The Tampa Tribune printed an article on September 23, 2013, regarding Pope Francis’ remarks on gays, abortion, and contraception. The Pope remarked that, “the church has become too focused on ‘small-minded rules’” regarding these issues of today. Many applauded what they heard as a “message of inclusion.” One elderly Catholic lady said that the Pope was “spot on.” She went on to say, “As Catholic Christians, we do need to be more welcoming.” No one has been more welcoming to a lost and sinful world than Jesus Christ who gave His life as a ransom for all and said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) That’s pretty inclusive IF one chooses to put His yoke on and learn from the Holy Spirit His way, His truth, and His life! Not all will enter the Kingdom of Heaven as illustrated in the parable of the marriage feast as told by Jesus in Matthew 22:1-14. Jesus also said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) Yes, there are rules, ancient boundaries, established by God Himself and most assuredly they are not “small-minded rules.” God’s words are words of sober truth and need to be obeyed in the strength of the Holy Spirit. When we come to Jesus and receive Him as Lord and Savior, He will equip us and enable us to overcome all of our ungodly ways and habits and transform us into His glorious image. (Romans 12:2) Remember, there is inclusion for the faithful and obedient and exclusion for the unfaithful and disobedient. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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We will look at three huge points noted in Romans 1:16-32:
If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. © http://www.creationswap.com/media/5963 When Paul journeyed to Athens he observed a city of Greeks who were religious and lost in idolatry. (See Acts 17:16-34) “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the creator who is blessed forever.” It was “normal” to them. (See Romans 1:25.) In like manner, this godless and idolatrous mentality is upon us in our world today. Children are being born (multitudes out of wedlock and commitment to God) into a family/home environment where dysfunction, chaos, rebellion, and disobedience seem to be the “new normal”—that is all they know. God’s plan for a future of hope, peace, and eternal life through Jesus His son are being mocked and discarded for temporary pleasures, lusts and selfish ambitions in serving the god of this world. It all seems so “normal.” This mentality puts the child first, mother second, father (if in the home at all) third, and then last and least, the living God—the perfect equation for failure and despair. THERE IS HOPE, but only on God’s terms. Paul made it clear to those in Athens that all everywhere should repent, for God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world THROUGH JESUS His Son, whom He raised from the dead. (Sermon originally recorded on 3/11/12.) If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. Oh, how the times are changing on how Americans think and live. Speaking of changing times, Paul said, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3,4) We are now living in an unprecedented time in America’s history when the president of the United States, our commander-in-chief, has openly announced that he favors state recognition of same-sex marriages. Wow! And he was elected by the American people who full well knew his position on this vital moral issue. He also is an ally of those who favor and promote abortion—the murder of the unborn. Things are definitely different today when the majority of Americans support same-sex marriage. The once unthinkable has happened. Moral erosion begins immediately when any person or nation turns their ears from the truth—Jesus Christ—to seek teachings from the god of this world (Satan) to satisfy their own desires. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. © www.123rf.com There are so many songs and poems, movies and plays addressing the question, “What is Life All About?” Well, if you look closely at Chapters 1 through 5 in 1 John, you’ll finally have the answers…the guidelines of life. Make sure you “teach your children well”, as the old 60’s song bawled! We shall cover these areas over the next four teachings. In this first section, we will cover some simple instructions: walk in the light, confess your sins, obey His commands and love one another, not the world. We will explore to whom you confess your sins; where you find God’s commands; and how you can love and obey as God has directed. So come on board. Hang on; it may be a bumpy ride! If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS. We are living in an age of spiritual complacency. Many theologians and pastors have compromised the Word of God and have accepted degrading moral practices that are clearly outside the ancient boundaries of God. Many believe they are not setting aside God’s Word in support of their community standards. In regards to military chaplains, many believe they are responding professionally, positively and responsibly in the nine months since the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was repealed and gays could serve openly. Lowering God’s standards definitely makes many people feel accepted and included as heirs of all of God’s promises and blessings. We know that the god of this world, Satan himself, is behind this philosophy and has been the archenemy of God since his rebellion in heaven. He has been relentless in his pursuit to destroy God’s Word and plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Psalm 74:3-5 Asaph writes, “Turn thy footsteps toward the perpetual ruins: the enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary. Thine adversaries have roared in the midst of thy meeting place; they have set up their own standards for signs. It seems as if one had lifted up his ax in a forest of trees.” However, there is good news. It is Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, the Risen Savior, who will have the final roar in delivering His church from the evil fangs of Satan. Joel 3:16, Revelation 5:5 LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIESPastor Mark shares a personal testimony with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimonies and/or download file. © http://www.123rf.com So many times our problems come not so much because we are ignorant of His ways but because we are ignoring the guidance from God! In Matthew 7, we are reminded of seven areas in our lives where God gives specific instructions on how to live it to His fullness:
Jesus taught these precepts by His Spirit and not as the Scribes with their tainted religious babblings. Many were amazed, but many walked away. What will you do? Once you've heard, then you are not ignorant...from here on, you can only ignore or obey Him. You choose! LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIES Pastor Linda shares a personal testimony with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimony and/or download file. PRINT OR VIEW HAND OUT BELOW It is always encouraging to witness so many souls who are giving their lives over to the lordship of Jesus Christ in our world today. However, as history bears witness, there are multitudes who remain refractory to God’s invitation of salvation through Christ Jesus. To be refractory means to be obstinately resistant to authority or control; to resist treatment; and unmanageable. Oh, yes, it also means to deflect light, even the gospel of the light of Jesus Christ and God’s plan for eternal life. Isaiah witnessed this arrogance in his time and wrote, “For this is a rebellious people, false sons, sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, ‘You must not see visions’; and to the prophets, ‘You must not prophesy to us what is right, speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions. Get out of the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel…’” Isaiah 30:9-11. Can you imagine anyone refusing eternal life? Jesus spoke of the wide gate that many enter into destruction and death, and the narrow gate that few enter into eternal life. See Mathew 7:13, 14. What’s your gate? Destruction or life; destruction or life; destruction or life; destruction or life; destruction or life…? Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
Personal Testimonies: Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark opens the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark and others and/or download mp3 file.)
Never has a soul who has gone astray from God’s commands benefited from his disobedience and rebellion. In fact, “all of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6). Going astray means to wander, to deceive oneself, to stagger around like a drunk man, caused to err, and to be seduced. History tells us that God’s own people, Israel, often wandered from His commands and staggered into despair and calamity. Moses admonished the Hebrews in advance and declared to them that there would be a blessing for obedience and a curse for disobedience. If they returned and obeyed, then God would restore, revive and reunite them to Himself granting them favor, blessings and benefits. However, if they chose to disobey, they would perish. Read it in Deuteronomy 30. Today, all mankind has the opportunity to be forgiven, restored, revived and reunited to God through Jesus Christ, resulting in eternal life. Have you made your choice? Remember, choice determines destiny. Disobey and perish! Or, obey and live! When God's people return and obey, then God will -- 1. Restore them from captivity (Psalm 23:3) 2. Have compassion on them (Psalm 78:37-39) 3. Gather them to Him (Psalm 50:5; Psalm 106:43-46) 4. Give them possession of the Promised Land (Genesis 22:15-18) 5. Prosper them and multiply them (Psalm 1:1-6) • Prosper: to be at ease, have peace, give rest, raise hopes, be happy, safe • 3 John 2-4 Prosper: to get along with, to have a way opened, get along well, have a prosperous journey 6. Circumcise their heart and the heart of their descendants, to love the Lord God with all their hearts and with all their soul, in order that they may live. (Galatians 6:15, 16) 7. Prosper them abundantly in the work of their hands 8. Prosper their offspring 9. Prosper the offspring of their cattle 10. Prosper the product of their ground 11. God will rejoice over you for good (Matthew 18:11-14); Lost sheep (Joel 2:21-27) Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
Personal Testimonies: Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark will open the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen as Shirley Parsons shows how God can use us as vessels to witness to others in places as simple as a local yard sale. (Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Shirley Parsons and others and/or download mp3 file.)
In Moses' final days, he addressed Israel with a solemn message from God emphasizing the importance of reaching out to accept and obey the terms of God's covenant with them. The covenant was crystal clear—obedience resulted in blessings; disobedience brought a curse. In Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Moses declared God's command, "For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it." Just as it was in Moses' day, God is not out of reach nor does He make it difficult to have understanding of His commands. He is not hiding to avoid us, nor is He like the elusive carrot dangling before the horse, ever out of reach. On the contrary, whoever will call (reach out) upon the name of the Lord (Jesus) will be saved. (See Romans 10:13) Have you reached out to Jesus lately? Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
Personal Testimonies: Occasionally, prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark will open the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. (Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark Parsons and others and/or download mp3 file.)
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