Sermon Reflection from January 8, 2023 | A New Prayer
 
       As we begin a New Year, Pastor Alex is challenging us to look at the ‘old’ ways were have been doing things and seek a New way which through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will produce a New You!  Last week, he looked at God’s Word and challenged us to dig in, dive in and immerse ourselves so that our Newer You would be pointed to God through His Word.  This week he is challenging us to talk to God and establish a firm and lasting connection to carry us through this New Year of 2023.
     
To start this New journey we need to have a conversation with God.  That sounds easy enough but in reality it can be difficult.  Finding and taking the time to stop the distractions that surround us and focus on communicating with God and be a challenge.  There are some tools that might be helpful in this:  your Bible is a great resource of how to talk with God, what to ask of Him and why you need to talk things over with Him.  For example in Psalm 23 the psalmist, David, point us to God’s ability to provide, calm, guide, eliminate fear, protect from evil, provide tools for me to use, has prepared a place for me to be and will always have my best in mind.  As you read the psalm you can pray for these things to be manifested in your life or the life of someone you are seeking to uplift.
 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Another idea of how to start this conversation with God is to use the ACTS method.  A- adoration.  Start your prayer time with praise and adoration for who God is.  A way to do this is to use the alphabet and pray an attribute of God with each letter, thanking him for his character that sustains you. C-confession.  Over and over in scripture we are told to repent, which is being sorry for our sins.  Tell God your failings and ask Him to help you over come through His Holy Spirit which dwells within you as a believer.  T- thanks.  Before we ask God for more, we need to be aware and thankful for all He has done for us.  It puts things into perspective as nothing else can.  Lastly, S- supplication which is talking to God about your needs and the needs of others.  Hopefully, you will find scripture, the alphabet or ACTS helpful in starting that conversation with Almighty God.

     How does one create a connection with God?  Through prayer certainly but also reading His Word and fellowshipping with other believers helps us to see the importance of family, hope, relationships and strength that comes from linking ourselves together by faith.  When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we join God’s family.  He is our Father and we belong to Him and with Him.  That is a connection that cannot be severed.  I love John 10:28 “ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”   Through faith in Jesus, I belong to and with God for eternity, and no one or nothing can remove Him from me or me from Him! Praise God!

     Why wouldn’t you want to have the Newer version of yourself?  You can talk with God anytime or anyplace.  You can be assured of your place in His family and will always have brothers and sisters in Christ to share in your hopes, joys and sorrows.   You have a permanent relationship with God that no one can take away from you, ever!  You belong to God and He desires a relationship with YOU!
     Take time in this New Year to cultivate this God provided relationship through faith in Jesus and let the benefits spill over into each and every day of 2023!
 
Linda

SERMON LINK
A New You | A New Prayer
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Sermon series, "A New You" Today Alex Hardt share how Prayer Transforms the Heart

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.   

Sermon Reflection from December 24, 2022  | The Jesus Perspective
 
Pastor Alex and his friend Bryson worked in tandem to deliver a compelling recap of all the sermons delivered during the Advent season.  His emphasis throughout the month has been that knowing Christ will lead us to live wisely and differently from the world.  It was clearly evident in all 4 examples.

First, we saw the perspective of the Wise men as their story from Matthew 2:1-12 was read.  The Wise men traveled a long distance in search of the child born ‘King of the Jews’.  They gave their time to the search, resources and finally their gifts to the child.  How are you like the Wise men?  Do you seek to know Christ more fully by spending time in His Word? Do you use your resources to serve and help others?  Do you give generously of what God has given you?  Living wisely and differently involves giving generously of ourselves and our talents with a heart attitude of love and devotion to our Savior.  Faith transforms our stingy, self-seeking hearts into ones filled with His love which spills out generously towards others.

