In its mature forms, prayer is how we exchange ideas and possible next actions, that we express our love, that we learn from each other, that we bargain, that we co-plan, co-work and co-create.
Prayer isn’t just about asking God for things. There are a variety of ways to pray, with each kind being an activity of our relationship with God.
Prayer is not an activity detached from the essence of living; it is the very expression of our existence. Authentic prayer transcends our frequent, powerless requests. It moves beyond mere petitions and dialogues, surpassing even language itself.
Does your behavior impact whether or not God hears your prayers? Matt 5:45 (CEV) "Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong."
If everything is already predetermined and settled in its outcome by God, why did Jesus pray? Prayer changes things... things change me. God leaves things open to me partnering with him to see heaven brought to earth.
Whose In... Whose Out? Is there a boundary marker for salvation? Is it personal belief? Is it believing the right thing? What if sin is more about lost identity than breaking laws?
In the storms of your life, do you have the courage to trust that God’s promise is enough? As you learn more about who Jesus is, and who you are in Christ, you will discover a renewed faith bringing you closer to him and the person he created you to be.
II Corinthians 5:17 Now, in the light of your co-inclusion in his death and resurrection, whoever you thought you were before, in Christ you are a brand new person." St. Athanasius, "He became human that we might become like God"
"Likeness" with God isn't something we strive for, neither is it the result of something we must do. "He became human that we might become like God" St. Athanasius This fresh look at atonement could change everything in your walk with Jesus.
Did Jesus categorize people? Did He teach that there are "good fish and bad fish", to be separated at the "end"... the bad fish being thrown into hell. Or, as Titus states, is Jesus "the grace of God thats appeared for the salvation of all men."
“… Whoever you thought you were before, in Christ you are a brand new person. The old ways of seeing yourself and everyone else are over. Acquaint yourself with the new.” 2 Cor5:17 "Faith is not a decision; it is a discovery" - F. DeToit
Seasons of change can often be made more difficult by sense or fear that God has withdrawn his favor or presence. Even getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other is WORSHIP!
Many today separate God from Christ, suggesting a God behind the God. In truth, God is not hidden but is revealed, particularly in the person of Jesus. This is why there is no predestination or predetermination. God is HERE NOW! . . . Emmanuel!
In our final segment we examine the fundamental aspects of salvation, including who is saved and it's emphasizes in current life. We'll also reexamine initial assumptions about salvation and common notions of heaven, questioning the validity of a disembodied, otherworldly heaven as depicted in the Bible.
This study challenges the common notion that creation is inherently corrupted and emphasizes that salvation is not about escaping the physical world but rather redeeming it. It highlights that salvation is primarily God's plan to rescue and restore, not penalize and remove to heaven those who are worthy.
Sunday's teaching explores the Bible's salvation narrative from Genesis to Jesus, highlighting the purpose of creation and our divine vocation, Israel's role as a model for salvation, and how Jesus embodies and extends Old Testament themes into the life of the church.
Thinking Through Salvation puts the admittedly giant concept of salvation within its larger biblical framework. While salvation includes questions about what happens after death, “going to heaven” is not the primary focus of the story told throughout the Bible.
No where in scripture are we invited to view the Bible as uniform or regard every word as plainly factual.
Feeling fear is natural, allowing it to dictate our decisions, actions, and ultimately our future is not. "Hello, peace. Hello, joy. Hello, love..." God is bigger than ANY fear you're facing!
The noise and conflict of tasks, voices demanding attention, commitments and deadlines… In the middle of all this, there exists a gentle and profound force that can transform our very existence – Gratitude!
You may be feeling a decrease in progress, but rest assured, there is a greater meaning and a divine blueprint for your path.
It isn't my intention today to cast shade on particular prayer or worship practices which are beloved. I want to offer a different view which may challenge accepted "norms." My hope is that you will find yourself drawn into a deeper intimacy with Father God and a greater freedom in the grace of the Exchanged Life!
When you encounter a moral guideline in the New Testament, refrain from transforming it into a strict commandment to follow. Instead, start affirming it as an expression and manifestation of the fruit and character within your already redeemed life and your relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Everything flows out of God's sweet presence. I don’t need to sustain it, make it happen, or try to bring it about. It isn’t my power working in me, but HIS, to bring about the Father's will.
“We think of the Christian life as a ‘changed life’ but it is NOT that. What God offers us is an ‘exchanged life...” ~Watchman Nee Paradox . . . God's grace becomes most evident and potent when we recognize our own weaknesses.
Many of us spend our lives either 1) looking forward to future moments with God, or 2) reflecting on past encounters, instead of truly connecting with God in the present. I want you to discover God in the "here and now."
Throughout scriptures we read of God doing some really awesome stuff. From the parting of the Red Sea to the miracles Jesus performed, we are constantly reminded of God’s power and love. “For I am about to do something NEW. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
“You are a victim of the rules you live by” (Jenny Holzer). Why do you think you limit God? 1. You Question God's Goodness 2. You Question YOUR Goodness 3. You Doubt God wants you to have and enjoy GOOD! 4. Your Awareness detectors (looker) are tuned to broken dreams and doubts instead of GOOD!
I don't pray, worship, obey, go to church, volunteer, etc... in order to GET God's presence or blessing. What if I must do nothing to persuade God? What if God’s presence and blessing can’t be negotiated, but only encountered because He loves me!
You Are Not Being Judged. You cannot be condemned. You ARE NOT on Trial! Stop believing the lie!
