Dr. Dan Hayden expository, expositional, sermons, scripture, bible study, word of God, Dan Hayden, Christian, Jesus Christ, God http://www.awordfromtheword.org Dr. Dan Hayden teaches expositional messages from the Word of God that explore the biblical text for answers to life's most pressing issues. Revealing the truths of the Bible and their application to life in the 21st century. en-us Copyright 2010 A Word from the Word Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:07:07 EDT tdscripts.com Podcast Generator feedback@awordfromtheword.org AWFTW Producer feedback@awordfromtheword.org http://www.awordfromtheword.org/pix/dan-hayden.jpg http://www.awordfromtheword.org Christianity 1 Victory is a wonderful word. We sing about it and talk about it, but how can you actually live a victorious Christian life? The answer is found in a five letter word: Faith. That is the big word we find emphasized in the book of Joshua. They were willing to take God at His Word and they were victorious. (49:29) Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:29 Joshua chapter five concludes the section on Preparation, then the conquest of Jericho is recorded in chapter six, followed by the failure of Achin, and then the final conquest of Ai. (46:45) Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:45 God is merciful to us. We are saved of the basis of the mercy of God. He will forgive us of our sins and take us unto Himself so we can enjoy Him as our God. Mercy is God not holding us accountable for our sins. The message of God's mercy is beautifully illustrated in Joshua Chapter 2. (44:40) Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:40 Hebrews 3-4 provides insight from the New Testamant on the book of Joshua. Is it a picture of salvation or santification? Then, Joshua chapter 1 begins with the death of Moses, the beginnings of Joshua's command, and God's instruction to possess the land and obey the Book. (49:20) Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:20 Joshua was prepared by God for what he was going to do. Preparation is sometimes minimized in our world, but God often maximizes it. It is better to be prepared and have quality opportunity for a short time than to be unprepared and drizzling opportunity that doesn't amount to much over a long period of time. God puts emphasis on and rewards preparation. (46:36) Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:36 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. (65:06) Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:07:07 EDT 01:05:06 Then I lifted my gaze and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. (57:35) Sun, 06 Jun 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:57:35 Then the king gave orders and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. (51:00) Sun, 30 May 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:00 Belshazzar the king held a party for a thousand of his nobles and he was drinking wine. Belshazzar gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem. They drank wine from the vessels and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a hand began writing on the plaster of the wall... (54:47) Sun, 23 May 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:54:47 In Babylon many years ago there was a king with great glory and amazing power. He was respected and honored by his people and feared by his enemies. He was important and loved how he felt about himself - politically powerful, militarily strong, intelligent and wealthy. It was wonderful to be the most important man on earth. Then one night as the full moon hung in the black sky the king, standing on the balcony of his palace, felt strange as a chilly wind like the breath of a foul spirit crept over his flesh. His bones shuddered. He glanced down at his hands and saw them become a mass of hair, knarled joints, and claws. His face became hairy and contorted. For seven years animal man lived among the beasts of the field. (51:25) Sun, 16 May 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:25 The Bible contains some of the greatest stories you will ever want to hear. Three men are thrown into a fiery furnace and not only survive, but do not even have the smell of smoke on their clothes because of God's protection. (56:45) Sun, 09 May 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:56:45 Same story, different dream. It's a dream about monsters in the form of beasts: a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a terrible beast like none other you have ever heard. (53:05) Sun, 02 May 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:53:05 When is the last time you had a nightmare? In the Old Testament particularly, God revealed himself in very special ways in dreams. God had blessed Daniel with understanding in all visions and dreams. (57:10) Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:57:10 When the royal family of Israel was taken captive by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, they were taken down into Babylon - what we know today as Iraq. Daniel was given a vision of the times of the Gentiles and the question on their minds was, How are we going to make it through this period of the times of the Gentiles? (53:25) Sun, 18 Apr 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:53:25 Visions of beasts, a fiery furnace, ghostly graffiti, and a face-to-face encounter with snarling terror make the book of Daniel an exciting read. Yet within these accounts, God provides clear thinking, assurance of deliverance, and the protection that can only come from our Heavenly Father. Stories for Worried People takes us on a journey through the book of Daniel and teaches us how apply these passages to our daily concerns, struggles, and challenges. (51:45) Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:45 Easter, like Christmas, is a religious paradox. On the one hand, it is a Christian celebration with great biblical meaning - the birth of Christ at Christmas and the resurrection