Sermons
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Thanking God for You
Audio File: 2012-05-13_thanking_god_for_you.mp3 (4.77MB)
1 Thess 1:2-3
Moms are great, eh? Question for you today: What specifically are we most thankful for to the Mothers in our life. In 1 Thess 1:3, Paul lists 3 specific things he was thankful for in the Thessalonians: "works produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope"
Works produced by faith are much more important and significant than any other types of works. In order for these works to work - If God doesn't show up, then nothing happens. Being a mom isn't always that rewarding, but if you work to raise you children up in the lord, you may not always get the praise of man, but your works will be rewarded as works of faith!
Labor prompted by love is along the lines of being a servant. When jesus and the disciples were in the upper room with smelly sweaty feet, He demonstrated 'Labor prompted by love': He saw the need and took on the role of a common slave or servant to wash thir feet. Moms quietly do many things along these lines continually, never receiving attention or praise.
Endurance inspired by hope Hope is a happy anticipation of good. Do you as moms have that for their families? If so, you will be rewarded with endurance to see things through to the end.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thess 1:2-3
Published on Sunday, May 13, 2012 12:16 PM EDT
In God - In Christ
Audio File: 2012-05-06_in_god_in_christ.mp3 (4.58MB)
1 Thess 1:1
We already studied Paul, Silas and Timothy and how they became acquainted with the people of Thessalonica. As we send out our people on short term missions trips, it does require a lot of work, time, resources. We should never underestimate the value and impact these missionaries have. The fruit is borne - sooner AND later - in both the lives of the givers and recipients of the missions work. Let's look at What the term 'In God' really mean? God is a person - not a thing. You can be IN an airplane, but how can you be IN someone? Jesus prays in John 17:21 , and gives us a better understanding of this concept: 'Father just as you are in Me and I am in you, may they also be in us' and in 1 John 4:18 'Whovever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them.' The Word uses God's character When describing him. God is Holy, God is Just, God is Omnipresent, God is Love. Love - and the other fruit of the spirit found in Galations 5 is our proof of being 'In God'. Are you In God? Are you In Christ? Let's agree together to walk In God, and In Christ and receive the free, unmerited gift of His grace, peace and His love, and turn away from the works of the flesh. Therefore if anyone be In Christ, the new creation is come: The old is gone, the new is here!. 2 Cor 5:17
Published on Sunday, May 6, 2012 12:16 PM EDT
Proclaiming Christ in Thessalonica
Audio File: 2012-04-29_proclaiming_christ_in_thessalonica.mp3 (5.74MB)
Acts 17:1-9
We've been around Thessalonica. Now today, let's enter the city and see what's going on with Paul. When entering a city for the first time, it was Paul's custom to go first to the synagogue. It was a major center for study and learning. The Word of God is active! It's alive and - once it enters your heart - it will change you and lead you to the Truths of eternal life. But not everyone comes to church to study and learn. We've seen all types here, as illustrated in the parable of the seeds. The ones who show up, wanting to learn and eager to hear and grow will leave stronger than they came. Paul was looking for those hungry people in the synagogue, proclaiming Christ to them. The good news Paul preached to them brought the good news that the Messiah they were looking for had finally come, with forgiveness and salvation!
How did the people receive his message? Once again, there were different people there with differing backgrounds and preconceived beliefs. The greeks received the teaching with gladness, but some of the jews were angry, because this was no longer exclusive to them. Lord, Let our lives be open to your Word, receiving it gladly, and living it out fully!
Published on Sunday, April 29, 2012 12:19 PM EDT
Thessalonica
Audio File: 2012-04-15-thessalonica.mp3 (5.46MB)
Thessalonica Acts 14:21-22 Paul is now a passionate devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As we lead up to a study of the book of Thessalonians, let's take a look at Paul's first & second missionary journey. Healings and miracles caused many to want to worship Paul and sacrifice to him out of ignorance. He was able to preach to them in Lystra for a short time before he was stoned. We don't want any of our own fbc missionaries to get stoned, but in Paul's case he said it was a good thing for the furtherance of his ministry. Its amazing how he decided his second trip would be to Lystra. But he wanted to help the brothers and sisters there. The devil couldn't stand the powerful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that's why Paul saw so much opposition. Paul's different missionary trips each had God's overreaching direction and purpose, eventually leading him to bring the gospel to the faraway land of Macedonia, Thessalonica & Rome. Thessalonica was founded in 350BC and was on the 'main drag' passing directly to Rome. We need to have the same urgency to spread the gospel that Paul had. There are souls to rescue - there are souls to save - so let's together - SEND THE LIGHT!
