Are you ready to Pray?
- Jun 11, 2023In The Garden
In The Garden“In the Garden” is one of my favorite songsIt reminds me of Easter, but we use that song a lot at funeralsI believe that is because it talks about meeting JesusToday, I want to talk about meeting Jesus before we pass away.This is obviously just before Jesus is arrested“Pray that you may not enter into temptation”Jesus also was prayingConsider this, if Jesus, one part of the Trinity, needs to pray when faced with adversity,Shouldn’t we follow His example?The problem for many is they say, “I don’t really know how to pray”Unfortunately, prayer is one of those things that isn’t really taught to believersThere is this thought that prayer must be some specific formatLook at vs 41-42Jesus is troubled by what is about to happen, and He asks God to remove itSome say, “Well I shouldn’t ask something that is specific”Jesus did, so why shouldn’t we. This is how we get to know Him before death.Jesus prayed from His heart.That is the model of prayer we all need to follow, pray from your heartHave a real conversation with God, just as you would if you were face to faceGod wants a relationship with you, which means, He cares about the things that are troubling youYes, Jesus ended his prayer with “not My will but Yours be done”But before the end of His prayer look at verse 43-44Jesus was praying with all his being. He wasn’t leaving anything outHe prayed so hard, His sweat became as drops of blood.Too many times our prayers are superficial and not truly poured out from our heartHow do you pray? Follow this model from JesusHe prayed His heart but He knew that His heart might not be God’s willSo as Jesus closes, He says Your will be done, meaning He would accept God’s willThe thought here is that the disciples were exhausted from seeing the agony of their LordJesus bookends this passage with “Pray that you may not enter into temptation”
Are you ready to Pray?
- Jun 4, 2023Restoration
Restoration
Does anyone ever watch those home improvement shows?They take something that is in a total state of disrepair and restore it.Sometimes our lives feel that wayPerhaps today someone is here that is at their wits endMaybe you have a family member that doesn’t know how they will face another dayWhatever may be going on in your life I want you to know Restoration is possibleIn chapter 36 God is speaking to Ezekiel about how Israel had destroyed themselvesChapter 37 shows that God can restore in ways we could never comprehendGod is able to take something that is without life and restore life to itThe problem is that, when we feel completely destroyed, we don’t call on GodIt is natural to find yourself overwhelmedEvery person at some point feels destroyedSometimes it is the world that tries to convince us we have no hopeWhat is supernatural is to believe that God can Restore you, no matter your condition“I will put my Spirit in you and you will come to life”“then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken and done it”Restoration can only come, when the one who knows how to restore is calledIn those shows I talked about, it took someone who knew how, to restoreIf you know God as your father, He will restore youPerhaps it will be your restoration that shows someone else their need for HimAs we have seen in our passage today, it is never too late to call on God!Do you need to make that call today? - May 28, 2023Memorial Stones
Memorial Stones
On Monday we will pause for Remembrance on Memorial DayWhy is this important?Today I want to also talk about the importance of other memorialsOn this day in scripture Joshua had two memorials set upWhy? To remember what happened and to pass it on to future generationsEvery person has memorial stones in their livesSome to help them keep something alive to pass onOthers to remind them they don’t want to go there againPerhaps we haven’t set up enough memorial stones in our livesWinston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”However, in some cases it is those historical things we need to repeatAll throughout scripture we are encouraged to remember and pass it onGod told the Jews to keep the word of God on their forehead as a memorialAs we study Exodus the Israelites are continually reminded they were once slaves in EgyptToday it is important for Christians to remember they were once lost sinnersSometimes we just want to forget, but remembering and sharing your struggles can be helpfulIf every major event that God brings us through became a memorial in our livesWe would soon learn that we’ve been here before and God saw us throughAs an American I can never forget that our Freedoms came by the loss of so many livesI wear my Red, White, and Blue. I fly my flag. I cry at the National AnthemIt is one of the reasons I too became a soldier.But what about the memory of what Jesus did for our SalvationWe can never forget that it cost Him everything to give salvation to usSo I read my Bible, go to church, serve in many ways as a memorial of what Christ has doneWhat He did for me is the reason I have salvation todayDo you know Him today? - May 24, 2023Exodus 23
Exodus 23
- May 21, 2023The God Of Peace
The God Of Peace
Last week, my Christian brothers called for prayer over my family
Certainly, as much as we all want to not worry, we do
Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"Rejoice in the Lord always
Philippians 4:5
"Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."The Lord is near
Philippians 4:6
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."Don’t worry but do pray
Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Peace that passes understanding
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,"if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Dwell on these things
Philippians 4:9
"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."Practice these things
The God of peace will be with you!
Do you need peace today?
- May 17, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 22 Pt2
Bible Study – Exodus 22 Pt2
- May 14, 2023The Best Culture
The Best Culture
Cancel Culture - The act of cancelling anyone’s opinions that disagree with yours
Diversity Culture - The practice of accepting many different cultures not only one
Woke Culture - Designed to help people see the inequality of people groups in the World
The Best Culture - The Great Commandment
The Best Culture is the one that puts the emphasis on treating people with God’s Love
One of the best examples we have is the Love of our Godly Mothers!
When a child comes to their mother with dirty faces and torn clothes, they know they will receive love
Yes, perhaps a scolding about playing in your good clothes, but mostly love
In most cases, if a child is hurt, they want their mother above all else.
You see, a mother’s love is next to Our Father’s love. It is given first and freely.
With all the different cultures I talked about today, and many I didn’t mention, it is so easy to get caught up.
We can become angry about those we disagree with.