of Christ at Easter. But on the other hand, it is a pagan holiday with heathen origins and with significant mythological connections. As a result of this paradox, many Christians feel like they are on the horns of a dilemma. Since it has heathen connections, they reason, should we as Christians celebrate the holiday? (33:35) Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:33:35 King of Kings, Part 10. Unredeemed people cannot reign with Christ in His Kingdom. Before He can come as King, Christ has to redeem His people because they are sinful, unholy, and alienated from the presence of God. So Jesus lays down His life for His people - as recorded by Matthew. (44:49) Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:49 King of Kings, Part 9. Before revealing the awesome significance of Christ's return at the end of the age in the Olivet Discourse, Matthew describes, in vivid terms, our Lord's indictments on the religious system of Israel as represented by its corrupt leadership. Jesus' pronouncement of woes on the Pharisees and Sadducees is the concluding discourse of the preparation for the kingdom narrative section. Israel's religious elite did not fulfill the requirement for entering the kingdom of Christ because they did not submit themselves to the will of God by accepting the Son of God. (50:58) Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:50:58 King of Kings, Part 8. Matthew illustrated the importance of genuine faith and now focuses on the object of that faith - submission to the will of God by accepting the Son of God. Here is the preparation for the Kingdom - what He asks you to do on the basis of faith. (53:12) Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:53:12 King of Kings, Part 7. Matthew's Gospel - Principles of the Kingdom. What does it take to become a child of the Kingdom? Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (54:55) Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:54:55 King of Kings, Part 6. Matthew explains the nature and principles of the Kingdom - how to enter the Kingdom and how to experience the Kingdom. (49:33) Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:33 King of Kings, Part 5. Israel had heard the message of the kingdom and had met the King, who had done great miracles to authenticate His claims and call to repentance. Now it was decision time. Some welcomed him, but many did not. These three chapters mark a pivotal point in Matthew's gospel. (51:42) Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:42 King of Kings, Part 4. Jesus is the King anticipated in the Old Testament - the king who is the Messiah. Matthew 8-10 turns to the physical dimension where Jesus demonstrates that He has authority in every realm of life and miracles are His credentials - proving He is who He claimed to be. (55:02) Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:55:02 King of Kings, Part 3. The Sermon on the Mount is the first discourse of Jesus concerning what He, as the King, demands with regard to His kingdom. This discourse lays the foundation for true spirituality and instructs us regarding life in the kingdom. (56:23) Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:56:23 King of Kings, Part 2. Matthew shows us the unique qualifications of the Messiah King in his portrait of Christ. (49:32) Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:32 King of Kings, Part 1. As the first Gospel, Matthew is the logical link between the Old and New Testaments as it unfolds the credentials of Jesus of Nazareth to be the long awaited Messiah. This study probes the intriguing format of Matthew's Gospel in order to better appreciate his exquisite portrait of Christ as the King of kings. (50:49) Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:50:49 Name Above All Names, Part 7. Peace is perhaps the most elusive quality of life in our world. American soldiers are still in Iraq and Afghanistan and our vessels of war continue to cruise the Gulf. On a personal level it is no better. Psychiatrists are busy and drug companies are prospering as people run from counselor to counselor and pop uppers and downers in search of some relief for their anxiety. Pursuing peace is like chasing shadows and grabbing sun beams - it is a mirage on the horizon of life that doesn't deliver. Yet, the Bible assures us that there is indeed perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) for those who come to Christ - for He is the Prince of Peace. (44:19) Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:19 Name Above All Names, Part 6. The Bible is dedicated to demonstrating that Jesus is God and that, as God, He is the Savior of the world. He is Immanuel (God with us), in order that He might be Jesus (for He shall save His people from their sins). The point is that our only hope for eternal life is in Jesus Christ. We must come to Him by faith if we would have our sins forgiven by God. If we want to spend eternity with God in heaven, then Jesus is the only way. In other words, He is the author of eternal life - He is the Father of Eternity. (41:46) Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:41:46 Name Above All Names, Part 5. It is one thing to predict a New World Order where there will be peace, justice and righteousness for all - and quite another thing to have the ability and resources to bring it to pass. Any government must have the means to accomplish its goals. This is the point Isaiah is making when he says that the One on whose shoulder the government will rest will be called Mighty God. This prophecy is saying that the redemption and renovation of the world can only be accomplished by the One who created the world. The child - son of Isaiah's prophecy will be mighty Elohim, the One of whom Moses said, In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth. This is the One whom we worship as our Savior and Lord - Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is He who is Mighty God. (48:44) Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:07:07 