Published on Sunday, April 15, 2012 12:26 PM EDT
Easter Sunday - Where are you Going?
Ezra 10:18-44 It will soon be crab season. There's an art to catching crabs, capturing them in the net before they let go of the chicken. Sometimes they just won't let go of the chicken, even when they're in the net. Their stubborness to hang on overrides their own sense of security. People are a lot like crabs, aren't we? we eat chicken. We get trapped (in Sin). And we often won't let go of our sin. What is it that Satan uses to tempt us into his net? Extra-marital sex? Cheating? Lying? a bitter, vengeful spirit? Addictive behaviors? Once a habit takes hold in our lives, like the crabs, it's hard to let go. We need to stop and ask, 'Where is this thing going?' Where will this take me if I continue in it? If I refuse to let go of the bait, what kind of hot water will I end up in? When Jesus asks us to let go of the bait - in Mark 8:35 He reminds us that in order to save our life we must lose it, and trust in Him alone!When we follow the voice of the shepherd, he promises in John 10:28 'I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no on can snatch them out of my hand.' We need to ask - Are we really happy when we're becoming trapped in Satan's net? God has designed us so we're happiest and most fulfilled when we're in the center of God's will.
Published on Sunday, April 8, 2012 11:46 AM EDT
Paul - The Right Person for The Right Time
Audio File: 2012-04-01-paul_the_right_person_for_the_right_time.mp3 (5.82MB)
An overview of how Saul became Paul, and his importance along with our upcoming study of Thessalonians.
Published on Sunday, April 1, 2012 11:48 AM EDT
Putting Away Sin
Audio File: 2012-03-25_putting_away_sin.mp3 (6.45MB)
Published on Sunday, March 25, 2012 12:33 PM EDT
20th Anniversary - Christ and His Church
Audio File: 2012-03-18_20th_anniv_bob_davies-christ_and_his_church.mp3 (7.89MB)
Published on Sunday, March 18, 2012 12:42 PM EDT
Compatibility in Marriage
Audio File: 2012-03-11-compatibility_in_marriage.mp3 (4.73MB)
Published on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 1:14 PM EDT
The Sin Cycle
Wheres The Line
Published on Sunday, February 26, 2012 12:40 PM EDT
Appalled At Sin
Published on Sunday, February 19, 2012 12:32 PM EDT
Consecrated to the Lord
Audio File: 2012-02-12_consencrated_to_the_lord.mp3 (5.04MB)
Published on Sunday, February 12, 2012 12:14 PM EDT
Travelling Mercies
Audio File: 2012-02-05_travelling_mercies.mp3 (5.18MB)
Published on Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:39 PM EDT
Workers
Whatever God Has Prescribed
Audio File: 2012-01-22_whatever_god_has_prescribed.mp3 (5.14MB)
Published on Sunday, January 22, 2012 12:22 PM EDT
Name Affiliation
Audio File: 2012-01-15_name_affiliation.mp3 (6.13MB)
Published on Sunday, January 15, 2012 12:28 PM EDT
Help for 2012
New Beginnings - Art Bryan
Audio File: 2012-01-01_new_beginnings.mp3 (3.90MB)
Romans 13:12-14
Art has been studying to be a navy chaplain, and Pastor Rob has given him this chance to share (and practice) on us, and we are glad he did!
Enjoy this 3 point sermon on new years
resolutions!
"How do you know what your life
will look like tomorrow? Your life is like
morning fog - Its here a while, then its gone. "
James 4:14
Let us tear down the walls of failure, doubt and worry, put the Lord in our drivers seat and resolve to be faithful, available and teachable.
Published on Sunday, January 1, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Looking for the Messiah
Audio File: 2011-12-25-looking_for_the_messiah.mp3 (4.81MB)
Luke 2:21-38
Pastor Rob and his family are so thankful for all the words of appreciation and for the wonderful Christmas Eve service. He was thinking back to his times of participation in dramas, playing Santa, shepherds, etc. But today we'll talk of two people who are in scripture but are not often portrayed, or spoken of, but both were looking for the savior...
Simeon: Luke 2:28-32
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.
Anna: Luke 2:38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna weren't righteous because of any good within, but because they were looking for the coming Messiah. In so doing, they were asking with 'faith looking forward' for a savior for their sins, God with us, a mighty God, a Prince of peace.
They wanted to hear from God. Very devout - abiding in the temple - fasting and praying night and day. They also were quick to boldly proclaim Jesus the Christ to all who would listen.
