The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt

Joseph Loconte, author of The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt, examines religion acknowledging disgraces plaguing Christianity. Every civilization is shaped by God seekers who are trying to understand the relationship between the natural and the supernatural; he asserts that this connection carries the hope of the supernatural: “They want to believe.” Laconte champions the notion that faith is a mystery and that is not an excuse to disbelieve. He helps the reader with cultural reference points. Whereas those of an older, more seasoned, cohort will have read the likes of this before, those of a generation who missed out on past authors will find the book relevant and compelling.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Filed under: Book Review

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY – Merry Lee Worrell –

5/13/12 Merry Lee Worrell, Guest Speaker (Children’s Minister)

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Ephesians 6:2,3
II Corinthians 3:4-6
James 1:2-8

Hallmark didn’t come up with the idea of Mother’s Day; God did.

Ephesians 6:2,3 If mom ain’t happy…. Mom needs to get happy and it begins with what we believe about ourselves and what God called us to do. Anytime we have an opportunity to hear God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 We have an opportunity to hear God’s Word, we have an opportunity to have a life change.

Our beliefs govern our feelings.
Our feelings dictate our lifestyle.
Lifestyle changes our actions.

Our happiness depends on what we set our mind on. Set mind on God’s Word. It started with wrong thinking.

BELIEVE – LIFE

If Eve had believed source of life, she wouldn’t have believed lie.

• Believe His Words are your life.
• Believe you can do what He asks you to do. Believe He is Source of your life.
II Corinthians 3:4-6 God is the One who qualifies us. Free will gets in the way of kids obeying. We’re not in control. We can’t make kids mind. Keep waling the words of life with competency.
• What we have been called to do, it is worth it. Parenting is so daily, but it is worth it. James 1:2-8

When we believe, it will change our attitude. God is going to give you a measure of how you are doing. That’s what tests are for. The test helps us become more mature and complete.
• Believe you are never alone. Holy Spirit – paraclete – come along side with encouragement to set pace and to let us know the route. The Holy Spirit and the church has been given to us. God is in you and your friend can beside you.

Filed under: Sermon Notes, 3, believe, Ephesians 6:2, happiness, II Corinthians 3:4-6, James 1:2-8, John 3:16, life, Mother's Day, opportunity, qualifies, season of life. believe, source of life

5/13/12 A LEGACY OF HOPE – I SAMUEL 12:23-24

5/13/12 A LEGACY OF HOPE – I SAMUEL 12:23-24

Last week, we talked about how to how to build a lasting legacy; this week we’ll see it works even if we don’t have much time with those we are trying to influence. Unlike an earthly inheritance that is passed on at the end of one’s life, a spiritual one is imparted over the course of a lifetime through godly words and actions. From the moment a child is born, we have the opportunity to pour ourselves into that young life, but one can’t give what he doesn’t have. This is why we should develop our own spiritual lives first so we can invest in the lives of children. Women are the influencers of their homes and ultimately of society. Influence is greater than power of authority, for influence can change one in authority. A woman who is filled with the Holy Spirit can influence those around her to live for Jesus not only by what she says but how she lives.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY – I SAMUEL 12:23-24

The media would like us to think all is lost. It’d be easy to come to the point of despair and want to throw up our hands and give up thinking there is no hope. I Jn 4:4 Greater is Jesus who is within us than he that is the world. With Jesus, there’s always hope. Samuel found himself in a discouraging situation. The people of Israel were rejecting God saying they wanted to be like all the other nations. They wanted a king. Samuel had given his life in ministering to the Israelites living a godly life before them and training them in the Word of God, but the people were rebellious and determined to go their own way. What was Samuel to do? He did what we can do when we are in a discouraging situation. Pray. Continue to pray, and continue to do what is right. II Thess 3:13 Keep on doing what Jesus would do.