Second, Pastor Alex read the Shepherd’s story from Luke 2:8-20.  Bryson showed us reasons why God would have chosen the lowly shepherds to be the first to worship the Savior.   Their place in society was not one that was elevated, but it was one of value.  The Christ Child came to all people to save them from their sins.  He was needed to restore the relationship with mankind that was broken by the sin actions in the Garden of Eden.  His position on earth was lowly born but He was of extreme value and had a high place in heaven.  Things are not always what they seem as God uses whom He desires to bring His message to the world.  Living wisely in light of the shepherd’s example means one must listen and respond to the Good News from heaven.  Their response was immediate and heartfelt as they moved quickly to find the babe and experience for themselves the joy of seeing their Savior.  Have you encountered Jesus in a personal way?   Has it lead you to embrace the good news and display true joy in your life?   Faith transforms our unresponsive hearts into ones filled with joy and a desire to spread the good news of Christ.

​The truths shown by Mary and Joseph’s part in this Christmas Story lead us to look at the ordinary in a different way.  Both the Luke passage 1:30-35 and Matthew 1:18-25 show the encounter of the angel Gabriel with both Mary and Joseph.   God chose ordinary people to bring His plan into being.  They were devoted Jews but not kings, priests or landowners.  By worldly standards they were just village people going about their lives serving God through their faith.  God’s trust in them was a reflection of His love for them.  How they were to serve Him was profound and challenging.  Do you see yourself as one who can serve God?   We can take a lesson from Mary and Joseph.  Their faith and devotion to God allowed them to serve Him in an extra–ordinary way.  Faith transforms our unwilling hearts into ones motivated by His love to do the incredible work He has planned for us. 

Lastly, Bryson had us look at Jesus and the encounter he had as a babe of just 8 days old.  Simeon’s story was read from Luke 2:25-35.  The Lord had revealed to Simeon that he would see the Christ, Messiah before he died.   What we learn from his story about living differently is that we need to let God reveal Himself in our lives passionately.  Our zeal for God should be evident in what we say and do.  Our love for Him involves our whole being.  Simeon lived his life trusting in God’s promise to him that he would see the Messiah.  He lived in faith, knowing God was a promise keeping God and would reveal the Messiah to him.  When he was confronted with baby Jesus at his naming ceremony, Simeon knew this was the child who would save all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.  Faith transforms the doubting impatient heart into one filled with zealous passion for Him, belief in His promises and a desire to praise Him wholeheartedly. 

What kind of a heart is God revealing to you today?  Is your heart like the Wise men filled with His love spilling out generously towards others?   Like the shepherds which is filled with joy and a desire to spread the good news of Christ?  Like Mary and Joseph’s hearts which were motivated by His love to do the incredible work He has planned?   Or maybe your heart is like Simeon’s filled with zeal, belief in His promises and a passionate desire to praise God?    I pray that your heart is like all of the above seeking to love and serve our Savior which is Christ the Lord.  He is with us now.  Look to Him and grab hold of His truth.  It will transform your heart and life so that you can live differently and wisely for Him each day in 2023! 

By Linda Knight
 
SERMON LINK
This Christmas | The Jesus Perspective
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Sermon series, "This Christmas" Today Alex and Bryson teach the Christmas Story

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.   


 
 

My friend Cheryl has chosen Romans 12:2 as her favorite verse. This is one of the most well-known and quoted verse in the book of Romans for good reason. Here are verses 1-2:   Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
​
Starting with Therefore, Paul is saying because of all I have said in the previous 11 Chapters this is how God's wants you to live. Paul has told us in Romans 1:16-17 of the power of the gospel leading to God's righteousness.  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” In Romans 3:22-23 that faith comes through Jesus and no one is righteous on their own "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." In Romans 5:1 Paul concludes that we are justified by faith. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," I particularly love Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In Romans 7 we hear of Paul's own smuggles with his sin nature but he reaches another conclusion in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, In Chapter 8 Paul tells us we are son's of the Father (14), coheirs with Christ (17), all things in our lives God can work for good (28), and nothing can separate us from the love of God (37-38). Paul tells us in Romans 10: 9-10 that confession of Jesus as Lord will bring about salvation. " If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Given all these facts about God and what He has done for us Paul reaches the conclusion stated in Romans 12:1. Think about God's mercy towards us and commit yourself to a life of loving Him sacrificially. It will be pleasing to God.

