Throughout scripture we are exhorted to praise God. To praise is to ascribe honor and glory to a deserving one. It is telling God how great He is! However, we all go through seasons where it is harder to praise. Yet it is in these seasons when we most need to praise God because it diverts our mind away from our problem and places our focus on God and His Glory!
As this sermon series comes to a close, the question is asked, "What makes a church great?" Is it great attendance, giving more to the poor and needy, vibrant worship - all these may be good things but they certainly do not make a church GREAT! What makes a church GREAT is the love of Jesus Christ that is revealed there by His people. As followers of Christ, we are called to love, but in order to love as God calls us - it will take the inner working of the Holy Spirit.
John chapter 13 captures one of the most amazing scenes in all of scripture; Jesus Christ washing His disciples feet! It teaches His followers the blessing of humility and the power of serving one another. In this message we discuss the call to love, serve, and prefer one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. In order to fully embrace this call, you must first know who you are in Christ!
In this fifth part of the series we look at the deeper meaning of "godliness." In simple terms, godliness is holy living, but as we look closer, we find that it is holy living which can only flow from a heart which is captivated by the glory of Jesus Christ. As we see the greatness of Christ and what God has done for us through Him, we are stirred to good works.
The Bible is full of verses that exhort us to patiently wait on God. Waiting is harder and harder to do in what has become a "microwave," instant society. However, if we are going to see God's hand move in our situation, we must learn to patiently endure!
As we continue the series "Partakers of the Divine Nature," we look at the Christian virtue of temperance. God calls us to live 'self-controlled' lives in the midst of an indulgent society. Throughout scripture we see God's command to "control" the flesh. We must make every effort to be sure we are being led by God's Word and the Holy Spirit - and not the flesh.
The time of our greatest need sometimes comes in the driest season of our life (when we're in a drought). It's in the middle of our need, when God gets our attention the best. God not only prepares the person in need, but also the person who meets the need. Why does God seem to use one needy person to meet the needs of another? We want to argue with God and say, "no! I'm the beggar today!" When we allow God to use us to serve others in His name, we receive a blessing. We all feel like we're in need at times, beggars, down to our last supper - but what if this last supper, gift, talent - belongs to God? He will show us a different plan for it - if we would be obedient to Him. Pastor Dow Moses, and his wife Debbie, are visiting us from Decatur, Illinois.
People like to conform to the world. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our mind in Christ. God has set standards for us to live by, shown in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Even though man has always tried to change God's standard, His Word doesn't change. In order for us to not be deceived by a conforming world, we should; hunger for truth (Word of God), obey the truth, accept correction gladly, and walk under authority. Pastor Glen Stephen, and his wife Mona, are visiting us from New Brunswick, Canada.
Jesus taught in parables, revealing principles that can be applied to our everyday lives. First, we have to understand the storm, which is anything that hinders or distracts us from the purpose of God or any spirit that resists God. Five points we need to understand for our life; God's position, His power, His purpose, His plan, and His peace. Brother Rick Clendenen, and his wife Debbie are visiting us from Benton, KY.
Carol Kornacki, visiting from Buffalo, New York, delivered a powerful message by revealing the miraculous testimony of her salvation and healing through our Lord Jesus Christ.