Prayer acknowledges that God’s Sovereign. He’s in control so it’s wise to turn our thoughts and concerns to Him. Jesus cares about our cares. So when our circumstances become overwhelming, tell Jesus. He’ll listen and more than just listening He has the answer. Once we have prayed then we need to take time for reflection on the Lord’s past faithfulness. When we focus on the Jesus’ goodness in the past, it makes it easier to believe and have faith for the future. Taking time for reflection allows us to have clear focus for the future and strengthens our faith. Sometimes we are so progress and future-oriented that we fail to take time to recall all that God has already done. Remember what God has done for us so that we may move ahead with gratitude. Gratitude is the key to sensing the Lord presence.

The key to a full and simple life with God is found right in the word PRAY.

P – PRAISE God! Take time to be thankful to God for all that we’ve been given in life. Often we’re so focused on our needs that we forget to count our many blessings. When we look at our gifts, we have many things to thank and praise God for. Praising God anchors us in the Divine. (Praise is focusing on what God has done).
R – REVEAL Reveal our real needs to God! Next, we share our needs.
A- ADORE Adore God and all His Works! Slow down and evaluate, taking time to be with the Lord. Allow the real presence of God to permeate our thoughts. The key is to be God conscious in our daily situations! (Adoring is focusing on who God is.)
Y – YES! Or yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading. After praising, requesting and adoring, we’re ready to completely give our lives to the Holy Spirit and experienced God in more fruitful ways.

READ FLASHBACK: A PRAYER OF DESPERATION I SAMUEL 1:10-20

How did Samuel develop a prayer-oriented attitude to get through the hard times? It started with his mother. Samuel’s mother’s was Hannah. Hannah only had a short time with her son, yet her faith and her prayers demonstrate we can have influence on others lives even if we aren’t with them.

A person’s reaction to trials reveal what that person is made of. Hannah was in a situation that she had no control over so she turned to the Lord in prayer. This situation was breaking Hannah’s heart. When something bothers us, God understands and wants to hear about it. God wants us to trust in Him and to look to Him in both the big and the small. True faith is revealed when things aren’t well. Anyone can follow God when things are easy. Jesus told a parable about planting seeds. The seeds represent the Word of God, and some of them fall among the thorns. Lk 8:14, “The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” Where we turn in hard times demonstrate who we trust. If it isn’t God, then we need to pray like the disciples and ask God to increase our faith. Faith isn’t idle. When we have trust, we’ll be able to hand over our possessions to Him without worry.

Hannah went to God with a broken heart and we can too. Ps 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Hannah’s confidence in God let her worship even though He hadn’t done anything to answer Hannah’s prayer. Sometimes we only worship God when we see Him doing something, yet God’s worthy of worship even if He never does another thing, but God’s always actively working even when we don’t see it.

Hannah was able to leave her problem in God’s hands. Prayer had given her a rest in her spirit, the peace that passeth all understanding. Phil 4:6 Hannah’s confidence let her wait. The key words are “due time.” God doesn’t always act as fast as we want Him to. He’s not on our timetable. God knows when and what is best. He sees the entire picture of what needs to be done. Hannah glorified God before and after Samuel was born. The name Samuel means “God heard.”

READ A PROMISE FULFILLED I SAMUEL 1:27-2:1

Hannah had the foundation to pass on a legacy of hope to Samuel. She set her goal to have a heart like God’s and this was being passed on to Samuel. Samuel was probably three years old when Hannah left him at the tabernacle. By saying, “I give him to the Lord, Hannah meant she was dedicating Samuel to God for lifetime service. She didn’t forget her much wanted son. She visited him regularly. Jeremiah 10:23 Hannah had a fresh recognition of God’s authority, a deepened relationship with God through prayer and a ready response to authentic worship.