EDT 00:48:44 Name Above All Names, Part 4. This week we will celebrate a new year and all over America there will be celebrations, partying, and New Year’s resolutions - people resolving that in some area of their lives they will be better next year. New Year's resolutions are infamous for their temporary nature and it seems resolutions are broken now more than ever - and the results are often shallow. The humanistic, secular, existential culture is deteriorating all around us. We are more indulgent and less disciplined; more self-serving and less sacrificial for others; more lustful and less loving; more given to fun and less given to work; more greedy and less gracious. The list appears to be endless, but what is the answer? It is to heed the counsel of the wonderful counselor. That is not a simplistic answer; it is profound! Jesus Christ is the counseling wonder and His counsel is found in His Word. More than resolutions, we need a renovation of life. (41:46) Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:41:46 Name Above All Names, Part 3. Most people like to be called by their name. Our name is a significant part of who we are. When parents ponder over the name they will give their newborn child, it is an important event in their lives. Names are usually chosen on the basis of meaning, a special relationship in the family or with friends, or sometimes just because there is a fondness for the name. Nicknames tend to come later as an expression of some personal trait or a reflection on some experience of life. To a large extent, names are who we are. This is certainly true in all of the Bible. Yet, there is no occasion of names more significant than the names of God. There are 256 names for Jesus in the Bible and all of them are filled with wonderful meaning to encourage the heart of the believer. This morning we consider the matter of His name. The angel said to Joseph - You shall call his name Jesus. That is the name that is above all names. It is the name of the One who is worthy of worship. (45:01) Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:45:01 Name Above All Names, Part 2. The Law of Entropy is a principle of physics which says all things in our universe are tending toward disintegration. Organizations and governments tend to be like that - they have their time of usefulness and glory, but over time they tend to become archaic, ingrown, burdensome and insensitive to changing times. Add to that the sinful tendencies of the human heart on the part of leaders and you have a mix that is destined for disaster. How refreshing to discover that there is a righteous government of God coming upon the earth that will endure forever. According to Isaiah, the ruler of that government is Jesus Christ - the child born to Mary, the Son of God incarnate. He is the only righteous ruler in the universe that can truly bring lasting peace to every heart that trusts Him as Savior. (36:43) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:36:43 Name Above All Names, Part 1. There is a current philosophy growing in popularity that faith in Jesus Christ is only one of many ways for a person to have a relationship with God. The most important thing, according to this philosophy, is to be tolerant of other views rather than exclusive with regard to your own view. In this system Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius and a host of others are all spiritual guides to bring us to God. This philosophy is called pluralism and it is foundational to the New Age thrust that is gaining momentum in our world. The Bible won't let us adopt this new philosophy, however, because Jesus Christ is truly unique and only in Him can we have eternal life and hope for a new world. Isaiah's prophecy is crucial to our understanding of Christ's uniqueness and as we probe the truth of this verse we will discover that here indeed is the Name Above All Names. (36:02) Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:36:02 Attitude of Gratitude. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for enjoying family and friends. As a National Holiday, it calls us as Americans to reflect on the blessings we have received from God. In the midst of the ambience of cornstalks and pumpkins, of turkeys and cornucopias, of parades and football games, we simply enjoy one another and celebrate our abundance. As with other holidays, however, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and to forget to truly thank God for His abundant love and grace which He has given to us in Christ Jesus. Also, we sometimes forget that a thankful spirit to the Lord is intended by God to be based on something far deeper than the temporal benefits of life. His providential care, even in the hardest of circumstances and in the worst of times, is a cause for perpetual celebration by the people of God. In fact 1 Thessalonians 5:18 seems to indicate that anytime we are not thankful to God for whatever He is allowing to happen in our lives, we are out of the will of God. This is a tall order, to be sure - but God is faithful to His people and for that we can always be thankful. (42:30) Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:42:30 In the Company of Jesus - Part 4. The Apostle John was a learner and a leaner. His posture in the upper room of leaning on Jesus was simply picturesque of what had become the desire and habit of his life - to be as close to Jesus as he could. The Lord transformed John from an impetuous youth ready to call down fire on his enemies into a gentle man who knew how to love God and to love others for Christ's sake. John is a wonderful example for all who would seek the Lord and rely upon His Grace. (47:12) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:47:12 In the Company of Jesus - Part 3. There is no enemy so formidable and so deceptive as the enemy from within. That is why so much of the teaching of the Bible is aimed at producing self denial and humility in the