August 6, 2017 | 2 Chronicles 26 God’s desire is for His children to experience everything He has for them. Sometimes we settle for less than His best. What starts as a great journey doesn't need to stop short of its final destination. Destined for greatness, Uzziah ends up on the junk heap of life—lonely, cursed, and forgotten because of pride and sin. His destiny need not be ours.
Joshua was the leader of Israel after the passing of Moses and was tasked to lead the people through many battles. Some battles were won; others were not. We may not find ourselves in physical battles, but life is full of battles. Some are big while others are small. We learn about how to battle from Joshua and the Israelites.
Acts 4:29-31 Something happens when God’s Spirit shows up. The disobedient are convicted. The discouraged are encouraged. The timid become bold. What God did in the book of Acts is what God wants to do today. He wants to save us, fill us and empower us to be bold and courageous for Him. It’s time to take a bold step!
This morning, we are joined by Michel Khalil, founder and president of Step Forward Ministries.
Matthew 10:16-23—How many times have you said, “If only I would have known...”? If somehow we knew the future, we would change our current actions. Knowing the future would change how we handle our money, our health, and our relationships. Jesus, however, did tell His disciples about the future. What happened to them after His death didn’t take them by surprise. They were prepared, and we should be also.
This Sunday, we welcomed Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass to our Worship Center services. Check out Sunday's unique sermon.
God uses improbable people in unlikely places to do unexplainable things because of his unimaginable greatness.
Bob Andrews, director of Devon Oasis Center in Chicago, Illinois, joins us this Sunday to share on "Owning Your Obligation to Your Neighbor." Bob and his wife, Lynne have lived and worked in the Little India neighborhood of Chicago for the last 30 years. This part of the city is a major hub for refugees from all over the world, and over the years, Bob and Lynne have actively built relationships with many of these people. Through meeting felt needs, they have shown the love of Jesus and have shar...
Do you find it hard being present, to be in the moment, fully engaged? Frequently, we find ourselves holding on to the past or pressing forward toward the future with utter neglect of the present moment. It isn’t wrong to remember and learn from the past or to think ahead and strategically plan for the future, but there are dangers if we live in either the past or the future. God is always present in the now. Are you?
Galatians 5:13-6:10—God is a relational God. He created us with a need for relationships. Unfortunately, sin messes up all relationships. Thankfully, the power of God can heal and restore damaged relationships. God has made it possible for us to live in the land of healthy relationships.
Galatians 5:25—God is an amazing creator. His creative genius is seen every day in every way. The crowning part of His creation was man and woman. We were created in His image with gifts, talents, personalities and passions. We were also created as sexual beings. Unfortunately, what God created, sin distorted. It doesn’t have to be that way. With God’s redemptive work, we can live holy and healthy. Part of that healthy living is embracing God’s design for human sexuality.
Ephesians 5:17-6:4—Does it really work? Is it possible for God to do a deep work in our families where Christ-like living takes place? Is it pie-in-the-sky idealism, or can it be a reality? Do we fake it 'til we make it, or can a deep transformation at home really happen? God can bring revival and restoration to our families. The question is, will we let Him?
1 Corinthians 1-4—The best of times and the worst of times! That can be used to describe relationships. Since God is a God of relationships, He wants us to be relationally healthy and whole, both with Him and with others. Unfortunately, relationships can get messy. Hurts happen. Pain grows into scars. But that doesn’t need to be the end of the story. God’s grace can bring healing to damaged relationships.
Genesis 1-3, Exodus 20:3—It’s all about relationships! All the accomplishments in the world mean nothing apart from whole and healthy relationships. Because of sin, all of us are messed up. Messed up people mess up relationships. Relational messes are not a new problem. (In fact, we’ve been messing them up since the very beginning.) The path to healthy relationships with others will come as we properly align them to our relationship with God.