Praise requires focus. Ps 9:1. Praise isn’t confined. It’s spoken out and confessed. Praise is a choice. Ps 103:1-5. Praise is to become a habit, a lifestyle in order to pass it along as our legacy. Ps 34:1 Praise becomes essential as we experience true intimacy. Ps 63:1-4 Praise is contagious; those in our influence will catch our enthusiasm. Ps 52:9

We should never let our praise become stale. Our prayers and praise should be fresh. Praise the Lord with a new song. Psalm 40:1-4 and when we do we can rest assured that praise invites the audience of God. Psalm 22:3 God inhabits the praises

A lifestyle of praise and prayer are the key to leaving a legacy of hope. None of us can possibly know the extent to which our lives have been shaped by the prayers of others, and we won’t know till heaven the full affect of our prayers and praise will have on others.

Lord help us to be like Hannah living a lifestyle of prayer and praise so we can pass it on to others.

Filed under: Bible Studies, prayer, John 3:16, legacy, hope, rest, Samuel, Hannah, pray, desperation, I Samuel 12, I Samuel 1

The Truth About the Lordship of Christ by John MacArthur

Noted author John MacArthur has once again delivered a message regarding love and hate in the Bible. Mr. MacArthur gets back to the original roots of real followers of Jesus being disciples and not just Christians.
The word used to describe Christians today often bears no resemblance to the one word Jesus wanted His followers to be known for. Challenge to change the name and reputation of Christianity by becoming a group of followers characterized by this one thing, love.

John 13:35 By THIS everyone will know that you are my DISCIPLES if you LOVE one another. Yes, we have to believe some things but people can’t see what you believe. They will know not by what we believe or behave but how well we love one another.
This book is a good book for those new in the faith.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Filed under: Book Review, Christ, Jesus, john macarthur, Lord, lordship

That You May Believe – No Trouble At All – John 14 – Pastor Rick Pughe

5/6/12 Rick Pughe, Lead Pastor

THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE
NO TROUBLE AT ALL – JOHN 14

God wants you to be whole and well in Him. What troubles your heart today? There are things in this life that can bring trouble to our hearts. The preposition matters – IN – Believe IN Me (Jesus). Put it all IN because of I’m (Jesus) God in the flesh. The way to not allow our heart be troubled is to put it all in on Jesus. The Spirit of God can use the Word of God as a hammer to work in our hearts. Holy Spirit is not just with you and with IN you.

Filed under: Sermon Notes, cardboard testimonies, changed lives, john 14, John 3:16, troubled heart, troubles

5/6/12 BUILDING A LEGACY – DEUTERONOMY 6:1-15a

5/6/12 BUILDING A LEGACY – DEUTERONOMY 6:1-15a

Today, we begin a new theme: A Lasting Legacy. The dictionary defines legacy as a gift by will, especially money or personal property, something handed down or received from an ancestor or predecessor, an inheritance. Actually, a legacy can be something more lasting than money or property. We can pass down an eternal inheritance that can change character and give strength to live day by day.

We’ll see this develop as we view each day as important. Each day we can choose to live for Christ, to walk in His Spirit, and make right choices. We must start each day with God, in His Word, and in prayer. Act like a child of God in what we say and do. Doing all things to the glory of God. We can make the best choices each and every day. It’s how to live life God’s way, one choice at a time. Phil 3:13,14

READ BUILD ON THE RIGHT FOUNDATION – DEUTERONOMY 6:1-5

The commandment refers to the instruction to love the Lord in v. 5 The fear of the Lord includes awe for His greatness and holiness; love for Him, and submission to His will. Initially, the fear of the Lord may involve fright leading to a sense of wonder, a commitment to worship, and delight in knowing God. Since God promised to bless the generations, He expected His people to follow His ways from generation to generation as well. God instructed His people so that they might live good lives full of meaning and peace. They’d live in His Presence.

v. 4 is the basic confession of faith, called the Shema. The Hebrew word for Hear is Shema. The verse starts with a command for the people to respond properly to God. They must listen and obey. The Lord our God indicates our relationship with the living God. He comes into our lives and wants a personal relationship with us. The Lord is one means “the Lord alone”. There’s only one God.