life of the believer. Jesus said, If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself... (Matt.16:24). We see this lesson graphically illustrated in the life of Peter. His reliance upon self comes to a head in his last hours with Christ in the upper room and in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is then that he experiences his greatest fall and finally becomes willing to humble himself before the Lord. This is the greatest lesson in the Christian life - to humble ourselves before God and others so that Christ may be exalted and glorified in our lives. (44:32) Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:32 In the Company of Jesus - Part 2. No thought could be more sobering than the Biblical warning that a person may think he is eternally saved, but in reality be eternally lost. Jesus himself gave that warning at the end of his Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:21-23). Jesus wanted his hearers to think about whether they were only religious or had truly come to grips with their sinful condition and their need of a Savior. For us today, going to church, singing hymns, and listening to sermons do not make a person a Christian - neither do good works, nor a loving disposition toward God and other people. The Gospel is very specific on the matter of salvation - that we must acknowledge our sins before God and reach out in faith to personally receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. (45:30) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:45:30 In the Company of Jesus - Part 1. As Jesus and his disciples celebrated their last Passover Feast together in the upper room, they engaged in a pegeantry of interaction that became the basis of our Lord's teaching in what has become known as the Upper Room Discourse. John 13 begins with Jesus' surprising ministry of washing the disciples feet. The twelve men in the company of Jesus all needed the cleansing work of Christ. (47:21) Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:47:21 Abundance of pleasure - the joy of going home when there is love that forgives and restores. (43:16) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:16 The terms of the agreement. More than just negotiating and closing the deal - a transaction between partners. (43:07) Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:07 The basis of acceptance - how and on what terms will Onesimus be accepted? Freely, forever, and fully. (46:23) Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:23 As you look back over your life, do you have any regrets - things you wish you could change or do over again? (52:13) Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:52:13 Have you ever done something beyond what was required or expected of you - something above and beyond the call of duty? (52:48) Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:52:48 Are you, or aren't you, willing to be reconciled? (52:56) Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:52:56 In Philemon 1-3, we notice the offense that Onesimus committed - the offense of his sin - is deep and far reaching. It is worse than he thought. Likewise, our sin is not just against God. It affects those around us and often has far-reaching consequences. (46:29) Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:29 The healing of broken relationships is a major concern in our increasingly fractured society. This is especially true, whether people realize it or not, with regard to the sinner's broken relationship with God. The Book of Philemon helps us to grasp the wonder of how alienated parties can be once again reunited in love. Within the human drama of Philemon and Onesimus there is a divine picture of the gospel of reconciliation... and Onesimus is really a picture of you! (54:42) Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:54:42 Heir to Earth's Fortune - Isaiah 53:12. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors. (31:32) Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:31:32 The Pleasure of the Lord - Isaiah 53:10. Understanding the purpose of God in the death of Christ. (24:02) Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:24:02 In the Hands of God - Isaiah 53:8-9. From man's viewpoint, the future is uncertain and turbulent times seem to be ahead. Yet, the Bible does not encourage us to be pessimists, but rather to commit our lives to a faithful God in quiet confidence regardless of what may come. Jesus is our Savior from a sinful world and He is also our example of how to live in a sinful world. He didn't strike back at the sufferings of life with revilings and threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. (28:33) Sun, 02 Aug 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:28:33 Healing in the Atonement - Isaiah 53:4. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (29:45) Sun, 26 Jul 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:29:45 The Refusal - Isaiah 53:3. Rejection is a terrible thing - especially when it is undeserved. Yet, that is what happened to our Lord when He presented Himself as the Savior of the world. The people of that day refused to acknowledge Him as the rightful Messiah, largely because He didn't fit their expectation. They were looking for a powerful and attractive Deliverer, not a meek and lowly Savior - so, they refused to accept the One whom God had sent. (27:50) Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:27:50 A Despised Deliverer - Isaiah 53:1-2. Why was Jesus rejected? Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied the hostile reaction to the One who would be sent as the Deliverer. (25:29) Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:25:29 Shadows of the Cross: The Sin Offering - Leviticus 4. There are two problems we have with God with regard to our sin. The first is who we are - sinners of the seed of Adam; and the second is what we do - we commit acts of sin. Jesus cared for both of these conditions in His death for us on the cross. The sin offering was God's provision for who we are as the sons and daughters of Adam. (36:13) Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:36:13 Shadows of the Cross: The Peace Offering - Leviticus 3. An amazing aspect of our Christian life is that we have peace with God. The peace offering described in Leviticus was a sweet savor offering, expressing something favorable to God - and was offered in conjunction with the burnt offering and the meal offering. (31:53) Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:31:53 Shadows of the Cross: The Meal Offering - Leviticus 2. Loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength is an incredible challenge. But then, so is loving our neighbor as ourselves. According to the Bible, that means more than doing a nice deed now and then. It is having a servant spirit at all times with regard to our interactions with other people. In studying the meal offering we are confronted by God's mandate for sacrificial service in loving others. (35:29) Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:35:29 Shadows of the Cross: Christ - The Sum of the Offerings - Hebrews 10:1-4. When Jesus died on the cross, He was accomplishing many things simultaneously. In fact, it took five separate and distinct sacrificial offerings in Old Testament times to expose all of the facets of our Lord's death. (33:03) Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:33:03 God's Vision for the Church, Part 8 - Ephesians 4:11-12. Reaching people with the Gospel of Christ is an integral part of the mission of the Church. Our Lord role-modeled that concern for us as He reached out to people from all walks of life with the message of salvation. Then, just before He left, He commissioned the founders of the Church to keep doing what He had begun - Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15). In our day, and in our community, we are to continue that tradition of the Body of Christ. The church is to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world with the message of salvation in Christ (Matthew 5:13-16). (39:38) Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:39:38 God's Vision for the Church, Part 7 - Ephesians 4:16. When some members of the body of Christ don't fulfill their God given purpose in the church, then other members have to compensate for that lack. Some become over busy, while others do nothing. To the extent that that happens, the body of Christ becomes handicapped and its efforts in the cause of Christ are crippled. On the other hand, it is a beautiful thing when the body of Christ functions as God intended with every Christian contributing. (41:12) Sun, 31 May 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:41:12 God's Vision for the Church, Part 6 - Ephesians 4:12. Before going out, your body ministers to itself. You wash, groom, and eat so you will be as prepared as you can be to face the day. If you are unclean, disheveled and famished, you will not be nearly as effective in what you do. The body of Christ, the Church, is like that too. Christian service is the body ministering to itself in love. It is ensuring that the body is well prepared to meet the challenge of witness in the world. If the Church is disorganized and untrained it will not be very effective as a witness for Christ. However, if the church is well organized and fully equipped for it's task, then it's ministry as a light of the Gospel will be more powerful. Serving one another in the love of Christ is the means by which God prepares us for witness. (41:41) Sun, 24 May 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:41:41 God's Vision for the Church, Part 5 - Ephesians 4:13-14. Most people do not know when they are being deceived. That's the nature of deception - it takes them off guard because there is something they don't know about what is happening. On the other hand, when a person knows the truth, that person is able to see through the deception and is not deceived. Therefore, a wise person is diligent in the pursuit of truth. Learning the truth of God's Word helps us to mature as Christians. This means we are continually growing to become more like Christ. It also means we will be less and less likely to be deceived by spiritual error. (39:43) Sun, 17 May 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:39:43 God's Vision for the Church, Part 4 - Ephesians 4:13-15. Spiritual maturity is linked to knowing. A Christian cannot act responsibly unless he knows what to do. Learning is the means of growing up in Christ. (41:39) Sun, 10 May 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:41:39 God's Vision for the Church, Part 3 - Ephesians 4:15. The most important thing we can do as Christians and as a church is to praise God for who He is and for what He has done. Acknowledging God and honoring Him is the basis of all meaningful life. This is especially true with regard to our relationship with Jesus Christ for He is our HEAD and all things from the Father come to us through Him. Our primary task is to worship God by worshipping the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. We do this when we respond in our hearts by giving Him our devotion and allegiance - that is, when we both honor Him and obey Him. (45:12) Sun, 03 May 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:45:12 God's Vision for the Church, Part 2 - Ephesians 4:11-16. There are four distinct means by which God's purpose for the church is to be fulfilled. The first is WORSHIP, our verticle response to the Lord, which is our chief responsibility. Second is LEARNING, which is obviously essential to growth and maturity. Then there is SERVICE, where each part of the body has a significant role to play in ministering to the rest of the body. Finally, God wants the church to REACH OUT with the gospel so others can come to faith in Christ and be added to the church. (45:46) Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:45:46 God's Vision for the Church, Part 