In John chapter three, Jesus teaches that we must be born again. This spiritual transformation, often called regeneration, refers to the new birth that takes place when we are born of the Spirit. By nature, we are born into this world with a sinful disposition that resists God. Therefore, to enter the kingdom of God, we need this new birth through the Spirit's work in our lives.
One of the most important operations of the Holy Spirit is conviction. Unless the Holy Spirit draws us to repentance with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit no one would come to faith in Christ. Conviction is an ongoing work of the Spirit in a believers life, helping to draw us closer to Christ in fellowship.
In this message we are connecting the works of the Holy Spirit conducted in the Old Testament with the works of the Spirit in the New Testament. While the person of the Holy Spirit has not changed from testament to testament, the ministry of the Spirit has changed. The fulness of the Holy Spirit is available to all born again followers of Christ.
We continue exploring the question: Who is the Holy Spirit? From scripture, we see that the Holy Spirit is holy and unchanging. For those of us who are born again, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us by grace to live lives that reflect His holiness.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Perhaps one of the most important questions to answer for anyone who has received Christ as their Savior and have received the Holy Spirit. In this message we are going to begin answering that question from scripture, who is the Holy Spirit?
All are invited to the marriage supper of the lamb, an event where Jesus will be united with the redeemed. All are invited, but sadly not all will be in attendance to that great event. Some have made themselves too busy with this world and will neglect the invitation.
The parable of the tax collector and Pharisees illustrates the difference between pride and humility. God resist the proud but He gives grace to the humble.
The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge teaches us how we ought to pray and not give up.
The parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is a parable that illustrates the spiritual reality of eternity. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ as Savior and Lord. Or we will stand before Jesus at the great white throne and face Him as a righteous judge.
The Parable of the Talents emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship of the gifts, resources, and opportunities that God gives each person. It teaches that these blessings are meant to be used for God's purposes and that individuals are accountable for how they manage and invest them.
The parable of the prodigal son is a powerful narrative that illustrates profound spiritual truths such as grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and restoration. However, the role of the older son is often overlooked. As Christians, we must be vigilant against the subtle dangers of self-righteousness and avoid falling into the same temptations that ensnared the older son in the parable. This story reminds us that grace extends not just to the wayward, but also to those whose hearts may be hardened...
Jesus will return to earth, and the parable of the ten virgins serves as a powerful reminder for believers to remain watchful and prepared for His coming.
Jesus often taught spiritual truth by communicating with parables; an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. In the parable of the sower, Jesus shares about the soil (heart) and the seed (word of God). If the soil is good it should produce fruit (spiritual fruit).
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story that reveals an important spiritual truth, to love our neighbor as ourselves. How do Christians love their neighbors as themselves when their neighbors are so opposed to Jesus and the gospel message?
Jesus used parables to explain spiritual truth. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus shares a story to example the importance of forgiveness.
How are we saved? We are saved by grace through faith and not by works. Both grace and faith are not one dimensional and are multi faceted. In this message we are discovering the depths of grace, faith and salvation.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ results in Jesus alone maintaining the throne of our heart as Lord. A self centered gospel shares the throne of or hearts with is shared with Jesus and He exists to give us a better life.
After the final judgment there will be a new heaven and a new earth. As followers of Jesus we look forward to this day. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more, no mourning, no crying, no more pain, for the former things will pass away.
According to scripture there will be a resurrection and a final judgment. The righteous in Christ will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be judged. While the wicked will stand before the great white throne and be judged according to their works.
Jesus is returning soon! Throughout the New Testament the return of Jesus is communicated as being imminent and the church should be prepared. The church should be prepared morally, spiritually and preparing others for Christ return.
We believe divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Jesus and is the privilege of all believers.
The church is described throughout the New Testament as a body. Like a body the church has a purpose. One purpose of the church is to be a witness, to be the hands and feet of Jesus going to the lost and sharing a message of hope and salvation. We believe the primary purpose of the church is the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes, and transformed into the likeness of Christ. It begins at conversion, when a person first places their faith in Jesus Christ and is born again. This ongoing process involves spiritual growth and moral development, aligning daily life with God's will and growing in virtues like love, patience, humility, and purity.
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to all born-again believers. The primary purpose of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to empower believers to be effective witnesses of the Gospel. While speaking in tongues is a sign that a believer has received this baptism, it is not the main purpose. Nonetheless, tongues do have an important role both in the life of the Spirit-filled believer and in the body of Christ.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a promised experience that is subsequent and distinct from new birth. The purpose for receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Spirit empowered witness.
We believe the Lord's Supper is one of the two ordnances of the church. We believe the Lord's Supper consisting of the elements --bread and the fruit of the vine are symbols expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial of his suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming.
What we believe and how we live by faith should be determined by scripture. In this message we focus on what the Bible says about salvation? Sin is the problem, salvation is the solution.
We believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus was fully God and fully man. Because of His divine nature He fulfills the righteous requirements of atonement for sin. Because of His human nature, Jesus can sympathize with us in our suffering, pain and temptation.
What we believe is important because what we believe influences our actions. What we believe about the Scriptures are of extreme importance. If we believe the scriptures are inspired and authoritative, then we ought to live accordingly by faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The spiritual principle behind the tenth commandment is contentment.
