Blog Archives

"THE GOD WHO IS"

2/25/2024

Hebrews 6:17-19a

God is a being. He is an alive personality.

1. The being of God is Infinite. (I Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:24)
It is possible to think of the infinite God in terms of quality.

We express the infinity of God in the word “Omnipresent. (Psalms 139:7-10; Proverbs 15:3)

2. The being of God is Eternal.
God is not subject to the limitations of time. (I Peter 3:8)
We express the eternity of God in the word Omniscient.
God is able to see past, present and future with equal clarity.

3. His being is Unchangeable.
theological word = immutability (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 6:17-18)

Since God is perfect, He cannot change.
God will change things and circumstances to fit His unchangeable character.
His immutability is not static. God is always working in our lives. (Psalms 121:3)

We express the immutability of God is the word “Omnipotent.
God's power will not extend to anything that will contradict His own character. (II Timothy 2:11_

"WHEN FAITH AND CULTURE COLLIDE"

2/18/2024

Acts 4:23-31

How should we respond?
1. Share the Gospel. (4:8-12)
Sharing the gospel is not safe, because that is the real issue behind all the other issues.

2. Stand Firm. (4:18-20)

You can stand on God's Word, and still be kind, loving and caring.

3. Stay Together. (4:23)
We need each other to stick together in mutual support and encouragement to stay true to the Word of God.

4. Solicit God. (4:24-30)
Praying together is a vital part of what brings power to our being in fellowship together.

5. Speak Boldly. (4:31)
It takes boldness to speak your testimony even if you are exposed to ridicule and mockery.
(I Peter 3:15)

"IN THE GARDEN"

2/11/2024

Isaiah 58:11

Keeping up with your spiritual disciplines is something that requires time and attention.

If you let your devotional life slide, it becomes a source of irritation and frustration, and even a source of embarrassment.

Benefits of the inner garden
1. an eternal perspective on reality (Psalms 2:1-6)
God is sovereign and He has a plan.

2. an intimate friendship you can develop with God. (Psalms 51:10-13)
The more time you spend with Him, the closer you get to Him.

3. a fear of your accountability to God. (Ps. 39:8)
Although God is an intimate friends, He is also the omnipotent God who punishes sin.

Uzziah (II Chronicles 26) We will be humbled if we fail to stay in touch with God and keep His Word.

4. an awareness of who we are in comparison to God (Psalms 8:3-6)

5. a spiritual reserve in moments of crisis (Psalms 119:49-52; 92-95; 141-144)
It is harder to hear God speak when you are overwhelmed by your own pain and disappointment.

"PILLARS OF STRENGTH"

2/4/2024

Exodus 40:33-38

In the time of suffering, we are most aware of God.

God allows suffering so the He can bring about good things that would not happen otherwise.

5 good things
1. Direction (Ex. 13:21-22; Numbers 9:15-23)
The circumstances of your difficulty may be God's way of telling you what He wants you to do.

2. Reflection (Ex. 9:9, 16)
When things are really tough, you start to think about the things in life that are truly important.

3. Protection (Ex. 14:19-20; 23-25)
God can use your hardship to silence and confuse the enemy.

4. Instruction (Ex. 24:16-18)
things we learn from trials
to be obedient
to be patient
sympathy for others
dependence on God
humility

5. Proclamation
We are overcomers in this life because of our faith in Jesus Christ.
(Rom. 8:1; 9-11; 18; 23-25; 28; 36-37)