Mar 17, 2024
Matthew 21:1-11 – Hosanna – Guest Speaker John Hwang
"Matthew 21 - Hosanna - Guest Speaker John Hwang
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  • Mar 17, 2024Matthew 21:1-11 – Hosanna – Guest Speaker John Hwang
    Mar 17, 2024
    Matthew 21:1-11 – Hosanna – Guest Speaker John Hwang
    "Matthew 21 - Hosanna - Guest Speaker John Hwang
  • Mar 10, 2024Jude 1:6-10 – The Dangers of Apostasy (Part 2)
    Mar 10, 2024
    Jude - The Dangers of Apostasy Part 2
    Jude 1:6-10 – The Dangers of Apostasy (Part 2)
    Jude 1:6-10 - The Dangers of Apostasy (Part 2). The greatest threat to the Church today is not physical or political persecution. Instead, Jude warns the Church to beware of apostasy, which leads us away from faith in the real Jesus. At the root of apostasy is Satan and his work to try and destroy God's plan of salvation. Apostasy takes many forms like exalting our will over God's will and acting hyper spiritual to compensate for a lack of real faith. Pastor David's message on Jude, Contending for Real Faith, will help you grow in your understanding of how to fight spiritual battles according to God's Word and Truth!
     
    CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH

     

    We CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH by knowing God thru Diligent Bible Study

     

    Jude’s first example of THE APOSTATE’S HORRIFIC FATE: UNBELIEVING ISRAEL

     

    Jude’s second example of THE APOSTATES HORRIFIC FATE: FALLEN ANGELS

     

    Satan’s Goal? TO DESTROY GOD’S PROMISED PLAN OF SALVATION: That the Messiah would come through a human lineage

     

    But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations."

    Genesis 6:8–9 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/gen/6/8-9/s_6008

     

    "God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus, Abyssou) and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment."

    2 Peter 2:4 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2pe/2/4/s_1158004

     

    "Jesus asked him (demon possessed man) saying, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Legion,' because many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus that He would not command them to go out into the abyss."

    Luke 8:30–31 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/luk/8/30-31/s_981030
     
    Jude - The Dangers of Apostasy Part 2

     

    The angels suffered ruin because THEY EXALTED THEIR WILL OVER GOD’S WILL

     

    "Then the fifth angel sounded: and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit (Abyssou). And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them."

    Revelation 9:1–6 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/9/1-6/s_1176001

     

    Jude warns us of the HYPER SPIRITUAL BEHAVIORS of the APOSTATES

     

    "...Those who walk according to the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, despise authority. They are presumptuous and self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (high ranking spiritual beings), whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these (people), like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and (they) will utterly perish in their own corruption."

    2 Peter 2:10–12 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2pe/2/10-12/s_1158010

     

    The best practice in spiritual battles is to RUN TO KING JESUS

     

    "Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, 'We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.' Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?' Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."

    Acts 19:13–16 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/act/19/13-16/s_1037013

     

    "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross...

    Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

    Philippians 2:5–11 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/phl/2/5-11/s_1105005

     

    Three common paths of apostasy:

    1. The way of Cain 

    2. The error of Balaam for profit

    3. The rebellion of Korah

     

    The way of Cain - Genesis 4

     

    The way of Cain is: COMING TO GOD ON MY OWN TERMS instead of God’s terms

     

    "And God said to Balaam, 'You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people (Israel), for they are blessed.'"

    Numbers 22:12 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/num/22/12/s_139012

     
    The error of Ballam is: MISUSING RELIGION FOR PERSONAL GAIN
     
  • Mar 3, 2024Jude Part 2 – The Dangers of Apostasy
    Mar 3, 2024
    Jude Part 2 - The Dangers of Apostasy
    Jude Part 2 – The Dangers of Apostasy
    Jude Part 2 - The Dangers of Apostasy. What is the biggest threat to our faith, to our churches, and to our nation? Many might think our greatest threat is terrorism, persecution, or a new political concern. Nevertheless, the greatest danger we face individually, in our churches, and as a nation is apostasy. Apostasy is the direct result of Biblical illiteracy, and it causes families and nations to unravel. Jude, the brother of Jesus, teaches God’s people to combat apostasy by building a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus to truly know the goodness of God! Pastor David Menard’s message from Jude will deeply impact your understanding of how the greatness of your faith is not found in your own strength, instead it is found in the loving kindness of God.
    The Dangers of APOSTASY - Jude (Title Slide)
    CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH THE GREATEST THREAT TO CHRISTIANITY IS APOSTASY, Not Persecution We CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH by knowing God thru Diligent Bible Study Jude’s first example of THE APOSTATE’S HORRIFIC FATE: UNBELIEVING ISRAEL
    They perished because of their UNBELIEF in the GOODNESS OF GOD
     
    Jude Part 2 - The Dangers of Apostasy
    "But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out..." Numbers 13:31-32 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/num/13/31-32/s_130031 'So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”' Numbers 14:1-4 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/num/14/1-4/s_131001 "Then the LORD said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?" Numbers 14:11 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/num/14/11/s_131011 When we know God WE TRUST HIS LOVINGKINDNESS TO US "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/11/6/s_1144006 "Faith is like a window. The point of a window is to allow us to see through it - and to let light into the room! Faith allows us to see our situation and our own weakness in light of God who is powerful, holy, and loving." - NT WRIGHT, Small Faith - Great God Jude’s second example of THE APOSTATES HORRIFIC FATE: FALLEN ANGELS "God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus, Abyssou) and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment." 2 Peter 2:4 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2pe/2/4/s_1158004 "Jesus asked him (demon possessed man) saying, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Legion,' because many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus that He would not command them to go out into the abyss." Luke 8:30–31 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/luk/8/30-31/s_981030 The angels suffered ruin because THEY EXALTED THEIR WILL OVER GOD’S WILL Revelation 9:1–6 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/9/1-6/s_1176001 "Then the fifth angel sounded: and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit (Abyssou). And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them." Jude warns us of the HYPER SPIRITUAL BEHAVIORS of the APOSTATES "...Those who walk according to the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, despise authority. They are presumptuous and self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (high ranking spiritual beings), whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these (people), like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and (they) will utterly perish in their own corruption."
    2 Peter 2:10–12 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2pe/2/10-12/s_1158010
     
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  • Feb 25, 2024Jude 1:1-4 – Part 1: Contending for Real Faith
    Feb 25, 2024
    Jude2024 - Part 1
    Jude 1:1-4 – Part 1: Contending for Real Faith
    Jude 1:1-4 - Part 1: Contending for Real Faith. What is the biggest threat to our faith, to our churches, and to our nation? Many might think our greatest threat is terrorism, persecution, or a new political concern. Nevertheless, the greatest danger we face individually, in our churches, and as a nation is apostasy. Apostasy is the direct result of Biblical illiteracy, and it causes families and nations to unravel. Jude, the brother of Jesus, teaches God’s people to contend earnestly for the faith, warning us that false teachers, false churches, and false doctrine will lead to destruction.  Pastor David Menard’s message from Jude will inspire and equip every believer to contend for real faith.
    CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH

    God’s Grace is Mind-blowing

    "For if by the one man’s offense (Adam’s sin) death reigned through the one, how much more those who receive an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ... For as by one man’s disobedience (Adam’s sin) many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience (Jesus) many will be made righteous. Moreover, ...where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.
    Romans 5:17, 19-20 NKJV
    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/5/17/s_1051017
    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/5/19-20/s_1051019

    THE GREATEST THREAT TO CHRISTIANITY IS APOSTASY, Not Persecution

    "He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers... All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things consist... And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead (the first one to resurrect from the dead in a glorified body), that in all things He may have the preeminence."
    Colossians 1:15–18 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/col/1/15-18/s_1108015
     
    Jude2024 - Part 1
     
    The real Jesus is IMMUTABLE
     
    “For I am the LORD, I do not change."
    Malachi 3:6 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mal/3/6/s_928006
     
    "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines."
    Hebrews 13:8-9 NKJV  https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/13/8-9/s_1146008
     
    "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
    James 1:16-17 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jas/1/16-17/s_1147016

    CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE AND FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS - Jude 1:3

    How do we CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH? By knowing God thru Diligent Bible Study

    "So then faith comes by hearing (understanding), and hearing (comes) by the Word of God."
    Romans 10:17 NKJV  https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/10/17/s_1056017

    Jude’s first example of THE APOSTATE’S HORRIFIC FATE: UNBELIEVING ISRAEL

    They perished because of their UNBELIEF in the GOODNESS OF GOD

    When we know God WE TRUST HIS LOVINGKINDNESS TO US

    "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
    Hebrews 11:6 NKJV. https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/11/6/s_1144006

    Jude’s second example of THE APOSTATES HORRIFIC FATE: FALLEN ANGELS

    "God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus, Abyssou) and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment."
    2 Peter 2:4 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2pe/2/4/s_1158004
     
    "Jesus asked him (demon possessed man) saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Jesus that He would not command them to go out into the abyss."
    Luke 8:30–31 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/luk/8/30-31/s_981030

    The angels perished because they EXALTED THEIR WILL OVER GOD’S WILL

    "Then the fifth angel sounded: and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit (Abyssou). And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them."

    Revelation 9:1–6 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/9/1-6/s_1176001
     
     
  • Feb 18, 2024Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
    Feb 18, 2024
    Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head - 2 Corinthians 10
    Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
    Series: Topical
    Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. We all have negative talk in our head. The question is, how do we deal with it? There are many methods, some are helpful, some are downright damaging to our soul, and to our relationships with others. Pastor David Menard teaches from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to show how we can have powerful victory over the negative talk in our head.
     
    Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head - 2 Corinthians 10
     
    1: Negative Talk in our head is something we all must learn to deal with
    2: How human wisdom instructs us to deal with our inner voice
    3: The purpose of our inner voice
    4: The corruption of our inner voice
    5: How the Bible instructs us to deal with our inner voice

    Negative talk in our head is something we all must LEARN TO DEAL WITH

    How human wisdom deals with the negative talk in our head:

    1: ANAESTHETIZE THE INNER VOICE

    2: POSITIVE SELF-AFFIRMATION
     
    Dealing with the Negative Talk in Your Head - 2 Corinthians 10

    "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

    Matthew 16:24–25 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/16/24-25/s_945024

    THE PURPOSE OF OUR INNER VOICE

    conscience | ˈk.nSHəns | noun
    • an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior: he had a guilty conscience about his desires | Ben was suffering a pang of conscience.
    New Oxford American Dictionary - Copyright ˝ 2010

    "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature (conscience) do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus."

    Romans 2:13–16 ESV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/rom/2/13-16/s_1048013

    THE CORRUPTION OF OUR INNER VOICE

    "For it is written: ‘He (God) shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you (protect you).’"

    Luke 4:10 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/luk/4/10/s_977010

    "The great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.'"

    Revelation 12:9–11 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/12/9-11/s_1179009

    Our conscience must always be SUBORDINATED TO SCRIPTURE

    How the Bible instructs us to deal with OUR INNER VOICE

    For though we walk in the flesh WE DO NOT FIGHT OUR BATTLES ACCORDING TO THE FLESH

    PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS

    Bring every thought into CAPTIVITY to the obedience of Christ

  • Feb 11, 2024Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza – President of Institute for Creation Research
    Feb 11, 2024
    Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza
    Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza – President of Institute for Creation Research
    Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza - President of Institute for Creation Research. Creation or evolution? God vs. Darwin. Can the Bible be trusted as a reliable record of the history of earth's origins? Big questions require factual answers! Listen to distinguished Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza from the Institute of Creation Research as he tackles 3 Key Questions about the Origins of Life. Whether you're skeptic, an atheist or a Christian you won't want to miss the challenging veracity found in observable nature, scientific studies and biological evidence, which lead to the overwhelming conclusion: Dawinian evolution is a weak scientific theory and is a poor explanation for the design of living things.  
     
    Guest Speaker Dr. Randy Guliuzza
  • Feb 4, 2024Questions Jesus Asked – Part 9
    Feb 4, 2024
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 9
    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 9. In Matthew 12 Jesus meets the religious leaders head on! Why are we prone to leave simple faith in God only to try and earn our way to Heaven? We live in a culture steeped in performance-based living where we strive for self-righteousness and in the process fail to love others. Listen to Pastor JC Cooper's message and be encouraged that Jesus' love for you is the key to loving others. Questions Jesus Asked - Part 9 will also inspire you in the rewarding life God has planned when you become a builder of people!
     
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 9
    Questions Jesus Asked: What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? - Matthew 12:1-14
    JESUS IS UNDER ATTACK
    39 Man-made Categories of HOW TO KEEP THE SABBATH
    We are we prone to turn from SIMPLE FAITH IN GOD to Vain Religion
     
    "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
    The Religious Leaders were so busy Working to be Righteous they Did Not to love people
    In Jesus we are made perfectly righteous. This Enables us to Love Others
    If I Love Others are God’s Laws still Needed? We need God’s Law to Know: 1. What real Love Is 2. What real Love Does
    By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
    I Delight in God’s Law because:  - It Instructs Me in the Path Righteousness - It Builds Me into a Man/Woman of Wisdom - In Keeping It there is Great Reward
    Questions Jesus Asked What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? - Matthew 12:1-14
    As Jesus Loves You – Let Us Love One Another and Fulfill God’s Law
    'Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'
    - Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/13/8-10/s_1059008 Questions Jesus Asked: And His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, Do you not see all these things? - Mathew 24:1-2 The Kingdom of God is about BUILDING PEOPLE
    "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." – Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/eph/2/19-22/s_1099019
    We Build People When You Serve without Expecting Something in Return We Build People When You Speak Truth in Love We Build People When You Teach them God’s Word
    Imagine how Rich and Rewarding our Lives would be if we Loved and Built People?
     