Can we be like Simeon or Anna? Yes! We *can* faithfully continue looking for the Messiah - this time for His return! We can take heed, watch and pray, for no one knows the day or hour of His coming. Some of us are last minute people. Thats okay with Christmas, because we know the date. But we definitely don't want to miss Jesus' return!
Today let us celebrate like Simeon and Anna singing Joy to the World, The Lord Has Come!
Published on Sunday, December 25, 2011 11:50 AM EDT
Character Assassination
Audio File: 2011-12-18-character_assassination.mp3 (4.74MB)
Published on Sunday, December 18, 2011 1:55 PM EDT
Why Is There Hatred Toward Israel?
Audio File: 2011-12-11-why_is_there_hatred_toward_israel.mp3 (6.25MB)
Published on Sunday, December 11, 2011 12:27 PM EDT
Impalement
Why Is Life Hard?
Audio File: 2011-11-27_why_is_life_hard.mp3 (5.17MB)
Published on Monday, November 28, 2011 9:13 PM EDT
Give Careful Thought to Your Ways
Audio File: 2011-11-20_give_careful_thought_to_your_ways.mp3 (5.44MB)
Published on Sunday, November 20, 2011 12:42 PM EDT
Know Your Enemies
Audio File: 2011-11-13_know_your_enemies.mp3 (5.15MB)
Published on Sunday, November 13, 2011 12:37 PM EDT
Celebrating the Foundation
Audio File: 2011-11-06_celebrate_the_foundation.mp3 (5.32MB)
Published on Sunday, November 6, 2011 1:18 PM EDT
Priority Number One
Audio File: 2011-10-23_priority_number_one.mp3 (4.33MB)
Published on Sunday, October 23, 2011 11:48 AM EDT
God Dwells With Us
Audio File: 2011-10-16_god_dwells_with_us.mp3 (4.30MB)
Published on Sunday, October 16, 2011 11:19 AM EDT
Day of Atonement
Audio File: 2011-10-09_day_of_atonement.mp3 (5.46MB)
Published on Sunday, October 9, 2011 12:35 PM EDT
Feast of Trumpets & Tabernacles
Audio File: 2011-10-02_feast_of_trumpets_and_tabernacles.mp3 (5.18MB)
Ezra 3:1-6
In todays chapter, we find the phrase 'assembled as one man'. This refers to the assembly of the workers to gather-in the harvest before it withers. This phrase also refers to the gathering of a soul to reunite with his forefathers in heaven. Also we learned that each of the seven feasts celebrated by the jews have a double meaning, for both the physical jews, and for the spiritual people of God, most of them being fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Rosh Ha Shanah - the feast of trumpets - is the new moon, signifying Jewish New Year. Because its tied to the new moon, they wouldn't know the exact day or hour of its coming. When it did come, they would blow the shofar, calling for the gathering in of all the people of israel for the harvest. The feast of tabernacles ( Sukkot ) is called the Season of our Joy, occuring five days after the Day of Atonement. Remember, "If you are Christ's then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Published on Sunday, October 2, 2011 8:00 PM EDT
Obeying God or Running Away
Audio File: 2011-09-25-bernard_lake_obey_god_or_run_away.mp3 (7.56MB)
God gave a specific command to Jonah - Go to the city of Ninevah and preach against it, to warn them of their sins.
Jonah's family name means truth-teller, but Jonah's name means dove (shy) so he was fearful and conflicted - Obey God or hold true to the traditions of men? The Jews believed God was theirs exclusively. It takes enourmous strength to go against tradition, but God gives us the power to be non-traditional.
God used a storm in Jonah's life. What is Your Storm? Jesus can control your storm! Jonah was a runaway - but God didn't give up on him. Don't run from God - Obey Him today and He will give you peace!
Published on Sunday, September 25, 2011 8:01 PM EDT
First Things First
Audio File: 2011-09-18_first_things_first.mp3 (5.63MB)
Ezra 2:63-68
The people of God probably took over four months on their trip back to Jerusalem. Even after they finished that long trip, they couldn't just relax. The land they returned to had become a massive area of ruins over the 70 years they were away. Ruins is often a desciption of our lot in life. How do we address the problem? Well, First Things First - We have to be prepared to start over, to rebuild. The people of Israel did 2 things, GO and GIVE. Their first decision was to GO to where the house of Lord was supposed to be. Secondly they purposed to GIVE towards their rebuilding effort. God sees our heart - He knows our priorities are wrapped up in two things - Where we spend our time, and how we spend our money!