1 - Ephesians 4:11-16. Direction and purpose are essential ingredients of success in any endeavor. God says, where there is no vision the people are unrestrained - which simply means that lack of direction (vision) leads to lack of purpose (unrestrained). As a church, we should have a clear idea of God's direction and purpose for our ministry. We need a clear vision so we can have a well defined purpose. (39:08) Sun, 19 Apr 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:39:08 What If? - 1 Corinthians 15:17. What if Jesus Christ never rose from the dead? Would that make any difference in your faith? Could you still go on being a Christian? When it comes to eternal life and forgiveness of sins, everything is nothing if Christ did not rise from the dead. Conversely, if the resurrection is true, then salvation in Christ is a glorious hope. (43:06) Sun, 12 Apr 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:06 Day of the King - The Triumphal Entry - Luke 19:28-44. Palm Sunday is the day on our annual religious calendar when we celebrate the time Jesus Christ officially presented himself to Israel as their King. It has been called the triumphal entry because the procession had all of the celebration of a triumphant King entering the gates of the city. Palm branches were strewn in his path as excited people cried out - Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. At the same time, however, the dark clouds of hostility and rejection were gathering on the horizon as the leaders of Israel were plotting his death. On Sunday the crowds worshipped him as their King, but by Friday they had nailed him to a cross as a criminal. (44:49) Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:49 When God Declares War - Poetic Justice - Obadiah 15-19. The Day of the Lord will bring judgement on the nations. It will be a time of divine justice and devastating judgement. The Day of the Lord will also bring deliverance for God's people and the establishing of the Kingdom. (53:13) Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:53:13 When God Declares War - Day of Reckoning - Obadiah 10-14. Foolish wisdom and weak strength. The ways of the flesh will eventually let you down and the ways of the flesh will ultimately bring you down. (38:17) Sun, 22 Mar 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:38:17 When God Declares War - That Let Down Feeling - Obadiah 7-9. Foolish wisdom and weak strength. The ways of the flesh will eventually let you down and the ways of the flesh will ultimately bring you down. (55:44) Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:55:44 When God Declares War - Lofty Deception - Obadiah 3-6. When we exalt the flesh, we set ourselves up for spiritual failure. God hates the flesh and is committed to its ultimate destruction. (46:07) Sun, 08 Mar 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:07 When God Declares War - The Fighting Twins - Obadiah 1-2. Using the apocalyptic Day of the Lord as the focus of his prophecy, Obadiah explains why Edom will be judged by God. (49:21) Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:21 Armed to the Teeth - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 6:13-18. What does the Bible teach about dealing with demon activity? Since every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, no Christian can be possessed by a demon. However, demons can seduce and harass Christians, which is why Christians must be strong in the power of His might. (62:01) Sun, 22 Feb 2009 07:07:07 EDT 01:02:01 Both Sides of the Street - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 6:10-12 is the most concentrated, extensive, explicit passage in the Wod of God on the subject of the spiritual conflict - the warfare that is going on in the spirit world that also effects our human world. (54:57) Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:54:57 Respect at Work - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 6:5-9. What effect should your values have on everyday life? Do you see your work as a spiritual ministry before God? (56:49) Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:56:49 More Than A Good Idea - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 6:1-4. Raising children in our present age is an enormous task, especially when you understand that the family provides the basic cell of society. The most important gift parents can give to their children is a happy marriage. (62:19) Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:07:07 EDT 01:02:19 The Marriage Maker - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 5:25-33. God's design for roles in the marriage union have been questioned, especially in our present age when individualism and self-fulfillment are sought after goals. Women want equality in leadership instead of submission and men want freedom and self-indulgance instead of responsibility. So, what is the root of this problem and what is the solution? (57:17) Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:57:17 Jealous for Love - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 5:22-24. In the last half century, marriage has experienced a firestorm of criticism and change - to the point where half of all marriages now end in divorce. Why is marriage in such bad shape when God designed it to be so good? (58:23) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:58:23 Project Me - Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 5:19-21. These three verses are all personal responses to life and provide a crucial perspective to how life works. We need to walk in the light of the Word of God and the council of Christ. How will you respond? (58:01) Sun, 11 Jan 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:58:01 Living in the Tension of Reality - Ephesians 5-6. Living in an ungodly world has always been difficult for the serious Christian. In the midst of moral decay and spiritual decline, to live a life that brings glory to Christ is an immense challenge. Therefore, it