  • Jan 28, 2024Questions Jesus Asked – Part 8
    Jan 28, 2024
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 8
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 8
    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 8. Jesus asked many questions in regards to the purpose of life, but perhaps none more important than: Whoever Lives and Believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? Listen to Pastor David Menard's profound message from John 11, the resurrection of Lazarus, and challenge yourself to answer Jesus' question! If you've ever felt like  God doesn't hear your prayers or understand your circumstances you won't want to miss the powerful truth of God's plan for your life in Questions Jesus Asked - Part 8. 
    Questions Jesus Asked: Whoever lives and believes in Me SHALL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?
     
    “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
    John 14:1–3 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/14/1-3/s_1011001
     
    JESUS HAS THE POWER TO GIVE US
    • PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL LIFE
    • SPIRITUAL, ETERNAL LIFE
    John 5
     
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 8
     
    There is a Resurrection to
    • ETERNAL LIFE with GOD
    • ETERNAL CONDEMNATION apart from GOD 
    John 11  Sometimes it feels as if Jesus DOES NOT ANSWER OUR PRAYERS Jesus did not answer Martha as THE HEALER OF SICKNESS Because Jesus wants her to KNOW HIM AS GOD THE DIVINE LIFE GIVING POWER OF JESUS Jesus has the power to RAISE US UP TO ETERNAL LIFE Do you understand HOW BIG JESUS’ PLANS ARE FOR YOU?
    “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us. We are like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
    - C.S. Lewis: The Weight of Glory   https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/702-it-would-seem-that-our-lord-finds-our-desires-not
     
  • Jan 21, 2024Unlikely Fighter – Greg Stier
    Jan 21, 2024
    Unlikely Fighter - Greg Stier
    Unlikely Fighter – Greg Stier
    "Unlikely Fighter - Greg Stier" from Guest Speaker.
     
     
    Unlikely Fighter - Greg Stier
  • Jan 14, 2024Questions Jesus Asked – Part 7
    Jan 14, 2024
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 7
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 7
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 7 - Jesus asks profound questions to reach your heart and to grow your understanding of His character. In John 8, while Jesus is teaching in the Temple, the Jewish religious leaders bring a woman caught in the act to the feet of Jesus as part of a brilliant trap to discredit His authority. Will Jesus uphold the Law, which leads to capital punishment, or condone the woman’s sin? Don't miss a powerful and life-altering story revealing God's heart for you and His mighty plan of redemption to cleanse us of our sin and guilt. If you've ever wondered if Jesus can forgive you for what you've done listen to Pastor David Menard's sermon, Questions Jesus Asked Part 7, where you will find freedom from the bondage of sin and the love of a Savior who eliminates all your accusers!
    Questions Jesus Asked: Where are your accusers? - John 8
    GUILT DESTROYS LIVES WHEN JESUS SPEAKS LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1–3 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/61/1-3/s_740001 Apart from Jesus we are OPPORTUNISTIC & SELF-SEEKING
    JESUS CHANGES US. Abiding in Christ we are ALTRUISTIC & SELFLESS
     
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 7
    "As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:3 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/16/3/s_494003 "The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!" Psalm 16:3 NLT    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/psa/16/3/s_494003 A brilliant plan to trap Jesus: • Would Jesus condemn the woman and uphold the Mosaic law? • Or would He evade the issue and by doing so condone the woman’s sin? Jesus heals our life by: 1: FORGIVING US OF ALL OUR SINS 2: CLEANSING US OF ALL OUR GUILT  3: REMOVING ALL OF OUR ACCUSERS  "All we like sheep have gone astray (from God); we have turned, every one, to his own (sinful) way; and the LORD has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6 NKJV   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/53/6/s_732006 "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns?"
     
  • Jan 7, 2024Questions Jesus Asked – Part 6
    Jan 7, 2024
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 6

    Do you love Me? - John 21

    Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/22/37-40/s_951037
    "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

    There’s an ongoing struggle taking place in us: GOD DIRECTED LIFE? SELF DIRECTED LIFE?

    John 16:32 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/16/32/s_1013032
    "Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own (path), and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me."

    A self-directed life leads us to Futility

    Life is found when we love Jesus and surrender our will to His

    THE SELF-DIRECTED MAN CANNOT PERCEIVE JESUS CALLING HIM

    2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2co/4/3-4/s_1082003
    "Even if our gospel is veiled, it is (only) veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age (Satan) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."

    A LIFE SURRENDERED TO JESUS’ DIRECTION LEADS TO ABUNDANCE

    Jesus has everything you are searching for

    DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?

    PETER WAS TOUCHING THE SUBLIME

    A life surrendered to Jesus Christ is a PROFOUNDLY POWERFUL LIFE
  • Dec 31, 2023Luke 2:21-40 – Embracing Jesus
    Dec 31, 2023
    Luke 2:21-40 – Embracing Jesus
    Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. In Luke 2:21-40 a faithful man named Simeon has been waiting a long time to see God's Messiah! Have you ever prayed and waited on the Lord wondering if He will answer? No one likes waiting, but God uses those seasons of waiting to build our faith! Simeon experiences the nearness and peace of God as he holds Jesus in his arms; that same nearness and peace is available to you! As you prepare to begin 2024 tune in to Pastor JC's message and learn how to faithfully wait on the Lord. Listen right now to God in a Manger Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. 
     
    JESUS went to Great Lengths to IDENTIFY with You in Every Way
    The LAMB of GOD comes into His Temple SIMEON: God Hears the Man who Waits WAITING Builds Faith in our Relationship with Jesus "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." – Lamentations 3:25-26 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/lam/3/25-26/s_800025 How do You Faithfully Wait on the LORD? (Fly-in) - Abide in God’s Word - Build Your Character on Christ; not culture - Set your heart’s Desires on God’s Promises EMBRACING JESUS is a Daily Act of Worship, Not merely a One Time Decision Who or What Holds the Keys to Your PEACE? EMBRACING JESUS Demands a Repentant Response to the Thoughts and Intent of Your Heart
    "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
    – Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/4/12-13/s_1137012 EMBRACING JESUS means You’re Old Life is Dying, and Your New Life is Under His Lordship
    "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
     
  • Dec 24, 2023Luke 1: Behold Your King – Part 1
    Dec 24, 2023
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1
    Luke 1: Behold Your King – Part 1
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1. Have you ever asked God for something and in His silence you have since stopped praying?  Life is hard and we often don't receive what we ask for in our timing or our ways. Nevertheless, God hears your prayers just as He heard Zacharias and Elizabeth's prayer for a child in Luke 1. Despite the physical impossibility of having a child in their old age, God reveals His faithfulness and might in doing more than just giving them a child, but also making their son John the Forerunner to the Messiah!  Like in Joseph and Mary's lives, God is at work in more powerful ways than you can imagine! Don't miss a message of hope this Christmas from Pastor David Menard as you reflect on Behold Your King Part 1: God in a Manger. 
     
