The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details found within, and we now see many things that we missed before!
Month: September 2018
Prayer Power
“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 the Spirit on all occasions (Ephesians 6:18)
– The prayer of a righteous person is powerful (Jas.5:16)
An “appeal to Heaven” is more desperately needed than ever before. I encourage you to take a listen to “Prayer Power.”
Abundant blessings,
Pastor Dodge
5 Differences between Sheep and Goats: Which are you?
5 Differences between Sheep and Goats: Which are you? by Pastor Phil Bickel
There are some distinct differences between sheep and goat. Check out some of them below and then take a listen to Pastor Chris Dodge’s teaching “Sheep and Goats.”
1. Diet.
- Sheep graze on tender grasses.
- Goats eat anything – even garbage.
- What am I consuming these days?
- What does the Lord place on my table to nourish me?
2. Offspring.
- Sheep keep their young close by.
- Goats wander off, letting their kids be raised by other kids.
- Do I oversee my kids, or overlook them?
3. Social structure.
- Sheep have a level social structure, not contending for dominance.
- Goats are hierarchical, butting heads to reach the top.
- Do I look out for #1 or lay aside selfish ambition?
4. Intelligence. Recent studies reveal the sheep are much brighter than formerly thought.
- We assume sheep are stupid, because they are totally defenseless.
- We assume goats are intelligent, because they are fiercely independent.
- How regularly does my unbridled will get me into hot water?
- When in danger, do I depend on my wits and weapons or on the Lord’s rod and staff?
5. Shepherd.
- Sheep willingly follow their shepherd, under whom they thrive.
- Goats lead themselves, obeying a shepherd only when convenient.
- Do I walk with Jesus the Good Shepherd, or chart my own course?
- Am I surviving on my own, or thriving under His care?
The Gospel of John – Week 17
The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details found within, and we now see many things that we missed before!
Authority
Who is really in charge here? Who alone can accomplish what needs to be done?
The Gospel of John – Week 16
The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details found within, and we now see many things that we missed before!
Hypocrites
“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 would be a mistake to assume these words only applied to people living 2,000 years ago. Religious hypocrisy is alive and well today. Matthew 23 speaks powerfully to the current religious scene in America.
The Gospel of John – Week 15
The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details found within, and we now see many things that we missed before!
Traditions
By Pastor Chris Dodge
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 mistakes religion for a genuine faith relationship with God.
It is often easier to recognize the failures of the past than to identify today’s mistakes. “Traditions” applies the teachings of Jesus to our own day and calls us to a joyful relationship with the risen Jesus.
Awake Us Now 