We’re urged to respond to God’s love with devotion. The word translated love may mean “to make one’s choice in” God commands His people to choose Him with all their being, and in the process to deny the ways of the world. To build a lasting legacy, the Word of God is essential in our lives. It’s the Word of God that makes us “wise for salvation.” Romans 10:17 adds that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Only the Word of God can protect us from the influence of a worldly culture.

God’s Word active in our lives allows us to pass protection to our families. We’ve everything we need in the Word of God. Our task is to impart it to the next generation. We can do this through song, Scripture, and prayer. Eph 5:19 tells us to sing to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Are we known for having a song on our lips and a tune on our heart, for reading the Word and living the Word? We should share it in our every day living. Our goal should be to know the Word so well that it becomes a natural part of our conversation.

We need to pray with and for the next generation. Children will learn to pray primarily by listening to us as we speak with the Lord. They’ll gain a passion for prayer from us more than from any other source. Make sure the children hear us praying for them. This will give them confidence that they are loved and that they can bring their own needs before the Lord. Even if we aren’t around the children, we should be praying for them. Prayer makes a difference

READ SHARE YOUR LIFE MESSAGE – DEUTERONOMY 6:6-9

For the next generation to fall in love with the Word, the Word must be a living active part of our lives. We must live it out. S.T.O.P. – Savoring the Observable Presence of God should be such a part of us that every thing we do and every where we go we see God working in situations, and we’re able to share what and how we see Him with others. The Word must become life-oriented not just information oriented. We’re to use the context of daily life to teach about God. If we want to influence anyone to follow God, we must make God a part of our everyday experiences. He must make a difference in how we live…a difference in our words, actions, and attitudes. Then we’ll be teaching ourselves and others to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.

To build a lasting legacy, we must live a life of godly conviction, conversation, and consistency watching how we use our tongue. Do we use our tongues to gossip or discourage? Eph 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” We must use our words to encourage. To make sure that our conversation is godly, let the Word of God saturate our speech (7b). Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

As we allow the Word of God to saturate our speech, we can avoid discouraging words; one shouldn’t simply live for God in public, but in private as well. If we’re going to make a godly impression upon others, our lives must be characterized by a godly consistency.

READ KEEP YOUR FOCUS DEUTERONOMY 6:10-15a

God’s the only true Source of good from whom all blessings flow, the Source of everything good that we experience and enjoy. The emphasis is upon the LORD God granting the land and all its blessings. We’re to watch ourselves in case we forget God. The danger in experiencing fullness is the temptation to forget the LORD who gives the riches or to love the gifts more than the Giver. Our health, wealth, safety, and security aren’t rights that God or the world owes us. All the good things we experience aren’t what we earned by birth or through time or even by hard work alone.

Viewing God as our only true Source helps recall that God gets the glory and thanks. We can rest in God as our perfect Source for the future. Since God is the ultimate Provider, we can leave our burdens in His hands and know that He’s fully able to handle them. If we meditate on God as our Provider, it’ll show in how we shape our priorities, plans and purchases. God is the only true Savior of people. The LORD is the only God to pursue. He is the Master who fulfills His promises & meets our needs. He is the Savior who gives true freedom & help for our souls.

Remember God as the only true Savior. Jesus lived on earth and proved that He was the Savior. He lived perfectly without sin and performed miracles to prove His deity. He died to pay sin’s penalty and He offers that payment for sin to all who entrust their lives to Him. Then He rose from the grave so there’s no doubt that He’s the only true Savior

To build a lasting legacy, we can’t just drift through the Christian life; people don’t drift towards holiness, people don’t gravitate towards godliness or towards prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, or delight in the Lord rather we always drift towards compromise and call it tolerance, we drift towards disobedience and call it freedom; we slide towards sin and we call it grace. It happens in our lives because we’re not seeking out the armor of God to deliver us from the battle that’s going on in our hearts where Satan’s trying to stop and destroy us.