    Jesus wants you to know the certainty of His plan of salvation
     
    John the Baptist: The Forerunner of the Messiah
     
    '“Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts.'
    - Malachi 3:1 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mal/3/1/s_928001
     
    Jehovah remembers the oath of God
     
    Zacharias and Elizabeth were not righteous by performance; they were righteous by faith in God
     
    "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"
    - Romans 3:21-24 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/3/21-24/s_1049021
     
    Christianity is not a life free of problems, it is a life victorious over problems
     
    We have a small vision for our life. God has a Big Vision for our life.
     
    You exist to bring glory to God.
     
    But as it is written:“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
    1 Corinthians 2:9     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1co/2/9/s_1064009
     
    Put your faith in King Jesus and He will give your life more meaning and purpose than you could imagine.
     
     
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1
     
  • Dec 24, 2023Matthew 2 – Behold Your King Part 2
    Dec 24, 2023
    Matthew 2 – Behold Your King Part 2
    "Matthew 2 - Behold Your King Part 2" by Pastor David Menard. Christmas Series 2023.
  • Dec 17, 2023Why God Had To Become A Baby – Matthew 1
    Dec 17, 2023
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1
    Why God Had To Become A Baby – Matthew 1
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1. Baby Jesus in the manger is a staple at Christmas, but have you ever wondered: Why did God have to become a baby?  Couldn't the all powerful God just show up as a conquering King and reveal Himself as Lord of the Universe?  It may surprise you, but there are some things God can't do!  God can't be unjust. God can't be corrupted. God can't lie. God can rescue mankind from their sins, and it requires the Savior of the world coming as a baby! Listen to Pastor David's message that will build your love, understanding and gratitude this Christmas for a God who bridged the uncrossable chasm with atonement for you to be called His son and daughter.  We pray for you to have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on God in the Manger Part 2: Why God had to become a Baby - Matthew 1. 
     
    Isaiah 9:2 NKJV.    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/2/s_688002 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/6/s_688006 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Revelation 19:11–16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/19/11-16/s_1186011
    "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on him was called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
     
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1
    Why did God come to us AS A BABY? God cannot be UNJUST 2 Timothy 2:11–13 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2ti/2/11-13/s_1127011 "This is a faithful saying: If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful (in judgment); He cannot deny Himself." God cannot be UNJUST Without the shedding of blood THERE IS NO REMISSION OF SINS Hebrews 9:22 Hebrews 10:4 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/10/4/s_1143004 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." Hebrews 10:4, 12, 14 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/10/12-14/s_1143012 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." God would not be just if He pardoned sin. So, God became a man TO TAKE THE PUNISHMENT OF MAN’S SIN UPON HIMSELF Isaiah 53:5–6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/53/5-6/s_732005 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." If Jesus really is God WE CANNOT JUST LIKE HIM. We must serve Him as Lord. If Jesus is God WHO CAN APPROACH HIM? Matthew 1  Why is Jesus’ genealogy important? • 2091 BC: God promised Abraham the Messiah would come through his lineage. (Gen 12) • Around 977 BC: God promised David the Messiah would come through his lineage. (2 Sam 7:5-17) • Why is Jesus’ genealogy important? Because God keeps His promises. Jesus’ genealogy is chocked full of SINNERS, MISFITS, and WEIRDOS Matthew 1 ALL REPENTANT SINNERS, OUTCASTS, MURDERERS, AND PROSTITUTES MAY FREELY COME TO WORSHIP HIM AS LORD  WE HAVE A GOD WHO TRULY UNDERSTANDS US FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR EXPERIENCE Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/4/14-16/s_1137014
    "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
     
  • Dec 10, 2023The Light of Christmas – Isaiah 8-9
    Dec 10, 2023
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8
    The Light of Christmas – Isaiah 8-9
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8-9. Often we think that the Christmas message is people ushering in love, peace, and goodwill by entertaining and gift giving. The true meaning of Christmas is terrifying: we cannot overcome our incredibly sinful nature and we are not able to govern ourselves. Isaiah 8 shows that we all live in darkness and gloom but King Jesus lays down His life in love to bring light. This fills this Christmas message with hope and joy for those who revere Him. Don’t miss this Christmas message from Pastor David Menard which reveals Jesus as the Light of Christmas.
    Isaiah 9:2 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/2/s_688002 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined."
    Isaiah 9:6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/6-7/s_688006 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
     
    “Years ago, I read an ad in the New York Times that said, “The meaning of Christmas is that love will triumph and that we will be able to put together a world of unity and peace.” In other words, we have the light within us, and so we are the ones who can dispel the darkness of the world. We can overcome poverty, injustice, violence, and evil. If we work together, we can create a “world of unity and peace.””
    - Tim Keller: Hidden Christmas    https://www.bible.com/events/520711
     
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8
    THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE IS TERRIFYING:
    1) We are incurably sinful and vile. 2) We cannot govern ourselves. 3) God Himself must come to save us from our vile sin.
    4) God Himself must reign over us as King.
    THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE IS ALSO FULL OF HOPE & JOY!
    1. King Jesus lays down His life in love to save us.
    2. Forgives us, cleanses us of all our sins.
    3. Make us sons / daughters of His Kingdom
    4. Clothes us in His Righteousness
     
    GOD IS THE SANCTUARY FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.GOD IS A ROCK OF OFFENSE & STUMBLING TO THOSE WHO DO NOT FEAR HIM
     
    Matthew 21:44 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/21/44/s_950044
    "Whoever falls on this Stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.
    UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD is a Progressive Revelation given to all who revere Jesus Matthew 13:10–13 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/13/10-13/s_942010 'The disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.'" Revelation 2:17 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/2/17/s_1169017 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat."
    Isaiah 9:1–2 NIV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/isa/9/1-2/s_688001
    "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
    No more battles to fight The war is over!
    OUR VICTORY IS IN JESUS
     
  • Dec 3, 2023Questions Jesus Asked – Part 5
    Dec 3, 2023
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 5
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 5

    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 5. Trying to find worth from our own success is a wearisome pursuit. Yet we all do it. The religious leaders Jesus faced were no different. Their worth was threatened by Jesus' wisdom and growing popularity. Controlled by jealousy, they employ a sinister plan to trap Jesus. Perceiving their wickedness, Jesus does not argue. Instead, He asks a question that renders the Pharisees speechless. Jesus reminds them they are created in the image of God (Imago Dei) and therefore have intrinsic worth. You too will find your worth as you enjoy this profound discussion on: The Questions Jesus Asked.

     Questions Jesus asked:
    Show Me a denarius (coin). Whose image and inscription does it have? Luke 20:2
     
    "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine."
    Song of Songs 6:3 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/sng/6/3/s_677003
     
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 5

    Questions Jesus asked:
    What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
    Matthew 18:12, Luke 15 

    JESUS SEEKS HIGH & LOW TO REDEEM THOSE WHO ARE LOST
     
    "For thus says the Lord GOD: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples (nations) and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord GOD. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, (I will) bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”
    Ezekiel 34:11–16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/eze/34/11-16/s_836011
     
    "'You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,' says the Lord GOD."
    Ezekiel 34:31 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/eze/34/31/s_836031
     
    Questions Jesus asked:
    Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’?
    John 12:27
     
    FOR THIS PURPOSE I CAME.
     