Even develop a hatred for people simply for identifying with one of these cultures
The roots, of the cultures I mentioned today, were truly trying to right some wrongs in the world today
However, like so many things, the roots were overtaken by a political agenda
We have become great at arguing our points by shouting loudly at the ones we disagree with
What if we recognized, like a mother does, that all these people are the same kind of people we are
Human beings in need of God’s love
Think about how a mother loves her children unconditionally
Now look back at our text again
Our ability to love others begins with Loving God above all else
When we start with loving God, the natural progression is to love others
Instead of getting angry, recognize that all people are first humans and treat them with the love of God
If we truly want to see the culture of America and the world change, it starts with Loving God and Loving people
The Best Culture of God’s Love
We can honor our mothers today, both those who are here and the ones who have passed, by Loving like a Mom
That person in front of you my feel like a sticky child covered with who knows what, but just love them!
You may not agree with their beliefs or their life choices, but just love them.
Jesus certainly doesn’t agree with every person, but he does LOVE every person
There is only one way you can be a part of this culture, and it starts by giving your life to Jesus.
Are you ready to do that today?
- May 10, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 22 Pt1
Bible Study – Exodus 22 Pt1
- May 7, 2023Weary Sinner
Weary Sinner
At some point in their lives most people search for something to fulfill them
They try everything under the sun.
This lust the Bible is speaking of means what the flesh wants and what the eyes like
This is what the world is pushing as the best things
People grow weary trying to find fulfillment in these useless things
The problem is the love of the Father is not in any of these things
For many they have heard of the Love of God but try everything else instead
Look at this picture
“You built a mighty fortress 10,000 burdens high”
For so many people it is this fortress that keeps them from the salvation of God
"With everything I have done, there is no way I can ever be forgiven"
This is the first thing you have to do,
Repent!
Repentance is more than saying I’m sorry
You are not alone
"for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (NASB)
ALL means ALL there is none that have not sinned
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NASB)
The free gift of God
"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" (NASB)
"for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." (NASB)
"For the Scripture says, 'WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.'" (NASB)
Are you weary today?
- May 3, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt3
Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt3
- Apr 30, 2023The Battle For Your Soul
The Battle For Your Soul
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (NASB)In this world there is a battle for your soul and the two combatants are Satan and Jesus
This is a winner take ALL battle
Not only is your soul the prize, but you are also part of the battleEphesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.(NASB)2 Corinthians 10:4
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.(NASB)Psalm 143:3
For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.(NASB)Psalm 143:8
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.(NASB)Psalm 143:11-12
For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies And destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am Your servant.(NASB)1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.(NASB)Understand this battle is going on and has been since the beginning
We already know the outcome
God Wins!
Like all battles, there are casualties and, in this case, souls will be lost
What do you see happening in the world today?
In our country alone, the battle for the souls of the people is raging
Some may think, "I am not strong enough for this battle"
There is one last verse I want to share with all of us who are weary
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (NASB)
This battle is already won, but many still need to know how to join the winning team
Romans 10:9 tells us exactly how to join
"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" (NASB)
Are you ready to join up today?
- Apr 26, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt2
Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt2
- Apr 19, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt 1
Bible Study – Exodus 21 Pt 1
- Apr 16, 2023Every Sunday Should Be A Celebration
Every Sunday Should Be A Celebration
- Apr 12, 2023Bible Study – Strength For Your Days
Bible Study – Strength For Your Days
- Apr 9, 2023Risen Sermon Series – Conquered
Risen Sermon Series – Conquered
Happy Resurrection Day!
Access
Hope
TransformedAll of this because He is Risen!
Today we celebrate that Resurrection from the grave,
and because of that, sin and the grave are CONQUERED!
"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."
Not only the grave is conquered,
There is nothing we face that can’t be conquered.
Cancer
Marital Stress
Financial Stress
HandicapsWe were never told we wouldn’t suffer
But we will conquer!
38 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,"
39 "nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Just look at this list
Because He is Risen, nothing can separate us from His Love
If we are securely locked in His love, everything that comes our way will be conquered
"I don’t know if I can truly believe that"
Do you truly believe that Jesus overcame the grave and was resurrected on the third day?
If He has power over death, and you belong to Him, believe you too can conquer ANYTHING!
BUT, if you do not believe in Him, you will fall to EVERYTHING!
The question is….
Do You Believe?
- Apr 5, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 20 pt2
Bible Study – Exodus 20 pt2
- Apr 2, 2023Risen Sermon Series – Transformation
Risen Sermon Series – Transformation1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Mar 29, 2023Bible Study – Exodus 20 Pt1
Bible Study – Exodus 20 Pt1
- Mar 26, 2023Risen Sermon Series – Hope
Risen Sermon Series – Hope
Every person that has ever lived or will ever live, can have Hope because of the Resurrection of Christ
Hope is not a dream or a wsh. Hope is the reason we can live a full life
Hope is the reality that, at the end of this life, we can step into eternity with our Savior
"19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." (NASB)
20 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (NASB)
21 "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (NASB)
This passage is a prayer by Paul
Paul is asking that the believers know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God
Know the Love of Christ
Be filled with the fullness of God
God is able
Exceedingly, abundantly
God can do above anything that you have experienced, imagined and certainly are able to do
The power that works within us!
In other words, this awesome, incredible power we are talking about is in the believer today
“Same Power” by Jeremy Camp
The power that allowed Jesus to be Resurrected, Moved mountains, Calmed the raging Sea, is in US!
This power exists in God’s people because of the Resurrection of Christ
Because of this power, we have HOPE
21 "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (NASB)
Paul says “in the church” as he is calling upon ALL the people of God to praise His name, His glory
The greatest thing about the Hope we have, is sharing it with those who have no hope
Do you have that Hope today?
