Rescued by Truth: Week 52
Awake Us Now
A difficult and challenging message, this week we address the reality of hell. Hell is not a topic of regular conversation, yet the reality of hell is true. Therefore, it is essential we understand the consequences of our beliefs, our actions, and our behaviors, and that we understand what the future holds. The Bible teaches we have only two destinies: With God (heaven) - or - Apart from Him (hell). Which destiny are we living for?
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Two Year Gospel Study Week 104
Awake Us Now
The Gospel of John Week 26 Scripture: John 20:19 - 21:25. Today’s study will conclude our two year study of the Gospels with a dramatic and amazing ending. We begin with John 20:19, it is the first day of the week (Sunday) and the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing among them saying “Peace be with you.” This is a phrase in English that sounds so common, like “have a good day.” But in Hebrew it carries much more meaning. Shalom (peace) more than just an absence of conflict or warfare, it refers to all creation - it...
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Merry Christmas
Awake Us Now
Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Message
Awake Us Now
Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Eve Message
Awake Us Now
Merry Christmas!
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Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 15
Awake Us Now
This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah. King Josiah • Young King seeks God • Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem • Book of the Law discovered • Reform beyond Judah • Passover observance - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of...
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The Christmas Story 2
Awake Us Now
Merry Christmas!
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The Christmas Story
Awake Us Now
Merry Christmas!
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Questions - Week 11: What About the Virgin Birth?
Awake Us Now
The message starts with Matthew 1:18 “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” Pastor explores today’s question: “What about the Virgin Birth?” by tackling these 5 questions: ⁃ Is the “Virgin Birth” really that important? ⁃ Why do only Matthew and Luke mention it? ⁃ Couldn’t this have been a later development? ⁃ ...
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Rescued by Truth: Week 51
Awake Us Now
Are we recognizing the “signs of the times,” which include things from past, present and future? Pastor Dodge explores three specific and important signs that are apparent, visible and happening today! They remind us that as believers, we need to recognize the “signs of the times” and to be awake (i.e. ready for Christ’s return)!
info_outlineToday’s question, “How should I read the Bible?” is often asked by new believers, church going people who’ve never read the Bible and those questioning what they’ve heard about the Bible. It is often stated this way:
⁃ Which is the best Bible translation?
⁃ Where should I start as I begin reading?
⁃ What schedule should I follow?
⁃ Where can I find extra help and resources?
And the often not asked question, but should be asked:
⁃ What are the essential things to remember?
The Bible is the Word of God and is self authenticating, speaking to every generation. There are difficult parts and very clear parts. The Scriptures speak the Truth from God, and they are practical and very beneficial.
Which translation?
There is no perfect translation. Each translation works to capture what was originally written down to convey it’s original meaning without translating word for word.
1. New International Version (NIV) - seeks to follow a literal translation
2. English Standard Version (ESV) - emphasizes word for word translation
3. King James Version (KJV) - a favorite for centuries - a language different than today’s modern day language, and is easily memorized
4. New Living Translation (NLT) - seeks to convey the thoughts of Scripture versus a word for word translation - more easily understood
5. New King James Version (NKJV) - attempts to keep the text and rhythm of the King James Version but in more modern language
Pastor shares an example of each translation using Matthew 5:17.
Where to start?
1. Start with one of the Gospels (1 of the first 4 books of the New Testament) where we meet Jesus. Listen to what He says.
2. Matthew - written from a Hebrew perspective - Prophesied Messiah.
3. Mark - shortest of the 4 - speaks in dramatic terms and talks about the active Son of God - Mark offers lots of details.
4. Luke (and Acts) - Jesus as the Savior of the Nations - Luke has a heart for the desperate.
5. John - an insiders view of Jesus’ ministry and teaching and covers what’s not covered in the other gospels. John’s focus is the Deity of Jesus Christ.
What Schedule?
1. Find a time that works for you
2. Consider your season of life - and don’t let the enemy trip you up or discourage you
3. A place to meet with God - it is beneficial to have a place to sit down and reflect on what God is saying in His Word.
4. Read a section of Scripture - important to listen to God as He speaks to us in sections: chapter, book.
5. Select a plan that will work:
• Chapter a day, one book at a time
• Gospel chapter and a Psalm every day
• Bible in a year - 3+ chapters a day
• Foundational books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, Acts, John, Romans, Ephesians
• Read a section of scripture out loud
• Listen to the Bible with various platforms
Where to find help?
1. Use a study Bible - each of the suggested Bible translations mentioned at the beginning have a study Bible available.
2. BibleGateway.com a great place to go to take a look at the Bible in a multitude of translations and also a great way to listen to the Bible - completely free.
3. AwakeUsNow.com we have everything available free of charge: Sunday services, Tuesday Bible class, Bible in a Year, TV and radio and podcasts.
What are the Essentials?
⁃ Purpose - Read the Scriptures with the purpose of allowing God’s word to be transformative in your life, for the purpose of wanting to encounter the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit.
⁃ Approach the Scriptures with Prayer - talk to the Author, ask Him what He wants to say to you. Look at your time in God’s Word not as a class assignment but a time to draw close and closer to Him.
⁃ Ponder what you are reading, think on what you are hearing God say to you in His Word.
⁃ Practice what you read and learn from the stories you read.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God desires that we know Him, that we experience His goodness and forgiveness in Christ, that we experience the power of His Holy Spirit and that we be used by Him to be a blessing to others. He desires we share the news of the only One who can save. Jesus, our crucified, risen Lord who is coming back and coming soon. May we encounter Him daily in His Word.
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