  • Nov 26, 2023Questions Jesus Asked – Part 4
    Nov 26, 2023
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 4
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 4
    Questions Jesus Asked, Part 4 - In Matthew 14 we watch Peter walk on water only to take his eyes off Jesus and begin to sink. Jesus asks him, "Why did you doubt?" It would be easy to blame the roaring wind or the crashing waves, but the troubles surrounding Peter are not the problem. Peter's issue is his little faith causing him to doubt Jesus. We all struggle with doubt, but we also make excuses which hinder our faith. In Luke 22 Jesus' disciples fall asleep when they are told to pray, and Jesus asks them "Why do you sleep?" Like the disciples, we all fall into spiritual laziness and Jesus commands us to watch and pray! This relatable message from Pastor JC Cooper will bring awareness to your doubts and spiritual laziness in order to grow your faith and spiritual passion for Jesus. We hope you enjoy this message: Questions Jesus Asked - Part 4.
    Questions Jesus Asked: "Why do You Doubt Me?" - Matthew 14:31
    Life is Full of Troubles! We All Struggle with Doubt Doubt Arises when Your Eyes Leave Jesus and Focus on Your Troubles "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
    – John 16:33 (NKJV)
    Doubt Arises when Your Eyes Leave Jesus and Focus on Yourself
     
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 4
     
    "And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return."
     
    Doubt Arises when Your Eyes Leave Jesus and Focus on Your Feelings
     
    Questions Jesus Asked: "Why do You Doubt Me?" - Matthew 14
     
    Even in Times of Trouble Jesus will: - Comfort You - Never Leave You or Forsake You - Challenge You to Grow in Your Faith
     
    Faith Overcomes Doubt when Your Eyes are Fixed on JESUS
     
    "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
     
    Questions Jesus Asked: "Why are You spiritually lazy?" - Luke 22:46
     
    Why are You spiritually lazy? - Apathy - Busyness - Selfishness - Difficult Circumstances
     
    Spiritual Laziness Leads You into Temptation. Prayer Strengthens Your Faith to Overcome the flesh
     
    "Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, 'What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'"
     
    Simple Obedience to God’s Word Leads to Spiritual Passion
     
  • Nov 19, 2023Questions Jesus Asked – Part 3
    Nov 19, 2023
    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 3
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 3
    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 3 explores the profound depth of Jesus' simple question "Do you want to be made well?"
    Questions Jesus Asked: DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL? John 5:6
    HUMAN POTENTIAL IS ASTONISHING! We all have some LAME AREAS IN OUR LIFE I AM THAT LAME MAN!
    Many people DON’T REALLY WANT TO BE WELL
     
    Questions Jesus Asked - Part 3
    Reasons we may not want Jesus to make us well: 1: WE DON’T WANT TO CHANGE 2: THE FEAR OF FAILURE 3: WE DON’T WANT TO SURRENDER OUR WILL TO JESUS’ LORDSHIP A tip to help us want to change: • MEDITATE ON & WRITE OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHANGING • WRITE THE LIABILITIES OF STAYING SAME THE CALLING OF GOD IS THE ENABLING OF GOD
    "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him (Jesus), that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
    FEAR OF FAILURE COMES TO US WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR ABILITY BOLD AND FEARLESS FAITH COMES TO US WHEN WE LOOK AT GOD’S ABILITY MAKING JESUS THE LORD OF OUR LIFE produces abundant life and fullness of joy
    "Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
  • Nov 12, 2023Questions Jesus Asked – Part 2
    Nov 12, 2023
    Questions Jesus Asked, Hard Questions, The Mission Church Carlsbad, Bible Study, Was Jesus God?
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 2
    Questions Jesus Asked, Part 2.
    Worry, anxiousness, and fear often consume our hearts and minds. Worry drives people to make foolish decisions in relationships, parenting, and business decisions every day! In Matthew 6 Jesus asks us, Why do you worry? Jesus teaches us to counter worry with faith. Why? Because when we understand two things: 1) God's power, and 2) the incredible value we have in Christ - we will be free from the bondage of fear/worry. Understanding these two truths will equip us to live the abundant life God has planned for us. Enjoy this powerful message from Pastor David Menard as he addresses worry via: The Questions Jesus Asked.
     
    Sermon Notes:
     
    Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? - Matthew 6:27
     
    Jesus instructs us NOT TO WORRY
     
    THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN FOOD & CLOTHING
     
    The Westminster Catechism: Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
     
    BE CAREFUL TO TREASURE THE RIGHT THINGS
     
    Questions Jesus Asked Part 2
     
    Jesus taught us remarkable dictums:
    1: BE CAREFUL TO TREASURE THE RIGHT THINGS
    2: WHAT WE TREASURE - CONTROLS OUR HEART
    3: OUR HEART CONTROLS OUR VISION
    4: IF OUR VISION IS WRONG (DARK), WE ARE IN SEVERE TROUBLE
     
    Worry reveals we don’t comprehend HOW MUCH GOD VALUES US
     
    Scientists estimate there are ONE TRILLION LIVING SPECIES on earth
     
    Jesus said: WORRYING IS WASTED ENERGY
     
    Jesus instructs us not to worry: HE WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR NEEDS
     
    FAITH & WORRY ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE
     
    WORRY IS ROOTED IN: FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND THE NEED FOR CONTROL.
    FAITH IS ROOTED IN: GOD’S SOVEREIGN POWER, HIS UNMERITED LOVE FOR US, HIS IMMUTABLE NATURE, AND THE SURETY OF HIS WORD.
     
  • Nov 5, 2023Questions Jesus Asked – Part 1
    Nov 5, 2023
    Questions Jesus Asked, Hard Questions, The Mission Church Carlsbad, Bible Study, Was Jesus God?
    Questions Jesus Asked – Part 1
    Questions Jesus Asked, Part 1.
    The four Gospels reveal that Jesus asked over 500 questions during his three-year ministry. That’s a lot of questions! Jesus’ example teaches us that asking questions is a vital ingredient to being a good listener, caring for others, and growing others. Moreover, the questions Jesus asked are the same questions Jesus is asking us today! In this sermon, Pastor David Menard unpacks the profound depth in three of Jesus’ questions: “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but do not consider the plan in your own eye?” “Who do you say that I am?” And lastly, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Your life will be forever changed when you answer the: Questions Jesus Asked.
     
