The Life of a Christ-Follower #7 - Grace
Awake Us Now
Every human being, before coming to know Jesus Christ, was/is spiritually dead. Even today, in much of the world that calls itself Christian, we have not come to grips with that profound Biblical teaching.
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #6 - Joy
Awake Us Now
God doesn’t only give joy. He is our joy! "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #5 - Power
Awake Us Now
Our mission is to call people to the knowledge of the Living God. The only way we can accomplish that mission is by the power of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gives.
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #4 - Prayer Power
Awake Us Now
"Prayer Power" - by Pastor Chris Dodge In a nation that is increasingly polarized and divided, the prayers of God’s people are more essential than ever. The Scriptures resound with calls to prayer because God both desires and answers His children when they cry out to Him. Various forms of the word “pray/prayer” are found over 370 times in the Bible. Here are just a few examples: - Devote yourselves to prayer... (Colossians 4:2) - Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1) - Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - Pray in...
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The Living One - Week 21: First Christians
Awake Us Now
As pastor takes a look at the word “Christian,” its definition, what it means for us and for the world today, we will see a blueprint God has laid out for believers not just in Antioch long ago but also for us today! The word “Christian” came about from non-believers in the city of Antioch. As persecution caused the Jewish believers in Jerusalem to seek other cities in which to live, many chose to move to Antioch. It was a welcoming city without persecution and the message of Jesus exploded. It was then that Barnabus was sent to encourage these new believers. Barnabus, led by the Holy...
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Rescued by Truth: Week 33
Awake Us Now
Pastor Dodge shares an archeological discovery uncovered from the 1980’s that dates back to the early first century. This discovery draws our attention to the Bible’s account of “Jesus Calms the Storm” found in Mark 4:35-41 and speaks to truth #18: “The Lord is near, even in the storm.” The 1st Century fishing boat uncovered on the shores of Galilee in 1986 helps us understand the boat in which Jesus fell asleep during a storm (Mark -41). This story points to this Truth: The Lord is near, even in the storm. The disciples, seeing the wind and raging waves fall still at Jesus'...
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #3 - Authority
Awake Us Now
Who is really in charge here? Who alone can accomplish what needs to be done?
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Two Year Gospel Study Week 33
Awake Us Now
Luke 10:25-37. Jesus often answered a question with a question. But when asked "Who is my neighbor?," He answered by telling a story - a story that asks the same question of us. Today’s study is The Good Samaritan, a 2000 year old parable from Jesus that still speak into our culture today. This story starts with an expert of Jewish law asking Jesus a question. Jesus answered the question with a question. A tactic Jesus used frequently. Why? Because He knows questions are how one gets to a person’s heart. Questions force one to think things through. Jesus answers the first few questions...
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #2 - Hypocrites
Awake Us Now
“Hypocrite.” This word is used a grand total of seventeen times in the entire New Testament — and Jesus is the only one who uses it. (Hint: He does not have a good opinion of hypocrites!) The word Jesus uses is actually a technical term meaning actor. In Jesus’ vocabulary, a hypocrite is one who outwardly plays the part of a religious person to perfection, while inwardly having no genuine relationship with the Living God. Some of the toughest words Jesus ever spoke were addressed to the religious leaders of the nation of Israel. Matthew 23 records many of these scathing indictments. It...
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The Life of a Christ-Follower #1 - Traditions
Awake Us Now
Family traditions, handed down over generations—or recently established—can be a real blessing to young and old alike. They help us remember and celebrate the past and give reason to anticipate the future. On the other hand, some traditions can be spiritually deadly. Jesus highlighted the danger when He warned, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8) In Jesus’ day many religious people went through the motions of faith without truly practicing that faith. That kind of religious traditionalism is self-centered and arrogant. It...
info_outlinePeter reminds us that we cannot have true faith without practicing that faith. God's desire is that we walk before Him in humility, faith, and obedience until the day He returns.