Ephesians 1:17—It’s all about relationships! All the accomplishments in the world mean absolutely nothing apart from whole and healthy relationships. Because of sin, all of us are messed up. Messed up people mess up relationships. Yet there is hope. Jesus died for relational health, both with Him and with others. When we walk in obedience to Him, we not only have peace with Him but are also on the path to peace with others. Yes, it’s all about relationships.
2 Corinthians 1:9—Everyone has something for which we’re known. Often our nicknames come from our reputation or a unique characteristic. Companies develop branding based on what they wish to be known for. What God is known for is what we celebrate on Resurrection Sunday. It’s what He does every moment. Our God is all about LIFE. Through His son Jesus, we have the privilege of life, both now and forever.
Ephesians 4:32—It’s not optional. It’s basic equipment. It’s required for healthy and whole living. Giving and receiving forgiveness is absolutely essential for our health physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally and psychologically. There are no short-cuts. It’s painful but always profitable. It’s difficult but always healthy in the end. It’s time to press forward on learning how to forgive.
1 Timothy 6:17-19—One of the most basic lessons all parents want to teach their children is to share. It doesn’t come naturally. It takes diligence, patience and persistence to help a child understand the value of sharing. Our Heavenly Father tries to teach His children the same thing. He calls us to open our hands. He asks us to be rich in good deeds, generously sharing with those in need.
1 Peter 4:10—Success for most people is climbing the ladder. It’s about status, position, power and prestige. We applaud those who use their talents and gifts as they rise in their chosen vocation. Jesus gives a new definition for success. It’s about serving, not being served. It’s about giving, not gaining. He measures us not by status but by serving.
Ephesians 4:1-16— “There’s gold in them thar hills!” That statement is far more than a challenge to miners to dig for gold; it’s a statement that describes the grace gifts that the Lord has given to each believer. Most of us fail to recognize the gifts we’ve received from the Lord. God desires us to recognize the gifts He’s given us and generously share them with the local body of Christ.
Ephesians 3:12-21—God wants to do a deep, life-changing work in us. The closer we walk with our Heavenly Father, the more like Him we become. As we live in His presence, His character flows over into our lives. Far more than being saved from hell, we are transformed by His power which allows us to live Spirit-filled and Spirit-led lives.
After losing his wife a year ago, Pastor Ron Williams walked through a season of pain and grief. Wednesday night of Fanning the Flame, he teaches on how to live Spirit-filled when the lights go out.
What does it look like to be Spirit-led in our homes? Pastor Phil Whetstone teaches on this Tuesday night of Fanning the Flame.
Dr. Chris Bounds teaches on the Holy Spirit Monday night of Fanning the Flame.
Joel DeSelm continues his teaching on the Holy Spirit on Sunday night of Fanning the Flame.
Joel Deselm kicks off Fanning the Flame with this Sunday morning message about being led by the Spirit through our Samaria.
Galatians 5:22-23—Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control wrap up our breakdown of the fruit of the Spirit. Is there evidence of this fruit in our lives? Are we in step with the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23—Paul gives us a great checklist of virtues that should flow from our lives when we are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. He calls them “the fruit of the Spirit.” If we want to gauge the level at which we are keeping in step, we need to understand what these fruit look like and then take time to evaluate their presence in our lives.
Galatians 5:16-26—Do you know the voice of the Holy Spirit? Do you listen to the Spirit? “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” –John 10:27 Among the cacophony of voices; we have to be able to distinguish the Spirit’s voice in order to stay IN STEP.
Galatians 5:16-26, Romans 6-8—Great rivalries often imply two nearly equal entities competing against each other. In the spiritual realm, that’s often described as Satan versus Jesus, light versus darkness, or the flesh versus the spirit. Because of this intense battle, most Christians fail to realize the decisive victory that is ours through Christ. Instead of standing tall as a victor, many limp to the finish line crippled by the enemy’s attack. That’s not God’s plan. That need never be our pa...
