

Years ago when I was going through seminary- along with going to school I also worked as a security guard to help pay for my education. It was an awful schedule. I was working third shift, then going directly to school in the morning and then sleeping during the afternoon. So I would go to work at 10:30…

We live in a world that is easily overcome by fear. And as some of you have no doubt observed recently in our country that fear can lead to panic and hysteria. And it can cause us to do crazy things- like depleting the world’s supply of toilet paper. Why is that? Why is fear so powerful? 14 Since therefore…

Nehemiah 2:9-20 Stephen Caswell © 2000 Leadership By Example Leaders in God's work need to do so by example. Leadership is graphically illustrated in the U.S. Army. The symbol of the infantry foot soldiers is pictured like this. A soldier with a rifle in one hand, helmet cocked, and head looking back…

Ignorance is bliss? Ignorance (noun) lack of knowledge or information. Sometimes we may think it is better not to know something than to know something and be responsible for knowing it, right? Well Koheleth starts into a long section (chapters 7-9) that are some wisdom, instructions for application.…

Discernment needed Discernment is needed to know sin (evil) to be freed from sin and to do good. We have previously looked at understanding the development of sin, helps us have discernment about sin preventing sin from developing in our lives. God wants to always help us to discern when it comes to…

Because our words are powerful, true disciples use their speech for good rather than evil.

Last week we focused on the reasons for why we should excel in the grace of giving. This week I want to lay out for you the principles that should teach you exactly how to be obedient to God’s desire for you to graciously give. I want us to grow in our understanding of the grace of giving! What are the…

Post Christian Culture Biblical Christianity is loosing its primacy in many cultures! The church is changing with the world instead of changing the world. The bible is not the centerpiece of the home and even in some church assemblies. How can we be a shining light in the midst of a crooked and perverse…

Today we are in 2 Timothy 1:15-18 . While you are turning to this passage, I have a question. I was wondering this week how history will remember this time in which we are living. Have you ever wondered that? How will all that is going on be remembered? How will we be remembered? What will they remember…

Powerful Word! The word is living, powerful and sharp (Heb4:12); it is Go breathed and is profitable and equipping (2Tim3:16-17). So, we are simply Christians studying God’s Word together. Today we are looking at the ministry of the Word in the heart of the believer, and helps us to grow to the fulness…

Christian Home Essentials! There are duties, responsibilities of the members of a Christian home, things that are essential (necessary). We have looked at a couple of things thus far in this series. Christian home starts with a Christian marriage God’s plan was for marriage from the beginning, God created…

Jesus came to offer forgiveness and grace to us as sinners. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross. Let us use our talent that we’ve received from God to forgive and serve someone today

Theme : Thanksgiving for God’s unconventional means (separation anxiety, discernment, imprisonment, rivalry) of advancing the Gospel. Fallen Condition Focus : We lack the faith to believe that God’s Gospel intentions succeed through lackluster circumstances. It is in our nature to doubt God’s ability…

I am not ashamed! Paul says “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (see Rom1:16) and if we are honest we may not be ashamed of it, but feel ill-prepared to proclaim, share the gospel. But statistically speaking, we can grow in preparation and proclamation. (Statistical facts picture inserted here) Barna Institute…

Put off, put on, flee from and to pursue When we became a Christian we die to self and are raised as a new creation ( 2Cor5:17 ) and then as little children of God we learn to follow the commands ( Mt28:20 ) so to have proper conduct as the church ( 1Tim3:15 ). This morning we will be looking at a great…

The Joy of singing Do you find joy in singing? Do you sing in the assembly? How about in private? Singing in an act of worship that is pleasing and acceptable to God(Heb13:15). Today in looking at a closer walk, we will walk, by discussing singing as an act of worship. (Joy of singing slide here) We…

Follow Me Jesus did not just speak, teach for knowledge, for education but for application. To be a disciple means to be a follower (to adhere) to a teacher. Jesus calls people to action then and to action today. Jesus had been feeding (the 5000), Jesus had been teaching about the foundation of the church…

The five exhortations given in Hebrews 10 to believers after we understand all the God has done for us. The last part of chapter discusses willful sin.

Warnings! Admit it or not, warning are for our own good aren’t they? Warnings in the bible oftentimes come with attached precepts (a general rule to regulate behavior or thought). Proverbs 24 is full of both. (also used Gen2:17) When you think of warnings what do you think of? Warnings (plural, noun)…

Some Background needed It is important to understand the setting so can understand the story, the situation, the scripture and there is much to see, learn about this mostly Gentile church located in Antioch of Syria. The church had been persecuted and scattered (Act8:1) 1 Saul was in hearty agreement…

Take responsibility In this world we know it is hard for people to take responsibility for many things. Timothy specifically, and the church through implication are told to take responsibility. Commissioning and encouraging words to Timothy ( 2Tim4:5 ) 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship,…

Being an encourager 🌎How to be a world changer🌎 • Proverbs 3:27 • Do good time now cause we're not guaranteed of tomorrow • John 9:4 • God said to "help and encourage others" 👀Looking for opportunities to be encouragers😊 Everything falls under these 3 categories 1. Absolute truth 2. Personal conviction 3. Personal preferences You can NOT perceive personal conviction and absolute truth together. Don't pass on personal preference as a conviction for absolute truth 7 non-negotiables in our lives that will not change that will create an incredible environment on life, physically, spiritually, everything. 1. Seek God, not sin! Be intentional in pursuing God • Amos 5:14 • 2. Fear God, not man! • Proverbs 9:13-23, Malachi 4:2 3. Love God, not the world! • 1 John 2:15 • 4. Believe God, not the deceiver! Don't be a chump • John 8:44 • 5. Obey God, not your appetites! Don't let your appetites create idles. Let God's drive be your default