To build a lasting legacy, we have to be deliberate, we have to be mindful that Satan’s out to destroy us. We have to make sure that we put on the armor of God to give us the victory. I John 2: but he does the will of God abides forever

The only way to build a lasting legacy isn’t in the world, culture, our abilities or our talents. The only way to find victory is to stand in the armor of God, following after the will and the desires of God.

Lord, give us strength to walk with You and build our legacy in You.

Filed under: Bible Studies, John 3:16, legacy, deuteronomy 6, deut 6, foundation, life message, keep your focus

That You May Believe – Feet & Flip-Flops – John 13 – Pastor Rick Pughe

4/29/12 Rick Pughe, Lead Pastor

THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE:
FEET & FLIP-FLOPS – JOHN 13

Three groups of people:
• People who didn’t know
• Those who said “No Way!”
• Those who say, “OK, if it helps to communicate the truth, I’m all in.

Feet speak of a person’s work. Anointing feet with oil speaks of Jesus’ fragrant walk.

The Flip-Flop ( v. 1-17)

You may think your acceptance is based on the outside, but God loves you as you are and loves you not to leave you as you are. Do you realize the price tag for this? God paid in love for you! Jesus put Himself in the roll of a volunteer slave. Volunteer slave volunteered because he loved his family so much he didn’t want to leave them so he willingly allowed his master to pierce his ear to show he was a volunteer slave. Jesus had more than ear-pierced for us. Can you imagine the holy hush that fell on the room when Peter said, “No!” Bath – public facility with privacy but on the way home feet get dirty.
(v. 17) is the key verse in the passage.

Don’t look for gimmicks – let God walk out in our lives. Jesus is calling us to serve with a smile. When we focus on the flip-flop, we get out of balance.

The Feet –

What we believe about sin will reflect what we believe about the Gospel of Christ – God, Here in my life, I offer all of me to you. Washing feet means nothing to salvation but walking a cleansed walk. Jesus washing the disciples’ feet accomplished three things:

• Modeled service – if we call ourselves a Christ follower must see ourselves as servants.
• Humility – Phil. 2:3
• Provided the heaven scent clean – we need a fresh slate. John 15:3 The Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and washes us clean. Psalm 139:23,24 Prayer is that we say yes to Him.

Filed under: Sermon Notes, clean, feet, flip flops, humility, Jesus, John 13, John 3:16, servanthood, service, willingness

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN – MATTHEW 24:9-14, 36-44; REVELATION 7:9-10; 22:6-21

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN – MATTHEW 24:9-14, 36-44; REVELATION 7:9-10; 22:6-21

There are “plan ahead” people and “spur of the moment” people. Both have their pros and cons of handling upcoming events. There are times in life when planning is important; and other times when doing something on the spur of the moment is fun. In today’s lesson, we’ll examine an event that absolutely requires our attention and planning. The Bible tells us to BE ready not GET ready for if we are in the process of getting ready we may miss the event of a lifetime. Jesus is coming again the question is, are we ready?

READ SEE THE END GAME REVELATION 22:12-14

Starting with the end in mind isn’t always a bad thing; these verses encourage us to take a peek ahead to the end of time as we know it.. Jesus proclaimed that He was “coming quickly” v12. The word quickly means suddenly, suddenness, unexpected—in mid sentence. I Cor 15:51-57 In the twinkling of an eye, when we least expect it. God isn’t on the same time schedule as we are. With the Lord a thousand years is only like a day 2 Pt 3:8. When He does return, it’ll be a sudden appearance unexpected by many.