is increasingly important to understand God's ideal in every dimension of life - personal, marriage, family, and work. In the last chapters of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul helps us to get a grip on the reality of effective living as we face the tension of the spiritual conflict. (49:42) Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:07:07 EDT 00:49:42 O Bethlehem - Bitter Sweet Destiny (Matthew 2, Luke 2). When the angels spoke in chorus to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, they said, ...and on earth peace among men... (Luke 2:14). It was all so mystical and wonderful. Yet, in a few days, the angelic words would seem so distant and unreal. Rome was still ruling in the land and Herod was still on the Jewish throne. It wasn't long before children were being killed in Bethlehem - which is the last record we have of the little town. Life was anything but peaceful. The words of the angels, however, were prophetic and true (56:07) Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:56:07 O Bethlehem - City of David (Micah 5:2). One of our favorite Christmas carols is "O Little Town of Bethlehem." We sing the phrase "how still we see thee lie," but nothing could be farther from the truth. On the night of Jesus birth, the town was swollen with visitors and bustling with unprecedented business - much like our modern Christmas holiday season. Yet, in the midst of all of the busyness, there were a few who in quiet contemplation worshiped the baby Jesus. (51:27) Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:27 O Bethlehem - City of David (1 Samuel 16). The reason Joseph and Mary had to leave Nazareth and travel a long distance down to Bethlehem during the days of Caesar's taxation was because Bethlehem was the town of their ancestry. It was the city of David. This is an important aspect of Bethlehem's significance as the birthplace of our Savior. And. like David, Jesus Christ was the humble Shepherd who became the anointed King. (55:03) Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:55:03 O Bethlehem - House of Bread (Book of Ruth). Bethlehem was a small town in the shadows of Jerusalem. Yet, it had great significance in the plan of God for redeeming a lost world. It seems God delights in using little things to accomplish His great purposes. In this first in a series of four messages, we go back to the beginnings of the little town of Bethlehem in the Book of Ruth to discover how God provides for His people. (48:51) Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:48:51 Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace That Keeps. The solution for true and lasting peace offered by the Bible is not built upon government sanctions and military pressures. It emanates out of an inner peace based upon a right relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Instead of us trying to keep the peace it is rather the peace of God that keeps us. It is an internal peace that leads to external peace. When our prayers are bathed in a spirit of thanksgiving for God's mercy and grace, we become the recipients of God's perfect peace. (29:31) Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:29:31 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 8 - Power for Change: Christian Living. (51:37) Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:51:37 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 7 - Power for Change: Salvation. (59:39) Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:59:39 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 6 - Godliness and Gospel. Reaching the 21st century culture - the world sees Christ through us. An experience of great contrast: the godly suffering and the ungodly prospering. (56:59) Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:56:59 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 5 - Life in Focus. The world is a wreck and people will not listen to the answers in the Word of God. Christians can get their attention by living an example of godly conduct - willing to serve... willing to sacrifice... willing to suffer. (66:28) Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:07:07 EDT 01:06:28 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 4 - A Society in Confusion. The decadence of a society can be seen in the perplexity of its women. (54:58) Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:54:58 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 3 - The Counter Morality, Part 2. The removal of God's moral restraints leads to conflict and confusion, resulting in animalism and inhumanism. (59:14) Sun, 19 Oct 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:59:14 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 2 - The Counter Morality, Part 1. The removal of God's moral restraints leads to conflict and confusion, resulting in animalism and inhumanism. (57:33) Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:57:33 2 Timothy 3 - When the World Needs an Answer - The Struggle for Truth in the Last Days, Lesson 1 - A Matter of Choice. Peril or Power - troubling times. The peril of our age. The problem of our age. (59:50) Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:59:50 What do Catholics believe compared to evangelical Christians? There are many common areas of heritage and faith. Catholics believe in the deity of Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture, but the Roman Catholic church has added many of their own traditions. (62:41) Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:07:07 EDT 01:02:41 In the mid 19th century there was a period of about 60 years in which most of the major sects and cults had their beginning. How does a Christian differentiate between a sect and a cult? Is Seventh-Day Adventism a sect or a cult? (63:21) Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:07:07 EDT 01:03:21 Luke 23:46 - When compared to the two thieves, there were a number of uniquenesses in the death of Christ. He died sooner