Scripture Reading: Matt. 25: 14-30
One of the regrettable teachings of the church is that the single issue in redemption is that of eternal destiny. In other words the focus of salvation is heaven, and the present work of salvation is getting there. That makes redemption present tense in experience but future tense in purpose. Nothing could be further from the truth. (more…)
Acts 2:36-38
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Ø Baptism in and of itself cannot save anyone.
Ø It is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Savior that brings an individual to salvation.
Therefore, baptism is only effectual for those who meet certain requirements.
Scripture Reading: Eph. 2: 1 - 10
For the most part when we gather as a community of believers we tend to deal with issues of discipleship. By that I mean the practical realities of the outworking of the Christ life within relationship. As essential as that is there remains some real benefit to backing up and reminding ourselves of the simplicity of the gospel. If you doubt that just read the New Testament epistles. They were written to local churches - to believing communities, and yet at core there is a constant contending for the purity of the gospel. So I thought that this morning it might be good to be reminded of the gospel. (more…)
Scripture Reading: Acts 23: 6- But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” (more…)
Scripture Reading: Acts 23: 6- But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” (more…)
Is that a stone I see in your hand? Don’t you think you need to lay it down!
Question: Has anybody here ever experienced an embarrassing moment?
This is a two part series!
Pastor Dave
In a recent message, we heard Pastor Dave make the statement that - “People need love when they least deserve it.” I want to change one word in that statement and present it like this: ‘People need compassion when they least deserve it.’ Here is the question: ‘Who within your circle of relationships is right now in need of compassion?’ (more…)
Scripture Reading: Acts 2: 14-21
For several weeks the Holy Spirit has been calling us to a particular focus in this house. That focus has to do with present Kingdom purpose and responsibility. God has given each of us an assignment. He has gifted each of us with the gifts, talents and abilities necessary to accomplish that assignment.
But as we know, the living out of this purpose takes place in the presence of a definite enemy. That enemy has no real interest in you, but he hates with a burning passion the purpose, the assignment you carry. He may not be able to keep you from your eternal destiny but he is relentless in his effort to compromise and weaken your influence as salt and light. (more…)
Scripture Reading: Luke 19: 1-10
Let me begin with what would seem to be the obvious question: Have you ever looked at your life and felt like you were up a tree? Let’s get really honest: Have you ever looked at the lives of those around you and concluded they are seriously up a tree? (more…)
Scripture Reading
John 12: 20-37
Rom.10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Have you ever experienced this? You make a straightforward statement, the meaning and intention of which is crystal clear. In the distance from your mouth to the ear of the hearer, both the intention and the meaning become something entirely different. How is that to be accounted for?