Published on Sunday, September 18, 2011 12:19 PM EDT
Family Name
Audio File: 2011-09-11-family_name.mp3 (5.64MB)
Ezra 2:61-63
Its a good thing to have a 'family name', respected in your community. In today's verse in Ezra - most people
were returning to their old homes and various positions, according to their family's name, but not all of them did. In the official registry, their names were 'lost in the move'. It was important to the people of Israel that their
family name would not be lost. The very fact that the nation of Israel survives to this day is evidence that the Bible is true!
What about your name. What are people saying about you
and your family name? Is the thought of you a blessing
or does your name invoke a different kind of reaction?
A good reputation is important, isn't it? Though we're
not perfect, if we walk humbly before our God and
follow his voice, even when its unpleasant, we'll be
sure to maintain that Good Name!
Published on Sunday, September 11, 2011 12:30 PM EDT
Atonement
Audio File: 2011-09-04-kevin_fry-atonement.mp3 (5.92MB)
Wycliffe founder Cameron Townsend is quoted as saying 'If your God is so great, why can't He speak my language?' He became a model of how Wycliffe translates the bible. First live among them, then begin giving the bible to them in their own language.
in Patzun Guatemala, the cakchiquel-mayan worldview is a much different way of viewing the world. The extreme cultural differences led the translators to wait and translate the book of leviticus last, since there were so many different concepts that would be new and strange to the cakchiquel people.
When the translators came to the concept of atonement, they struggled with representing the concept of payment for sin to them in a way they could grasp. They framed the concept this way: 'God can look at us again, and things are just like they were before.' But there was still a problem with the concepts of forgiveness in Matthew 18, justice in Romans 32, and mercy in Hebrews 2.
2 Cor 5:21 (NLT): "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."
Published on Sunday, September 4, 2011 4:37 PM EDT
Family Names
Audio File: 2011-08-21_family_names.mp3 (5.66MB)
This week we looked at the various positions and categories of the lists of names in Ezra, all of whom have something to do with worship in God's temple:
Priests - Communicators of God's word and His will.
Levites - A family, made up of some prestigious members of the team and some not so prestigious. As recievers of the tithes, Even though they did lots of chores in the temple, they made plenty of money in good times, but made very little in the lean times.
Musicians & Singers - Helped lead the people into worship, to prepare them for God's Word.
Gate Keepers - Handled all the details of a smooth running temple.
Temple Servants - Did whatever the priests needed, The servants served.
Descendants of the Servants of Solomon - Were all used to help create an attitude of worship.
The different positions in the Body of Christ are all necessary parts of today's church to reach unity and the knowledge of the Word of God, and to do the works of service. Remember - We all have jobs & ministries to do - Big and Small! Let's boldy fulfill our ministry with glad hearts as unto the Lord!Published on Sunday, August 21, 2011 12:13 PM EDT
Hello My Name Is...
Audio File: 2011-08-14_hello_my_name_is.mp3 (4.32MB)
Hey! A New Chapter! Lots of names in this passage, Heh? 'Born in Babylon' was the meaning of Zerubbable's name. Everyone kew that Zerubbable's grandfather was cursed, but that did not seem to keep him from wanting to return and rebuild God's broken-down temple - The promises of God in his life was greater than the curse! In spite of the damage done to the family name, Zerubbable said, Just because my name means 'Born in Babylon' doesn't mean I have to stay there! Zerubbable wanted to excel to prove God's power to turn our lives around for good, and for God's glory, So much so that the names that followed in his family were blessed to lead to Jacob, then Joseph, then Jesus!
Published on Sunday, August 14, 2011 12:33 PM EDT
What Our Stuff is For
Audio File: 2011-08-07-what_our_stuff_is_for.mp3 (9.44MB)
Ezra 1:6-11
Pastor Rob learned something during his short stint
working for a moving company. Did you know that most
Families collect over a thousand pounds of STUFF for
every year of marriage?! As Israel returned to
Jerusalem, God blessed them with lots of stuff. Ezra
1:9-10 gives us an inventory: 5400 articles, including
silver and gold, goods, livestock, valuable gifts, and
freewill offerings from the Persians. It looks like Cyrus had figured out that God is supreme ruler over their stuff. Have we figured it out? We learned today that God puts everything we need into our hands to fulfill His plans in our lives and the life of our church as we progress into a new phase of adding to our facilities.
Published on Sunday, August 7, 2011 12:30 PM EDT
Where are You Going?
Audio File: 2011-07-31_where_are_you_going.mp3 (5.12MB)
Today we are looking at what paths we are on and where they are taking us. We have learned that the choices that one generation make have impact for many generations to follow. Exodus 34:6-7 says the LORD is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation."
Published on Sunday, July 31, 2011 8:47 PM EDT
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