than they did. The legs of the thieves were broken in order to hasten their death, but the legs of Jesus were not broken because He was already dead. Not only was His death sooner - it was deliberate. Not that He killed Himself, but that He was in control of the timing of His death. In His last statement on the cross, our Savior engaged the last enemy, death, and emerged victorious by His resurrection from the dead. (30:52) Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:30:52 John 19:30 - One of the last words Jesus uttered while on the cross was, in the Greek, tetelestai - translated It Is Finished. It Is Finished was not the desparing cry of a helpless martyr... not the last gasp of a worn out life... not the expression of relief from human suffering - but the declaration by the divine redeemer that all was now done in procuring eternal life for a sinful world. (31:03) Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:31:03 Matthew 27:45-54 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying... (30:36) Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:30:36 John 19:25-27 - When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he spoke a third utterance providing for both of their needs. (23:07) Sun, 24 Aug 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:23:07 Luke 23:39-43 - Jesus was crucified between two thieves - both helpless sinners unable to save themselves. His second utterance gives salvation to the thief who appealed to Him. (37:06) Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:37:06 Luke 23:34 - The last words of Jesus Christ are recorded in Luke 23 as He was hanging on the cross. His first utterance is a prayer asking the Father to forgive those who were crucifying him. (27:46) Sun, 10 Aug 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:27:46 John 19:38-42 - Through the death of Jesus Christ we are liberated from personal bondage - as illustrated by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. (24:19) Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:24:19 John 19:31 - God in His providence, overrules in the affairs of men. (31:00) Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:31:00 John 19:16-22 - God has often used the mockery of sinners to proclaim the truth and to glorify His name. That was the case with Caiaphas, the high priest, when he spoke conniving words of evil in John 11:50 ...it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people. He meant that the death of Jesus would appease the Roman Empire and would put the rest of them in good favor with Pilate. However, he did not realize that he was actually speaking the truth of God that Jesus would die for the sins of His people. It was the same with the mocking words of Pilate attached to the cross. Pilate was simply taunting the Jews with the ludicrous idea that this Jesus was the King of the Jews, but what he wrote was true and in writing it he fulfilled the purpose of God. It was the King of the Jews who was laying down His life for the people. Jesus our Savior was a King Among Thieves for us. (33:38) Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:33:38 John 19:1-7 - It is a punishable offense to impersonate a law enforcement officer. If you are not an officer of the law, it is wrong to wear the uniform, it is wrong to wear the badge. In the spiritual realm, this is the charge brought against us in the court of God. It is a capital offense in the laws of God to claim to be king of our own lives and god of our own destinies when we are not. Yet that is what all of us persist in doing. Jesus looked ridiculous wearing a crown of thorns and a faded military robe - but, the point is, He was our substitute, taking our place. How ridiculous we look pretending to be a king when we are not. And for this, Jesus was put to death - in our place. Jesus Christ, our Saviour, the true King, bore the mockery and death deserved by us, the false king. (33:52) Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:33:52 John 4:27-42 - Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work... This account of Jesus and the woman of Samaria illustrates the sharp contrast between temporal and eternal perspectives. (33:21) Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:33:21 Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained. But happy is he who keeps the law. (35:11) Sun, 29 Jun 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:35:11 Luke 16:19-31 - Lessons from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (40:58) Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:40:58 Matthew 1-2 - Joseph of Nazareth was a simple, blue-collar worker who lived in a decadent society. Yet he found strength in God and became a man of integrity that provides us with a great example for Christian men and fathers. (40:56) Sun, 15 Jun 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:40:56 Luke 10:25-37 - The parable of the good Samaritan - the setting and the story. (44:14) Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:44:14 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 - I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (43:45) Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:45 John 8:31-36 - It is one thing to declare freedom... it is another thing to win freedom. We are not always free when we think we are free. What is freedom? How can I understand what it means to be free? How can I experience true freedom and liberty? (43:13) Sun, 25 May 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:13 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 - God wants us to abound in the grace of giving. All of life is a stewardship and one day we will give an account of our investments. That stewardship is a personal matter between you and God. (43:06) Sun, 18 May 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:43:06 Luke 1:26-48 - The characteristics of a godly mother are exhibited in the life of Mary. (46:12) Sun, 11 May 2008 07:07:07 EDT 00:46:12