Many doubt Jesus’ return so they’re unprepared for it. They’ve never trusted Christ to forgive and save them from their sin. However, Jesus brings His reward with Him. Jesus will give people what they’ve earned by the way they’ve lived their lives. Reward stands side by side with judgment. Jesus said He would “repay each person according to what he has done” which means God records everything, misses nothing, sees all, skips no one. Jesus judges all of our words, actions and deeds. (Mt 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. Someday we have to give account for every word we speak. (1 Cor 4:5) Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. Jesus’ judgment includes our thoughts, words, and deeds! Not a single part of our lives can be kept secret from Jesus. He knows it all.

Romans 2:6 teaches God judges each man for his works. I Peter 1:17 emphasizes God judges impartially according to one’s works. This isn’t the same thing as being saved by works. Jesus said He would judge people by their works, not that they would be saved by them. Rev. 22:14 dispels the notion people are saved by works. They are saved because they “wash their robes” and obtain “the right to the tree of life” Washing robes describes the salvation as they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Our works don’t save us, but we are judged by them!

Jesus revealed that He is “the Alpha and the Omega”. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the Beginning and the End. They set Jesus apart from all human beings. He was before us and will be after us. He is greater than time and space.

Those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb have two privileges: the right to the tree of life and entering in the city by the gates. The tree first stood in the center of the Garden of Eden Gen 2:9; 3:22-24 Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from this tree and live forever. Immortality was within their grasp. However, when they ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they’re banned from the Garden and barred from eating from the tree of life. Because of their sin, Adam and Eve exchanged immortality for death which was their reward – “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Now, in Revelation 22, the tree of life reappears. Again, it is a symbol of immortality, eternal life, life that never ends.

Those that have the right to the tree of life means they have authority over the tree of life or they have the right to eat from the tree. They have the right to live for ever. That is the positive side of Christ’s reward. Jesus is coming and those who have placed their faith in Him in this life will enjoy unhindered access to the city of God forever.

The reward of going through the gates into the city speaks of the right to eternal communion and fellowship with God and His people; the right to see God face-to-face and to fully enjoy Him forever. This is the positive side of the reward. John 10, says Jesus is the gate. He is the pathway to communion with God.

READ SEE THAT YOU ARE READY MATTHEW 24:39B-44
Some try to figure out the exact day and hour of Jesus return, but Scripture’s emphasis isn’t knowing the time but being ready for His return. Jesus declared nobody knew the day or hour of His return “except the Father” Not even Jesus while He was on earth knew the day of His return. Jesus knew the time preceding His return would be like the “days of Noah,” when people engaged in their daily pursuits unaware God would soon pour rain upon the earth to judge them. So any day could be the day and we should live in constant eager expectation of His coming.

Jesus divided the reactions at His coming into two categories: the prepared and the unprepared. Jesus gave examples of people pursuing ordinary activities when He returned. Two men were working in the field. As they worked, Jesus’ return caught one prepared and one unprepared. The prepared man went with Jesus; the other one was left. Jesus also described two women grinding at the mill. Christ’s return separated the saved from the lost.

The first step to being prepared for Jesus’ return is to be alert. Since we don’t know what day Jesus is coming, we must remain alert doing those things we need to do to be ready for His return. We must prepare our own hearts by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior and work so others will be prepared in that day.

Jesus concludes with a story of a homeowner. Homeowners protect themselves against thieves by installing locks; alarms; locking doors and windows; having a watchdog; leave a light on when away; etc. We can apply this to our relationship with Jesus by being alert, prepared, ready, and watchful for His coming.

Jesus is coming at an hour we don’t expect. The Bible describes the time of His return 2Tim. 3:1-7 It states no definite time for His return. Instead, we need to be ready at all times knowing that we’re at peace with God and that we’ve shared the gospel with those who need Jesus.

SEE THAT YOU ARE FAITHFUL – MATTHEW 24:9-14; REVELATION 7:9

Jesus didn’t promise easy times as His return approached. Rather, they’d become more underhanded for those who claim Jesus’ name. However, Jesus emphasized faithfulness as we await His return at an unexpected hour.