     
     
    Notes from the sermon:
     
    Jesus asks a lot of questions because:
    1:   HE’S A GOOD LISTENER
    2:   HE CARES ABOUT PEOPLE
    3:   HE’S ALWAYS BUILDING UP OTHERS

     JESUS IS GOD

    Colossians 1:13

    Questions Jesus Asked
    WHY DO YOU LOOK AT THE SPECK IN YOUR BROTHER’S EYE, BUT DO NOT CONSIDER THE PLANK IN YOUR OWN EYE?
    Matthew 7:3

     
    "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
    John 7:24 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/7/24/s_1004024

    "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Galatians 6:1 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/gal/6/1/s_1097001

    Questions Jesus Asked
    WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
    Matthew 16:15

    "He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." Colossians 1:15–17 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/col/1/15-17/s_1108015

    "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."  John 20:23 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/20/23/s_1017023

     
    Questions Jesus Asked
     

    WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU?
     
     
    Mark 10:51 "(Since) you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
     
  • Oct 29, 2023Hosea 7-14 – The Sin that Destroys a Nation
    Oct 29, 2023
    Hosea 7-14 - The Sin that Destroys a Nation
    Hosea 7-14 – The Sin that Destroys a Nation
    Series: Hosea
    Hosea 7-14 - The Sin that Destroys a Nation. As we close the book of Hosea, do you recognize Israel's spiritual condition parallels the current state of America? Sin is brazenly on display everywhere we turn! Sin is paraded, championed and even worshiped in the days of Hosea, and in the United States today. Nevertheless, God pursues you with a heart of restoration! Don't miss a powerful message revealing God's desire for our salvation and for our country to turn from The Sin that Destroys a Nation. 
     
    OUR SIN IS PROGRESSIVE AND DEADLY
    "Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." 1 Corinthians 5:6–7 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1co/5/6-7/s_1067006
    BRAZEN, UNREPENTANT, WANTON SIN DESTROYS A NATION
     
    Hosea 7-14 - The Sin that Destroys a Nation "'Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, nor did they know how to blush. Therefore, they shall fall among those who fall. In the time of their punishment, they shall be cast down,' says the LORD."
    Jeremiah 8:12 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jer/8/12/s_753012 "(Even though they) know the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, they not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
    Romans 1:32 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/1/32/s_1047032 FOUR SIMILES to reveal how sinful Israel has become: 1: THE BURNING OVEN 7:4-7 2: THE BURNED BREAD 7:8-10 3: THE SILLY DOVE 7:11-14 4: THE TREACHEROUS BOW 7:15-16 THE FINAL SIX KINGS OF ISRAEL: ZECHARIAH SHALLUM: Assassinated King Zechariah MENAHEM: Assassinated King Shallum РЕКАНІАН: РЕКАН: Assassinated King Pekahiah
    HOSHEA: Assassinated King Pekah "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria and sent to King Jareb; Yet he cannot cure you, nor heal you of your wound." (you foolish dove) Hosea 5:13 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/hos/5/13/s_867013
    Jareb = “the contentious one”. A sarcastic epithet Hosea used for the King of Assyria, Shalmaneser."Ephraim feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind; he daily increases lies and desolation. Also, they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried to Egypt." (you foolish dove)
    Hosea 12:1 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/hos/12/1/s_874001 HOSEA 8:8 GOD EXILES HIS HARLOT BRIDE out of the PROMISE LAND GOD EXPRESSES HIS HEART BREAK as He sends Israel into Exile
    Hosea 11, Hosea 13 God’s desire is to bring us SALVATION, NOT JUDGMENT
  • Oct 22, 2023Israel, Hamas and Bible Prophecy
    Oct 22, 2023
    Prophecy Update, Israel, Hamas, and Bible Prophecy, History of the Middle East, Jewish Genocide, HAMAS Covenant, Who does Israel's land belong to?
    Israel, Hamas and Bible Prophecy
    Series: Topical
    Israel, Hamas and Bible Prophecy.  The atrocities executed by HAMAS against Israeli civilians on October 7th was nothing short of demonic.  Although the world is watching the Israel-Hamas conflict through a political and social lens there is a greater spiritual force at work as the tension in the Holy Land builds.  What does the Bible have to say about our present age? Who does Israel's land belong to?  Do these current events truly have a connection with Bible prophecy related to the end times?  How should Christians respond to the war between Israel and HAMAS? Don't miss an informative and meaningful message from Pastor David Menard, which will provide you with a Word-centered perspective on Israel, Hamas and Bible Prophecy. 
     
    HAMAS is an Islamic jihadist organization that exists for Jewish Genocide
     
    Prophecy Update, Israel, Hamas, Bible Prophecy
     
    HAMAS COVENANT~ August 18, 1988
     
    - PREAMBLE: THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL
     
    • Israel will exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.
    • The land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf (Holy Possession) consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgment Day. No one can renounce it, or abandon any part of it. (Article 11) • Palestine is an Islamic land. The Liberation of Palestine is an individual duty for every Moslem wherever he may be. (Article 13) • (Peace) initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement. Those conferences are no more than a means to appoint the infidels as arbitrators in the lands of Islam. (Article 13) • There is no solution for the Palestinian problem except by Jihad. Initiatives, proposals, and international conferences are but a waste of time, an exercise in futility. (Article 13) • The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. • Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: “O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.” (Article 7)
    “Tehran’s strategy is to erase Israel from the global political map. And it seems that, considering the evil Israel is doing, it is bringing itself closer to that.”
    - HOSSEIN SALAMI: Brig. General, Islamic Revolutionary Guard of Iran
    Ebrahim Raisi - President of Iran Who Does ISRAEL’S LAND BELONG TO?
    "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
    Genesis 17:7–8 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/gen/17/7-8/s_17007
    ISRAEL’S LAND BELONGS TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE God gave it to them as an everlasting inheritance GAZA IS NOT OCCUPIED BY ISRAEL Israel wants peace. HAMAS WANTS JEWISH GENOCIDE
    "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" Matthew 18:6-7 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/18/6-7/s_947006
    The Mystery of ANTISEMITISM - Jeremiah 31 It’s all about JESUS - The King of Jerusalem STAND FIRM FOR ISRAEL "Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: 'Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.'" Zechariah 12:1-3 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/zec/12/1-3/s_923001 'In that day,” says the LORD, 'I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, "The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God."’" Zechariah 12:4-5 ESV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/zec/12/4-5/s_923004
  • Oct 15, 2023Hosea 5-6 – God Pursues a Sinful Nation
    Oct 15, 2023
    Hosea 5-6 - God Pursues a Sinful Nation
    Hosea 5-6 – God Pursues a Sinful Nation
    Series: Hosea
    Hosea Chapters 5-6 - God Pursues a Sinful Nation. The situation in Israel is dire! Everyone does what is right in their own eyes and commits spiritual adultery against God. In Hosea's day people still went to church, and still offered sacrifices; but their vain religion caused their hearts to be far from the Lord. Like Israel, how can America and the individual sinner return to God? Don't miss the profound truth in God's Word, which reveals the essential nature of true repentance resulting in healing reconciliation. If you're stuck in sin and desire a path back into a right relationship with Jesus, listen to Pastor David's restorative sermon, Hosea 5-6 - God Pursues a Sinful Nation!
     