In verse 2, Paul goes on to tell us that we need to let God transform our body and minds so that we will not be led astray and seduced by the world's motives and standards. When your mind is renewed through faith in Jesus you will be able to discern what is worldly and stay away from it. You will be able to test things against His Word of truth, pray for discernment through the power of the Holy Spirit and call upon the name of Jesus for help. Then you will be able to walk with Jesus doing what is pleasing to God and aligned with His will. Faith in Jesus is the key to this transformation.

Thanks Cheryl for pointing me to this verse. I can see how you use this verse to give you strength to reject world culture and seek alignment with God's Word. Leaning on God's mercy, clinging to Jesus and using His Word to lead us in life will lead us to pleasing God.
Linda

Getting to Know the Heart of Your Leadership Team Through Scripture
 by Linda Knight
 
Recently I asked members of the Leadership Team to give me their favorite scripture. 
 
Just a slight deviation from favorite verses today to favorite Bible stories. When I asked my friend Kathy for a favorite verse or two she responded with her favorite stories. As I thought about this, it so suits Kathy. She is a lifelong student of the Bible and the consummate Sunday School teacher. She sees things relationally as they impact our lives. Here are her favorites:

“I love the story of Esther because it tells me that even though the name of God is never mentioned, He is there, working in our lives.” Do you see God working in each area of your life? Is He with you in the hard times- rescuing, helping, guiding and providing all that behind the scenes encouragement? Do you also turn to Him in praise when things go well? I am reminded of God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Esther believed God was there with her and her people. What about you?
 
 “I love the story of Ruth because of the love and devotion it speaks.” Ruth gives us an example to follow because of the love she showed her mother-in-law, Naomi. Do you have someone you are serving even though it is hard? Are you letting the love of God shine through you towards them? Paul put this in another context in Romans 12:9-11 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” What does your love reflect?
 
“I love the story of Jonah because it tells me that I can’t outrun God.” Jonah is such a great example of thinking we know better and can get away from God. Do you try to second guess God and tell Him how things should be? Submission is not easy but it is biblical. Christ is our example in Hebrews 5:7 “ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Let us learn from Jonah and strive to be like Jesus.
 
“I love the story of the blind man in John 9 because it tells me that even though people can see, they may still be blind.” Jesus made mud and put it on this man’s eyes and his eyes were opened. He had been blind from birth. The Pharisee’s were incensed that Jesus healed this man and did it on the Sabbath. They considered healing work and Jews were not permitted to work on the Sabbath. They questioned the man’s parents to verify he was born blind. They questioned the former blind man about who had healed him. He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not (meaning Jesus), I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” He was blind physically but Jesus gave him sight. The Pharisee’s were blind spiritually and could not see the truth of Jesus and His power. Are you open to His work and leading so that you can see God’s truth in your life?
 
 “I love the story of Ananias and Sapphira because it tells me that God knows me so well, I can’t lie to him (and lying never brings about a good ending).” This story occurs in Acts 5. Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. It would seem from what happened, they said they were giving all the proceeds from their land sale. Maybe they wanted to look good in the eyes of the apostles and their fellow believers so they would think well of them, think them generous and selfless when they secretly held back a portion for themselves. Their actions were deceitful and here is what happened. Ananias came before Peter:
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, carried him out and buried him.
 
Next his wife came in, not knowing what had happened to her husband. “About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.  The sin was not that they did not give it all to the Lord’s work but lying about it. If they had been truthful about the price and what they were giving, all would have been well but they tried to lie and get away with it. What a price to pay for pride and trying to be more than they were. I agree with Kathy this is an example of God’s Omniscience and man’s pride. God knows, and we kid ourselves, when we think we can get away with things. God always knows.

I am reminded of 1 John 3:19-21 “This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.”

Be encouraged today with these stories displaying God’s character. He is Omnipresent and Sovereign as in Esther showing His providential care and guidance. He is loving and the great Provider as seen in Ruth. He is Omniscient in the case of Jonah and Ananias and Saphira. He is Compassionate, Loving and Almighty God as seen by the blind man. Who is God to you? How do you see him in the story of your life? Is He Faithful, Unchanging, Savior, Redeemer and friend? Take time to thank Him for His presence in your life today.

I’d love to hear your favorite story too. Thanks, Kathy, for directing me to these gems of scripture that give us foundational truths to live by.
​
Linda
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