Many signs of the end times began in Jesus’ day and have continued to our day. He mentioned persecution. Jesus’ followers must be prepared for others to hate them and to actively work against their faith. Persecution will arise as the Gospel opposed.

Persecution will come from those outside the church but also from those who turned away from the faith. Not every church member is a child of God 1 John 2:19. Christians will be tested by those who don’t remain true to their confessions. Believers must remain faithful. We must watch out for “false prophets” who would “rise up and deceive many”; Those who desire to remain faithful to the Lord must distinguish between those who are speaking the truth and those who are self-motivated to deliver their own messages.

“Lawlessness” is growing in the world. However, we can’t give up even though the world tries to write its own standards of what is right and what is wrong. We’re called to share the gospel as a testimony of Jesus’ power to save. The “good news” that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, needs to be “proclaimed. God left us here to proclaim His message so everyone has the opportunity to hear of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Reaching people is more important than determining dates for the return of Christ!

Revelation 7:9 give us hope that Jesus will come. In heaven “a vast multitude,” (too many to count) stands “before the throne and before the Lamb worshipping the One who have saved them. People were there from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” All are welcome at the throne if they’ve received Jesus. Whosoever will may come.

Prayer:
Lord, prepare our hearts and our lives as we wait with expectancy for Your return!

Filed under: Bible Studies, end times, expectancy, faithful, Jesus, John 3:16, judgment, matthew 24, rapture, return, revelation 22, revelation 7, second coming

A PICTURE TO FOLLOW – JOHN 12 – Pastor Rick Pughe

When you put something together, do you look at the picture or follow the instructions? Word gives us both but have to look harder / deeper to see the picture. Chapter 12 is a picture of faith that we can plug into and follow.

• Lazarus – Lazarus had been raised from the dead. Now he was living his faith out loud. John 11:25-26 This is the picture we can follow. Risen Lazarus reclining. He had a life change experience. Once you die to self, you can live to Jesus. Would you be a little concerned if knew the Pharisees wanted to kill you? Not Lazarus. A fearless faith changes lives When have a fearless faith, don’t have to be fearful.
• Mary – Growing up in her faith through grace and knowledge of God. Perfume = a years wages. Is the pace where you do life changed because the fragrance of your faith follows you? Mary didn’t wait till Jesus died to anoint Him. How is the fragrance of your faith changing your life? Mary is kneeling / sitting at feet. We grow by submitting to His Word, way and knowledge.
• Martha – serving her faith – we all like to be served but how many like to serve Jesus? Do we get fixed on being busy for Jesus or does our serving bring honor to Him? Are you living your faith out loud? Are you serving to honor Him? Does your service for King reflect your honor for the kingdom?
• Judas – revealing His obvious lack of faith. At times, we can relate with what Judas said unless we allow correction to come in life. Judas was on slippery slope downward. He didn’t care out the poor. There is an appropriate time to be extravagant for Jesus. Our checkbooks reflect where we are with Jesus. Word of God comes into life to align us.
• Jesus – unveils a sincere picture of faith (v 42,43) These people believed in Jesus but more concerned about what others think than standing up for Jesus. Do we lean more to the praise of men or the praise of God? It will show up where / when we do life. Our responsibility is to live out the Word of God in our life. Who went to cross for us? Jesus

Filed under: Sermon Notes, 12, follow, Jesus, John, John 3:16, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Pharisees

The Truth about Grace by John MacArthur

The Truth about Grace by John MacArthur

In a series of books about the fundamentals of the faith, John MacArthur explains the true meaning behind grace.

This small book (only 105 pages) expounds upon grace with a verse by verse study of what the Bible says about grace. Grace is one of the keys concepts for the believer to understand and live in his life for grace is not the license to sin but the ability to change in spite of our sin.

Filed under: Book Review, change, grace, john macarthur, key concepts, sin