How To Pray Effectively
Often people will say that they believe in "the power of prayer." That's good; the Bible speaks frequently to the importance and effectiveness of prayer. But when a person says that, do they really mean that they believe in the power of the pray-er ... meaning, the one who does the praying? Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. But when He did, He showed that the power is not in the one praying, but rather in the One being prayed to ... namely Our Father who art in heaven. Jesus also taught His disciples that when we pray, it isn't "one and done." We can't expect that just because we've prayed for something one time that the Lord will respond. Why not? Of course, only God knows, but the Bible suggests that the process of praying does something in us as well.
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- Jul 31, 2016How To Pray EffectivelyHow To Pray EffectivelyOften people will say that they believe in "the power of prayer." That's good; the Bible speaks frequently to the importance and effectiveness of prayer. But when a person says that, do they really mean that they believe in the power of the pray-er ... meaning, the one who does the praying? Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. But when He did, He showed that the power is not in the one praying, but rather in the One being prayed to ... namely Our Father who art in heaven. Jesus also taught His disciples that when we pray, it isn't "one and done." We can't expect that just because we've prayed for something one time that the Lord will respond. Why not? Of course, only God knows, but the Bible suggests that the process of praying does something in us as well.
- Jul 24, 2016What to do when Life’s UnfairWhat to do when Life’s UnfairWe often complain that "Life's not fair!" But who ever said it should be? Not God! In fact, we really don't want God to be fair with us, do we? If we got what we deserved, we would only receive God's wrath and punishment. For the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6:23,"the wages of sin is death." If you want to know what your works have earned you, the Bible tells you that your sin has earned you everlasting condemnation ... that is, death. This is bad news. But, there is good news that follows. Because you don't get what you have earned. No! You get better! Romans 6:23 goes on to say, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."Life truly is unfair! You don't get what you deserve - Christ does, as He dies on the cross. Instead, you get what Christ deserves - eternal life! Now, how shall you live your life in response to God's gracious gift?
- Jul 17, 2016Can Faith Move Mountains?
- Jul 10, 2016Who Will Escape Judgment?Who Will Escape Judgment?
This week, Jesus has some sobering words about the Kingdom of Heaven. He teaches us in the "Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds" that there is not only good seed being sown in His harvest field, but there is also bad seed being sown by His enemy. What do we do about this? Do we fight fire with fire and harm those who appear to belong to the enemy? Jesus says, "No." In so doing we might judge incorrectly and end up harming His children as well. Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby columnist) would agree. She once said, “People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes.” So what is to become of the wickedness that is being sown around us? Jesus answers this in today's parable.
- Jul 3, 2016What is the Kingdom of Heaven like?What is the Kingdom of Heaven like?This year our "God on Film" message series will feature teachings from the parables of Jesus each week, along with illustrations from popular movies. This Sunday, Jesus answers the question, "What is the Kingdom of Heaven Like?" by telling His listeners the Parable of the Sower: "A farmer went out to sow his seed..." (Matt 13:3). Jesus used the well-known examples of a farmer, a seed, and a harvest to explain mysteries of God's Kingdom. He used common elements to teach uncommon messages. And in so doing, He challenged His hearers to live a life aligned with God's Word - causing them and us to ask ourselves: "what kind of soil with the seed of God's Word find when it lands on my heart?"