    VAIN RELIGION ROTS THE SOUL
     
    TWO PATHS IN LIFE “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
    Matthew 7:13–14 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/7/13-14/s_936013
     
    Hosea 5-6 - God Pursues a Sinful Nation
     
    We must not let society shape our views / values.We must shape societies views / values.
    IT’S WISE TO REGULARLY EXAMINE OUR MOTIVES GENUINE REPENTANCE the response God wants from us TRUE REPENTANCE BRINGS RECONCILIATION WITH GOD AND HEALING OF WOUNDS Go and learn what this means: I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE I DESIRE GODLY CHARACTER, NOT VAIN RELIGION
    HOSEA REMINDS US GOD LOVES US, AND SEEKS TO REDEEM US, even when we’ve turned away from Him
     
  • Oct 8, 2023Hosea 4-5 – God Indicts Israel
    Oct 8, 2023
    Hosea 4-5 - God Indicts Israel, sermon
    Hosea 4-5 – God Indicts Israel
    Series: Hosea
    Hosea 4-5 - God Indicts Israel. Hosea, a prophet of God, has married a prostitute! Hosea's marriage is a real-life picture of our Holy God's relationship with unfaithful Israel who repeatedly cheats on God. Like Hosea taking back his wife Gomer, God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins and purchase us from death and destruction.  In addition to Jesus' redeeming sacrifice, God wants to address our wandering and unfaithful heart. What makes our soul sick and why does God hold us accountable for our sin? God's love says and does hard things to build and restore you! Don't miss Pastor JC's powerful sermon, Hosea 4-5 - God's Indicts Israel!
     
    God’s Love Says and Does Hard Things to Build and Restore
    A Sick Soul is caused by a Lack of RELATIONSHIP with God SPIRITUAL LEADERS make disciples of Jesus or sons of hell
    Hosea 4-5 - God Indicts Israel, sermon
    "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
    John 13:34 (NLT)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/jhn/13/34/s_1010034
     
    Counterfeit spirits Leading Israel into Idolatry  1. Sexual Sin (all kinds) 2. Alcohol 3. Materialism
    The Company You Keep Reflects the God You Worship
    "Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."
    Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)   https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/1/1/s_479001 We all run to and/or stumble into sin Have you Respond to God’s Loving Rebuke?
    "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights."
    Psalm 3:11-12 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/3/1/s_481001
     
  • Oct 1, 2023Hosea 3 – God’s Harlot Bride
    Oct 1, 2023
    Hosea 3 - God's Harlot Bride
    Hosea 3 – God’s Harlot Bride
    Series: Hosea
    Hosea 3 - God's Harlot Bride.  The scene is heartbreaking! Hosea's wife is for sale - tattered, filthy and wreaking of sexual adultery.  In sin she leaves her husband, returns to her life of prostitution and is now found wanting and desperate. Who would want to purchase a woman abused and soiled by her pursuit of counterfeit lovers?  Astonishingly, God instructs Hosea to buy his wife back and to wash her with unwavering love! Don't miss one of the Bible's greatest similes as Hosea exemplifies God's heart for His people Israel. Not only does Hosea 3 proclaim the Lord's powerful mercy, but God prophesies the future hope and promises being fulfilled in our lifetime! If you've ever questioned whether God could still love you after a life full of sin, hear the answer in Pastor David's influential sermon, Hosea 3 - God's Harlot Bride!
     
    Hosea had a difficult ministry: GOD’S PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW GOD. They were seduced by worldly ideologies & sexual sins
     
    Hosea 3 - God's Harlot Bride
    "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and (He) saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He (God) guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. (But) Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned." Psalm 34:18–22 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/34/18-22/s_512018 "Then GOD ordered me, “Start all over: Love your wife again, your wife who’s in bed with her latest boyfriend, your cheating wife. Love her the way I, GOD, love the Israelite people, even as they flirt and party with every god that takes their fancy.” Hosea 3:1 The Message    https://messagebible.com/scripture/?text=Hosea+3%3A1 SIN DESTROYS LIVES GOD WANTS TO SAVE US FROM THE DESTRUCTION SIN BRINGS "'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.' For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 1:18 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/1/18/s_680018 God reveals what He will do with ISRAEL IN THE LAST DAYS Israel in the last days: 1) Will be scattered without a homeland or king 2) God will restore Israel to their homeland 3) They will seek Jesus as their final King "The LORD tells you (David) that He will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever." 2 Samuel 7:11–13 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2sa/7/11-13/s_274011 "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, 'Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. For You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!'" 2 Samuel 7:18–19 ESV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/2sa/7/18-19/s_274018 "While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, 'What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?' They said to Him, 'The Son of David.' He said to them, 'How then does David in the Spirit call Him "Lord," saying: "The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool' "? If David then calls Him "Lord," how is He his Son?' 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word." Matthew 22:41–46 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/22/41-46/s_951041 "(Jesus speaking) 'Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.' '...I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.'” Revelation 22:12 & 16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/22/12/s_1189012     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/22/16/s_1189016 Ezekiel 37
    Jesus gave it all to redeem His harlot bride. He foretold He would do it from the beginning of time.
     
  • Sep 24, 2023Hosea 1-2 – The Scandalous Love of God
    Sep 24, 2023
    Hosea 1-2 – The Scandalous Love of God
    Series: Hosea
    Hosea Chapters 1-2, The Scandalous Love of God. Our society is obsessed with power, wealth, and sexuality. Thousands of years ago Israel chased and worshiped the same glittering idols modern man is worshiping today. Astonishingly, God instructs Hosea, God’s prophet to Israel, to marry a prostitute; the holy pursuing what is lost and vile. Through simile, God seeks to open Israel’s blind eyes to their spiritual adultery to the God who has been faithful to them with an unwavering love. Can a people who have cheated on God for hundreds of years come back into right relationship with Him? What will it take for this to happen? Don't miss Pastor David's powerful sermon, Hosea 1-2, The Scandalous Love of God!  
     
    Hosea had a difficult ministry
     
    26 (King) Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Oh Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every (low) class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 1 Kings 12:26–31. ( NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1ki/12/26-31/s_303026
     
     
    Hosea 1-2 - The Scandalous Love of God
     
     
    GOD’S PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW GOD They were seduced by worldly ideologies & sexual sins RELIGION IN ISRAEL WAS A COUNTERFEIT THE ALMIGHTY GOD - WITH A BROKEN HEART JEZREEL - God will scatter the nation Israel 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:7–9, (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/gal/6/7-9/s_1097007 Lo-Ruhamah: No more mercy from God
    GOD IS ALWAYS MERCIFUL - to all who genuinely seek Him 2 Kings 17:6
        https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2ki/17/6/s_330006
    Lo-Ammi - You are not My people - and I am not your God
    God’s hope in discipline is to BRING US TO TRUTH
     
    Grace has won us when it has won our hearts. When we yield to God not with a mere external obedience but w the affection of our heart, then all is won, then all is well. Charles H. Spurgeon
    ONLY GOD’S PURSUING LOVE - CAN RESTORE OUR BROKEN SOUL Life’s highest purpose is to be - GENUINELY IN LOVE WITH GOD
     
    Visit Us At:  https://www.themissionchurch.net
  • Sep 17, 2023Genesis: Epilogue – Understanding the Heart of God
    Sep 17, 2023
    Genesis: Epilogue - Understanding the Heart of God
    Genesis: Epilogue – Understanding the Heart of God
    Series: Genesis
    Genesis Epilogue, understanding the heart of God.
    We often wonder why a loving God created a world with so much pain, evil, and suffering. This sermon answers that question. This sermon will prove this world is the best world that could be created. Reflecting on the entire book of Genesis reveals the depths of God's design, character and even His desires. God’s glory is revealed in many ways, in the beauty of a sunset, in the diversity of animal life, and in the majesty of the universe. However, in the grandeur of everything God made, He specifically made man to bear His image and to know His mind, heart and will. Don't miss Pastor David's powerful sermon, the Genesis Epilogue, Understanding the heart of God!

