'#faith' Tagged Posts (Page 2)
LOOKING AT TRIALS THROUGH GOD’S EYES (JAMES 1)
We are taking a break in Genesis to focus more intentionally on James as we work through it on Sunday mornings and keep that text fresh in our minds. Set aside some time to watch that video from Sunday. Join us today as we seek to gain some perspective on trials, particularly God’s perspective.
A GENUINE AND ANTICIPATORY FAITH (GENESIS 17)
Genesis 17 highlights for us when circumcision came to be in the picture of the nature of Israel. Genesis 17 shows us the renaming of Abram and Sarai. What difference does circumcision make to the life of a believer? What can we draw from this passage that would mean anything for our present context? Join us today and find out.
TRYING TO RUSH GOD’S PLANS (GENESIS 16)
Ever get impatient with God? God has perfect plans on his timing, but we often would like to see the timetable sped up to match ours. When we try to work around God’s plans though, it makes things….well, complicated. It often has consequences as later chapters in Genesis reveal. Let’s keep the focus though for now on what we can learn from Genesis 16.
LESSONS FROM A WAR (GENESIS 14)
The story of Abram’s faith continues. This time, we learn an important lesson on faith from a war and about the choices we make in our everyday lives. Thanks for joining us today as we explore Genesis 14 together.
FAITH AMIDST CONFLICT (GENESIS 13)
At the end of chapter 12, Abram not only is dealing with the famine in the land of Canaan but also a famine of faith in his own life. As we come to chapter 13, we see the ebbs and flows of our walk with the Lord. The one who just acted in self-will know shows a wonderful display of his faith in God amidst a family conflict. When tempted to go after what would appeal to anyone’s mind and…
A FAMINE OF FAITH (GENESIS 12)
In the last half of Genesis 12, Abram encounters a famine in the land. As a result, he moved to Egypt to escape this severe time for his family & fortune. While there was a famine in the land, you might also say that there was a famine of faith in Abram’s life. What do I mean and what can we learn from this time in Abram’s life? Join us today!
TRUST & OBEY (GENESIS 12)
This is part 1 of two sessions we’ll do on Genesis 12. In this first session, look at the chapter and note that two elements always go hand in hand together. These two elements are the subject of a great hymn of the faith. They are the key to living godly lives. They are what we are encouraged to here. Trust and obedience. They cannot be separated from one another. What is God calling you to trust him in? How…
SALVATION IN THE STORM (GENESIS 7-8)
As I was reading Genesis 7-8 today, I noted some things I hadn’t before. We often hear this simply as a children’s story, yet this was an actual account with far deeper spiritual meaning that just a boat floating on the water to save some animals. Today, we look through the timeline of that event as well as the greater significance that it points us to today. Thanks for watching!
CAIN & ABEL (GENESIS 4)
The story of Cain & Abel. As much as it is often told as a children’s story, it really is anything but that. One brother murdering another. Yet as we look deeper, we see the problems of the heart, the tragedy sin is causing, and a faithful God who continues to call people to repentance and faith.
CREATING SOMETHING NEW (PSALM 51)
I spend time in my garage creating various projects from wood often for my home. I thank the Lord for that skill set that I have attained over the years. What is beyond me though is dealing with the sin problem within me. David acknowledges that in Psalm 51. A heart that is morally degraded needs a solution beyond our power. The word that begins v. 10 with though contains special significance for us in this great psalm.
IT ALL BEGAN IN THIS ROOM ONE YEAR AGO
Exactly one year ago today, I started vlogging on our church YouTube channel to provide midweek encouragements on the passages we were reading together at the time. After 156 episodes, we’re still carrying on with the same mission. The words spoke here are meant to encourage people in their walk with Jesus and to greater steps of faith.
NOT JUST AMAZED BUT LIVING BY FAITH
We just finished on Sunday going through Ephesians 2:8-10. And we truly stand amazed at what God has done. We stand amazed at this message – by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for God’s glory alone. I ran across a video today though talking about the difference between amazement and faith. We’re called not to just be amazed at God by to live by faith.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Taking just a moment to reflect back on why we are going through the basics. I think challenging days are on the horizon. Things that may make 2020 look easy. Let’s purpose to know what we believe, why we believe, & how to explain it those around us. Let’s purpose to be people of faith, living out what we believe. And for those that are season, find a disciple that you yourself can invest in to prepare them with what…
EVERYONE STARTS SOMEWHERE
Everyone starts somewhere. You’re familiar with that phrase I am sure. Usually we use it in regard to progress in life. But it is also an adequate description of what people believe the basic fundamentals that we accept. We call the presuppositions. And we’re exploring that today. Everyone from the Christian to atheist has presuppositions.
DEFENDING & GROWING IN OUR FAITH
For some time now, I have been thinking about my time at Calvary and the theology classes that I absolutely loved. In them, I gained a greater knowledge of and appreciation for who God is. But it also deepened my relationship with God. Yesterday during our Sunday School time, we discussed knowing the basics at the very least so that we are able to defend our faith and spot falsehood. Those basics (& more) are not just points of knowledge…
GENUINE COMMITMENT (REVELATION 3)
Genuine. Commitment. Two words that we often look for in the relationships that we establish with people in our community, as we see a spouse, as we make friends. We look for people who are genuine and who are committed. Those same two words could be a banner for Revelation 3 as God calls us to a genuinely committed relationship with himself each and everyday expressed through simple obedience. Take a moment to read the chapter and watch. Revelation 3…
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE LAND (1 THESSALONIANS 1)
I love this book of 1 Thessalonians. I find myself saying that often about various portions of the Bible, but it’s about our Creator & Savior so why not love it! Here we see though the heart of Paul unfold for these believers, and how the gospel has changed their lives to the glory of God. Let’s read through this first chapter together.
LIFE (JOHN 20)
I just love the gospel of John which is so simple to understand yet as deep as the ocean in its theology. John 20 reveals to us John’s purpose in composing this book–that people would read it and choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. The last part of v. 31 stood out to me – “have life in his name”. It it true that belief in Jesus brings eternal life for anyone making that step of faith. The…
NO GREATER JOY (3 JOHN)
Third John is a short little book, just 15 verses, yet there are some very meaningful texts that we miss in this often over looked epistle. One in particular has meant much to me as a father and as a pastor. Which one is it and why does it mean so much? Take a moment to watch. 3 John NET