    God wants to be KNOWN

    "What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, so that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"
    Man has little interest in KNOWING GOD
     
    Genesis: Epilogue - Understanding the Heart of God

    GOD PURSUES MAN with vigorous passion and marvelous grace

    The Pearl of Great Price:

    "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

    God’s detailed plan of SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST was laid out before the foundation of the earth

    What is God making man to be?

    "Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over… all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
     
    "God desires to fill the universe with a lot of little replicas of Himself-like creatures, whose life, on a miniature scale, will be qualitatively like His own, not because He has absorbed them - but because their will freely conforms to His."
    - C.S. Lewis
     
    "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?... Do you not know that we shall judge angels?"
    Genesis Epilogue
    If God is good, why is there pain and suffering?
    If God is good, why is there evil in the world?
    Why would a loving God create evil in the world?
    Why do bad things happen to good people?
    Dominion
    Sovereignty
    Lukewarm
    Understanding the Heart of God
    Created in God's Image
    Why is the world fallen, evil, painful.
    The Fallen World is God's Best Plan
    God Wants to be Known
    Personal Relationship with Jesus
    Man has little interest in knowing God
    God Pursues Man with passion and mercy
    God's Plan of Salvation through Jesus was laid out before the foundation of the earth
    What is God making man to be?Why did God create a WORLD FALLEN IN SIN?
  • Sep 10, 2023Genesis 50:15-26 – Joseph’s Faithfulness Unto Death
    Sep 10, 2023
    Genesis 50:15-26 - Joseph's Faithfulness Unto Death
    Genesis 50:15-26 – Joseph’s Faithfulness Unto Death
    Series: Genesis
    Genesis 50:15-26 - Joseph's Faithfulness Unto Death, is our final passage in the book of Genesis! Joseph is a prefigure of King Jesus even unto death.  Joseph parallels Christ's character through absolute forgiveness, a selfless and sacrificial life and last words that point future generations to Jesus! Many people believe in God, but their lack of Bible literacy leads to misunderstandings of God's character and love towards them.  Don't miss a powerful message revealing God's heart of forgiveness displayed in Joseph toward his brothers.  As a parent, a spouse or even as a friend may we learn from Joseph that our authority should be used to build up others.  Listen to Pastor JC's sermon from Genesis 50:15-26 - Joseph's Faithfulness Unto Death, and walk in the truth of Jesus forgiveness for you and through you!   God’s Forgiveness is Absolute
    "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
     
    "Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!"
     
    "And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”Hebrews 8:12 (NLT)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/heb/8/12/s_1141012
     
    "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
     
    "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."
     
    Genesis 50:15-26 - Joseph's Faithfulness Unto Death
    “When you doubt God’s Word, you soon begin to doubt God’s love.”
    - Warren Wiersbe
    God’s Forgiveness is Absolute. Is Yours?
    A Gospel-centered Perspective Produces a Selfless View on Life
    A Gospel-centered Perspective Produces a Sacrificial View on Life
     
    "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back,' says the Lord. Instead, 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.' Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."
     
    A Gospel-centered Perspective Produces Vision for an Abundant Life
     
    "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, 'Abba, Father.'" For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering."
     
    In Joseph’s Impending Death he Affirms God’s Promises to Future Generations
     
    Joseph – A Prefigure of King Jesus: • Joseph’s forgiveness extends to his betrayers • Joseph’s suffering leads to many people being saved • Joseph’s death points others to the Promised Land
     
  • Sep 3, 2023Genesis 50:1-14 – Jacob’s Burial & Grieving Our Loved Ones
    Sep 3, 2023
    Genesis 50 - Jacob's Burial and Grieving Our Loved Ones
    Genesis 50:1-14 – Jacob’s Burial & Grieving Our Loved Ones
    Series: Genesis
    Genesis 50 - Jacob's Burial & Grieving Our Loved Ones. How do we process grief after the death of a loved one? Jacob dies and Joseph and his brothers mourn the loss of the last patriarch of Israel. Although the sorrow and pain of losing Jacob is evident, we see Joseph clinging to the truth of God's Word as an anchor and comfort for his soul. Not only does the Bible help us understand and walk through grief, but Joseph models how to "Honor Your Father and Mother" in life and death. In a society that often puts the aged away, God's Word teaches his people to care for their aging parents and grandparents! Listen to Pastor JC's sermon from Genesis 50 - Jacob's Burial & Grieving Our Loved Ones, and understand that even in affliction our faith and joy grow deeper in Christ.
    In Tidal Waves of GRIEF the TRUTH of the GOSPEL is the ANCHOR for Our Souls
    "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."
    - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1th/4/13-14/s_1115013
     
    "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words."
    1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1th/4/15-18/s_1115015
     
    In Tidal Waves of GRIEF the TRUTH of the GOSPEL is a COMFORT for Our Souls
     
    “Comfort is the one thing you cannot get by looking for it. If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end. If you look for comfort, you will not get either comfort or truth — only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair.”
    – C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)
    Genesis 50 - Jacob's Burial and Grieving Our Loved Ones
     
    "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
    Psalm 34:18 (NLT)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/psa/34/18/s_512018 Biblical Grief is an Appropriate Response to Death
    "He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief."
    - Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/53/3-5/s_732003
    "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
    Romans 12:15 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/12/15/s_1058015
     
    Embracing Grief Gives Way to a Deeper Faith
    "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."
    Psalm 119:71 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/119/71/s_597071
     
    "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!"
    Psalm 42:5 (NLT)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/psa/42/5/s_520005
     
    How You Love in Life Impacts How You Grieve a Death
     
    Honor Your Father and Mother - Physical Care & Financial Provision
    - Comfort through Presence - Compassion - Spiritual Leadership
     
    "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home."
    John 19:25-27 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/jhn/19/25-27/s_1016025
    Value Time ABOVE money
    Life’s New Normal Will Include JOY
     
    "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning."– Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/psa/30/5/s_508005
     
    “God uses Time and Grace to take away the impossibility of life.” – John Piper